Open Communication Research Articles

Optimizing shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities: A strategic review of industry best practices

Shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities are critical processes that significantly impact operational efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance. This strategic review examines industry best practices for optimizing these procedures to minimize downtime and enhance productivity. Effective shutdown and startup operations are essential not only for maintaining equipment integrity but also for ensuring the safety of personnel and compliance with regulatory standards. The complexities of oil facility operations necessitate a thorough understanding of the interdependencies between various systems and processes during these phases. This review identifies key factors that contribute to successful shutdown and startup procedures. First, comprehensive planning and preparation are vital. Establishing a detailed shutdown/startup plan that outlines specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities helps mitigate risks associated with unplanned events. This includes conducting risk assessments and ensuring that all personnel are adequately trained to execute their roles effectively. Second, the implementation of advanced monitoring and control technologies is crucial. Utilizing automation and real-time data analytics allows for precise control over processes during shutdowns and startups, enabling quicker responses to anomalies. This technological integration can significantly reduce the time required for these operations while enhancing safety measures. Third, collaboration and communication among teams are essential components of successful operations. Encouraging a culture of open communication fosters teamwork and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned throughout the shutdown and startup phases. Regular debriefings and feedback sessions post-operations also play a vital role in continuous improvement. In conclusion, optimizing shutdown and startup procedures in oil facilities is paramount for enhancing operational efficiency and safety. By adopting industry best practices, including thorough planning, leveraging technology, and promoting effective communication, organizations can achieve significant improvements in their operational performance. This review serves as a resource for industry stakeholders aiming to refine their shutdown and startup strategies to achieve operational excellence. Keywords: Shutdown Procedures, Startup Procedures, Oil Facilities, Operational Efficiency, Safety, Environmental Compliance, Risk Assessment, Automation, Real-Time Data Analytics, Industry Best Practices.

Lessons learned from COVID-19 modelling efforts for policy decision-making in lower- and middle-income countries

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic had devastating health and socioeconomic effects, partly due to policy decisions to mitigate them. Little evidence exists of approaches that guided decisions in settings with limited pre-pandemic...

Measuring communication openness within adoptive families: The psychometric properties of the multi-informant Adoption Communication Openness Scale

Measuring communication openness within adoptive families: The psychometric properties of the multi-informant Adoption Communication Openness Scale

Resilience Strategy of Indonesian Seafarers in Facing Pressure and Stress on Ships

This study aimed to describe the resilience strategies used by Indonesian sailors in dealing with pressure and stress on board. This type of research used qualitative descriptive research with the determination of informants consisting of 7 informants selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that there are several resilience strategies used by Indonesian sailors in dealing with pressure and stress on board, including a) Cognitive strategies are managing feelings of stress and longing through positive thinking patterns, effective communication, and focusing on goals and the future of the family; b) emotional strategies are to combine social support, emotional management, spirituality amid tough work challenges and isolation situations at sea; c) social strategies are by building solid relationships, open communication, and emotional support from coworkers; d) professional strategies are by combining increased competence, discipline, self-management, and adaptability.

My pen-pal, TPQ

ABSTRACT This essay is written as a collection of pen-pal letters addressed to Text and Performance Quarterly (TPQ) over the span of eleven years to document how our personal relationship informed my identity formation as a performance studies scholar. The letters begin with my introduction to TPQ as an undergraduate student and end with my current role as a performance studies professor. Over the years I have come to TPQ for insight and inspiration, for refuge and resistance, for community and communion. As pen-pals, I was able to radically imagine a reciprocal relationship with open communication and room for mutual growth.

Contribution Of Parental And Teachers' Guidance Towards Independent Behavior Of Elementary School Children

The contribution of parental and teacher guidance to the independent behavior of elementary school children needs to be considered carefully. Although this guidance plays an important role in child development, overprotective attitudes, lack of consistency, and the influence of the social and technological environment can hinder children's independence. This study uses the library research method. The data collection technique in this study was carried out through documentation review or document review. To ensure the validity of the data in this study, the source triangulation technique was used. The results of the study showed that 1). The Role of Parents in Shaping the Independence of Elementary School Children is to play an important role in shaping children's independence, with democratic parenting patterns proven to be more effective in encouraging independence than authoritarian or permissive parenting patterns. 2). The Role of Teachers in Developing the Independence of Elementary School Children is to develop student independence through a teaching approach that encourages responsibility and active participation. By giving individual and group assignments, and involving students in projects and class discussions, teachers help students learn independently. 3). Collaboration of Parents and Teachers in Developing Independence of Elementary School Children is that parents and teachers play an important role in supporting the development of independence of elementary school children. Open communication and good cooperation between the two parties ensure that children receive consistent guidance, both at home and at school.

Spatiotemporal Moisture Field

For monitoring capillary moisture conduction, the most important parameter is the moisture conductivity coefficient, which is a material characteristic; however, its use in practical calculations is not very common. For further development in the field of liquid moisture propagation, an automated measuring apparatus has been developed and granted a European patent. Its essence lies in detecting the liquid water content based on a well-known physical phenomenon: electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range. The determination of the spatiotemporal moisture field is the first and fundamental step for describing transportation phenomena. The moisture field thus created allows for the viewing of the moisture conductivity coefficient, which is one of the most important parameters in describing transportation phenomena as a function of moisture. The presence of water in building materials can significantly affect their physical properties, such as mechanical or thermal–technical characteristics. This may lead to unacceptable consequences, which might only manifest after a certain period of time. In the case of multi-layered structures, moisture can transfer from one material to another. Therefore, it is essential to address this process. The advantage of the software solution described by the methodology is the use of an open communication protocol in the form of a synchronized array, which is not common in typical applications of this type. The principle of separating hardware modules is also unusual for devices of this type, as it requires the independent communication of each module with the control software. Mutual communication is handled exclusively at the software level, making it possible to modify, optimize, or parameterize the procedures as needed. Upon closer examination of the wetting curves of various materials, anomalies were revealed in some of their structures. This can be advantageously utilized in the research of newly developed composite materials. The assembled system of measuring instruments, their software integration, and control provide a foundation for the practical application of the described procedures and methods for determining the moisture field of building materials. The parameterization of individual processes, as well as the open access to data, allows for the optimization of the methodology, as materials of entirely different characteristics may require an individual approach, which will certainly contribute to the advancement of science and research in this area. Currently, this work is being followed by further extensive studies, not yet published by the authors, focusing on the application of the described moisture field to evaluate the moisture conductivity coefficient as a function dependent on the material’s mass moisture content. Their application requires specific mathematical and programming approaches due to the significant volume of data involved.

Healthcare Professionals' Perspective on Supporting Patients and Family Caregivers in End-Of-Life Care Decision-Making: A Qualitative Study in Specialist Palliative Care.

Healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care have a key role in conducting end-of-life care discussions with patients and their family caregivers. We aimed to identify key barriers and facilitators for healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care to support patients and their family caregivers in decision-making for patient end-of-life care. Twenty-two healthcare professionals from different healthcare professions were recruited from a large regional specialist palliative care service in Ireland comprising 2 hospice sites. Five focus groups were conducted with participants. Data were member checked and analyzed using thematic analysis. Open communication and trusting relationships with patients and family caregivers combined with sufficient time for early and phased exploration of the patient's preferences for end-of-life care, were key facilitators for participants. Family caregivers keeping information from the patient, family misunderstanding about who is responsible for decision-making, and a lack of involvement of other specialties in end-of-life care discussions were perceived by participants as key barriers. Although participants indicated they had sufficient expertise to support patients in end-of-life care decision-making, they felt that end-of-life care discussions were not solely the responsibility of specialist palliative care services. Open communication with patients in end-of-life care decision-making can be of central importance for healthcare professionals in specialist palliative care. Further research is needed to understand the role of healthcare professionals outside of specialist palliative care in end-of-life care discussions and decision-making.

Strategies for Effective Occupational Stress Management in the Workplace

Effective stress management involves addressing and mitigating occupational stress among employees. Designing a successful stress management program requires identifying key factors that influence employees’ ability to manage workplace stress. This also involves selecting intervention models that can effectively target these factors. The management framework conceptualizes occupational stress as an outcome of how stressors are perceived and how employees evaluate their coping resources. Organizational strategies to control occupational stress tend to take a more proactive approach. This study examines occupational stress management at both organizational and individual levels, aiming to enhance our understanding of effective workplace coping strategies for occupational stress. The study results indicate that IT employees, at both individual and organizational levels, expect organizations to implement stress management strategies, including counseling, training and development programs, proper recognition, career advancement opportunities, effective performance management systems, open communication, and ample support from management.

Patterns of Shared Meaning Across Personal Narratives Surrounding Experiences with Palliative Care, Serious Illness, and the End of Life

Prior observations of persistent public misconceptions and negative beliefs surrounding palliative care have led to extensive calls for public education on palliative care. Yet, the development of effective initiatives to improve public perceptions of palliative care is still hindered by a lack of research providing a deeper, contextualized understanding of the way people perceive and give meaning to palliative care. This study therefore set out to explore patterns of shared meaning across personal narratives surrounding experiences with palliative care, serious illness, and the end of life. These narratives were collected during a broad public engagement initiative on palliative care in Flanders, Belgium which included a call to share personal stories surrounding palliative care (which 72 persons did) as well as a Citizens’ Forum in which 24 persons engaged in live conversations on palliative care. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the personal narratives and yielded four axes of meaning: 1) ‘Sense of Support’, describing feeling supported or abandoned on multiple levels with key elements of open and empathetic communication, being informed and listened to; 2) ‘Being-in-Time’, incorporating a renewed sense of temporality and the weight of uncertain prognosis; 3) ‘Constituting a Sense of Self while Coping with Life-Threatening Illness’, involving concerns surrounding role adjustments and posthumous reputation; and 4) ‘Going Through the Process of Dying’, unique to bereaved individuals’ narratives, highlighting the importance of being informed during the dying process and honoring the wishes of the dying person. Together, these axes illuminate how both positive and stigmatized views on palliative care are shaped by broader patterns of meaning attribution, deeply ingrained in personal and social contexts. The identified narrative elements can play a crucial role in improving the content, reach, and impact of future public communication and education on palliative care, effectively enhancing public receptivity and engagement.

The art of effective communication between family physicians and their adolescent patients: Challenges and solutions.

Healthcare delivery and excellent health outcomes for teenagers depend on the establishment of effective communication between family physicians and adolescent patients. However, communicating with adolescents can be challenging due to their stage of development and unique needs. By implementing effective communication strategies and fostering a positive environment, family doctors can build trust, enhance patient participation and ultimately improve health outcomes for their adolescent patients. This article explores the value of excellent communication in the healthcare of teenagers, identifies potential barriers that family doctors might encounter and provides solutions to overcome these challenges. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by physical, emotional and social changes, making effective communication particularly challenging. During this phase, adolescents might face various health concerns, including mental health issues, substance use, sexual health and chronic diseases. This emphasises the importance of tailoring communication strategies to connect with the adolescent mind. Active listening, using age-appropriate language, incorporating technology, empathy, promoting autonomy and shared decision making are tools to open communication bridges between healthcare providers andtheir adolescent patients.

“Navigating The High-Stress World Of IT: Strategies For Managing Work Pressure”

The IT industry is characterized by rapid change and high demands, often resulting in significant stress for professionals. The fast-paced and demanding nature of the IT industry often leads to significant work-related stress. The IT industry is marked by high levels of stress due to rapid technological advancements, demanding project timelines, and the complexity of problem-solving. Professionals face the challenge of continuous learning to keep pace with evolving technologies while managing the expectations for immediate results. The omnipresence of connectivity exacerbates work-life balance issues, often leading to burnout. Additionally, the pressure to ensure cybersecurity and navigate team dynamics adds further strain. This article explores these stressors, highlighting their impact on IT professionals and emphasizing the need for effective coping strategies to foster resilience and well-being in a high-pressure environment. This article also offers practical strategies for managing work-related pressure. Key approaches include prioritizing tasks, establishing boundaries, and fostering open communication within teams. Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, physical activity, and continuous skill development are emphasized as vital for maintaining well-being. By adopting these strategies, IT professionals can enhance their resilience, boost productivity, and cultivate a healthier work-life balance, effectively navigating the complexities of their fast-paced field

Gender messages in girls' puberty books: A focus on parent representation.

This study provides an ethnographic lens to understand gender messages in girls' puberty books, focusing on the representation of parents in both text and images. A content and thematic analysis was performed on 22 children's books on girls' pubertal development drawn from Amazon bestselling books on Children's Health & Maturing. Content analysis results demonstrated an imbalance in the representation of parents in books about girls' pubertal development. Mothers appeared and were mentioned in the text significantly more than fathers. Mothers relative to fathers also were depicted significantly more in illustrations with positive expressions (e.g., smiling) while talking or interacting with their daughters. Fathers were under-represented and portrayed as relatively stoic actors with no clear role in preparing their daughters for puberty. Thematic analysis of the books reinforced and challenged gender norms and expectations. While mothers were observed as the primary source of support during this transition, some books emphasized fathers' valuable role in advocating for their daughters' well-being and fostering open communication. Implications for girls' gender role development are discussed.

Fundamentals of end-of-life communication as part of advance care planning for older people: An interview study with nursing staff

This exploratory interview study investigated nursing staff members’ perspectives on the fundamentals of end-of-life communication with older people as part of advance care planning in home care, nursing home, and hospital settings. Separate semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 nursing staff members about their experiences, opinions, and preferences before, during, and after end-of-life conversations. Overall themes clustering the fundamentals include preconditions such as feeling comfortable talking about the end of life and creating space for open communication. Fundamentals related to the actual conversation–such as using senses and applying associative communication techniques (e.g., using understandable language), following conversation phases, and being aware of interprofessional collaboration–were also considered important. This study emphasizes the importance of moving along with the older person as well as connecting, adapting, and letting go of control over the conversation's outcome. Many fundamentals can be traced back to the basics of nursing and the humanity of conversation.

Nurse leaders’ recommendations for implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in health systems: A qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundDiscrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and other sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals in healthcare settings remains a priority issue. Nurse leaders, who oversee the largest healthcare workforce, are critical in implementing inclusive practices to address LGBTQ+ discrimination, yet implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices and effective strategies is inconsistent. This qualitative descriptive study explored nurse leaders’ perceptions of LGBTQ+ inclusive practices across the United States to inform recommended strategies within health systems. MethodsTwenty-one nurse leaders (e.g., chief nurse executives) from diverse healthcare settings (e.g., children's hospitals and public health centers) in 12 states across the United States participated in semi-structured interviews from October to December 2023. Interview transcripts were analyzed using content analysis to (1) describe nurse leaders’ definitions of LGBTQ+ inclusive practices and (2) identify effective strategies for their implementation. ResultsNurse leaders defined LGBTQ+ inclusive practices to include delivering culturally responsive and competent care, fostering safe and affirming environments, integrating inclusivity into daily interactions and organizational culture, and supporting the needs of both LGBTQ+ staff and patients. Key implementation strategies included fostering a flexible organizational culture through open communication; a diverse workforce; and inclusive mission statements, policies, and strategic plans. Supportive infrastructure involved effective LGBTQ+ training and adapting electronic health record systems to include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Active and interdisciplinary engagement from staff and leadership, as well as systematic data collection on patient and staff experiences, were essential for driving inclusivity. The advocacy highlighted included legislative support, discourse within the nursing profession, and the incorporation of LGBTQ+ inclusion into healthcare regulations and accreditation standards. Additionally, multisectoral partnerships with LGBTQ+ health experts and external organizations, along with multilevel evaluations, were recommended to develop tailored interventions and promote LGBTQ+ inclusive practices. ConclusionImplementing LGBTQ+ inclusive practices in healthcare is a multifaceted effort influenced by strategies at various levels. Promoting a supportive organizational culture, establishing comprehensive support structures, encouraging active engagement, and fostering community partnerships can address the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals more effectively. Future implementation efforts should tailor strategies to accommodate variability across healthcare settings and regions, ensuring that practices are both adaptable and sustainable.

The Influence of Divorce on the Social and Emotional Development of 5-6 Year Old Children in Pondok Perasi Ampenan Village, Mataram City, 2023 (Case Study)

Divorce is an event that is highly undesirable for every couple and family. Divorce in any family constitutes a major transition and adjustment, especially for children, who may experience emotional and behavioral reactions due to the loss of one parent. This study on single-parenting and its effects on the social and emotional development of 5-6-year-old children was conducted with the aim of understanding the influence of divorce on children's social-emotional development. The research was carried out in Pondok Perasi Village, Ampenan, Mataram City in 2023. The study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. Data was collected through observation and interviews. The differences between single mother and single father parenting were apparent, with fathers adopting a democratic parenting style, characterized by open communication between parent and child. They establish mutually agreed-upon rules, and children are free to express their opinions, feelings, and desires. Meanwhile, mothers displayed a permissive parenting style, allowing children the freedom to behave according to their own desires. The study results indicate that the social-emotional development of children from divorced families was reasonably good, although there was a noticeable lack of involvement from one family member. Single parents assumed both the father and mother roles in fostering the social and emotional development of their children.

A Provably Secure and Lightweight Two-Factor Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are rapidly being integrated into various fields, significantly impacting and facilitating many aspects of human life. However, the increasingly prominent security issues associated with WSNs have become a significant challenge. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the security challenges faced by WSNs in resource constrained and open communication environments. As a key component of the Internet of Things (IoT), a WSN can perceive, collect and transmit physical environmental data in real-time, and is widely used in military, medical, agricultural and other fields. However, the insecurity of communication channels and unauthorized user access pose severe threats to network security and data integrity. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a provably secure two-factor authentication protocol. This protocol utilizes a Chebyshev chaotic map and a two-factor authentication mechanism, which not only enhances security in WSNs but also improves authentication efficiency. The protocol is validated through security proof and performance experiments, demonstrating excellent security, functionality and efficiency. This provides strong support for secure and efficient communication in WSNs across various application scenarios.

Transformational Leadership and Team Synergy in Improving Communication and Collaboration in Educational Settings

This study explores the impact of transformational leadership on team synergy, communication, and collaboration in educational environments. The purpose of the research is to examine how transformational leadership enhances team dynamics by fostering trust, communication, and participatory decision-making among teachers and staff. Utilizing a qualitative phenomenological methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with school leaders, teachers, and administrative staff, complemented by participatory observation and document analysis. The results reveal that transformational leadership significantly improves collaboration by encouraging open communication and empowering team members to take initiative. Teachers reported feeling more motivated to innovate in their teaching methods and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration. However, challenges such as staff resistance and limited resources hindered the full adoption of collaborative practices in some schools. The study also highlights varying levels of team participation, which indicates that the effectiveness of transformational leadership depends on the leader's ability to engage all team members. The major conclusion of the study is that transformational leadership positively influences team synergy through enhanced trust and collaborative problem-solving. The findings provide important practical insights for educational leaders, suggesting that transformational leadership fosters a more inclusive and innovative school environment. This research contributes to the field by emphasizing the need for flexible leadership approaches that adapt to team dynamics and the critical importance of institutional support and resources to fully realize the benefits of transformational leadership in educational settings.

Multi-stakeholder aged care research networks: A scoping review.

An ageing population worldwide has highlighted the need for improved care in long term aged care homes. In Australia, such homes are called Residential Aged Care homes, and reform is underway to improve the quality and safety of aged care. A key enabler of quality improvement is increasing evidence-based practice through creating a system to support research translation. Collaborative multi-stakeholder research networks offer a potential solution by bringing together stakeholders to identify evidence-to-practice gaps, co-design research and translate knowledge into practice. The aim of this scoping review was to understand the current evidence on the creation and maintenance of multi-stakeholder aged care research networks internationally, reported facilitators and barriers, and outcomes. An academic literature search in five databases to identify existing multi-stakeholder aged care research networks. A grey literature search was conducted using Google, Google Scholar, grey literature databases and a manual search of targeted websites. 10 papers and 19 web-based resources were identified, reporting on six multi-stakeholder research networks internationally. Enabling factors of successful networks included flexibility in structure, good governance, leveraging pre-existing research relationships, consistent and open communication, staff with dual roles in research and practice, and a focus on building long term partnerships independent of research projects. Collaborative multi-stakeholder research networks offer promise for improving research translation in aged care. Advancing the development of impactful multi-stakeholder aged care research networks requires internationally agreed terminology for network models, clear reporting and evaluation guidelines and dedicated infrastructure resources.

Modern management model for KAREB Bojonegoro cooperative: Integration of ABM, lean six sigma, and RBV and TPB approaches

In global business competition, ABM helps cooperatives such as KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative achieve cost efficiency without sacrificing quality. KAREB Cooperative's expenditure is very high, reaching IDR158.82 billion in five years, with the main costs on fuel, labor, and maintenance. Optimizing expenditure and cost management is important to reduce waste, increase efficiency, and profitability. Various studies have shown that Lean Six Sigma and ABM methods increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve financial performance in various industries with proper implementation and intensive training. However, external factors, recent data, and regional variations, with deficiencies in data and methodology, and challenges in lean sigma implementation have not contributed simultaneously. This study offers the Integration of ABM, RBV, and TPB in Lean Sigma at KAREB Bojonegoro Cooperative because it is suspected that the condition of tobacco processing is not optimal and this approach needs to improve sustainable production efficiency. This study will analyze the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma for cost control and waste reduction in tobacco drying at Kareb Cooperative with the contribution of Resource-Based View (RBV) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to improve process quality and optimal resource monitoring. This study uses a qualitative model with a case study method to assess the implementation of Activity-Based Management (ABM) in production cost efficiency, linking it with Lean Six Sigma, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Key informants from Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro, including the Head of Production, Accounting, and HR, provided insights into the impact of ABM and internal factors on efficiency. The research instruments included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, while the research procedure followed a systematic flow to ensure the validity and relevance of the data. This study states that the implementation of ABM at Kareb Cooperative Bojonegoro allocates costs based on actual activities, improving efficiency and cost control. Costs include procurement of materials (Rp24,375,300,000), production (Rp9,216,862,000), and distribution (Rp6,000,000,000). Lean Sigma focuses on reducing waste such as overproduction, defects, and waiting by improving processes and training. The ability is quite large in identifying production inputs and related costs such as fuel (Rp14,375,300,000), raw materials (Rp10,000,000,000), and production and distribution processes. Waste management such as overproduction and waiting, as well as the implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma, aims to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Evaluation and training are carried out to optimize processes and reduce waste. Setting costs based on activities, while Lean Sigma uses the Just-In-Time (JIT) system. Variable costs are optimized, production is controlled to reduce defects,and distribution and storage are improved for cost efficiency. The keys to success are open communication, management support, and intensive training. The implementation of ABM and Lean Sigma in Kareb Bojonegoro Cooperative effectively reduces costs and waste through training, JIT, and process control. These findings are expected to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the competitiveness of cooperatives and provide a model for implementing modern management.