Research on Information Seeking and Use in Pakistan: An Assessment
The paper describes the beginning of research activity on information needs and presents an analysis of the literature on information needs in Pakistan to discover that no research has so far been published. It reviews 14 student-research projects produced from 1975 to 1982 at the University of the Punjab which have remained unpublished; Laments the loss of impetus given to this topic in 1974-75; and urges the LIS academics and practitioners to promote and conduct research on this critical topic.
Strengthening Agricultural Libraries in Pakistan
Abstract Inflow of current information is vital to support agricultural research for sustaining an adequate level of productivity. Agricultural libraries in Pakistan have extremely deficient collections. Little application of information technology has been made in these libraries. Deficiency of trained manpower has been another area of critical concern. These problems have prevented these libraries to cater tbr the information needs of the Pakistani's scientific community in an efficient manner. A library strengthening project, with financial assistance of USAID, was designed to elevate the status of agricultural libraries in Pakistan. One of the objectives was to develop multi-media collections in these libraries by providing core journals on microform and other electronic media. This paper discusses different facets of the project related to project design and development, and strategies used for collection development and application of information technology. It also discusses the criteria for the selection of library application software. The paper also recommends measures to improve library cooperation and resource sharing among agricultural libraries of Pakistan. Needs for appropriate funding and application of promotional activities are also highlighted.
Space Qualification Testing of a Shape Memory Alloy Deployable CubeSat Antenna
Abstract : Increasingly capable CubeSat missions require antenna with improved Radio Frequency performance over the traditional CubeSat antennas. Deployable quadrifilar helical antennas (QHA) enable an acceptable stowing volume and deploy to provide increased gain and bandwidth over traditional patch and dipole antennas. Extensive ground testing is required to ensure the antenna is space qualified and to characterize the antenna deployment in the space environment. AFIT requires a QHA to perform a future CubeSat geolocation mission and contracted Helical Communication Technologies (HCT) to design and manufacture a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) L-band deployable QHA. Vibration, thermal vacuum, laser vibrometer, and Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) experiments were conducted on the HCT antenna to verify the hardware in a simulated launch environment and to characterize the SMA deployment in the simulated space environment.The HCT QHA successfully passed all required NASA General Environmental Verification Standards space qualification testing. Several anomalies experienced by the QHA encourage a redesign. The deployed antenna length varied from 250-290 mm and future RF testing is required to determine if the antenna geometry variations are significant enough to impact the geolocation mission.This research documents the test results for a QHA deployable CubeSat antenna testing and aids the development of CONOPS for the future AFIT CubeSat mission utilizing the HCT QHAs.