Information-sharing Process Research Articles

Ensuring Driving and Road Safety of Autonomous Vehicles Using a Control Optimiser Interaction Framework Through Smart “Thing” Information Sensing and Actuation

Road safety through point-to-point interaction autonomous vehicles (AVs) assimilate different communication technologies for reliable and persistent information sharing. Vehicle interaction resilience and consistency require novel sharing knowledge for retaining driving and pedestrian safety. This article proposes a control optimiser interaction framework (COIF) for organising information transmission between the AV and interacting “Thing”. The framework relies on the neuro-batch learning algorithm to improve the consistency measure’s adaptability with the interacting “Things”. In the information-sharing process, the maximum extraction and utilisation are computed to track the AV with precise environmental knowledge. The interactions are batched with the type of traffic information obtained, such as population, accidents, objects, hindrances, etc. Throughout travel, the vehicle’s learning rate and the surrounding environment’s familiarity with it are classified. The learning neurons are connected to the information actuated and sensed by the AV to identify any unsafe vehicle activity in unknown or unidentified scenarios. Based on the risk and driving parameters, the safe and unsafe activity of the vehicles is categorised with a precise learning rate. Therefore, minor changes in vehicular decisions are monitored, and driving control is optimised accordingly to retain 7.93% of navigation assistance through a 9.76% high learning rate for different intervals.

A Qualitative Thematic Analysis Exploring Chinese Young Adults' Experiences in Decision Making on the Management of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm in China. Questions regarding the extent of patient involvement in shared decision-making (SDM) processes persist; this is particularly pertinent to patients considering treatment options for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In this study, we aimed to explore Chinese young adults' experiences of SDM relating to the choice of treatment for low-risk PTC. Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive design and semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted with 24 patients (ages ranging from 18 to 38 years; 4 men and 20 women) diagnosed with low-risk (PTC) between March 2023 and May 2024. Twenty-two of 24 patients' tumor size measured 1 cm or smaller; the largest tumor size measured 1.47 cm. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the transcribed interviews. Results: The analysis revealed that the SDM experiences of young patients with low-risk PTC involve four themes: challenges in information sharing; reasons for information seeking; factors influencing decision making; and self-positioning in treatment decision making. Three self-positions relating to treatment decision making were identified. These included dependent positioning, which reflects a "paternalistic" decision-making pattern; collaborative positioning, reflecting a "sharing" of decision making; and autonomous positioning, reflecting an increased sense of personal responsibility for both managing their health and engagement in decision making. Limited treatment options being offered, overuse of medical terminology, and communication gaps between clinicians and patients were the main challenges described during the information-sharing process. Information that needs persisting after physician-patient consultations resulted in active information-seeking behavior. The key variables identified in this study that potentially affected the decision-making process were future personal considerations, language used to discuss cancer, and negative emotions. Conclusions: These results highlight the necessity of adopting flexible strategies when supporting collaborative treatment decision making in the context of the doctor-patient interaction for low-risk PTC. Based on these findings, clinicians can take measures to enhance the quality of SDM by inquiring about patients' role preferences, providing details of the full range of treatment options, and encouraging patients to share their preferences and concerns relating to possible treatment options.

The Border Patrol’s Migrant Death Undercounting in South Texas

Executive Summary For the past 25 years, the Border Patrol has tracked migrant deaths along the US-Mexico border. For nearly the same amount of time, it has also faced criticisms that it failed to capture the true number of migrant deaths in its tally. This article focuses on these undercounting criticisms and asks two questions: (1) How many documented migrant death cases are left out of Border Patrol’s official data? And (2) what factors lead to the Border Patrol’s migrant death undercounting? In particular, the article focuses on three South Texas counties: Brooks County, Kenedy County, and Maverick County. To answer the research questions, this article relies on comparative data analysis. In particular, it compares two person-level datasets: the Border Patrol’s dataset on migrant deaths from 2009 to 2017 and county-level records from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, the Kenedy County Sheriff’s Office, and Maverick County Justices of the Peace over the same period. It then attempts to match each county-level record to a recorded death in the Border Patrol’s dataset. Using this process, the article quantifies migrant death undercounting in South Texas, highlights geographic and temporal trends, and tracks the uncounted cases’ specific characteristics. From 2009 to 2017, this comparative data analysis confirmed that the Border Patrol was undercounting migrant deaths across the three South Texas counties. Specifically, the article finds that the Border Patrol failed to include 139 cases, which totaled 19 percent of the counties’ 749 recorded migrant deaths during the study period. This undercounting ranged from 16 percent in Brooks County to 24 percent in Maverick County and 29 percent in Kenedy County, with fluctuating rates over time. The uncounted cases also had specific characteristics. In particular, they were more likely to be skeletal remains, lack an identification, and be discovered by an external entity. These characteristics highlight the various factors behind the Border Patrol’s undercounting, such as issues with the Border Patrol’s migrant death definition, inconsistent data collection from external entities, and the agency’s low prioritization of migrant death tracking. To address and remedy the Border Patrol’s migrant death undercounting requires tackling each underlying factor. First and foremost, this article recommends that the Border Patrol fully train its agents on the agency’s migrant death definition and ensure consistent and standardized outreach to external entities. Further, it recommends that the Border Patrol improve its migrant death count’s accuracy through additional operational changes. These proposed changes include making “accurate migrant death counts” an official objective for the Border Patrol’s Missing Migrant Program, prioritizing a two-way information-sharing process with county-level officials, retroactively including missed migrant deaths in the official count, and publishing more detailed person-level data on migrant deaths.

What helps or hinders the communication of poor prognosis between secondary and primary care? A systematic review with narrative synthesis.

Introduction The communication of poor prognosis from secondary to primary care helps to ensure that patients with life-limiting illness receive appropriate, coordinated care in line with their preferences. However, little is known about this information-sharing process. Aim To determine how poor prognosis is communicated from secondary care to primary care. Design and setting Systematic literature review and narrative synthesis. Method Four electronic databases were searched from 1st January 2000 to 17th May 2021, supplemented by hand-searching key journals. One quarter of titles and abstracts were independently screened by a second reviewer. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality appraisal, independently using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were analysed using narrative synthesis. Reporting follows PRISMA guidance. Results Searches identified 23,853 unique studies of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. Few studies had a focus on the interprofessional communication of poor prognosis. Information about prognosis was not commonly communicated from secondary to primary care and was more likely to occur if death was imminent. Lack of identification of poor prognosis by secondary care teams was a barrier. Facilitators included shared electronic records and direct clinician-clinician contact. GPs welcomed this information from secondary care and felt it was vital for continuity of care. Conclusion Although the communication of poor prognosis from secondary to primary care is highly valued, it is rare and associated with cultural and systemic challenges. Further research is necessary to understand the information needs of GPs and to explore the challenges facing secondary care clinicians initiating this communication.

Sharing the secret: The effects of sharing mothers’ breast cancer on Arab children’s emotional and behavioral status

A diagnosis of breast cancer implies an emotional burden on the patient’s personal and family functioning, especially in traditional societies. Along with the physical and emotional difficulties that are inherent to cancer, there is also a tendency in Arab society to keep the disease a secret. The present study examined the impact of sharing information about the mother’s illness on the emotional and educational scholastic functioning of children of Arab Israeli women with breast cancer. The sample included 39 Arab women with breast cancer, their school aged children and their children’s teachers, who answered self-report questionnaires. Findings indicated that mothers and children who shared information related to the illness reported more perceived social support, children’s higher academic achievements, fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and higher pro-social behaviors than children and mothers who did not share information regarding the illness. This study underscores the role of sharing information about breast-cancer illness among Arab mothers, on the emotional and scholastic functioning of their children. Further research is needed to provide a way to facilitate the information-sharing process in the community, and to prevent the negative ‘ripple effect’ of concealing the mother’s illness in Arab society.

Assessing the Current State of National Biodiversity Data Integration: An Initiative by the Taiwan Biodiversity Information Alliance (TBIA)

Biodiversity data that adheres to the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) is essential for any research and application, particularly in understanding biodiversity, valuing ecosystem services, and guiding environmental monitoring and conservation. However, most biodiversity-related projects are carried out independently, resulting in the dispersion of data across various databases from different organisations. Data users often need to search, collect, and integrate data from multiple sources, which is time consuming and labour intensive. Furthermore, the lack of unified data standards and taxonomy backbones among different databases poses additional challenges for data analysis and application. To address these issues and maximize the value of existing data, we launched a collaborative bottom-up initiative aimed at establishing a national biodiversity data portal in Taiwan. The collaboration among eight units, including research institutes, governmental organisations, and museums, has led to the formation of the Taiwan Biodiversity Information Alliance (TBIA), along with the launching of a 5-year (2021–2025) Taiwan Biodiversity Information Action Campaign. Furthermore, the alliance has developed important documentation, such as the Taiwan Biodiversity Data Standard and the Principles of Opening and Sharing Sensitive Biodiversity Data. These documents have played a crucial role in facilitating data integration across the various units involved by implementing a convergence mechanism that adheres to the Darwin Core data standards (Darwin Core Task Group 2009) and follows a unified taxonomy backbone aligned with the Taiwan Catalogue of Life. This mechanism simplifies and expedites the information-sharing process, enabling users to access relatively comprehensive national biodiversity data. This presentation provides an introduction to TBIA and its development, illustrates recent achievements of TBIA, and provides a brief overview of the Taiwan’s biodiversity data status after integration, accomplished through the efforts of TBIA. The data integration effort has resulted in a cumulative count of 19 million records, while simultaneously enriching the portal with diverse data types owing to the distinctive profession and strength of each participating unit. For instance, integration has resulted in the incorporation of significantly more specimen records of marine and wetland species. Our future task involves promoting data use, establishing new connections with potential databases and publishing records from the integration effort in international data repositories (e.g., Global Biodiversity Information Facility), enhancing the accessibility of the data worldwide.

Diagnosis of DSD in Children-Development of New Tools for a Structured Diagnostic and Information Management Program within the Empower-DSD Study.

Background: Current recommendations define a structured diagnostic process, transparent information, and psychosocial support by a specialized, multi-professional team as central in the care for children and adolescents with genital variations and a suspected difference of sex development (DSD). The active involvement of the child and their parents in shared decision-making should result in an individualized care plan. So far, this process has not been standardized. Methods: Within the Empower-DSD study, a team of professionals and representatives of patient advocacy groups developed a new diagnostic and information management program based on current recommendations and existing patient information. Results: The information management defines and standardizes generic care elements for the first weeks after a suspected DSD diagnosis. Three different tools were developed: a guideline for the specialized multiprofessional team, a personal health record and information kit for the child with DSD and their family, and a booklet for medical staff not specialized in DSD. Conclusions: The new information management offers guidance for patients and professionals during the first weeks after a DSD diagnosis is suspected. The developed tools’ evaluation will provide further insight into the diagnostic and information-sharing process as well as into all of the involved stakeholders’ needs.

Information Sharing in Solving an Opium Problem: Multiple-Agency Management with Integration of Online and Offline Channels

Information-sharing projects in public administration need to pay attention to the organizational stability of the network or communities and the satisfaction of civil users. Therefore, the sustainability of processes and outcomes in resolving the multi-agency problem is necessary. This research aims to explore information sharing in the context of a multi-agency network assigned to eradicate opium cultivation and consumption in Thailand. The research found that three dimensions of management are crucial to the performance of a multi-agency network: firstly, the setting of clear goals; secondly, the balancing of benefits and adequate resources; and thirdly, constructive coordination. In addition, this network applies both online and offline channels in the information-sharing process. At the same time, these two channels have their respective strengths and weaknesses. This network can enhance efficiency and cope with any limitations by integrating both channels. This paper argues that the information-sharing strategy that supports a multi-agency network operation should be integrated between online and offline channels. Moreover, the integration of information-sharing methods is key to the success of a digital government taskforce in providing an efficient network for a long-term problem-solving structure.

A Game Theory Approach for Assisting Humans in Online Information-Sharing

Contemporary information-sharing environments such as Facebook offer a wide range of social and practical benefits. These environments, however, may also lead to privacy and security violations. Moreover, there is usually a trade-off between the benefits gained and the accompanying costs. Due to the uncertain nature of the information-sharing environment and the lack of technological literacy, the layperson user often fails miserably in balancing this trade-off. In this paper, we use game theory concepts to formally model this problem as a “game”, in which the players are the users and the pay-off function is a combination of the benefits and costs of the information-sharing process. We introduce a novel theoretical framework called Online Information-Sharing Assistance (OISA) to evaluate the interactive nature of the information-sharing trade-off problem. Using these theoretical foundations, we develop a set of AI agents that attempt to calculate a strategy for balancing this trade-off. Finally, as a proof of concept, we conduct an empirical study in a simulated Facebook environment in which human participants compete against OISA-based AI agents, showing that significantly higher utility can be achieved using OISA.

P–482 According to donor conceived adults, continuing the sharing-information process with parents about the donor conception is easier when the father took part in disclosure

Abstract Study question The opinion and feelings of adults after disclosure of the use of donated gametes for their conception Summary answer Disclosure is beneficial for 85.1% of donor conceived participants. Continuing the sharing-information process with parents is significantly easier when the father took part in disclosure What is known already Sharing information about the use of donor-conception with offspring is a complex process at several levels, involving in particular the parents’ will, the circumstances of disclosure, the child’s reaction, or the age of the child at disclosure. In this process, the child has a central position, source of force or friction. However, little is known about the opinion and feelings of adults who have been conceived through gamete donation. Study design, size, duration An online survey between March 2019 and September 2020. The opening of investigation was announced in media (press, radio, television), social networks, professional websites (CECOS French Federation…) and through interest groups (PMAnonyme, BAMP!, MAIA, ADEDD…) in France. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants completed a standardized questionnaire intended for (spermatozoa or oocyte) donor conceived adults, available on the AP-HM website Main results and the role of chance 114 participants responded to the survey, 14 men and 100 women. The average age is 32.9 +/- 7.35 years old. Among them, 111 (97.4%) are born using sperm donation, 2 (1.8%) using oocyte donation, and 1 (0.9%) using double gamete donation. Their parents are 110 heterosexual couples, 3 single mothers, and 1 lesbian couple. For 113 (99.1%) of them, the parents had ART in France. Disclosure took place when they had 18.34+/–11.7 years old. The average time between disclosure and the survey participation is 14.58 +/- 8.77 years. Information was transmitted by the mother for 47.4%, the father for 8.8%, by both parents for 29.8%, and others for 14%. The circumstances of information are: always knew it (11.4%), at a time chosen by the parents (36%), following a health event (7%), during a conflict (16%), following my questions (14%), by chance discovery (13.2%). A subsequent sharing process was possible after disclosure for 89 (78.1%) participants, and impossible for 25 (21.9%) of them. The sharing process is considered as not difficult for 49.5%, but difficult for 50.5%. It is significantly easier to repeat discussion about the donor conception with their parents when the father took part in disclosure (p = 0.02). Limitations, reasons for caution Most of the participants are members of interest groups. This may induce a risk of selection bias. Participants are primarily conceived using donated spermatozoa within heterosexual couples. This conclusion may not be applied to oocyte donation or other family models. Wider implications of the findings: The present findings highlight the role of the father at the disclosure step, so that the subsequent information-sharing process is easier within the family. Trial registration number Not applicable

A focused ethnography in the context of a European cancer research hospital accreditation program

BackgroundA quality accreditation program (AP) is designed to guarantee predefined quality standards of healthcare organizations. Evidence of the impact of quality standards remains scarce and somewhat challenging to document. This study aimed to investigate the accreditation of a cancer research hospital (Italy), promoted by the Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI), by focusing on the individual, group, and organizational experiences resulting from the OECI AP.MethodsA focused ethnography study was carried out to analyze the relevance of participation in the accreditation process. Twenty-nine key informants were involved in four focus group meetings, and twelve semistructured interviews were conducted with professionals and managers. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied to examine all transcripts.ResultsFour main categories emerged: a) OECI AP as an opportunity to foster diversity within professional roles; b) OECI AP as a possibility for change; c) perceived barriers; and d) OECI AP-solicited expectations.ConclusionsThe accreditation process is an opportunity for improving the quality and variety of care services for cancer patients through promoting an interdisciplinary approach to care provision. Perceiving accreditation as an opportunity is a prerequisite for overcoming the barriers that professionals involved in the process may report. Critical to a positive change is sharing the values and the framework, which are at the basis of accreditation programs. Improving the information-sharing process among managers and professionals may limit the risk of unmet expectations and prevent demotivation by future accreditation programs. Finally, we found that positive changes are more likely to happen when an accreditation process is considered an activity whose results depend on managers’ and professionals’ joint work.

Investors Activity and Contagion

The systemic risk induced by a connection among financial objects is generally measured by returns, volatility, interbank loans, etc. Nevertheless, these measures do not capture the microscale component of the interconnections induced by heterogeneous investor activity. In this paper, we exploit the information in the connectedness among heterogeneous investors to develop an alternative systemic risk measure. The interconnections embed the systemic risk induced by heterogeneous investors' trading activity because investor strategies incorporate information into stock prices in terms of market stability and information spillover in the network through the information-sharing process among different investor groups. We test whether systemic risk stems from heterogeneous investors' activity. We find that the retail investors with positive net information flows, which are defined as the source in an information network, engage in destabilization regardless of their market status, suggesting that retail investors could significantly contribute to market instability. The connectedness among investors disentangles the financial crisis period from the normal market states, quantifies the systemic risk associated with too interconnected to fail, and plays a detrimental role in financial stability. We find that the portfolio set constructed based on the systemic risk using the heterogeneous investor activity has a negative relationship with the expected returns. Our findings suggest that the connectedness among investor groups has a significant impact on systematic risk and would be crucial for regulations and policymaking.

Influential Factors and the Realization Mechanism of Sustainable Information-Sharing in Virtual Communities from a Knowledge Fermenting Perspective

Little is known about sustainable information-sharing in virtual communities, although it is increasingly recognized as a useful information-sharing tool. The aim of this study is to explore the influential factors and the realization mechanism of sustainable information-sharing in virtual communities. Starting from the similarity between biological fermentation and the information-sharing process in virtual communities, the present study creatively introduces the knowledge fermenting theory used in the analysis. Six factors influencing sustainable information-sharing in virtual communities are first identified based on this theory, which include sharing bodies, interactive topics, communication mechanism, supporting technology, communication environment, and platform scale. The relations among these six factors are then analyzed using the Decision-Making and Trial Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. The results indicate that the factor of sharing bodies has the strongest influence on other factors and the factor of interactive topics receives the most influences from the other factors. On this basis, the realization mechanism of sustainable information-sharing in virtual communities is elaborated from the following four aspects: the four stages of the information-sharing realization, the guide role of “strain,” the catalytic role of “enzyme,” and the effect of environment. The results indicate that sustainable information-sharing in virtual communities is a process of spiral evolution. Finally, recommendations are given to virtual community managers, users, and business firms.

Europol’s Crime Analysis System—Practical Determinants of Its Success

Abstract Threats to modern nation states from organized crime and terrorism create environments in which intelligence becomes a vital component of policing and security plans but the increasing use of personal data for law enforcement purposes can alter the normative relationships between stakeholders and law enforcement agencies and between agencies and citizens. For that reason, police intelligence practice demands critical examination. This paper presents a narrative inquiry, based on the authors’ experiential knowledge and empirical research, into Europol’s Crime Analysis System (ECAS). The study explains Europol’s efforts to develop data collection and analysis systems that meet the needs of EU Member States (MS). Through ECAS, it has created powerful tools intended to deliver intelligence products that help MS identify, localize, and neutralize transnational threats to a degree not witnessed before in Europe. Nevertheless, Europol’s performance in this context seems sub-optimal. Shortcomings largely are attributed to a lack of trust between Europol and MS leading to failures to share information between themselves and with the institution. The result is that the latter’s strategic intelligence products sometimes are deficient or incomplete. That should be of concern to stakeholders because Europol’s strategic intelligence efforts may be rendered ineffective. Shortcomings in Europol’s intelligence products also are significant for citizens because they may mean that the information-sharing process is less transparent and less accountable than citizens have a right to expect.

Chemotherapy safety standards: A pediatric perspective.

Chemotherapy safety standards: A pediatric perspective.

Information-sharing challenges between adolescents with cancer, their parents and health care providers: a qualitative study.

We aimed to assess the viewpoints, experiences, and preferences within the clinical communication triangle (parent, adolescent, health care team) concerning the information-sharing process for adolescents with cancer. This is a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study. Overall, 33 participants were recruited (adolescents diagnosed with cancer aged 15-20years, their parents, oncologists, and nurses). In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Data analysis yielded three main themes. Disaffiliation of adolescents in information-sharing process with three subthemes: confusion and unanswered questions; and, seeking information from inferior sources. Barriers to information-sharing with three subthemes: parents as gatekeepers in the information-sharing process, cultural background creating strong barriers for information-sharing, and the negative attitude of the medical team towards information-sharing. The last theme is cornerstones in information-sharing process with three subthemes: trust and honesty to enhance communication between adolescents and the medical team, the necessity of paving the way for information-sharing, and the value of gradual information-sharing based on the adolescents need and mental readiness. Participants believed that information-sharing was insufficient and provided recommendations for facilitating this process. Information-sharing process needs to be gradual and based on the adolescent's need and mental capacity. Future research needs to focus on devising a protocol for information-sharing with adolescents with cancer that accounts for familial and cultural factors, is carefully timed, and provides clearer and more efficacious communication between parents, adolescents, and the health care team.

Intensive care discharge summaries for general practice staff: a focus group study.

BackgroundUnderstanding how patients and relatives can be supported after hospital discharge is a UK research priority. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge summaries are a simple way of providing GPs with the information they require to coordinate ongoing care, but little evidence is available to guide best practice.AimThis study aimed at better understanding the information needs of GP staff (GPs and practice nurses) supporting former patients of ICUs and their families following discharge from hospital, and identifying the barriers/facilitators associated with ICU–primary care information transfer.Design and settingThis was a qualitative exploratory study of practices and participants throughout the UK.MethodAudiotaped focus group discussions, complemented by small-group/individual interviews, were conducted with 15 former patients of ICUs, four relatives, and 20 GP staff between June and September 2015. Demographic data were captured by questionnaire and qualitative data were thematically analysed.ResultsFindings suggest variability in discharge information experiences and blurred lines of responsibility between hospital and GP staff, and patients/relatives. Continuity of care was affected by delayed or poor communication from the hospital; GPs’ limited contact with patients from critical care; and a lack of knowledge of the effects of critical illness or resources available to ameliorate these difficulties. Time pressures and information technology were, respectively, the most commonly mentioned barrier and facilitator.ConclusionEffective rehabilitation after a critical illness requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach, incorporating the provision of well-completed, timely, and relevant ICU–primary care discharge information. Health professionals need an improved understanding of critical illness, and patients and families must be included in all aspects of the information-sharing process.

It takes two to tango: information-sharing with offspring among heterosexual parents following identity-release sperm donation.

STUDY QUESTIONHow do heterosexual parents reason about and experience information-sharing with offspring following identity-release sperm donation?SUMMARY ANSWERSharing information about using donor-conception with offspring is a complex process at several levels, with the parent's personal beliefs and the child's responses serving as driving or impeding forces for the information-sharing process.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYThe overall view of disclosure in gamete donation has shifted from secrecy to openness, but there is still uncertainty among parents concerning how and when to tell the child about his/her genetic origin. Most research on donor-conceived families has focused on donation treatment under anonymous or known circumstances, and there is a lack of studies in settings with identity-release donations.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONA qualitative interview study among 30 parents following identity-release sperm donation treatment. Interviews were conducted from February 2014 to March 2015.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe present study is part of the prospective longitudinal Swedish Study on Gamete Donation (SSGD), including all fertility clinics performing gamete donation in Sweden. A sample of participants in the SSGD, consisting of heterosexual parents with children aged 7–8 years following identity-release sperm donation, participated in individual semi-structured interviews.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEThe analysis revealed one main theme: information-sharing is a process, with three subthemes; (i) the parent as process manager, (ii) the child as force or friction and (iii) being in the process. The first two subthemes were viewed as being linked together and their content served as driving or impeding forces in the information-sharing process.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThe fact that the study was performed within the context of the Swedish legislation on identity-release donation must be taken into consideration as regards transferability to other populations, as this may affect parents' reasoning concerning their information-sharing with the child.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSThe present findings highlight the role of the donor-conceived child in the information-sharing process and may contribute to develop counselling that increases parents' confidence in handling children's reactions to information about their genetic origin.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)Financial support from The Swedish Research Council, The Family Planning Fund in Uppsala and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

Information Sharing in Complex Systems: A Case Study on Public Safety Management

The main purpose of this article is to explore the information-sharing process in complex systems on the basis of public safety management, and also identify the role of emergency call centres in this area. The methodology, based on the desk research method and empirical investigations, contains semi-structured interviews with the heads of 4 emergency call centres in Poland (25% of all of them), 1 in the Czech Republic, and also 54 survey questionnaires with the operators of these centres. As a result, the model of information sharing in complex systems was elaborated, and also the properties of this process were explored.

Cloud computing, Web 2.0, and operational performance

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of two technologies, cloud computing and Web 2.0, on a firm’s operational performance, examining the relationship between these two technologies and operational performance, and the mediating role played by supply chain integration.Design/methodology/approach– A random sample of 394 companies taken from the DUNS 50,000 database in Spain is used to test the paper’s hypotheses. The data were gathered by telephone survey using the CATI computerized system to manage interviewees’ answers, obtaining a 19.36 percent response rate. Factorial analyses and structural equation modeling were used to test the hypotheses.Findings– The results suggest that cloud computing requires the mediating support of supply chain integration. However, there is no concluding evidence that Web 2.0 has a positive effect on either supply chain integration or operational performance. A positive, significant relationship was found between supply chain integration and operational performance in all the models used.Research limitations/implications– Further research and longitudinal analyses should be carried out in a range of industrial and geographical settings to confirm the findings of this study. Further analyses could also extend the scope and generalizability of results by analyzing the assimilation of supply chain integration-related inter-organizational information systems, such as the effect of ERP systems on performance. Another future direction for research is a study of the impact of the joint assimilation of internal and external integration practices on operational performance.Practical implications– Managers should be aware of the key role that trust plays in the information-sharing process in conjunction with supply chain management. Trust and information-sharing are two inextricably linked elements that enable greater supply chain integration to translate into better operational performance. This paper can also make managers more aware of the powerful tools that exist in the cloud computing universe and those that come under the umbrella of Web 2.0. Companies can use the findings of this paper to create new applications to facilitate supply chain integration. Some examples are also given of how cloud applications can be applied to better integrate the supply chain and, ultimately, to improve overall operational performance.Originality/value– This is one of the first attempts to disentangle the effects exerted by cloud computing on company performance through the mediating role of a higher supply chain integration. The value of this study relies in that academics and practitioners may have a supporting evidence on the role played by a new, disruptive technology such us cloud computing in, internal, operationally linked structures such as supply chain integration and how this combination transforms into better operational outcomes.