1,720,992 research outputs found
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
Members' experiences of a neuromuscular disorder online support group
Full text linkIntroduction: Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) cause wasting and weakening of muscles. People affected by NMDs and their carers can experience a number of adverse psychosocial consequences, which can be exacerbated by the rare nature of many of these disorders. This makes access to medical information, timely diagnoses, supportive care and peer support difficult. Options for receiving peer support are increasing through the development of online support groups (OSGs) for people affected by NMDs. Aims: This thesis examined the role of a new OSG in facilitating online peer support for people affected by NMDs and their carers. This was carried out using two distinct, but inter-related, studies. The first study examined the various ways in which members used the message board facility. The second of these studies accessed members’ personal experiences of using this OSG. Methods: In order to examine how members used this new OSG, the first study involved an inductive thematic analysis of OSG message postings. Message postings from the first five months of this OSG’s existence (n=1,914) were analysed, so as to identify the main thematic content of members’ discussions. The second study accessed participants’ personal accounts of their OSG experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six OSG members and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This interview element examined the context through which members decided to use the group, factors that contributed to their continued use of the group, and the personal impact of participation. Results: The OSG message postings analysis demonstrated how members created a sense of community spirit by establishing common ground through disclosing personal information, searching for connections with people with similar illness experiences or interests, welcoming new members, and sharing aspirations for the development of a resourceful community. Experiences, emotional reactions and support were shared in relation to: delayed diagnosis; symptom interpretation; illness management and progression; and the sense of isolation incurred when managing a rare disorder. The board was also used to discuss societal and political issues pertaining to living with an NMD and methods of raising awareness of such conditions. The results of the interview study showed the valued connection that the OSG gave participants to similar others, in a friendly, non-pressurised environment. Members especially valued the reassurance of knowing that they were not alone in coping with their often-rare condition. The group provided participants with an understanding audience: a rare experience for a group whose condition is not widely known or understood. The information exchanged on the OSG was appreciated due to its specificity in dealing with NMDs. The board was also considered an important platform for raising awareness of NMD-related issues. The gratifying experience of helping other NMD sufferers was highlighted as a key theme. Participants also felt that the OSG was not without its limitations. Difficulties in relating to other people (because of varying disability levels, different disease progression histories, and different views on politics and other interests) influenced participants’ levels of interaction and the perceived benefits of the group. Less common concerns for the group – but important for some individuals – were privacy concerns in using a publicly accessible group and difficulty navigating through the message postings. Conclusions: This thesis provides a novel, in-depth insight into how people used a new OSG for NMDs, and the personal impact of participating in such a group. Analyses of message posting and interview data highlight the vital psychosocial support provided by the OSG, especially given the rarity of many of these conditions. However, it was found that some obstacles to support are inherent in the OSG itself, tempering assessments of the impact of its use.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
Development and testing of behaviour change based intervention for machine related safety on farms
No full textBackground Farm machinery-related injuries are a growing concern worldwide, posing serious risks to farmers' safety and leading to severe disabilities or fatalities. As the farming population ages and farming machinery evolves, the need to address long-term safety becomes crucial. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in improving farm practices. To ensure the successful adoption of safe farming practices, understanding the factors that contribute to farmers' behaviour is important. This understanding allows for developing and tailoring behaviour change interventions to the specific needs and challenges faced by the target population. However, there has been limited work on developing theory driven interventions to increase machine safety among farmers. This thesis aims to develop and test a behaviour change-based intervention focused on enhancing tractor-related safety on farms, with a particular focus on Irish farmers. The research involved collaboration with Irish farmers, experts in agricultural safety, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the intervention's relevance and practicality. Aim The aim of the project was the systematic development and feasibility testing of a behaviour change based intervention to increase machine-related safety on farms. Methods and Results This thesis encompassed four interlinking studies guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework for developing behaviour change-based interventions. Study 1 (Systematic Review): The systematic review (Chapter 3) employed the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework and the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy to investigate machine-related farm safety interventions comprehensively. This review revealed gaps in addressing demographic factors, specific machine-related behaviours, and intervention complexity. Additionally, it emphasised the need for tailored interventions and rigorous reporting and evaluation of the active ingredients of the intervention. Further analysis highlighted the significant role of tractors and quad bikes in farm accidents, vulnerability among older farmers and children, and the limited attention to older farmers in safety initiatives. This foundational study informed subsequent research directions, providing essential insights into farm machine safety interventions. Study 2 (Focus Group Discussions): This qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of older Irish farmers concerning farm machinery safety, with a particular focus on tractors and quad bikes. Utilising the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model, the focus group discussions identified a range of high-risk behaviours associated with machine operation and safety. The study identified the barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of safe machinery operation practices. This study also explored farmers' attitudes towards behaviour change techniques (BCTs) identified in the systematic review. These insights highlighted the need to tailor interventions for specific demographic groups and the significance of promoting age-appropriate safety measures for older farmers. Study 3 (Co-design workshop): This study aimed to tailor farm safety intervention to the unique needs of older Irish farmers. Two co-design workshops with international farm safety experts and stakeholders were conducted to achieve these objectives. These workshops identified potential target behaviours, barriers, enablers, and intervention components and delivery methods. A web-based rank order survey was used to prioritise target behaviours, and findings from the survey guided discussions during the workshops. Subsequently, with the Teagasc Advisory Team, a feasibility screening to finalise the selection of target behaviours, behaviour change techniques, and modes of delivery based on predefined criteria and empirical evidence. Key target behaviours identified were (i) allocation of attention to machinery operation and the local environment and (ii) installing and using appropriate safety devices on machinery. Barriers included limited knowledge, while facilitators included peer support. The BeSafe tractor safety intervention strategically incorporated BCTs such as 1.1 Goal setting (behaviour), 1.4. Action planning, 4.1. Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, and 13.1 Identification of self as a role model. The study highlighted the importance of tailoring farm safety intervention to different farm types and age groups. Collaboration with the Teagasc Advisory Team ensured practicality, enhancing real-world applicability. Study 4 (Feasibility trial): Study 4, the final stage of this research, involved the feasibility trial of the BeSafe tractor safety intervention. The trial assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of the intervention components and the overall intervention among Irish farmers. The BeSafe intervention, developed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework, encompassed in-person demo sessions, a facilitated discussion, a personalised safety training procedure template, a demonstration kit, and an SMS reminder. The trial included both older and younger farmers, with a focus on enhancing awareness about tractor blind spots. Results from the feasibility trial indicated a positive reception of the intervention among participants. Farmers appreciated the farmer-centric approach, actively engaging with the intervention components. Peer-to-peer demonstrations were particularly effective in promoting peer-to-peer learning and safer farm machine operation practices. This study demonstrated the potential of a theory-driven, stakeholder-informed, behaviour change based intervention to improve machine-related safety on farms. Conclusion In conclusion, this thesis presents a systematic and comprehensive approach for developing a theoretically driven, stakeholder-informed, and behaviour change based intervention to improve farm machine safety. This thesis describes a novel attempt in the development of machine-safety interventions, offering a documented systematic approach firmly rooted in the BCW framework and substantiated by empirical evidence. The studies included in this thesis have contributed to the literature by providing a greater understanding of safety behaviour among Irish farmers, including novel insights on the potential behaviour change strategies to raise awareness among the farming population and enhance the adoption of safer farm practices. Overall, the findings and recommendations presented in this thesis have the potential to contribute to the efforts to address the high injury and fatality rates in the agricultural industry, ultimately promoting a safer working environment for farmers
Members’ experiences of a neuromuscular disorder online support group
No full textIntroduction: Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) cause wasting and weakening of muscles. People affected by NMDs and their carers can experience a number of adverse psychosocial consequences, which can be exacerbated by the rare nature of many of these disorders. This makes access to medical information, timely diagnoses, supportive care and peer support difficult. Options for receiving peer support are increasing through the development of online support groups (OSGs) for people affected by NMDs.
Aims: This thesis examined the role of a new OSG in facilitating online peer support for people affected by NMDs and their carers. This was carried out using two distinct, but inter-related, studies. The first study examined the various ways in which members used the message board facility. The second of these studies accessed members’ personal experiences of using this OSG.
Methods: In order to examine how members used this new OSG, the first study involved an inductive thematic analysis of OSG message postings. Message postings from the first five months of this OSG’s existence (n=1,914) were analysed, so as to identify the main thematic content of members’ discussions.
The second study accessed participants’ personal accounts of their OSG experiences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six OSG members and were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This interview element examined the context through which members decided to use the group, factors that contributed to their continued use of the group, and the personal impact of participation.
Results: The OSG message postings analysis demonstrated how members created a sense of community spirit by establishing common ground through disclosing personal information, searching for connections with people with similar illness experiences or interests, welcoming new members, and sharing aspirations for the development of a resourceful community. Experiences, emotional reactions and support were shared in relation to: delayed diagnosis; symptom interpretation; illness management and progression; and the sense of isolation incurred when managing a rare disorder. The board was also used to discuss societal and political issues pertaining to living with an NMD and methods of raising awareness of such conditions.
The results of the interview study showed the valued connection that the OSG gave participants to similar others, in a friendly, non-pressurised environment. Members especially valued the reassurance of knowing that they were not alone in coping with their often-rare condition. The group provided participants with an understanding audience: a rare experience for a group whose condition is not widely known or understood. The information exchanged on the OSG was appreciated due to its specificity in dealing with NMDs. The board was also considered an important platform for raising awareness of NMD-related issues. The gratifying experience of helping other NMD sufferers was highlighted as a key theme.
Participants also felt that the OSG was not without its limitations. Difficulties in relating to other people (because of varying disability levels, different disease progression histories, and different views on politics and other interests) influenced participants’ levels of interaction and the perceived benefits of the group. Less common concerns for the group – but important for some individuals – were privacy concerns in using a publicly accessible group and difficulty navigating through the message postings.
Conclusions: This thesis provides a novel, in-depth insight into how people used a new OSG for NMDs, and the personal impact of participating in such a group. Analyses of message posting and interview data highlight the vital psychosocial support provided by the OSG, especially given the rarity of many of these conditions. However, it was found that some obstacles to support are inherent in the OSG itself, tempering assessments of the impact of its use
Variations on the Author
Full text link“Variations on the Author” discusses two of Eduardo Coutinho’s recent films (Um Dia na Vida, from 2010, and Últimas Conversas, posthumously released in 2015) and their contribution to the general question of documentary authorship. The director’s filmography is characterized by a consistent yet self-effacing form of authorial self-inscription: Coutinho often features as an interviewer that rather than express opinions propels discourses; an interviewer that is good at listening. This mode of self-inscription characterizes him as an author who is not expressive but who is nonetheless markedly present on the screen. In Um Dia na Vida, however, Coutinho is completely absent form the image, while Últimas Conversas, on the contrary, includes a confessional prologue that moves the director from the margins to the center of his films. This article examines the ways in which these works stand out in the filmography of a director who offers new insights into the notion of cinematic authorship
Appropriate Similarity Measures for Author Cocitation Analysis
Full text linkWe provide a number of new insights into the methodological discussion about author cocitation analysis. We first argue that the use of the Pearson correlation for measuring the similarity between authors’ cocitation profiles is not very satisfactory. We then discuss what kind of similarity measures may be used as an alternative to the Pearson correlation. We consider three similarity measures in particular. One is the well-known cosine. The other two similarity measures have not been used before in the bibliometric literature. Finally, we show by means of an example that our findings have a high practical relevance.information science;Pearson correlation;cosine;similarity measure;author cocitation analysis
Dispelling the Myths Behind First-author Citation Counts
Full text linkWe conducted a full-scale evaluative citation analysis study of scholars in the XML research field to explore just how different from each other author rankings resulting from different citation counting methods actually are, and to demonstrate the capability of emerging data and tools on the Web in supporting more realistic citation counting methods. Our results contest some common arguments for the continued
use of first-author citation counts in the evaluation of scholars, such as high correlations between author rankings by first-author citation counts and other citation
counting methods, and high costs of using more realistic citation counting methods that are not well-supported by the ISI databases. It is argued that increasingly available digital full text research papers make it possible for citation analysis studies to go beyond what the ISI databases have directly supported and to employ more
sophisticated methods
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