scholarly journals Lost in migration: document quality for batch conversion to PDF/A

2018 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Erwin Suri ◽  
Mohamed El-Saad
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Batch Processing ◽  
Digital Archives ◽  
Adobe Acrobat ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Text Document ◽  
File Formats ◽  
Long Term Preservation

PurposeChanges in file format specifications challenge long-term preservation of digital documents. Digital archives thus often focus on specific file formats that are well suited for long-term preservation, such as the PDF/A format. Since only few customers submit PDF/A files, digital archives may consider converting submitted files to the PDF/A format. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThe authors evaluated three software tools for batch conversion of common file formats to PDF/A-1b: LuraTech PDF Compressor, Adobe Acrobat XI Pro and 3-HeightsTMDocument Converter by PDF Tools. The test set consisted of 80 files, with 10 files each of the eight file types JPEG, MS PowerPoint, PDF, PNG, MS Word, MS Excel, MSG and “web page.”FindingsBatch processing was sometimes hindered by stops that required manual interference. Depending on the software tool, three to four of these stops occurred during batch processing of the 80 test files. Furthermore, the conversion tools sometimes failed to produce output files even for supported file formats: three (Adobe Pro) up to seven (LuraTech and 3-HeightsTM) PDF/A-1b files were not produced. Since Adobe Pro does not convert e-mails, a total of 213 PDF/A-1b files were produced. The faithfulness of each conversion was investigated by comparing the visual appearance of the input document with that of the produced PDF/A-1b document on a computer screen. Meticulous visual inspection revealed that the conversion to PDF/A-1b impaired the information content in 24 of the converted 213 files (11 percent). These reproducibility errors included loss of links, loss of other document content (unreadable characters, missing text, document part missing), updated fields (reflecting time and folder of conversion), vector graphics issues and spelling errors.Originality/valueThese results indicate that large-scale batch conversions of heterogeneous files to PDF/A-1b cause complex issues that need to be addressed for each individual file. Even with considerable efforts, some information loss seems unavoidable if large numbers of files from heterogeneous sources are migrated to the PDF/A-1b format.

An analysis of file format control in institutional repositories

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miquel Termens ◽  
Mireia Ribera ◽  
Anita Locher
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
File Formats ◽  
Digital Objects ◽  
Metadata Harvesting ◽  
Open Archives ◽  
Long Term Preservation ◽  
Open Archives Initiative

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the file formats of the digital objects stored in two of the largest open-access repositories in Spain, DDUB and TDX, and determines the implications of these formats for long-term preservation, focussing in particular on the different versions of PDF. Design/methodology/approach – To be able to study the two repositories, the authors harvested all the files corresponding to every digital object and some of their associated metadata using the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH) and Open Archives Initiative Object Reuse and Exchange (OAI-ORE) protocols. The file formats were analyzed with DROID software and some additional tools. Findings – The results show that there is no alignment between the preservation policies declared by institutions, the technical tools available, and the actual stored files. Originality/value – The results show that file controls currently applied to institutional repositories do not suffice to grant their stated mission of long-term preservation of scientific literature.

Long-term hearing preservation after surgery for vestibular schwannoma

2005 ◽  
Vol 102 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone A. Betchen ◽  
Jane Walsh ◽  
Kalmon D. Post
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Preservation ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Images ◽  
Class I ◽  
Repeated Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Long Term Preservation ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) are now amenable to resection with excellent hearing preservation rates. It remains unclear whether immediately postoperative hearing is a durable result and will not diminish over time. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of long-term preservation of functional hearing following surgery for a VS and to examine factors influencing hearing preservation. Methods. All patients eligible for hearing preservation (Gardner—Robertson Class I or II) who had undergone resection of a VS by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Follow-up audiograms and magnetic resonance images were obtained. Of 142 patients deemed eligible for hearing preservation surgery, 38 had immediate postoperative hearing confirmed by an audiogram. In these patients with preserved hearing, the audiographic results demonstrated functional hearing in 30 (85.7%) of 35 patients who underwent repeated testing at a mean follow-up time of 7 years. Delayed hearing loss occurred in five (14.3%) of the 35 patients and did not correlate significantly with the size of the tumor. Hearing improved one Gardner—Robertson class postoperatively in three (7.9%) of the 38 patients. Conclusions. Long-term functional hearing was maintained in 85.7% of patients when it was preserved immediately postoperatively and the result was independent of tumor size. The results of this study emphasize that long-term preservation of functional hearing is a realistic goal following VS surgery and should be attempted in all patients in whom preoperative hearing is determined to be Gardner—Robertson Class I or II.

scholarly journals The woes of Swedish private archival institutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Proscovia Svärd
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Investigation ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
National Narrative ◽  
Digital Repository ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Active Involvement ◽  
Organization And Management ◽  
Long Term Preservation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the long-term preservation challenges that the Swedish private archives are faced with. In as much as they offer a complement to the public archives and hence offer a nuanced national narrative, they lack both financial and human resources to effectively deal with the digital information management environment. Design/methodology/approach Participatory Action Research (PAR) was used to identify the challenges of long-term preservation together with the six private archives institutions that were involved in the collaboration. The collaboration was financially facilitated by the Södertörn University. PAR is defined as a systematic investigation, with the collaboration of those affected by the issue being studied, for the purposes of education and taking action or effecting social change. What is distinctive of PAR is the active involvement of people whose lives are affected by the phenomenon under study. Findings The private archival institutions face long-term preservation challenges such as lack of a digital repository that would facilitate the capture, organization and management of digital records that are of different formats and in a dispersed environment. There are no stringent legal requirements to facilitate the creation and management of the records in a standardized way and the institutions fear that imposing such requirements might deter their clients from depositing archival materials with them. The institutions will also need to espouse the business-oriented archival descriptions where private organizations are concerned to identify relevant archival materials and to promote participatory archival descriptions that would allow the creators to tag their records with metadata. Digital information requires a proactive approach, that is, planning for the long-term preservation of the information before it is created. Private archives need to invest in education packages that will facilitate their clientele’s understanding of the challenges of digital long-term preservation. Research limitations/implications The findings cannot be generalized to all private archival institutions, as it was only six institutions that participated, but the issues discussed are relevant to most archival institutions. Practical implications A lot of research has been carried out in the area of long-term preservation, but researchers have not paid enough attention to the woes of the private archives. To sustain a nuanced national narrative, the private archives need all the support to be able to live up to their mission of preserving archives of the private sector that are not captured by the public archival institutions. This is important in a pluralistic society such as Sweden. Highlighting the challenges might enable the institutions to work towards finding common challenges. Social implications The private archives are part of Sweden’s national heritage. Their preservation matters to the society as a whole and to enhancing the voices of the underrepresented. Originality/value The literature review revealed that not much research has paid attention to the challenges being faced by the private archives. This paper, therefore, contributes to this knowledge gap.

scholarly journals Practical Remote Workflow Solutions for Complex Digital Projects: Opportunities in a Pandemic

Collections ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155019062110527
Author(s):  
J.A. Pryse
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
The Political ◽  
Workflow Model ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Pilot Phase ◽  
Digital Videos ◽  
On Line ◽  
Systematic Solution ◽  
Long Term Preservation

The spread of COVID-19 has created numerous challenges in the field of archive management. Limited in-house office space, furloughs of personnel, and inconsistency, has highlighted the potential for the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center Archives (Center) to develop and implement improved accessibility measures to thousands of linear feet of material. Addition ally, the Center has found unique opportunities to collaborate with multiple academic institutions to propose large-scale digitization program exhibitions using the Center’s remote workflow model. One of the largest, most complex collections the Center has worked with during this time is the Political Commercial Collection (the Collection), which holds 119,000 film, audio, and videotape recordings of commercials aired between 1936 and present. It is the largest collection of political commercials in the world. The Center has developed a working pilot digitization project that has currently resulted in access to 16,000 digital videos for public researchers and over 10,000 available for on-line streaming during the pilot phase between April 16, 2020, and December 1, 2020. This paper presents the practical application of the Center’s simplified “Linear Reciprocity Workflow Model” to provide a systematic solution for digital and long-term preservation of complex collections. The Center has proven that limited personnel and reduced resources need not interrupt continued access to archival repositories.

scholarly journals Chromosomal Rearrangements in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Strains Isolated from Asymptomatic Human Carriers

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. David Matthews ◽  
Wolfgang Rabsch ◽  
Stanley Maloy
Keyword(s):  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Chromosomal Rearrangements ◽  
Growth Conditions ◽  
Genetic Changes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Bacterial Chromosomes ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACTHost-specific serovars ofSalmonella entericaoften have large-scale chromosomal rearrangements that occur by recombination betweenrrnoperons. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain these rearrangements: (i) replichore imbalance from horizontal gene transfer drives the rearrangements to restore balance, or (ii) the rearrangements are a consequence of the host-specific lifestyle. Although recent evidence has refuted the replichore balance hypothesis, there has been no direct evidence for the lifestyle hypothesis. To test this hypothesis, we determined therrnarrangement type for 20Salmonella entericaserovar Typhi strains obtained from human carriers at periodic intervals over multiple years. These strains were also phage typed and analyzed for rearrangements that occurred over long-term storage versus routine culturing. Strains isolated from the same carrier at different time points often exhibited different arrangement types. Furthermore, colonies isolated directly from the Dorset egg slants used to store the strains also had different arrangement types. In contrast, colonies that were repeatedly cultured always had the same arrangement type. Estimated replichore balance of isolated strains did not improve over time, and some of the rearrangements resulted in decreased replicore balance. Our results support the hypothesis that the restricted lifestyle of host-specificSalmonellais responsible for the frequent chromosomal rearrangements in these serovars.IMPORTANCEAlthough it was previously thought that bacterial chromosomes were stable, comparative genomics has demonstrated that bacterial chromosomes are dynamic, undergoing rearrangements that change the order and expression of genes. While mostSalmonellastrains have a conserved chromosomal arrangement type, rearrangements are very common in host-specificSalmonellastrains. This study suggests that chromosome rearrangements in the host-specificSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi, the causal agent of typhoid fever, occur within the human host over time. The results also indicate that rearrangements can occur during long-term maintenance on laboratory medium. Although these genetic changes do not limit survival under slow-growth conditions, they may limit the survival ofSalmonellaTyphi in other environments, as predicted for the role of pseudogenes and genome reduction in niche-restricted bacteria.

Early impact of Covid-19 on private sector employees finance homeownership in Kingdom of Saudia Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Raed Khamis Alharbi
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Housing Finance ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Uncertainty ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Negative Impacts ◽  
Future Policy

Purpose For almost two years, the economic shocks and financial uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic have affected all sectors. The private sector employees may be the worst hit. This is because of the lockdown across many countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), leading to income irregularities. Studies exploring private-sector employees concerning housing finance for the houses purchased and how the lockdown has affected their sources of income for repayment plans are scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA. Design/methodology/approach A phenomenology type of qualitative research was used. Data were sourced from three cities (Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Medina) and three mortgage banks across KSA. Virtual interviews via Zoom and WhatsApp video calls were conducted with engaged participants (bankers, government agencies and private sector employees). Thematic analysis was adopted, and the analysed data was presented in themes. Findings Findings show that the partial and full lockdown resulted in income irregularities in many private businesses. Also, findings identified downsizing, leading to large-scale unemployment, half-monthly income for employees, loss of profit, human resources wastage, etc. Findings reveal that because of the economic shock, many homeowners have not been able to meet up with their monthly mortgage repayment obligation. Also, the absence of financial support in form of socioeconomic needs has not helped the matter. Research limitations/implications The paper is limited to the early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA and data collected via Zoom and WhatsApp video calls across the three main cities. The recommendations that will emerge from this study may be adopted by other Gulf and Islamic countries with similar homeownership repayment challenges. Practical implications This study would stir key stakeholders, especially the policymakers and mortgage institutions to consider future policy principles that focus on who is at the highest risk for housing-related hardships because of the Covid-19 or future pandemic. The outcome can be used to develop an equitable housing policy framework to foster long-term economic mobility and be validated in the future by scholars. Originality/value Similar research in this area is limited, which makes this study one of the pioneering attempts to investigate the early negative impacts of Covid-19 on private sector employees’ housing finance homeownership in KSA. The paper sheds light on the emerged early negative impacts and proffer feasible possible solutions to promote homeownership amongst Saudi citizens.

Exhibition destination attractiveness – organizers' and visitors’ perspectives

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 2795-2819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Jin ◽  
Karin Weber
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Destination Attractiveness ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Second Tier ◽  
Business Events ◽  
Business To Business

Purpose The purpose of this study was to provide a holistic view of exhibition destination attractiveness by examining perceptions of two of the three key stakeholders (exhibition organizers and visitors) and contrasting them with those of exhibitors. Design/methodology/approach This research used a mixed method approach, collecting 535 responses from visitors attending nine business-to-business exhibitions in four major cities in China via structured surveys. In addition, eight in-depth interviews with CEOs/owners of leading global and Chinese exhibition companies were conducted. Findings The findings revealed that exhibitors may go almost anywhere where there is potential for successful business. In contrast, visitors prefer exhibition destinations with good accessibility to minimize travel time and an attractive leisure environment that offers a degree of enjoyment in addition to taking care of business. A destination’s “economic environment” and “cluster effects” were comparatively less important to them. Organizers were cognizant of these differences, contributing to their reluctance in taking large-scale, branded exhibitions to second-tier destinations, despite considerable efforts by these cities to improve their infrastructure. Practical implications This study offers practical guidelines for destination administrators and exhibition organizers with regard to evaluating destination resources for long-term exhibition development. Originality/value In contrast to prior studies, this research identifies significant differences in perceptions of exhibition destination attractiveness among all three key industry stakeholders. It also presents a persuasive case for the need to clearly differentiate between the attractiveness of a destination for attracting/hosting exhibitions versus conventions, rather than approaching the subject from a more generic meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) segment/business events perspective.

Thailand's tourism faces rising risks over long term

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Terrorist Attack ◽  
Fourth Quarter ◽  
Security Risks ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
State Restrictions ◽  
Tourism Revenue

Subject Outlook for the tourism sector. Significance The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects tourism to meet or exceed 2016 targets of 2.58 trillion baht (72.3 billion dollars) in revenue and 30 million visitors. Tourism revenue grew 13% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2016, and advanced bookings suggest that fourth-quarter growth will be equally strong. Impacts A royal transition would temporarily affect tourism due to state restrictions on celebrations. Long-term slowdown in tourism growth will require new efforts to diversify the economy, especially to create jobs. Security risks to tourism would rise substantially if a major tourist destination suffers a large-scale terrorist attack.

Germany will face long-term housing problems

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Social Housing ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Investment ◽  
Will Force ◽  
German Cities

Subject Germany's housing dilemma. Significance Demographic changes and the shift from publicly to corporately owned housing have led to accommodation shortages and rising rents in West German cities. Despite the government's plans for large-scale social housing investment, these trends will have long-term implications for Germany's housing market. Impacts Over-priced real estate will force developers to invest overseas. Accommodation shortfalls and rising prices will result in mass mobilisation and protests of young people across Germany. Lack of social housing will increase rates of homelessness in German cities.

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