Search

Abstract With the goal of developing information retrieval (IR) systems, including digital libraries (DLs), that support universal access, the authors conducted two studies to identify the help-seeking situations that blind and visually impaired (BVI) users encountered in DLs. First, the authors quantitatively compared BVI users’ help-seeking situations when interacting with the DL's mobile website (M.Web) and the mobile app (M.App). Using multiple data collection methods, the mobile study identified six situations BVI users faced more frequently when using M.Web than M.App. Second, the findings of the mobile study were qualitatively compared with the situations that occurred in the desktop environment, highlighting eight unique situations. It is more difficult for BVI users to interact with DLs in the mobile environment because of the reduced size of the mobile interface, complex DL structures, dynamic elements, diverse formats, and sight-centered design. Specific design recommendations were offered to enhance DLs in the mobile environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Digital library (DL) evaluation is essential to the success and enhancement of DLs. However, there is a lack of research on the assessment of comprehensive evaluation criteria across multiple dimensions of DLs. In particular, limited research is available on criteria prioritization to determine which criteria are perceived important by different stakeholders. This study was conducted to compare similarities and differences in perceptions of the importance of different DL evaluation criteria by heterogeneous stakeholders in academic settings. Ninety subjects were recruited with 30 from each of the group representing DL scholars, DL librarians, and DL users. Subjects were instructed to fill in an in-depth survey consisting of 10 evaluation dimensions with 94 criteria. ANOVA and t -test were applied to examine the similarities and differences among the three groups. This study reveals consensus and divergence in perceptions of criteria importance among the three groups, and indicates an inherent tension among the stakeholders. Moreover, the differences identify gaps not only between user expectations and the DL practice but also between what's desirable and what's possible in the academic environment. The findings provide a comprehensive list of criteria to guide practical evaluation of DLs, and contribute to the narrowing of the identified gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study that compares types of orientation tactics that blind and sighted users applied in their initial interactions with a digital library (DL) and the associated factors. Multiple methods were employed for data collection: questionnaires, think-aloud protocols, and transaction logs. The paper identifies seven types of orientation tactics applied by the two groups of users. While sighted users focused on skimming DL content, blind users concentrated on exploring DL structure. Moreover, the authors discovered 13 types of system, user, and interaction factors that led to the use of orientation tactics. More system factors than user factors affect blind users' tactics in browsing DL structures. The findings of this study support the social model that the sightcentered design of DLs, rather than blind users' disability, prohibits them from effectively interacting with a DL. Simultaneously, the results reveal the limitation of existing interactive information retrieval models that do not take people with disabilities into consideration. DL design implications are discussed based on the identified factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the types of roles that Twitter played in digital libraries (DLs) and their relationships in building DL online communities. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed method analysis of DLs' tweets was conducted to identify the usage, roles of Twitter in DL communities and relationships among the roles. Twitter data from 15 different DLs for one year were extracted, and an open coding analysis was performed to identify types of Twitter roles. Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationships among the roles based on word similarities. Findings: The results present 15 types of Twitter roles representing five main categories identified from DL tweets, including information, promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection. Moreover, word similarities analysis identifies more strong relationships among the roles in four main categories (promotion, related resources, social identity and social connection) but less with roles in information. Research limitations/implications: Characteristics of DL online communities are discussed and compared with physical library communities. Suggestions are proposed for how tweets can be improved to play more effective roles. To build a strong community, it is critical for digital librarians to engage with followers. Originality/value: This study is a pioneering work that not only analyzes Twitter roles and their relationships in building DL online communities but also offers recommendations in terms of how to build a strong online community and improve Twitter use in DLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This study compares thirty blind and visually impaired users' assessment of accessibility and usability of the two mobile platforms (mobile app and mobile website) of a digital library. Method. Triangulation of data collection was applied, including think-aloud protocols, transaction logs, post-platform questionnaires, post-platform interviews, and post-search interviews. Analysis. Two steps of analysis were used. First, quantitative analysis was applied to compare assessments of participants towards two mobile platforms' accessibility and usability. Second, qualitative data were analysed to identify types of design factors. Results. Mobile app performs significantly better in all accessibility and usability variables except accessing information/objects. Most importantly, nine types of design factors are revealed in relation to blind and visually impaired users' assessment of accessibility and usability for the two mobile platforms. Furthermore, the design problems of the mobile website are associated with a responsive design that adjusts the digital library interface to a mobile device, the complexity of digital library structure and formats, and a sight-centred design that excludes blind and visually impaired users' unique information-seeking behaviours. Conclusion. Mobile platforms of digital libraries, especially mobile websites, need to improve their designs. Design implications for mobile websites are further discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), a new microsampling technique, was evaluated for its potential in supporting regulated bioanalysis. Our initial assessment with MK-0518 (raltegravir) using a direct extraction method resulted in 45–52% extraction recovery, significant hematocrit (Ht) related bias, and more importantly, unacceptable stability (>15% bias from nominal concentration) after 7-day storage. Our investigation suggested that the observed biases were not due to VAMS absorption, sampling techniques, lot-to-lot variability, matrix effect, and/or chemical stability of the compound, but rather the low extraction recovery. An effort to improve assay recovery led to a modified liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method that demonstrated more consistent performance, minimal Ht impact (Ht ranged from 20 to 65%), and acceptable sample stability. The same strategy was successfully applied to another more hydrophilic model compound, MK-0431 (sitagliptin). These results suggest that the previously observed Ht effect and “instability” were in fact due to inconsistent extractability, and optimizing the extraction recovery to greater than 80% was critical to ensure VAMS performance. We recommend adding Ht-independent recovery as part of feasibility assessment to de-risk the long-term extractability-mediated stability bias before implementing VAMS in regulated bioanalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sight‐centered digital library (DL) design with complex structures and multimedia formats poses significant challenges for blind users. This study is the first attempt to investigate the top three help‐seeking situations as well as associated factors in blind users' DL interactions. A mixed‐method approach was adopted for this study. Multiple methods were applied to collect data from 30 blind subjects: questionnaires, presearch interviews, think aloud protocols, transaction logs, and postsearch interviews. The paper identifies the top three help‐seeking situations, and associated factors in relation to user, system, task, and interaction. Moreover, different types of main‐level factors were tested to investigate if they are correlated to each type of top situation, and qualitative data of sublevel factors offer insight into how these factors are associated with various situations. Without a clear understanding of these situations and factors, the objective of universal access to information in DLs cannot be achieved. DL design implications are further discussed with the goal of providing system design recommendations for reducing blind users' help‐seeking situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both user involvement and system support play important roles in applying search tactics. To apply search tactics in the information retrieval (IR) processes, users make decisions and take actions in the search process, while IR systems assist them by providing different system features. After analyzing 61 participants' information searching diaries and questionnaires we identified various types of user involvement and system support in applying different types of search tactics. Based on quantitative analysis, search tactics were classified into 3 groups: user-dominated, system-dominated, and balanced tactics. We further explored types of user involvement and types of system support in applying search tactics from the 3 groups. The findings show that users and systems play major roles in applying user-dominated and system-dominated tactics, respectively. When applying balanced tactics, users and systems must collaborate closely with each other. In this article, we propose a model that illustrates user involvement and system support as they occur in user-dominated tactics, system-dominated tactics, and balanced tactics. Most important, IR system design implications are discussed to facilitate effective and efficient applications of the 3 groups of search tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to specifically investigate information seeking strategies that are used by scholars in the USA conducting research in languages other than English and the types of shifts that scholars make between strategies in planned, disruptive, and problematic situations. Design/methodology/approach – Interviews and research diaries were employed to gather information from 16 subjects using seven different languages across seven disciplines. Grounded theory and the constant comparative method were used to analyze types of strategies and types of shifts between strategies. Findings – This study identified four formal system strategies, seven informal resource strategies, four interactive human strategies, and one hybrid strategy. Subjects in the study selected informal resource and interactive human strategies more often as initial strategies while informal resource strategies are used as final strategies. Moreover, the findings presented a variety of shifts between strategies in planned, disruptive, and problematic situations. Research limitations/implications – Theoretically, this study introduces a new conceptual model – the information triangle – which facilitates the classification of strategies used by scholars throughout an information seeking task as well as the characterization of the shifts between strategies. Practically, this paper discusses implications for system designers, publishers, and support providers to better meet the needs of this specific group. A primary limitation is related to isolating the variables of language, culture, and geography from other possible factors such as domain knowledge, system knowledge, or limitations of the systems being used. Originality/value – This study fills a gap in current research in relation to how language plays a role in the selection of and shifts between information seeking strategies used by scholars who rely on sources that are not in English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This study explores blind users' unique help-seeking situations in interacting with digital libraries. In particular, help-seeking situations were investigated at both the physical and cognitive levels. Method. Fifteen blind participants performed three search tasks, including known-item search, specific information search, and exploratory search, using the selected digital library. Pre-questionnaire, pre-and post-interviews, transaction logs and think-aloud protocols were used to collect data. Analysis. Open coding analysis was used to identify help-seeking situations the physical and cognitive levels. Results. The study identified seventeen help-seeking situations that blind users encountered while using digital libraries, including nine at the physical level and eight at the cognitive level. To be more specific, physical help-seeking situations were categorised into 1) difficulty accessing information, 2) difficulty identifying current status and path, and 3) difficulty evaluating information efficiently. Cognitive help-seeking situations were classified into 1) confusion about multiple programs and structures, 2) difficulty understanding information, 3) difficulty understanding or using digital library features, and 4) avoidance of specific formats or approaches. Conclusion. The identified help-seeking situations reveal a gap between current digital library design practices and special needs of blind users. Practical implications for the design of help features for more blind-friendly digital libraries are suggested based on the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to investigate the applications of social media in digital libraries and identify related problems. Design/methodology/approach -- A total of ten institutions were selected from the following cultural institution types -- public libraries, academic libraries, museums, government, and international organisations -- to represent a variety of digital libraries developed or sponsored by different types of organisations. The social media applications were examined with regard to the following aspects: types of social media, placement of social media, updating social media, types of interactions, and types of functions. Findings -- This study presents the types of social media applications in the selected digital libraries and further characterises their placements, update frequency, types of interactions between digital librarians and users, as well as various types of roles they played. In the process of analysis the authors also identified problems related to lack of standards, creating two-way communication channels, and the lack of education functions. Research limitations/implications -- Further research needs to expand the selection of institutions and digital libraries to have more representative sampling, in particular institutions that are outside North America and Europe. It is also important to perform in-depth content analysis of social media to identify patterns and functions that social media perform. Moreover the authors will compare specific social media tools, such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., across institutions. In order to explore fully the reason why certain social media tools are implemented in digital libraries, it is important to survey or interview digital librarians of digital libraries in different types of cultural institutions. In addition users can be interviewed to solicit their perspectives about their usage of social media in digital libraries. Originality/value -- This study not only examines the current status and problems of social media application in digital libraries but also offers suggestions on making good use of social media to connect users and digital libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preclinical studies in dogs are often employed as part of formulation screening process. However, the shorter transit time and colonic length in dogs may result in underestimation of absorption, especially for extended-release ( ER) formulations. In the recent years, minipigs have attracted attention as an alternative animal model. However reports on studies with ER formulations are limited. In this manuscript, we report the first comprehensive comparison of minipig and clinical data for two types of ER formulations. Matrix tablets and multiparticulates in capsules of a BCS Class III compound were tested in the Yucatan minipig model. The relative performance of the formulations in minipigs in the fasted state was reasonably aligned with the clinical observations. The minipig model was able to rank order the formulations, reflecting the targeted release rate, in a manner consistent with the clinical data. Minipigs also reflected the loss of bioavailability relative to the immediate-release formulation. A level C in vitro/ in vivo correlation was demonstrated for both the minipig and clinical data. However, an assessment of food effect in the minipig model appeared challenging, especially for the matrix formulation for which a negative food effect was observed in minipigs compared with the positive food effect in the clinic. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 103:636-642, 2014 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multisession successive information searches are common but little research has focused on quantitative analysis. This article enhances our understanding of successive information searches by employing an experimental method to observe whether and how the behavioral characteristics of searchers statistically significantly changed over sessions. It focuses on a specific type of successive search called transmuting successive searches, in which searchers learn about and gradually refine their information problems during the course of the information search. The results show that searchers' behavioral characteristics indeed exhibit different patterns in different sessions. The identification of the behavioral characteristics can help information retrieval systems to detect stages or sessions of the information search process. The findings also help validate a theoretical framework to explain successive searches and suggest system requirements for supporting the associated search behavior. The study is one of the first to not only test for statistical significance among research propositions concerning successive searches but to also apply the research principles of implicit relevance feedback to successive searches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to compare the evaluation of search result lists and documents, in particular evaluation criteria, elements, association between criteria and elements, pre/post and evaluation activities, and the time spent on evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The study analyzed the data collected from 31 general users through prequestionnaires, think aloud protocols and logs, and post questionnaires. Types of evaluation criteria, elements, associations between criteria and elements, evaluation activities and their associated pre/post activities, and time were analyzed based on open coding. Findings – The study identifies the similarities and differences of list and document evaluation by analyzing 21 evaluation criteria applied, 13 evaluation elements examined, pre/post and evaluation activities performed and time spent. In addition, the authors also explored the time spent in evaluating lists and documents for different types of tasks. Research limitations/implications – This study helps researchers understand the nature of list and document evaluation. Additionally, this study connects elements that participants examined to criteria they applied, and further reveals problems associated with the lack of integration between list and document evaluation. The findings of this study suggest more elements, especially at list level, be available to support users applying their evaluation criteria. Integration of list and document evaluation and integration of pre, evaluation and post evaluation activities for the interface design is the absolute solution for effective evaluation. Originality/value – This study fills a gap in current research in relation to the comparison of list and document evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on a longitudinal investigation of database usage available through BadgerLink, a general audience digital library available to Wisconsin residents in the United States. The authors analyzed BadgerLink database usage, including EBSCO databases sampled every two years over a six-year period between 1999 and 2005 and four years of usage for ProQuest databases between 2002 and 2005. A quantitative analysis of the transaction log summaries was carried out. Available data included database usage, title requests, session usage by institution, format requests (full-text and abstracts), and search feature usage. The results reveal changes in usage patterns, with relative requests for resources in areas such as social sciences and education increasing, and requests for resources in business/finance and leisure/entertainment decreasing. More advanced search feature usage was also observed over time. Relative usage by searchers affiliated with academic institutions has grown dramatically. Longitudinal analysis of database usage presents a picture of dynamic change of resources usage and search interactions over time. The findings of this study are more in line with results from other online database and digital library environments than Web search engine and Web page environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - Previous research has demonstrated that task is the driving force for information retrieval (IR). However, few studies investigate how people engaged in work and search tasks define their decisions and behaviors in the IR process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how dimensions of tasks affect the information-seeking and retrieving process. Design/methodology/approach - In total, 40 participants are recruited for the two studies conducted in a corporate setting as well as an academic setting. Multiple methods are applied to collect data related to participants' tasks and the information-seeking and retrieving process: web surveys, questionnaires, diaries, and telephone interviews. Both qualitative and quantitative data are analyzed. Findings - This paper identifies nature (routine, typical, and unusual), stages (pre-focus, formation, and post-focus), and timeframe (extremely urgent, urgent, and non-urgent) as dimensions of work tasks as well as origination (self-generated and assigned), types (updating information, looking for specific information, looking for items with common characteristics, and looking for known items), and flexibility (very flexible, flexible, and inflexible) as dimensions of search tasks. Moreover, the relationships between dimensions of work and search tasks and the information-seeking process - in particular, the extent of planning, the application of different types of information-seeking strategies, and shifts in search-task-related goals - are explored. Originality/value - This paper fills in a gap in current research - the impact of dimensions of task on the information-seeking and -retrieving process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, there has been little empirical research investigating the specific types of help-seeking situations that arise when people interact with information in new searching environments such as digital libraries. This article reports the results of a project focusing on the identification of different types of help-seeking situations, along with types of factors that precipitate them among searchers of two different digital libraries. Participants (N = 120) representing the general public in Milwaukee and New York City were selected for this study. Based on the analysis of multiple sources of data, the authors identify 15 types of help-seeking situations among this sample of novice digital library users. These situations are related to the searching activities involved in getting started, identifying relevant digital collections, browsing for information, constructing search statements, refining searches, monitoring searches, and evaluating results. Multiple factors that determine the occurrences of each type of help-seeking situation also are identified. The article concludes with a model that represents user, system, task, and interaction outcome as codeterminates in the formation of help-seeking situations, and presents the theoretical and practical implications of the study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current sight-centered designs and services in library and information science (LIS) do not effectively support blind and visually impaired (BVI) users. Simultaneously, there is a lack of studies focused on the research methods utilized in BVI research. This study analyzed 165 research papers retrieved from four LIS databases over a 40-year period. The uniqueness of BVI research methods on research design, data collection, and data analysis is highlighted. While survey and experiment are the two most commonly applied research designs in LIS research, survey and evaluation are the main research designs for BVI research. Concurrently, assessment report is a unique data collection method employed. More quantitative analysis was also applied in BVI research, and most of the qualitative analysis was not specified. This study reveals an opportunity to enhance the diverse approaches to BVI research and further satisfy BVI users' unique needs. • Research methods applied to LIS studies of blind and visually impaired (BVI) users were examined for the first time. • Survey and evaluation were the main research designs for BVI research. • Assessment report was identified as a unique data collection method employed in BVI research. • BVI research involved more quantitative than qualitative analysis and was mostly descriptive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Evaluation plays an important role in users' information searching and retrieving processes. While previous research mainly focuses on applied criteria, less research is on other dimensions of evaluation. This study explores the dimensions of evaluation activities including criteria applied, elements examined, activity engaged in and time spent in evaluating individual documents. Method. Conducting their own tasks, thirty-one participants with different demographic backgrounds, participated in the study. Multiple data collection methods were used: pre-questionnaires, interaction diaries, think-aloud protocols, transaction logs and post-questionnaires. Analysis. Types of evaluation criteria, elements, evaluation activities and their associated pre- and post-activities were analysed by open-coding. Descriptive analysis was applied to analyse the most and least time spent on individual documents with associated factors. Results. The findings of this study reveal that evaluation activities are complicated and dynamic. Eighteen types of evaluation criteria, seven types of evaluation elements, six types of evaluation activities and their associated pre- and post-activities were identified. In addition, factors affecting time spent in evaluating individual documents were analysed. Conclusions. The authors offer suggestions for information retrieval system design to support effective evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the gap between information needs and services for autism in China. Design/methodology/approach: The gap is revealed by investigating the status quo of autism information needs and services. The authors extracted categories and subcategories of information needs through content analysis of academic documents and then supplemented the subcategories through text mining of an online forum. Meanwhile, categories and subcategories of information services were extracted through content analysis of autism websites. Finally, the authors matched the two to explore the gap and designed a quantitative index to measure it. Findings: A total of eight and ten categories of information needs and services are extracted, respectively. In total, six categories of information needs can be partly matched, but nearly half of the subcategories failed. Huge gaps in economic support, sociality and policy mechanisms categories are observed through the quantitative index and medium gaps in social resource services and employment categories while almost no gaps in psychological/emotional counseling, rehabilitation skills training and professional knowledge/information categories. Originality/value: This study takes a deep insight into the gap between autism information needs and services in China, providing evidences and suggestions for information providers to improve their services. Academic documents and online forum data are adopted to avoid the impact of stigmatization, which provides a multi-source data analysis approach for the information needs of special groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ubrogepant (MK‐1602) is a novel, oral, calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist in clinical development with positive phase III outcomes for acute treatment of migraine. This paper describes the population exposure‐response (E‐R) modeling and simulations, which were used to inform the phase III dose‐selection rationale, based on ~ 800 participants pooled across two phase IIb randomized dose‐finding clinical trials. The E‐R model describes the placebo and ubrogepant treatment effects based on migraine pain end points (2‐hour pain relief and 2‐hour pain freedom) at various dose levels. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate various assumptions of placebo response in light of the high placebo response observed in one phase II trial. A population pharmacokinetic model describing the effect of formulations was included in the E‐R simulation framework to assess potential dose implications of a formulation switch from phase II to phase III. Model‐based simulations predict that a dose of 25 mg or higher is likely to achieve significantly better efficacy than placebo with desirable efficacy levels. The understanding of E‐R helped support the dose selection for the phase III clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Merck & Co., Inc. (Kenilworth, New Jersey) has recently published an integrated strategy for implementation of dried blood spots (DBS) in late‐stage trials for population pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling. We applied this strategy for another late‐stage clinical program: ubrogepant (MK‐1602), a novel oral calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist for acute treatment of migraine. At the time of implementation, ubrogepant was entering phase 2 development. DBS was implemented to acquire PK information proximal to an acute migraine event to enable exposure–response modeling. The clinical endpoint was a spontaneous event, which generally occurs outside a clinic visit. Thus, an innovative feature of this trial was facilitating DBS in an outpatient setting. In vitro and bioanalytical tests established initial method feasibility and suitability for further evaluations in the clinic. A quantitative relationship was developed between blood and plasma concentrations from concurrently collected samples in a phase 1 (healthy subjects) and phase 2 (target patient population) study using graphical and population PK approaches. This integrated information was presented to the Food and Drug Administration for regulatory input. Following regulatory concurrence, DBS was poised for use in further clinical studies. Population PK modeling was used to dissect sources of variability contributing to DBS collection in the outpatient setting. What has been learned from this program has informed the broader integrated strategy of Merck & Co., Inc. (Kenilworth, NJ) for DBS implementation in clinical trials and research to improve the precision of PK data collected in an outpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]