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Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Paul Samwel Muneja

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of online e-resource marketing tools used by university libraries to market e-resources. The specific objectives of this study were to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of online e-resource marketing tools used by university libraries to market e-resources. The specific objectives of this study were to uncover the e-resources that are showcased by university libraries, find out instructions posted by libraries to facilitate access and utilization of e-resources, examine marketing tools used, examine how current and relevant marketing messages and test the functionality of the marketing tools used.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research design was used to assess the effectiveness of e-resources marketing tools. The study population included all public university libraries in Tanzania. The sample was purposively selected to include all publicly funded libraries as they work under similar management environments. Data collection involved the evaluation of online marketing tools using a matrix checklist.

Findings

It was revealed that most university libraries use websites for showcasing e-resources. The commonly used social media for marketing e-resources is Facebook followed by Instagram while Twitter and Ask a Librarian are the least used. The results further show that only a few universities provide instructions on how to access and use e-resources. The findings indicate that universities had active communication platforms for marketing e-resources. Furthermore, less than 50% of marketing messages are active and current. It is recommended that marketing e-resources should be integrated into the library’s plans and strategies and this should be informed by library policies.

Research limitations/implications

Given that, this study involved Tanzanian public university libraries, it is possible that the findings do not represent the same situation in all academic university libraries in the nation.

Originality/value

This study assesses the effectiveness of online tools used to market e-resources in university libraries in Tanzania. It reveals the e-resources that are showcased online, the instructions provided on how to access the e-resources and the functionality of the marketing tools. Unlike the previous research, which primarily focused on evaluating the Web-based tools in university and college libraries, this study focused on public libraries in the country. The results will not only contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of the functionality of the marketing tools but also provide actionable insights to decision-makers in libraries in marketing their e-resources.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Weiquan Yang, Zhaolin Lu, Zengrui Li, Yalin Cui, Lijin Dai, Yupeng Li, Xiaorui Ma and Huaibo Zhu

The maturity of artificial intelligence technology and the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC) tools have endowed college students with a human-AIGC tools collaboration…

Abstract

Purpose

The maturity of artificial intelligence technology and the emergence of AI-generated content (AIGC) tools have endowed college students with a human-AIGC tools collaboration learning mode. However, there is still a great controversy about its impact on learning effect. This paper is aimed at investigating the impact of the human-AIGC tools collaboration on the learning effect of college students.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, a hypothesized model was constructed to investigate the effects of dependence, usage purpose, trust level, frequency, and proficiency of using AIGC tools on the learning effect, respectively. This paper distributed questionnaires through random sampling. Then, the improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign weights and normalize data. Lastly, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analyses were used to measure and analyze variables, revealing the mechanism of influence.

Findings

The usage purpose, frequency, and proficiency of using AIGC tools have a significant positive effect on learning. Being clear about the usage purpose of AIGC tools and matching the specific study tasks will enhance the learning effect. College students should organically integrate AIGC tools into each learning process, which is conducive to building a learning flow applicable to oneself, improving efficiency, and then enhancing learning effects. The trust level in AIGC tools is significant, but positively and weakly correlated, indicating that college students need to screen the generated content based on their knowledge system framework and view it dialectically. The dependence on AIGC tools has a negative and significant effect on learning effect. College students are supposed to systematically combine self-reflection and the use of AIGC tools to avoid overdependence on them.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, the learning suggestions for college students in human-machine collaboration in the AIGC era are proposed to provide ideas for the future information-based education system. For further research, scholars can expand on different groups, professions, and fields of study.

Originality/value

Previous studies have focused more on the impact of AIGC on the education system. This paper analyzed the impact of the various factors of using AIGC tools in the learning process on the learning effect from the perspective of college students.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Adetoun A. Oyelude

The purpose of the paper is to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, highlighting their potential to transform various…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in academic research, highlighting their potential to transform various stages of the research process. AI tools are transforming academic research, offering numerous benefits and challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Academic research is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of (AI) tools. These tools have the potential to revolutionize various aspects of research, from literature review to writing and proofreading. An overview of AI applications in literature review, data analysis, writing and proofreading, discussing their benefits and limitations is given. A comprehensive review of existing literature on AI applications in academic research was conducted, focusing on tools and platforms used in various stages of the research process. AI was used in some of the searches for AI applications in use.

Findings

The analysis reveals that AI tools can enhance research efficiency, accuracy and quality, but also raise important ethical and methodological considerations. AI tools have the potential to significantly enhance academic research, but their adoption requires careful consideration of methodological and ethical implications. The integration of AI tools also raises questions about authorship, accountability and the role of human researchers. The authors conclude by outlining future directions for AI integration in academic research and emphasizing the need for responsible adoption.

Originality/value

As AI continues to evolve, it is essential for researchers, institutions and policymakers to address the ethical and methodological implications of AI adoption, ensuring responsible integration and harnessing the full potential of AI tools to advance academic research. This is the contribution of the paper to knowledge.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Daniel Oyewale Abioye, Olufemi Popoola, Adebowale Akande, David Abimbola Fadare, Siyanbola Adewumi Omitoyin, Babatunde Yinusa and Olayinka Oladayo Kolade

The agricultural sector has experienced a transformative impact through the adoption of digital technologies, particularly mobile applications designed for farmers. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

The agricultural sector has experienced a transformative impact through the adoption of digital technologies, particularly mobile applications designed for farmers. This study investigates the factors influencing smallholder farmers' willingness to adopt digital application tools in Ogun State, Nigeria, focusing on the IITA herbicide calculator and Akilimo mobile applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 572 smallholder farmers participating in the Zero Hunger project. This research contributes to the limited empirical evidence in Nigeria concerning farmers' willingness to adopt digital application tools. The study analyzes the effects of education, training, access to internet services, smartphone ownership, willingness to use paid applications, awareness of application tools and the cost of digital tools on farmers' willingness to adopt. Gender differentials in willingness to adopt were also explored.

Findings

The results indicate positive and statistically significant effects of education, training, internet access, smartphone ownership, willingness to use paid applications, awareness of application tools and the cost of digital tools on farmers' willingness to adopt. However, female farmers exhibited a lower willingness to adopt digital application tools.

Practical implications

Policymakers are urged to create supportive policies promoting basic formal education and provide effective extension services to enhance farmers' training. Additionally, efforts should be made to reduce the cost of digital applications and improve internet accessibility in rural areas. Encouraging female farmers to adopt advanced agricultural technologies is essential. Stakeholders are advised to raise awareness of digital application tools to expedite the adoption of agricultural technologies in the country.

Social implications

This study will be helpful for the government to determine the state’s readiness for digital agriculture, it will help technology developers and agricultural technology startups to understand the factors determining farmers willingness to adopt digital application tools.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the readiness of Ogun State, Nigeria, for digital agriculture. It provides valuable information for technology developers and agricultural startups to understand the determinants of farmers' willingness to adopt digital application tools, contributing to the advancement of the agricultural technology landscape.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Cesilia Mambile and Augustino Mwogosi

This study aims to explore AI’s potential impact on the broader landscape of higher education in Tanzania. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion of AI’s potential to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore AI’s potential impact on the broader landscape of higher education in Tanzania. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion of AI’s potential to transform higher education and highlights the ethical considerations and challenges that must be addressed to ensure its successful implementation. This study informs future research and policy decisions in education and technology by providing a detailed understanding of AI’s perceived benefits and challenges in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used, which involves collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to understand the research problem comprehensively. This approach allowed data triangulation and led to a more robust and detailed understanding of this study.

Findings

In this study, it was discovered that enhanced assessment, time-saving, personalized learning, improved accessibility and detecting cheating are the perceived benefits of AI as a tool for enhancing learning in higher education, while cost and infrastructure, academic misconduct, data privacy and security, bias and ethical concerns and lack of human interaction are the perceived challenges of AI as a tool for enhancing learning in higher education. Further, it was revealed that students are more accepting of using AI tools in the classroom because they think they are more effective and engaging. On the other hand, faculty were more cautious and skeptical about employing AI tools in the classroom because they worried about how it would affect their teaching methods and job security.

Research limitations/implications

The data collection was not conducted face-to-face. To fully capture respondents’ emotional responses, feelings, facial expressions, reactions, or body language was challenging. However, a sufficient number of individuals who participated were very cooperative, and their knowledge was very beneficial in understanding the topic.

Originality/value

A unique view of this study is a clear understanding of the perceived benefits and challenges of using AI as a tool for enhancing learning in higher education, as well as the variations in these perceptions among students and faculty. By examining the perspectives of both groups, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex role of AI in higher education. Understanding the broader implications of AI in higher education can inform policy decisions and ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

Details

Technological Sustainability, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-1312

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Augustino Mwogosi and Cesilia Mambile

The study aims to explore the utilisation of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools in Tanzanian healthcare facilities by identifying the tools used, the challenges encountered and…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to explore the utilisation of Clinical Decision Support (CDS) tools in Tanzanian healthcare facilities by identifying the tools used, the challenges encountered and the adaptive strategies employed by healthcare practitioners. It utilises an Activity Theory (AT) approach to understand the dynamic interactions between healthcare providers, CDS tools and the broader healthcare system.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative approach in two prominent regions of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. It involves semi-structured interviews with 26 healthcare professionals and key stakeholders across ten healthcare facilities, supplemented by document reviews. The study employs AT to analyse the interactions between healthcare professionals, CDS tools and the broader healthcare system, identifying best practices and providing recommendations for optimising the use of CDS tools.

Findings

The study reveals that Tanzanian healthcare practitioners predominantly rely on non-computerised CDS tools, such as clinical guidelines prepared by the Ministry of Health. Despite the availability of Health Information Systems (HIS), these systems often lack comprehensive decision-support functionalities, leading practitioners to depend on traditional methods and their professional judgement. Significant challenges include limited accessibility to updated clinical guidelines, unreliable infrastructure and inadequate training. Adaptive strategies identified include using non-standardised tools like Medscape, professional judgement and reliance on past experiences and colleagues’ opinions.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation was constrained by access limitations because it was challenging to get some respondents to share information. However, a sufficient number of individuals participated in the interviews, and their knowledge was very beneficial in understanding the procedures and tools for clinical decision support.

Originality/value

This study contributes to AT by extending its application to a low-resource healthcare setting, uncovering new dimensions of the theory related to socio-cultural and technological constraints in healthcare facilities in Tanzania. It provides valuable insights into the practical barriers and facilitators of HIS and CDS tool implementation in developing countries, emphasising the need for context-specific adaptations, robust training programs and user-centred designs. The findings highlight the resilience and imagination of healthcare practitioners in adapting to systemic limitations, offering recommendations to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient care outcomes in Tanzania.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2024

Taseef Ayub, Rayees Ahmad Malla, Mashood Yousuf Khan and Shabir Ahmad Ganaie

The study aims to investigate the influence of HIX.AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that humanizes the generated content, on the detection capabilities of AI-generated…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to investigate the influence of HIX.AI, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that humanizes the generated content, on the detection capabilities of AI-generated text detectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study investigates the reliability of six AI-generated content detection tools by passing ten essays, five each generated using Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) and Bard (Gemini) before and after passing through HIX.AI, which humanizes the AI-generated content.

Findings

The study found that the selected AI-generated text detectors identified the generated content with inconsistencies. Some of the essays were falsely identified as human-written by a few detectors, indicating that the detectors are unreliable. Post-HIX.AI application found that all the essays were passed as human-written except two, which identified as AI-generated and mixed content by two separate detectors.

Practical implications

The findings present the evolving field of AI-generated text detectors and the tools that can bypass the detectors highlighting the difficulties in identifying the generated content in the presence of the humanization tool. Passing the generated content as human-written has serious consequences, especially in academics. Hence, the study recommends more robust detectors to distinguish human-written and AI-generated content accurately.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature on AI text detectors and highlights the challenges that humanization tools pose in identifying AI-generated text by AI text detectors.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Charf Mahammedi, Lamine Mahdjoubi, Colin Booth, Talib E. Butt and M.K.S. Al-mhdawi

This study aims to design and validate a decision support system (DSS), named preliminary risk assessment of brownfield sites (PRABS). It is intended that the proposed DSS will…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to design and validate a decision support system (DSS), named preliminary risk assessment of brownfield sites (PRABS). It is intended that the proposed DSS will aid the identification of potential hazards and, in doing so, highlight challenges facing those stakeholders dealing with the decision-making on brownfield site redevelopments, where the examples of diverse stakeholders would include, for instance, risk assessors, local planning authorities, regulator, developers, civil engineers, architectures, landowners, investors and alike. Moreover, the DSS will enable them to promote safer redevelopment and minimise the risks to future occupants of brownfield sites and neighbouring lands, on the top of the tool being communal platform of an effective communication between them as it is for both experts and non-experts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs a comprehensive five-stage process, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods and utilizing mixed methods for a nuanced exploration of data. The initial stage involves an in-depth examination of contemporary risk assessment tools for contaminated sites, setting the foundation and benchmarks for subsequent stages. Stage two focuses on creating a conceptual framework using insights from existing literature to guide the development of the DSS tool. Stage three introduces a validation mechanism through a questionnaire administered to experts. Stage four involves the active development of the DSS tool, transforming theoretical constructs into a practical application. The final stage, stage five, employs quantitative data analysis and case studies to validate, refine and enhance the DSS tool’s applicability in real-world scenarios, ensuring its approval.

Findings

This study presents PRABS, a user-friendly DSS for the PRABS. Validation through a quantitative online survey indicates strong support for PRABS, with around 80% of participants willing to recommend it due to its ease of use and information quality. Qualitative data analysis using real-life case studies further demonstrates the tool’s effectiveness. PRABS proves valuable in identifying hazards during the preliminary stage, accurately predicting potential contaminants despite limited input data in the case studies. The tool’s hazard identification aligns well with expert judgments and case study reports, confirming its practical utility.

Practical implications

This study has several limitations. First, the DSS identifies only hazards associated with one layer of site geology, even though sites may include multiple layers, which limits the comprehensiveness of the hazard identification process. Second, adopting an online survey approach posed challenges in achieving a high response rate and gathering a representative sample, making it uncertain how the results might vary with a higher number of professional participants. This limitation affects the generalisability of the findings. Finally, while this study identified 65 potential hazards associated with brownfield sites, this number could be expanded to include hazards related to plants, animals and air, indicating the need for a more inclusive approach to hazard identification. Given these limitations, future research should focus on addressing these gaps.

Originality/value

The contributions of this study offer practical benefits. Firstly, it enables the initial risk assessment process to be more comprehensive and integrated and reduces complexity in the risk assessment process by ensuring that all probabilities, along with their significance, are identified at the initial stage of the risk assessment. This could be a strong starting point for successfully conducting a more detailed risk assessment and remediation. Secondly, the developed PRABS can promote effective environmental communication among stakeholders, which should speed up the planning process and help develop brownfield sites more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the natural environment.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Hua Huang, Weiwei Yu, Jiajing Yao and Peidong Yang

Aiming at solving the problems of low prediction accuracy and poor generalization caused by the difference in tool wear data distribution and the fixation of single global model…

Abstract

Purpose

Aiming at solving the problems of low prediction accuracy and poor generalization caused by the difference in tool wear data distribution and the fixation of single global model parameters, a hybrid prediction modeling method for tool wear based on joint distribution adaptation (JDA) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, JDA is exploited to adapt the data features with different data distributions. Then, the adapted data features are identified by the KNN classifier. Finally, according to the tool state classification results, different regression prediction models are assigned to different wear stages to complete the whole tool wear prediction task.

Findings

The results of milling experiments show that the maximum prediction accuracy of this method is 95.13%, and it has good recognition accuracy and generalization performance. Through the application of the tool wear hybrid prediction modeling method, the prediction accuracy and generalization performance of the model are improved and the tool monitoring is realized.

Originality/value

The research results can provide solutions and a theoretical basis for the application of tool wear monitoring technology in practical industrial applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Maryam AlQasmi and Kamla Ali Al-Busaidi

This study aims to investigate the most effective enablers and tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition in public policymaking organizations.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the most effective enablers and tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition in public policymaking organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review, the study summarized 51 individual, organizational, technological and inhabitant-related enablers of inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition, as well as 36 technological and social tools. The study assessed the effectiveness of these enablers and tools based on two rounds of a Delphi study targeting 31 policymakers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was assessed to determine consensus among participating policymakers.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most effective enablers were inhabitants’ willingness to get involved, information technology (IT) infrastructure, IT staff support and inhabitants’ trust in policymakers. Additionally, the study found that the most effective tools for inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition included meetings, interviews, social media and field visits.

Originality/value

Inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition is an important social and economic force that will drive change in any society by enabling the implementation of innovative ideas and practices. A review of the relevant research shows that despite the usability of inhabitants’ knowledge, the degree to which inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition is integrated into the public policymaking system remains unclear. This study of inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition from the policymaker perspective provides a better understanding of the inhabitants’ knowledge acquisition process in policymaking organizations.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

Keywords

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