Group Of Frequent Users Research Articles

Insights on associations between the frequency of use of diverse social media products and social networks use disorder tendencies from a German speaking sample

ObjectiveIn the present work we investigate how individual differences in at least occasionally using distinct social media platforms is linked to social networks use disorder (SNUD) tendencies. A final sample of n = 2200 participants filled in the AICA-C-9 measure to get insights into individual differences in overuse of social media and participants also indicated which platforms they used at least once a month.ResultsThe analysis revealed a robust positive association between number of at least occasionally used social media apps and SNUD tendencies (r = .44, p < .001). Further, platforms differed in terms of their “addictive potential”, if one takes associations between frequency of distinct platforms use and SNUD tendencies as a proxy for this (and of course the actual descriptive statistics of the SNUD scale for the (non-)frequent user groups of the different platforms). In this regard, at least occasionally using some platforms (here Tumblr, Twitter and TikTok) was associated with highest SNUD tendencies. Moreover, largest differences in terms of effect sizes between the occasional and non-occasional user groups regarding SNUD scores could be observed for Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok. The present work bases on data from a larger project investigating associations between SNUD and tobacco use disorder.

Massive transfusion protocols in the Netherlands. Consensus or confusion?

IntroductionTransfusion strategy for trauma patients with massive haemorrhage is often incorporated in massive transfusion protocols (MTP). Albeit correct MTP use results in better patient outcome, research regarding the state of MTP knowledge is scarce. The objective of this study is therefore to assess knowledge of local MTP and massive transfusion strategy in the level 1 trauma centres in the Netherlands. Our hypothesis is that actual MTP knowledge is low and transfusion strategy differs. Materials and methodsSurveys were sent out in January 2020 to all trauma and vascular surgeons, anaesthesiologists, emergency department physicians of the largest level 1 trauma centre (locally, n = 113) and to one trauma surgeon, emergency physician and anaesthesiologist in each of the nine other governmentally assigned level 1 trauma centres in the Netherlands (nationally, n = 27). The respondents were subdivided into a frequent user group (MTP usage ≥ 4 times in 2019) and a non-frequent user group (MTP usage < 4 in 2019). Data are expressed as numbers and percentages. ResultsResponse rate was (n = 48; 42%) for the local survey and (n = 14; 52%) for the national survey. Locally, (n = 23; 48%) and (n = 25; 52%) respondents were defined frequent and non-frequent users respectively and national respondents all as frequent users. In total, (n = 13; 27%) of local respondents were aware of the current local composition of the MTP. Respondents indicated to transfuse erythrocytes first, followed by plasma and platelets (local non-frequent users n = 23; 92%, local frequent users n = 21; 91% and national frequent users n = 13; 93%). The indication for platelet transfusion was units erythrocytes transfused (local non-frequent users n = 10; 40% frequent users locally n = 11; 48% and nationally n = 5; 36%) and clinical view (local non-frequent users n = 9; 36%, frequent users locally n = 8; 35% and n<5 nationally. Whereas few respondents claimed (n = 5; 21% non-frequent users locally and n <5 nationally) to transfuse platelets based on platelet counts. Viscoelastic haemostatic assays were performed during MTP, but only by frequent users. ConclusionThe majority of physicians dealing with massive transfusion in trauma patients were not aware of the exact composition of the MTP and consensus regarding transfusion strategy and indication for platelet transfusion was low.

Concurrent Use of E-cigarettes, Combustible Cigarettes, and Marijuana.

Subgroups of adolescent single and dual e-cigarette and cigarette users have been identified, but usage patterns have changed in recent years, and there has been an increase in marijuana use. Research is needed with current data to identify subgroups of use including marijuana and determine their behavioral correlates. We cross classified ever and recent use of e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes, and marijuana among US high school students in the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), providing 8 different groups. Levels of 14 risk and protective factors were compared across groups in general linear models with demographic covariates using omnibus tests, pairwise comparisons, and planned contrasts. Replicability was tested through identical analyses for 2017 YRBS data. The nonuser group was 43.9% of the sample. The most frequent user groups were triple users (ever-use proportion: 16.9%), dual (e-cigarette and marijuana) users (15.8%), and exclusive e-cigarette users (13.2%). For risk profiles on levels of psychosocial variables, the triple-user group was typically elevated above all other groups. Exclusive e-cigarette users were above nonusers in risk profile but below dual users (both cigarettes and marijuana). Results were similar for ever use and recent use. The patterning of results in 2019 YRBS data were closely replicated in 2017 YRBS data. Co-occurrence of e-cigarette, cigarette, and marijuana use is currently substantial among adolescents and is associated with an elevated psychosocial risk profile. This has implications for both epidemiology and prevention studies. Further research is needed to study prevalence and identify pathways to triple use.

Point-of-care ultrasound at Role 1: is it time for a rethink?

IntroductionThe past 20 years have seen a rapid increase in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in the prehospital sphere. However, in the British Army there is no POCUS capability in the...

Data Analytics of Social Networking sites using Game Theory Model

Decision making tools provides substantial supports to companies as to optimize their strategies with respect to their competitors. The end users or say the consumers’ satisfaction plays the key role in the Decision making. The application under this research work is based on two giants of the social networking sites viz Facebook and Instagram. The primary requirement of a Game theory model is to have such competitors or says players and their interaction parameters. The first step is to identify the common features between these two players which satisfy the interaction criterion. These are the called interactive strategies under consideration. A heterogeneous group of frequent users of these two social networking sites is selected using simple random sampling. The reliability of the questionnaire, formed on the basis of interactive parameters, is tested by using Cronbach's alpha test. The graphical and descriptive statistics give the initial trends of the end users. The regression analysis is carried out where the intercept data is collected as payoff values. This leads to the formation of the two player Game theory model. As the final result, the optimum strategies of each player and the value of the game are calculated. The interpretation of the calculated values reflects the influence of decision making for the optimum strategies under the game theory model.

A Case Study of Learner Identity and Motivation in a Social Learning Space

This case study represents one element within a larger ethnographic investigation into learner behaviors and identity within the English Lounge, a social learning space in the Self-Access Learning Center (SALC) at Kanda University of International Studies (Burke et al., 2018). Within this larger project, I interviewed Ryunosuke (pseudonym) twice as part of 30 semi-structured interviews conducted over a roughly one year period with 15 frequent users of the English Lounge. Stemming from an initial observation study of student behaviors in the English Lounge area, we were able to categorize regular users of the space into two distinct groups. The first was a core group of users who spent time at the English Lounge on a daily basis and appeared to be comfortable and ‘at home’ in the space. We also identified an active group of frequent users who would attend the Lounge just once or twice a week. We designated Ryunosuke as a member of the latter ‘frequent user’ group.

Frequent marijuana use and driving risk behaviours in Canadian youth.

A better understanding of the relations between patterns of marijuana use and driving risks in young adulthood is needed. Secondary analyses of self-report data from the Victoria Healthy Youth Survey. Youth (baseline ages 12 to 18; N=662; 52% females) were interviewed biannually (on six occasions) from 2003 to 2013 and classified as abstainers (i.e., used no marijuana in past 12 months), occasional users (i.e., used at most once per week), and frequent users (i.e., used more than once a week). In the frequent user group, 80% of males and 75% of females reported 'being in a car driven by driver (including themselves) using marijuana or other drugs in the last 30 days', 64% of males and 33% of females reported that they were 'intoxicated' with marijuana while operating a vehicle and 50% of males and 42% of females reported being in a car driven by a driver using alcohol. In addition, 28% of occasional users and also a small proportion of abstainers reported 'being in a car driven by a driver using marijuana or other drugs in the last 30 days'. The high frequency of driving risk behaviours, particularly for frequent users, suggest that plans for legalization of recreational use should anticipate the costs of preventive education efforts that present an accurate picture of potential risks for driving. Youth also need to understand risks for dependence, and screening for and treatment of marijuana use disorders is needed.

Lost Keys: Understanding Service Providers' Impressions of Frequent Visitors to Psychiatric Emergency Services in Singapore.

This study used administrative data to identify characteristics of frequent users of Singapore's largest specialized psychiatric emergency department (ED). Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand staff opinions of frequent visitors. Data were from administrative records of all adult visits to the ED (N=16,123 visits of 10,108 individual users) in 2014. Random-effects logistic regressions were used to identify demographic and diagnostic characteristics of frequent visitors. To facilitate interpretation of administrative data in a convergent mixed-methods study design, interviews were conducted with 26 service providers who worked in the ED. Frequent use was defined as five or more visits in 2014. This cutoff distinguished the top 3% of users (N=331), and this group accounted for 16% of service use. Frequent users were more likely to have a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, personality disorder, or alcohol use disorder. Service provider groups (for example, physicians, nurses, and assistants) described similar groups of frequent users and noted that frequent use was related to lack of social supports outside the hospital and feelings of belonging within it. The most frequently cited challenges were managing intoxicated service seekers, managing expectations for admission, and dealing with threats of self-harm. The profiles of frequent ED users in Singapore resembled those reported in other large urban centers. The opinions of service providers and their reactions to difficult situations were similar to those of providers in nonpsychiatric settings. The service providers' perspectives highlight how societal pressures influence the way in which individuals with mental illnesses use services.

Characteristics of Frequent Users of the Emergency Department with Psychiatric Conditions.

The goal of this study was to evaluate demographic factors associated with increased emergency department use among people with psychiatric conditions. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients presenting to an urban, academic emergency department with a history of at least one mental health-related final diagnosis. A total of 569 people with psychiatric conditions were included in the study. Of this group, 22.1% had four or more visits within 2009. People with more than four annual visits were more likely to be over age 40, to have at least one chronic condition, to have Medicaid, and to be Black compared with those with fewer than four annual visits. The frequent-user group had fewer visits with a final psychiatric diagnosis, lower rate of psychiatric admissions, and higher rate of visits resulting in a medical admission than the infrequent-user group.

Targeted Intervention Reduces Use in Frequent Users of Emergency Medical Services

Some of the increase in EMS use is driven by a small group of frequent users. Age, housing status, mental illness, and substance abuse have been identified as contributors to frequent use. Creating EMS-based outreach team could be a cost-effective means of reducing frequent use of EMS. We hoped to determine if engagement by the San Francisco Fire Department's (SFFD) Homeless Outreach and Medical Emergency (HOME) Team is associated with decreased EMS use, and to identify predictors of responsiveness to HOME team intervention. Patients who called EMS four or more times per month were identified from SFFD records and through referrals from EMS providers and EDs. Intervention began with a traditional paramedic assessment. Once patients were determined to not have any immediate medical need, the HOME TEAM Interventional Technique was employed. This includes direct transport to medical detoxification services, San Francisco Sobering Center, Psychiatric Emergency Services at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH), substance abuse treatment clinics, primary care clinics, and access to case management and housing. We retrospectively analyzed data collected by HOME Team regarding EMS utilization in the 7 months before and after their intervention. Change in mean EMS use was the primary outcome measure. Social and demographic characteristics were gathered from the Department of Public Health EMR. Of the 59 subjects included in the final analysis, 14 subjects (nonresponders) had increased EMS use (mean increase 9.71, STD 9.75), and 45 subjects (responders) had decreased use (mean decrease 16.29, STD 18.88). The mean decrease in EMS use for all subjects was 10.1 calls per 7 months period (95% CI 4.4 - 15.9). None of the predictors were statistically associated with nonresponsiveness. HOME team intervention was associated with decrease in overall EMS use. While the response was not uniform, none of the tested factors predicted nonresponse. However, sample size limitations and high prevalence of some factors may have limited this finding. EMS-based outreach programs have the potential to reduce EMS utilization by frequent users.TablePatient Demographic and Social Characteristics.CharacteristicN = 59Sex, Male68%Mean Age in years (IQR)55 (9)Not Housed38.9% (5 missing)Substance Abuse88.9% (5 missing)Psychiatric History83.0% (6 missing)No primary Care Doctor43.4% (6 missing) Open table in a new tab

Characteristics of Frequent Users of an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit: A Five-Year Study in Portugal

This study examined demographic and clinical characteristics of frequent users of a psychiatric inpatient unit in Portugal. Data (2004-2008) for 1,348 consecutive psychiatric inpatients were reviewed. Frequent users (N=137), who had at least three admissions in the study period, were compared with nonfrequent users (N=1,211) on age, gender, race-ethnicity, diagnosis, and compulsory admissions. Data were analyzed with chi square and Student's t tests. Frequent users accounted for 29% of admissions. They were significantly younger than nonfrequent users (39±14 versus 44±17, p<.001), and a larger proportion had compulsory admissions (28% versus 14%, p<.001). The frequent user group also had significantly higher rates of bipolar disorder (61% versus 46%, p<.001) and schizophrenia (29% versus 18%, p<.003). Understanding characteristics of frequent users can inform development of appropriate services. Research should address other variables related to frequent admissions, including socioeconomic factors, general medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and treatment compliance.

Communicating central banking statistics: Making useful sense of statistics in a dynamic world

Trustworthy statistics have a welfare-enhancing effect in society and constitute a knowledge base that is fundamental to sound decision-making, not only at policy level but in the marketplace, in academia, in the corporate world and among European citizens in general. The world of statistics is continually challenged by its remit to reflect and explain in further detail complex financial and economic phenomena, as well as their relative importance in, and impact on, today’s society. This, combined with an exponential growth in the volume of data from private sources, affects the way in which official statistics are represented and communicated. This paper highlights the challenges faced by statisticians in communicating statistics in today’s society. It asserts that the future of statistics communication lies in the ability of statisticians to proactively extract relevant statistics, and with this information explain the dynamics of today’s financial and economic environment, in context and in a way that is tailored to the different user groups. The statistician must render the information easily understandable and user-friendly for policy-makers, market actors and frequent user groups – thereby proactively guiding the non-layman through an ever-increasing supply of publicly available statistics and concepts, and making a necessary contribution to sound decision-making in today’s dynamic society.

292 Frequent Fliers and Hot Spotters: Characterization of Distinct Subgroups of Frequent Users of the Emergency Department

292 Frequent Fliers and Hot Spotters: Characterization of Distinct Subgroups of Frequent Users of the Emergency Department

Effects of long-term corticosteroid usage on functional disability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis, regardless of controlled disease activity

We investigated the effect of long-term corticosteroid usage in suppressing the progression of functional disability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied 3,982 RA patients, who had continuous enrollment for at least 3 years, among 9,132 RA patients enrolled in an observational cohort study, IORRA, in Tokyo, Japan, from 2000 to 2007. The DAS28 and Japanese version of Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ) scores were collected at 6-month intervals (each phase). Among these patients, those with DAS28 values under 3.2 in all phases and RA disease duration under 2 years at study entry were selected as "early RA patients with well-controlled disease". These patients were further classified into 3 groups based on average months of steroid usage per year: Non-users, Medium-users, and Frequent-users. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to study the relationship between steroid usage and the final J-HAQ scores. Among the 3,982 patients, 109 had DAS28 values under 3.2 in all the phases and were selected as study cohort. The average Final J-HAQ in Non-user (N = 64), in Medium-user (N = 25), in Frequent-user group (N = 20) was 0.04, 0.06, and 0.33, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis after adjusting for all potential covariates confirmed that frequent steroid usage was the most significant factor associated with higher final J-HAQ scores (P < 0.05). Frequent steroid usage was associated with significantly higher final J-HAQ scores in early RA patients, even though their disease was managed efficiently by maintaining the DAS28 values under 3.2 over a long-term period.

Frequent users of pornography. A population based epidemiological study of Swedish male adolescents

Frequent use of pornography has not been sufficiently studied before. In a Swedish survey 2015 male students aged 18 years participated. A group of frequent users of pornography ( N = 200, 10.5%) were studied with respect to background and psychosocial correlates. The frequent users had a more positive attitude to pornography, were more often “turned on” viewing pornography and viewed more often advanced forms of pornography. Frequent use was also associated with many problem behaviours. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that frequent users of pornography were more likely to be living in a large city, consuming alcohol more often, having greater sexual desire and had more often sold sex than other boys of the same age. High frequent viewing of pornography may be seen as a problematic behaviour that needs more attention from both parents and teachers and also to be addressed in clinical interviews.

Analysis of Costs, Length of Stay, and Utilization of Emergency Department Services by Frequent Users: Implications for Health Policy

In efforts to decrease emergency department (ED) crowding and health care costs, frequent users of ED services have been targeted for interventions to decrease their utilization. Previous studies have had different definitions for "frequent users" and have considered all frequent users as a homogeneous group. To the authors' knowledge, no study has examined visit characteristics and resource utilization of different levels of frequent use. 1) to determine the rates of ED utilization by five user groups defined by number of annual visits, 2) to examine variations in visit characteristics by frequency of ED use, and 3) to compare levels of resource utilization among frequent user groups. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of clinical and financial records for all ED visits to an urban, academic hospital in 2001. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used for analyses. Estimates were corrected for multiple comparisons (with Bonferroni corrections), where applicable, and adjusted for clustering within individuals (with Huber-White estimators). Outcome measures were triage acuity, diagnosis-related group (DRG) severity, disposition status, primary complaint, medical diagnosis, hospital inpatient length of stay, payment method, costs, and demographics. Patients with three to 20 visits were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than patients visiting once or twice. Patients visiting more than 20 times were less likely to require hospital admission and more likely to present with "nonurgent" conditions, have lower severity scores, and elope or leave the ED without medical attention than patients visiting the ED once. The group had fewer inpatient days and lower average costs than patients visiting once. Patients with six to 20 visits had traditional Medicaid coverage more often than those with one or two visits. Virtually no patients visiting more than 20 times had Medicare or Medicaid managed care, a health maintenance organization, or a preferred provider organization. Frequent ED users are a heterogeneous group. Many patients previously thought to overutilize the ED for socioeconomic or insignificant medical problems are as sick as less-frequent ED users. There is a small subgroup with more than 20 visits who are less ill or injured but also incurred lower-than-average costs per visit.

Analysis of Costs, Length of Stay, and Utilization of Emergency Department Services by Frequent Users: Implications for Health Policy

In efforts to decrease emergency department (ED) crowding and health care costs, frequent users of ED services have been targeted for interventions to decrease their utilization. Previous studies have had different definitions for frequent users and have considered all frequent users as a homogeneous group. To the authors' knowledge, no study has examined visit characteristics and resource utilization of different levels of frequent use. Objectives: 1) to determine the rates of ED utilization by five user groups defined by number of annual visits, 2) to examine variations in visit characteristics by frequency of ED use, and 3) to compare levels of resource utilization among frequent user groups. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of clinical and financial records for all ED visits to an urban, academic hospital in 2001. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models were used for analyses. Estimates were corrected for multiple comparisons (with Bonferroni corrections), where applicable, and adjusted for clustering within individuals (with Huber-White estimators). Outcome measures were triage acuity, diagnosis-related group (DRG) severity, disposition status, primary complaint, medical diagnosis, hospital inpatient length of stay, payment method, costs, and demographics. Results: Patients with three to 20 visits were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than patients visiting once or twice. Patients visiting more than 20 times were less likely to require hospital admission and more likely to present with non-urgent conditions, have lower severity scores, and elope or leave the ED without medical attention than patients visiting the ED once. The group had fewer inpatient days and lower average costs than patients visiting once. Patients with six to 20 visits had traditional Medicaid coverage more often than those with one or two visits. Virtually no patients visiting more than 20 times had Medicare or Medicaid managed care, a health maintenance organization, or a preferred provider organization. Conclusions: Frequent ED users are a heterogeneous group. Many patients previously thought to overutilize the ED for socioeconomic or insignificant medical problems are as sick as less-frequent ED users. There is a small subgroup with more than 20 visits who are less ill or injured but also incurred lower-than-average costs per visit.

The effect of cash flow statement format on lenders' decisions

This study investigates bank loan officers' use of financial information and reports, in particular, cash flow information and the statement of cash flow (SCF), in making lending decisions. Subjects were drawn from four groups of frequent users of financial reports–bank loan officers, auditors, financial analysts and accounting academics. Each subject was presented with the annual reports of two loan applicant companies to make two independent lending decisions based on the information provided. The SCF of one of the companies was presented in the direct format, while the other was presented in the indirect format. The indirect format of SCF was used as a surrogate for the funds flow statement. Results show that, while cash flow was the second most used financial information, the majority of the subjects obtained this information from financial statements other than the SCF, notably, the balance sheet. In terms of financial report usage, notes to the financial statements, rather than the SCF, was most frequently used. No subject made use of the incremental information provided in the SCF presented in the direct format. The results suggest that loan officers do not use the cash flow information provided by the SCF, but rely on the accounting information provided in the FFS and accrual-based financial reports.

Usage patterns of an electronic theses and dissertations system

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) system is a national digital library of ETDs in South Korea. Provides a comprehensive picture of how this system has been used during its first two years in service since June 1999. The system transaction logs were collected and analysed to reveal the usage patterns of the system. Results of the study indicate that the KISTI ETD system usage has seen a significant increase since its second year. While most users appear to be domestic users, the system also attracts users from many other countries, suggesting that the KISTI ETD system has become a part of the international networked digital library of theses and dissertations. It was also found that there are a very large number of one‐time visitors to the KISTI ETD system. Nevertheless, the system began to maintain a frequent user group in its second year in service. The usage statistics regarding system features and the characteristics of users’ visits indicated that the search function was by far the most frequently used system function. Finally, discusses the implications of the findings.

Medical Musings about Intergeneration Design Phenomena at the 4-H Children's Garden

The use made of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by two groups is considered. Children are the most frequent user group; however, senior citizens are the second most frequent visitor type to use the garden space. Because of this dichotomy in user groups, an examination of the site design from the perspective of a behaviourist and medical practitioner was prompted. An investigation of site features and layout suggests that the underlying principles that were applied in designing the 64 garden teaching areas for children also serve the senior citizens. An explanation of how principles of design have application in the creation of garden spaces for individuals separated by over two generations of age is presented.