Communication Barriers Research Articles

Cross-cultural Engineering Team Management in The Context of Globalization

This paper discusses the challenges and strategies of cross-cultural engineering team management in the context of globalization, demonstrates the problems of communication barriers, cultural conflicts and trust building through case studies, and proposes solutions such as cross-cultural training, diversity management and technical support to enhance the efficiency of cross-cultural team collaboration and project success.

Organizational Transformation in Adopting Hybrid Work Models: A Literature Review on Organizational Changes and Employee Readiness

This study explores the implications of hybrid work models on organizational dynamics and employee well-being. Through a qualitative literature review approach, the research examines existing literature on hybrid work, focusing on organizational changes, employee readiness, and long-term effects. The methodology systematically reviews scholarly articles, books, and academic sources, synthesizing key themes, theoretical frameworks, and empirical findings. The results reveal mixed findings regarding the impact of hybrid work on various aspects of organizational functioning and employee experiences. While hybrid work offers opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, it also presents challenges such as communication barriers, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and uncertainties regarding career advancement. Longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across industries, cultures, and geographic regions are recommended to track the evolution of hybrid work arrangements and assess their sustainability in dynamic environments. Interdisciplinary approaches and integrating emerging technologies can contribute to evidence-based decision-making and foster innovation in hybrid work design and implementation.

Integrated Application for Paddy Disease Detection and Remedy Suggestion

In India, agriculture is the backbone of rural communities, with the majority of villagers relying on it as their primary livelihood. However, challenges such as disease management, soil quality assessment, and weed control often limit productivity. While Kisan call centers provide essential support, their effectiveness is constrained by communication barriers and the limitations of verbal explanations. This paper proposes an innovative solution through a machine learning- based mobile application designed specifically for farmers. The app enables users to upload images of paddy disease symptoms, soil test results, and weeds for analysis. Leveraging advanced algorithms, it provides automated, data- driven recommendations for disease control, crop management, and soil improvement. The app also offers local language interfaces, making it accessible to less educated farmers. By continuously refining its decision-making capabilities through user feedback, the app evolves to meet the specific needs of different regions and farming practices. This approach not only enhances efficiency and productivity but also empowers farmers with immediate, reliable expert advice, bridging the gap between traditional practices and modern technology. Ultimately, the application aims to significantly improve agricultural outcomes, contributing to the sustainability and growth of the farming sector in India. Key Words: Paddy crop disease, Integrated, Application, suggestion, soil, weeds, resolution etc.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validity of the Saudi Sign Language Version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire.

Profoundly hearing-impaired individuals lack health-promotion education on healthy lifestyles, and this may be due to communication barriers and limited awareness of available resources. Therefore, providing understandable healthy eating knowledge and a proper education evaluation via a questionnaire is vital. The present study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the content of a Saudi sign language version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ). The study followed the World Health Organization guidelines for the translation and cultural adaptation of the GNKQ, using two-phase translation (from English into Arabic and then from Arabic into Saudi sign language), including forward-translation, back-translation, and pilot testing among profoundly hearing-impaired individuals. A total of 48 videos were recorded to present the GNKQ in Saudi sign language. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) value was equal to 0.96, and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) value for all questions was between 1 and 0.9, except for question 6 in section 1, which was 0.6; this discrepancy was due to religious, social, and cultural traditions. The translation, cultural adaptation, and content validity of the Saudi sign language version of the GNKQ were satisfactory. Further studies are needed to validate other measurement properties of the present translated version of this questionnaire.

دور التسامح في تعزيز العلاقات الاجتماعية من المنظور الأنثروبولوجي الاجتماعي

In the field of social anthropology, the concept of tolerance plays a pivotal role in understanding the interactions of human societies. Tolerance, which is the acceptance and respect for different beliefs, practices, and opinions, is not only a moral virtue but also an important element of social cohesion. This article highlights the understanding of the importance of tolerance in an anthropological context, and its role in strengthening social bonds from a social anthropological perspective. Tolerance in the field of social anthropology includes the acceptance and respect for cultural diversity and individual differences. It is a fundamental concept that has evolved over time in human societies. Throughout history, many civilizations have struggled with the concept of tolerance, and these civilizations were often shaped by social norms and cultural practices. Tolerance was an integral part of societal values that prioritized harmony and cooperation among their members. This historical perspective highlights the fundamental relationship between tolerance and social cohesion and emphasizes the role of cultural norms in shaping attitudes toward diversity. Tolerance works to promote social cohesion by strengthening understanding and acceptance of diverse viewpoints. When individuals embrace tolerance, they are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue and break down communication barriers with others who hold opposing beliefs. This open-minded approach not only fosters empathy and mutual respect, but also contributes to conflict resolution and peaceful coexistence within society. By fostering a culture of tolerance, a society can leverage the richness of its diversity to enhance collective efforts to collaborate and solve problems.

An improved flocking control algorithm to solve the effect of individual communication barriers on flocking cohesion in multi-agent systems

Flocking cohesion is a crucial factor for groups to maintain aggregation. Communication barriers can significantly challenge the maintenance of flocking aggregation and integrity. Although several studies have focused on communication barriers between agents and the Leader, less attention has been given to agents' self-communication barriers. This paper investigates the effect of two kinds of communication barriers that coexist on flocking cohesion. One is the communication barrier between agents and the Leader. There are informed and uninformed agents, with informed agents receiving different degrees of complete information about the Leader. The other is the agent's self-communication barrier, where each agent has a failure rate that prevents it from obtaining and transmitting information. Then, a novel potential function is designed by analyzing the correlation between the potential function and flocking cohesion. It enhances flocking cohesion and reduces flocking time. Moreover, the flocking control algorithm is improved by incorporating a local feedback mechanism. It allows informed agents to transfer information more broadly and promotes interaction among agents, further enhancing flocking cohesion and integrity. Stability analysis is performed using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, we propose three criteria for evaluating flocking performance. Based on these criteria, simulation results demonstrate the proposed potential function and control algorithm's significant advantages. This control algorithm is applicable for addressing individual communication issues in swarming drones or flocking robots during missions in engineering applications.

Ulcerated Breast Cancer: How Fear Led to Delayed Diagnosis?

Diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and overall survival rates. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer and establish national screening programs, the fear of undergoing mastectomy remains a significant obstacle, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Various socioeconomic and cultural factors prevalent in diverse societies can impact patients’ behaviors towards seeking timely medical attention for diagnosis. Breast cancer patients often face obstacles such as inadequate emotional support, communication barriers, and limited access to counseling services. This case report highlights the imaging features of a 56-year-old patient who presented with a 15 cm ulcerated mass in her right breast and delves into the factors causing to the delayed diagnosis.

Patient-reported experience measures for people living with dementia: A scoping review.

The prevalence of dementia is increasing globally, with an estimated 139 million people expected to be living with dementia by 2050. Across numerous countries, substandard care for people with dementia is evident, with quality improvement needed. Recently, a focus on patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) has been utilised in healthcare services as a method of evaluating the care experiences provided and determining areas of improvement. The literature is scarce regarding the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PREMs with people with moderate to advanced dementia. This scoping review aimed to identify PREMs that have been used with vulnerable populations including people with cognitive impairment, mental health concerns, and children, outline dimensions included, and determine adaptions made to the PREMs to improve acceptability of the instruments for vulnerable populations. A database search of Medline was conducted to identify 36 studies including 32 PREMs. The PREMs identified covered a range of dimensions, most frequently care effectiveness, care environment, and patient involvement. The most common adaption to the PREMs was simplification of wording and sentence structure. Several measures conflated patient outcomes and patient satisfaction with patient experience, limiting utility for improving patient experience specifically. While several PREMs have been used with people with dementia, challenges in their implementation and their applicability to specific settings limit their use more broadly. Evidently, there is a need for development of a PREM for people with moderate to advanced dementia that is applicable across healthcare settings and is appropriately adapted for varying cognitive and communicative barriers.

Longitudinal Coadaptation of Older Adults With Wearables and Voice-Activated Virtual Assistants: Scoping Review.

The integration of smart technologies, including wearables and voice-activated devices, is increasingly recognized for enhancing the independence and well-being of older adults. However, the long-term dynamics of their use and the coadaptation process with older adults remain poorly understood. This scoping review explores how interactions between older adults and smart technologies evolve over time to improve both user experience and technology utility. This review synthesizes existing research on the coadaptation between older adults and smart technologies, focusing on longitudinal changes in use patterns, the effectiveness of technological adaptations, and the implications for future technology development and deployment to improve user experiences. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, this scoping review examined peer-reviewed papers from databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, PEDro, Ovid PsycINFO, and EBSCO CINAHL from the year 2000 to August 28, 2023, and included forward and backward searches. The search was updated on March 1, 2024. Empirical studies were included if they involved (1) individuals aged 55 years or older living independently and (2) focused on interactions and adaptations between older adults and wearables and voice-activated virtual assistants in interventions for a minimum period of 8 weeks. Data extraction was informed by the selection and optimization with compensation framework and the sex- and gender-based analysis plus theoretical framework and used a directed content analysis approach. The search yielded 16,143 papers. Following title and abstract screening and a full-text review, 5 papers met the inclusion criteria. Study populations were mostly female participants and aged 73-83 years from the United States and engaged with voice-activated virtual assistants accessed through smart speakers and wearables. Users frequently used simple commands related to music and weather, integrating devices into daily routines. However, communication barriers often led to frustration due to devices' inability to recognize cues or provide personalized responses. The findings suggest that while older adults can integrate smart technologies into their lives, a lack of customization and user-friendly interfaces hinder long-term adoption and satisfaction. The studies highlight the need for technology to be further developed so they can better meet this demographic's evolving needs and call for research addressing small sample sizes and limited diversity. Our findings highlight a critical need for continued research into the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between smart technologies and older adults over time. Future studies should focus on more diverse populations and extend monitoring periods to provide deeper insights into the coadaptation process. Insights gained from this review are vital for informing the development of more intuitive, user-centric smart technology solutions to better support the aging population in maintaining independence and enhancing their quality of life. RR2-10.2196/51129.

Requirements for and Barriers to Rehabilitation Services for Children With Disabilities in Middle- and High-Income Countries: Scoping Review.

The rehabilitation of children with disabilities has received considerable attention from the United Nations. However, the state of rehabilitation services for children with disabilities worldwide remains far from optimistic, even in economically affluent middle- and high-income countries. This scoping review aimed to identify the rehabilitation needs of children with disabilities and their barriers to rehabilitation services in middle- and high-income countries. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE and Web of Science for papers published from January 2013 to December 2023. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, full-text articles related to children with disabilities, reporting on their access to rehabilitation services, and conducted in countries classified by the World Bank 2023 as middle- and high-income economies. Exclusion criteria included duplicates, unavailable full texts, and studies without distinct outcomes. A total of 27 studies were selected following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, focusing on children, their families, or service providers. The suitability, availability, and affordability of rehabilitation services were identified as the major needs and barriers for children with disabilities in middle- and high-income countries. This included communication barriers, a need for more personnel and facilities, and the stagnation and inadequacy of economic subsidies. Middle- and high-income countries have relatively well-established rehabilitation infrastructure and support systems. They are nevertheless insufficient for meeting the needs of children with disabilities. More attention should be paid to these issues to improve the well-being of children with disabilities. The data provided by this review can help raise awareness of rehabilitation needs and barriers at the policy level.

Coaching workshops for managing communication challenges perceived by emergency nurses in Morocco: a pilot experiment

PurposeIn emergency departments, effective communication is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of patients. However, communicating can be quite challenging when dealing with high-stress situations. This study aims to assess the efficacy of coaching workshops, informed by a transtheoretical coaching model, in managing communication challenges perceived by emergency nurses and enhancing their communication skills.Design/methodology/approachThe study involved seven emergency room nurses working at a public hospital in Morocco. The data were gathered through various instruments, including observation grids, interviews and pre- and post-test questionnaires.FindingsThe study identified prevalent challenges in communication among nurses, notably difficulties in accurately interpreting messages when faced with confrontational attitudes from colleagues or superiors. Additionally, some nurses exhibited asymmetrical communication patterns, prioritizing their own perspectives over others' during interactions. The findings revealed a statistically significant disparity between pre- and post-test scores (P = 0.017). The nurses’ mean score has improved by 5.14 after attending the four workshop coaching experience, passing from 5.71 in the pre-test to 10.85 in the post-test.Originality/valueThis is the first study in Morocco to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching workshops guided by a transtheoretical coaching model in improving communication skills and overcoming communication barriers among working emergency nurses.

Diagnostic Overshadowing of Chronic Hepatitis C in People With Mental Health Conditions Who Inject Drugs: A Scoping Review.

Diagnostic overshadowing refers to a phenomenon whereby people with mental health conditions encounter inadequate or delayed medical attention and misdiagnosis. This occurs when physical symptoms are mistakenly attributed to their mental health condition. This paper presents a scoping review focusing on direct causes and background factors of diagnostic overshadowing in the context of hepatitis C infection in people who inject drugs and have concurrent mental health conditions. Despite significant strides in hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antiviral drugs, the complex interplay of mental health conditions and physical symptoms necessitates a nuanced approach for accurate diagnosis and effective screening. This review was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for scoping reviews. The databases searched included Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Global Health, CINAHL and Scopus. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategies identified 1995 records. Overall, 166 studies were excluded. Forty-two (42) studies met the inclusion criteria. Three (n = 3) studies represented direct causes, and 39 (n = 39) with background factors related to diagnostic overshadowing. Studies highlighted six key themes encompassing diagnostic overshadowing, with communication barriers, stigma and knowledge deficiencies being the most prominent. Recognising and addressing diagnostic overshadowing in chronic hepatitis C will lead to increased screening, diagnosis and timely administration of life-saving antiviral therapy, resulting in profound enhancements in well-being and health outcomes. Moreover, this proactive approach will play a pivotal role in advancing the global effort towards eliminating hepatitis C by 2030.

EFL Learners' Belief in English Only Instruction: A promising or ineffective approach at the tertiary level in Iraq

Learning English has increased its popularity exponentially thanks to global needs in numerous fields. Accordingly, various means of instruction have been adopted to master English. English-only instruction, the alternative to code-switching, is one of them that urges educators and learners to communicate through English. Although many studies have examined the effectiveness of English-only instruction, a gap has been observed in the literature regarding students’ opinions at a tertiary level in the Iraq context. To this aim, 50 students who studied at TISHK International University’s Language Preparatory School in the 2022–2023 Academic Year were chosen via snowball sampling. Participants evaluated English-only instruction in terms of the overall program, instructors, and administration. The primary instrument used to collect data was a survey. Collected data, analyzed by SPSS 26 and NVivo, respectively, unearthed that English-only instruction received favorable feedback in terms of holistic English mastery, creativity, motivation, and time management. However, some communication barriers, thereby having low learning rates were cited by a few students as weaknesses of chosen instruction. Likewise, the instructors’ efforts to teach English through Web 2.0 tools, practice exams, real-life examples, and principles of student centered approach were appreciated without leaving any room for hesitation. Similarly, the administrators’ initiatives to guide, form, monitor, examine and take appropriate action to promote the quality of education with an English-only policy received positive feedback. The findings of this study may have certain implications for stakeholders who are interested in the implementation of English-only instruction at their institutions on a global scale.

Mosques and Public Health Promotion: A Scoping Review of Faith-Driven Health Interventions.

Religious institutions play a crucial role in health promotion and hold significant influence in the public health field. The aim of this review is to examine outcomes of health-promoting interventions involving the use of mosques as the intervention venue, its role in promoting health behavior change, and the role of theory in each intervention. A scoping review was conducted across 17 databases for relevant publications published up to and including August 2023 that involved the use of mosques as the intervention venue. Fourteen articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The studies featured a wide range of interventions. However, only eight of these studies integrated theoretical frameworks into their approaches, indicating a need for more structured guidance in this field. These theoretical frameworks included Participatory Action Research (PAR), the theory of planned behavior, behavior-change constructs, the patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) framework, and prolonged exposure techniques within Islamic principles. The review identified three main health-focused intervention categories: mental health, prevention, and communication, each providing valuable insights into initiatives within Muslim communities. This review underscores the significance of inclusive and culturally sensitive health interventions, emphasizing the effectiveness of faith-based approaches in improving health outcomes, promoting positive health behaviors, and addressing communication and cultural barriers. The reviews findings stress the need for further research that incorporates theoretical frameworks and tailored interventions to meet the specific cultural needs of these communities, ultimately contributing to enhanced well-being within them.

Role of Ship Guidance in Reducing Accident Risks in Tanjung Perak’s Mandatory Waters

This study investigates the effectiveness of ship guidance in minimizing accident risks within the mandatory guidance waters of Tanjung Perak Surabaya. Employing qualitative research methods and descriptive analysis, the research evaluates ship pilot performance based on communication effectiveness, maneuvering precision, regulatory knowledge, emergency response, and professionalism. The findings reveal that effective pilotage significantly enhances navigational safety, contributing to a 20% reduction in accident rates. Despite generally high performance, challenges such as communication barriers, navigational complexity, and regulatory constraints persist. Recommendations include investing in advanced navigational technologies, improving communication protocols, updating regulations for better operational flexibility, and ensuring regular equipment maintenance. The study highlights the critical role of ship pilots in ensuring safe maritime operations and provides actionable insights for optimizing pilotage practices to further enhance safety in complex navigation environments

Enhancing Education Sector Collaboration: the Contributions of Community Colleges

This study investigates the pivotal role of community colleges in enhancing collaboration within the education sector. Despite the recognized importance of collaboration, the specific contributions of community colleges remain underexplored. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study utilizes a sequential exploratory design to comprehensively examine the roles, benefits, challenges, and strategies related to collaboration facilitated by community colleges. Data were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys in places where community colleges exist. Findings indicate that community colleges serve as intermediaries, offering flexible education programs and contributing to workforce development, thereby fostering partnerships and cooperation among diverse stakeholders. While collaborative initiatives yield benefits such as enhanced student success and increased educational access, challenges such as resource constraints and communication barriers persist. Strategies to enhance collaboration effectiveness include building strong relationships, investing in capacity building, and establishing clear communication channels. These findings underscore the significance of recognizing and leveraging the unique contributions of community colleges to promote collaboration and address systemic issues within the education sector. The study concludes with recommendations to strengthen partnerships, allocate resources, implement capacity-building programs, and further research to explore additional factors influencing collaboration.

Assessment of the Human Factors Influences on Maritime Accidents in Tanzania: A Case of Dar Es-Salaam-Zanzibar Route

The research centered on assessing the influence of human factors and associated environmental and job factors on maritime accidents in Tanzania. It pursued three specific objectives: identifying mostly human factors contributing to accidents among maritime professionals, examining challenges affecting their attention to maritime accidents, and proposing strategies tomitigate these factors. The research employed various analyses, including descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and thematic analysis, to achieve its objectives. The study acknowledged that the frequency of occurrence of maritime accidents in Tanzania had remained constant, yet there was a potential for an increase if interventions would not be effectively implemented to address underlying causes. While individual human factors generally had a low influence on maritime accidents, specific factors such as the use of illicit drugs and alcohol, fatigue while performing duties, communication barriers, and non-adherence to safety regulations emerged assignificant contributors. Similarly, human-related challenges had a low influence on the occurrence of maritime accidents in Tanzania. However, their collective influence on maritime accidents highlights the need for inclusive interventions against them. Specifically, density of seatraffic, communication failures between crew members and shore operators, pressures from bosses, and conflicting maritime regulations were noted to be significant challenges that could determine occurrence of maritime accidents. Strategies proposed for lowing maritime accidents in the country were: such as strict enforcement of maritime regulations, ensuring personnel remain well-informed about maritime safety, enhancing communication channels, establishing a safe working environment, observing speed limits, and conducting regular vessel maintenance.

(Communication Barriers between Tutors and Learners in the Package C Program at the Lestari Hutuo Community Learning Activity Center)

(Communication Barriers between Tutors and Learners in the Package C Program at the Lestari Hutuo Community Learning Activity Center)

Challenges of achieving financial inclusion for individuals with visual impairments

This research paper evaluates the success of the Financial Inclusion Strategy announced by the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) (2018–2025) in achieving financial inclusion for the visually impaired in Palestine as a poor and marginalized group within the strategy's purview. Although the promotion of financial inclusion is widely acknowledged as a crucial means to achieve economic development objectives, there remains a gap in national research concerning the willingness of banks in Palestine to develop their services to cover individuals with visual disabilities. This research aims to explain the reasons behind the financial exclusion of this group and highlight the areas where support is needed to overcome these reasons. A free discussion was conducted with representatives of all banks operating in Palestine to conclude their satisfaction regarding the financial inclusion of visually impaired individuals and to gain insight into their perspectives on the challenges they face for this inclusion. The collected data were systematically tabulated. Similar responses were consolidated under each question, and discrepancies between the symbols were emphasized. The commonalities and variances in respondents' answers were scrutinized, categorized, and juxtaposed with findings from analogous research conducted in other jurisdictions. The research revealed that insufficient financial knowledge, a lack of adaptive technologies, communication barriers, and elevated rates of poverty and unemployment account for the hesitancy of commercial banks to extend financial services to individuals with disabilities. The research concluded that commercial banks are not interested in attracting this group, so the Monetary Authority is recommended to legislate a checklist of specific obligations that consider these challenges for banks operating in Palestine to ensure financial inclusion for this group.

Oral Health Care Strategy for Psychiatric Patients

The interconnection between oral health and mental health is being increasingly recognized, highlighting the need for integrated health care. Mental disorders often lead to poor oral health due to dietary habits, medication side effects, substance abuse, and inadequate hygiene. These oral issues can significantly affect quality of life, reducing self-esteem, increasing anxiety and depression, and limiting social interactions. Despite the impact of oral issues on mental health, psychiatric patients' oral health is often neglected due to communication barriers and discomfort between dental and psychiatric providers. This review emphasizes the need for routine oral health assessments in psychiatric settings, tools used for these assessments, and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. By fostering collaboration between dentistry and psychiatry, we can enhance health outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(8):e240–e245.]