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The present study examined the long-term effects of a computer intervention for the development of phonological awareness in Dutch kindergartners. Native Dutch and immigrant children worked with the software 15 min/week during one school year. Following a pretest– interim test– post-test– retention test design, the effects on rhyming, phonemic segmentation, auditory blending, and grapheme knowledge were assessed. The intervention showed significant immediate effects on rhyming and grapheme knowledge. The time spent on the computer games also correlated with the learning gains for the experimental group. In the first grade, retention effects were demonstrated after 4 months of formal reading education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This talk illustrates why the study of the history of translation is essential in a translating program. Some of its historical functions are described, as well as some different sub-themes of related research. The principal objectives of a course on the history of translation are mentioned, and finally innovative multimedia and multilingual programs on this theme are presented. Received: 23-04-03 / Accepted: 05-06-03. How to reference this article: Delisle, J. (2003). La historia de la traducción: su importancia para la traductología y su enseñanza mediante un programa didáctico multimedia y multilingüe. Íkala. 8(1), pp. 221 – 235

Discovering Craven is aimed at the general reader, and provides a beautifully illustrated and presented interactive CD-Rom, created with Illuminatus Interactive. Craven is one of the seven districts within the county of North Yorkshire, a large area of which falls within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

In early February 1805 a small fleet of East Indiamen accompanied by the frigate Weymouth set sail from Portsmouth heading first for Bengal and ultimately for China. However, barely had the voyage began when, following bad weather and confusion, one of the boats, the Earl of Abergavenny, struck the Shambles bank just off Portland Bill. Although the crew managed to free it, it was so badly damaged it sank while trying to make for the safety of Weymouth. Over 250 crew and passengers drowned. The wreck has until now been best known for causing the death of John Wordsworth, the ship's commander and brother of the poet William Wordsworth. This excellent CD report of archaeological investigations on the wreck site carried out since 1980 by the Weymouth Underwater Archaeological Group (WUAG) brings us the full picture of the events leading up to the wreck, and a record of the remains found by the team of divers (Fig.1). The complex campaigns of diving have been carried out alongside extensive documentary and historical work. The huge amount of data created by this project has inevitably led to challenges for the WUAG regarding its publication (Cumming 2002). The decision to publish via a CD-ROM has allowed very large quantities of data and discussion to be published. The current version of the CD contains over 100,000 words of text, 1560 files and over 1000 illustrations (JPEGS). All for the grand price of 10 GBP. The volume can be browsed using a commercially available browser but is also supplied as compiled file using Web Compiler, which has the advantage of a search facility.

We describe the CAL-based training for CADCAM designed specifically to teach level-2 undergraduate mechanical and manufacturing engineers the fundamentals of computer-based design and manufacture of three-dimensional components. The work has been ongoing over the last decade and we describe the development of the material from its paper-based beginnings to the current web-enabled, CD-ROM-based environment. In particular, we review the lessons learnt from continuous feedback and improvement, marking the CAL approach as a success. This has to be taken in the context of the large initial investment required to produce the material. The software products PowerShape and PowerMill developed by Delcam plc, were used for surface modelling and manufacture, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gluten-free diet (GFD) protects against the complications of celiac disease (CD). However, training in the dietetic field is rare in Germany. Thus, CD patients are likely to benefit from a computer-based interactive training program (CBITP) combined with interactive exercises. We compared a CBITP and a conventional training for CD patients regarding increased knowledge, transferability and sustainability. In that context we analyzed whether CD patients are more able to judge the risk of a food or a situation after practicing with the interactive training software. Sixty-four CD patients were included and randomized in two groups. While the first group used the CBITP, the control group received written instructions. Before and after taking part in the training program and 3 weeks later, the participants filled in a questionnaire for celiac knowledge. The results show that both intervention and control groups increased knowledge about CD. However, the intervention group showed significantly better outcome. A CBITP significantly increases knowledge and sustainability as compared to a conventional training for CD patients. CBITPs can enhance patients’ training and treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Electronic interactive learning environments can enhance the learning experience and may prove beneficial in basic life support (BLS) training. As part of the European Union funded project “JUST-in-time health emergency interventions—training of non-professionals by virtual reality and advanced IT tools”, an innovative interactive CD-ROM on BLS and other emergency medicine topics was developed. We hypothesised that individuals without previous BLS training could learn CPR techniques from this CD. Methods: Sixty-two students were randomised into a group studying the JUST CD in a computer class room for up to 60 min, and a control group who did not receive any training (serving as a reference). CD users also completed a satisfaction questionnaire immediately after studying the CD. The BLS skills of both groups were assessed in a mock BLS scenario on a training manikin. BLS performance was video recorded and analysed. Results: After studying the CD for a mean period of 42 min, users of the CD had better assessment skills and were more likely to show a positive helping attitude, but chest compression and breathing techniques were ineffective. Most users rated the CD as very good and a positive learning tool. Conclusion: Individuals without prior BLS training showed improved behaviour and assessment skills after exposure to the CD, but motor skill acquisition requires alternative learning strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The periodic disturbances caused by the inherent eccentricity and unbalancing in compact disk systems is one of the prominent radial-tracking problems of high-speed and high-density optical storage systems. To compensate these periodic disturbances, an adaptive feedforward compensation technique is presented and investigated with the aim of having cost-effective optical disk drive manufacturing. Computer simulations and experimental evaluation on a high-speed CD-ROM product show that the proposed adaptive feedforward compensator is very effective and provides a way to significantly improve the radial tracking performance by reducing the radial error by 85%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries, one aspect of health education, namely child sexual abuse, has become an important issue for teachers in pre-schools, primary schools and high schools to address. In Australia, many states now have mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse by teachers to their Principals then to the police or the Department of Families. Consequently, as preparation for this role, all teachers should have appropriate knowledge and attitudes about child sexual abuse. This paper analyses the educational bases of an interactive multimedia CD-Rom module on child sexual abuse designed for use by Australian university undergraduate teachers, to enhance their knowledge and attitudes about child sexual abuse. This application of Bloom's Levels of Thinking Skills as well as Constructivist principles in designing educational multimedia may assist other educational curriculum developers when designing pedagogical interactivities that are appropriate, productive and relevant in teaching about child sexual abuse to undergraduate teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Many patients with bulimia nervosa find it hard to access evidence-based treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a novel CD-ROM-based cognitive-behavioral multi-media self-help intervention for the treatment of bulimia nervosa. Method: Patients with bulimia nervosa referred to a catchment area-based eating disorder service were offered eight sessions of a novel CD-ROM cognitive-behavioral self-help treatment without any added therapist input. We report here the take-up and drop-out rates and efficacy of this intervention. Results: Of 60 participants who were offered the intervention, 47 took it up. At follow-up, there were significant reductions in binging and compensatory behaviors, most clearly in self-induced vomiting. Discussion: This intervention has potential as a first step in the treatment of bulimia nervosa and for dissemination to nonspecialist settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: ObjectiveTo develop and test the feasibility of a theory-driven, psychosocial support CD-ROM prototype for couples in infertility treatment.: DesignFocus group meetings with reproductive health experts, semistructured interviews with infertility patients, and content analysis of an infertility message board to determine content domains of the CD-ROM. Usability and acceptance testing of prototype CD-ROM based on predetermined feasibility criteria.: SettingPrivate offices and fertility centers.: Patient(s)Expert panel of 5 reproductive health specialists; interviews with 62 individuals with infertility (35 women, 27 men); feasibility study with 12 patients and 12 experts in reproductive medicine and infertility support.: Intervention(s)None.: Main outcome measure(s)Product usability/acceptance test.: Result(s)Participant feedback and content analysis informed the development of a prototype patient education CD-ROM that uses audio, video, interactive tasks, and personalized feedback. Over 80% of participants successfully completed usability tasks, and over 90% rated prototype satisfaction as “good” to “excellent.” Some areas were noted for improvement in navigation and refinement in delivery of instructions. Results strongly indicate an interest in an infertility multimedia support tool.: Conclusion(s)Multimedia methods may serve as an effective, innovative psychosocial intervention for infertility patients and overcome barriers of limited local access to educational and support services. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article examines four cases of innovation in teaching negotiation, developed mostly in France, that involve the intensive use of multimedia techniques. These tools address some of the shortcomings of current teaching methods discussed in earlier literature. The use of multimedia innovations seems to improve teaching the subject of negotiation by enabling instructors to better bridge the gaps between theory and practice, and simulation and reality. These innovations also facilitate multiple perspectives, which are needed in cross-cultural negotiations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we describe a pilot project to develop and assess the potential of CD-ROM based resources to address the identified informational needs of a community of education professionals. We focus on the development process, although we also briefly describe the project evaluation and its results. The context in which the pilot was developed and implemented was the Social Well-being in Mackay Schools Program, in which a model was being developed to address issues of young people presenting 'at risk' within educational settings. The development and distribution of the CD-ROM was not an easy or straightforward task, requiring extensive research and community consultation. It also required drawing on theoretical and methodological insights from across disciplines (especially from Community Development and Education) to develop a contextually relevant understanding of the factors affecting the informational needs of the community, and of the ways in which the process of addressing these needs might lead to the empowerment of its members. The ease with which the relevant technologies were accessed and used by researchers and community workers who possessed no formal or advanced training in the use of ICTs indicated that the 'new' technologies can readily complement and assist in community development, thus giving impetus to the thesis that new forms of empowerment are possible because of the advent of the Information Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activities in the year 2001 of some 46 intellectual property offices and organizations worldwide in the field of patent, trademark and industrial design information are summarized, based on the Annual Technical Reports (ATRs) provided by those offices and organizations. The summary for each country commences with filing statistics, followed by the most relevant, new features of their information activities. Both the filing and information activities vary enormously.The author concludes, inter alia, that

: BackgroundDespite the availability of an increasing array of empirically validated adolescent drug abuse prevention programs, program materials and evaluation findings are poorly disseminated. CD-ROM and the Internet hold promise for disseminating this information to schools and agencies that directly serve youth, and to policy-making bodies that exercise control over funds to support adolescent drug abuse prevention programming. However, data on the relative efficacy of these newer technologies over conventional print means of dissemination are lacking.: MethodsRecruited through schools, community agencies, and policy-making bodies, 188 professionals were randomized to receive prevention program materials via pamphlets (55 participants), CD-ROM (64 participants), and the Internet (69 participants). Participants completed pretest, posttest, and 6-month follow-up measures that assessed their access to prevention program materials; self-efficacy for identifying, obtaining, and recommending these programs; and their likelihood of requesting, implementing, and recommending prevention programs to their constituents.: ResultsParticipants exposed to dissemination via CD-ROM and the Internet evidenced the greatest short- and long-term gains on accessibility, self-efficacy, and behavioral intention variables.: ConclusionsCD-ROM and the Internet are viable means for disseminating adolescent drug abuse prevention programs to schools, community agencies, and policy-making bodies, and should be increasingly used for dissemination purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The primary motivation for integrating any form of education technology into a particular course or curriculum should always be to enhance student learning. However, it can be difficult to determine which technologies will be the most appropriate and effective teaching tools. Through the alignment of technology-enhanced learning experiences with a clear set of learning objectives, teaching becomes more efficient and effective and learning is truly enhanced. In this article, I describe how I have made extensive use of technology in two neuroscience courses that differ in structure and content. Course websites function as resource centers and provide a forum for student interaction. PowerPoint presentations enhance formal lectures and provide an organized outline of presented material. Some lectures are also supplemented with interactive CD-ROMs, used in the presentation of difficult physiological concepts. In addition, a computer-based physiological recording system is used in laboratory sessions, improving the hands-on experience of group learning while reinforcing the concepts of the research method. Although technology call provide powerful teaching tools, the enhancement of the learning environment is still dependent on the instructor. It is the skill and enthusiasm of the instructor that determines whether technology will be used effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interactive multimedia computer training program on CD-ROM was compared with a videotaped lecture-based training program for professional caregivers of patients with dementia. Both programs promoted use of appropriate communication skills including speaking skills, reacting skills, redirection skills, and use of communication cards for redirection. Professional and paraprofessional caregivers (N = 88) were recruited as participants and randomly assigned to view one of the training programs. In a pretest-posttest design, participants rated caregiver responses in video vignettes of specific caregiving situations. At posttest, those who viewed the interactive program were significantly more likely to: (a) identify the correct responses, (b) intend to use correct strategies, and (c) have increased self-efficacy to use correct strategies, compared to participants who saw the videotaped lecture. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The activities in the year 2000 of some 26 intellectual property offices and organisations worldwide in the field of patent information are summarised. The summary is presented under nine standard headings, as far as relevant, for each country. Activity varies enormously from just a handful of (national) applications through to RU (∼29 K), KR (∼139 K), US (∼296 K) and JP (∼437 K), the numbers continuing to increase significantly in most countries. This is the second of two parts, covering in total 50 countries and organisations; this part deals with those having WIPO codes starting J–Z.The author concludes, inter alia, that (i)the backlogs of patent applications increased further, as granting or registration activities of many IP Offices failed to keep up with input;(ii)the pace of implementation of electronic filing systems accelerated;(iii)the importance of Official Gazettes in paper form for the dissemination of information on patents declined further;(iv)English language abstracts of newly filed applications continued to be prepared by IP Offices that work in not easily accessible languages, e.g. HU, JP, KR, RU, SK and VN;(v)the IPC, or derivatives such as ECLA, remained the primary tool for allocation, classification, and search in almost all IP Offices;(vi)automated search systems continued to be developed and used, in tandem with manual search files, commercial and free Internet online databases; and(vii)the use of complex jukebox systems to handle the vast numbers of patent specifications on CD-ROM increased again in 2000. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The activities in the year 2000 of some 24 intellectual property offices and organisations world wide in the field of patent information are summarised. The summary is presented under nine standard headings, as far as relevant, for each country. Activity varies enormously from just a handful of applications through to CA (∼39K), DE (∼62K), and EP (∼143K), the numbers continuing to increase significantly in most countries. This is the first of two parts, covering 50 countries and organisations; this part deals with those having WIPO codes starting A–I, and Jamaica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The library CD-ROM database with its enormous storage and retrieving from network capabilities, has been gradually replacing some of its printed counterparts. But one of the disadvantages is that it can only access the full-text image CD-ROM database via local area network environment. This paper proposes a new method to solve this problem. The method uses hash function as data structure and image document process technique to perform a practical library full-text image CD-ROM database retrieving system. The results of its function can reduce users storage space, allow multi-users to retrieve the same CD-ROM database, and allow users to retrieve and print out full text image CD-ROM database via campus network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balancing performance of an automatic ball balancer fitted on the spindle motor of optical disc drives, for instance CD-ROM or DVD drives, is analysed. It is well known that the operating speed of an optical disc drive with an automatic ball balancer should be higher than the translational natural frequency of the system to be balanced. However, the influence of the rotational natural frequency on the performance of automatic ball balancers has not yet been investigated. In this study, considering not only the translational but also the rotational motion of the system, the non-linear equations of motion are derived using Lagrange's equation. Applying a perturbation method to the non-linear equations, the linearized equations in the neighbourhood of a balanced equilibrium position are obtained. These equations have time-dependent periodic coefficients, which require application of the Floquet theory for stability analysis. From the stability analysis the effects of the stiffness and damping of rubber suspensions on the automatic ball balancer's performance are evaluated for the variation of operating speed. To verify the results, time responses are also computed from the non-linear equations. It is finally found that the natural frequency of not only the translational but also the rotational motion has an influence on the balancing performance of automatic ball balancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Francaise des Laboratoires is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently, a number of authentication schemes have been proposed for multimedia data. The main requirement for such authentication systems is that minor modifications which do not alter the content of the data preserve the authenticity of the data, whereas modifications which do modify the content render the data not authentic. These schemes can be classified into two classes depending on the underlying model of image authentication. We look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of these schemes and their relationship with limitations of the underlying model of image authentication. In particular, we study feature-based algorithms and hash-based algorithms. The main disadvantage of feature-based algorithms is that similar images generate similar features, and therefore it is possible for a forger to generate dissimilar images with the same features. On the other hand, the class of hash-based algorithms utilizes a cryptographic digital signature scheme and inherits the security of digital signatures to thwart forgery attacks. The main disadvantage of hash-based algorithms is that the image needs to be modified in order to be made authenticatable. We propose a multimedia authentication scheme which combines some of the best features of these two classes of algorithms. The proposed scheme utilizes cryptographic digital signature schemes and the data does not need to be modified in order to be made authenticatable. We show how results in sphere packings and coverings can be useful in the design. Several applications including the authentication of images on CD-ROM and handwritten documents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this beginner's guide, the authors review considerations for format selection decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to how libraries make format choices. Ultimately, these decisions will vary depending on a library's specific needs as outlined by its mission statement and collection development policy. Factors such as content, functionality, longevity, users, and cost play important roles in determining the most suitable option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a multimedia 9-module training program which uses text, graphics, animation, narration, and video as well as a planned approach to the use of color, pace, tone, setting, and instructional activities to achieve its goal of orienting new workers to the complexity of a public social service agency. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The authors describe a multimedia communications skills training CD-ROM for human service students and practitioners and evaluate its effectiveness with undergraduate social work students in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The Microcounseling Skills Simulation Program uses interactive CD-ROM technology to provide realistic situations to which students can learn and evaluate their microcounseling skills. The contents of the CD-ROM contain simulated counseling sessions first recorded on videotape and videodisc. The initial products consisted of four simulated counseling sessions, documentation consisting of an instructor manual, student worksheets, and scripts of the counseling sessions. This article will relate the process of creating a Microcounseling Skills Simulation Program and its conversion of the videodisc to a CD-ROM. This CD-ROM will include only one of the simulated counseling sessions. (The CD-ROM is being used as a resource activity for a Guided Correspondence Course currently offered on the World Wide Web.) [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The activities of some 43 industrial property offices world-wide in 2000 in the field of industrial design information are summarised. The summary for each country is presented under nine standard headings. Activity varies from less than ten to many tens of thousands of applications. In most countries the number of applications represents a small increase, compared to 1999. While a few countries rely on their own national classification alone for classification and retrieval, the majority use the Locarno classification. The reports reflect the continuing trend away from paper to CD-ROM and, increasingly the Internet, for exchange and dissemination. The author also concludes that automation and digitisation in this field still lag behind the analogous developments in patents and trademarks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the move from page to screen a range of representational modes (including image, movement, gesture, and voice) are available as meaning-making resources. This article focuses on the reshaping of the entity ‘character’ in the transformation of the novel Of Mice and Men (Steinbeck, 1937) to CD-ROM (1996). Through detailed analysis the article demonstrates that the shift from written page to multimodal screen entails a shift in the construction of the entity ‘character’. It is also suggested that students’ interaction with the resources of the CD-ROM as a visual text demand that ‘reading’ and the process of learning within school English be thought of as more than a linguistic accomplishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

purpose: Two patient education CD-ROMs were converted to a web-based environment. This article reports on users' evaluations of the programs' usability and content. description of evaluation: Subscribers to a center's web newsletter were asked to view one of two web programs and to complete a survey. The first 150 respondents were offered a free patient education CD-ROM of their choice, but users continued to respond to the survey even after a notice stated that 150 responses were received. A total of 301 surveys were completed (Colorectal Cancer Program 168; Chemotherapy Program 133). results: Sixty-eight percent of Colorectal Cancer Program respondents and 50% of Chemotherapy Program respondents considered the program to be more useful or much more useful than any other source of information on the topic. A majority of users for both programs preferred to view the information on the Internet rather than on CD-ROM. Many users reported trouble accessing certain segments of the media. Common complaints included the inability to open video or audio clips and the length of time needed for each page to load, despite a high-speed Internet connection. clinical implications: Internet use is high, with 60% of US households reporting having used the Internet to search for health information. However, little is known about user satisfaction with specific sites and what about them users like or do not like. It is hoped that these and other user evaluations will help web site authors and developers improve their sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the need for an interactive software product to educate children with leukemia, ages 4–11 years, and their families about the disease and its treatment, we developed and evaluated an interactive, comprehensive, multimedia CD-ROM product, Kidz with Leukemia: A Space Adventure. The prototype was tested using a randomized controlled experimental design. Children with leukemia and their parents were randomized to receive either the newly developed CD-ROM or the book You and Leukemia by Lynn Baker. Health care providers (HCPs) and other content/technical experts evaluated only the CD-ROM. Data were collected on children’s health locus of control, their understanding of leukemia, and the satisfaction of participants with their assigned intervention. Children in the CD-ROM group, compared with those in the book group, showed increased feelings of control over their health. Although there was a high level of satisfaction with the CD-ROM among all users, younger children and their parents were most satisfied. In conclusion, the CD-ROM, Kidz with Leukemia: A Space Adventure, was found to be a useful, engaging, and empowering tool for children with leukemia and can serve as a model for developing future health-related educational materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The intellectual property publication and information dissemination activities of the Romanian State Office for Inventions and Trademarks––past, present and future––are described. The paper, CD-ROM and Internet offerings are detailed. Dissemination techniques include a seminar programme, the maintenance of regional centres, and close cooperation with partners such as the Chambers of Commerce and educational institutions. Plans for electronic filing, for producing an electronic technical journal and for setting up interactive technical assistance on the Internet are outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the relationship between culture and technology, and identifies the need to construct a theoretical and conceptual image to link the world of meaning to that of technical artifacts. A reformulation of the technological style concept used in the disciplines of technological history and archaeology, among others, is proposed. The term "technological style" is considered the relation through which a particular technical artifact, process or system evokes another one. It depicts the technical objects' materiality and its socio-cultural context. An analysis of graphic interfaces extracted from a case study about a university software development center and editing of a CD-ROM is presented.

The Latin American Energy Organisation is an international agency aimed at promoting the development, conservation and rational use of energy resources in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 1997, the University of Calgary began offering a Masters of Science degree programme in energy and the environment in Quito, Ecuador, to train professionals to assist OLADE with fulfilling its mandate. The University Library believes that distance students should have the same access to electronic databases, research materials and document delivery as on-campus students. Technology and the Internet have enabled these services for off-continent distant learners. Through direct Web connections and instruction using innovative CD-ROM presentations, access to full-text and index databases, e-mail, research resources and document delivery requests were effectively provided to the students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, the publishing industry has packaged single works of printed resources with accompanying media such as 3.5" disks, CD-ROMs, videocassettes, audiocassettes, or web sites. Recognizing the importance of the information provided in the accompanying media and the library clients' access to them, the Library of Rush University (LRU) at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center developed and implemented “mixed media” policies and procedures. This paper discusses issues and Rush Library responses to the issues surrounding the management of “mixed media” titles in selection, cataloging, labeling, housing, circulation, loading data files, and the publicity that puts them in the client's hands. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper deals with standardising commands for CD-ROM searching, such as NISO Z 39.58 and ISO 8777, and the command languages evolved through EasyNet and Euronet. The standard commands are also compared with the software from database providers SilverPlatter, Dialog, and ISI. Apart from a discussion on the various attempts towards standardising search software, the groundwork for command languages and their implementation, the influence of the command languages on the evolving CD products is also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Chirurg is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

High hopes were attached to CD-ROM technology at its inception in bridging the gap between "information rich' and "information poor' countries. However, this is technology is entering the libraries of developing countries at a much slower pace than expected. This paper explores the use of CD-ROM in academic libraries of three South Asian countries, namely Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. A questionnaire was used for data collection and 39 academic libraries participated in the study. It was found that only one-half of the libraries were using CD-ROM technology and 65% of these were facing financial difficulties in sustaining it. TWO-thirds of the libraries have only up to two CD-ROM workstations and, on average, libraries have just over four CD-ROM titles. Most of the library staff was self trained and only libraries were undertaking promotional and user education activities. This paper suggests that donor agencies and leading publishers should pool their resources to develop full-text CD-ROM products to help sustain the flow of digital information to these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]