Social contagion in a world with asymmetric influence.

Social media has blurred the distinction between news outlets and social networks by giving everyone access to mass communication. We simulate how influencers compete for attention on a social network by spreading information. The network structure occupies an ordered metastable state where one influencer maintains dominance for a sustained period or a fragmented state that divides attention between influencers. Numerical simulations are performed to map the domain of the ordered regime on various network topologies. Mutual coexistence between a few dominating influencers occurs on a scale-free social network. Our findings suggest the perception of fake news as a pervasive problem is endemic to a society where everyone can become a news outlet.

[Contraception guidance in general practice. A questionnaire study in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark]. / Prevensjonsveiledning i allmennpraksis. En spørreskjemaundersøkelse i Nordland, Troms og Finnmark.

239 (75%) of 318 general practitioners in the three northernmost counties of Norway were asked by mailed questionnaire to report the frequency of consultations on contraception, and what kind of contraception they usually recommended. 85% informed the women about at least three different alternatives; oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices and condoms. Almost 50% would ordinate an intrauterine device to a woman who never had been pregnant. 60% informed the woman about other alternatives even if she had already decided upon method prior to the consultation. The physician often brought up the subject of contraception, but as many as 15% did not, as a routine, mention birth control when a woman consulted them for a first trimester abortion. Almost 50% did not know how to fit the diaphragms.

PIP: 239 (75%) of 318 general practitioners in the 3 northernmost counties of Norway were questioned by mail questionnaire as to the frequency of consultations on contraception as well as the methods of contraception which they usually recommended. 85% informed the women of at least 3 different alternatives--oral contraceptives, IUDs, and condoms. Almost 50% would recommend as IUD to a woman who had never been pregnant; 60% informed the woman about other alternatives even if she had previously decided on a method. The physician often initiated the subject of contraception but as many as 15% did not routinely mention birth control when consulted by a woman for a 1st trimester abortion. Almost 50% did not know how to fit a diaphragm. (author's modified)

[Do male and female physicians give the same contraception guidance?]. / Gir mannlige og kvinnelige leger lik prevensjonsveiledning?

A questionnaire on their practice regarding ordination of contraceptive methods was answered by 239 (75%) of the general practitioners in the three northern most counties of Norway. The female doctors reported a higher frequency both of female patients and of consultations for birth control, and were more active in these consultations than their male colleagues. Female doctors suggested more methods to their patients, and had a more positive attitude to barrier methods. 61% of the male doctors and 27% of the female doctors had no experience of fitting diaphragms.