Information Preferences Research Articles

Exploring different stroke populations’ information needs: a cross-sectional study in England

BackgroundWhile tailored information might have the potential to motivate stroke survivors to make essential lifestyle changes and improve long-term outcomes, how this varies among different stroke populations is not yet fully understood.MethodFrom November 2022 to May 2023, stroke survivors in the UK, who were clinically stable, participated in a community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants rated several information themes on a Likert scale from one to five, indicating the relevance of each information group to them. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon and chi-squared tests on SPSS. Descriptive statistics were employed for examining the preferred information delivery method, timing, personnel, and frequency.ResultsSeventy survivors, with an average age of 67 ± 19 (61% males), were recruited. Survivors emphasised the importance of symptoms, risk factors, and recovery information during hospital stay, while medication and lifestyle change information were more significant in the community. Subgroup analysis revealed distinct patterns: First-time stroke survivors highlighted the importance of social and financial support (acute phase median Likert score 3, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01), while those with prior strokes emphasised information on driving and working after stroke (acute phase median Likert score 4, chronic phase median Likert score 3; p < 0.05). Survivors recruited after six months of stroke prioritised knowledge of carer support in the community (acute phase median Likert score 3.5, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01).ConclusionSurvivors’ information needs differ depending on factors such as the recovery phase, type of stroke, time since diagnosis, and the presence of a previous stroke. Considering these factors is essential when developing or providing information to stroke survivors.

Preference and Associated Factors for Cesarean Delivery Among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: A cesarean delivery is regarded as a comparatively favourable and secure approach to childbirth when contrasted with vaginal delivery. Over the past decade, its frequency has risen in both industrialized and developing nations. Maternal request for cesarean delivery has been explained for the escalating rate along with other factors like anxiety, fear of childbirth, previous cesarean delivery, previous negative vaginal birth experience, maternal age, maternal education, and socioeconomic factors. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess pregnant women's tendency to have a cesarean birth and to investigate the factors associated with the inclination for cesarean delivery. Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care hospital, a systematic sampling procedure was utilized, and 368 antenatal mothers after 36 weeks of gestation, who do not have any specific medical reasons against vaginal delivery were included in the study. Data collection was done by questionnaire. The information regarding socio-demographic factors, preexisting comorbidities, current obstetric risk factors, emotional factors, previous delivery experience, and their information preference toward the mode of delivery were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the independent variables associated with preference for cesarean delivery. Results: The preference for cesarean delivery and non-preference for cesarean delivery was 114 (30.9%) and 201 (54.6%), respectively whereas 53 (14.4%) participants remained neutral. The Chi-square analysis revealed a notable connection between the inclination towards a preference for cesarean delivery and factors such as obstetric score, parity, comorbidities, and among obstetric risk factors such as pregnancy after in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with a history of abortion, and having a prior history of cesarean delivery. Nevertheless, no meaningful association was observed between the preference for cesarean delivery and the remaining variables. On multivariate logistic analysis, independent variables like preexisting anxiety or depression, pregnancy through IVF, and having a history of previous cesarean delivery have increased the odds of preferring cesarean delivery. The independent variables like increasing gestational age, graduates, and unemployed have decreased the odds of preferring a cesarean delivery. Conclusion: In conclusion, the prevalence of cesarean delivery is influenced by a complex interplay of medical, cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare system factors. While cesarean delivery is essential in cases of medical necessity, efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary cesarean delivery that does not provide clear benefits over vaginal delivery. Balancing the risks and benefits of cesarean delivery and promoting evidence-based obstetric practices are crucial for ensuring optimal maternal and infant outcomes.

Strategic Incentives and the Optimal Sale of Information

A monopolist data seller offers information to privately informed data buyers. I characterize the seller’s optimal menu, which screens between two types of buyers. Buyers’ preferences for information allow the seller to extract all surplus, and the optimal menu’s features are determined by the interaction between buyers’ strategic incentives and the correlation of their private information. The seller offers perfect information to the buyer with the highest willingness to pay and partial information, which makes this type indifferent. Both experiments are informative even when buyers have congruent beliefs if they have coordination (anticoordination) incentives and their private information is negatively (positively) correlated. (JEL D21, D42, D82, D83)

All of Us Participant Perspectives on the Return of Value in Research

To understand participant preferences for receiving specific types of research information, whether information preferences vary across sociodemographic groups, and the types of health providers participants could access to understand returned information. All of Us Research Program participants completed a value of returning research information survey. Stratified sampling was implemented to enhance participant diversity and avoid non-coverage. We used weighted multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between the most valuable information types, access to providers, and sociodemographic variables. Participants (N=20,405) were diverse in their race/ethnicity (e.g., 52% were White, 18% were Hispanic/Latino or Spanish, 3% were Asian, and 20% were Black or African American). Most participants (78.6%) valued information about their risk of serious genetic diseases with available treatment. Primary care physicians, specialists, and genetic counselors were the top providers that participants could access for help understanding returned information. Information preferences and provider access varied across sociodemographic groups. For example, as income levels increased, the odds of placing value on genetic results indicating risk of serious disease with available treatment increased when compared to the lowest income levels (p-value<0.001). Although genetic information was most valuable to participants, preferences about specific information types varied across sociodemographic groups.

Preferences For Health Information and Participation in Decision Making: The Patients’ Perspectives for Hospital Improvement

Patients of varying generations demand varying approaches. Additionally, hailing from diverse indigenous cultures and religions, they have distinct historical backgrounds that shape their personal qualities. In healthcare, holistic care is critical, and it must meet the dynamism and constant change of the world, while also taking generational gaps into account as a major concern in healthcare. This quantitative research made use of the descriptive, comparative (non-causal) design to compare the differences in the perceptions on the preferences for health information and participation in decision making among generational in-patients in a government-retained hospital for the 2nd quarter of 2021. Findings of the study revealed that the respondents had a good preference on health information on diagnosis, treatment, laboratory tests, self-care, and psychosocial while they are only had a fair preference of health information on complimentary or alternative medicine and healthcare provider. The Generation Z scored the highest of the four generations while the Baby Boomers scored the lowest. The respondents had a poor preference for participation in decision making on their diagnosis and treatment. They had a fair preference for participation in decision making on their laboratory tests but they had a good preference for participation in decision making on their self-care, complimentary or alternative medicine, and healthcare provider. They had a very good preference for participation in decision making on the psychosocial factors. The Baby Boomers scored the highest of the four generations, while the Generation Z scored the lowest. There was a significant difference in the perceptions on preference on health information. The Generation Z had a better preference on health information as compared to the Baby Boomers. Further, there was a significant difference in the perceptions for participation on decision making. The Baby Boomers, the Generation X, and the Generation Y are much better in terms of the perception of preferences for participation in decision making over the Generation Z. With the findings, a multi-generational health information and decision-making enhancement plan was created.

What Chinese Internet Users “Like” to Read: Selective Exposure in a Restricted Information Environment

Abstract We study the phenomenon of selective exposure in China's restricted online information environment. Through an experimental survey study, we measure to what extent features of online news, such as popularity (i.e. number of “likes”), influence information selection among Chinese internet users (“netizens”). We find evidence of preferences for news information according to news topic and the nationalist sentiments of individuals. Generally, for news about domestic affairs, Chinese netizens prefer articles that take the opposite position of the government; for foreign affairs, they prefer articles aligned with the government's position. However, nationalistic individuals are more likely to select domestic affairs articles congruent with the Chinese government's issue framing. We also find social endorsements to be highly influential on news selection behaviour. Popular posts with many “likes” attract Chinese netizens to the point where they select content they may not otherwise read, even though the internet environment is easily manipulated.

Characterizing Technology Use and Preferences for Health Communication in South Asian Immigrants With Prediabetes or Diabetes: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study.

Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects South Asian subgroups. Lifestyle prevention programs help prevent and manage diabetes; however, there is a need to tailor these programs for mobile health (mHealth). This study examined technology access, current use, and preferences for health communication among South Asian immigrants diagnosed with or at risk for diabetes, overall and by sex. We examined factors associated with interest in receiving diabetes information by (1) text message, (2) online (videos, voice notes, online forums), and (3) none or skipped, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and technology access. We used baseline data collected in 2019-2021 from two clinical trials among South Asian immigrants in New York City (NYC), with one trial focused on diabetes prevention and the other focused on diabetes management. Descriptive statistics were used to examine overall and sex-stratified impacts of sociodemographics on technology use. Overall logistic regression was used to examine the preference for diabetes information by text message, online (videos, voice notes, or forums), and no interest/skipped response. The overall sample (N=816) had a mean age of 51.8 years (SD 11.0), and was mostly female (462/816, 56.6%), married (756/816, 92.6%), with below high school education (476/816, 58.3%) and limited English proficiency (731/816, 89.6%). Most participants had a smartphone (611/816, 74.9%) and reported interest in receiving diabetes information via text message (609/816, 74.6%). Compared to male participants, female participants were significantly less likely to own smartphones (317/462, 68.6% vs 294/354, 83.1%) or use social media apps (Viber: 102/462, 22.1% vs 111/354, 31.4%; WhatsApp: 279/462, 60.4% vs 255/354, 72.0%; Facebook: Messenger 72/462, 15.6% vs 150/354, 42.4%). A preference for receiving diabetes information via text messaging was associated with male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.01-2.55; P=.04), current unemployment (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.03-2.53; P=.04), above high school education (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.41-3.32; P<.001), and owning a smart device (AOR 3.35, 95% CI 2.17-5.18; P<.001). A preference for videos, voice notes, or online forums was associated with male sex (AOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.59-3.57; P<.001) and ownership of a smart device (AOR 5.19, 95% CI 2.83-9.51; P<.001). No interest/skipping the question was associated with female sex (AOR 2.66, 95% CI 1.55-4.56; P<.001), high school education or below (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.22-3.36; P=.01), not being married (AOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.13-4.52; P=.02), current employment (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.18-3.29; P=.01), and not owning a smart device (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 2.06-5.44; P<.001). Technology access and social media usage were moderately high in primarily low-income South Asian immigrants in NYC with prediabetes or diabetes. Sex, education, marital status, and employment were associated with interest in mHealth interventions. Additional support to South Asian women may be required when designing and developing mHealth interventions. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333044; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03333044, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03188094; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03188094. RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3711-y.

Effect of Temperature and Time on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Crystallized Honey.

This research explores the crystallization process of honey during storage with a focus on its dissolution dynamics and essential characteristics. The investigation includes the examination of the effects of heat treatment at different temperatures (45-90 °C) and durations (23-960 min) on the induced crystallization of honey at 14 °C. Various analyses were conducted, including pH, acidity, color, sugar profile, phenolic and flavonoid contents, DPPH-scavenging activity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), viscosity, and sensory attributes. The results indicated a reduction in the moisture content and pH, an increase in acidity, and higher levels of HMF at elevated temperatures. While the ash content remained relatively unchanged, variables such as color, glucose, fructose, total phenol, flavonoid, and antioxidant content exhibited variations with temperature. Viscosity decreased with an increase in temperature, suggesting Newtonian behavior and implying potential colloidal changes. Consumer sensory tests revealed significant differences among samples, with honey treated at 75 °C demonstrating superior physicochemical and sensory attributes. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of crystallized honey, providing information for both production practices and understanding consumer preferences.

Exploration of decision aids to support advance care planning: A scoping review.

Advance care planning is a process through which people communicate their goals and preferences for future medical care. Due to the complexity of the decision-making process, decision aids can assist individuals in balancing potential benefits and risks of treatment options. While decision aids have the potential to better promote advance care planning, their characteristics, content and application effectiveness are unclear and lack systematic review. Therefore, we aimed to explore these three aspects and establish a foundation for future research. Scoping review. This scoping review adheres to the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA-ScR list. Six English-language databases were systematically searched from the time of construction until 1 December 2023. Two researchers conducted the article screening and data extraction, and the extracted data was presented in written tables and narrative summaries. Of the 1479 titles and abstracts, 20 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Types of decision aids were employed, mainly websites and videos. Decision aid's primary components center around 11 areas, such as furnishing information, exploring treatment and care preferences. The main manifestations were a significant increase in knowledge and improved recognition of patients' target value preferences. Among the aids, websites and videos for advance care planning have relatively high content acceptability and decision-making process satisfaction, but their feasibility has yet to be tested. Decision aids were varied, with content focused on describing key information and exploring treatment and care preferences. Regarding application effects, the aids successfully facilitated the advance care planning process and improved the quality of participants' decisions. Overall, decision aids are efficient in improving the decision-making process for implementing advance care planning in cancer and geriatric populations. In the future, personalised decision aids should be developed based on continuous optimization of tools' quality and promoted for clinical application. The paper has adhered to the EQUATOR guidelines and referenced the PRISMAg-ScR checklist. This is a review without patient and public contribution. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/YPHKF, Open Science DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/YPHKF.

AI based fuzzy MCDM models: Comparison and evaluation of dissimilar outcomes, an application to enhance pilot recruitment process

AbstractPilot recruitment is critical as they pose a multifaceted challenge for civilian and military organizations due to the complex traits impacting their missions and performance. In this study, a novel set of criteria and sub‐criteria were determined to compare twelve candidate pilots. Numerically immeasurable, imprecise, and non‐linear continuous fuzzy linguistic traits (variables) were studied which make the work unique and challenging due to individual preferences and disagreements between decision‐makers (DMs). The outcomes of three distinct fuzzy multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) approaches; fuzzy TOPSIS, fuzzy VIKOR, and fuzzy PROMETHEE were evaluated with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (TFNs) to sort the positions of candidate pilots. Moreover, a unique defuzzification ranking method was employed to adjust the results of fuzzy MCDM methods for the synthesis and evaluation of outcomes of the pilot selection problem. All these efforts make the paper original and outstanding. Our findings and analysis suggested that fuzzy TOPSIS and PROMETHEE methods' outcomes showed maximum close similarity for ranking positions. However, substantial distinctions were noted when comparing these outcomes with the fuzzy VIKOR approach. Yet, the mission of predicting and revealing the best candidates is related to several traits, their weights, and the methods selected. Therefore, since vague information and ambiguous preferences match fuzzy superiority, a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation was achieved, ensuring the integrity of the decision‐making process. The results can be employed to enhance the safety and efficiency of airline operations and ensure that the most qualified and competent pilots are selected for the job.

To whom do people reply in comment sections? Effects of attitude (un)congeniality, age, confidence, and knowledge

Phenomena like echo chambers and societal polarization have often been linked to an individual preference for like-minded information (selective exposure). This view has been challenged recently: behavior on comment sections in online forums suggests the opposite dynamic, with users more likely to reply to attitudinally uncongenial content. Three experimental studies (total N = 1524) explore boundary conditions of this uncongeniality bias by measuring participants’ tendency to reply to comments on climate science. Studies 1 (student sample) and 2 (non-student sample) replicate the uncongeniality bias. However, Study 3 (representative for age and gender in Germany) yielded a surprising congeniality bias (a preference for replying to congenial comments) which was driven by participants with higher age. Further results across studies suggest that high confidence increases engagement (general likelihood to reply) but reduces antagonism (likelihood to reply to uncongenial content). Conversely, high knowledge reduces engagement but increases the uncongeniality bias.

Factors Influencing Students’ Decisions to Engage in International Education Opportunities Post-COVID

International education opportunities are vital to students’ personal, professional, and educational development. Pre-COVID era research has found that students seek to participate in international education to learn about other cultures, enhance career development, gain world enlightenment, attain personal growth, or for leisure. However, minimal research exists about students’ decision-making factors to engage in international education opportunities post-COVID. The purpose of this study was to examine selected students’ preferred information sources, cues, and perceived challenges that influenced decisions to engage in international education opportunities post-COVID. Descriptive survey methods with a cross-sectional research design were used to gather data on students’ perceptions of international education opportunities. Respondents’ most preferred sources to learn more about international education opportunities were social media (university sites), friends, and academic advisors. Messaging cues that most attracted students’ attention were affordability, personal growth, and learning about another culture. Financial challenges, foreign language skills, and safety (in-country travel, diet, politics) were perceived as the most difficult challenges when deciding to engage in international education opportunities. Universities should make concentrated efforts to use targeted advertising through strategically identified sources and prioritized messaging cues that attract students’ attention and assuage their concerns about engaging in international educational opportunities.

Statin use for cardiovascular disease prevention: perceptions among people living with HIV in the United States

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) may be at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statin use and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of CVD but remain under-prescribed among PLWH. The objective of this study was to characterize knowledge of CVD and statin use, current usage, barriers to taking statins, and information desired by PLWH to improve statin uptake among PLWH in Los Angeles, CA.MethodsBetween April 2019 and April 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions (n = 37) with patients across three public community health clinics that serve PLWH in Los Angeles County, California. All clinics participated in a larger study to improve statin prescribing for PLWH. We asked about knowledge of statins, willingness to take a statin, possible barriers to statin usage, preferred information sources for health information, and desired information about statins. We utilized standard qualitative content analysis methods to identify themes.ResultsWe found a range in the awareness of statins, with some participants reporting never having heard of statins while others had a history of statin use. There were concerns about the potential long-term effect of statin use, but participants expressed willingness to use CVD medications generally and statins specifically, especially if recommended by their healthcare provider. Participants also expressed interest in potential alternatives to statin usage such as exercising regularly and nutritious eating.ConclusionsMore interventions are needed to increase statin use among PLWH to improve CVD outcomes, which also has implications for HIV progression. Clinics should aim to increase patient and provider knowledge about CVD risk and statin use for PLWH and provide shared decision-making tools that are easy to use and culturally appropriate.

Prognostic awareness and prognostic information preferences among advanced cancer patients in Kenya.

Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya. Yet, little is known about prognostic awareness and preferences for prognostic information. To assess the prevalence of prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya. Outpatient medical oncology and palliative care clinics and inpatient medical and surgical wards of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. The authors surveyed 207 adults with advanced solid cancers. The survey comprised validated measures developed for a multi-site study of end-of-life care in advanced cancer patients. Outcome variables included prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information. More than one-third of participants (36%) were unaware of their prognosis and most (67%) preferred not to receive prognostic information. Increased age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07) and education level (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.08, 1.30) were associated with a higher likelihood of preference to receive prognostic information, while increased symptom burden (OR= 0.94, CI: 0.90, 0.99) and higher perceived household income levels (lower-middle vs low: OR= 0.19; CI: 0.09, 0.44; and upper middle- or high vs low: OR= 0.22, CI: 0.09, 0.56) were associated with lower odds of preferring prognostic information. Results reveal low levels of prognostic awareness and little interest in receiving prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya.Contribution:Given the important role of prognostic awareness in providing patient-centred care, efforts to educate patients in Kenya on the value of this information should be a priority, especially among younger patients.

Are you always ignoring attitude-challenging messages? Eye-tracking selective exposure on Chinese’ lowly involved news consumption

This study employs a pre-post-test design to investigate the selective exposure behaviors while consuming news with low involvement. The experiment incorporates eye-tracking and self-report measures to explore participants’ preferences for attitude-consistent and attitude-inconsistent information. The results of the study indicate that attitude consistency does not serve as the primary determinant of selective exposure; instead, participants demonstrate a stronger inclination towards engaging with a smaller number of posts from a particular perspective. Following their exposure to the news feed, participants display a heightened tendency to read articles with neutral attitudes. In addition, individuals who initially held a particular attitude tend to shift towards a neutral standpoint, particularly when exposed to a mostly-consistent opinion climate. Notably, participants’ attitudes do not tend to become radicalized under any opinion climate. The study acknowledges its limitations and proceeds to discuss the implications of these findings.

Hopes, expectations, and informational needs in patients undergoing advanced heart failure therapy evaluations

BackgroundPatients undergoing evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies (AHT) are at a critical juncture of their illness. Guidelines recommend shared decision-making with patients and caregivers; however, the approach and content of these discussions is unknown. MethodsPatients referred to a specialty palliative care service during AHT evaluation between October 2018 and September 2022 were identified from electronic healthcare records. Goals of care conversations documented in an advance care planning module were analyzed for participants, content, and timing prior to transplant selection committee meeting. Primary outcomes included prevalence of documented hopes, worries, shared prognostic communication, illness understanding, treatment expectations, and information preferences. Patients were followed for a minimum of six months to evaluate secondary processes and clinical outcomes. Results94 patients (mean age 52.8 years, 76.6% male) met criteria. Most (97.9%, n=92) had illness understanding documented. In initial discussions, 76.3% (n=71) hoped to “live longer” and 67.7% (n=63) to “be independent”; thematic analysis supported these hopes with 91.0% of patients expecting “better functionality”. Most patients preferred multi-modal information and communication. During follow-up, 27.7% (n=26) had treatment decisions deferred at initial committee presentation, and 43.6% (n=41) were reviewed at multiple selection committee meetings. By the end of the study period, 53.2% (n=50) underwent one or more AHT and 24.5% (n=23) had died. ConclusionPatients undergoing the AHT evaluation process face considerable uncertainty. A standardized approach by a specialty palliative care service elicits patients’ illness understanding, hopes, worries, treatment expectations, and information preferences to promote shared decision-making at this critical time.

A special role for anterior cingulate cortex, but not orbitofrontal cortex or basolateral amygdala, in choices involving information.

Subjects are often willing to pay a cost for information. In a procedure that promotes paradoxical choices, animals choose between a richer option followed by a cue that is rewarded 50% of the time (No Info) vs. a leaner option followed by one of two cues that signal certain outcomes: one always rewarded (100%) and the other never rewarded, 0% (Info). Since decisions involve comparing the subjective value of options after integrating all their features, preference for information may rely on cortico-amygdalar circuitry. To test this, male and female rats were prepared with bilateral inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) in the anterior cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, basolateral amygdala, or null virus (control). We inhibited these regions after stable preference was acquired. We found that inhibition of the anterior cingulate cortex destabilized choice preference in female rats without affecting latency to choose or response rate to cues. A logistic regression fit revealed that previous choice predicted current choice in all conditions, however previously rewarded Info trials strongly predicted preference in all conditions except in female rats following anterior cingulate cortex inhibition. The results reveal a causal, sex-dependent role for the anterior cingulate cortex in decisions involving information.

Corporate information preference and stock return volatility

ABSTRACT This paper models the effect of corporate information preference on stock return volatility based on optimization problems of information decisions for firms and investors. Our model hypothesizes a positive correlation between corporate information preference and volatility. Utilizing the ideal institutional background of the Chinese stock market, we empirically confirm that corporate information preference has a positive impact on volatility, particularly for firms facing more severe financial distress, limited investor attention, and less analyst coverage. Our study provides a new perspective for analyzing the interaction between information supply and asset price dynamics.

Effects of prognostic communication strategies on emotions, coping, and appreciation of consultations: An experimental study in advanced cancer.

We aimed to investigate effects of prognostic communication strategies on emotions, coping, and appreciation of consultations in advanced cancer. For this experimental study, we created 8 videos of a scripted oncological consultation, only varying in prognostic communication strategies. Disease-naive individuals (n = 1036) completed surveys before and after watching 1 video, while imagining being the depicted cancer patient. We investigated effects of the type of disclosure (prognostic disclosure vs. communication of unpredictability vs. non-disclosure) and content of disclosure (standard vs. standard and best-case vs. standard, best- and worst-case survival scenarios; numerical vs. word-based estimates) on emotions, coping, and appreciation of consultations. Moderating effects of individual characteristics were tested. Participants generally reported more satisfaction (p < .001) after prognostic disclosure versus communication of unpredictability and less uncertainty (p = .042), more satisfaction (p = .005), and more desirability (p = .016) regarding prognostic information after numerical versus word-based estimates. Effects of different survival scenarios were absent. Prognostic communication strategies lacked effects on emotions and coping. Significant moderators included prognostic information preference and uncertainty tolerance. In an experimental setting, prognostic disclosure does not cause more negative emotions than non-disclosure and numerical estimates are more strongly appreciated than words. Oncologists' worries about harming patients should not preclude disclosing (precise) prognostic information, yet sensitivity to individual preferences and characteristics remains pivotal.

Learning Accurate and Bidirectional Transformation via Dynamic Embedding Transportation for Cross-Domain Recommendation

With the rapid development of Internet and Web techniques, Cross-Domain Recommendation (CDR) models have been widely explored for resolving the data-sparsity and cold-start problem. Meanwhile, most CDR models should utilize explicit domain-shareable information (e.g., overlapped users or items) for knowledge transfer across domains. However, this assumption may not be always satisfied since users and items are always non-overlapped in real practice. The performance of many previous works will be severely impaired when these domain-shareable information are not available. To address the aforementioned issues, we propose the Joint Preference Exploration and Dynamic Embedding Transportation model (JPEDET) in this paper which is a novel framework for solving the CDR problem when users and items are non-overlapped. JPEDET includes two main modules, i.e., joint preference exploration module and dynamic embedding transportation module. The joint preference exploration module aims to fuse rating and review information for modelling user preferences. The dynamic embedding transportation module is set to share knowledge via neural ordinary equations for dual transformation across domains. Moreover, we innovatively propose the dynamic transport flow equipped with linear interpolation guidance on barycentric Wasserstein path for achieving accurate and bidirectional transformation. Our empirical study on Amazon datasets demonstrates that JPEDET significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art models under the CDR setting.