Factors affecting earthquake responders’ building damage information needs and use

2021 ◽  
pp. 875529302110302
Author(s):  
Gitanjali Bhattacharjee ◽  
Robert Soden ◽  
Karen Barns ◽  
Sabine Loos ◽  
David Lallemant
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Use ◽  
Building Damage ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Production Sharing ◽  
Post Disaster

After an earthquake, many responding organizations need to understand the scale and distribution of building damage to react effectively. However, their building damage information needs and information use remain poorly understood, limiting the efficacy of information production, sharing, and research. To clarify those needs, we conducted a two-part survey, comprising semi-structured interviews and an online questionnaire, of building damage information users and providers. Based on the interview data and questionnaire responses, we characterize six post-disaster tasks that rely on building damage information by their timing and by the necessary qualities of the information they require. Through inductive analysis of the interview data, we show that responders’ use of building damage information also depends on factors beyond the building damage information itself—namely, trust, impediments to information sharing, their varying understandings of disaster, and their attitudes toward emerging technologies. These factors must be considered in the design of any effort to create and/or disseminate post-disaster building damage information.

Information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafiz Zaman Shuva
Keyword(s):  
Information Sharing ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
Personal Networks ◽  
Informal Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Community People

PurposeStudies on the information behaviour of immigrants including refugees across the globe show a significant dependency of immigrants on their informal networks for meeting various settlement and everyday life information needs. Although there are quite a few studies in LIS that globally report the dependency of immigrants on their personal networks, very little is known about their experiences with their informal personal networks in the contexts of their settlement in informational terms. This paper explores the information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada consulting informal networks including broader Bangladeshi community people in pre- and post-arrival contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed-method approach including semi-structured interviews (n = 60) and surveys (n = 205) with Bangladeshi immigrants who arrived in Canada between the years of 1971 and 2017. Interview data were analysed thematically, and descriptive statistics are used to describe the survey data relevant to this study.FindingsAlthough the overall scope of the original study is much larger, this paper features findings on the information experience derived from an analysis of the interview data with some relevant references to the survey data when deemed appropriate. This paper provides insights into the information experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants within their personal networks, including friends, family and ethnic community people. The findings of this study show that participants sometimes received discouraging, unhelpful or wrong information from their personal networks. The multiple dimensions of the information experiences of the study participants show the many consequences for their settlement lives. For some participants, settlement was particularly impacted by the concept of “information sharing fear” that emerged from the interviews. Information sharing fear relates to concerns that sharing information about the challenges faced by newcomers could be considered by potential immigrants as a kind of active “discouragement”. Participants described being sensitive to charges of envy or jealousy when they shared information related to challenges newcomers face, as friends and family see them as trying to prevent competition for social status.Originality/valueThe findings related to the information experiences of immigrants consulting informal networks has potential implications for research in various discipline such as LIS, migrational studies and psychology that explore the benefits of social networks in newcomers' settlement. The study also sets a ground to take a more holistic approach to the information experiences of newcomers, not just naming the sources newcomers utilize in settlement and everyday life contexts. The study also provides some future directions to comprehensively understand the culturally situated information behaviour of various immigrant groups.

Factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students at the University of South Africa Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addisalem Gebrekidan Desta ◽  
Madely du Preez ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The University

The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students registered at the University of South Africa (Unisa) as represented by its Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre, with particular emphasis on their use of electronic information resources. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. In semi-structured interviews, eight conveniently selected postgraduate students shared their information-seeking experiences. The data was analysed thematically. The findings identified contextual and personal factors which gave rise to the respondents’ information needs and in turn prompted information activities such as information seeking. Of these, a lack of ICT infrastructure, frequent interruptions in electricity supply, old computers and the location of the Akaki Branch Library proved to be the main factors affecting postgraduate students’ electronic information-seeking behaviour. The findings showed the effect that inadequate facilities have on postgraduate students’ information behaviour.

scholarly journals COVID-19, Anxiety, and Hopelessness: Quality of Life Among Healthcare Workers in Turkey

2021 ◽  
pp. 016327872110675
Author(s):  
Selda Mert ◽  
Ayfer Peker Karatoprak ◽  
Yeliz Demirhan ◽  
Canan Baydemir ◽  
Berrin Çetinarslan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Employee Health ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Delivery Of Health Services

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of intense anxiety and hopelessness experienced by healthcare workers during the pandemic on their quality of life. This cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between August 31, 2020 and October 31, 2020, with 729 healthcare workers in Turkey. The study showed that hopelessness, the weekly working time, fatigue, and the workload of healthcare workers negatively affected their quality of life, those who found the pandemic measures inadequate had a lower quality of life and higher hopelessness levels, and those who needed knowledge on various issues to improve their skills had lower quality of life and higher levels of anxiety and hopelessness. Increasing the measures to make healthcare workers feel competent and ready during the COVID-19 pandemic and meet their information needs to improve their skills will reduce their anxiety and hopelessness and improve their quality of life. Identifying the factors affecting anxiety, hopelessness, and quality of life will help achieve sustainable success in the delivery of health services and promote employee health and safety.

scholarly journals Libraries Assist Disaster Survivors with Information Needs and Refuge but Need to Amplify Their Role and What They Offer

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 158-160
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Kaplan
Keyword(s):  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
New Orleans ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Disaster Survivors

A Review of: Braquet, D. M. (2010). Library experiences of Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans flood survivors. LIBRES: Library and Information Science Research Electronic Journal, 20(1), 1. https://www.libres-ejournal.info/528/ Abstract  Objective – Describe the experiences and library usage of patrons displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Flood. Design – A qualitative study with interview components and a questionnaire with open and closed-end questions Setting – New Orleans, Louisiana and surrounding area Subjects – 314 questionnaire respondents and 30 interview (24 face-to-face and 6 phone) participants with 5 individuals completing both Methods – The study consisted of an online questionnaire with open and closed-end questions occurring concurrently with semi-structured interviews conducted over the phone and in person. Individuals were recruited via convenience sample by flyers at public locales in the New Orleans area and electronic mailing lists, forums, blogs, and news sites that catered to the New Orleans community. Main Results – Disaster survivors use libraries for Internet access, information and technology assistance, mental relief, physical refuge, and also view them as symbols of both loss and hope. Library resources (including the physical spaces) allowed survivors to regain a sense of control by helping patrons access local information and experience pre-disaster pastimes, such as leisure reading. Conclusion – The study provides rich description of how libraries can support people displaced by disaster, however just over half of participants did not consider the library a part of their disaster experience. Future research should examine how libraries and library workers can amplify their impact during disasters and disaster recovery, as well as partner with disaster planning and response professionals. 

scholarly journals Exploring Women’s Health Information Needs During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Javanmardi ◽  
Mahnaz Noroozi ◽  
Firouzeh Mostafavi ◽  
Hasan Ashrafi-Rizi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Category ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
In Pregnancy

Objective: Pregnant women need health information to ensure their health and to have a healthy delivery. Therefore, equipping them with adequate information can bring desired health outcomes for them and their fetus. The present study was conducted to explore health information needs of women during pregnancy. Materials and methods: The present research was a qualitative study. Thirty-nine participants (pregnant women, midwives, and obstetricians) were selected through purposeful sampling in Isfahan from June to November 2016. Data were collected through in-depth face-to-face semi-structured interviews, daily notes and field notes. Results: Data analysis led to emergence of ten sub-categories including: "common complaints during pregnancy", "problems and complications in pregnancy", "factors affecting fetal health", "proper nutrition and take supplements during pregnancy", "sex during pregnancy", "exercise during pregnancy", "diagnostic tests in pregnancy", "fetal growth and development", "types of childbirth and preparation for delivery" and "baby care and breastfeeding" and finally the main category was the "health information needs". Conclusion: Regarding the health information requests of pregnant women, their needs should be identified and taken into consideration when planning educational programs for this group of women.

WISATA BAHARI PADA ZONA PEMANFAATAN TAMAN NASIONAL MANUSELA: POTENSI DAN FAKTOR PENGARUH PENGEMBANGAN

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-73
Author(s):  
Ivonne R. G. Kaya ◽  
Fildo De Lima
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Tourist Attractions ◽  
Income Sources ◽  
Economic Progress ◽  
Key Driver ◽  
Tourism Attractions ◽  
Depth Interviews

Tourism has become one of the major players in ‎international commerce and represents one of the main income ‎sources for many developing countries at the same time. These dynamics have turned tourism into a key driver for socio-‎economic progress.‎ This article described the potential of tourism attraction and factor affecting the development of marine tourism area in the utilization zone of Manusela National Park. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth interviews and participant observations were conducted with respondent (n=110) in Bellarizky, Air Belanda, Ora Beach and Lizar Bahari resort. The potential of tourist attractions in the utilization zone of Manusela National Park is as a snorkeling, diving and point of view. Factors affecting the development are service, transportation, supporting facilities and tourism attractions.

scholarly journals User-driven efforts in creating knowledge graph information system

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-111
Author(s):  
Stanislava Gardasevic
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Resource Discovery ◽  
The Body ◽  
Knowledge Graph ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Content Type

Purpose This paper presents the results of a qualitative study that involved students of an interdisciplinary PhD program. The study objective was to gather requirements to create a knowledge graph information system. The purpose of this study was to determine information-seeking practices and information needs of this community, to inform the functionalities of a proposed system, intended to help students with relevant resource discovery and decision-making. Design/methodology/approach The study design included semi-structured interviews with eight members of the community, followed by a website usability study with the same student participants. Findings Two main information-seeking styles are recognized and reported through user personas of international and domestic (USA) students. The findings show that the useful information resides within the community and not so much on the program website. Students rely on peer communication, although they report lack of opportunities to connect. Students’ information needs and information seeking are dependent on their progress through the program, as well as their motivation and the projected timeline. Practical implications Considering the current information needs and practices, a knowledge graph hosting both information on social networks and the knowledge produced by the activities of the community members would be useful. By recording data on their activities (for example, collaboration with professors and coursework), students would reveal further useful system functionalities and facilitate transfer of tacit knowledge. Originality/value Aside from the practical value of this research that is directly influencing the design of a system, it contributes to the body of knowledge on interdisciplinary PhD programs.

scholarly journals Identifying Risk Factors Affecting the Usage of Digital and Social Media: A Preliminary Qualitative Study in the Dental Profession and Dental Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 53
Author(s):  
Rayan Sharka ◽  
Jonathan P. San Diego ◽  
Melanie Nasseripour ◽  
Avijit Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Dental Education ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
General Context ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Dental Professionals

Aims: This study aimed to identify the risk factors of using DSM to provide an insight into the inherent implications this has on dental professionals in practice and trainee professionals’ education. Materials and methods: Twenty-one participants (10 dental professionals and 11 undergraduate and postgraduate dental students) participated in this qualitative study using semi-structured interviews in a dental school in the UK. The interviews were analysed and categorised into themes, some of which were identified from previous literature (e.g., privacy and psychological risks) and others emerged from the data (e.g., deceptive and misleading information). Results: The thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified nine perceived risk themes. Three themes were associated with the use of DSM in the general context, and six themes were related to the use of DSM in professional and education context. Conclusions: This study provided evidence to understand the risk factors of using DSM in dental education and the profession, but the magnitude of these risks on the uptake and usefulness of DSM needs to be assessed.

scholarly journals Building Damage Detection Using U-Net with Attention Mechanism from Pre- and Post-Disaster Remote Sensing Datasets

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 905
Author(s):  
Chuyi Wu ◽  
Feng Zhang ◽  
Junshi Xia ◽  
Yichen Xu ◽  
Guoqing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Damage Assessment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Binary Classification ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Building Damage ◽  
Attention Mechanism ◽  
Large Scale Dataset ◽  
Data Program ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Post Disaster

The building damage status is vital to plan rescue and reconstruction after a disaster and is also hard to detect and judge its level. Most existing studies focus on binary classification, and the attention of the model is distracted. In this study, we proposed a Siamese neural network that can localize and classify damaged buildings at one time. The main parts of this network are a variety of attention U-Nets using different backbones. The attention mechanism enables the network to pay more attention to the effective features and channels, so as to reduce the impact of useless features. We train them using the xBD dataset, which is a large-scale dataset for the advancement of building damage assessment, and compare their result balanced F (F1) scores. The score demonstrates that the performance of SEresNeXt with an attention mechanism gives the best performance, with the F1 score reaching 0.787. To improve the accuracy, we fused the results and got the best overall F1 score of 0.792. To verify the transferability and robustness of the model, we selected the dataset on the Maxar Open Data Program of two recent disasters to investigate the performance. By visual comparison, the results show that our model is robust and transferable.

scholarly journals “I actually got my first job through my ex-colleague”: Employment-related information seeking behavior of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 096100062199280
Author(s):  
Nafiz Zaman Shuva
Keyword(s):  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Information Source ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Immigrant Professionals ◽  
Government Of Canada ◽  
First Job

This study explores the employment-related information seeking behaviour of Bangladeshi immigrants in Canada. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 Bangladeshi immigrants in Ontario, Canada, and obtained 205 survey responses. The study highlights the centrality of employment-related settlement among Bangladeshi immigrants in Ontario and reports many immigrants not being able to utilize their education and skills after arrival in Canada. The results show that Bangladeshi immigrants utilize various information sources for their employment in Canada, including friends and professional colleagues, online searchers, and settlement agencies. Although Bangladeshi immigrants utilized a large array of information sources for meeting their employment-related information needs, many interview participants emphasized that the employment-related benefits they received was because of their access to friends and professional colleagues in Canada. The survey results echoed the interview findings. The cross-tabulation results on post-arrival information sources and occupation status as well as first job information sources and occupational status in Canada show a significant association among the use of the information source “friends and professional colleagues in Canada” and immigrants’ occupational status. The study highlights the benefits of professional colleagues among immigrants in employment-related settlement contexts. It also reports the challenges faced by many immigrant professionals related to employment-related settlement because of the lack of access to their professional friends and colleagues in Canada. The author urges the Federal Government of Canada, provincial governments, and settlement agencies working with newcomers to offer services that would connect highly skilled immigrants with their professional networks in Canada, in order to get proper guidance related to obtaining a professional job or alternative career. The author calls for further studies on employment-related information seeking by immigrants to better understand the role information plays in their settlement in a new country.

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