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Examining the Impact of Six Pro-Vaccination Messages on MMR Vaccine Hesitancy Among Mothers in Ukraine: A Randomised Controlled Trial
No full textThe Ukrainian government began delivering mandatory MMR vaccination letters to parents across the country in 2019. In this two-phase online RCT, we aimed to test the effectiveness of this national mandatory vaccination letter against five behavioural science-informed letters, in terms of their effects on the vaccination attitudes, intentions and behaviours of Ukrainian mothers (N = 738). One letter was focused on the simplicity and accessibility of vaccination procedures; one contained a testimonial from a family doctor; two letters contained pro-vaccination social norm statements (one signed by a family doctor and one by a school director); and one contained a loss-framed message underlining the risks of non-vaccination. The results showed no difference between the conditions in terms of change in vaccination attitudes and intentions but there was an effect on behaviour (measured through clicking a link to schedule a vaccination). The letters signed by a family doctor, outlining how vaccination is a social norm, were most effective in encouraging positive vaccination behaviours. We conclude that the national template used by Ukrainian public health authorities is unlikely to reduce vaccine hesitancy or increase vaccination rates, and that letters emphasising the normative nature of vaccination could increase uptake in the Ukrainian context
Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories and Online News Consumption during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
No full textUsing an original survey covering 17 countries, this paper documents the prevalence of beliefs in conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic and characterizes the informational, demographic, and trust profiles of individuals who believe them. There is considerable variation across countries in the level of conspiracy beliefs, with people in a set of countries like Romania, Poland, Greece, and Hungary being relatively more susceptible than respondents in Northern Europe. We find several factors are correlated with conspiracy beliefs across countries. Relative to respondents who do not read news on social media, social media users tend to endorse more conspiracies, and this is the case for Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube users in particular. We also observe a link between distrust in medical experts or government and endorsement of conspiracy theories in most countries. In a subset of countries, we also find individuals with medium level of education and those who are younger to believe in a higher number of conspiracy theories.
Annual Report: 2023–2024
No full textIn this annual report, the Collegium Helveticum looks back onto the fellow year 2023–2024. The report mainly documents the fellows’ work and the event program. In addition, it offers further insights into the Collegium and its fellowship program. In their editorial, Director Sebastian Bonhoeffer and Deputy Director Mario Wimmer reflect on the significance of sabbaticals in academia. In a special segment, three early-career fellows talk about what motivated them to apply for a fellowship, the insights they gained and the encounters they had during their time at the Collegium, and where those experiences have led them. In addition to that, short personal spotlights, written by fellows, emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinarity, shared learning, fostering connectedness, and embracing new perspectives. Finally, the report features an insightful interview with former Senior Fellow Huib Ernste, who enquired how the atmosphere at the Collegium is shaped by the people, their cultural backgrounds, and the building itself
Strategies and challenges for constructing and collecting visual corpora from image-based social media platforms
Get PDFVisual elements play an important role within the multimodal nature of social media (Pearce et al., 2020). A growing body of research has focused on the analysis of still and moving images from different social media platforms from various perspectives of communication and media studies (Hautea, Parks, Takahashi, & Zeng, 2021; Li & Xie, 2020; Veum & Undrum, 2018). Although the aforementioned studies describe visual data collection, their principal focus does not rely on this collection, but on data analysis. Little attention has been paid to the challenges of collecting visual datasets (Highfield & Leaver, 2016). In this paper, I propose a methodological overview of several strategies for collecting large corpora of visual data from image-based social media platforms. Provided with exemplary publications, I review five strategies for collecting visual corpora: hashtag-based, account-based, metadata-based, random sampling, and mixed approach. Lastly, I present a case study with my own mixed approach to the collection of visual data from Instagram. Considering the usage, advantages and limitations of each strategy, the article will contribute to the developing science of social media research. I believe that a literature analysis of visual data collection strategies and a provided case study can help researchers optimize visual data collection from image-based social media
Image networks and practice analysis of larger data corpora. An approach to cluster and recontextualize visual practice in social media
Get PDFThis paper reports a methodological exploration combining image network analysis and standardized practice analysis on social media data. Through applying the open source software Memespector to access the Clarifai API, the potential of an easy-at-hand image tagging tool as an instrument to manage larger data corpora is explored. Using the example of the German-speaking Twitter hashtag #systemrelevant, we relate image clusters to the results of standardized practice analysis of posts that contain images. The proposed method is intended for research that attempts to carve out the co-constituting of public discourse in social media by different groups of actors. The approach systematically differentiates the contributions of societal groups such as journalism, civil society, or private individuals, and the embedding of their tweets in selected anchoring practices and further modalities of participation. Altogether, the multistep analytical process offers a possible approach to process larger image corpora, while maintaining a sensitivity for the practice-theoretical demand of (re)contextualizing image use
"I always feel like somebody\u27s watching me": What do the U.S. electorate know about political micro-targeting and how much do they care?
No full textThe practice of political micro-targeting (PMT) – tailoring messages for voters based on their personal data – has increased over the past two decades, particularly in the U.S. Studies of PMT have to date concentrated largely on its effects on voters, or its implications for democracy more broadly. Less attention has been given to answering basic descriptive questions about how people perceive, feel and care about this new mode of political communication. This paper fills that gap by reporting findings from an online survey (weighted to be nationally representative on age, gender, ethnicity, region and past vote) that measured public attitudes toward PMT during the 2020 U.S. Presidential campaign. Specifically, we measure voter orientations toward PMT in four key dimensions – awareness, aversion, knowledge, and acceptability at the aggregate level – and explore how these vary according to a range of individual characteristics. Key findings are that public understanding and acceptance of PMT may be higher than current studies indicate, particularly among certain sectors of the population. Such insights are important for academic research to cognize and also policy-makers, as they move toward greater regulation of voter targeting
Removable dental prostheses and difficulties with chewing among frail individuals: Results from the Swiss SAPALDIA cohort
No full textOral healthcare among the frail is an underestimated geriatric care element. While neglected oral health (OH) is a well-established risk factor for frailty, frailty can be a risk factor for subsequent OH problems.
The cross-sectional investigation nested into the SAPALDIA sub-cohort of citizens aged 52 years and older, aims to stimulate longitudinal research into aspects that accelerate poor OH among frail individuals. The hypothesis investigated was that (pre-) frail individuals are more likely to have missing teeth replaced with removable dental prostheses (RDP) resulting in difficulties with chewing.
The study included 1489 participants undergoing geriatric assessments and oral examination. The main predictor was frailty status (non-frail; pre-frail; frail), based on Fried’s frailty phenotype. The main outcomes of interest were non-functional dentition (presence of ≤ 19 natural teeth), presence of any RDP and self-reported difficulties with chewing.
Pre-frailty and frailty were not associated with the presence of ≤ 19 natural teeth, but were associated with a higher RDP prevalence. The presence of at least one complete denture (CD) had 1.71 fold and 2.54 folds higher odds among pre-frail and frail, respectively, compared to non-frail individuals. Frail individuals with CD reported chewing difficulties 7.8 times more often than non-frail individuals without CD.
The results are in line with the hypothesis that (pre-) frail individuals may be more likely to have tooth loss restored by RDPs. Future longitudinal research needs to assess potential barriers to oral hygiene and fixed dental prostheses among (pre-) frail and to study their oral health-related quality of life
Autologous platelet concentrates in regenerative dentistry – A narrative literature review.: Part I: Theoretical and legal aspects of the PR(G)F application
No full textDie Anwendung von plättchenreichen autologen Blutprodukten (PRF bzw. PRGF.) gilt inzwischen als etablierte Therapiemodalität in der regenerativen Zahnmedizin. Sie ermöglicht unter anderem eine Freisetzung von zusätzlichen Wachstumsfaktoren über einen Zeitraum von mehreren Tagen, was im Kontext der Wundheilung interessant erscheint. Die schnell wachsende Evidenz zum Thema setzt eine stetige Auseinandersetzung mit der Literatur voraus, will der Behandler seine Therapieempfehlungen evidenzbasiert abgeben und den (zusätzlichen) Vorteil der Technologie realistisch bewerten. PR(G)F kann in fester oder flüssiger Form pur oder in Kombination mit anderen Biomaterialien appliziert werden. Biologisch erscheint beides je nach Indikation bzw. gewünschtem Resultat interessant. Da diverse Parameter die Herstellung und die Charakteristika der verschiedenen Produkte beeinflussen können, ist ein grundlegendes Verständnis wünschenswert, um das jeweils sinnvolle Protokoll auszuwählen bzw. dessen klinische Applikation zu optimieren. Diese Übersicht soll einen Überblick über die relevantesten theoretischen, rechtlichen und biologischen Aspekte von Plättchenkonzentraten für Privatpraktikerinnen und Privatpraktiker geben.The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and/or plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF.) is considered an established treatment modality in regenerative dentistry. The possibility of delivering growth factors over a clinically relevant time of several days seems particularly interesting in the context of wound healing. The growing body of evidence in the field of APC requires a continuous and actual knowledge of the literature for being able to make evidence-based treatment recommendations with a realistic assessment of possible advantages of this technology. PR(G)F can be applied in solid or liquid form, pure or in combination with other biomaterials. Both appear to be reasonable, depending on the clinical indication and/or desired treatment outcomes. Because of the many different factors that can affect the PR(G)F products final characteristics, a basic understanding of these parameters is desirable for choosing the most suitable product and/or optimizing its clinical application. This review aims to provide an overview of relevant theoretical, practical, legal and biologic aspects of APCs
Need for dentists with post-graduate training in endodontology according to members of the Swiss Dental Association [Article in German]
No full textThis questionary-based study was financed by the Swiss Society for Endodontology (SSE). At the time of this survey (2022) there were merely 20 board-certified endodontists in Switzerland, and 239 other members of the SSE, i.e. general practitioners with some form of post-graduate endodontic training or a keen interest in the field. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the need for a higher number of trained endodontists as viewed by the general population of dentists in Switzerland. An electronic questionary in either German, French, or Italian was sent to all 4072 active members of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO). The questionnaire focused on the background of the surveyed dentists, their willingness to refer endodontic cases to a specialist or colleague with a focus on endodontics, their propensity to do so, and their perceived need for endodontists in their region. The response rate was 21%, and was similar between the different regions and cantons. Seventy-nine (9%) of the dentists participating in the survey were members of the SSE, while 16 (2%) were board-certified. Merely 7% of the participants received endodontic referrals themselves, while 81% referred cases in some instances. However, only 13% of participants referred endodontic cases always or regularly. The main reason for not referring was the belief by the surveyed dentists that they could perform the endodontic treatments themselves. Long distance to the next endodontic specialist or expert was the second most frequently given reason not to refer cases. A total of 58% of the participants believed that there were enough endodontists in Switzerland to cover the encountered clinical problems.This questionary-based study was financed by the Swiss Society for Endodontology (SSE). At the time of this survey (2022) there were merely 20 board-certified endodontists in Switzerland, and 239 other members of the SSE, i.e. general practitioners with some form of post-graduate endodontic training or a keen interest in the field. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the need for a higher number of trained endodontists as viewed by the general population of dentists in Switzerland. An electronic questionary in either German, French, or Italian was sent to all 4072 active members of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO). The questionnaire focused on the background of the surveyed dentists, their willingness to refer endodontic cases to a specialist or colleague with a focus on endodontics, their propensity to do so, and their perceived need for endodontists in their region. The response rate was 21%, and was similar between the different regions and cantons. Seventy-nine (9%) of the dentists participating in the survey were members of the SSE, while 16 (2%) were board-certified. Merely 7% of the participants received endodontic referrals themselves, while 81% referred cases in some instances. However, only 13% of participants referred endodontic cases always or regularly. The main reason for not referring was the belief by the surveyed dentists that they could perform the endodontic treatments themselves. Long distance to the next endodontic specialist or expert was the second most frequently given reason not to refer cases. A total of 58% of the participants believed that there were enough endodontists in Switzerland to cover the encountered clinical problems
Agent-based modeling of diversity, new information and minority groups in opinion formation
No full textUnderstanding the decentralized formation of public opinion is increasingly important to communication research. Although many key determinants cannot be observed empirically, we argue they can be explored through theoretical modeling. Building on an existing agent-based model of opinion dynamics, our study introduces more complex, but theoretically interesting and realistic, agent behavior. We model distinct opinion tendencies which represent individuals’ diversity of belief, as well as external influences such as new information. Diversity increases the extremity of opinion in simulated consensus, radicalization and polarization. Simulation of new information demonstrates the ability of a minority group to shift majority opinion significantly in the long term, even with transient changes in behavior. Opposing minority groups do not counteract each other when their actions are delayed and may in fact amplify the original effect. We argue that modeling can help researchers and other stakeholders understand how these outcomes could arise in the real world, and thereby explore potential mitigations or exploitations