Social Media Channels Research Articles

Australian SLPs’ knowledge and actions regarding the early signs of autism: When does caution become gatekeeping?

Purpose Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are often the first point of contact for families of children with autism. Despite this, little is known about SLPs’ understanding of autism and its early indicators. This study sought to investigate what Australian SLPs know about autism, the early indicators, and the actions they take when they identify these characteristics. Method A 34 question cross-sectional online survey was distributed through professional networks, social media channels, and industry contacts to Australian SLPs. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. Result The 70 participants worked in various contexts around the country. The majority of participants demonstrated sound knowledge of the main characteristics of autism, and some early indicators. Quantitative analysis identified a significant correlation between participant age and confidence talking to parents about possible autism. Overarching themes were identified: (a) caution may delay or prevent SLPs from taking action, (b) some factors may influence SLPs’ action, and (c) SLPs take action. Conclusion Australian SLPs working with children have the knowledge and understanding of the main characteristics of autism and some early indicators. However, they demonstrate a cautious approach around the subject of autism, and this caution may cause delays for children requiring diagnostic services.

Genetic testing for inherited arrhythmia syndromes and cardiomyopathies: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association survey.

Indications and clinical impact of genetic testing for cardiac diseases have increased significantly over the past years. The aim of this physician-based European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess current clinical practice and access to genetic testing for cardiac diseases across European Society of Cardiology countries and to evaluate adherence to the 2022 EHRA/HRS/APHRS/LAHRS Expert Consensus Statement on genetic testing. An online questionnaire composed of 28 questions was submitted to the EHRA Research Network and European Reference Network GUARD-Heart healthcare partners and promoted via dedicated social media channels. There were 357 respondents from 69 countries, 40% working in a hospital setting with a cardiac genetic service and/or a dedicated clinic focusing on inherited cardiac diseases and 27% with an onsite genetic laboratory. No genetic testing or low annual rate (<10/year) was declared by 39% of respondents. The majority of respondents (78%) declared issues or limitations to genetic testing access in their clinical practice. The main reasons for not providing or limited access to genetic testing were no availability of dedicated unit or genetic laboratory (35%) or reimbursement issues (25%). The most frequently reported indication for genetic testing was diagnostic purpose (55%). Most respondents (92%) declared offering genetic testing preceded by genetic counselling and 42% regular multidisciplinary evaluations for patients with cardiac genetic diseases. The perceived value of genetic testing in the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic assessment was variable (67, 39, and 29%, respectively) and primarily based on the specific inherited disease. The majority of respondents recommended cascade genetic testing for the first-degree family members in case of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in the proband. This survey highlights a significant heterogeneity of genetic testing access and provision and issues attributable to the availability of dedicated unit/genetic laboratory and reimbursement. However, adequate adherence to indications in the current recommendations for genetic testing in patients with cardiac diseases was observed.

Assessing the Reach and Engagement Effectiveness of Disseminating Food and Nutrition Information on Social Media Channels.

This study utilized Facebook and Instagram as communication channels for disseminating evidence-based food and nutrition information to low-income adults. From February 2021 to October 2022, 442 identical posts were shared across both platforms for audience reach and engagement. Posts were categorized in two ways: hedonic and three levels of utilitarian (informative, convenience, utility), based on widely applied social media uses and effects theory (Uses and Gratifications Perspective); and food/nutrition topics (dietary guidance, mealtime behaviors, recipes, food resource management, health behaviors, and community building). From predominantly image-based posts (82.6%), reach and engagement for Instagram (136,621 versus 6096, respectively) outperformed Facebook (83,275 versus 1276, respectively). Analysis of covariance of rank-order reach and engagement metrics (likes, replies, shares) showed Facebook engagement was consistent across hedonic and utilitarian categories while Instagram showed highest reach and engagement for utilitarian posts, especially those emphasizing food affordability. Facebook and Instagram differed in which food/nutrition topics achieved maximal reach and engagement. Fifteen posts were randomly selected for qualitative analysis to identify features reflecting engagement levels. Low-engagement posts featured low-color-contrast or less-appealing images, especially on Instagram. This study offers insights for practitioners and researchers aiming to use social media to promote healthy food and nutrition.

Protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of the 'Outdoor' mobility intervention for older adults after hip fracture.

A high proportion of patients do not regain outdoor mobility after hip fracture. Rehabilitation explicitly targeting outdoor mobility is needed to enable these older adults to recover activities which they value most. The overarching aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial which aims to assess the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of an intervention designed to enable recovery of outdoor mobility among older adults after hip fracture (the OUTDOOR intervention). This is a protocol for a multi-centre pragmatic parallel group (allocation ratio 1:1) randomised controlled assessor-blinded feasibility trial. Adults aged 60 years or more, admitted to hospital from- and planned discharge to- home, with self-reported outdoor mobility in the three-months pre-fracture, surgically treated for hip fracture, and who are able to consent and participate, are eligible. Individuals who require two or more people to support mobility on discharge will be excluded. Screening and consent (or consent to contact) will take place in hospital. Baseline assessment and randomisation will follow discharge from hospital. Participants will then receive usual care (delivered by physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or therapy assistants), or usual care plus the OUTDOOR intervention. The OUTDOOR intervention includes a goal-orientated outdoor mobility programme (supported by up to six in-person visits), therapist-led motivational dialogue (supported by up to four telephone calls), supported by a past-patient led video where recovery experiences are shared, and support to transition to independent ongoing recovery. Therapists delivering the OUTDOOR intervention (distinct from those supporting usual care) will receive training in motivational interviewing and behaviour change techniques. Baseline demographics will be collected. Patient reported outcome measures including health related quality of life, activities of daily living, pain, community mobility, falls related self-efficacy, resource use, readmissions, and mortality will be collected at baseline, 6-weeks, 12-weeks, and 6-months (for those enrolled early in the trial) post-randomisation. Exercise adherence (6- and 12- weeks) and intervention acceptability (12-weeks) will be collected. A subset of 20 participants will also support accelerometery data collection for 10 days at each time point. The trial findings will be disseminated to patients and the public, health professionals and researchers through publications, presentations and social media channels. The trial has been registered at ISRCTN16147125. 3.0.

Online e-sports event viewers' intention to visit the destination

The main aim of this study is to elucidate the impact of hedonic motivations and habits of e-sports viewers on their intention to visit. The second one is to test the mediating role of individuals' attitudes on this stated impact. The data were collected through face-to-face and online between May 26, 2022, and November 15, 2023. At the end of the data collection process, 438 survey forms were obtained. As a result of the conducted analyses, it was found that hedonic motivation and habit variables have a significant and positive impact on attitude and the intention to visit. Moreover, attitudes mediate the relationship between the intention to visit and both hedonic motivation and habit. In the context of the obtained findings suggested to emphasize aspects that bring fun, pleasure, and enjoyment in e-sports activities. Another recommendation is to provide information to e-sports viewers, especially through individual or social media channels, about e-sports events and the destinations where the events are organized in promotional activities.

Physiotherapists' Perception of and Readiness to Use, Telerehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal ailments exert a significant impact on global populations. To address challenges posed by geographical constraints and financial limitations, physiotherapists have explored and found telerehabilitation to be a viable solution. Despite its proven effectiveness in clinical practice, the integration of telerehabilitation has been sluggish. This cross-sectional survey sought to delve into the perspectives and readiness of physiotherapists in Malaysia regarding telerehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders. Methods: A customized survey instrument was developed and evaluated for face validity and reliability. The 36-item questionnaire was distributed through the Google Form platform, targeting respondents via social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp. Data analysis used descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). Results: The survey garnered responses from 271 physiotherapists. A majority (76.3%, n = 202) expressed agreement regarding the potential benefits of telerehabilitation in physiotherapy practice. About 77% of the respondents also showcased greater readiness for monitoring client progress through telerehabilitation as opposed to assessment and treatment. Notable benefits identified by respondents included preventing cross-infection (98.5%) and reducing travel time for both clients (94.0%) and physiotherapists (90.6%). Conclusion: The study reveals that physiotherapists in Malaysia exhibit positive attitudes and preparedness for implementing telerehabilitation in managing musculoskeletal conditions.

Public perceptions of international genetic information sharing for biomedical research in China: a case study of the social media debate on the article “A Pangenome Reference of 36 Chinese Populations” published in Nature

BackgroundThe international disclosure of Chinese human genetic data continues to be a contentious issue in China, generating public debates in both traditional and social media channels. Concerns have intensified after Chinese scientists’ research on pangenome data was published in the prestigious journal Nature.MethodsThis study scrutinized microblogs posted on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media site, in the two months immediately following the publication (June 14, 2023–August 21, 2023). Content analysis was conducted to assess the nature of public responses, justifications for positive or negative attitudes, and the users’ overall knowledge of how Chinese human genetic information is regulated and managed in China.ResultsWeibo users displayed contrasting attitudes towards the article’s public disclose of pangenome research data, with 18% positive, 64% negative, and 18% neutral. Positive attitudes came primarily from verified government and media accounts, which praised the publication. In contrast, negative attitudes originated from individual users who were concerned about national security and health risks and often believed that the researchers have betrayed China. The benefits of data sharing highlighted in the commentaries included advancements in disease research and scientific progress. Approximately 16% of the microblogs indicated that Weibo users had misunderstood existing regulations and laws governing data sharing and stewardship.ConclusionsBased on the predominantly negative public attitudes toward scientific data sharing established by our study, we recommend enhanced outreach by scientists and scientific institutions to increase the public understanding of developments in genetic research, international data sharing, and associated regulations. Additionally, governmental agencies can alleviate public fears and concerns by being more transparent about their security reviews of international collaborative research involving Chinese human genetic data and its cross-border transfer.

A Vaping Cessation Text Message Program for Adolescent E-Cigarette Users

E-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco product among adolescents. Despite known harms of nicotine exposure among teens, there are no empirically tested vaping cessation interventions. To compare the effectiveness of a text message program for nicotine vaping cessation among adolescents with assessment-only control. A parallel, 2-group, double-blind, individually randomized clinical trial with follow-ups at 1 and 7 months after randomization was conducted from October 1, 2021, to October 18, 2023. Participants were recruited via social media ads; the intervention was delivered via text message; and assessments were completed online or by telephone. Eligible individuals were US residents aged 13 to 17 years who reported past 30-day e-cigarette use, were interested in quitting within 30 days, and owned a mobile phone with an active text message plan. To optimize study retention, all participants received monthly assessments via text message about e-cigarette use. Assessment-only controls (n = 744) received only study retention text messages. Intervention participants (n = 759) also received an automated, interactive text message program for vaping cessation that delivers cognitive and behavioral coping skills training and social support. The primary outcome was self-reported 30-day point-prevalence abstinence from vaping at 7 months analyzed as intention-to-treat, with missingness coded as vaping. Among n = 1503 adolescents randomized, average age was 16.4 (SD, 0.8) years. The sample was 50.6% female, 42.1% male, and 7.4% nonbinary/other; 10.2% Black/African American, 62.6% White, 18.5% multiracial, and 8.7% another race; 16.2% Hispanic; 42.5% sexual minority; and 76.2% vaped within 30 minutes of waking. The 7-month follow-up rate was 70.8%. Point-prevalence abstinence rates were 37.8% (95% CI, 34.4%-41.3%) among intervention participants and 28.0% (95% CI, 24.9%-31.3%) among control participants (relative risk, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.17-1.57]; P < .001). No baseline variables moderated the treatment-outcome relationship. There was no evidence that adolescents who quit vaping transitioned to combustible tobacco products. A tailored, interactive text message intervention increased self-reported vaping cessation rates among adolescents recruited via social media channels. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04919590.

Setting the international research agenda for sarcomas with patients and carers: results of phase II of the Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Global Network (SPAGN) priority setting partnership

BackgroundTypically, researchers and clinicians determine the agenda in sarcoma research. However, patient involvement can have a meaningful impact on research. Therefore, the Patient-Powered Research Network (PPRN) of the Sarcoma Patient Advocacy Global Network (SPAGN) set up a Priority Setting Partnership (PSP). The primary objective of this partnership is to identify priorities for research and patient advocacy topics.MethodsIn the first phase of this PSP, including 264 sarcoma patients and carers from all over the world, 23 research topics regarding sarcomas and 15 patient advocacy topics were identified using an online survey. In the second phase, participants were asked to fill in a top five and a top three of research and patient advocacy topics, respectively. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics and sarcoma characteristics were collected. Social media channels, local national patient advocacy groups and the SPAGN website were used to distribute the survey.ResultsIn total, 671 patients (75%) and carers (25%) participated in this survey. The five highest ranked research topics were related to causes of sarcoma (43%), prognosis and risk of recurrence (40%), specific subtypes of sarcoma (33%), the role of immunotherapy, targeted therapy and combined therapy (30%), and hereditary aspects (30%). The three highest ranked patient advocacy topics were improving the diagnostic process of sarcoma (39%), access to tumor DNA analysis (37%) and establishing an international sarcoma registry (37%).ConclusionsThis sarcoma PSP has identified priorities for research and patient advocacy, offering guidance for researchers, assisting funding agencies with assessing project relevance and empowering patient advocates to represent the needs of patients and carers.

An Analysis of Linguistic Resources for Sports Tourism Media Discourse: A Case Study of the Women’s World Cup Final in Sydney

Sports have historically played a significant role in influencing travel, the twenty-first century witnessing a notable surge in sports tourism attributed largely to increasing globalisation and the pervasive influence of social media. International sports events hosted by countries and cities serve as potent platforms for tourist promotion, with meticulous attention to detail often reflected across various social media channels. Notably, recent editions of such events have seen women taking on crucial roles. This paper delves into the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final held in Sydney, Australia, in August 2023, analysing three distinct corpora to discern linguistic resources—the use of persuasion with personal pronouns and imperatives, among others—shaping tourism media discourse, specifically focusing on gender visibility and promotion of destination excellence. To conduct this research, we compiled a corpus of 11,549 words comprising webpages, online publications and tourism blogs, using AntConc software for the analysis. Our findings reveal that the media employ specific language choices to portray the event and its host city, projecting values such as teamwork and inclusion, often through community engagement. However, there exists an under-representation of coverage concerning sportswomen, with minimal linguistic patterns used to promote their visibility beyond the event’s title. Conversely, the host city receives extensive promotion. Consequently, this analysis serves as a pertinent case study contributing to the understanding of sports tourism media discourse representation.

No watchdogs on Twitter: Topics and frames in political journalists’ tweets about the coronavirus pandemic

Social media channels, particularly Twitter/X, played a significant role as information platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. As journalists are crucial actors on that platform, an analysis of the content and tone of their tweets during the pandemic can reveal the role they played in shaping public understanding of this public health crisis. Our analysis focuses on Germany where the government enforced relatively strict anti-COVID-19 measures and where strong opposition to these measures emerged outside the mainstream media. We analyzed almost 10.000 tweets of 247 journalists of mainstream media during a 14-month-period. To shed light on journalists’ watchdog versus collaborative role orientation, computational methods were used to extract themes and tone in their pandemic-related tweets. Furthermore, network analysis was utilized to identify influential actors in journalists’ interactions with experts and other users on Twitter. The findings revealed that journalists tweeted most about topics like the economy, protests, and Chancellor Merkel’s ability to implement a restrictive containment policy. As demonstrated by the network analysis, journalists frequently interacted with cabinet members and pro-government experts on Twitter during the pandemic. The analysis also revealed that some tweets were characterized by an anti-protest and anti-lockdown tone, but these came from different groups of journalists.

Political Communication of The General Election Commission and The Election Supervisory Board in Responding to Allegations of Voter Data Leakage

The alleged case of voter data leakage in the General Election Commission's (KPU) Sidalih application occurred ahead of the 2024 elections, the voter data was allegedly traded on BreachForums by an anonymous account. Responding to the alleged case, the political communication of the KPU and the Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu) through the Twitter (X) social media account is very minimal, even the KPU did not convey its attitude at all on its Twitter social media account. This study aims to determine how the KPU RI and Bawaslu RI utilize Twitter (X) social media as a strategic communication tool and how to utilize Twitter (X) social media in responding to the alleged leakage of KPU's data. The research method used is a qualitative research method with a case study. The results showed that the lack of information about the alleged leakage of KPU data conveyed by KPU RI and Bawaslu RI through their Twitter social media channels, this was also exacerbated by the absence of dialogic communication on uploads related to the alleged leakage. The suggestion of this research is that KPU RI and Bawaslu RI need to optimize their political communication through Twitter social media management by consistently providing the latest information related to the alleged leakage of KPU data as well as building dialogical communication with the public or netizens. In addition, it is also necessary to improve the security infrastructure of the Sidalih application.

Twisted knowledge construction on X/Twitter: an analysis of constructivist sensemaking on social media leading to political radicalization

PurposeThis study aims to identify how Brazilian followers of an X/Twitter profile engage in theory-building processes leading up to the January 8, 2023 riots in Brasília, the Brazilian capital. This paper seeks to understand how cognitive and sociocultural processes weave together to weaponize collective knowledge construction that, in isolation, could be seen as virtuous but, in specific contexts, might lead to radicalization.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative content analysis of comments on ambiguous X/Twitter posts published by a conspiratorial profile associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. Content was published in the three weeks that preceded the coup d’état attempt by Bolsonaro supporters on January 8, 2023.FindingsFindings point to users’ resorting to intuitive knowledge to support sensemaking processes in their search for subliminal meanings in tweets. That includes, for example, attempts to crack binary code-encrypted messages. This study also identified practices of cross-media sourcing, where users collect evidence from alternative social media channels to interpret messages containing verbal and visual information. Finally, this study found that religious symbols are often instrumentalized and become a lens through which followers organize information to integrate with their existing knowledge and assumptions.Research limitations/implicationsWith this work, the authors build on existing scholarship on epistemologies used by conspiratorial and radicalized groups as they engage in systematic sensemaking and often refer to religion to interpret messages that motivate extreme political position-taking. This study addresses a similar phenomenon as it unfolds in an understudied geographical context (Brazil) and seeks to demonstrate how individuals engage in collective sensemaking practices. The authors hope that their findings inform educators as they explore the affordances of social media to foster positive collective learning experiences in reasoning supported by social media.Originality/valueThe originality of this study is twofold. First, this study uses an analytical lens that draws on the learning sciences and cognitive science for inquiry of radicalization happening around social media. The authors understand that social media lend themselves particularly interesting to the analysis, as they are settings where notions of mastery blur, and individuals engage in conversations on complex, controversial topics. With that engagement, they demonstrate willingness to reason collectively. Second, this study investigates how those phenomena unfold in an understudied context, responding to calls for more diversity in research in the learning sciences as well as in media studies.

Sustainability Strategic Framing in Corporate Communication: Contextual Semantics of Twitter in the Energy Sector

Sustainability has become the prevailing paradigm, a model of conduct, and a central theme in social and media discourses within the past decade. However, it is still a marginal development concept in the interdisciplinary research field dealing with sustainability communication, especially with meaning-making processes in relevant communicative, for example, in corporate and industry contexts. This paper focuses on how the idea of sustainability is framed, anchored, and disseminated in energy companies' communication via social media channels and how the linguistic methods used by energy corporations concerning sustainability co -create theirsymbolic value. Specifically, this study has aimed to understand how the sustainability topic was discussed in the Twitter sphere of the most prominent energy companies in 2020. This study makes a three -fold contribution to sustainable research and practice. First, the study identifies the framing structure of sustainability content in social media communication in the energy sector. Secondly, the study identifies social media data as a viable source of sustainability conceptualization and its understanding through communication. Finally, this study illustrates how text mining and natural language processing (NLP) can be used as a research method for managing big text data and a tool for discovering latent communication structures. Sustainability is present and visible in the communication of the energy industry identified by (1) the semantic construction of phrases in communication that show a future, green, and clean orientation, but it is also strongly declarative, referring to what will be and can be done, and with positive emotions related to the communicated messages; and (2) decoupling from climate change and thus avoiding the industry's responsibility for the impact of global warming but promising clean, sustainable energy transformation and to avoid negative emotional connotation. However, one gets the impression that it takes on the character of a rhetorical art form related to the concept of decorum. In this view, the idea of sustainability is interpreted and shaped through the needs of the industry and as a rhetorical tool in building a positive narrative about companies and is used to gain legitimacy.

Enhancing pediatric asthma management through multifaceted health education.

Pediatric asthma is a significant public health issue that impacts the quality of life of children globally. Traditional management approaches focus on symptom control and medication adherence but often overlook the comprehensive educational needs of patients and their families. A multifaceted health education approach may offer a more holistic strategy in managing pediatric asthma, especially in outpatient settings. To evaluate the efficacy of a comprehensive health education strategy in improving disease management, medication adherence, and quality of life among children with asthma in outpatient settings. In total, 100 pediatric patients with severe asthma were enrolled from January 2021 to November 2022 and randomly allocated to a control group (n = 50) or an observation group (n = 50). The control group received standard nursing care, including basic nursing interventions and health education upon admission. In contrast, the observation group was exposed to a broad spectrum of health education methodologies, including internet-based hospital systems, social media channels, one-on-one verbal education, informational brochures, slide presentations, telephone check-ins, animated videos, and illustrated health education manuals. Data on asthma management knowledge, symptom control, quality of life [St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)], treatment adherence, and nursing satisfaction were collected and analyzed. The scores of the observation group in knowledge areas, such as medication, home care, disease understanding, symptom management, prevention strategies, and nutritional guidance, were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the observation group exhibited greater symptom control, improved quality of life based on their SGRQ scores, and higher treatment adherence post-intervention (P < 0.05). Nursing satisfaction was also rated higher in the observation group across all evaluated areas (P < 0.05). Implementing a diversified health education approach in pediatric asthma management significantly enhances disease understanding, symptom management, and treatment adherence, leading to improved quality of life for affected children. These findings underscore the importance of multifaceted clinical health education in augmenting disease awareness and facilitating continuous improvements in asthma control rates, highlighting the potential benefits of incorporating comprehensive educational strategies into pediatric asthma care protocols.

Strategic Marketing for Sustainable Development: Promoting Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the Strategic Marketing for Sustainable Development: Promoting Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study found that strategic marketing plays a crucial role in promoting environmental responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within organizations. The studies reviewed highlight the effectiveness of various marketing initiatives, such as green marketing strategies, cause-related marketing campaigns, and integrated communication approaches, in fostering positive consumer perceptions, enhancing brand reputation, and driving sustainable business practices. By prioritizing credible and transparent communication about CSR initiatives, businesses can strengthen stakeholder relationships, build trust, and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Stakeholder Theory, Relationship Marketing Theory &amp; Diffusion of Innovation Theory may be used to anchor future studies on Strategic Marketing for Sustainable Development: Promoting Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Social Responsibility. Integrated marketing communication (IMC) that incorporates sustainability messages across all touchpoints is essential for promoting environmental responsibility and CSR effectively. Organizations should ensure that their communication strategies are consistent, transparent, and aligned with their sustainability goals. By integrating sustainability messages into marketing campaigns, product packaging, corporate websites, and social media channels, businesses can reinforce their commitment to sustainability and build trust with consumers. Businesses should actively engage in advocacy efforts to promote supportive policy frameworks that incentivize and reward sustainable practices. By collaborating with policymakers, industry associations, and non-governmental organizations, organizations can influence the development of policies that facilitate the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

796 Integrating Sustainability in Surgical Practice – the Student MedAID London Way

Abstract Aim Recognizing the imperative need for sustainable healthcare education given only 2-5% of students have had exposure within their degree, Student MedAID London (SMAL) was established to promote global health awareness by redistributing excess medical supplies and fostering a platform for increasing insight into this field. Method Volunteers actively engage with local healthcare providers to secure excess medical equipment, employing a screening process to ensure responsible donations. Teaching series, such as "Learn with Med-Aid" and online seminars, delve into global health topics often overlooked in medical school curriculum. This methodology offers a unique opportunity to integrate sustainability principles into the education of future surgeons. Results Social media and seminar engagement increased by 62% respectively since establishment in 2021, attracting over 1000+ followers across social media channels. The demographic has expanded beyond London medical students to include young healthcare professionals from across the UK and the USA. Furthermore, SMAL has acquired substantial storage space for medical donations and made successful donations to Tripoli Hospital in Lebanon. Notably, 90% of seminar attendees expressed a strong desire for more events, alongside 50% reporting it increased their confidence in global health and sustainability. Conclusions As the future generation of healthcare professionals increasingly expresses a heightened interest in sustainable practice, SMAL's endeavours uniquely underscore the profound impact that sustainability can have on surgical education. By raising awareness and actively engaging in the redistribution of medical supplies, the organization sets the stage for a paradigm shift towards more environmentally conscious healthcare initiatives in surgery.

Patient and Community Perspectives on Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance: Fertile Grounds for Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health threat. Overuse of antibiotics leads to the development and spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Antibiotics are also responsible for a high percentage of emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Despite this, ambulatory and urgent care providers often cite patient expectations as a reason for inappropriate antibiotic prescribing practices. We investigated patient and community understanding of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance to inform how they can be engaged as partners in combating antimicrobial resistance in our southwestern Virginia community. Methods: From July to September 2023, we conducted an online survey of patients and community members within the footprint of a large healthcare system in Southwest Virginia. Electronic medical records were used to randomly select and directly email the survey link to a representative sample of ambulatory patients who met criteria. Respondents were also recruited through the health system’s social media channels and through posters with quick response (QR) codes in outpatient offices. The survey used Likert scales and multiple-choice questions to understand experiences with and perceptions about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. We conducted a descriptive analysis of survey responses. Results: In total, 2,021 individuals completed the survey. Nearly 16% of respondents agreed with the statement “antibiotics can kill viruses” and almost 12% more were unsure. Thirty percent of respondents either agreed with or were unsure about the statement “antibiotics work on most coughs and colds”. When asked more directly about antimicrobial resistance, almost a quarter (25%) of respondents agreed with or were unsure about the statement “there is no connection between taking antibiotics and the development of resistant bacteria”. Responding to questions about possible negative effects of antibiotics, over 9% disagreed with the statement “antibiotics can kill the 'good' bacteria that normally live on the skin and in the gut” and another 19% were unsure. Similarly, over 20% disagreed with or were unsure about the statement “bacteria that do not respond to antibiotics could infect me or my family”. Reflecting on their own providers, nearly 83% of respondents trusted their doctor’s or nurse’s advice about antibiotic necessity. Conclusions: There are opportunities for patient and community engagement around antibiotic effectiveness for common viral illnesses and about the negative effects of overuse of antibiotics. Our data suggests most patients trust their providers as it relates to antibiotic prescribing and may be receptive to discussions and strategies that promote antimicrobial stewardship.

Social Media and Fashion Consumption: Examining the Role of Instagram on Pakistani Consumers' Buying Decisions

The rise of social media channels has been evident in this new age. Various social media channels are utilised where the consumers interact with one another. One of the most prominent social media channels is Instagram. Instagram is a social media platform where users have access to share, view, and post photos, videos, and reels. Users also use Instagram for the buying and selling of the products. Businesses use this platform for selling of the products. One of the prominent examples is of the fashion brands who sell their products on their Instagram pages. However, limited research has been conducted from the perspective of fashion brands in Pakistan and the buying behaviour of the consumers. This research provides insights into how Instagram influences the buying behaviour of Pakistani consumers within the fashion industry of Pakistan. It examines the specific ways in which Instagram influences the buying behaviour of Pakistani consumers. It also determines the impact of Instagram activities on the perceptions of consumers and purchasing decisions. A quantitative methodological approach was used in the research in which data was collected from 50 respondents from Lahore, Pakistan. Descriptive statistics and frequencies were determined by using SPSS. The findings of the research suggested that there is a significant influence of Instagram on the buying behaviour of consumers. Limitations and recommendations are also highlighted within the research.

밈코인의 트위터 활동에 대한 연구

In this study, two Memecoin Twitter networks, that are, June and December 2022, were collected and compared. Because Twitter is frequently employed as social media channel among memecoins, it is critical to examine its activities. We gathered several kinds of finance and user data regarding memecoins from Coinmarketcap.com. Also, data about their Twitter accounts' followings, followers, mentions, replies, and retweets were gathered by using the its API. A network was formed with the collected tweets. The comparison between two points in terms of the following-follower and mentions networks showed that both density and clustering coefficient values increased over time. However, it must be noted that the mention network's average distance value reduced over time. Also, the top ten betweenness centralities of the mention network declined in December compared to June. The ERGM findings are as follows. The following-follower network confirmed the homophily of transitivity and age, which was not shown in June, and, in the mention network, attribute variables affected network properties between June and December. This study is significant since it examined the memecoin networks at two different points over time.