Conduit For Information Research Articles

Agents, brokerage and Argentinian railways 1880–1905

This article examines the role of agents and how their brokerage activities influenced the composition, shape and size of Baring’s business networks in Argentinian railways during 1880–1905. Baring was heavily involved in Argentine sovereign and railway financing and relied on trusted agents, who acted as important conduits of information, to manage their business empire. We explore 2700 pieces of correspondence in the form of letters and telegrams to illustrate Baring’s network over time. Studying the case of Argentinian railways, the correspondences reveal the longevity of Baring’s network and agents’ brokerage roles over time in response to changing local and global economic currents. Through this rich qualitative data and network analysis, we contribute to understanding agent’s brokerage and network change over time. By highlighting the role of invisible actors in the form of agents, the article contributes to understanding infrastructure finance, financial globalisation and more generally, the global history of capitalism.

Wentworth's ‘eye of the Court’: Sir George Radcliffe's management of the Irish parliaments of Charles I's reign.*

AbstractSir Thomas Wentworth (later earl of Strafford) has often been portrayed as an isolated figure working in Ireland, as lord deputy and then lord lieutenant, for the good of the crown. In reality, he had a tried and tested support system that developed throughout the 1620s in England and was implemented in the 1630s in Ireland. In the Irish Parliament of 1634–35, Wentworth relied heavily upon Sir George Radcliffe to generate and maintain support for governmental policy. He was an important conduit of information to Wentworth, assessing the mood of the House, acting as a controller of debate and reporting back to the lord deputy on discussions within committees. However, despite outward appearances that the Parliament of 1634–35 had been a success, the 1640 sessions of the 1640–49 Parliament were much more difficult to control in Wentworth's absence and Radcliffe struggled to maintain the government's initiative over parliament. Radcliffe's parliamentary career provides an insight into how Wentworth used his cabal to support his policies. This was fairly successful whilst Wentworth's government was strong, but, in Wentworth's absence, Radcliffe was unable to control parliament, contributing to the collapse of the regime.

Guidelines or mindlines? – implementing a new CKD guideline in German primary care

BackgroundThe development of clinical guidelines aimed at GPs is a key strategy to improving the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2019, the first CKD guideline aimed specifically at GPs practicing in Germany was published by the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM.)AimsThe aim of this study is to identify the barriers and enablers for the implementation of this guideline. The results of this project, together with quantitative evaluation against quality indicators for CKD in primary care will inform an update to the guideline.MethodsWe performed 17 semi-structured interviews with GPs practicing in Berlin and Brandenburg. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis as described by Mayring.ResultsWe found that the perception of low clinical priority of CKD compared to other chronic diseases, opportunity cost of using guidelines, as well as poor patient understanding were significant barriers. GPs expressed that improved graphic design or integration of guideline recommendations in clinical decision support systems were enabling factors. Clinical problems concerning CKD were mostly solved by recourse to informal communication with specialists. GPs reported that they rarely consulted CKD guidelines as an aide to clinical decision making.ConclusionThe most significant barrier to use was that guidelines were not used as step-by-step decision aide in consultations with patients. Our analysis suggests that informal contact between primary and secondary care is significant conduit for evidence-based information on CKD in German primary care. Implementation projects should support the development of these relationships.

Peran media sosial bagi advokat muda

In the utilization of social media, there are notable advantages and disadvantages associated with the dissemination of legal information. Unreliable online news platforms have the potential to propagate misinformation, posing harm to society. Nonetheless, legal practitioners can leverage social media as a conduit for dependable legal information by implementing strategic measures. The evolution of information and communication technology, particularly the internet, has transformed communication into a digital format. The ubiquity of smartphones allows for diverse forms of communication, including engagement through social media. Applications like TikTok, favored among the younger demographic, serve as tools for legal professionals to construct information networks and convey legal knowledge in innovative ways. It is crucial to bear in mind that social media can have adverse effects concerning the spread of inaccurate legal information. Advocates can mitigate this impact by utilizing reputable platforms, delivering pertinent information, and collaborating with fellow legal experts to generate informative and reliable content. In the execution of their responsibilities, advocates are obligated to uphold the integrity and esteem of the profession, exercise prudence and ethical conduct in using social media to cultivate a professional image, and disseminate precise and beneficial legal information.

Excitatory Projections of Wide Field Collicular Neurons to the Nucleus of the Optic Tract in the Rat.

The superficial layers of the mammalian superior colliculus (SC) contain neurons that are generally responsive to visual stimuli but can differ considerably in morphology and response properties. To elucidate the structure and function of these neurons, we combined extracellular recording and juxtacellular labeling, detailed anatomical reconstruction, and ultrastructural analysis of the synaptic contacts of labeled neurons, using transmission electron microscopy. Our labeled neurons project to different brainstem nuclei. Of particular importance are neurons that fit the morphological criteria of the wide field (WF) neurons and whose dendrites are horizontally oriented. They display a rather characteristic axonal projection pattern to the nucleus of optic tract (NOT); thus, we call them superior collicular WF projecting to the NOT (SCWFNOT) neurons. We corroborated the morphological characterization of this neuronal type as a distinct neuronal class with the help of unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis. Our ultrastructural data demonstrate that SCWFNOT neurons establish excitatory connections with their targets in the NOT. Although, in rodents, the literature about the WF neurons has focused on their extensive projection to the lateral posterior nucleus of the thalamus, as a conduit for information to reach the visual association areas of the cortex, our data suggest that this subclass of WF neurons may participate in the optokinetic nystagmus.

The veterinarian’s role in reducing GHG emissions from beef and dairy production

The beef and dairy industries make significant contributions to sustainability objectives by providing our society with nutri­tious food, supporting farmers’ livelihoods, generating billions of dollars in economic activity, and contributing to healthy ecosystems. However, cattle production also generates negative environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emis­sions. Veterinarians have a unique opportunity to interface with beef and dairy farmers to assist with the implementation of products and practices that reduce GHG emissions, such that their clients can be more profitable and more sustainable. In general, the GHG intensity of beef and dairy production can be reduced by increasing output yields of beef and milk, while re­ducing inputs and maximizing efficiency. Some of the specific interventions include: early entry of feeder cattle to a feedlot, dry manure management, optimized inorganic nitrogen fertil­izer use, increased fat in the ration, use of anti-methane feed additives and ionophores, sourcing low-carbon corn, select­ing genetics for high feed efficiency, raising moderate/small mature beef cows and feed efficient dairy cows, improving pregnancy rate and reducing dystocia, conducting pregnancy checks, implementing artificial insemination, promoting herd health products and practices to reduce death loss, using growth-promoting implants, and utilizing SOP Lagoon®. As a trusted source of scientific information, veterinarians can be a conduit of information for producers and contribute to the ongoing effort to improve the resiliency of the beef and dairy industries.

What do cervical cancer patients know, how do they learn, and who do they tell?A pilot study.

This study explored what patients identified with cervical cancer know about the link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer and where they learned this information. Patients share a great deal of information with family, friends and colleagues and we were interested in the accuracy and sources of information they are sharing. Patients identified through the EHR of a health system who had a history of cervical cancer were invited to participate in a brief survey of their experience. The sample represents an opportunity sample of patients who responded. Generally, these patients, drawn from the Geisinger Health System in central Pennsylvania, were older (mean 57.5 years), White, and about half had annual household income of $35 K. Among all respondents about 17% had not heard of HPV, 21% did not know about an HPV vaccine, and about 38% did not know about the link between HPV and cervical cancer. Most frequently patients reported obtaining their information about HPV from television advertisements. About half received information from their oncologist. Patients reported having conversations with families about their own cancer, the cause of their cancer and HPV vaccination. It is important to note that these conversations were supported by information from many sources. Patients may serve as a conduit for information about their condition and may be informal 'educators' in the community. It is important to make certain that these opportunities are informed by information obtained from trusted and accurate sources.

China's Smart Diaspora Governance: Extraterritorial Social Control Through Digital Platforms

This article investigates the transformative impact of information communication technology on China's extraterritorial governance practices directed at Chinese populations residing overseas. Employing textual analysis on official documents, media reports, and data from qualitative interviews with ethnic Chinese association leaders in Europe, we contend that e-governance and social media platforms, notably Weixin, are instrumental in reshaping transnational space by facilitating enhanced overseas social control. Digital technology enables local Chinese officials to extend domestic security and judicial practices by empowering overseas Chinese association leaders as on-the-ground liaison and information conduits. The implementation of e-government services further amplifies the local party-state's access to, and the collection of data pertaining to Chinese emigrants. Drawing on a case study of Qingtian County in Zhejiang province, we posit that China's diaspora governance needs to be understood in the broader context of China's swiftly evolving digital landscape, where Weixin assumes a pivotal role as a digital infrastructure.

The athletic consul: a new role in sports organizations

Sports organizations are complex. In addition to the actual coaching of athletes, many utilize a myriad of different administrative and sport science departments or areas of expertise to aid in the achievement of success. Examples include sports administration, nutrition, strength and conditioning, sport psychology, counseling, athletic training, to name a few. Consequently, there are many voices within the organization, and communication and effectiveness may be affected by silos, fear of voicing opinions, or other chal¬lenges that come from the stresses and rigors of athletic competition. Anecdotally, we have noticed the often-informal introduction of an individual into some sports organizations and teams to help support the overall organization and its personnel. This individual does not necessarily have decision-making pow¬ers, but serves as a conduit of information, a supporter, and an advisor to all parties. To date, a specific title for this position has not been formally recognized, nor have its roles or responsibilities been defined. There¬fore, the purpose of this conceptual article is to propose a name for this position, which we have termed Athletic Consul (AC). Further, we outline why such a position is valuable, its fit within an athletic program, the roles and responsibilities of the position, and why it is necessary for such this position be formalized.

‘The Pound of Flesh is Ours’: United States Armaments and the Neutral Sinews of Global War, 1914-1918

ABSTRACT Wars are rarely contained or limited affairs. They almost always involve non-belligerent neighbours in some significant way, be it as suppliers of goods or money, as geo-strategic buffers, as conduits for trade, diplomacy, propaganda or other information, as places of refuge or as agents of humanitarian aid, or even (or rather especially) as potential future belligerents. In turn, the primary concern of most neutral communities in time of war is to mitigate its impact and to avoid becoming embroiled in it as belligerents. Of secondary concern is the possibility of maximizing the opportunities offered by the fact that one’s neighbours are at war with each other and not with you. As a result, neutrals rarely remain unaffected or uninterested in a conflict, and particularly in one fought on their borders or conducted by communities with whom they have an on-going relationship. Using a micro-history of a singular advertisement, placed in the American Machinist magazine in the neutral United States in May 1915, this article highlights how fundamental issues of neutrality and armaments supply were to defining the contours of the First World War as a global total war and to how contemporaries framed the roles of neutrals and belligerents in that conflict.

Factors Affecting the E-learning Experience of the College Students in a General Education Course

E-learning has emerged as the primary response for the continuity of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This mode of learning relies on digital devices and emphasizes accessibility to the internet, the primary conduit for information. This research explores the impact of college students’ gender, year level, scholarship status, monthly family income, and monthly internet expenditure on their e-learning experience in a general education course. Employing a descriptive methodology and quantitative research design, data was collected using a survey questionnaire based on the Demand-Driven Learning Model (DDLM) and a 4-point Likert scale, validated with Cronbach’s Alpha. The sample size of 251 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Results revealed significant differences in students’ e-learning experiences based on gender (content, delivery, service, and outcome), year level (content, delivery, and outcome), scholarship status (service), and monthly internet expenditure (service). No significant difference was found in terms of monthly family income. The study recommends applying the collected data to enhance factors influencing the quality of students’ e-learning experiences, encompassing content, delivery, service, and outcome. These findings contribute additional evidence, information, arguments, and perspectives. The paper’s structure, design, and methodology can serve as a model for other e-learning courses offered at the university. Keywords: education; pandemic; Demand-Driven Learning Model (DDLM); Likert scale; Philippines

Migration and the Value of Social Networks

Abstract How do social networks influence the decision to migrate? Prior work suggests two distinct mechanisms that have historically been difficult to differentiate: as a conduit of information, and as a source of social and economic support. We disentangle these mechanisms using a massive “digital trace” dataset that allows us to observe the migration decisions made by millions of individuals over several years, as well as the complete social network of each person in the months before and after migration. These data allow us to establish a new set of stylized facts about the relationship between social networks and migration. Our main analysis indicates that the average migrant derives more social capital from “interconnected” networks that provide social support than from “extensive” networks that efficiently transmit information.

Risk perception and interpersonal discussion on risk: A systematic literature review.

Risk perception research has long been attentive to the fact that risk is a social construction. Nevertheless, this fact has not been integrated into empirical research in any systematic manner. Empirical studies that do focus on the social construction of risk often do so from very different positions and with different objectives in mind. Interpersonal discussion, while considered an important medium of social construction, is rarely given consideration. This systematic literature review aims to provide a coherent foundation for empirical studies of interpersonal discussion on risk. Specifically, it summarizes existing research into the reciprocal relationship between interpersonal discussion on risk and individual-level risk perception. The systematic literature review adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 843 unique articles were identified, of which 60 are included in the review. A majority of the articles in the corpus found a positive association between interpersonal discussion on risk and risk perception. This association, however, lacks robustness, especially in terms of the direction of causality. Three theoretical interpretations of the relationship are found in the corpus: (1) interpersonal discussion as a conduit for risk information, (2) risk perception as shared social schemata, and (3) interpersonal discussion on risk as a facilitator of similarity between network members. Implications for future research are discussed. This literature review concludes with six guiding principles for future research into the interpersonal discussion-risk perception relationship.

What do popular YouTube videos say about genetically modified foods? A content analysis.

YouTube is one of the most popular media sharing platforms that facilitates both professionals and lay people to participate in dissemination of knowledge and opinions. Its wide-reaching impact allows both top-down and bottom-up flow of information between experts and lay audience. With a vast proportion of Americans obtaining health-related information digitally, the purpose of this study was to describe the content of 100 most viewed YouTube videos in the English language, specific to genetically modified foods (GMFs). Using the search terms "genetically modified foods" the URLs and metadata for 100 English YouTube videos with the highest viewership were curated. Each video was viewed, and dichotomously coded for the absence or presence of ten content categories. Descriptive statistics, percentages of categorical variables and independent one-tailed t-tests (α=.05) were conducted to assess the statistical effect of the absence or presence of these categories on the number of views and likes garnered by the videos. Cumulatively, the 100 videos observed received 65,536,885 views and 1,328,605 likes. Only 7% of the videos were created by professionally credentialed individuals or organizations. More than 90% of the sampled videos described GMFs with an example, 50% mentioned their role in alleviating hunger, and 65% mentioned ecological concerns attributed to GMFs. Our results underscore the need for health professionals to increase their digital presence on online media sharing platforms such as YouTube, and capitalize on its pervasiveness as potential conduits of accurate scientific information to equip consumers make evidence-based, informed decision regarding GMFs.

Social network as a catalyzer of adherence to risk factor control in subjects with a subjective memory complaint

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory complaint (SMC) is defined as the perception of memory deficits despite a normal cognitive assessment, it is related to long‐term cognitive decline risk. The guidelines recommend medical advice about risk factor control, a healthy diet, and regular exercise for lower risk. However, there is no evidence that would guarantee good adherence. Social networks are conduits of support, information, and health behavior flows, they may have an impact on SMC adherence to the suggested changes. Our aim is a) to assess long‐term adherence of SMC to lifestyle changes b) to evaluate social networks as a predictor of adherence.MethodsProspective cohort study recruiting SCM participants with a normal UDS3 neuropsychological battery. Participants were evaluated on individual risk based on CAIDE score and received guideline‐based recommendations about lifestyle changes. Subjects were re‐evaluated 6 months after recommendations to assess their adherence to a healthy diet (MIND score), physical activity (IPAQ), risk factor control, and their social network (Figure 1). We fitted a generalized linear model to predict IPAQscore and MINDscore with social network features.ResultsWe recruited 200 participants (age 68.1 ± 6.5; 62% female; 57% first‐degree family history of dementia, and 15.91±2.28 years of education). Participants presented a 7.55±2.04 CAIDE score (Table 1): 37% high blood pressure, 51% obesity, dyslipidemia 43%, Social isolation 25%, 51% sedentarism, 9% smoking, and 22% heavy drinking. Six months after medical advice, 15% stopped drinking, 5.1% quit smoking, 37% started physical activity, and 66% a healthy diet. Regarding social networks, the median size of the network was 8 IQR[5‐12], 50% were kin, gender diversity: IQV = 0.77; 50% IQR[20%‐60%] sedentary, 20% IQR[0%‐44%] unhealthy diet. The percentage of sedentary social network members was a predictor of the intensity of the weekly physical activity of participants (in METS/minutes/week)(β ‐2.82 95%CI[‐4.7,‐9.27] p = 0.005) (Table 2).ConclusionParticipants showed good adherence to the proposed intervention. Social networks have an impact on adherence and it is a potential target to prevent dementia.

Minakata Kumagusu in London: Challenging Eurocentrism in the pages of Nature

The Japanese biologist and ethnologist Minakata Kumagusu has achieved a degree of celebrity in Japan for being the first Asian contributor to the British scientific magazine Nature . However, although Minakata's many contributions to Nature from 1893 to 1914 provided British readers with rare insight into Asian scientific achievements, he is seldom discussed in history of science scholarship produced by American, British and European researchers. In this article we examine Minakata's Nature articles to gain insight into how his encounter with the Eurocentrism of British culture while living in London from 1892 to 1900 affected his intellectual development. We argue that having his articles published in Nature to gain scientific recognition was not Minakata's real goal. Rather, we demonstrate that his Nature articles were connected to a larger project that inspired Minakata for much of his life, a descriptive sociology of Japan. For this descriptive sociology, Minakata wished to construct a new form of historical analysis that drew on past Asian sources, as well as anthropological and sociological perspectives learned from British philosopher of evolution Herbert Spencer and British anthropologists such as Edward Clodd, Edward Tylor and Andrew Lang. Minakata's writings reveal him to be much more than a conduit of information about Asia. He was also a pioneering global intellectual who demonstrated how Asian science complemented Western science.

“Splainin” Health and Nutrition Science to a Doubtful Public

It is hardly a secret that the health, nutrition, and other science communication environment has over the past few years become ever-more problematic. The authors of the present article have repeatedly documented the challenges posed to public understanding of science by the rise of social media and other internet communication “tools” and the diminishing influence of such media as journals, legacy news organizations, and other traditional conduits of scientific information. Various remedies have been proposed for facilitating greater public appreciation and comprehension of science. In the current article, the authors offer a bold, if not surprising, new proposal: initiate or broaden public exposure to the true nature of the scientific method/process. They suggest that health and science communicators not hold back in extolling the noisy and highly contentious process by which hypotheses are explored and eventually accepted or rejected. If communicators, they argue, convince audiences of the messy, even argumentative, way in which science actually evolves, it may be easier to encourage a greater open-mindedness toward previously unpopular, even uncomprehended, dreaded, or despised, scientific ideas. The issue is of paramount importance, especially now, as keeping the public focus on science, not individual scientists, is critical.

Online Activism and Political Knowledge among Nigerian Youth during the 2023 Elections: Analyzing the Role of Online Information Sources

This study appraises the nexus between online activism, political knowledge, and the mediating influence of diverse online information sources among Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections. Through an analysis of these relationships, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of digital spaces' role in shaping young individuals' political awareness. Specifically, this study examines whether engagement in online activism during the 2023 Nigerian elections positively correlates with increased levels of political knowledge among Nigerian youth and whether the extent of exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the influence of engagement in online activism on political knowledge. This study employs a quantitative approach incorporating techniques such as Pearson’s correlation and mediation analysis. Data were collected through an online survey of 409 Nigerian youth aged 18–35. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between online activism and political knowledge, substantiating the hypothesis that active participation in digital advocacy enhances political awareness among Nigerian youths. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that exposure to diverse online information sources mediates the relationship between engagement in online activism and political knowledge, emphasizing the role of online platforms as conduits for political information and awareness. These findings underscore the pivotal role of online platforms in shaping the political knowledge landscape of Nigerian youth during the 2023 elections.

Influential Radiology Figures and Organizations in Social Media

PurposeWith social media becoming a vibrant hub for the radiology community, highlighting expert leaders and trustful conduits of information in the virtual field is proving crucial. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the most prominent and influential figures and organizational accounts to follow in radiology. MethodsInfluence scores for the topic “radiology” on Twitter (now known as X) were computed using the Right Relevance machine learning service. Top influencers were classified according to gender, geography, physician degree, areas of influence, subspecialization, influence score, title, affiliated institution, dual degree, medical school origin, content type, and research activity. Statistical analysis was performed assessing variable correlations. ResultsIn the top quartile of influential figures, 87% were physicians, 60% men, and 93% located in the United States. Prevalent backgrounds included neuroradiology (21%), abdominal imaging (12%), and artificial intelligence (11%). Of the top 100 figures, 81% were US graduates, 97% held medical degrees, and 28% had dual degrees. Fifty-eight percent provided educational content. A majority held leadership positions (58%) and academic professorship titles (70%). The median h index, publication number, and citation number were 14, 49, and 881, respectively. No significant correlation was noted between influence score and academic rank or research output. ConclusionsVirtual presence is becoming integral to health care professions and academic spheres, unfolding great potential for enhancing the sense of belonging, advocacy, recruitment, and fostering new relationships. Having a core of influential leaders and organizations to follow can serve as a resource for the community members and aspiring students building a positive connected basis for radiology’s thriving future.

Mainstreaming Religious Moderation Training on Muhammadiyah Perspective for Mubaligh ‎Muhammadiyah in South Banguntapan

One of the crucial problems being faced by Muslim communities, both on a global and national scale, is the emergence of radical Islamic views and acts of violence (both physical and non-physical) in the name of religion. Rigid and immoderate religious thoughts and intolerant attitudes are considered to be the main causes for the emergence of this radicalism, both in the form of ideology/thoughts and in the form of acts of violence. In Indonesia, various efforts to prevent and counter radicalism have been carried out by many parties, both the government, especially through the Ministry of Religion and also religious mass organizations, including the Muhammadiyah organization. Among the efforts that are being fought for to overcome this problem is the mainstreaming of religious moderation. Seeing the importance of the position of Mubaligh Muhammadiyah in the community as a conduit of information and knowledge about the ideology and understanding of Muhammadiyah religion with the character of wasathiyah and rahmatan lil 'alamin to the grassroots, through this community service program, the author and the service team are trying to carry out training on mainstreaming religious moderation from a Muhammadiyah perspective for preachers in Banguntapan. This effort is important to prepare Muhammadiyah preachers who are capable of counteracting various attempts of radicalization. Apart from being an effort to counter radicalism, this community service activity is also an effort to establish religious harmony and social harmony both within and between religious communities. In practice, this service activity is held through training activities and FGD (Focus Group Discussion). As for the results of this community service activity, in addition to publication in the mass media, journal articles, and publication of activity videos on the YouTube platform, it is also hoped that it will be able to increase the understanding of Muslim society regarding religious moderation in the view of Muhammadiyah and awareness to ward off radicalism that can damage social order, national and religious life.