Quality Of Communication Research Articles

Improving the performance of IoT devices that use Wi-Fi

<p>Providing quality service to users of the internet of things (IoT) entails addressing two crucial aspects: one related to security and the other concerning the limited resources of IoT devices. We will face a challenge while using timesensitive applications within a network that utilizes a high-performance Wi-Fi technology with exceeding energy consumption. Due to this research challenge, we propose a new algorithm, IoT-quality of service (QoS), designed to achieve a true balance between enhancing the security aspects of IoT devices and improving network-hardware performance. Thus, the algorithm efficiently manages the limited energy resources by monitoring energy levels, communication quality, and queuing delay at access points. This is accomplished by utilizing a streamlined identity management system capable of achieving authentication and access authorization with reduced loading for IoT devices. The research hypothesis underwent validation through a comparative analysis of its performance against the conventional model of a Wi-Fi-based IoT device. This evaluation was conducted utilizing the NS3 simulator and was based on a predetermined set of parameters influencing the examined performance metrics, including power consumption, throughput, delay, and response time. The findings exposed the superiority of the proposed algorithm.</p>

Parent-child communication and educational anxiety: a longitudinal analysis based on the common fate model

BackgroundIn the face of family stress and emerging family problems, the transactional model of stress and coping provides new perspectives for solving stress problems in the family. This study integrates it with the common fate model to reveal new paths for coping with educational anxiety problems from the level of parent-child dichotomous interaction in the family environment, aiming to provide some theoretical and practical support for alleviating parents’ education anxiety.MethodsThis study used a combination of interviews and questionnaires to stratify students and their parents from a public junior high school in Jinan City to participate in the study. Data were collected in two time periods (T1, T2; one year apart), and the demographic characteristics of parents and children, parent-child communication quality, education anxiety, and parent-child trust relationship of 495 families were finally analysed by SPSS 27.0.ResultsThe results found that (1) based on the Common Fate Model, quality of parent-child communication negatively predicted parents’ education anxiety; (2) quality of parent-child communication positively predicted parent-child trust relationship; (3) parent-child trust relationship negatively predicted parents’education anxiety; (4) parent-child trust relationship mediated quality of parent-child communication and education anxiety.ConclusionsThis study sheds light on research related to stress coping and anxiety relief in the family environment, and provides theoretical and practical support for understanding the interaction between parents and children at the family level, and coping with stressful events together. It implies that future researchers should not only focus on one aspect when coping with and dealing with family problems, but should analyse the family as a whole, including the communication status and parent-child relationship between parents and children.

Preferences regarding the Booster Dose of Covid-19: a cross-sectional study in Central Italy

Abstract Background Examining information sources, communication channels, and preferred content formats is crucial for adapting and improving future communication strategies in vaccination campaigns. This study aims to evaluate the information and communication preferences regarding the booster dose of Covid-19 among employees of the Central Tuscany Local Health Authority (CT-LHA). Methods From July to October 2022, a questionnaire was administered to 7,000 out of approximately 15,000 CT-LHA employees. The questionnaire analyzed communication, organizational, and access aspects regarding preferences for the Covid-19 booster dose. The sample was stratified into healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (NHCWs). Chi-squared tests were performed using STATA, with the significance level set at 95%. Results The returned questionnaires were 1,885 (26.9%), with the majority being HCWs (64.4%). HCWs rated the quality of communication significantly lower compared to NHCWs, who rated it very high (p < 0.05). HCWs also rated the ease of booking the Covid-19 booster dose and access modalities to vaccination significantly lower than NHCWs (p < 0.05). NHCWs expressed a preference for receiving scientific information from Ministry of Health tutorials, while HCWs preferred information from their general practitioner (p < 0.05). HCWs preferred to receive organizational information from healthcare management, while NHCWs preferred information from vaccination physicians (p < 0.05). Additionally, HCWs preferred company operating procedures for disseminating information, whereas NHCWs preferred corporate communications circulars (p < 0.05). Conclusions HCWs and NHCWs showed differences in perceived quality of communication, ease of access to vaccination services, and preferred sources of information. HCWs rated the quality of communication and access to vaccination services lower than NHCWs. This results suggest the need for tailored communication strategies to effectively reach both groups. Key messages • Health organizations need to develop targeted communication approaches that address the specific needs and preferences of their employees. • Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to adapt communication methods and channels to strengthen vaccination initiatives and promote public health outcomes.

Business and Customer-Based Chatbot Activities: The Role of Customer Satisfaction in Online Purchase Intention and Intention to Reuse Chatbots

In the online shopping context, brands aim to achieve a high level of profit by providing better customer satisfaction by using various artificial intelligence tools. They try creating a satisfactory customer experience by creating a system that provides never-ending customer support by using dialog-based chatbots, especially in the field of customer service. However, there is a lack of research investigating the impact of business and customer-based chatbot activities together on online purchase intention and the intention to reuse chatbots. This research considers the use of chatbots as a marketing tool from both customer and business perspectives and aims to determine the factors that affect the customers’ intention to purchase online and reuse chatbots. Accordingly, the impact on customer satisfaction with chatbot usage, which is based on chatbots’ communication quality and customers’ motivations to use chatbots, on online purchase intention and intention to reuse chatbots was examined. Through an online questionnaire with two hundred and ten participants, employing structural equation modeling, we revealed that customer satisfaction with chatbot usage has a greater impact on the intention to reuse chatbots than on online purchase intentions. In addition, chatbot communication quality has a greater impact on customer satisfaction with chatbot usage than customers’ motivation to use chatbots. To solidify these findings, confirmatory factor analysis, along with reliability and validity assessments, were implemented within the analytical framework to provide robust support for the study’s hypotheses. These findings not only provide empirical evidence and implications for companies in online shopping but also extend the understanding of AI tools in marketing, highlighting their subtle impact on consumer decision-making in the dynamic digital marketplace.

Sources of Variability in Remote Communication Between Deployed Military Fathers and Their Children

SYNOPSIS Objective. The extents to which external barriers to communication, parental stress and intimacy, child psychological adjustment and age together and uniquely are associated with the frequency and quality of remote communication between deployed military fathers and their children were explored. Findings based on data reported by deployed fathers and at-home mothers were also compared. Design. Survey data were collected from 72 military deployed fathers and their wives/partners about the fathers’ communication with their 4- to 17-year-old children. Questions concerned the frequency and relationship quality of father-child remote communication and hypothesized predictors of communication extracted from the parent-child communication literature. Results. Regression analyses revealed that, as a group, external barriers to communication, parental stress and intimacy, child psychological adjustment and age predicted the quality but not the quantity of father-child remote communication and that lower quality father-child communication as reported by both parents was associated with child externalizing behavior problems. Parental stress was associated with lower father-reported quality of communication, and parental intimacy was associated with higher mother-reported quality of communication. Child older age was associated with father reported lower quality of communication. Conclusions. The quality of deployed father-child communication is associated with parental and child variables known to be associated with father-child communication when parent and child are in the same location, suggesting that interventions for improving co-located father-child relationships may be adaptable for use when military fathers and children are separated.

Reevaluating Informed Consent: Integrating Shared Decision-Making into Spinal Surgery for Better Patient Outcomes.

Narrative review. The objectives of this study were to answer the following questions: (1) What is the quality of informed consent in spine surgery, including both neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine surgery? (2) What limitations impede the ability of surgeons to engage in effective shared decision-making (SDM) and obtain adequate informed consent? (3) What strategies and solutions may improve the quality of informed consent and SDM? (4) What factors decrease the incidence of litigation in spine surgery? N/A. SDM is a collaborative process where patients are involved in their treatment choices through open communication about risks, alternatives, and postoperative expectations. Informed consent is a vital component of this process, ensuring that patients are fully informed and empowered to make decisions based on their values and preferences. This review highlights the current state of informed consent within the context of SDM in spine surgery and explores how enhancing this process can improve patient outcomes, reduce dissatisfaction, and decrease litigation. By emphasizing patient autonomy and improving the quality of risk communication, SDM fosters better physician-patient relationships and more positive clinical outcomes. Orthopaedic surgery and neurosurgery are highly litigated specialties, with failure to obtain informed consent frequently cited in lawsuits. These legal challenges are costly and time-consuming for both physicians and patients. Integrating SDM into the informed consent process can help mitigate these issues, leading to improved patient satisfaction and fewer legal disputes.

Looking beyond the eyes of the patient: The importance of effective communication in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration.

Patients with exudative and nonexudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can experience physical, mental, social, administrative or financial burden that are associated with the treatment of this progressive chronic disease. The role of healthcare providers in supporting patients who experience high treatment burden can be important, especially when it comes to effective communication. Despite previous research underlining the need to improve patient-provider communication in AMD care, patient experiences with communication, and how these are related to perceived treatment burden, remain underexplored. A survey was distributed among Dutch patients with AMD, which contained questions on several aspects of communication with the patient's ophthalmologist, such as the Quality Of communication Through the patients' Eyes (QUOTE-COMM, including task-, affect- and therapy-oriented communication) questionnaire. Patients were primarily enlisted through a patient association. A total of 162 patients completed the questionnaire, of which 133 provided fully completed responses. While patients reported positive experiences with affect-oriented communication of their ophthalmologist, they rated task- and therapy-oriented communication as below their expectations. Most patients wished to receive (additional) information on AMD-related costs (71%), future perspectives (71%) and coping with negative emotions pertaining to the disease (68%). Both lower experience scores on task- and affect-oriented communication and lower self-efficacy were associated with higher administrative burden and mental burden among patients. Our study shows that current communication, information provision and decision-making do not fully meet patients' needs and preferences. Enhancing patient-provider communication seems important, as effective dialogue is likely to diminish patients' perceived treatment burden.

A Seat at the Table: Family Conferences for Infants with Neurological Conditions.

Objective: We aimed to characterize parents' perspectives on the value of and opportunities to improve conferences between parents of critically ill infants and the health care team. Background: The parent perspective on the value of family conferences in the intensive care unit is not well characterized. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, parents of infants with neurological conditions in the intensive care unit at a U.S. academic medical center completed longitudinal semi-structured interviews about their experiences making decisions and communicating with clinicians. Parents were included if they had an upcoming family conference to discuss goals of care or neurological prognosis. This secondary data analysis targets interview content about family conferences. Parent responses were characterized using a conventional content analysis approach. Results: Fifty-two parents of 37 infants completed 123 interviews. Parents described valuing when clinicians (1) provided space to process emotions, (2) prioritized "big picture" discussions about serious decisions, (3) dedicated time to parent questions, and (4) responded to parent concerns and made an effort to foster consensus. Parent-identified opportunities for improvement included: (1) having the team assume responsibility for calling regular meetings, (2) prioritizing attendance of consistent and supportive team members, and (3) summarizing meeting content for parents and documenting discussions for clinicians. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that parents of infants with neurological conditions value family conferences as an important venue for communicating with the health care team. Future studies should explore the feasibility and impact of regularly scheduled family conferences, attendees dedicated to parent support, and accessible meeting summaries on therapeutic alliance, parent well-being, and communication quality.

Customer Satisfaction Analysis: Factors Enhancing Purchase Decisions in Higher Education Institution

Higher education institutions face numerous obstacles, including severe rivalry. Higher education institutions must innovate to address these difficulties. The primary goal of this study is to investigate and analyze the elements that influence customer satisfaction and purchase decisions in higher education institutions. This research used quantitative methodologies, with questionnaires distributed to 385 students at one of Indonesia's institutions. The data will be processed using path analysis and correlational analysis with SEM-PLS in the SmartPLS software. The study's findings indicate that customer experience had positive and significant impact on customer satisfaction and purchase decisions (p < 0.05). Communication quality and event marketing positively and significant impacts customer experience and purchasing decisions (p < 0.05). Customer satisfaction significantly affects purchasing decisions (p < 0.05). Higher education institutions must focus on the elements that influence consumer satisfaction and purchase decisions. This can be accomplished through excellent quality communication and appealing marketing strategies.

Adaptive Wireless Image Transmission Transformer Architecture for Image Transmission and Reconstruction

The advancement of 6G (6th Generation Mobile Networks) communication technology has posed challenges for traditional communication network architectures in meeting the demands for communication efficiency and quality. Semantic communication technology, characterized by its “understand before transmit” approach, has emerged as a pivotal technology driving the progress of 6G due to its ability to enhance communication efficiency and quality. The Wireless Image Transmission Transformer (WITT) model, which operates as a semantic communication system leveraging vision transformer technology for the transmission of semantic images, has shown efficacy in transmitting input images through processes of feature extraction and channel adaptation. This study introduces an advanced channel adaptive module that is informed by deep learning methodologies and the adaptive modulation principles of the Variational Information Bottleneck (VIB). This innovation enhances the original WITT model, resulting in the development of the Adaptive Wireless Image Transmission Transformer (ADWITT) architecture. Comprehensive experimental results have unequivocally shown that the transmission performance of the ADWITT architecture substantially surpasses that of the conventional WITT (Wavelet Image Transmission Technique) model, particularly in scenarios characterized by harsh and detrimental channel conditions. These findings underscore the robustness and adaptability of the ADWITT approach, which is poised to improve the field of image transmission by offering superior performance and resilience in environments where traditional methods falter.

Hospital brochures in mental healthcare. how patient-centered are they?

From the results of the 2020 Flemish survey looking into psychiatric patients' views of the in-patient care they have received, it appeared that hospital communication is experienced as not sufficiently patient-centered. In communication research, the quality of written patient materials in physical healthcare has been scrutinized and suggestions for the enhancement of their patient-centeredness, comprehensibility, and actionability have been made. Yet, a similar research interest in the quality of health communication in mental healthcare has failed to materialize. Against a definition of patient-centeredness in mental healthcare, this study investigated the quality of 30 psychiatric hospital brochures from a triangulated linguistic and content perspective, using readability formulas as well as the CCI and PEMAT-P instruments. It appeared that none of the brochures are sufficiently patient-centered, as they fail to take appropriate and full account of mental health patients' specific concerns and difficulties. The lack of quality brochures hampers patients' understanding of their mental health condition and participation in their recovery process, especially when they have a low (mental) health literacy. Together, hospitals and patient organizations, should remedy this situation and thus fortify the public's trust in the evidence-based and high-quality patient-centered care psychiatric hospitals offer.

Sociological study of the digital culture of a university teacher (using the example of the Moscow State Linguistic University)

In the article, based on the study conducted by the sociological laboratory of the Moscow State Linguistic University (hereinafter referred to as MSLU), the essence and level of digital culture of a university teacher are determined, problematic areas of digitalisation of the educational process are identified, which require urgent measures to improve the current situation in the higher education system of the Russian Federation. The study has proved that the digital culture of the university teacher is their digital social competence formed in the course of professional activity as well as the driving force that determines the attitude towards the digitalisation of the educational process. The development level of the digital culture of a teacher at a linguistic university is below average. The majority of respondents have digital skills and use basic digital technologies in the learning process. The level of proficiency among teachers of the MSLU is comparable to the level of development of these skills among teachers at other Russian universities. At the same time, in terms of the level of competence in developing online courses and using their materials as additional educational material, teachers of the MSLU lag behind the all-Russian indicators. The main problematic areas of the digitalisation of the educational process are: low degree of equipment of audiences with modern technical means; low quality and availability of Internet communications on the territory of educational buildings; insufficient opportunities to improve the level of the digital culture of teaching staff in the field of modern digital technologies, etc.

Multi-group sparrow search algorithm based on K-means clustering

In order to improve the defects of the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) in single-species search, which causes redundancy in its speed of collection and easily ignores high-quality solutions and falls into local optimality, a K-means Multigroup Sparrow Search Algorithm (KSSA) based on K-means clustering was proposed. Firstly, the multi-population mechanism is introduced into SSA to weaken the collection ability of a single population and reduce the probability of falling into the local optimum. Secondly, the K-means algorithm is used to divide the sub-populations to increase the differences between the sub-populations, and at the same time, the individuals in the sub-populations focus on searching in a small range, thereby improving the efficiency of the initial search. Then, the weighted centroid communication strategy is used to improve the quality of communication between populations, reduce the interference of the own population, and reduce the risk of all sub-populations falling into the local optimum due to a sub-population falling into the local optimum. Finally, dynamic reverse learning is introduced into the vigilant to enhance its anti-predator behavior and improve the defects of slower collection speed and insufficient collection accuracy caused by the increase in the number of sub-populations. The test function simulation experiment shows that KSSA has better optimization performance than SSA and other algorithms.

Maximum Doppler Shift Identification Using Decision Feedback Channel Estimation

This paper introduces a new method for estimating the maximum Doppler shift using decision feedback channel estimation (DFCE). In highly mobile environments, which are expected to be covered beyond 5G and 6G systems, the relative movement between the transmitter and receiver causes Doppler shifts. This leads to inter-carrier interference (ICI), significantly degrading communication quality. To mitigate this effect, systems that estimate the maximum Doppler shift and adaptively adjust communication parameters have been extensively studied. One of the most promising methods for maximum Doppler shift estimation involves inserting pilot signals at both the beginning and end of the packet. Although this method achieves high estimation accuracy, it introduces significant latency due to the insertion of the pilot signal at the packet’s end. To address this issue, this paper proposes a new method for rapid estimation using DFCE. The proposed approach compensates for faded signals using channel state information obtained from decision feedback. By treating the compensated signal as a reference, the Doppler shift can be accurately estimated without the need for pilot signals at the end of the packet. This method not only maintains high estimation accuracy but also significantly reduces the latency associated with conventional techniques, making it well-suited for the requirements of next-generation communication systems.

Key Predictors of Patient Satisfaction and Loyalty in Saudi Healthcare Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Patient satisfaction and loyalty are essential indicators of healthcare quality, directly impacting patient outcomes and the long-term success of healthcare facilities. Despite the growing importance of patient-centered care in Saudi Arabia, there is limited research exploring the factors that influence patient satisfaction and loyalty, particularly in the Riyadh region. This study aims to identify the key factors influencing patient satisfaction and loyalty among Saudi patients attending public and private healthcare facilities in the Riyadh region. The study focuses on how healthcare service quality, communication, and demographic factors contribute to patient satisfaction and loyalty. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 350 Saudi patients from 10 healthcare facilities in Riyadh. Data were collected using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ-18) and the Patient Loyalty Questionnaire (PLQ). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were employed to identify predictors of patient satisfaction and loyalty. Significant predictors of patient satisfaction included general satisfaction (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), communication (β = 0.35, p < 0.001), and the frequency of healthcare visits (β = 0.13, p = 0.011). Private healthcare facilities had higher satisfaction (p < 0.001) and loyalty scores (p < 0.001) compared to public facilities. Patient loyalty was strongly predicted by general satisfaction (β = 0.55, p < 0.001) and communication (β = 0.42, p < 0.001). Communication quality and patient satisfaction are key drivers of patient loyalty in Saudi healthcare facilities. Private facilities outperform public ones in patient satisfaction and loyalty. These findings emphasize the need for healthcare providers to enhance communication and service quality to foster patient loyalty. Tailored approaches to meet the diverse needs of patients, particularly in terms of education and visit frequency, are crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN THE EFFECT OF ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION QUALITY ON JOB SATISFACTION

The study has multiple purposes. The first purpose is to measure the impact of organizational communication on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. The second purpose is to measure the impact of organizational commitment on job satisfaction. The third and final purpose is to determine the mediating role of organizational commitment in the impact of organizational communication quality on job satisfaction. The study data was obtained using a survey method from 390 healthcare workers in a state hospital in Izmir. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between variables. The analysis results indicate that organizational communication has a significant and positive impact on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Additionally, it was found that organizational commitment has a substantial and positive effect on job satisfaction. Furthermore, it was determined that organizational commitment plays a mediating role in the effect of organizational communication on job satisfaction.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Workplace Communication: Promises, Perils, and Recommended Policy

Communication sits at the heart of any coordination within organization. Yet, what are the consequences when employes use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to copilot, i.e., support, their communication? While AI support in human interactions holds much promise for improving communication quality at work, it also fundamentally challenges how much people trust that communication. We, therefore, ask how organizations should introduce AI. In particular, we focus on the responsibility of leaders as stewards of workplace communication. Accordingly, we offer a set of specific hands-on recommendations on how employes should be guided to use AI copiloting effectively so that they do not give in to the temptation of letting go of the “steering wheel” (i.e., allowing AI to [auto]pilot intraorganizational communication).

Examining the impact of video production quality and presenter identity in science communication on knowledge acquisition and attitude change

ABSTRACT Scientists are increasingly required to communicate their research to the public despite lacking the necessary resources. We investigated whether scientists need to communicate their research themselves, through resource-intensive science communication videos. In an experimental study (N = 125) with a 2 × 2 design, we compared a professionally produced video with a non-professionally produced video and framed the science communicator either as a scientist or an influencer. The results reflect theoretical considerations regarding the unclear role of professionalization and personalization in the effectiveness of science communication videos, with participants in all four conditions gaining significantly more knowledge and changing their attitudes after watching the video. Thus, professionalism and personalization appear to play a subordinate role in the effectiveness of science communication videos. The findings further demonstrate that professionally developed videos are effective for knowledge acquisition if they are perceived as versatile and entertaining and the science communicator is believed to have a scientific background. In sum, the study contributes to evidence-based research on science communication videos and sheds light on prerequisites for their effectiveness.

Development of the Parent-Child Communication Quality Scale from the Perspective of Children's Psychological Needs.

Parent-child communication plays a crucial role in children's healthy growth. Nevertheless, there is currently a paucity of instruments designed to measure the quality of parent-child communication from a psychological perspective. Accordingly, based on the self psychology theory, this study has developed the Parent-Child Communication Quality Scale (PCCQS) to assess the quality of parent-child communication in terms of the extent to which children's psychological needs are met. A total of 1095 urban children (50.9% girls, M = 9.92, SD = 1.15) aged 8 to 12 years in eastern China were surveyed in this study. The measurement structure of the PCCQS was examined using an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The results of the CFA supported the second-order, four-factor structure of the PCCQS, with the 15-item PCCQS consisting of four factors (i.e., mirroring, idealization, empathy, and appropriate response). In conclusion, the PCCQS has good construct and criterion validity, as well as high internal consistency and split-half reliability. The scale is therefore a valuable tool for assessing the quality of parent-child communication.

Atmosphere turbulence effects on a multiple apertures free space optical communication systems

Abstract Wireless communication signals experienced fluctuations in intensity due to atmospheric turbulence. The presented work uses a multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) system to study the performance free-space optical (FSO) communication over a diverse atmospheric turbulence condition channel. The findings produced demonstrate how various channel models perform in FSO system at varying levels of channel turbulence. From 7.9 for the Weak turbulence to 45.3 for the strong turbulence, the turbulence attenuation rises linearly. The data could be transmitted via a link length of up to 1 km with strong turbulence. Strong turbulence could have higher Q-factor, yet is constrained by short distance (1 km) in comparison with weak turbulence, which has greater distance (3.8 km), therefore communication quality is lower. For moderate and weak turbulence, the maximum link is around 1.5 km and 3.8 km, respectively. This study is useful for designing a stable FSO system for regional environments suffer from frequent fluctuated weather turbulence such as the Middle East and South Asia.