Communication Of Uncertainty Research Articles

Inhomogeneous Hegselmann–Krause models with two types of noise

We derive two types of stochastic Hegselmann–Krause opinion formation models with leadership, study their different asymptotic behaviors and the noise effect to the leader’s control. Firstly, we propose a stochastic model with a multiplicative noise, which mimics the randomness from communication uncertainty. Using the Lyapunov functional approach, we provide a sufficient condition leading to the almost surely consensus behavior, which partially explains the mechanism that the group with large size and strong leadership can tolerate strong noise produced by communication uncertainty. The second noise comes from environmental uncertainty, fluctuates the system and makes opinions diverse and inclusive. We derive a stochastic model with additive noise, show that the noise from the environment destroys the leadership. However, the relative fluctuations of the followers’ opinions around the leader’s opinion have a uniformly bounded variance, which means they are still in a same group with the leader’s control. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to confirm theoretical results and explore more findings.

Expressions of uncertainty in online science communication hinder information diffusion.

Despite the importance of transparent communication of uncertainty surrounding scientific findings, there are concerns that communicating uncertainty might damage the public perception and dissemination of science. Yet, a lack of empirical research on the potential impact of uncertainty communication on the diffusion of scientific findings poses challenges in assessing such claims. We studied the effect of uncertainty in a field study and a controlled experiment. In Study 1, a natural language processing analysis of over 2 million social media (Twitter/X) messages about scientific findings revealed that more uncertain messages were shared less often. Study 2 replicated this pattern using an experimental design where participants were presented with large-language-model (LLM)-generated high- and low-uncertainty messages. These results underscore the role of uncertainty in the dissemination of scientific findings and inform the ongoing debates regarding the benefits and the risks of uncertainty in science communication.

Managing Anxiety and Uncertainty Through Social Networking Sites, How Effectively Can Youth Communicate Online?

This study examines the usage patterns of social networking sites among Malaysian youths and their Anxiety/Uncertainty Management levels. According to the anxiety and uncertainty management theory, members of a group should be cooperative, trustworthy, tolerant of diversity, and happy in order to affect their membership attitude and behavior. These days, youth choose to spend their time on social networking sites since they provide an effective virtual community platform for communication. Malaysian youths exhibit a nuanced understanding of personal and social identity, motivation to interact, reactions to others, social categorizations, situational processes, connection to others, ethical interactions, and overall communication effectiveness. This study surveyed 600 respondents, the findings highlight a deep-rooted integration of digital communication into the daily lives of Malaysian youths, with a significant majority having extensive experience of 11 to 20 years on SNS platforms. SNS platforms significantly reduced communication uncertainty, fostering positive relationships and smoother communication through active, passive, and interactive strategies. Locality plays a crucial role in anxiety and uncertainty management, with rural youths demonstrating better management compared to their urban counterparts, attributed to stronger social cohesion, tighter networks, and communal lifestyles. The study suggests that addressing anxiety and uncertainty can improve communication quality in virtual settings, particularly in rural areas. Social media can promote cultural integration and acceptance among diverse groups. A balanced approach to communication, emphasizing ethical interactions, can maximize its benefits. The findings can be used to design targeted interventions and promote positive digital engagement practices among Malaysian youths. Keywords: Virtual community, social networking sites, anxiety and uncertainty management, effective communication, digital communication.

Strategi Komunikasi Pekerja Migran Indonesia dalam Mengatasi Culture Shock Selama Bekerja di Jepang

This study aims to understand the communication strategies of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) in overcoming culture shock while working in Japan. The research utilizes Anxiety Uncertainty Management Theory (AUM Theory) developed by Gudykunst to explain how PMI manage uncertainty and anxiety in cross-cultural communication. The AUM theory is elaborated with the concept of ABC's of Culture Shock by Ward Bochner and Furham to gain a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between cross-cultural communication and culture shock. The research method used is phenomenology. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six PMI informants who have been working for at least two years in various companies in Japan. The results of the study show that PMI experience various forms of anxiety, including language anxiety, habit-related anxiety, and mindset-related anxiety. Workers manage this anxiety through three strategies: active, passive, and interactive. The active strategy involves continuously adapting to and appreciating Japanese culture. Firstly, the active strategy means that PMI actively seek information about Japanese culture through social media and study it. Secondly, the passive strategy involves self-motivation by understanding that the cultural surprises experienced are a consequence of their work. Lastly, the interactive strategy involves efforts to improve intercultural communication skills by joining Indonesian expatriate communities in Japan and being open to new values encountered while working in Japan.

Women’s experiences of risk-stratified breast cancer screening in the MyPeBS trial: a qualitative comparative study across two European countries

Objective Risk-stratification should improve the benefits-to-harms ratio for breast screening, whereby higher-risk women receive additional screening and low-risk women are screened less. This study investigated the effects of healthcare context by comparing how women in England and France experienced risk-based breast screening. Methods and measures Fifty-two women were purposively sampled from participants who underwent risk-based screening in the MyPeBS trial. Women received objectively-derived 5-year breast cancer risk estimates (low = < 1%, average = 1–1.66%, high = ≥ 1.67 to <6%, very-high-risk = ≥ 6%). This determined future trial-related screening schedules and prevention options. Semi-structured interviews were transcribed for thematic framework analysis. Results Two overarching themes were produced: the importance of supported risk communication and accessibility of risk management. Overall, risk-based breast screening was viewed positively. However, trial procedures, especially in risk estimate provision, differed across sites. Women at increased risk were more reassured when appointments were with specialist healthcare professionals (HCP). When absent, this resulted in reduced satisfaction with risk communication and greater uncertainty about its personal relevance. Low-risk women’s views on extended mammogram schedules seemed linked to how health services are organised differently. Conclusions Context is an important consideration regarding acceptability of healthcare innovations such as risk-stratified screening: it should not be assumed that findings from one country apply universally.

English-language news representations of the Fukushima nuclear-treated-water discharge at the initial phase in Japan and neighbouring countries

There is a gap in our knowledge that has not been filled much yet: the interplay between uncertainty and transparency, as well as the social amplification of risk and potential manipulation, interconnected with the media agenda-setting theory in risk communication. To fill this gap, this study investigates how China’s, South Korea’s, and Japan’s leading English-language newspapers present their respective stands on the issue of the Fukushima nuclear-treated-water discharge in the initial phase between 1 January 2021 and 31 May 2021. Discourse analysis reveals divergent discourses in the selected newspapers, with The Japan Times employing scientific evidence, discussions of radioactive emission, proactive measures, details on contaminated water treatment, treated water disposal, and counter-blaming tactics to construct the discourse of image protection; China Daily utilising arguments from the politically-driven US-Japan alliance, expert discourse on the lack of a scientific basis, and empathy for the fishery trade to create the discourse of politically-driven public health concern; and The Korea Herald using accusations of Japan’s irresponsibility, historical facts, geopolitical problems, and violations of human rights to construct the blaming discourse. The analysis also reveals the striking similarities among the three press coverages, which underpin the discourse of transnational alignment and shared concerns, highlighting environmental, human health, and economic concerns related to the fishing industry. Even though the three news outlets had different points of view, both CD and TKH focused on the lack of transparency in Japan’s handling of uncertainty in risk communication and the social amplification of risk. In contrast, TJT amplified the safety of the nuclear-treated water discharge to attenuate people’s perceptions of its risk. Theoretically, this study demonstrates the close relationship between the handling of uncertainty in risk communication and transparency, as well as the social amplification of risk and potential manipulation, with practical implications for newsrooms to communicate risks.

Cooperative voltage control in distribution networks considering multiple uncertainties in communication

Delays, jitter, and packet loss in communication networks can impact the performance of cooperative voltage control systems in distribution networks. In distribution systems with a high penetration of renewable energy sources that do not respond promptly, these issues can even lead to system destabilization when voltage surges occur. Considering the interdependence of delay, jitter, and packet loss, the current direct approach of accumulating information entropy may result in the deterioration of dynamic control performance. Based on Copula entropy theory, a new multivariate communication uncertainty metric model is proposed. Using the multivariate Epanechnikov kernel function model, a method has been developed to estimate the multivariate non-independent uncertainty of a communication system. Accurate state estimation is integrated into event-triggered sliding mode control (ETSMC) of the distribution network to facilitate coordinated voltage control and enhance resilience against communication uncertainty. Design criteria for the controller and observer parameters are provided based on Lyapunov stability theory. Simulation results confirm that the proposed ETSMC offers significant improvements in control performance and system resilience to external power disturbances and multivariate communication uncertainty events.

Mitigating Lecturers’ Communication Uncertainty in Using SWVC During Online Lectures

This study investigates at the communication uncertainty undergraduate lecturers face when delivering lectures through synchronous web video conferencing (SWVC) during online lectures. Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) is employed to understand how lecturers use communication techniques to reduce uncertainty in online lecture. Undergraduate lecturers at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta who have ever conducted teaching online were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis is performed, with a particular focus on the methods that lecturers use to communicate with their students in order to build relationships and reduce uncertainty. The study identifies a number of important areas of uncertainty, such as technical challenges, the development of useful learning materials, evaluation of comprehension, student involvement, and conduct during online sessions. This study shows how lecturers use active, passive, and interactive strategy to reduce uncertainty. These results underline how crucial it is to deal with technology challenges, advance interactive teaching strategies, raise student participation, and establish effective communication in order to guarantee successful online education in the face of uncertainty.

Managing Uncertainties in Technology-Mediated Communication: A Qualitative Study of Business Students’ Perception of Emoji/Emoticon Usage in a Business Context

Managing Uncertainties in Technology-Mediated Communication: A Qualitative Study of Business Students’ Perception of Emoji/Emoticon Usage in a Business Context

Evaluating the Impact of Internet Users' Emotional Tendencies on Opinion Dynamics through Computer-Assisted Sentiment Analysis of Texts

- Internet communication is characterised by "non-linear flow" and "unorganised aggregation," and computer-assisted text sentiment analysis is an important means of evaluating the impact of netizens' emotions on the dynamics of public opinion. The uncertainty, anonymity, disorder, and blindness inherent in fast-gathering and fast-dispersing Internet communication drive the continuous generation of texts, which has an important impact on public opinion. In order to study this issue in depth, this paper chooses two text types of "popular Weibo" and "popular topics" in Sina Weibo as the object of study and analyses the issue in detail from the two dimensions of agenda construction and agenda setting. In the process of the study, the required text data were collected through Python, and the theoretical assumptions were verified with text analysis methods to explore the influence of text sentiment bias on opinion diffusion, with a view to providing new insights and references for the application of the theory of opinion diffusion and the field of computational diffusion.

원전의 안전계통 설정치 불확도 평가에서의 중심극한정리 타당성 확인

In evaluating the uncertainty of nuclear power plant safety system setpoints, the central limit theorem(CLT) is often used when combining the uncertainties of each element. However, depending on the distribution characteristics of individual elements and the number of elements to be combined, there are cases where the central limit theorem cannot be applied. International standards are being revised to reflect this. In this paper, we describe various methodologies for calculating safety system setpoints and confirm whether the combined components follow the central limit theorem according to the distribution characteristics of the individual elements. The Monte Carlo simulation method is used as a basic tool to confirm this, and normality is verified using KS test in Python program library. Additionally, the variance characteristics of each distribution are examined and differences from the uniform distribution are analyzed. As a result of the analysis, in order for the combined component to follow the central limit theorem, if the distribution is concentrated on both sides compared to the uniform distribution, the number of input variables needs to be four or more. That is, when the number of input element uncertainty of the safety system setpoint exceeds 4, the combined uncertainty was evaluated to have normality regardless of the distribution of input element uncertainty. Therefore, it was confirmed that the method of applying CLT to calculate the coverage factor and then using it to obtain the expanded uncertainty was valid. In the case of a distribution concentrated toward the center compared to a uniform distribution, the number of variables less than 3 was required. The U type distribution, which is used to evaluate the uncertainty of wireless communication, showed characteristics closer to a uniform distribution than an inverted triangular distribution. Also, in the case of variance, it was found that the variance of the uniform distribution was larger than that of the linear distribution, confirming that this conformed to the maximum entropy principle.

Do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation decision-making process: scoping review

ObjectivesTo conduct a scoping review to explore the evidence of the process of do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DNACPR) decision-making.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search and review of articles from 1...

Leveraging Blockchain Interoperability for Interdependent Networks

With the rapid emergence of technologies, coupling interdependent consumer electronics networks have become imperative to enable information exchange, holistic data analysis, and effective decision-making techniques. While interdependent networks can discover crucial information through intuitive understanding and efficient data-driven algorithms, it is crucial to leverage secure and effective data exchange among the underlying networks of consumer electronics. Blockchain comes into play when it requires ensuring trustless communication and data exchange amongst multiple interdependent networks. Blockchain interoperability is evolving and gaining widespread popularity in industry and research due to its ability to exchange data among multiple blockchains. This paper presents Divide-LeapChain, a next-generation efficient and effective interoperable blockchain framework for interdependent networks of heterogeneous consumer electronics devices. The Divide-LeapChain addresses the critical issues of intra- and inter-blockchain communication, including spatial and temporal uncertainties in data traversal, exchange, validation, and cross-chain swaps. It promises significant drops-off in verification steps without weakening blockchain integrity, which extends the possibilities to apply blockchain applications on heterogeneous embedded consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices.

Chinese children’s perspectives of long-distance familyhood via WeChat

ABSTRACT There is growing public concern in China about the large number of children whose parents have left them behind because of massive rural-to-urban labor migration over the past few decades. It is estimated that there were 61 million left-behind children in China in 2018. Because of the prevalence of instant communication applications, such as WeChat, left-behind children in China can maintain family relationships with their migrant parents through social media. This study examines how left-behind children use WeChat to sustain long-distance family relationships. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the research involved online interviews with ten children and ten online workshops with thirty-one child participants. The data collected from the workshops and interviews suggest that a gap still exists between children’s communication needs and the technological affordances of social media. Mediated communications via WeChat are not always child-friendly and can have implications for the success or failure of parent-child communication in Chinese separated families. Despite these challenges, children demonstrate creativity in navigating the uncertainties of long-distance communication and relationships. However, this process is strewn with difficulties that the adult family members in the participant families have overlooked.

Robust Positioning Estimation for Underwater Acoustics Targets with Use of Multi-Particle Swarm Optimization

With the extensive application of sensor technology in scientific ocean research, ocean resource exploration, underwater engineering construction, and other fields, underwater target positioning technology has become an important support for the ocean field. This paper proposes a robust positioning algorithm that combines the disadvantages of distributed estimation and particle swarm optimization, which can solve the large localization error problem caused by uncertainties in underwater acoustic communication and sampling processes. Considering the presence of ranging anomalies and sampling packet loss in underwater acoustic measurements, a weighted coupling filling method is used to correct the outliers in an underwater acoustic ranging signal. Based on the mapping model from the element array to the underwater acoustic responder, an unconstrained optimization algorithm for one-time localization estimation of underwater acoustic targets was established. Based on the one-time localization estimation results of underwater acoustic targets, an improved multi-particle swarm optimization estimation based on interactive search is proposed, which improves the accuracy of underwater target localization. The numerical results show that the positioning accuracy of the proposed algorithm can be effectively enhanced in cases of distance measurement errors and azimuth measurement errors. Compared with the positioning error before optimization, the positioning error can be reduced after optimization. Additionally, the experiment was carried out in the underwater environment of Hangzhou Qiandao Lake, which verified the positioning performance of the proposed algorithm.

An Integrated Design of Communication and Control: Communication Design for Control, and Control Design Considering Communication Uncertainties

An Integrated Design of Communication and Control: Communication Design for Control, and Control Design Considering Communication Uncertainties

Exploring the Role of Nurses in Advance Care Planning Within Long-Term Care Homes: A Qualitative Study.

Residents in long-term care homes (LTCHs) are often diagnosed with chronic, life-limiting illnesses, and it is now a common site to provide high levels of care and eventual death. There is an urgent need to address communication gaps and uncertainties surrounding resident's end of life preferences. Nurses are well situated to be key facilitators of necessary advance care planning (ACP), ensuring residents have discussions with family, substitute decision-makers and healthcare providers regarding future health and personal care preferences. However, LTCHs present unique challenges for nurses due to not only complex comorbidities but also staffing dynamics. This study explored the experiences and perceptions of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Practical Nurse (RPNs) in LTCHs regarding their role in engaging residents and families in ACP discussions. Qualitative interpretive descriptive methodology was used. Data were collected from two LTCHs in Southern Ontario with a sample of 15 nurses (7 RNs and 8 RPNs). Analysis involved review of semistructured interviews, field notes, and utilizing constant comparison within an inductive approach. Power and authority dynamics in LTCH's was an overarching theme in the data, with four subthemes: (1) Nurses lacking clarity about ACP, (2) nurses' uncertainty regarding their role in ACP, (3) nurses feeling uncomfortable engaging in ACP discussions, and (4) nurses struggling to support families in ACP discussions. Recommendations for nurses, healthcare providers, LTCH administrators, and policy makers include: (1) development of policies which support, from a systemic level, nurses to feel safe while engaging in ACP; (2) reassessing LTCH's hierarchical structure, and clarifying RN, RPN, and interdisciplinary team members roles in ACP; (3) developing culture change that allows a team and person-centered approach to ACP; and (4) providing ongoing education and mentorship for nurses to manage family dynamics and expand their understanding of ACP beyond a biomedical lens.

The assessment and communication of genotoxicity test results: moving beyond binary

Potential genotoxicity is one of the essential considerations in the safety assessment of chemicals to which humans may be exposed. Several endpoints are used to evaluate genotoxicity, but, in each case, a binary assessment (negative/positive) is demanded by regulators. The use of binary assessment has rarely been questioned, although we have pointed out some questions and difficulties with regard to the statistical methods used and the evaluation of biological significance, both of which inform the calls of negative/ positive. Here, we discuss these issues further, focusing on ambiguity and uncertainty in the binary paradigm, and we seek a new direction for genotoxicity assessment. To this end, we need to understand, acknowledge, and accept these ambiguities and study-related uncertainties and then to consider new strategies for safety assessment. We also discuss the communication of ambiguity and uncertainty in risk communication.

Psychological impact of medical evacuation for ICU saturation in Covid-19-related ARDS patients

PurposePsychological impact of Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) in Covid-19 patients is undetermined. The objectives were to evaluate: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in MEDEVAC patients hospitalized in ICU for Covid-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared to control group; anxiety, depression rates and outcomes in patients and PTSD in relatives. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective multicentric 1/1 paired cohort performed in 10 ICUs in the West of France. Evaluation was performed 18 months after discharge. Patients and closest relatives performed IES-R (Impact and Event Scale-Revised) and/or HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scales. ResultsTwenty-six patients were included in each group. Patients were 64 ± 11 years old, with 83% male. We report 12 vs 20% of PTSD in control vs MEDEVAC groups (p = 0.7). Anxiety disorder affected 43.5 vs 28.0% (p = 0.26) and depression 12.5 vs 14.3% (p > 0.99) in control vs MEDEVAC groups. PTSD affects 33.3 vs 42.1% of closest relatives (p = 0.55). Ways of communication were adapted: video calls were more frequent in MEDEVAC patients (8.7 vs 60.9%, p < 0.01) whereas physical visits concerned more control group (45.8 vs 13.0%, p = 0.01). ConclusionsPTSD rate were similar between groups. Adaptive ways of communication, restricted visits and global uncertainties could explain the absence of differences.

Interpersonal alignment of neural evidence accumulation to social exchange of confidence.

Private, subjective beliefs about uncertainty have been found to have idiosyncratic computational and neural substrates yet, humans share such beliefs seamlessly and cooperate successfully. Bringing together decision making under uncertainty and interpersonal alignment in communication, in a discovery plus pre-registered replication design, we examined the neuro-computational basis of the relationship between privately held and socially shared uncertainty. Examining confidence-speed-accuracy trade-off in uncertainty-ridden perceptual decisions under social vs isolated context, we found that shared (i.e. reported confidence) and subjective (inferred from pupillometry) uncertainty dynamically followed social information. An attractor neural network model incorporating social information as top-down additive input captured the observed behavior and demonstrated the emergence of social alignment in virtual dyadic simulations. Electroencephalography showed that social exchange of confidence modulated the neural signature of perceptual evidence accumulation in the central parietal cortex. Our findings offer a neural population model for interpersonal alignment of shared beliefs.