Computer-based Communication Research Articles

Computer analysis system of the physician‐patient consultation process

Measurements of the quality of physician-patient communication are important in assessing patient outcomes, but the quality of communication is difficult to quantify. The aim of this paper is to develop a computer analysis system for the physician-patient consultation process (CASC), which will use a quantitative method to quantify and analyze communication exchanges between physicians and patients during the consultation process. CASC is based on the concept of narrative-based medicine using a computer-mediated communication (CMC) technique from a cognitive dialog processing system. Effective and ineffective consultation samples from the works of Saito and Kleinman were tested with CASC in order to establish the validity of CASC for use in clinical practice. After validity was confirmed, three researchers compared their assessments of consultation processes in a physician's office with CASCs. Consultations of 56 migraine patients were recorded with permission, and for this study consultations of 29 patients that included more than 50 words were used. Transcribed data from the 29 consultations input into CASC resulted in two diagrams of concept structure and concept space to assess the quality of consultation. The concordance rate between the assessments by CASC and the researchers was 75 percent. In this study, a computer-based communication analysis system was established that efficiently quantifies the quality of the physician-patient consultation process. The system is promising as an effective tool for evaluating the quality of physician-patient communication in clinical and educational settings.

Design of Aword to Sentence Generator for Augmentative

Augmentative communication aids are used to assist persons with severe speech and motor disabilities in their natural communication. Motion impaired users operate computer-based communication aids with alternate input methods instead of mouse or keyboard, which makes the communication process slow. A word to sentence generation technique called Compansion was proposed to improve communication rate of augmentative communication users. In Compansion, a sequence of root words was converted to a grammatically well-formed sentence. To perform the conversion, Compansion required significant linguistic knowledge. This requirement limits applicability of Compansion to languages for which such knowledge do not exist. Moreover, the issues of pre(post)position attachment, morphology synthesis and word ordering need to be addressed to apply Compansion to languages other than English. We propose enhancements to make Compansion work for non-English languages. Based on the proposed enhancements, we have developed a word to sentence generator. The word to sentence generator is used in Sanyog – an augmentative communication system in Bengali, a language spoken primarily in Eastern India and Bangladesh. Evaluation of Sanyog shows that our word to sentence generator helps in increasing communication rate without putting significant physical or cognitive load on users. Development and evaluation of our word to sentence generator is described in this paper.

Intelligent traffic management systems for work zones and incident management

The article deals with an intelligent portable traffic management system that consists of portable variable messages signs (PVMSs), vehicle detection systems (such as detectors, cameras and other surveillance equipment), a computer-based control centre and communication systems. With real-time traffic information provided by detectors, the system can automatically determine messages to be displayed on the PVMSs and may also disseminate the information through highway advisory radios and the internet. This study involved a comprehensive review performed on various intelligent portable traffic management systems for use in work zones and incident management and speed management technologies for use in work zones. By means of the review, those innovative technologies that have the potential to improve highway traffic operations are identified. Knowledge of work zone and incident management deployment initiatives and innovative technologies is acquired from interviews with representatives from departments of transportation in various states and private industries. Features, deployments and evaluation results of various systems are documented, and guidelines are developed for the effective application of portable traffic management systems in work zones and incident areas.

Cross-cultural influence on communication effectiveness and user interface design

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of cultural diversity on communication effectiveness with different communication styles and to apply the results in the field of user interface design for computer-based communication systems. The scope of this study was limited to the relationship between context and verbal/nonverbal communication, and also the relationship between power distance and communication interaction. The results indicated that high context people (HCP) had better communication effectiveness in comprehending nonverbal clues than low context people (LCP), while LCP had better communication effectiveness in verbal communication than their counterparts. It was also found that high power distance people (HPDP) could not communicate as effectively as low power distance people (LPDP) during communication with interaction, but there was no significant difference between HPDP and LPDP in dealing with communication without interaction.

From Web 2.0 to Teacher 2.0

ABSTRACT The World Wide Web is evolving in response to users who demand faster and more efficient access to information, portability, and reusability of digital objects between Web-based and computer-based applications and powerful communication, publication, collaboration, and teaching and learning tools. This article reviews current uses of Web-based technologies in distance learning mathematics and mathematics education courses and discusses the pedagogical implications of Web 2.0 for students and teachers of mathematics.

PERILIPIN VARIANTS AND DETERMINATION OF BMI IN CZECH POPULATION

This study assessed the effectiveness of a 4-month intervention using stage-based newsletters, computer-based communication, and motivational interviewing to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by college students aged 18 to 24 years.Participants were stratified by stage of change for fruit and vegetable consumption and randomized to an intervention or control group. Participants completed the staging algorithm for fruit and vegetable intake, which included a one-item food frequency question, a 26-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), an 18-item decisional balance questionnaire, and a five-item self-efficacy questionnaire at baseline and completion of study.A convenience sample of 437 college students enrolled in a rural, land grant university was enrolled in the study. Only nondietetics majors between ages 18 to 24 years were included in the study. A total of 314 students finished the study for a completion rate of 72%.After baseline staging and randomization, the intervention group participants received four stage-based newsletters, one motivational interview, and an individually tailored e-mail follow-up over a 4-month period. Control group participants only received assessment at baseline and at completion.Two fruit and vegetable instruments, a one-item food frequency question, and a 26-item FFQ measured daily consumption of fruits and vegetables at baseline and postintervention.The SAS system for Windows, version 8 (1999, SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC), was used for analysis, including the following tests: PROC GLM, PROC FREQ, and PROC NPAR1WAY, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ2.Fruit and vegetable consumption increased significantly more for the intervention group than the control group. Consumption increased in the intervention group by one serving a day for both instruments compared with 0.4 servings a day in the control group for a one-item instrument and no change in the control group for a 26-item FFQ.This intervention is an effective way to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by young adults.

The Effects of Warnings, Computer-Based Media, and Probing Activity on Successful Lie Detection

This study on computer-mediated deception features an experiment involving an interactive interview of deceitful applicants for a fictitious scholarship, using one of three different computer-based communication media. Results showed that people were successful at deceiving others no matter what medium was used, but interviewers who used interactive, as opposed to non-interactive, media probed interviewees more during the interviews. Probing led to better lie detection. Also, interviewers who had received simple warnings about the possible presence of deception were better at detecting deception than were interviewers who had received no warnings. However, warnings alone were not sufficient to increase interviewers' probing.

A computer-based aid for communication between patients with limited English and their clinicians, using symbols and digitised speech

Background Problems of communication are an important barrier on the pathway to healthcare for patients with limited or no ability in the majority language of the country in which they live. Solutions involving interpreters who have to be booked in advance, or using unqualified friends or family members to translate, are highly unsatisfactory. Aim This paper describes a computer-based approach to alleviating the situation. Design/method A computer-based communication aid was developed and tested. The communication aid is designed to permit an English-speaking healthcare practitioner to select a series of questions which are then presented along with a range of possible answers for the patient to choose from. The questions and answers are presented in the patient's own language in both text and digitised speech accompanied by symbols as well as English text. As a test-case we focused on Somali patients with asthma. Results 26 simulated consultations with Somali asthma sufferers and healthcare practitioners (three GPs and six nurses) with experience of asthma treatment with this patient group were held with the system implemented either on a laptop with mouse pad, or a tablet with stylus. All the consultations were successfully completed with a high satisfaction rate on the part of both practitioners and patients. Conclusion Feedback questionnaires suggest some areas for improvement. The proposed system is a practical way of addressing the problem of communication with patients with limited English in the context of clinician-led question–answer dialogues.

Visual communication interface for severe physically disabled patients

During the last years several interfaces have been developed to allow communication to those patients suffering serious physical disabilities. In this work, a computer based communication interface is presented. It was designed to allow communication to those patients that cannot use neither their hands nor their voice but they can do it through their eyes. The system monitors the eyes movements by means of a webcam. Then, by means of an Artificial Neural Network, the system allows the identification of specified position on the screen through the identification of the eyes positions. This way the user can control a virtual keyboard on a screen that allows him to write and browse the system and enables him to send e-mails, SMS, activate video/music programs and control environmental devices. A patient was simulated to evaluate the versatility of the system. Its operation was satisfactory and it allowed the evaluation of the system potential. The development of this system requires low cost elements that are easily found in the market.

The Danger of Submitting an Early Letter of Resignation

To the Editor:—Change in academic jobs is an important and common pathway for promotion in academic medicine. About 9% of physicians change jobs each year in America.1,2 The frequency is even higher for academic physicians because of limited availability of internal promotions in a pyramidal system. However, the perils of providing early written notice of resignation to a current employer in anticipation of a new job based only on a letter of intent of employment and before securing hospital privileges at a new hospital of employment have not been analyzed or reported. A 53-year-old board-certified academic gastroenterologist received, signed, and returned a letter of intent from a large teaching hospital to start work 3 months later as Chief of Gastroenterology at a guaranteed salary for several years. Employment at the new hospital was contingent on hospital credentialing. The physician anticipated rapid hospital privileging because of a professional history of no malpractice judgements or settlements, no adverse actions reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank, and no adverse actions by any hospital or medical licensing body. The physician thereupon submitted a letter of resignation effective 3 months thereafter to his current employer, an academic hospital, to satisfy professional etiquette and to start fulfilling his contractual obligations regarding notice. The physician promptly submitted a completed application, including all 26 requested supporting documents, for clinical privileges at the new hospital. The new position was placed in jeopardy immediately thereafter. First, the proffered written contract contained a new and unacceptable clause granting the hospital the right to unilaterally reduce the guaranteed salary at any time, which took two revised contracts and 75 days of negotiations for mutually satisfactory resolution. Second, hospital privileging was delayed for 100 days after application submission because of the 24 required further documents from the 6 prior employers or other individuals in the physician’s 22-year long academic career; these documents included 4 character references, 7 hospital evaluations, 6 hospital verifications, 4 credential verifications, and 3 malpractice claims histories from the most recent malpractice carriers. Because of delays, the physician was compelled to postpone his new job for 40 days, experienced considerable psychological stress, felt he signed a less favorable contract because of a weakened bargaining position, and experienced a modest loss of income. Fortuitously, the financial loss was mitigated because the physician requested and was granted a 1-month extension beyond his date of resignation at his old job. This case describes previously unreported and unappreciated perils associated with a physician job change. Although the reported physician was a gastroenterologist, the reported problems pertain to all physicians, including internists or general practitioners. To avoid these perils, a physician should unambiguously secure a new position at satisfactory terms before unambiguously relinquishing an old position; should plan for delays in hospital credentialing because of the voluminous required documentation and arduous process; and should resign with sufficient notice from his current employer to maintain cordial professional relations and satisfy contractual obligations. Legal advice is recommended. Whereas the proffered advice of securing a contract at a new job before resigning from an existing job pertains to any job, physicians are particularly vulnerable to problems in changing jobs because of the complex nature of their job responsibilities; the often complex nature of their financial agreements, which often includes a base salary plus an incentive plan; the professional obligation to provide adequate notice to their existing employers; and the need to secure hospital privileges for employment at a new job. Hospitals should consider means to streamline the credentialing process by (1) requiring all hospitals to respond within 30 days to physician credentialing queries, (2) substituting secure computer-based communications for regular surface mail, and (3) instituting a centralized, secure, computer-based national database for (at least parts of) credentialing, resembling the National Practitioner Data Bank.

Keeping In Touch: Talking to Older People about Computers and Communication

Computer-based communication has tremendous potential to support older adults. But if people are to use such systems autonomously, it is necessary to move beyond current interfaces and systems and develop devices that fit into the environment of the user. Using a Grounded Theory approach, three focus groups were held and, subsequently, 9 older adults (age 70–90) were interviewed about the ways in which they kept in touch with friends and relatives. Outcomes included dependence on the telephone as a way of communicating. There is also a specific, supporting role for e-mail, which was used with younger family members or those living abroad to enrich communication with brief, informal messages.

Perceived critical mass and the adoption of a communication technology

Computer-based communication technologies are increasingly important to personal and organizational communication. One important factor related to the adoption and diffusion of communication innovations is critical mass. Critical mass influences the adoption and diffusion of interactive communication innovations, both through network externalities and through sustainability of the innovation. Unfortunately, critical mass is difficult to measure and is typically only demonstrable after the critical mass point has been reached. Potential adopters’ perceptions of critical mass also may be important to adoption decisions. In this paper, we extend this thinking using a synthesis of the Theory of Reasoned Action and Diffusion of Innovation theory by developing a research model. The model is empirically tested using survey data that are analyzed using partial least squares. The focal innovation is instant messaging. Results indicate that perceived critical mass influences use intentions directly and through perceptions of the characteristics of the innovation. The perceived innovation characteristics impact attitude toward use, which in turn impacts use intentions. The model predicts a sizable and significant portion of both attitudes and use intentions. Further, perceived critical mass is able to explain a significant portion of the variance in each perceived innovation characteristic. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Exploring Knowledge Exchange in Electronic Networks of Practice

The recently developed knowledge-based view of the firm argues that knowledge is the firm's most valuable resource. Within this field of study, informal social networks are rapidly gaining attention as mechanisms that facilitate knowledge flows. Electronic networks of practice (NoPs) are a special case of informal network where the sharing of practice-related knowledge occurs primarily through computer-based communication technologies. However, we know relatively little about the dynamics of knowledge exchange that occur in these electronic networks. This conceptual paper posits that there is a relationship between the structural properties of electronic NoPs and successful knowledge exchange. The theoretical positions of social network theory and the knowledge-based view of the firm are used to support this claim. A review of the extant literature reveals that a clear conceptual framework for NoPs is lacking. The objective of this research is to contribute to the development of such a framework by addressing a largely neglected area within the growing network of practice literature – namely, the relationship between electronic network communication structure and knowledge flows.

Forming Core Elements for Strategic Design Management: How to Define and Direct Architectural Value in an Industrialized Context

Complexity arising from increasing globalization of the marketplace and computer-based communication and information technology seems to create a growing need for simplicity, control and reliability. At the same time, contemporary consumer culture calls for customized and personalized goods. This evolution also leads to a demand for precise definitions of the values and qualities that can be used as managing tools in common building practice and it puts the traditional architectural design process under pressure. This paper outlines an approach to architectural quality as dealt with in the design process in an industrialized context. It also presents a way to analyse how and to what degree design processes are formed strategically according to specific architectural intentions (values). Through detailed interviews with professional architects, the way in which they manage the design process and how the architectural potentials are realized when dealing with modern industrial processes are examined. To analyse and structure the empirical data, a model was developed consisting of four approaches for action. The approaches are categorized along different dichotomies in order to point out different ways in which the offices can direct their design process (strategies) and reach particular end-results (goals). Two examples from the analysis are discussed according to the dichotomies and subsequently developed into a general classification focusing on strategy. A description is given of how the model was tested in the architectural education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts—School of Architecture. The overall research project has two aims—to help offices identify the characteristics and specific methods of working with architectural quality in an industrialized context, and to generate a common debate about quality in industrialized architecture. It is hoped that by presenting a way to talk about strategy and architectural value, it will inspire further elaboration of the field of strategic design management.

To the correction of analytical models for computer based communication systems

PurposeThis paper considers correction aspects of computer communication networks modelling with emphasis on their performance evaluation. In general, the problem is to achieve the highest possible performance given constraints on the system.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reviews the application of the analytical methods, based on the queueing theory, to the computer communication systems and makes an extension of theory to the improvement of the developed analytical models. In this sense the paper describes the derivation of a correction factor for analytical models to study more precise their basic parameters (end‐to‐end delay, performance, etc.).FindingThe contribution is in incorporating the derived correction factor to account for the real non‐exponential nature of the input to the transmission channels of computer communication systems. The produced results by corrected analytical model are compared with results previously reported in the literature to estimate the magnitude of improvement.Practical implicationsThe improved analytical models were tested under various ranges of parameters, which influence the architecture of the computer communication networks and which are important for practical use.Research limitations/implicationsThe rapid rate of growth of computer‐based communication systems (e.g. distributed computer networks, mobile data networks) has resulted in a renewed and intensive interest in this area. Efficient design of their service facilities leads to the sharing of resources among users. Such public shared networks are largely oversubscribed by independent users, which make random demands on the network resources. The optimal resource allocation to satisfy such demands and the proper settlement of contention when demands exceed the capacity of the resources, constitute the problem of being able to understand and to predict system behaviour.Originality/valueTo behaviour analysis we can use both analytical and simulation methods. Modelling and simulation are methods, which are commonly used by performance analysts to represent constraints and optimise performance. Principally the application of analytical queuing theory results belongs to the preferred method in comparison to the simulation method, because of their ability to analyse also very large networks.

Motivating 18- to 24-Year-Olds to Increase Their Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Objective This study assessed the effectiveness of a 4-month intervention using stage-based newsletters, computer-based communication, and motivational interviewing to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by college students aged 18 to 24 years. Design Participants were stratified by stage of change for fruit and vegetable consumption and randomized to an intervention or control group. Participants completed the staging algorithm for fruit and vegetable intake, which included a one-item food frequency question, a 26-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), an 18-item decisional balance questionnaire, and a five-item self-efficacy questionnaire at baseline and completion of study. Subjects A convenience sample of 437 college students enrolled in a rural, land grant university was enrolled in the study. Only nondietetics majors between ages 18 to 24 years were included in the study. A total of 314 students finished the study for a completion rate of 72%. Intervention After baseline staging and randomization, the intervention group participants received four stage-based newsletters, one motivational interview, and an individually tailored e-mail follow-up over a 4-month period. Control group participants only received assessment at baseline and at completion. Main Outcome Measures Two fruit and vegetable instruments, a one-item food frequency question, and a 26-item FFQ measured daily consumption of fruits and vegetables at baseline and postintervention. Statistical Analyses Performed The SAS system for Windows, version 8 (1999, SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC), was used for analysis, including the following tests: PROC GLM, PROC FREQ, and PROC NPAR1WAY, Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher, Wilcoxon rank sum, and χ 2. Results Fruit and vegetable consumption increased significantly more for the intervention group than the control group. Consumption increased in the intervention group by one serving a day for both instruments compared with 0.4 servings a day in the control group for a one-item instrument and no change in the control group for a 26-item FFQ. Conclusions This intervention is an effective way to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by young adults.

When humans need humans: The lack of use of computer-based ICT in distance pastoral care

Computer-based information and communication technologies (ICT) have become a part of many people's working lives. Such technology is used in the form of e-mails and video-conferencing across many sectors of society and these are sometimes claimed to have replaced the need for face-to-face meetings. However, certain areas of work still seem to need face-to-face meetings; this paper focuses on one such area of work, that of Christian pastoral care. The article discusses the needs of clients and carers involved in crisis care within a Christian ethos and assesses why ICT tools seem to be mainly superfluous in situations where crisis caring has to take place at a distance. Caplan's model of crisis is used to indicate typical characteristics of people in crisis. Evidence from the Foot and Mouth epidemic of 2001 in the UK is used to investigate the usage of ICT in a real situation where distance pastoral care was essential. The findings show that the telephone was by far the best ICT tool although e-mail and the Internet were used in more formal business situations

Advanced wireless mechanics-free scanning system

For detection of defects and other features in various applications using diverse technologies, the NDT industry has long realised the advantages offered by scanning the area under test and presentation of inspection data in image form. Ultrasonic techniques have especially been the major beneficiary of automated scanners, immersion tanks, gantry systems and the like. Specialised automated scanners are available for inspecting storage tanks, airplane wings, pipe girth welds and so on. However with increasing complexity of the objects, the complexity of scanner increases leading to high capital cost and operational difficulties. Simple-to-use and portable manual scanners have been used with limited success due to difficulties in providing reliable position feedback. In the past few years, encoder-free manual scanners have become available. These have numerous advantages over the competing technologies. With computer-based wireless communication technology advancing at a fast pace, it has now become feasible to provide non-contact position feedback in a wireless manner. Apex Research Technologies (ART), UK, have developed a novel Bluetooth-based wireless 3-D manual scanner called 'FreeScan'. FreeScan is an easy to use, lightweight, portable solution for deployment in large areas. The paper discusses the underlying concepts, technologies and possibilities created for various application areas.

Addressing research at the intersection of academic literacies and new technology

Academic literacies research has significantly informed educational practice across a range of disciplines. But this influence has largely been through a focus on genres of written language. The growth of new information and communication technologies demands a broader view of academic literacy and how it now informs situations of learning. This challenge is discussed in relation to a number of characteristics associated with computer-based communications, including representational diversity, non-linearity and new conceptions of authorship and responsibility. It is argued that educational practice must recognise new demands on reading these new forms as well as new divides and disillusionments associated with them. However, there are also new opportunities to be seized for learner participation in the creative process. Finally, examples are recruited to argue for research in this area that is both more ecological and more developmental in orientation.

Email small group peer review revisited

Abstract Attention to email exchanged among a small group of student peers supercedes discussion of networked computer labs and is distinguished from research on collaborative classroom work in general, on online peer tutoring in writing centers, on email communication in online professional writing courses, and on online discourse in general. Email peer response within small groups is different from larger-scale, one-to-many computer-based communication tools (CBCT) on class mailing lists, bulletin boards, blogs, and wikis on the one hand and smaller-scale, one-to-one email exchange between an individual student and a peer tutor on the other hand. The benefits of assignments that require small groups to respond electronically and asynchronously to each other's drafts are analyzed and illustrated: rhetorical/thematic, discursive/environmental, technological, logistical/time management. The practicalities of students’ exchange of drafts, deadlines, and other guidelines are explained and illustrated in typical student email responses and model instructor handouts.