Communication Opportunities Research Articles

The scientific articles within the information flow: Adapting to the new trends

The presentation of research outcome is a stage of new knowledge promotion and researcher’s academic development. Today, scientists enjoy the widest communication opportunities, in particular, through publications in academic periodicals as the priority communication chanel. Despite somewhat conservative attitude toward articles as a way of communication, one cannot deny the changing methods of article assessment. These methods are too innovative to assess their potentiality and viability. Then, increasing information content of published articles stipulates continuous search for the instruments to assess content value and relevancy. The study resulted in specification of informative characteristics of scientific articles that influence significantly their representation in the rising flow of scientific information. The authors emphasize that through their well-balanced application, they will increase scientometrical indexes and altmetrics as calculated by the information analytical databases. The authors argue that comprehension of the value of scientific articles in the context of the national science and various disciplines, as well as of the economy-wide informatization, is one of the academic competencies. Within the study, the analysis of scientific articles is based on the publication activity data for the educational organizations of the RF Ministry of Internal Affairs accessible through Science Index system.

Enhancing patient acceptance of ICD implantation through structured shared decision making: conversation is key.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-D) are lifesaving treatments for patients at risk for sudden cardiac death. Effective physician-patient communication during the shared decision-making process is essential. Electrophysiologist-patient conversations were targeted to obtain objective data on the interaction, understand the conversation framework, and uncover opportunities for improved communication. Individuals previously identified as requiring an ICD/CRT-D but declined implantation were recruited for this four-stage interview and survey-based study. Quantitative analysis of surveys and AI analysis of conversation videos was conducted to evaluate patient participant expectations, analyze feedback about the conversations with study physicians, and gauge willingness for device implantation. The study included 27 patients (mean age 51years, 51.9% female) and 9 study physicians. Patients were significantly more willing to undergo ICD/CRT-D implantation after conversing with study physicians compared to their own physicians and pre-conversation surveys (mean scores: 5.0, 3.1, and 4.4 out of 7, respectively; p < 0.001). Patient participants had higher satisfaction with the study conversation, rating study physicians higher in effectiveness of explanations, responsiveness to questions, and overall quality of the conversation compared to their own physicians (all p < 0.001). In a cohort of patients who previously declined ICD/CRT-D implantation, patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo implantation of a guideline-directed device therapy increased significantly following a structured conversation with study physicians. Identified key elements could be integrated into user-friendly tools and educational materials to facilitate these conversations, improving patient engagement with the decision-making process and enhancing informed acceptance of indicated device therapies.

Учебная деятельность в отсутствии взаимодействия?

&lt;p&gt;The obvious disadvantage of online education is the lack of real interaction and meaningful communication among students while solving a learning problem. We assume that under these conditions a full-fledged learning activity in its function of assimilation of theoretical concepts cannot be formed in primary school. To verify this hypothesis, we analyzed the results of meta-subject diagnostics of the fourth graders who graduated from primary school in 2015-2019 (real interaction) and graduated in 2023 (online education). 316 children in total were recruited for this study. We also used diagnostic data on meta-subject results of fifth grade students from two Moscow schools in 2019 and 2021, where &amp;ldquo;traditional&amp;rdquo; educational programs were implemented. 248 children were recruited. It is shown that the lack of conditions and opportunities for constructive interaction and meaningful communication in the process of solving learning problems complicates and slows down the development of childrens&amp;rsquo; main social competencies, but also affects other important meta-subject results of primary education. Thus, the results of meta-subject diagnostics of primary school graduates in 2023 made it possible to identify the weaknesses of online learning, its disadvantages, and to assess the consequences for the mental development of children.&lt;/p&gt;

Acculturation in a poly-social-media context: tertiary-level Chinese-as-an-additional-language (CAL) international students’ perspectives and practices in mainland China

ABSTRACT In the ever-evolving landscape of globalisation and technological convergence, social media emerges as a polymedia environment rich in communication opportunities. Against the backdrop of China as an increasingly prominent global player, the above phenomenon is particularly evident among China’s vast and varied international student population. Employing a qualitative approach underpinned by interpretivism, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 tertiary-level Chinese-as-an-additional-language (CAL) international students in emerging adulthood (18-to-29-year-old) to explore their perceptions and practices of acculturation in mainland China. Informed by thematic analysis, we categorised how participants positioned themselves into four groups: experience-oriented students, achievement-tasked students, integration-motivated students, and self-identified ambassador students. Our findings indicate that participants perceive and use home- and Chinese social media within relational nexuses, strategically navigating this integrated mediated environment to facilitate acculturation beyond mere technical considerations. Moreover, our study deepens the debate on acculturation by challenging negative inclinations common to leisure-related products and informal practices in individuals’ acculturation journeys, and this conceptual expansion holds pedagogical promise for strengthening the connection between formal schooling and personalised, adaptive learning in the digital wilds. We conclude by highlighting the role of training and support systems provided by international students’ home countries and host societies in facilitating acculturation.

P-342 Improving consent procedures to increase oocyte donation rates

Abstract Study question Can consent procedures for donation of surplus frozen oocytes be changed to improve donation rates? Summary answer Obtaining informed consent for donation of oocytes after freezing could be improved by adapting new consent procedures used in genomic biomedical research for ART contexts. What is known already The widespread adoption of oocyte cryopreservation has led to a rapid accumulation of oocytes in cryostorage, since the number of people who return to use their eggs remains low. Previous studies show that many people intend to donate their surplus cryopreserved oocytes, but few people actually donate them. Increased rates of donation are required to address chronic shortages of eggs available for both reproductive and research purposes. Study design, size, duration This paper examines whether advances in consent procedures in genomic research and biobanking, such as Dynamic Consent interfaces, could be utilised within the ART context to improve patient experience and oocyte donation rates. Ethical issues with dynamic consent are considered as well as the possible benefits of such a system for potential donors and recipients of oocytes. Participants/materials, setting, methods This paper undertakes ethical analysis of the procedures used for obtaining informed consent in egg freezing for donation of surplus eggs. We consider whether these could be improved and argue that adapting advances in consent procedures, such as dynamic consent interfaces, may help to facilitate donation, with benefits to both donors and recipients. Main results and the role of chance While people freezing eggs often express an intent to donate eggs surplus to their own needs at the start of the freezing process, in few cases does this translate to actual donation. Current processes seek consent for donation at limited times throughout the cryostorage period. Further, some countries such as Australia require that eggs be donated to specific active research projects at the time that eggs are to be relinquished from storage. Factors such as these impede donation and fail to facilitate the initial expressed intent to donate surplus eggs. We hypothesise that consent processes can be improved in ways that may boost rates of donation while still satisfying the requirements of informed consent. Dynamic consent allows continuous review of consent decisions through an online interface. Adaptation of this approach to the context of egg cryopreservation and donation may have several benefits, as continuous communication and review opportunities encourage patient engagement. It may enhance understanding of the need for eggs and increase knowledge of opportunities to donate surplus eggs. While dynamic consent may benefit both potential donors and recipients, careful implementation would be required to ensure compatibility with counselling requirements and other ethical standards for reproductive donation in particular. Limitations, reasons for caution We consider the potential benefits to donors and recipients but do not analyse the costs of implementing such a system of consent for clinics. Further, specific clinics may have consent procedures that differ from the model we use here and may be constrained by regulatory contexts Wider implications of the findings Recent research suggests that cryopreserved oocytes are rarely used or donated. Improving procedures for obtaining informed consent promises to increase rates of donation and improve patient experience. Dynamic consent tools have been widely used in biobanking and genomics research to positive effect but would be novel within the ART context. Trial registration number Not Applicable

Utilizing Communicative Activities to Teach Oral English Skills to Students at Tuyen Quang School for Excellence (TSE)

This study investigates the efficacy of utilizing communicative activities to enhance oral English skills among students at Tuyen Quang School for Excellence (TSE). Recognizing the paramount importance of oral proficiency in mastering a foreign language, this research aims to address the challenges faced by students in traditional English classrooms where communicative opportunities are limited. Through a structured implementation of various communicative activities, such as role-plays, discussions, and problem-solving tasks, we observed significant improvements in students' speaking abilities. Data were collected through pre- and post-intervention assessments, surveys, and interviews, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of these activities. The findings reveal that not only do communicative activities significantly improve oral skills, but they also boost students' confidence and willingness to participate in speaking tasks. This study underscores the necessity of incorporating interactive and student-centered approaches in English language teaching to foster better communicative competence.

Migration as a Securitized Phenomenon: An Analysis of the Societal Security in Terms of EU Perception

In the 21st century, the diversification of communication and transportation opportunities has not only facilitated regular migration movements but also led to changes in the volume and dimensions of irregular migration. Migrants not only significantly influence the demographic, sociological, and economic structures of the countries they move to but have also become subjects of security concerns. Member countries of the European Union (EU) are targeted by migration movements due to attractive factors such as high living and working conditions, economic prosperity, and governance styles that respect human rights. Claims that migrants threaten the societal security of the EU by affecting its language, religion, cultural values, traditions, and national identities have become frequent topics of discussion in political and academic circles. In this regard, the main aim of the study is to determine whether migration poses a threat to the societal security of the EU or if such a perception exists in EU society. The findings indicate a strong perception in EU society that migration constitutes a threat to societal security.

Analysis of the Current Status and Influencing Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis Knowledge and Prevention Practices among Orthopedic Nurses in Western Guangxi

Objective: To investigate the current status of deep vein thrombosis knowledge and prevention practice of orthopedic nurses in western Guangxi, and to analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide reference strategies and empirical evidence for the training and VTE management of nurses in the future. Methods: From July to August 2023, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 250 orthopedic nurses in western Guangxi using the Chinese version of the deep vein thrombosis risk knowledge and prevention practice evaluation questionnaire. Results: A total of 250 nurses were surveyed, and the total score of DVT knowledge and prevention practice was (92.31±6.33), which was at a medium level overall. The score of deep vein thrombosis knowledge was (28.96±2.17), which was at a good level, and the score of prevention practice was (63.35±4.76), which was at a medium level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that nursing years, years of work in the current department, nurse professional title and grade, and whether or not they had received VTE specialist training were influencing factors for the knowledge dimension of deep vein thrombosis; nurse professional title, nurse grade, and whether or not they had received VTE specialist training were influencing factors for the practice dimension of deep vein thrombosis prevention. Conclusion: The total scores of DVT knowledge and prevention practice of orthopedic nurses in western Guangxi were at a medium level overall, with a good grasp of the DVT knowledge dimension score, and the prevention practice part needed to be improved. It is recommended that nursing managers pay attention to the nurses' knowledge of DVT, attach importance to the knowledge training of nurses with low seniority and low professional titles, provide more opportunities for learning and communication, and combine the training content with clinical work to ensure that nurses can apply theoretical knowledge to actual nursing work.

Формирование имиджа Турции в Латинской Америке

Image is an important concept not only for the individuals, but also for the states, which have an inherent desire to create a favourable image in their relations with other countries, and international organisations and the international community as a whole. In the modern world, with more and more means and opportunities for interaction and communication, states develop and implement systematic public policies to further enhance their international image. The policy makers of the Turkısh Republıc are actively pursuing an image-buıldıng po-licy in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Balkans, as well as in distant geographies such as La-tin America, in order to improve Turkey's image positively with arguments supported by Islamic identity, Turkish nationalism and the claim of an imperial heritage. Since the beginning of the 21st century, Turkey has paid great attention to the formation of its positive image in different regions of the world. This study focuses on Turkey's policy on its foreıgn image in Latin America.

Handling protracted crises: Communication challenges, constraints and opportunities

AbstractRecent research on crisis communication has focused on the challenges of complex and protracted crises. In this essay, it is argued that such crises must be handled communicatively by putting the communication challenges, constraints and opportunities at the centre. To this end, the combination of the notions of the rhetorical situation and kairos is suggested as a keystone that provides a bottom‐up, context‐sensitive approach needed to cope with the fluid and changing situations of such crisis. Importantly, the life cycle of a protracted crisis can not only be understood in terms of physical factors (e.g., infection rates in a pandemic) but is also formed through the public's perceptions and the communicative choices of crisis communicators calling for action to mitigate or end a crisis. The rhetorical situation and kairos highlight the importance of spatial temporality, the uniqueness of the situations and the constitutive dimension of communication in a crisis. This implies the identification of the opportune moments to present a response and recognising the important ‘spaces’ between typical crisis situations.

ORAL COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

The communication apprehension is the anxiety or fear experienced by an individual before or during communicating and is one of the major barriers in communication among youth in their academics and professional growth. Therefore, the present study was conducted to study communication apprehension among postgraduate students of Punjab in English language. Data was collected through questionnaire from 200 postgraduate students drawn from four oldest and well-established universities of Punjab state. It was found that majority of students had moderate level of oral communication apprehension (OCA) in English. Further, it was found that majority of respondents had moderate level followed by low level and high level of apprehension during group discussions, interpersonal conversations and public speaking whereas in meetings most of the students had moderate level followed by high level and low level of apprehension. It was also found that on the average, students were most apprehensive in meetings followed by public speaking, interpersonal conversations and group discussions. As the communication apprehension restricts the overall growth of the studentshence, it is recommended that more communication opportunities should be provided to students and focus should be laid upon the overall development of student's personality in order to decrease their apprehension.

The impact of digitalization on forming modern youth political leadership

Youth political engagement is a crucial aspect of modern society. In this regard, digitalization opens huge communicative and mobilization opportunities by transforming young people’s political participation into a digital format with unpredictable consequences. The article analyzes digitalization impact as a complex multi-stage process in modern world on forming youth political leadership. The essence and stages of digitalization, the consequences of digital technologies impact on society, political processes, and youth environment have been studied. The transformational impact on socialization, communicative culture and self-consciousness of youth as a fundamental basis for forming its most active part – youth political leaders – has been revealed. The authors consider how the use of digital means of communication, social networks, and digital ecosystems contributes to the activation of youth participation in political life, accelerates the process of forming youth political leaders, providing their “promotion” in the online space and supporters mobilization. Challenges and threats of digitalization faced by youth and young political leaders have been considered. The authors concluded that digitalization at the present stage is the most important condition for attracting and forming youth political leadership, but this aspect requires further study and support at the public policy level.

The operation of ideology in coronavirus vaccine Twitter influencer commentary

The study sought to provide a greater comprehension of the contending discourses and ideologies of coronavirus vaccine acceptance and reluctance in South Africa as revealed by Twitter influencer commentaries.1 Naturally occurring data generated between February 2021 and February 2022 was collected from Twitter in the form of Tweets authored by South African social media influencers. The paper utilised Fairclough’s model of critical discourse analysis and we found that vaccine hesitant discourses functioned as the foundations of cultural, moral and political ideologies. They constructed a reality in which the coronavirus vaccine was deemed as risky and potentially lethal. Discourses that shed light on the ideologies underpinning coronavirus vaccine acceptance included medical-scientific and familial discourses. This research contributes to scholarship on vaccine discourses in the era of social media and pandemics. The findings may provide opportunities for productive communication and intervention with the occurrence of similar divisive phenomena in digital spaces.

English Vocabulary Learning Strategies between High-achievers and Low-achievers

This study intends to compare the vocabulary learning strategies between high-achievers and low-achievers in junior high schools, and thus to explore effective vocabulary learning strategies to provide suggestions for English vocabulary teaching and learning practice. It is found out that high-achievers apply English vocabulary learning strategies more frequently than low-achieving students do. More specifically, in terms of meta-cognitive strategies, low-achievers use more pre-planning strategies, while high-achievers apply more selective attention strategies. For cognitive strategies, both high-achievers and low-achievers tend to use repetition strategies. Achievers are better at categorizing what they have learnt than low-achievers. For affective strategies, low-achievers apply reference books strategies most frequently and neither type of students uses authentic material strategies very often. Students’ beliefs, habits and attitudes towards vocabulary learning affect the application of strategies to some extent. High-achievers are better at utilizing the environment and even creating opportunities for English communication than underachievers. In addition, high-achievers have stronger learning motivation and they are also better at setting and achieving goals than low-achievers.

Social Media as Tools for Agricultural Extension in Uganda: A Text Mining Approach

The article discusses the potential of social media as a tool for agricultural extension in Uganda. The authors argue that social media platforms, such as Facebook, X formerly Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube, offer a range of opportunities for communication, information sharing, and collaboration among farmers. The study is guided by the Media Richness Theory, which asserts that channels of information based on technology are more effective for transmitting text than other media. The article highlights the challenges faced by traditional extension approaches in reaching remote areas and delivering timely and personalized advice, and suggests that social media can help overcome these challenges. Despite the potential benefits, the authors note that there is limited research on how social media can be effectively utilized for agricultural extension purposes in Uganda. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for agricultural extension workers to utilize social media to engage farmers and improve the effectiveness of agricultural extension services.

Examining the experiences of mid-career nurses in hospitals: a phenomenological study

Background The turnover of new and mid-career nurses has been increasing, leading to challenges in recruiting and retaining nursing staff. Objectives Securing and retaining mid-career nurses is crucial for ensuring high-quality care. However, little is known about mid-career nurses’ experiences regarding turnover. This study aimed to understand the experiences of mid-career nurses and identify strategies to enable mid-career nurses to maintain long-term employment in health services. Design Colaizzi’s phenomenological methodology was adopted to illuminate the subjective meaning derived from the work-related challenges of mid-career nurses, leading to turnover. Focus group interviews were conducted to delve into the work challenges faced by mid-career nurses. Method The participants were 23 mid-career nurses working in one tertiary hospital and six secondary hospitals across three Korean cities, recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. The inclusion criteria entailed a minimum of three years of nursing experience and current employment within a designated department or clinical area within the hospital environment, commonly known as a nursing unit. Such units encompassed a range of clinical settings, including medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The interview data were transcribed verbatim, and significant statements were extracted from abstract sentences to derive themes through an analytical process. Results Analysis of the work experiences of 23 mid-career nurses in medical institutions yielded 15 themes and 4 theme clusters derived from 353 meaningful statements. These theme collections were identified as ‘Difficulties endured as a mid-career nurse’, ‘Meaningless and regrettable new graduate nurses’ education’, ‘An inexpressibly poor work environment’, and ‘Systems and policies needed to remain in the hospital’. Conclusions Difficulties faced by mid-career nurses including the establishment of an education and career development system, provisions for guaranteed leave, a diverse and flexible work system, opportunities for effective communication, and engagement with the opinions of mid-career nurses should promptly be addressed.

Numerical design of an efficient Ho3+-doped InF3 fiber laser at ∼3.2 ​μm

In this work, we theoretically unlock the potential of Ho3+-doped InF3 fiber for efficient ∼3.2 ​μm laser generation (from the 5F4,5S2→5F5 transition), by employing a novel dual-wavelength pumping scheme at 1150 ​nm and 980 ​nm, for the first time. Under clad-coupled 1150 ​nm pumping of 5 ​W, ∼3.2 ​μm power of 3.6 ​W has been predicted with the optical-to-optical efficiency of 14.4%. Further efficient power scaling, however, is blocked by the output saturation with 980 ​nm pumping. To alleviate this behavior, the cascaded 5I5→5I6 transition, targeting ∼3.9 ​μm, has been activated simultaneously, therefore accelerating the population circulation between the laser upper level 5F4,5S2 and long-lived 5I6 level under 980 ​nm pumping. As a result, enhanced ∼3.2 ​μm power of 4.68 ​W has been obtained with optical-to-optical efficiency of 15.6%. Meanwhile the ∼3.9 ​μm laser, yielding power of 2.76 ​W with optical-to-optical efficiency of 9.2%, is theoretically achievable as well with a moderate heat load, of which the performance is even better than the prior experimentally and theoretically reported Ho3+-doped InF3 fiber lasers emitting at ∼3.9 ​μm alone. This work demonstrates a versatile platform for laser generation at ∼3.2 ​μm and ∼3.9 ​μm, thus providing the new opportunities for many potential applications, e.g., polymer processing, infrared countermeasures, and free-space communications.

A Study on Employees Satisfaction at Sai Sudarshan Security and Vigilance

This study examines employee satisfaction at Sai Sudarshan Security and Vigilance Pvt Ltd, focusing on key factors contributing to a positive work environment. Utilizing a purposive sampling technique, we collected primary responses from employees with at least one year of service and participation in training programs. A sample size of 100 was selected from over 130 employees. Data was meticulously organized and analyzed using graphical methods, with responses categorized under various subheadings. The findings reveal high levels of job satisfaction driven by effective communication, regular recognition, and ample career growth opportunities. While significant contentment was reported, areas needing improvement include proactive career development discussions and fostering a balanced, inclusive company culture. These insights underscore the importance of both tangible benefits and intangible factors, such as relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Keywords: Attitudes, Alignment, Agile, Centrality, Interviews, Compensation

MANAGING THE PANDEMIC IN CARE HOMES – OLDER PEOPLE'S PERSPECTIVE

The ageing population and the challenges it poses are becoming more and more pressing, both in Lithuania and in other European countries. This requires constant attention from researchers and institutions providing social services and education activities. A new challenge is the Covid - 19 pandemic, which has resulted in nursing homes banning visits to residents and restricting educational activities in order to protect the elderly. Residents were not allowed to see relatives and friends. The pandemic and the quarantine imposed in Lithuania caused stress and anxiety for the residents and the negative social consequences are still being felt even after the pandemic. Nine semi-structured interviews were carried out to reveal the attitudes of older people towards the management of the pandemic in care institutions and the peculiarities of communication in care homes during the quarantine. The research revealed that during quarantine, lonely older people were sensitive to a lack of opportunities for social communication, and felt a lack of closeness among people. As a result of the quarantine regime lonely older people felt unfulfilled, lost the ability to realize themselves through certain activities.

Climate change: A pointer to increased small-scale fisher drowning deaths.

Drowning is an overlooked public health concern and drowning risk is dependent on environmental risk factors. The preponderance of drowning deaths occurs in low- and middle-income countries. Small-scale fishers face high occupational risk of drowning. Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of storms, thereby exacerbating fishers' risks and creating a need to examine the contribution of storms to fisher drowning deaths for the development of mitigation strategies. We examined this relationship between weather and fisher drowning deaths in Lake Victoria, which is Africa's largest lake, a site of high fishing pressure, and where climate change is predicted to increase thunderstorms. We conducted a verbal autopsy with people knowledgeable about recent fatal fisher drowning incidents to collect information about the deceased fishers and circumstances surrounding the incidents across 43 landing sites in the Kenyan shore of Lake Victoria. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders also elucidated community perspectives on drowning risks. Fatal drownings were often attributed to bad weather (41.8%). Other risk factors, such as non-use of life jacket and navigation equipment, co-occurred with bad weather at high rates (69.5% and 67.8%, respectively) to jointly contribute to fatal drowning incidents. Such co-occurrence of risk factors indicates that actions across multiple risk factors can help mitigate the issue. Stakeholder analysis revealed a range of opportunities for improved communication of risks and action to mitigate risks across boat operators and manufacturers, as well as multiple levels of management. Across global small-scale fisheries, limited use of safety equipment and intensive fishing pressure may coincide with increases in extreme weather events, necessitating action to address current and mitigate future drowning risks to small-scale fishers.