scholarly journals Accuracy of online discussion forums on common childhood ailments

2018 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison Farrell
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Google Search

Objectives: The research sought to determine if the health advice provided in online discussion forms aimed at parents of young children is accurate and in agreement with evidence found in evidence-based resources and to discover whether or not these forums are an avenue for misinformation.Methods: To determine which online forums to use, Google was searched using five common childhood ailments. Forums that appeared five or more times in the first five pages of the Google search for each question were considered. Of these forums, those that met the inclusion criteria were used. Data from a six-month time period was collected and categorized from the discussion forums to analyze the advice being provided about common childhood ailments. Evidence-based resources were used to analyze the accuracy of the advice provided.Results: Two discussion forums were chosen for analysis. Seventy-four questions from one and 131 questions from the other were health related. Data were not analyzed together. Of the health-related questions on the 2 forums, 65.5% and 51.8%, respectively, provided some type of advice. Of the advice provided, 54.1% and 47.2%, respectively, agreed with the evidence provided in evidence-based resources. A further 16.2% and 6.3% was refuted or was somewhat refuted by the evidence found in evidence-based resources.Conclusion: While roughly half of the health-related advice provided in online discussion forums aimed at parents of young children is accurate, only a small portion of the advice is incorrect; therefore, these sources are not a major concern for the spread of misinformation.

Adoption of DSpace by Indian libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surendran Cherukodan ◽  
Humayoon Kabir S
Keyword(s):  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Repositories ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Google Search

Purpose – India occupies second position among the countries that have adopted DSpace open source software for institutional repositories (IRs)/digital libraries (DLs). The purpose of this paper is to examine the reasons for DSpace being preferred over other software. It inspects various instances of Indian web-based DSpace systems including the nature and growth of collection, the geographical distribution of DSpace systems and the types of institutions that adopt and maintain DSpace. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from the official website of DSpace, Google search and from online discussion forums during July 2013 to January 2014. The 132 Indian DSpace links provided in the official DSpace website were examined. Further search was carried out on Google to identify Indian IRs and DLs that are not listed by the official website. A list of Indian DSpace websites prepared by the authors was sent to the online discussion forums for further updating. An online directory of Indian DSpace websites was created using WordPress which provided for the adding of comments. The study is limited to the web-based DSpace IRs and DLs in India. Findings – The majority of the Indian IRs and DLs listed on the official website of DSpace are not visible on the internet. Many links lead to institution websites, commercial websites and personal pages of authors. Out of 132 DSpace links, only 55 are visible on the internet to search and use. Indian libraries prefer DSpace over EPrints, Fedora and Greenstone. Many institutions could not maintain continuity of their DSpace systems in the online environment. Institutions having more funding are maintaining web-based DSpace systems. The size, economic conditions, rate of literacy and number of universities in an Indian state do not influence the maintenance of digital systems. Academic institutions involving universities, technical institutions and colleges lead in the adoption and maintenance of web-based DSpace in India. Private universities and colleges have adopted DSpace for IR/DL. Public libraries constitute a minimum percentage of web-based DSpace instances. Indian courts and Parliament have adopted DSpace. Shodhganga, the Indian ETD project, is running on DSpace. Originality/value – This is the first paper examining the adoption of DSpace by Indian libraries with a focus on online visibility and the strength of collection. It can be used to understand the pattern of technology adoption by Indian libraries over the years.

scholarly journals Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

BACKGROUND Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. METHODS Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. RESULTS A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. CONCLUSIONS Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. CLINICALTRIAL PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs

scholarly journals Perceptions and Sentiments About Electronic Cigarettes on Social Media Platforms: Systematic Review

10.2196/13673 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e13673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misol Kwon ◽  
Eunhee Park
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
People’S Perceptions

Background Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely promoted on the internet, and subsequently, social media has been used as an important informative platform by e-cigarette users. Beliefs and knowledge expressed on social media platforms have largely influenced e-cigarette uptake, the decision to switch from conventional smoking to e-cigarette smoking, and positive and negative connotations associated with e-cigarettes. Despite this, there is a gap in our knowledge of people’s perceptions and sentiments on e-cigarettes as depicted on social media platforms. Objective This study aimed to (1) provide an overview of studies examining the perceptions and sentiments associated with e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online discussion forums, (2) explore people’s perceptions of e-cigarette therein, and (3) examine the methodological limitations and gaps of the included studies. Methods Searches in major electronic databases, including PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Communication and Mass Media Complete, were conducted using the following search terms: “electronic cigarette,” “electronic vaporizer,” “electronic nicotine,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems” combined with “internet,” “social media,” and “internet use.” The studies were selected if they examined participants’ perceptions and sentiments of e-cigarettes on online forums or social media platforms during the 2007-2017 period. Results A total of 21 articles were included. A total of 20 different social media platforms and online discussion forums were identified. A real-time snapshot and characteristics of sentiments, personal experience, and perceptions toward e-cigarettes on social media platforms and online forums were identified. Common topics regarding e-cigarettes included positive and negative health effects, testimony by current users, potential risks, benefits, regulations associated with e-cigarettes, and attitude toward them as smoking cessation aids. Conclusions Although perceptions among social media users were mixed, there were more positive sentiments expressed than negative ones. This study particularly adds to our understanding of current trends in the popularity of and attitude toward e-cigarettes among social media users. In addition, this study identified conflicting perceptions about e-cigarettes among social media users. This suggests that accurate and up-to-date information on the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes needs to be disseminated to current and potential e-cigarette users via social media platforms, which can serve as important educational channels. Future research can explore the efficacy of social media–based interventions that deliver appropriate information (eg, general facts, benefits, and risks) about e-cigarettes. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019121611; https://tinyurl.com/yfr27uxs

scholarly journals Students' Impressions on the Effectiveness of Online Discussion Forums

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-108
Author(s):  
Beena Vijayavalsalan
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
P Value ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Significant Difference

Purpose: The study has evaluated the effectiveness of online discussion forums among the students of Abu Dhabi University, UAE. Results: The results have shown strong association between positive learning experience and frequency of student participation in discussion forums. However, no statistical significance (p-value=0.306) has been observed among online forums and age of the participants for developing critical thinking skills. Moreover, a significant difference has been identified in students' participation on the effectiveness of online discussion (p-value=0.000). Conclusion: It is concluded that online discussion forums serve as an efficient and effective tool for interaction among the participants.

scholarly journals A virtual academy of polydrug use: Masters, novices and the art of combinations

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 413-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kati Kataja ◽  
Jukka Törrönen ◽  
Pekka Hakkarainen ◽  
Christoffer Tigerstedt
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Positioning Theory ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Polydrug Use ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Drug Culture ◽  
Online Setting ◽  
The One

Aims: Information technology has become an essential part of drug culture, providing a platform for lay knowledge concerning drug use. Due to the co-effects of different substances, making substance “combos” requires advanced skills to enhance pleasures and manage risks. In this study, we focussed on Finnish and Swedish online discussions as a context for learning and sharing experiences of combining substances. Methods: Taking influences from positioning theory, we used qualitative methods to map what kinds of mutual interactive positions related to the expertise in polydrug use online discussants take and how these positions are negotiated and reformulated in the online setting. We reflect these results through Howard S. Becker’s theory of social learning, according to which becoming a drug user is a process that occurs in interaction with other users, as the beginners need a model and advice from experienced users in order to claim their place in the users’ community. Results: In online forums, users discuss the risks and pleasures of combining drugs – on the one hand, in relation to different situations and, on the other hand, in relation to different competence positions. This occurs by asking for advice, presenting one’s knowledge, challenging others, repositioning oneself, defending one’s position or proving one’s competence. Conclusion: Online discussion forums constitute a kind of virtual academy where knowledge of the pleasures and risks of combining substances is produced and circulated, and where experienced masters mediate their expertise to less experienced novices.

scholarly journals Comparison of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy with other disorders: an observational study

2012 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ak Knudsen ◽  
Lv Lervik ◽  
Sb Harvey ◽  
Cms Løvvik ◽  
An Omenås ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Activity ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Level Of Activity

Summary Objectives To examine the level of activity in online discussion forums for chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) compared to other disorders. We hypothesized the level of activity to be higher in CFS/ME online discussion forums. Design Observational study Setting Norway, which has more than 80% household coverage in internet access, September 2009 Participants Twelve Norwegian disorder-related online discussion forums Main outcome measures Number of registered users and number of posted messages on each discussion forum Results Two forums were targeted towards individuals with CFS/ME. These forums had the highest number of registered users per estimated 1,000 cases in the population (50.5 per 1,000 and 29.7 per 1,000), followed by a site for drug dependency (5.4 per 1,000). Counting the number of posted messages per 1,000 cases gave similar indications of high online activity in the CFS/ME discussion forums. Conclusions CFS/ME online forums had more than ten times the relative activity of any other disorder or condition related forum. This high level of activity may have multiple explanations. Individuals suffering from a stigmatized condition of unknown aetiology may use the internet to look for explanations of symptoms or to seek out alternative treatments. Internet forum activity may also be reinforced by the creation of in-group identity and pre-morbid personality traits. More knowledge on the type and quality of information provided in online forums is urgently needed.

scholarly journals Investigating (Im)politeness in online forums between English speakers and English as a foreign language learners

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alipour ◽  
Soroor Tajfar
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Efl Learners ◽  
Relational Work ◽  
Foreign Language Learners ◽  
Online Discussion Forums

This study investigated the use of (im)politeness and disagreement in online discussion forums among English speakers and English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. It also explored how internet forum browsers judge (im)politeness and parameters of relational work ((in)appropriateness and negatively/positively marked behaviour) in disagreement. Three hundred and sixty disagreement responses were analysed following a list of disagreement strategies. The most frequent strategy applied by English speakers was 'making scornful and humiliating statements', while EFL learners used 'showing unmitigated disagreement' and 'showing smileys' as the highest and lowest ones. Most of the strategies used by English speakers were judged as polite and appropriate, but neither negatively nor positively marked, while 13 types of EFL strategies were considered as polite, but neither appropriate and positively marked nor inappropriate and negatively marked. Further, the three parameters had positive relationships with one another. This study provides worthwhile information for improving teaching communication skills in EFL courses. Keywords: (Im)Politeness, disagreement, English as a foreign language learners, interactional and discursive approach, online forum

scholarly journals (How) do participants in online discussion forums create ‘echo chambers’?

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Time Perspective ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Group Polarization ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Process View ◽  
Group Homogeneity ◽  
Echo Chamber

This paper examines the proposition advanced by Sunstein (2001) and other scholars that political online forums tend to be characterized by in-group homogeneity and group polarization. The paper adopts a process view of online forums and examines discussions within a time perspective. Five discussion lines on Climategate.nl (a skeptical Dutch online forum on climate change) are investigated. The research focuses on how participants react to the participation of dissidents and on the resulting processes of inclusion and exclusion. Climategate.nl moved in the direction of an ‘echo chamber’ gradually over time. Nevertheless, the forum was never completely homogeneous. The editors played an active role in the inclusion and exclusion of dissidents. A counter-steering moderation policy is needed to keep group polarization and homogenization within certain limits.

Text Classification and Topic Modeling for Online Discussion Forums

2020 ◽  
pp. 151-186
Author(s):  
Xin Zhao ◽  
Zhe Jiang ◽  
Jeff Gray
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Domain Knowledge ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Unsupervised Machine Learning ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Learning Techniques

Online discussion forums play an important role in building and sharing domain knowledge. An extensive amount of information can be found in online forums, covering every aspect of life and professional discourse. This chapter introduces the application of supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques to analyze forum questions. This chapter starts with supervised machine learning techniques to classify forum posts into pre-defined topic categories. As a supporting technique, web scraping is also discussed to gather data from an online forum. After this, this chapter introduces unsupervised learning techniques to identify latent topics in documents. The combination of supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches offers us deeper insights of the data obtained from online forums. This chapter demonstrates these techniques through a case study on a very large online discussion forum called LabVIEW from the systems modeling community. In the end, the authors list future trends in applying machine learning to understand the expertise captured in online expert communities.

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