Quality Of Communication Research Articles

PENERAPAN EARLY WARNING PADA LAYANAN ON CALL UNTUK EFISIENSI LAYANAN TERHADAP WAJIB PAJAK (STUDI KASUS UPTB UPPD TALIWANG)

This research aims to evaluate the implementation of the Early Warning system in on call services to improve service efficiency for taxpayers at UPTB UPPD Taliwang. The method used is a mixed method between quantitative and qualitative approaches (Mix Methods) with data collection through questionnaires distributed to taxpayers and interviews conducted with several informants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to see trends in perception and to test the validity, reliability and correlation of the relationship between Early Warning implementation and service efficiency. The research results show that the implementation of the Early Warning system significantly increases the efficiency of on call services at UPTB UPPD Taliwang. Taxpayers involved in this study felt an increase in timeliness, quality of communication, and handling of problems related to their tax obligations. In conclusion, the Early Warning system plays an important role in increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of on call services, so it is recommended that relevant agencies continue to develop and expand the implementation of this system to support improved public services.

JOURNAL-AUTHOR COMMUNICATION: CONTENT ANALYSIS OF HIGH-IMPACT JOURNALS’ ACCESSIBILITY

Background: The paper addresses the challenges faced by authors when submitting their work to high-impact journals. It highlights the most common issues authors experience in their preparation for submission, the submission process itself, and the subsequent acceptance or rejection of papers submitted to Q1 and Q2 domestic journals. The difficulties reported by the researchers embrace the issue of rejection reasons as well as the quality of communication from journals. The latter has been addressed by analysing the way and the context in which Q1 and Q2 domestic journals communicate their requirements for submission, their decision-making processes, and the guidelines provided for preparing a manuscript prior to submission. Methods: The results of the research were obtained through the application of content analysis. It presupposed the formation of the corpus of illustrative material consisting of texts disclosed on journals' websites related to the submission and decision-making processes. The criterion for analysis was the presence or absence of assessment criteria disclosed by high-impact journals (Q1, Q2) to assess their adherence to principles of “transparency” and “accessibility” for authors. Results and Conclusions: The issues identified by the authors in the questionnaire were addressed by highlighting the most common issues encountered when submitting manuscripts. The guidelines for authors were explained in terms of the basic elements that embody the major criteria for assessment, namely relevance, quality, ethics and integrity. These elements were presented in a table for quick reference, which potential authors can apply before submitting their papers to their chosen high-impact journal. Moreover, a list of other potential issues was provided as an extra reference for authors. To conclude, not all the journals analysed communicated the full range of information requested by authors, so in this respect, the communication of the decision-making process is somewhat complicated and thus potentially unclear for authors.

A Narrative Analysis: Application of Co-Cultural Theory to The Coming out Phenomenon of Indonesian LGBT

This study aims to determine the influence of culture on LGBT people's melela decision. In addition, the researcher also explores the application of co-cultural theory developed by Mark Orbe to the melela phenomenon, especially in the context of LGBT people in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative approach with a narrative analysis method of 47 articles collected from the melela.org website. Researchers selected articles based on specific topics relevant to the research. The results of the research analysis show the dominance of cultural influences on the melela decision of LGBT people in Indonesia, also proving most of Orbe's claims, that to successfully survive in the midst of a dominant culture members of a co-cultural group will adopt one or more specific communication orientations in their daily interactions. In addition, the research also discusses the effect of melela on the quality of relationships and interpersonal communication of LGBT people with those closest to them, by analyzing their reactions

Parent Outreach Efforts Extend the Sustained Benefits of a Preschool Classroom Intervention: Adolescent Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Research-based Developmentally Informed (REDI) program enriched Head Start classrooms with teacher-delivered curriculum components designed to enhance child social-emotional learning and language-literacy skills. Parents received information about the program via backpack express, including weekly handouts about program topics and three DVDs illustrating REDI interactive strategies and suggesting home learning activities. In addition to effects on child skill acquisition and school performance (reported previously), positive effects emerged on a family-based outcome: parents of children in REDI-enriched classrooms reported higher quality preschool parent-child conversations than parents in the randomized control group (usual practice) classrooms. This study examined the long-term benefits associated with intervention-related improvements in preschool conversations. The original sample included 356 children (58% White, 24% Black, and 18% Latinx; 54% girls, 46% boys); 77% had the high school follow-up data used in this study. Longitudinal GLM analyses documented significant REDI intervention effects on parent-adolescent communication quality (assessed in the 7th and 9th grades) and on parent- and youth-reported high school behavior problems (assessed in 11th grade). Path analyses revealed significant serial mediation from intervention-related improvements in preschool conversations to parent-adolescent communication quality (grades 7-9) to reductions in later youth-reported (but not parent-reported) behavior problems (grade 11). The findings suggest that including "light touch" parent engagement materials with preschool classroom interventions can contribute to long-term program benefits.

Assessing Adherence to Lifestyle Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Comprehensive Assessment of Psychological, Social and Clinical Determinants

Purpose: This study aims to systematically evaluate the multidimensional determinants of lifestyle change compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes, establish a prediction model integrating psychological, social and clinical characteristics, and provide a theoretical basis for the development of personalized intervention strategies. Methods: Mixed research methods were used, including cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n=300) and in-depth interviews (n=30). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship between psychological factors (self-efficacy, health beliefs, etc.), social support system, clinical indicators and compliance. Thematic analysis was used to explore patients' subjective experiences and barriers. Results: The study found that compliance was significantly related to multiple factors, including: (1) psychological resilience and self-management ability; (2) family support and quality of doctor-patient communication; (3) disease severity and complications. The established predictive model explained 60% of the variation in compliance. Conclusion: This study shows that improving the compliance of patients with type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes requires a multi-level intervention strategy that focuses on psychological empowerment, optimization of support systems, and personalized clinical management. This comprehensive model provides new ideas for clinical practice.

Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting in Health Communication for Deaf People: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The current standard of interpretation provision is not efficacious or not acceptable to Deaf patients who communicate using sign language. In-person or video relay interpretation (VRI) sign language interpretation is largely unavailable. There are no clear data on the availability of VRI or in-person interpretation. Given the limited number of available sign language interpreters and the cost, VRI may be more available than in-person. Existing evidence tends to focus on assessing personal preferences of Deaf users regarding interpretation and interpreters' preferences. Although respecting preferences is essential, there is a vacuum of knowledge on how the format of access to interpretation impacts the quality of communication between Deaf persons and health personnel. This study aims to look at the effectiveness of the VRI system in improving communication outcomes between Deaf patients and doctors versus the available standard of care of the usual communication tools, including informal interpretation, lip- or note-reading, and using their mobile phones to contact a formal or informal interpreter, for Deaf patients aged 18 years and older in Bogota, Colombia. This is a randomized controlled trial with a total sample size of 216 participants, divided into 2 groups: an intervention group, which receives a medical appointment using VRI, and a control group, which receives a medical appointment using standard communication. Both the Deaf participants and the health care professionals will be blinded to the allocation, as they will not know whether the appointment will involve VRI or standard communication until they arrive at the office. The primary outcome measure will be an assessment of communication using a Doctor-Patient Communication Scale. This scale was translated into Colombian Sign Language following a rigorous cultural adaptation and translation procedure. Furthermore, the database contains key clinical variables and recommendations provided by the doctor during a general medicine appointment. We will compute associations. Recruitment opened on August 24, 2023. As of July 2024, 180 participants had been enrolled. The intervention and data collection were finalized in October 2024. The findings of this study are expected to be submitted for publication in early 2025. This study will provide rigorous evidence regarding information and communications technology intervention in health care, addressing empirical challenges in using inclusive research designs in public health. In addition, effective VRI models that address the challenges faced by Deaf people will be tested, implemented, and maintained in low- and middle-income countries. A disability-inclusive evaluative tool for quality communication mediated by VRI in health care is also tested. Ultimately, this will lead to evidence-based recommendations for implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in mobile health contexts. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05966623; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05966623. DERR1-10.2196/64590.

A New Concept of Transforming Service: Impact of Generative Voice Chatbots on Customer Satisfaction and Banking Industry Productivity

This study examines the impact of implementing generative AI voice chatbots on customer expectations and satisfaction in the banking sectors of Kazakhstan, Russia, and Italy. To achieve this objective, this study conducted a survey of 253 customers from 35 commercial banks in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Italy from November 2023 to early April 2024. This study employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess and validate the validity and reliability of the research model. The study integrates the Expectation Confirmation Model with AI components to analyze factors influencing customer satisfaction with AI-enabled digital banking services. Key findings indicate that expectation confirmation, perceived performance, visual attractiveness, problem-solving capabilities, and communication quality significantly affect customer satisfaction with AI chatbots. However, trendiness and customization features showed minimal impact. The research also explores how customer satisfaction and corporate reputation influence chatbot adoption. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between chatbot adoption and productivity performance in banking operations. The study provides several policy recommendations, including enhancing perceived performance, expectation confirmation, communication quality, visual attractiveness, and corporate reputation, which can improve customer satisfaction and increase confidence in generative AI voice chatbots in the digital banking industry. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-06-09 Full Text: PDF

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL BLU SUPERVISORY BOARD DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

<p>The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the performance of Public Service Agencies (BLU), particularly hospital BLUs, contributing to the global economic crisis. This study examines the effectiveness of Hospital BLU Supervisory Board roles during the Covid-19 pandemic and their impact on hospital performance. Using a mixed-method approach, this research analyzed data from 208 respondents (134 supervisory board members and 74 BLU managers) through Likert-scale questionnaires and conducted in-depth interviews with 8 supervisory board members. Results indicate that the role of the Supervisory Board during the Covid-19 pandemic experienced increased intensity and a shift in focus. However, uneven understanding of existing governance necessitates routine activities for improving the Supervisory Board's role, including redesigning the appointment process. The study found that board effectiveness was influenced by member competency, governance understanding, communication quality, and collaborative leadership development.</p>

Investigation of Multiple LED Array Failure on DCO-FBMC Modulation for Indoor Visible Light Communication

Visible light communication (VLC) is a high-speed and power-efficient optical wireless communication method that has gained momentum for data transmission in indoor environments. Indoor VLC systems often use multiple LED arrays to increase the uniformity of brightness and enhance the received energy and the four LED array model is the most commonly used. To suppress the impact of intersymbol interference (ISI) and achieve higher data rates, multicarrier modulation techniques such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) have been introduced in VLC systems. The FBMC technique is a promising candidate for the 5G communication system and it has recently been applied to VLC systems. FBMC has several advantages: higher spectrum efficiency, narrower out-of-band radiations and asynchronous transmission. This study investigates the performance of an FBMC-based VLC system when one or more lamps in the multiple LED arrays experience failure. The VLC- FBMC model was implemented using a 4-QAM and 16-QAM format with three various LED array configurations while assuming a line of sight (LOS) model. The LED array model was evaluated based on its ability to achieve good bit error rate (BER) performance, communication quality and high bit rate and meet the required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The proposed FBMC model simulation's outcome indicates that the system is still able to transmit data reliably, even in the event of a failure of up to 50% of the lamps. The results indicate that the 2- and 4-lamp models yielded good BER performance, achieving a value of 3.6 × 10−5 and 5.4 × 10−5 respectively. Furthermore, the simulation demonstrated that the optical FBMC-based VLC system attained a high bit rate of 73.2 Mbit/s in the 4-QAM format using the 2-lamp model and a bit rate of 29.3 Mbit/s in 16-QAM format using the 4-lamp model, while maintaining acceptable BER performance.

The Sentiments of Croatian Homeland War Veterans Towards Wartime Comrades, Families, and Society in General, 30 Years After the War

The reintegration of veterans into civil society after military experience presents a challenge for individuals and governments alike, with social ties and institutional support being key factors in facilitating this transition. To gain insight into how the Croatian Homeland War veterans coped with these challenges 30 years after the war, we conducted semi- -structured focus groups (N = 17). We explored how connected they feel to the different segments of society, such as their families, comrades, other Homeland War participants, and other citizens of Croatia and Europe, and the quality of communication with relevant institutions and decision- -makers. The findings attest to lasting feelings of cohesion among veterans who have shared their warpath and experiences, the importance of veteran organisations, and the supportive effect of their families. Corrupt policies, resulting in a hyperinflated number of declared veterans who haven't been subject to wartime experiences, hinder a broader connection between veterans. The institutions mainly provide adequate support.

Intervention design for artificial intelligence-enabled macular service implementation: a primary qualitative study

BackgroundNeovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is one of the largest single-disease contributors to hospital outpatient appointments. Challenges in finding the clinical capacity to meet this demand can lead to sight-threatening delays in the macular services that provide treatment. Clinical artificial intelligence (AI) technologies pose one opportunity to rebalance demand and capacity in macular services. However, there is a lack of evidence to guide early-adopters seeking to use AI as a solution to demand-capacity imbalance. This study aims to provide guidance for these early adopters on how AI-enabled macular services may best be implemented by exploring what will influence the outcome of AI implementation and why.MethodsThirty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Data were analysed with the Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework to identify factors likely to influence implementation outcomes. These factors and the primary data then underwent a secondary analysis using the Fit between Individuals, Technology and Task (FITT) framework to propose an actionable intervention.ResultsnAMD treatment should be initiated at face-to-face appointments with clinicians who recommend year-long periods of AI-enabled scheduling of treatments. This aims to maintain or enhance the quality of patient communication, whilst reducing consultation frequency. Appropriately trained photographers should take on the additional roles of inputting retinal imaging into the AI device and overseeing its communication to clinical colleagues, while ophthalmologists assume clinical oversight and consultation roles. Interoperability to facilitate this intervention would best be served by imaging equipment that can send images to the cloud securely for analysis by AI tools. Picture Archiving and Communication Software (PACS) should have the capability to output directly into electronic medical records (EMR) familiar to clinical and administrative staff.ConclusionThere are many enablers to implementation and few of the remaining barriers relate directly to the AI technology itself. The proposed intervention requires local tailoring and prospective evaluation but can support early adopters in optimising the chances of success from initial efforts to implement AI-enabled macular services.Protocol registrationHogg HDJ, Brittain K, Teare D, Talks J, Balaskas K, Keane P, Maniatopoulos G. Safety and efficacy of an artificial intelligence-enabled decision tool for treatment decisions in neovascular age-related macular degeneration and an exploration of clinical pathway integration and implementation: protocol for a multi-methods validation study. BMJ Open. 2023 Feb 1;13(2):e069443. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069443. PMID: 36725098; PMCID: PMC9896175.

Implementation of a chatbot in a unified communication channel

Purpose This study aims to propose an architecture and presents the implementation of a unified chatbot that faces the challenges of heterogeneous communication channels. This approach enables the interaction with the chatbot to be carried out over multiple communication media on a single platform. Design/methodology/approach The chatbot was embedded in a unified communications framework. Furthermore, it has been developed and tested using the information and communications technology (ICT)Core platform. Three test scenarios have been considered in the context of a digital marketing company, which include the use of multiple channels such as text, audio and e-mail. Usability and empirical tests were performed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Findings The results indicate that the proposed model improves the completion rate and enables the chatbot to interact with the customer by capturing information over multiple channels. The findings also reveal that digital marketing organizations can use a unified chatbot in their marketing campaigns, which contributes to improving the quality of customer interaction, message personalization and continuous learning throughout the process. Originality/value While the use of a chatbot is a relatively common practice among companies, its integration into unified communications networks is an emerging topic. Proposals for integration into a unified communication channel have mainly focused on access to the same account and conversations from multiple devices or access platforms. This approach, while useful, does not allow for the integration of information from multiple sources. Alternatively, an integrated architecture is suggested in which a chatbot obtains knowledge from multiple sources and uses it to increase the quality of communication with the customer.

THE FRIENDLY TEACHER APPROACH: STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME COMMUNICATION BARRIERS BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Effective communication between teachers and students is a key element in the learning process. However, at SMP Negeri 5 Luwuk, various communication barriers were found that disrupted the interaction between teachers and students, which had an impact on students' learning outcomes. This research aims to identify these communication barriers and explore the effectiveness of the Friendly Teacher approach as a strategy to overcome them. The research used a qualitative method with a case study approach, involving in-depth interviews with teachers and students, as well as classroom observations. The results show that the Friendly Teacher approach can improve the quality of communication by creating a more open and supportive environment, thereby reducing communication barriers. The findings make an important contribution to the development of more inclusive and effective learning strategies in secondary schools

Perceived usefulness of digital memory book among family caregivers of persons with dementia with and without communication deficits

ABSTRACT The Memory Book approach to dementia care effectively fosters daily communication with individuals with dementia. With technological advancements, the traditional memory book intervention has evolved into digital forms. However, it remains unclear whether family caregivers (FCGs) perceive this transition as beneficial or not, especially when their loved ones with dementia demonstrate communicative deficits. To investigate the perceived usefulness of digital memory books, we conducted a survey using the Technology Acceptance Model in which 169 FCGs of individuals with dementia participated. The participants were categorized into two groups based on their observations of communicative deficits in their loved ones. We compared the perceived usefulness of digital memory books between these two groups using Welch’s two-sample t-test. Additionally, we employed univariate general linear models to explore the communicative deficits underlying the participants’ perceptions. Our findings revealed that FCGs dealing with communicative challenges in their loved ones found digital memory books to be more useful. Furthermore, 7 out of 11 communicative deficits assessed (e.g., anomia) significantly influenced FCGs’ perception. The digital memory book intervention has the potential to improve both the quality and quantity of communication between FCGs and individuals with dementia alleviating caregiving burdens for FCGs.

The effectiveness of a health literacy enhancement program on knowledge, self-management behaviors, and clinical outcomes in people with chronic kidney disease: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death, with a rising incidence worldwide. Effective disease management requires health literacy (HL) interventions to optimize patients' self-management. However, difficulties in communication between patients and healthcare providers often impede improvements in HL. While HL interventions should prioritize enhancing communication quality, current evidence supporting this approach remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a Health Literacy Enhancement (HLE) program on CKD knowledge, self-management behaviors, and clinical outcomes in people with CKD. A quasi-experimental study using a two-group pretest-posttest design was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023. Fifty-two participants with stage 3 to 4 CKD, recruited from outpatient CKD clinics in two district hospitals in Central Thailand, were divided into two groups. Participants in the experimental group (n = 25) received the HLE Program based on Baker's HL concept, while the control group (n = 27) received usual care for 12 weeks. Data were collected twice before and after the 12-week program using a demographic form, CKD knowledge, CKD self-management behaviors (SMBs), and clinical outcomes, including blood pressure (BP), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), estimated glomerular rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Paired t-test, and Independent t-test. Following the HLE Program, the experimental group had a significantly higher score in CKD knowledge (t = 8.79, p <0.001) and self-management behaviors (SMBs) (t = 7.70, p <0.001). They also achieved a better average estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (t = 3.14, p <0.01) and had lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) (t = -2.54, p <0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (t = -2.05, p <0.05) compared to the control group and their baseline measures. The effect sizes (Cohen's d) were substantial, indicating large effects for CKD knowledge (2.44), self-management behaviors (2.14), and eGFR (0.87), while SBP (-0.71) and DBP (-0.55) indicated medium effects. However, no significant differences were observed in HbA1c, BMI, and WC. The HLE program can enhance effective patient-provider communication using plain language, leading to significant improvements in CKD knowledge and SMBs, as well as clinical outcomes, including eGFR and BP. Nurses should implement this program to enhance HL in people with CKD, leading to effective self-management and helping slow the progression of the disease. Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20240920001).

DRL for handover in 6G-vehicular networks: A survey

3GPP is working on technology improvements related to sixth-generation (6G) wireless communication networks to keep pace. 6G networks are being developed as the next phase forward. Compared to their predecessor wireless technologies, 6G networks are predicted to offer better coverage and flexibility by supporting higher throughput, faster velocities, lower latency, and higher capacity. 6G targets the health, education, industry, and transport sectors. The transport field is undergoing rapid change. 6G and artificial intelligence (AI) will have an essential impact in this area, bringing users new services and functionalities. Within this field, the handover (HO) mechanism remains a concern that researchers must consider for achieving excellent communication quality since HO technology is crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity during user transfers between cells. Numerous proposed Machine Learning (ML) approaches, including Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), were discussed to solve HO issues. Recently, DRL methods have garnered significant interest in prospective wireless networks. They can surmount the escalating obstacles of the wireless environment and the constraints of conventional approaches. Moreover, DRL is crucial in wireless networks because of its capability to overcome the specific threats and dynamic nature of wireless settings. Elaborating on a comprehensive survey of these approaches related to HO and DRL can provide a unified analysis of the current advancements. This overview will help to improve understanding of this topic. This survey provides an overview of requirements and usage scenarios for 6G. It highlights the impact of this new wireless technology on the transportation field or the Vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In addition, we provide a deep study of HO management in 6G networks and elaborate on the various DRL literature solutions for HO in mobile and vehicular networks.

Are perceptions of the psychotherapist affected by the audiovisual quality of a teletherapy session?

Objective Remote forms of psychotherapy became more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the importance of understanding how technological factors might affect remote treatment. Past research on other modes of communication suggests that perceptions can be influenced when the audiovisual quality of online communication is distorted. The aim of the current research was to examine the potential influence of visual or audio distortions during online therapy. Method 263 participants judged the interpersonal characteristics and skill of a psychotherapist after viewing segments of treatment sessions in either a video or audio-only format and where the presentation was either clear or distorted. Results Contrary to expectations, participants who viewed a poorer quality version of a therapy segment perceived the therapist to have more positive interpersonal characteristics than those who saw a segment of higher quality. There was no reliable difference in perception of the therapist’s skill as a function of segment quality. Conclusion The findings from the study suggest that perceptions of a therapist are not adversely affected if the video or audio quality of a remote therapy session is less than ideal. Therefore, these technical aspects of online treatment may not need to be a top concern.

Implementation of innovative educational technologies in the educational process to develop students’ creative activity experience

Importance. Current conditions of society’s development initiate the introduction of new educa tional tasks at school; supposedly, education must include both knowledge development and the development of creative activity experience. Consequently, it is recommended to enrich the proc ess of education by the implementation of innovative educational technologies. Thus, a new think ing and creative approach to problem-solving among students would be formed. The purpose of the study is to develop students’ creative abilities through the implementation of innovative educa tional technologies in the educational process.Materials and Methods. The choice of research methods is determined by the peculiarities of studying the historical and pedagogical process. This specificity has identified the following meth ods as fundamental: analysis of psychological, pedagogical and methodological literature, synthe sis, comparison, included observation, generalization of the data obtained.Results and Discussion. Innovative technologies implementation creates plenty of possibilities for both teachers and students. Teachers can solve different educational tasks, and students can solve problems on their own through trial and error and reach their goals, which prerequisites the forma tion of creative qualities of personality. The use of such methods has a positive influence on stu dents because it develops their creative abilities, independence, activity, logical thinking, builds their self-confidence, and helps to get rid of stereotypes and barriers. Innovative technologies im plementation adds necessary emotions and creates an atmosphere for productive work.Conclusion. The application of innovative technologies in educational process contributes to the expansion of students’ general cultural outlook; the development of their intellectual and creative abilities, research and organizational skills, business and communicative qualities; the formation of value orientations, civic mindedness and skills of life in society.

Over-the-air testing of LTE-A PHY layer in reverberation chamber

Reliable, repeatable, and flexible testing is crucial for assessing system performance and ensuring the quality of communication. In reverberation chambers (RC), real-life propagation environments can be emulated by loading absorbers, facilitating controlled testing of the system. This work presents over-the-air (OTA) testing of the LTE-A PHY layer in the RC. We assessed the performance of the LTE-A link using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as error vector magnitude (EVM), bit error rate (BER), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for varying transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) gains. Additionally, we have compared the results both in an empty RC and when the RC was loaded with RF absorbers. We used software-defined radio (SDR) for OTA transmission of LTE-A frames. The measurement results indicate that loading the RC with RF absorbers improves EVM, BER, and SNR. We also quantified the performance of the LTE-A link by changing the position of RF absorbers. Results showed that loading absorbers yielded up to 72.8% improvement in EVM, and placing absorbers closer to Rx helped reduce the amount of multipath, resulting in better transmission performance.

The Impact of Healthcare Digitalization on Communication with Healthcare Providers: The Case of People Who are Hard of Hearing

ABSTRACT Driven by the proliferation of digital technology and the adoption of online medical records in the healthcare industry, this study aims to answer the question: How does the digitalization of medical records and communication influence people with hearing impairments’ communication with healthcare providers? The research utilizes data from the National Cancer Institute’s Health Information National Trends Survey to investigate the potential benefits of electronic health information exchange and online medical records in facilitating communication between individuals with hearing impairments and healthcare providers. The results of our study indicate that there is a negative association between hearing impairment and how individuals evaluate the quality of communication when interacting with healthcare providers. Our research indicates that utilizing online medical records and exchanging health information electronically has a beneficial effect on mitigating the adverse correlation between hard of hearing status and the perceived quality of communication with healthcare professionals.