Search results

1 – 10 of 14
Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Murtaza Ashiq and Nosheen Fatima Warraich

Data librarianship, or data-driven librarianship, is the combination of information science, data science and e-science fields and is gaining gradual importance in the library…

Abstract

Purpose

Data librarianship, or data-driven librarianship, is the combination of information science, data science and e-science fields and is gaining gradual importance in the library and information science (LIS) profession. Hence, this study investigates the data librarianship core concepts (motivational factors, challenges, skills and appropriate training platforms) to learn and successfully launch data librarianship services.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used and the data were collected through online questionnaire. Purposive sampling method was applied and 132 responses were received with 76 respondents from the public and 56 from the private sector universities of Pakistan. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 25) was used, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyzed the data.

Findings

LIS professionals understand the importance of data-driven library services and perceive that such services are helpful in evolving the image of the library, helping with the establishment of institutional data repositories/data banks, developing data resources and services for library patrons and especially researchers, and receiving appreciation and acknowledgment from the higher authorities. The major challenges that emerged from the data were: missing data policies, limited training opportunities for data librarianship roles, no additional financial benefits, lack of infrastructure and systems, lack of organizational support for the initiation of data-driven services, and lack of skills, knowledge and expertise. Data librarianship is in its early stages in Pakistan, and consequently, the LIS professionals are lacking basic, advanced and technical data-driven skills.

Research limitations/implications

The policy, theoretical and practical implications describe an immediate need for framing data policies. Such policies will help the libraries or any other relevant entities to store the data and assign metadata and documentation in such a way that it is easy to retrieve and reusable for others.

Originality/value

This is the first study in Pakistan to investigate the perceptions of LIS professionals about data librarianship core concepts: motivational factors, challenges, skills and appropriate training platforms to grasp data-driven skills and successfully launch library services.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2024

Nouhaila Bensalah, Habib Ayad, Abdellah Adib and Abdelhamid Ibn El Farouk

The paper aims to enhance Arabic machine translation (MT) by proposing novel approaches: (1) a dimensionality reduction technique for word embeddings tailored for Arabic text…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to enhance Arabic machine translation (MT) by proposing novel approaches: (1) a dimensionality reduction technique for word embeddings tailored for Arabic text, optimizing efficiency while retaining semantic information; (2) a comprehensive comparison of meta-embedding techniques to improve translation quality; and (3) a method leveraging self-attention and Gated CNNs to capture token dependencies, including temporal and hierarchical features within sentences, and interactions between different embedding types. These approaches collectively aim to enhance translation quality by combining different embedding schemes and leveraging advanced modeling techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent works on MT in general and Arabic MT in particular often pick one type of word embedding model. In this paper, we present a novel approach to enhance Arabic MT by addressing three key aspects. Firstly, we propose a new dimensionality reduction technique for word embeddings, specifically tailored for Arabic text. This technique optimizes the efficiency of embeddings while retaining their semantic information. Secondly, we conduct an extensive comparison of different meta-embedding techniques, exploring the combination of static and contextual embeddings. Through this analysis, we identify the most effective approach to improve translation quality. Lastly, we introduce a novel method that leverages self-attention and Gated convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to capture token dependencies, including temporal and hierarchical features within sentences, as well as interactions between different types of embeddings. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach in significantly enhancing Arabic MT performance. It outperforms baseline models with a BLEU score increase of 2 points and achieves superior results compared to state-of-the-art approaches, with an average improvement of 4.6 points across all evaluation metrics.

Findings

The proposed approaches significantly enhance Arabic MT performance. The dimensionality reduction technique improves the efficiency of word embeddings while preserving semantic information. Comprehensive comparison identifies effective meta-embedding techniques, with the contextualized dynamic meta-embeddings (CDME) model showcasing competitive results. Integration of Gated CNNs with the transformer model surpasses baseline performance, leveraging both architectures' strengths. Overall, these findings demonstrate substantial improvements in translation quality, with a BLEU score increase of 2 points and an average improvement of 4.6 points across all evaluation metrics, outperforming state-of-the-art approaches.

Originality/value

The paper’s originality lies in its departure from simply fine-tuning the transformer model for a specific task. Instead, it introduces modifications to the internal architecture of the transformer, integrating Gated CNNs to enhance translation performance. This departure from traditional fine-tuning approaches demonstrates a novel perspective on model enhancement, offering unique insights into improving translation quality without solely relying on pre-existing architectures. The originality in dimensionality reduction lies in the tailored approach for Arabic text. While dimensionality reduction techniques are not new, the paper introduces a specific method optimized for Arabic word embeddings. By employing independent component analysis (ICA) and a post-processing method, the paper effectively reduces the dimensionality of word embeddings while preserving semantic information which has not been investigated before especially for MT task.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 17 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2024

Pedro Arturo Flores-Gómez and Héctor Hugo Pérez-Villarreal

This paper aims to focus on the evolution of nonprofit cultural institutions in Mexico and their relationship with Spain, regarding the four traditional elements of a marketing…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the evolution of nonprofit cultural institutions in Mexico and their relationship with Spain, regarding the four traditional elements of a marketing mix. Specifically, this paper examines marketing advancements in the digital environment, placing emphasis on the virtual exhibition Códices de México: Memorias y Saberes, as well as the marketing activities related to prehispanic and novohispanic codices between 2010 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the present study provides a chronological framework based on the four components of a marketing mix, illustrating the transition of Mexican and Spanish public cultural institutions from their foundations to current times. It particularly provides insight into their recent accomplishments in the digital environment, underscoring potential networking areas. The second part offers an in-depth examination of the exhibition Códices de México: Memorias y Saberes (INAH 2015) and a review of digital sources from Mexican government entities to investigate marketing activities related to prehispanic and novohispanic codices.

Findings

Due to the historical approach used to document the transition of nonprofit cultural institutions in Mexico and Spain to the digital era, this article sheds lights on co-joint efforts in the digital marketing domain around prehispanic and novohispanic codices. Additionally, it illustrates the activities used by Mexican cultural institutions during the past two decades to disseminate knowledge on codices.

Research limitations/implications

Regarding the methodological aspects of using historical resources through digital archives, this study solely comprised marketing activities reported in the records available on the official portal of cultural institutions.

Originality/value

This study argues for the utility of the four components rooted in a traditional marketing mix as a tool to illustrate the evolution of marketing practices within the cultural heritage domain. It also highlights the role played by cultural institutions in Mexico and Spain in the digital environment to strategically network around cultural heritage. Additionally, it sheds light on the implementation of methods for presenting Mexican codices grounded in virtual terrain.

Details

Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-750X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

A.K. Mahbubul Hye, Nurakmal Ahmad Ahmad and Md. Mamun Habib

This exploratory study illustrated an integrated academic library supply chain (IALSC) model to design the strategic planning management tool of the academic library. The supply…

Abstract

Purpose

This exploratory study illustrated an integrated academic library supply chain (IALSC) model to design the strategic planning management tool of the academic library. The supply chain (SC) model has been widely used in manufacturing industries and has also been applied in many service industries with the same objectives. However, very few studies for academic libraries, particularly the implementation of the integrated SC model, are being executed, although it has been proven that SC management in practice can enhance stakeholder satisfaction, increase revenues and decrease total costs. The academic library also needs to be successful in providing quality products, services and information to fulfil the library users’ needs within the library budget. This research aims to develop a verified model of the integrated SC for the academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used both qualitative and quantitative approaches to achieve its objectives. The proposed conceptual SC model, named as IALSC, for the academic library has been developed using the system thinking method; eventually, it has been validated through the fuzzy Delphi method, an expert judgement technique.

Findings

The research findings could contribute to academic library management in planning and formulating a roadmap for the library to increase its quality services for all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The conceptual model would have a high potential to be proposed as the strategic decision-making tool for an academic library, i.e. the flow of funds through the operations of the library, the library stakeholders’ satisfaction measurement, the decision process currently made by the library management team on the purchase of new library resources, the library resource suppliers, etc.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Shanjida Alam and Shamima Yesmin

Internships are widely used as one of the best learning tools for professional practice. The purpose of this research paper is to comprehend to what extent the LIS interns become…

Abstract

Purpose

Internships are widely used as one of the best learning tools for professional practice. The purpose of this research paper is to comprehend to what extent the LIS interns become competent with practical tasks through this program, current facilities offered by the internship-offering institutions and their plan in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a mixed-method approach. To examine LIS students’ practical experience, this study conducted a survey. Participants were 110 students having internship experience from the LIS bachelor’s degree offering universities of Bangladesh. For qualitative data, representatives of internship-offering institutions were interviewed.

Findings

Results indicate that there is a certain lack of coordination between theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations. Some essential ICT-based tasks missed out from this program like library automation software (e.g. KOHA); online-based cataloging such as Machine Readable Cataloguing, Resource Description and Access; digital library software (Greenstone); Institutional Repository software (Dspace, EPrint, etc.); virtual library services; radio frequency identification, etc. which should be taken into consideration in internship modules. Including faculty members and practitioners is suggested for a model internship framework ensuring ever-advanced LIS education. There is no significant difference between interns’ gender with their satisfaction level.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of this study is the absence of coverage of faculty perceptions regarding Internships. As in the higher education institution, the three stakeholder groups’ subsets, namely, faculty members, practitioners and students are parallelly important to take any initiative.

Practical implications

The input from interns will assist the industries in redesigning their modules in light of interns’ feedback to best prepare interns for the competitive job market.

Originality/value

Internship in LIS education is not a new research area; however, research attempts to show students’ experience along with organizations’ preparedness in offering internships is new in nature.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Tianyu Hou, Wei Wang, Liang Zhang, Julie Juan Li and Bin Chong

Although research on how the downstream calculations of a patent’s profit potential influence invention renewal decisions is extensive, the impact of the upstream knowledge…

Abstract

Purpose

Although research on how the downstream calculations of a patent’s profit potential influence invention renewal decisions is extensive, the impact of the upstream knowledge creation stages is overlooked. The purpose of this study is to address this theoretical vacuum by examining the intra-organizational configuration of knowledge networks and collaboration networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The data consist of 491 global pharmaceutical firms that patent in the USA. Drawing on patent records, the authors simultaneously construct intra-organizational knowledge networks and collaboration networks and identify network cohesion features (i.e. local and global). The authors employ panel fixed-effects models to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that local knowledge cohesion and local social cohesion decrease invention renewals, while global knowledge cohesion and global social cohesion increase renewals. Moreover, the marginal effects of local and global social cohesion are stronger than those of local and global knowledge cohesion, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The hypotheses are tested using the pharmaceutical industry as a research setting, which limits the generalizability of our findings. In addition, potential formal and informal contingencies are not considered.

Practical implications

Despite its limitations, this study provides valuable implications. First, managers are cautioned against the adverse effects of local cohesion structures on invention renewal. Second, firms can dynamically adjust their local and global network configuration strategies to harmonize the generation of valuable inventions and the retention of good ideas.

Originality/value

Complementary to previous research that focused on inventions’ performance feedback, this study delves into upstream knowledge creation stages to understand invention renewals.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 62 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2024

Runping Zhu, Qilin Liu and Richard Krever

While psychology, sociology and communications studies hypothesise a range of independent variables that might impact on individuals’ acceptance or rejection of rumours, almost…

Abstract

Purpose

While psychology, sociology and communications studies hypothesise a range of independent variables that might impact on individuals’ acceptance or rejection of rumours, almost all studies of the phenomenon have taken place in environments featuring notable, and sometimes very deep, partisan divisions, making it almost impossible to isolate the impact of partisan influences on views on different rumour subjects. This study aims to remove the possibility of partisan influences on readers of internet rumours by testing the impact of independent demographic variables in China, a one-party state with no overt partisan divisions. The study provides an opportunity to strip away the influence of ideology and see whether this factor may have coloured previous studies on susceptibility to believe rumours.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was used to examine belief in false and true online rumours in a non-partisan environment. A large sample group was presented with rumours across four subject areas and respondents’ conclusions and demographic information was then subject to logistic regression analysis to identify relationships between factors and ability to identify the veracity of online rumours.

Findings

Unexpectedly, the regression analysis revealed no statistically significant nexus between many independent demographic variables and patterns of believing or disbelieving rumours. In other cases, a statistically significant relationship was revealed, but only to a limited degree. The results suggest that once the role of partisanship in explaining the proliferation of and belief in false rumours and the ability to identify true ones is removed from consideration, no other independent variables enjoy convincing links with rumour belief.

Originality/value

The study tests in China, a jurisdiction featuring a non-partisan environment, the impact of independent variables on media users’ belief in a wide range of rumours.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Jan Mei Soon-Sinclair, Rounaq Nayak and Louise Manning

The 2008 Chinese melamine milk scandal resulted in six reported fatalities and affected around 300,000 children, of whom 54,000 were hospitalised. Previous studies have used…

Abstract

Purpose

The 2008 Chinese melamine milk scandal resulted in six reported fatalities and affected around 300,000 children, of whom 54,000 were hospitalised. Previous studies have used linear approaches to examine the root causes of the melamine milk scandal.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, we applied a systems approach to the melamine milk scandal to identify the complex systems-level failures across the supply chain leading to the incident and why food fraud incidents such as this occurred in the dairy sector. Additionally, systemic failures associated with food fraud vulnerability factors were considered (i.e. opportunities, motivation and control measures).

Findings

48 contributory factors of influence were identified and grouped across six sociotechnical levels across the Chinese dairy system, from government to equipment and surroundings. Lack of vertical integration (processes and communication) contributed to the failure. When viewed from a broader perspective, the melamine milk scandal can be linked to a series of human errors and organisational issues associated with government bodies, the dairy supply chain, individual organisations and management decisions and individual actions of staff or processes.

Practical implications

This approach is of value to policymakers and the industry as it supports public health investigations of food fraud incidents and proactive food safety management.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse a food safety or fraud incident using the AcciMap approach and the food fraud vulnerability assessment (FFVA) technique. AcciMap analysis is applied to both unintentional and intentional aspects of the incident.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 September 2024

Cheryl J. Craig

Located at the place where excessive entitlement and the “best-loved self” intersect, this research illustrates what happens when the excessive entitlement of one educator trumps…

Abstract

Located at the place where excessive entitlement and the “best-loved self” intersect, this research illustrates what happens when the excessive entitlement of one educator trumps that of another. Then, in a perverse sort of way, those who are excessively entitled may even imply that the other is acting excessively entitled. This is how the “not getting your due is your due” theme emerged in the two exemplary cases that are spotlighted. Excessive entitlement is the belief that one's voice, opinion, and assessment hold more weight than others, whereas the best-loved self is the image to which educators ideally aspire. Given the contested nature of universities, it is not surprising that tensions occur around due – with due being the scholarly attention one legitimately expects to receive. The two featured narratives of experience present “amalgams of experience” lived in multiple academic contexts – with both narrative accounts not turning out as expected. The first story chronicles the choosing of an outstanding doctoral student for a prestigious award; the second one tells how a professor who received two national honors was celebrated at her institution. Through using narrative inquiry as both a research method and a form of representation, the researcher also was able to suggest how people might move beyond excessive entitlement. Narrative inquiry's well-known interpretive tools of fictionalization, broadening, burrowing, and storying and restorying, employed repeatedly throughout this chapter, produced deeper meanings and richer understandings that could result to more generous and informed actions for everyone involved.

Details

After Excessive Teacher and Faculty Entitlement
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-877-9

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2024

Besiki Stvilia and Dong Joon Lee

This study addresses the need for a theory-guided, rich, descriptive account of research data repositories' (RDRs) understanding of data quality and the structures of their data…

Abstract

Purpose

This study addresses the need for a theory-guided, rich, descriptive account of research data repositories' (RDRs) understanding of data quality and the structures of their data quality assurance (DQA) activities. Its findings can help develop operational DQA models and best practice guides and identify opportunities for innovation in the DQA activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed 122 data repositories' applications for the Core Trustworthy Data Repositories, interview transcripts of 32 curators and repository managers and data curation-related webpages of their repository websites. The combined dataset represented 146 unique RDRs. The study was guided by a theoretical framework comprising activity theory and an information quality evaluation framework.

Findings

The study provided a theory-based examination of the DQA practices of RDRs summarized as a conceptual model. The authors identified three DQA activities: evaluation, intervention and communication and their structures, including activity motivations, roles played and mediating tools and rules and standards. When defining data quality, study participants went beyond the traditional definition of data quality and referenced seven facets of ethical and effective information systems in addition to data quality. Furthermore, the participants and RDRs referenced 13 dimensions in their DQA models. The study revealed that DQA activities were prioritized by data value, level of quality, available expertise, cost and funding incentives.

Practical implications

The study's findings can inform the design and construction of digital research data curation infrastructure components on university campuses that aim to provide access not just to big data but trustworthy data. Communities of practice focused on repositories and archives could consider adding FAIR operationalizations, extensions and metrics focused on data quality. The availability of such metrics and associated measurements can help reusers determine whether they can trust and reuse a particular dataset. The findings of this study can help to develop such data quality assessment metrics and intervention strategies in a sound and systematic way.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first data quality theory guided examination of DQA practices in RDRs.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 80 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

1 – 10 of 14