Extended dimension and related information diffusion in online communication networks

AbstractOnline social networking services involve communication activities between large number of individuals over the public Internet and their crawled records are often regarded as proxies of real (i.e., offline) interaction structure. However, structure observed in these records might differ from real counterparts because individuals may behave differently online and non-human accounts may even participate. To understand the difference between online and real social networks, we investigate an empirical communication network between users on Twitter, which is perhaps one of the largest social networking services. We define a network of user pairs that send reciprocal messages. Based on the correlation between degree of adjacent nodes observed in this network, we hypothesize that this network differs from conventional understandings in the sense that there is a small number of distinctive users that we call outsiders. Outsiders do not belong to any user groups but they are connected with different groups, while not being well connected with each other. We identify outsiders by maximizing the degree assortativity coefficient of the network via node removal, thereby confirming that local structural properties of outsiders identified are consistent with our hypothesis. Our findings suggest that the existence of outsiders should be considered when using Twitter communication networks for social network analysis.

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Online communication networks

10.4337/9781800883284.online.communication.networks ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Juha Yoon

Keyword(s):

Communication Networks ◽

Online Communication

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Betegpreferenciák az egészségügyi célú internethasználatban

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/650.2018.31210 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 159 (51) ◽

pp. 2175-2182

Author(s):

Zsuzsa Varga ◽

Tamás Horváth

Keyword(s):

Mobile Apps ◽

Online Communication ◽

Medical Society ◽

The Internet ◽

Online Information ◽

Smartphone Applications ◽

Related Information ◽

Health Related ◽

Use Of Internet ◽

Monitoring Devices

Abstract: Introduction: More sophisticated implementation of the Internet in healthcare improves medical services innumerably. To better understand the patients’ preferences for health-related use of Internet is warranted. Aim: Our aim was to determine the patients’ health-related Internet use. Method: Patients attending our private clinic between October 2016 and April 2017 were surveyed. Results: 208 questionnaires have been evaluated. Most patients use Internet daily, primarily on mobiles. The majority have already searched for health-related information online, 19% do regularly. 53% are satisfied with online contents and open to websites recommended by physicians. 32% of patients have already communicated with doctors online and 93% are satisfied doing so. 8% of patients use health-related smartphone applications regularly, 6% use other Internet-based health-monitoring devices. 60% of patients have already chosen a physician based on web information, while 17% do regularly. 82% of respondents have not yet shared health-related information on the Internet. Conclusions: The Internet is widely used by patients seeking information about their health, yet they are dissatisfied with the quality. Many patients are open to recommendations offered by physicians regarding sources of online information. Online communication between physician and patient might increase patient satisfaction. There is no breakthrough in the use of health-related websites, mobile apps or devices in Hungary. The demand for such service could be considered moderate. Additionally, online patient forums are not specifically popular. The medical society in Hungary should accept that physician selection by patients depends more increasingly upon information made available online. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(51): 2175–2182.

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Realization and use of a digital portable Weather Station - An integrated example of technological applications of low cost and high quality professional hardware platforms for innovative laboratory teaching in the classroom

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-6070 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pietro Crimi

Keyword(s):

Communication Networks ◽

Meteorological Data ◽

Low Cost ◽

Online Communication ◽

Lower Troposphere ◽

Mobile Systems ◽

Advanced Technology ◽

Weather Data ◽

Weather Station ◽

Laboratory Teaching

<p>As part of the innovation in the laboratory teaching of Natural Sciences, an experimental path of learning of Atmospheric Sciences and Microclimates is proposed in continuation and evolution, which was presented with a poster at the GIFT workshop 2017, an experience of project, construction and use of a mobile and portable Weather Station with digital features.By identifying the main parameters that measure the physical characteristics of the lower troposphere and the corresponding sensors responsible for detecting instantaneous weather data, a project was developed for the construction of a mini weather station with an assembly system of modular electronic components in "open source" , such as those of the "Arduino" platform (series of electronic boards equipped with a microcontroller). In this way, a device for controlling the main weather parameters (temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, ...) in real time in any part of the territory was achieved relatively quickly and easily.&#160;The hardware platform in pre-assembled version, with specific microcontrollers and USB interface for connections to the most advanced computer devices, together with the sensors, which can be acquired through the online network, allow you to create a completely inexpensive but absolutely professional, effective and efficient weather mobile system as well as easily transportable in various external and internal environments.&#160;The subsequent data collection, through visualization with advanced technology display and fast and online communication networks, by means of applications for mobile systems (tablets and smartphones), integrated by field observations, define the instantaneous weather and to process meteorological data in statistical terms with simple operations and graphs.</p>

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The Effect of Information-Driven Resource Allocation on the Propagation of Epidemic with Incubation Period

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1145827/v1 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Xuzhen Zhu ◽

Yuxin Liu ◽

Xiaochen Wang ◽

Yuexia Zhang ◽

Shengzhi Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Phase Transition ◽

Resource Allocation ◽

Incubation Period ◽

Information Diffusion ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Order Type ◽

Epidemic Spreading ◽

Epidemic Threshold ◽

Scale Free ◽

Related Information

Abstract In the pandemic of COVID-19, there are exposed individuals who are infected but lack distinct clinical symptoms. In addition, the diffusion of related information drives aware individuals to spontaneously seek resources for protection. The special spreading characteristic and coevolution of different processes may induce unexpected spreading phenomena. Thus we construct a three-layered network framework to explore how information-driven resource allocation affects SEIS (Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Susceptible) epidemic spreading. The analyses utilizing microscopic Markov chain approach reveal that the epidemic threshold depends on the topology structure of epidemic network, and the processes of information diffusion and resource allocation. Conducting extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we find some crucial phenomena in the coevolution of information diffusion, resource allocation and epidemic spreading. Firstly, when E-state (exposed state, without symptoms) individuals are infectious, long incubation period results in more E-state individuals than I-state (infected state, with obvious symptoms) individuals. Besides, when E-state individuals have strong or weak infectious capacity, increasing incubation period have an opposite effect on epidemic propagation. Secondly, the short incubation period induces the first-order phase transition. But enhancing the efficacy of resources would convert the phase transition to a second-order type. Finally, comparing the coevolution in networks with different topologies, we find setting the epidemic layer as scale-free network can inhibit the spreading of the epidemic.

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An online multi-dimensional opinion dynamic model with misinformation diffusion in emergency events

Journal of Information Science ◽

10.1177/0165551520977430 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 016555152097743

Author(s):

Mengmeng Liu ◽

Lili Rong

Keyword(s):

Public Opinion ◽

Dynamic Model ◽

Online Social Networks ◽

Information Diffusion ◽

Online Communication ◽

Opinion Dynamics ◽

Opinion Formation ◽

Early Results ◽

Emergency Events ◽

Opinion Dynamic

Multiple opinions, including many that are negative, are produced in emergency events. These opinions are commonly formed asynchronously based on misinformation. However, most researches on opinion dynamics involving information neglect the asynchronous process of initial opinion formation due to information diffusion. Since online social networks like Sina Weibo act as major avenues for the expression, after analysing online behaviours, an opinion dynamic model is developed with consideration of misinformation diffusion of public opinion. In this model, schemes are developed for opinion interactions in multiple dimensions by introducing characteristics of online communication as another way of opinion interactions besides communication between neighbours. Subsequently, we investigate the impacts of network structure, diffusion rate, repost rate and other factors, which provide insights into understanding online opinion dynamics during emergency events. Furthermore, we conduct simulations to determine the intervention effects of different official responses. Results show that removing comments compulsively exhibits better performance in reducing negative opinion as well as increasing the density of Spreaders. Debunking misinformation by posting early results officially which indicates the probability of the existence of misinformation may lead public opinion in time if it takes a long time to finally confirm the misinformation.

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Variations in power of opinion leaders in online communication networks

Royal Society Open Science ◽

10.1098/rsos.180642 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (10) ◽

pp. 180642 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mohsin Adalat ◽

Muaz A. Niazi ◽

Athanasios V. Vasilakos

Keyword(s):

Communication Networks ◽

Online Discussion ◽

Online Communication ◽

Communication Patterns ◽

Opinion Leaders ◽

Link Type ◽

Online Social Media ◽

Different Types

Online social media has completely transformed how we communicate with each other. While online discussion platforms are available in the form of applications and websites, an emergent outcome of this transformation is the phenomenon of ‘opinion leaders’. A number of previous studies have been presented to identify opinion leaders in online discussion networks. In particular, Feng (2016 Comput. Hum. Behav. 54 , 43–53. ( doi:10.1016/j.chb.2015.07.052 )) has identified five different types of central users besides outlining their communication patterns in an online communication network. However, the presented work focuses on a limited time span. The question remains as to whether similar communication patterns exist that will stand the test of time over longer periods. Here, we present a critical analysis of the Feng framework both for short-term as well as for longer periods. Additionally, for validation, we take another case study presented by Udanor et al. (2016 Program 50 , 481–507. ( doi:10.1108/PROG-02-2016-0011 )) to further understand these dynamics. Results indicate that not all Feng-based central users may be identifiable in the longer term. Conversation starter and influencers were noted as opinion leaders in the network. These users play an important role as information sources in long-term discussions. Whereas network builder and active engager help in connecting otherwise sparse communities. Furthermore, we discuss the changing positions of opinion leaders and their power to keep isolates interested in an online discussion network.

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Public Engagement in Climate Communication on China’s Weibo: Network Structure and Information Flows

Politics and Governance ◽

10.17645/pag.v9i2.3754 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 146-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yixi Yang ◽

Mark C. J. Stoddart

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Communication Networks ◽

Citizen Participation ◽

Public Engagement ◽

Information Diffusion ◽

Public Deliberation ◽

Information Flows ◽

Intergovernmental Panel ◽

Climate Politics ◽

The Public

This article provides an empirical study of public engagement with climate change discourse in China by analysing how Chinese publics participate in the public discussion around two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and how individual users interact with state and elite actors on the pre-eminent Chinese microblogging platform Weibo. Using social network analysis methods and a temporal comparison, we examine the structure of climate communication networks, the direction of information flows among multiple types of Weibo users, and the changes in information diffusion patterns between the pre- and post-Paris periods. Our results show there is an increasing yet constrained form of public engagement in climate communication on Weibo alongside China’s pro-environmental transition in recent years. We find an expansion of public engagement as shown by individual users’ increasing influence in communication networks and the diversification of frames associated with climate change discourse. However, we also find three restrictive interaction tendencies that limit Weibo’s potential to facilitate multi-directional communication and open public deliberation of climate change, including the decline of mutually balanced dialogic interactions, the lack of bottom-up information flows, and the reinforcement of homophily tendencies amongst eco-insiders and governmental users. These findings highlight the coexistence of both opportunities and constraints of Weibo being a venue for public engagement with climate communication and as a forum for a new climate politics and citizen participation in China.

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Romanian and German Seniors in Quest of Online Health-Related Information: An Exploratory Comparative Study

Romanian Journal of Communication and Public Relations ◽

10.21018/rjcpr.2018.1.251 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 25

Author(s):

Valentina Marinescu ◽

Simona Rodat

Keyword(s):

Internet Use ◽

Online Communication ◽

General Information ◽

The Internet ◽

Online Information ◽

Medical Communication ◽

Related Information ◽

Starting Point ◽

Two Samples ◽

Health Related

In the last years a shift in the practice of medical communication has occurred and it leads to a displacement from a paternalistic model of patient-provider information toward a model implying an embeddedness of the medical and human values in the medical interaction and in the decision-taking process of the informed patient. Researches show that older adults respond differently to online communication than younger adults. In this context, seniors face new challenges as regards health-related information and medical communication. The present study deals comparatively with the health-related internet use by the seniors in two European countries: Romania and Germany. Using a qualitative methodology, which involved the in-depth semi-structured interviewing of twenty persons aged 65 years or over who used the internet including for health-related search, we tried to find out which are the similarities and differences between the two samples as concerns health-related online informing and medical communication. Our research has revealed a number of interesting results and inferences. Thus, while between the two samples there are similarities as regards using the internet as a starting point for general information related to health and making informed medical decisions, there exist also a series of differences as regards various aspects, such as the health-related internet use itself – the interest and the ways of searching, the accessed content and websites, the trust in the reliability of the online information, the online feedback and activism etc., as well as the openness to discuss with the physicians about the information gained by the internet consumption.

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