Communication Messages Research Articles

Earthquake recommendations in Europe: Types and diversity

Disaster literature agrees that knowledge alone is insufficient to promote the adoption of preparedness by populations. Nevertheless, this is a prerequisite for initiating behaviour. Governments and Civil Protection authorities are among the multiple sources of information on preparedness and appropriate disaster behaviours. If these sources are trusted, members of the public will accept the information they transmit. However, few studies have addressed the content of risk communication messages from European authorities. We analysed and discussed the frequency and diversity of household earthquake preparedness and response measures recommended by European Civil Protection authorities in countries exposed to seismic risk, using 84 official website documents and texts from 25 countries. Authorities highly recommended behaviours to apply during an earthquake, focusing on physical protection and conforming to the literature. However, official recommendations weakly recommended planning measures, a well-established preparedness component in the literature. Furthermore, authorities failed to reinforce skill acquisition, insurance acquisition, structural mitigation, and other mitigation measures. Nevertheless, non-structural mitigation was highly advised and was more frequent than stockpiling recommendations. The results also pointed to concerns about the behaviour of residents during and after an earthquake, misinformation, and to the diversity of measures in each country, disagreeing with previous research. Local differences and factors related to the process of selecting recommendations may explain the results. This study contributes to the literature on earthquake recommendations, risk communication, household preparedness and response, and practical applications of preparedness and response literature.

Healthcare provider Communication and Data-Informed Message Strategies for Encouraging Older Adults to Stay up to Date on COVID-19 Vaccination.

Older adults are a high in risk of severe COVID-19 disease outcomes and experience "vaccine hesitancy." Guided by health communication models such as the Reasoned Action Approach and the Extended Parallel Process Model, online surveys designed to inform statewide public health communication efforts were administered in West Virginia, a primarily rural and fully Appalachian state, in Winter 2021 (n = 272) and Fall 2022 (n = 248). Adults ages 50+ years (N = 520) reported attitudes, intentions, and behaviors regarding COVID-19 vaccination and their related patient-provider communication. Vaccine usefulness/safety, perceived effectiveness, and subjective norms predicted behavior while perceived severity, efficacy, and usefulness/safety predicted intention to get a booster, specifically the updated Fall 2022 Omicron (bivalent) booster. As patient-provider communication (which a minority reported receiving) was a strong predictor of behavioral outcomes, characteristics of effective healthcare provider communication and considerations for public message construction are discussed.

A qualitative inquiry on drivers of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among adults in Kenya.

COVID-19 vaccination rates have been low among adults in Kenya (36.7% as of late March 2023) with vaccine hesitancy posing a threat to the COVID-19 vaccination program. This study sought to examine facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccinations in Kenya. We conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study in two purposively selected counties in Kenya. We collected data through 8 focus group discussions with 80 community members and 8 in-depth interviews with health care managers and providers. The data was analyzed using a framework approach focusing on determinants of vaccine hesitancy and their influence on psychological constructs. Barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake were related to individual characteristics (males, younger age, perceived health status, belief in herbal medicine, and the lack of autonomy in decision making among women - especially in rural settings), contextual influences (lifting of bans, myths, medical mistrust, cultural and religious beliefs), and COVID-19 vaccine related factors (fear of unknown consequences, side-effects, lack of understanding on how vaccines work and rationale for boosters). However, community health volunteers, trusted leaders, mandates, financial and geographic access influenced COVID-19 vaccine uptake. These drivers of hesitancy mainly related to psychological constructs including confidence, complacency, and constraints. Vaccine hesitancy in Kenya is driven by multiple interconnected factors. These factors are likely to inform evidence-based targeted strategies that are built on trust to address vaccine hesitancy. These strategies could include gender responsive immunization programs, appropriate messaging and consistent communication that target fear, safety concerns, misconceptions and information gaps in line with community concerns. There is need to ensure that the strategies are tested in the local setting and incorporate a multisectoral approach including community health volunteers, religious leaders and community leaders.

Analysing sexual communication messages in Durex condom advertisement from marital standpoints

This research aims to explore the reception of sexual communication messages within the context of marital relationships in the Durex "Unequal Dinner" advertisement series. The method employed in this study is qualitative-descriptive, utilising Stuart Hall's Encoding-Decoding Theory to understand the reception by the subjects. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with four married female subjects born between 1981 and 1996 from the millennial generation. They reside in East Java, Indonesia, have been married for less than 10 years, and are parents. The research highlights differences in the reception of the subjects, stemming from their diverse experiences and backgrounds. Factors such as geographical distance, societal culture, and sexual education influence how they receive the sexual communication messages presented in the advertisement. Simultaneously, a dominant-hegemonic narrative position was observed in the subjects' receptions, indicating a close alignment between their experiences and the sexual communication messages conveyed by the Durex "Unequal Dinner" advertisement series. However, it does not guarantee the subjects' interest in purchasing Durex products.

Effect of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate on Connexin 37 Expression in Sheep Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes.

Gap junctional connection (GJC) in the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) provides necessary support for message communication and nutrient transmission required for mammalian oocyte maturation. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is not only a prerequisite for regulating oocyte meiosis, but also the key intercellular factor for affecting GJC function in COCs. However, there are no reports on whether cAMP regulates connexin 37 (Cx37) expression, one of the main connexin proteins, in sheep COCs. In this study, the expression of Cx37 protein and gene in immature sheep COC was detected using immunohistochemistry and PCR. Subsequently, the effect of cAMP on Cx37 expression in sheep COCs cultured in a gonadotropin-free culture system for 10 min or 60 min was evaluated using competitive ELISA, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and Western blot. The results showed that the Cx37 protein was present in sheep oocytes and cumulus cells; the same results were found with respect to GJA4 gene expression. In the gonadotropin-free culture system, compared to the control, significantly higher levels of cAMP as well as Cx37 gene and protein expression were found in sheep COCs following treatment in vitro with Forskolin and IBMX (100 μM and 500 μM)) for 10 min (p < 0.05). Compared to the controls (at 10 or 60 min), cAMP levels in sheep COCs were significantly elevated as a result of Forskolin and IBMX treatment (p < 0.05). Following culturing in vitro for 10 min or 60 min, Forskolin and IBMX treatment can significantly promote Cx37 expression in sheep COCs (p < 0.05), a phenomenon which can be counteracted when the culture media is supplemented with RP-cAMP, a cAMP-specific competitive inhibitor operating through suppression of the protein kinase A (PKA). In summary, this study reports the preliminary regulatory mechanism of cAMP involved in Cx37 expression for the first time, and provides a novel explanation for the interaction between cAMP and GJC communication during sheep COC culturing in vitro.

Taming our Wild Data

Many research questions in the field of applied linguistics are answered by manually analyzing data collections or corpora: collections of spoken, written and/or visual communicative messages. In this kind of quantitative content analysis, the coding of subjective language data often leads to disagreement among raters. In this paper, we discuss causes of and solutions to disagreement problems in the analysis of discourse. We discuss crucial factors determining the quality and outcome of corpus analyses, and focus on the sometimes tense relation between reliability and validity. We evaluate formal assessments of intercoder reliability. We suggest a number of ways to improve the intercoder reliability, such as the precise specification of the variables and their coding categories and carving up the coding process into smaller substeps. The paper ends with a reflection on challenges for future work in discourse analysis, with special attention to big data and multimodal discourse.

Communication Strategy of the General Election Commission as a Source of Information and Socialization of Legal Products in General Election

The aim of the research is to determine the KPU's communication strategy as a source of information and dissemination of legal products through the KPU's JDIH website, and to determine the factors that support and hinder the KPU's communication strategy. The research was carried out at the Makassar City KPU Office. This type of research uses a qualitative approach, with informants consisting of 6 (six) people. Data collection techniques consist of observation, interview guidelines and documentation. The data analysis technique uses qualitative analysis with three stages, namely data reduction, data presentation, data verification and conclusion drawing. The results of the research found that the KPU's communication strategy had been implemented as a source of information and socialization of legal products through the JDIH KPU website in accordance with the formation of a team in publishing regulations related to regional head elections on the JDIH KPU website, creating socialization materials, creating legal content to increase public knowledge about head elections. regions, publish on social media as a form of communication for target groups and facilitate access to social media channels for people who need information on regional head elections. Communication targets and choice of communication media are factors that support the KPU's communication strategy through the KPU's JDIH website. Meanwhile, assessing the purpose of the communication message and the role of the communicator is a determining factor in implementing the KPU's communication strategy.

Mocking oneself or teasing others? The interactive effects of humorous message framing and tourism crisis response strategies

ABSTRACT Numerous studies have investigated tourism crisis communication, but few studies have focused on matching crisis communication message framing with crisis response strategy. Therefore, we explored the interactive effects of humorous message framing (HMF) and crisis response strategy (CRS) on destination reputation. The results indicate that adopting an apology CRS alongside self-deprecating HMF improves destination reputation, while the combination of a denial CRS with aggressive HMF helps restore destination reputation. Moreover, perceived sincerity and destination trust are effective mediators. This paper reveals the logic behind the application of destination CRS and deepens academics’ comprehension of the effect of HMF. It expands the research system of tourism crisis communication from the viewpoint of message framing. Meanwhile, the results provide theoretical and practical references for destination crisis response and reputation recovery.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preventive Practices Regarding Tuberculosis Among Healthcare Workers and Patients in India: A Mixed-Method Study.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in India. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and TB patients are critical to disease transmission and prevention. This study evaluated and compared knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to TB infection control. This was a mixed-method study that included a cross-sectional survey conducted among 167 HCWs and 346 patients with TB at tertiary hospitals in western Gujarat using a validated questionnaire. Additionally, 20 HCWs and 20 patients were interviewed to gain qualitative insights. Between-group analyses were performed, and multivariate regressions identified predictors of knowledge and compliance, while thematic analysis explored qualitative insights. A total of 142/167 (85.0%) HCWs had good knowledge, whereas 208/346 (60.1%) patients had good knowledge. A total of 151/167 (90.4%) HCWs had positive attitudes, whereas 242/346 (69.9%) patients had positive attitudes. A total of 159/167 (95.2%) HCWs practiced good preventive behaviors, whereas 225/346 (65.0%) patients did. HCWs demonstrated significantly higher mean knowledge scores (9.2 vs. 7.1, p<0.001) and higher median attitude scores (ranging from 5 with IQR 4-5 to 5 with IQR 5-5) compared to patients (ranging from 4 with IQR 3-5 to 5 with IQR 4-5) across all attitude statements assessed using the Likert scale (p<0.001). Being an HCW was associated with good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.5, 95% CI 1.5-4.1), positive attitudes (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6), and good practices (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8-5.2). The qualitative themes highlighted the need for accessible education, clear communication, adequate resourcing, and personal responsibility. This study identified gaps in TB prevention knowledge and practices among patients compared to those among HCWs in India. Tailored educational initiatives, optimized health communication, improved infrastructure, and accessible messaging can help individuals assimilate appropriate infection control behaviors among healthcare system actors and communities toward ending TB.

Integrated Marketing Communication Strategy to Increase Brand Equity of BPJS Kesehatan

BPJS Kesehatan, the implementing body of the JKN Programme, is confronted with the challenge of maintaining program sustainability due to a significant number of inactive participants in the PBPU segment, a situation primarily attributed to the organization’s low brand equity. The primary research objective of this study is to To develop integrated marketing communication strategy to increase BPJS Kesehatan brand equity. The methodelogy used is qualitative and quantitative research. Despite possessing commendable competitive advantages and offering the most affordable healthcare options, BPJS Kesehatan’s struggle stems from deficiencies in marketing communication. Internally, the organization recognizes its potential to build brand equity but acknowledges a gap in marketing communication effectiveness and message coherence. Externally, the PBPU segment exhibits low brand equity, notably in terms of loyalty and awareness towards the JKN program. The identified target demographic for BPJS Kesehatan within the PBPU segment includes individuals aged 18-35, residing in urban and densely populated areas, with an upper-class socioeconomic status. While these individuals generally express trust in BPJS Kesehatan, they lack awareness of the program details. To address these challenges, a recommended strategy involves implementing an Integrated Marketing Communication approach with a specific theme: “ease of health insurance, which is reliable.” Key messages emphasizing affordability, accessibility, quality, value, convenience, technology, and social impact should be conveyed. Utilizing diverse marketing channels such as television, online video, social media campaigns, mobile app optimization, and events can enhance communication effectiveness. Additionally, BPJS Kesehatan should consider developing supplementary benefits to augment services and increase participant loyalty. It is also crucial to empower employees to serve as effective communicators, enhancing their assertive communication skills to bolster the organization’s overall communication strategy.

Preelection Speech on Strike Threat

Employers facing an election may be wary of what they should and should not say to employees prior to the day. However, it is important to remind them that with unionizing also comes the possibility of strikes. As with all messaging, such speeches and other communications should be tailored to your workforce and the issues that it is facing.

Colorectal cancer information avoidance is associated with screening adherence.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer among U.S. men and women and the second deadliest. Effective screening modalities can either prevent CRC or find it earlier, but fewer than two thirds of U.S. adults are adherent to CRC screening guidelines. We tested whether people who defensively avoid CRC information have lower adherence to CRC screening recommendations and weaker intentions for being screened and whether CRC information avoidance adds predictive ability beyond known determinants of screening. Participants, aged 45-75 years, completed a survey about known structural determinants of CRC screening (healthcare coverage, healthcare use, provider recommendation), CRC information avoidance tendencies, and screening behavior (n = 887) and intentions (n = 425). Models were tested with multivariable regression and structural equation modeling (SEM). To the extent that participants avoided CRC information, they had lower odds of being adherent to CRC screening guidelines (OR = 0.55) and if non-adherent, less likely to intend to be screened (b=-0.50). In the SEM model, avoidance was negatively associated with each known structural determinant of screening and with lower screening adherence (ps < 0.01). Fit was significantly worse for nested SEM models when avoidance was not included, (i.e., the paths to avoidance were fixed to zero). Information avoidance was associated with screening behavior and other known structural determinants of screening adherence, potentially compounding its influence. Novel strategies are needed to reach avoiders, including health communication messaging that disrupts avoidance and interventions external to the healthcare system, with which avoiders are less engaged.

A mark-based hierarchical asynchronous temporal constraints reasoning algorithm for multi-agent mission planning

The establishment of a lunar base requires the collaborative cooperation of multiple lunar rovers. The efficiency of rovers’ mission planning can be increased by quickly determining whether the numerous temporal constraints between the activities of rovers are consistent. This research focuses on constructing a new and efficient algorithm to solve the complex temporal constraint problem in mission planning for lunar rovers. A mark-based centralized arc-consistency algorithm is proposed to filter unnecessary constraint checks depending on whether the mark of each variable changes. It improves computational efficiency and we prove the rationality of the algorithm theoretically. Then, based on the algorithm mentioned above, a mark-based hierarchical asynchronous algorithm is proposed to reduce the iterations of temporal constraints reasoning through asynchronous computation. At the same time, each rover tightens its local variables’ domains to a minimum before interacting with other rovers, which reduces the impact of locally shared variables on the outside. This avoids the problem of reduced computational efficiency caused by the waiting time of asynchronous computing. Finally, we conduct comprehensive experiments on different types of benchmark datasets, and the results show that the mark-based hierarchical asynchronous algorithm can improve efficiency by up to 47.64 % and reduce the number of constraint checks by up to 89.26 % compared to existing algorithms, which also benefits to reduce the number of communication messages and iterations.

Media-induced emotions and message sidedness in corporate crises

PurposeThis study examines the interplay between media-induced emotional crisis framing (anger vs sadness) and message sidedness of crisis response on publics’ attribution of crisis responsibility as well as subsequent company evaluation and supportive behavioral intention.Design/methodology/approachA 2 (emotion: anger vs sadness) x 2 (crisis response: one-sided vs two-sided) online experiment was conducted among 161 participants in the USA.FindingsResults showed that anger-inducing media framing of the crisis elicited higher levels of crisis responsibility attribution and more negative company evaluation, compared with sadness-inducing media framing. One-sided message response was more effective than two-sided message response in lowering attribution of crisis responsibility when sadness was induced, but no difference was found under the anger-induced condition. Attribution of crisis responsibility fully mediated the effects of emotional crisis framing on company evaluation and supportive behavioral intention toward the company.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the interaction effect between emotional media framing and response message sidedness in an ambiguous crisis. Drawing on the interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks, this study integrates the situational crisis communication theory, appraisal-tendency framework and message sidedness in persuasion literature. As such, it contributes to theoretical development in crisis communication and offers communication managers guidance on how to effectively address emotionally framed crises.

To Say or Not To Say: The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Message Structure on Child Nutrition Promotion

Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) message structure in the promotion child nutrition. The study which was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and employed the mixed methods research design.&#x0D; Methodology: A sample of 10 Health Professionals (HPs) drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.&#x0D; Findings: The study found that incorporation of the 7Cs of effective communication was vital in Health Communication and Behaviour Change Communication specifically from a child nutrition perspective, with the strongest effect achieved through messages that were both concrete and coherent. Additionally, the ethos appeal proved to be the most powerful appeal in child nutrition communication.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that communicators should ensure child nutrition messages are packaged in line with the 7Cs of effective communication. It also recommends for audience analysis research prior to the dissemination of CNI messages to ensure messages are structured using the appropriate tone, stylistic devices and persuasion appeals.

AT: Asynchronous Teleconsultation for Health Centers in Rural Areas of Peru

AT: Asynchronous Teleconsultation for Health Centers in Rural Areas of Peru

Anticounterfeiting Feature of a Writable and Self-Erasable Ni(II)-Metallogel Pad via Fluorescent "Turn-On" Detection of Cyanide.

A Schiff base 5-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidieneamino)-1-H-imidazole-4-carboxamide (HL) comprising multibinding sites has been synthesized with the aim of fabricating a supramolecular gel. The gelator HL was characterized by FT-IR, 1H & 13C NMR, and ESI-MS techniques and also formed a [Ni(L)2] complex. The gelation property of HL was investigated with various metal ions, wherein Ni(II) selectively forms a mechanically and thermally stable supramolecular metallogel (MG) in the presence of a triethylamine base in DMF-MeOH media. Characterization of MG was accomplished with different spectro-analytical techniques such as FT-IR, ESI-MS, powder-XRD, SEM, rheological investigations, UV/vis, and fluorescence. The gelator HL displays moderate emission upon addition of Ni2+ and gives "turn-off" fluorescence output by forming the complex [Ni(L)2] (MG) due to the chelation-enhanced quenching of fluorescence (CHEQ). Job plot and ESI-MS data suggested a 2:1 stoichiometry between HL and Ni(II) in MG. Further, MG exhibited highly selective and ultrasensitive "turn-on" fluorescence signaling with CN- in the background presence of several cations and anions. The limit of detection (LoD) of MG was determined to be 6.9 × 10-9 M for CN- using the fluorescence technique. Notably, MG behaves as a fluorescent writable pad material explicitly with CN- under 365 nm UV light but not under ordinary light and the fluorescent text is self-erased after 15 min. Hence, MG can be used as a metallogel pad in the presence of CN- to communicate secret messages. Overall, the present work explores the fabrication of a thermo- and mechanostable Ni(II)-metallogel (MG), which selectively and ultrasensitively detects CN- both in the solution phase and in the gel form, wherein MG behaves as a writable and self-erasable pad with anticounterfeiting features for practical applications.

빅데이터 분석을 통한 사이버대학의 미디어커뮤니케이션 전개 행태 연구 및 지방 사이버대의 대응방향 제언

This study aims to analyze the media communication activities of cyber universities that are developing in the online space in the competitive market of cyber universities, which is intensifying day by day, and to analyze the communication messages related to cyber universities accumulated online as a result. For the empirical investigation, we utilized big data-based technology and analyzed through text mining and semantic linkage network analysis using the keyword 'cyber university', and conducted frequency analysis, centrality analysis, cluster analysis (CONCOR), and N-gram analysis. Through this study, we derived media communication strategies that can be taken by cyber universities and improvements for establishing media communication strategies of cyber universities in Daegu Gyeongbuk region.

Designing, refining and reflecting on 3 years of daily evidence surveillance for Australia's living national COVID‐19 guidelines

AbstractAustralia's national living guidelines for COVID‐19 were launched in April 2020 and include over 200 recommendations to guide the clinical care of patients with COVID‐19. Until the guidelines were retired in August 2023, new evidence was continually monitored through daily surveillance. This paper describes the initial design for evidence surveillance (at a time when efforts to collate information on the novel coronavirus were in their infancy and often duplicative) and how it was refined throughout the pandemic. Among the wide range of sources monitored, the collections of COVID‐19 research from leading medical journals, medRxiv preprints and PubMed auto alerts proved the most enduring in identifying time‐critical and impactful evidence. The paper also explores how evidence was tracked and surveillance integrated into the overall evidence workflow by using messaging apps and communication platforms. Finally, we consider the implications for living guidelines and reflect on factors that contributed to the feasibility of daily surveillance: the clearly defined scope of the guidelines; focusing efforts on maximum impact; minimizing duplication by partnering with others; setting up simple but effective processes for managing evidence; and the value of continuous involvement of personnel from the outset. Australia's living COVID‐19 guidelines were underpinned by a novel approach to evidence surveillance that was feasible and essential in maintaining COVID‐19 living guidelines for over 3 years.

Factors Associated with Failed Completion of Four Antenatal Care Visits among Pregnant Women Delivering at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Eastern Uganda

ntenatal care (ANC) was a key strategy towards improving maternal and child health. A recent survey data from sub-Saharan Africa has however shown that most women only initiated ANC after the first trimester and did not achieve the recommended number of visits. This study aimed to determine the completion rate of four ANC visits and factors associated with failed completion of four ANC visits among women delivering at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, eastern Uganda (JRRH). A cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 2021 to April 2021. A total of 355 pregnant women at term admitted at the maternity ward of JRRH were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain data. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted. The variables in the final multivariate model were significant when p˂0.05. All data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.2. Of the 355 pregnant women recruited into the study, 98(27.6%) had completed a minimum of four ANC visits. Maternal age below 20 years (aOR=2.4, 95%CI: 1.61-5.21, p&lt;0.0001*) and a distance of more than four kilometres were independently associated with failure to complete four antenatal care visits (aOR=4, 95%CI: 1.33-7.19; p=0.031*). A significant number of women do not complete the recommended minimum of four antenatal care visits in this setting. Young pregnant women and those without public health facilities within a distance of less than four kilometres are likely not to complete the recommended four antenatal care visits in this setting. Strategies aimed at enhancing the accessibility of healthcare services are very crucial. Health Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) messages targeting teenage mothers are key to increasing ANC completion rates. Keywords: Antenatal care, Women, Pregnancy, Maternal death, Teenage mothers