A new path: student pioneers and communication practices in rural Mexico

The academic paper is devoted to studying scientific and methodological principles ensuring effective training of foreign medical students to overcome communication barriers in professional communication. It has been revealed that readiness for professional communication is a component of the professional readiness of future healthcare professionals. Three interrelated levels of communicative interaction at which professional communication of foreign medical students takes place are identified: linguistic, paralinguistic, and non-verbal. It is noted that the communication of foreign students of medical specialties is characterized by the presence of linguistic, ethnic and discursive communication barriers. It has been determined that the primary objective of instructing foreign medical students to surmount communication barriers within professional discourse is to cultivate their requisite preparedness. The author’s definition of the readiness of foreign students of medical specialties to overcome communication barriers in professional communication as a complex personal and professional phenomenon, which is determined by their individual psychological characteristics and peculiarities of their professional activity, is given. It is substantiated that the readiness of foreign students of medical specialties to overcome communication barriers in professional communication is the result of their professional training and professional development. The motivational, cognitive, operational, and reflective components of the structure of foreign medical students' readiness to surmount communication barriers are delineated. The major components of educational and methodological support aimed at forming students’ readiness to overcome communication barriers in communication are identified, namely: orientation of language training towards the purposeful formation of readiness to overcome communication barriers and ensuring its continuity at all stages of education; formation of a system of foreign medical students’ professional-communicative social-perceptual qualities, which form the basis of relevant professional skills; establishment of an enriched communication environment in a medical higher education institution.

Communication is the backbone of any academic institution. It enables collaboration, productivity, and innovation. This study explores the communication culture within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) at Bulacan State University Campus. The goal is to understand the dynamics shaping communication practices, barriers, and strategies among administrators and faculty. Communication is crucial in educational settings, as it affects organizational unity, teaching quality, and student outcomes. Using communication theories and practices, the study uncovers the mechanisms driving communication interactions within CAL. Communication practices in modern educational settings are undergoing significant changes. As new technologies emerge and global competition increases, administrators and faculty face evolving challenges. This study examines communication within the CAL organization, exploring how administrators and faculty navigate these changes and use communication strategies to foster positive working relationships and improve instructional quality. The research takes a careful and thorough approach, using both numbers and stories to understand the communication culture within CAL. By surveying administrators and faculty, the study explores their views on communication practices, challenges, and strategies. Additionally, indepth interviews and group discussions provide valuable insights into the real-life experiences and perspectives of key people involved, deepening our understanding of the communication dynamics at play. The study reveals a diverse and interactive communication environment within CAL, marked by open discussions, information exchange, and collaborative problem-solving. However, the research also identifies common obstacles to effective communication, ranging from noise and poor feedback to insufficient communication channels and psychological barriers. Additionally, the study examines faculty perspectives on job performance, leadership capabilities, and communication dynamics with management, providing valuable insights into the relationship between individual attitudes and the organizational communication culture. Building on what we've learned, this study suggests ways to improve communication practices within CAL. From specialized training programs to optimizing communication channels and promoting a culture of open communication and collaboration, these recommendations provide a path to cultivating a cohesive, inclusive, and effective communication environment in the college. By exploring the communication culture at CAL, this research lays the foundation for nurturing a thriving academic community that supports learning, innovation, and growth.

Developing software through Global Software Development (GSD) became very common now days in the software industry. Pakistan is one of the countries where projects are taken and designed from different countries including Afghanistan. The purpose of this paper is to identify and provide an analysis on several communication barriers that can have a negative impact on the project and to provide management guidelines for medium size software organizations working in Pakistan with clients from Afghanistan and to overcome these communication barriers and challenges organizations face when coordinating with client. Initially we performed a literature review to identify different communication barriers and to check if there are any standardized communications management guidelines for medium size software houses provided in the past. The second stage of the research paper involves guidelines with vendor's perspective that include interviews and focus group discussions with different stakeholders and employees of software houses with clients from Afghanistan. Based on those interviews and discussions we established communication management guidelines in order to overcome the communication problems and barriers working with clients from Afghanistan. As a result of the literature review, we have identified that barriers such as cultural barriers and language barrier were one of the main reasons behind the project failure and suggested that software organizations working in Pakistan should follow certain defined communication guidelines in order to overcome communication barriers that affect the project directly.

In the beginning of March the 27th annual scientific and practical conference took place in the Moscow State Pedagogical University in association with the Herzen State Pedagogical University and School No. 1561. This year the conference was devoted to the topic of Language and Person. As usual, the two-day conference was divided into two parts: one started with the opening of the Conference and reports made by university students, while in the second part the floor was given to school students who participated in nine sections. On the 2nd of March, participance of the conference were greeted by distinguished professors, such as academician A. V. Lubkov, rector of the Herzen University S. V. Tarasov, director of the Institute of Philology Ye. G. Chernysheva, and professor I. S. Uryupin. The conference was anchored by O. Ye. Drozdova and its jury included scholars of leading universities and schoolteachers. Dozens of university and school students from Russia and abroad took part in the Conference. They presented thirty reports on a variety of topics: language portrayal of people and characters of literature; language of different social groups; language worldview; linguistical influence on people; language as a professional tool, etc. More than a hundred participants joined discussion panels — person in language worldviews now and then; language portrayal of characters in literature; and the language of communication of teachers and students in social networks — hosted by Ye. B. Yakovenko, A. I. Dunev, G. D. Polyakova, respectively. Discussion panels were followed by a linguistic game. Participants of the conference were awarded diplomas. Discussion of reports, communication of students with jury members, famous philologists, answers to questions from conference participants create an atmosphere of creativity and make students want to continue searching for new knowledge, logical connections, and linguistic discoveries.

<p style="text-align: justify;">The purpose of the present study was to determine the communication barriers, the reasons and results of these barriers, and solution proposals for communication barriers faced in the context of school-parents cooperation. The case study was used in this study. The data obtained from the interview forms were analysed according to the method of descriptive analysis. The findings were presented in the form of themes and subthemes. The study group consisted of 42 teachers working in the central districts of Erzurum in the 2019-2020 academic years. According to the research results, the participants think that communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to parents and to teachers. Most of the participants express the reasons for communication barriers resulting from parents while some of the participants express the reasons for communication barriers resulting from teachers. Participants think that the results of communication barriers faced in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to students, school administrators, parents and teacher. Most of the participants think that results of communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to students while the other participants think that results of communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to school administrators, parents and teachers. Most of the participants propose solutions for communication barriers related to teachers while other participants propose solutions for communication barriers related to school administrators and parents.</p>

Aim: To find out variation in flexibility, strength and balance of university and school students on their dominant and non-dominant sides. Study Design: A Cross section study. Place and duration of study: Data was collected from Lahore grammar school (LGS), Al’Ala school and university of management and technology (UMT), Lahore. After approval of synopsis (RE-092-2021) the data collection was done from the duration of 10th November 2021 to 15th February 2022. Methodology: A cross section study conducted on healthy school and university students. The data was collected by non-probability convenient sampling. After verbal Informed consent the data was obtained from school students of grade 7-10 from Lahore Grammar school and Al’Ala international Islamic school and undergraduate’s students of UMT by using convenient sampling. Physical performance tests for measuring strength (sit-ups), flexibility (Zipper, sit and reach, dorsiflexion) and balance (Flamingo test) were demonstrated and were asked to perform. Readings were taken of each test. Results: Sit ups excellent results were reported in majority of university students (36%). Sit and reach test was found better in university (32%), zipper test positive results were better in school students. Dorsiflexion test normal values were more in university (18%). Flamingo test showed 45% university students had good balance. There was statistically significant difference in zipper (P=0.004), flamingo (P=0.036) on non-dominant side and sit and reach dominant (P=0.006) and non-dominant side (P=0.031). Practical implication: The normative data of physical performance measures can help prevent injuries, as these can be used as a reference to detect poor health and lethargy at school and university level. These measures can be used as a reference for primary prevention among university going and school going students. Furthermore, to increase awareness about physical fitness among young population. Conclusion: Both groups showed good physical performance measures. Flexibility test showed better results in School students. Strength test showed better result in university students whereas, balance test reported better in school students. Keywords: Balance, Flexibility, Limb dominance, musculoskeletal injuries, Physical activity, Strength,

Aim: To find out variation in flexibility, strength and balance of university and school students on their dominant and non-dominant sides. Study design: A Cross section study. Place and duration of study: Data was collected from Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Al’Ala school and University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore. After approval of synopsis (RE-092-2021) the data collection was done from the duration of 10th November 2021 to 15th February 2022. Methodology: A cross section study conducted on healthy school and university students. The data was collected by non-probability convenient sampling. After verbal Informed consent the data was obtained from school students of grade 7-10 from Lahore Grammar school and Al’Ala international Islamic school and undergraduate’s students of UMT by using convenient sampling. Physical performance tests for measuring strength (sit-ups), flexibility (Zipper, sit and reach, dorsiflexion) and balance (Flamingo test) were demonstrated and were asked to perform. Readings were taken of each test. Results: Sit ups excellent results were reported in majority of university students (36%). Sit and reach test was found better in university (32%), zipper test positive results were better in school students. Dorsiflexion test normal values were more in university (18%). Flamingo test showed 45% university students had good balance. There was statistically significant difference in zipper (P=0.004), flamingo (P=0.036) on non-dominant side and sit and reach dominant (P=0.006) and non-dominant side. Practical implication: The normative data of physical performance measures can help prevent injuries, as these can be used as a reference to detect poor health and lethargy at school and university level. These measures can be used as a reference for primary prevention among university going and school going students. Conclusion: Both groups showed good physical performance measures. Flexibility test showed better results in School students. Strength test showed better result in university students whereas, balance test reported better in school students. Keywords: Balance, Flexibility, Limb dominance, musculoskeletal injuries, Physical activity, Strength,

This study evaluates the impact of body shaming on self-esteem among university students, focusing on gender differences and the psychological effects of appearance-based criticism during early adulthood. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire using standardized scales. The study data were collected from university students at both public and private institutions. A cross-sectional research design was employed with a sample of 131 students selected through convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using multiple regression, correlation, and independent sample t-tests to examine relationships between body shaming and self-esteem. Findings revealed a weak, non-significant negative correlation between body shaming and self-esteem among university students. The regression analysis showed that body shaming was not a significant predictor of self-esteem. Additionally, no statistically significant gender differences were observed, although males showed slightly higher self-esteem. The results suggest a need for mental health awareness campaigns in universities, promoting body positivity and offering psychological support. Educational institutions should develop gender-sensitive interventions and counseling services to address body image concerns. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended.

The article emphasizes that communication is one of the most important means that a person needs to transform the environment and interact in it; the definition of this phenomenon in the scientific literature is not unambiguous, but since one of the aspects of the professional activity of future philosophers will be teaching, in the course of studying the course «Theory and Practice of Communication» it is necessary to know the peculiarities of pedagogical communication and its importance for the organization of the educational process. The discipline «Theory and Practice of Communications» at Poltava V. G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University is taught to students of the second (master’s) level of higher education, specialty 033 Philosophy; the subject of this discipline is the general theoretical and practical foundations of communication theory, basic concepts, methods of analysis and tools of communication processes, features of practical application of mass communication technologies in the socio-political sphere of society and information relations. The skills of scientific communication, in particular in the formation of the scientific competence of future philosophers, are defined as the ability to present thoughts and scientific ideas by verbal means of communication and in writing. Given the current processes of development of Internet technologies and virtual reality, the attention of students is drawn to the importance of social networks for communication, and dissemination of various content of everyday, political, private, and other aspects. In the course of studying the course, master’s students majoring in Philosophy should be taught the importance of developing alternative and additional communication, in particular, that social interaction is impossible without communication as a social activity. Therefore, the practical aspect of using such means of communication is extremely relevant. Future philosophers should master the key categories of the course «Theory and Practice of Communication» (the concept of communication skills, personal communication skills, communication barriers, speech culture, etc.) It is concluded that the professional communication of a philosopher is a crucial component of his/her professional and personal development and one of the ways of forming the professional identity of a Master of Philosophy, which is provided by a number of opportunities that have been created at the Poltava V. G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University.

Objective To explore community pharmacists' continuing education, counseling and communication practices, attitudes and barriers in relation to pediatric asthma management. Setting Community pharmacies in Michigan, United States. Methods Between July and September 2015a convenience sample of community pharmacists was recruited from southeastern Michigan and asked to complete a structured, self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire elucidated information on 4 general domains relating to pharmacists' pediatric asthma management including: (1) guidelines and continuing education (CE); (2) counseling and medicines; (3) communication and self-management practices; (4) attitudes and barriers to practice. Regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors towards pharmacists' confidence/frequency of use of communication/counseling strategies. Main outcome measure Confidence in counseling skills around asthma. Results 105 pharmacists completed the study questionnaire. Fifty-four percent of pharmacists reported participating in asthma related CE in the past year. Over 70% of pharmacists reported confidence in general communication skills, while a lower portion reported confidence in engaging in higher order self-management activities that involved tailoring the regimen (58%), decision-making (50%) and setting short-term (47%) and long-term goals (47%) with the patient and caregiver for managing asthma at home. Pharmacists who reported greater use of recommended communication/self-management strategies were more likely to report confidence in implementing these communication/self-management strategies when counseling caregivers and children with asthma [Beta (B) Estimate 0.58 SE (0.08), p<0.001]. Female pharmacists [B Estimate -2.23 SE (1.01), p<0.05] and those who reported beliefs around doctors being the sole provider of asthma education [B Estimate -1.00 SE (0.32), p<0.01] were less likely to report confidence in implementing communication/self-management strategies. Conclusion A pharmacists' confidence may influence their ability to implement recommended self-management counseling strategies. This study showed that community pharmacists are confident in general communication. However pharmacists are reporting lower confidence levels in counseling on higher order self-management strategies with patients. More appropriate and targeted continuing education programs for pharmacists around asthma self-management education are recommended.

Although studies have documented the prevalence of stress among university students, limited attention has been paid to how students define and experience it. This study, part of a larger investigation into Rileks, a culturally adapted web-based stress management program for Indonesian university students, examined how students conceptualize stress and identify its signs. A total of 68 participants, predominantly female and aged between 19 to 42, participated in the study. They were enrolled in undergraduate to doctoral programs and were recruited through convenience sampling via the Rileks study platform. Thematic content analysis was conducted on responses to open-ended questions in the Rileks’ first module, which asked about students' definitions of stress and the signs they experience. Coding was carried out manually using Excel, and inter-rater reliability checks were applied to enhance analytical rigor. Three main themes emerged in students’ definitions of stress: perceived pressure or tension, circumstances exceeding coping capacity, and stress as a state of disruption. A minor theme was stress as a motivating factor. Each main theme encompassed multiple areas of student life, extending beyond academic concerns, and some responses reflected cultural values such as family expectations and societal demands. Students also described signs of stress across four domains: physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral. These findings indicate that students’ perceptions of stress may shaped by personal and contextual factors, offering practical implications for enhancing early recognition and communication of students’ stress through approaches that are both relevant and culturally sensitive.

Introduction: This research investigates how Big Data, in conjunction with digital systems, enhances student communication and social interactions at private universities. The increasing integration of Big Data with e-learning platforms presents significant opportunities for fostering better academic collaboration and student engagement in the digital era.Methods: A sample of 275 students from various private universities was selected for this study. The research employed a mixed-methods approach to explore the phenomena of academic communication and collaboration in relation to Big Data. Quantitative data were gathered via surveys to assess students' perceptions of Big Data’s impact on their academic communication. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used as the analytical framework to examine the relationships between Big Data, digital systems, and communication practices. Qualitative data were collected through interviews to further validate the numerical findings.Results: The research revealed that students' communication skills were significantly improved when they engaged with Big Data and digital systems. The integration of advanced technological systems within universities mediates academic interaction by connecting Big Data with student relationships, resulting in improved collaboration and communication patterns.Conclusions: The study highlights the critical role of Big Data and digital systems in transforming student communication and academic collaboration at private universities. The findings suggest that these technologies not only enhance students' language and communication skills but also play a pivotal role in fostering better academic relationships. This research provides valuable insights into how Big Data and digital systems can be utilized to improve higher education practices and student engagement in the future.

Complying with the requirements of digital etiquette is becoming an obligatory norm for building effective communication in the Internet space: in messengers, social networks, blogs, and electronic letters. The youth as a part of the society actively using the digital forms of communication demands special attention and special efforts for forming communicative competences in students, including in the sphere of introducing the digital etiquette norms into the practice of everyday communications. The research object is the speech etiquette of students used in the digital environment. The study is aimed at revealing the features of using the digital etiquette in the students’ communicative practice. The research involved analysis, synthesis, summarization of theoretical knowledge on the topic, and polling of 102 university students. The authors regretfully mark that the students’ general level of culture is not sufficiently high, and they often violate the boundaries when communicating both with each other and professors. The respondents assert that during communication in social networks they are most of all annoyed by late messages and violation of their personal boundaries (35.7% each). 86.7% of the respondents realize the need to use respectful forms of address, 34.7% pointed out the importance of observing the working time, and 23.5% is convinced that one may write personal messages, especially to a professor, only on very important and pressing matters. To solve the problems in the sphere of digital etiquette, it is necessary to introduce the digital etiquette as a discipline to be studied at university.

Introduction: Different perceptions in the supervision process, part of the management functions of nurse manager, are at risk and have a bad impact, such as conflicts that will result in lack of motivation, communication barrier, and decreased performance and quality of services in the hospital. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare the perception of the head of the room with the implementing nurse about the role and function of management in the implementation of supervision. Methods: This quantitative study was conducted on a population of 515 nurses, and 81 nurses were used as a sample (71 nurses and 7 room heads) which were selected by accidental sampling. The research tool is in the form of a questionnaire containing management functions in supervision. Data were analyzed using independent t-test. Results: The results of this research did not show a significant difference between charge nurses’ and registered nurses’ perceptions of the management function in supervision, as indicated by the p-value&gt; 0.025 (95% CI), p-value = 0.990 (planning), p-value = 0.957 (organizing), p-value=0.962 (staffing), p-value=0.508 (directing), Conclusion: With actuating aspect that obtained p-value = 0.977 and controlling aspect that obtained p-value = 0.790, the conclusion of this research is there was no significant difference between charge nurses’ and registered nurses’ perceptions of management functions in supervision.

ABSTRACTBackground: The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is a reliable and valid tool for the early detection of harmful and hazardous drug use in primary care settings when administered by interview in the general population. In university students, substance use is high, so a reliable and feasible screening instrument is needed. Objectives: To compare the computer-based ASSIST (ASSISTc) with the interview format (ASSISTi). Methods: A convenience sample with counterbalanced design was used alternating between the ASSISTi and ASSISTc with 15-day interval. Although this is not a traditional test–retest reliability study, the same statistical analysis was used: intraclass correlations (ICC), kappa (κ), and Cronbach's alpha (α) to compare the two formats. A satisfaction questionnaire was applied immediately after the second session. Results: Both formats were completed by the students (n = 809) over 15 days. The scores of involvement with all substances and with tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine obtained with the two formats demonstrated excellent ICC (> .77). The level of agreement was considered substantial for tobacco (κ = .69) and cannabis (κ = .70) and moderate for alcohol (κ = .58). The consistency of the ASSISTc was considered satisfactory (α: .85 for tobacco, .73 for alcohol, and .87 for cannabis). The analysis of satisfaction and feasibility showed that the ASSISTi was easier to understand, but the two formats were considered similar when considering acceptability, ease of responding, and degree of intimidation. Conclusions/importance: The two formats are acceptable, the scores are comparable, and they can be used interchangeably.