Search results

A comparative analysis of the results of two longitudinal studies conducted a decade apart, among research post-graduate students, with the purpose of understanding the progress in their information literacy (IL) skills, forms the content of this report. The analysis is based on the application of the Research and Information Search Expertise (RISE) model, which traces students’ progression across four stages of expertise. Such progression was measured across two dimensions of knowledge: that of information sources/databases and that of information search skills. Both studies adopted basic interpretive qualitative methods involving direct observation, interviews, think-aloud protocols, and survey questionnaires, during each of the five interventions, which were spread over a one to one-and-half year period. Scaffolding training was provided at each meeting and data were collected to assess the influence of such training on development of search expertise. A comparison of the findings reveals that students in both studies advance in their IL skills largely in a similar manner. Scaffolding support was found to help both dimensions of knowledge and that lack of one or the other type of knowledge could hinder their ability to find relevant sources for their research. The studies make evident the need for training programs for higher education students, to improve both their knowledge of information sources and their search techniques, tailor-made to closely correlate to their specific information needs. The studies provide insights into student behaviors in the development of IL skills, and the RISE model offers a framework for application to other similar research.

This chapter gives a general overview of the book, indicates the rich diversity of information literacy (IL) and information behaviour (IB) work carried out and is organised into four broad areas moving from the strategic to the highly contextualised. The four areas are specifically: strategic view; delivering information literacy education; the link between university and work; beyond higher education. The approach for each chapter is summarised. This chapter also examines the inter-related nature of the concepts of information literacy and information behaviour. It shows how these ideas are contextualised, theorised and researched. The authors argue that far from being conflicting approaches to the same problem of information capability, they are, in fact, complementary. Though these are epistemologically different both have much to offer in terms of explanation and also as tools for fostering information capability. The history of information literacy and information behaviour is overviewed and their inter-relation explored. It is argued that information literacy can be viewed as the practitioners’ model for delivering information capability whilst information behaviour, being more research focussed, explains it. A diagram is presented at the end of the chapter which helps to highlight and summarise the distinctions and similarities between IB and IL research.

This paper aims to theoretically and numerically investigate the steady two-dimensional (2D) Hiemenz flow with heat transfer of Reiner-Rivlin fluid over a linearly stretching/shrinking sheet.

The Navier–Stokes equations are transformed into self-similar equations using appropriate similarity transformations and then solved numerically by using shooting technique. A simple but effective mathematical analysis has been used to prove the existence of a solution for stretching case (λ> 0). Moreover, an attempt has been laid to carry the asymptotic solution behavior for large stretching. The obtained asymptotic solutions are compared with direct numerical solutions, and the comparison is quite remarkable.

It is observed that the self-similar equations exhibit dual solutions within the range [λ_c, −1] of shrinking parameter λ, where λ_c is the turning point from where the dual solutions bifurcate. Unique solution is found for all stretching case (λ > 0). It is noticed that the effects of cross-viscous parameter L and shrinking parameter λ on velocity and thermal fields show opposite character in the dual solution branches. Thus, a linear temporal stability analysis is performed to determine the basic feasible solution. The stability analysis is based on the sign of the smallest eigenvalue, where positive or negative sign leading to a stable or unstable solution. The stability analysis reveals that the first solution is stable that describes the main flow. Increase in cross-viscous parameter L resulting in a significant increment in skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number and dual solutions domain.

This work’s originality is to examine the combined effects of cross-viscous parameter and stretching/shrinking parameter on skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt number, velocity and temperature profiles of Hiemenz flow over a stretching/shrinking sheet. Although many studies on viscous fluid and nanofluid have been investigated in this field, there are still limited discoveries on non-Newtonian fluids. The obtained results can be used as a benchmark for future studies of higher-grade non-Newtonian flows with several physical aspects. All the generated results are claimed to be novel and have not been published elsewhere.