Current Message Research Articles

More Than Altruism: Migrant and Refugee Civic Participation in South Western Sydney During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT COVID-19 disproportionately affected migrant and refugee communities in Australia, highlighting outdated communication practices. Despite social media's potential for two-way communication, current health messaging remains top-down. Community leaders are often utilised as message amplifiers, neglecting their ability to create engaging content. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of civic engagement within CALD communities, moving beyond traditional notions of volunteerism. Drawing on three case studies, the paper highlights the varied forms of civic practices undertaken by CALD communities, including advocacy, community leadership, and cultural preservation. It examines the challenges and opportunities these communities encounter in navigating complex power dynamics and institutional structures. Through a critical reflection on positionality and the researcher's role, the paper advocates for a more nuanced understanding of civic engagement that recognizes the diverse contributions of CALD communities to Australian society. This paper concludes by calling for more research and participatory approaches to document migrant and refugee agency, discussing implications for policy and practice.

Assessment of the effectiveness of online e-resources marketing tools in university libraries

Purpose This study aims to assess the effectiveness of online e-resource marketing tools used by university libraries to market e-resources. The specific objectives of this study were to uncover the e-resources that are showcased by university libraries, find out instructions posted by libraries to facilitate access and utilization of e-resources, examine marketing tools used, examine how current and relevant marketing messages and test the functionality of the marketing tools used. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research design was used to assess the effectiveness of e-resources marketing tools. The study population included all public university libraries in Tanzania. The sample was purposively selected to include all publicly funded libraries as they work under similar management environments. Data collection involved the evaluation of online marketing tools using a matrix checklist. Findings It was revealed that most university libraries use websites for showcasing e-resources. The commonly used social media for marketing e-resources is Facebook followed by Instagram while Twitter and Ask a Librarian are the least used. The results further show that only a few universities provide instructions on how to access and use e-resources. The findings indicate that universities had active communication platforms for marketing e-resources. Furthermore, less than 50% of marketing messages are active and current. It is recommended that marketing e-resources should be integrated into the library’s plans and strategies and this should be informed by library policies. Research limitations/implications Given that, this study involved Tanzanian public university libraries, it is possible that the findings do not represent the same situation in all academic university libraries in the nation. Originality/value This study assesses the effectiveness of online tools used to market e-resources in university libraries in Tanzania. It reveals the e-resources that are showcased online, the instructions provided on how to access the e-resources and the functionality of the marketing tools. Unlike the previous research, which primarily focused on evaluating the Web-based tools in university and college libraries, this study focused on public libraries in the country. The results will not only contribute to the theoretical and practical understanding of the functionality of the marketing tools but also provide actionable insights to decision-makers in libraries in marketing their e-resources.

Wireless Data Acquisition System with Feedback Function

When operating solar–wind power plants (SWPPs) located in populated areas, cases of premature failure of expensive batteries and other power equipment often occur. The purpose of this study is to develop a wireless data acquisition system (DAS) for the operation of an SWPP with a feedback function to prevent material damage from the failure of power equipment and to increase the efficiency of natural energy use. The principles of constructing a DAS, free from some of the disadvantages of analogues, are described in this paper. Intelligent wireless current and voltage sensors and a device for receiving and recording data with an additional feedback function have been developed, providing real-time feedback when the measured parameters go outside the norm. Measurement data are displayed on the laptop screen and alphanumeric display and stored on the hard drive along with timestamps and current event messages. An example of using a reverse communication channel to implement the functions of backup battery protection and to switch SWPP loads is described. The principles and methods proposed in this article are suitable for constructing systems for remote measurements of any physical quantities; therefore, the scope of application of the described system can be significantly expanded.

Messages of Personal Identity Attempt in Foreign Criminal Rules

Research worldwide and in our country (Hungary) have revealed that false personal identities play a prominent role in “justizmord” cases. That is why it is worthwhile having a closer look at identity rules and methodologies of other countries in this respect as well. In this study, the author examines the Slovenian, Austrian, Swiss, Serbian, Croatian, and distant (but, as it turns out, much the same) Turkish norms, all embedded in the continental legal system just like the Hungarian ones. Based on the legal details and implementation recommendations there, the researcher formulates at the end of his study the lessons learned from the models, the legal and forensic development opportunities available to us, the conclusions for efficiency and fairness, and the current and future messages to legislators and practitioners.

A sentiment and keyword analysis of college food pantry stigma among users and non-users

Food pantry stigma among college students has been documented as an issue that impacts the utili­zation of resources but has not been deeply investi­gated. The objective of this study was to explore sources of food pantry stigma to identify different strategies to encourage food pantry use, which has the potential to positively alter methods on cam­puses. This mixed-methods study was a branched (separate questions and responses from both food pantry users and nonusers), 51-item, online, Qualtrics survey that sampled randomly selected students from a rural university (n = 3,000) and recruited using flyers posted in food pantries on campus. Reported results include demographic characteristics, use of on-campus food pantries, a validated food insecurity questionnaire, food pantry self-stigma, and an adapted measure of self-stigma of seeking help, and affirming or nonaffirm­ing qualitative measures of food pantry stigma. Sentiment and keyword analyses were conducted by two researchers to analyze qualitative data to identify factors that influence food pantry stigma from food pantry users and nonusers. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Qual­itative data determined areas of stigma and aligned with the descriptive statistics on self-stigma and help-seeking measures. Among survey participants (n = 594), 35.7% of food-insecure students did not use food pantries. Users (M = 23.12, SD = 9.06) reported higher perceptions of food pantry stigma than nonusers (M = 15.79, SD = 3.85). Of the food pantry nonusers (n = 461), 322 identified the presence of stigma (69.85%). Sixty-six food pantry users (n = 97) identified the presence of stigma (68.04%). The keyword analysis highlighted poten­tial influences of food pantry stigma among all par­ticipants including power hierarchy, financial bur­den, embarrassment, and feeling superfluous. This study highlights influences of stigma and places an emphasis on changing current approaches in cam­pus food pantry implementation and dissemina­tion. Future studies could investigate the barriers and solutions to current messaging and implemen­tation of campus food pantries utilizing implemen­tation science experts and frameworks.

Modernizing AD clinical trials: why are we designing studies for disease modifying treatments using the symptomatic treatment paradigm?

AbstractBackgroundUntil the accelerated approvals of aducanumab and lecanemab, the only approved drugs for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) were symptomatic treatments, which showed relatively large improvements but did not alter disease progression. Multiple decades of designing and analyzing trials for symptomatic treatments have optimized the process for acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists, but this paradigm is not optimal for disease‐modifying therapies. As the AD research community continues to transition towards treatments with the potential to alter disease progression, significant course corrections in the design and analysis of clinical trials are required to ensure that treatments with the largest potential for impact do not fail because they’re being evaluated out of context.MethodSeveral design aspects from AD clinical trials are evaluated in the context of disease‐modifying treatments, including the expected effect size, patient population, outcomes, multiplicity adjustments, trial duration, use of biomarkers, and timing of visits. We use publicly available trial results to demonstrate that both the clinical trial process and public interpretation of data will result in costly losses unless significant improvements are accepted and implementedResultIn the context of donepezil’s expected 3‐point change on ADAS‐cog over 6 months, the results for lecanemab (1.5 points over 18 months) seem small, yet lecanemab improvements can be reasonably expected to match donepezil after three years of treatment and continue to increase. Symptomatic treatments were required to demonstrate significant improvement on multiple outcomes, but disease‐modifying treatments should address the underlying disease process. Trials of aducanumab, donanemab, and lecanemab show consistent disease modification of 5 to 6 months less progression over 18 months when outcomes are converted to units of time and combined. This time‐converted composite (which may include biomarkers) can show consistent results earlier in the disease course, allowing prodromal and early AD patients to be studied with greater success.ConclusionThe current message sent by recent approvals is that only sponsors with resources to field clinical trials with thousands of patients have a chance of gaining regulatory approval. By modernizing clinical trials, more sponsors will have a better chance of success, meaning better treatments available to more patients sooner.

‘Chances are you’re about to lose’: new independent Australian safer gambling messages tested in UK and USA bettor samples

Current industry-developed safer gambling messages such as ‘Take time to think’ and ‘Gamble responsibly’ have been criticized as ineffective slogans. As a result, Australia has recently introduced seven independently-developed safer gambling messages. The UK Government intends to introduce independently-developed messages from 2024 onwards, and this measure could be similarly appropriate for the US states where sports betting has been legalized and gambling advertising has become pervasive. Given this context, the current study recruited race and sports bettors from the UK and USA to elicit their perceptions of the seven Australian safer gambling messages. Participants (N = 1865) rated on a Likert-scale seven newly introduced messages and two existing ones (‘Take time to think’ and ‘Gamble responsibly’) using seven evaluative statements. Participants also reported their levels of problem gambling severity. For most statements in both jurisdictions, the new messages performed significantly better than the existing ones. Specifically, the new messages were deemed more attention grabbing, applicable on a personal level, helpful to gamblers, and more likely to encourage cutbacks in gambling. The message that included a specific call to action (‘What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit’) was one of the best performing messages. Interaction effects observed in relation to jurisdiction, age, gender, and problem gambling severity were generally small enough to counteract the argument that different populations might benefit from substantially different messages. These findings add to previous research on the independent design of effective safer gambling messages.

Automatic Time-Based Bell for Schools and Colleges

Abstract: This paper attempts to implement Time based automatic bell system for schools and colleges with voice notes. The Time-Based Auto Ring System is an advanced solution designed to improve the sound systems of institutions such as schools and colleges. The system includes various components such as APR33A3 module, LCD display (1088AS), relay module (JQC3F), DS3231 RTC module. it continuously runs once time is fixed and 8-ohm speaker. Together, these components allow the sound to be synchronized at a specific time. The APR33A3 module is used as the main audio source in the system. It includes a set of pre-written voice notes that can be customized for the specific needs of the school. The high-performance feature of the module provides good sound quality through an 8-ohm connection. The LED display (1088AS) shows current time and related messages. This improves the user experience of the system and allows administrators to effectively manage the playback process.

Factors influencing access to water, sanitation, and hygiene among crisis-affected populations

Abstract Background The Central African Republic is suffering a long and complex humanitarian crisis. Population access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services remain a challenge in the context of protracted conflicts. However, research on access to WASH in this population is limited. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors associated with access to WASH among crisis-affected populations in the Central African Republic. Methods This study analyzed 11,723 crisis-affected households from the 2020 Central African Republic Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment survey data. This survey was conducted between June to August 2020 by the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Initiative and geographically covered all sub-prefectures of the country.Sampling weighted multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Internally displaced persons (IDPs) were more likely to affect their access to WASH than their host families.Movement restricted due to COVID-19, household members with difficulties in self-care (e.g., washing, dressing), education level, and monthly household income were significantly associated with access to WASH. Discussion This study suggests that certain factors place the crisis-affected populations in the Central Africa Republic a thigh risk for access to WASH, especially among IDPs. The findings in this study can inform public health professionals to develop support and education programs and shape health care policies. In addition, the results highlight the importance of access to safely managed WASH services during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic Key messages • The findings in this study can inform public health professionals to develop support and education programs and shape health care policies. • The results highlight the importance of access to safely managed WASH services during infectious disease outbreaks, including the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Bocskai István példája a 19-20. század kritikus korszakaiban

The goal of this study is to give an overview of the figure of István Bocskai, the prince of Transylvania in the public eye in three critical periods of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in political thought. He is mentioned often during difficult times, while before and after these periods he is referenced much less frequently. The experience of the Revolution of 1848–1849 constituted an emotional basis for the formation of the Hungarian national identity, and the previous struggles of the Hungarian Estates were seen as parallels. The contemporaries saw a connection between the glorious period of the 17th century and their own times. This connection elevated Bocskai’s revolution to being seen as one of the great chapters of Hungarian history, and the prince became a member of the national pantheon. During the crisis following World War I, and later around World War II, different considerations gained importance, and the prince’s image became much more multifaceted. However, Bocskai still wasn’t a divisive personality, he was seen as a great politician and freedom fighter. Every political faction and ideology considered him an example to be followed, and found something among his values, achievements or deeds that fit their current message. It can be seen that the meaning of the past changes constantly, and different sources of remembrance paint a confusingly varied picture of Bocskai, who is constantly “repositioned” in public memory, but the role of history in politics doesn’t change: it underlines and authenticates contemporary messages.

GlassMessaging

Communicating with others while engaging in simple daily activities is both common and natural for people. However, due to the hands- and eyes-busy nature of existing digital messaging applications, it is challenging to message someone while performing simple daily activities. We present GlassMessaging, a messaging application on Optical See-Through Head-Mounted Displays (OHMDs), to support messaging with voice and manual inputs in hands- and eyes-busy scenarios. GlassMessaging is iteratively developed through a formative study identifying current messaging behaviors and challenges in common multitasking with messaging scenarios. We then evaluated this application against the mobile phone platform on varying texting complexities in eating and walking scenarios. Our results showed that, compared to phone-based messaging, GlassMessaging increased messaging opportunities during multitasking due to its hands-free, wearable nature, and multimodal input capabilities. The affordance of GlassMessaging also allows users easier access to voice input than the phone, which thus reduces the response time by 33.1% and increases the texting speed by 40.3%, with a cost in texting accuracy of 2.5%, particularly when the texting complexity increases. Lastly, we discuss trade-offs and insights to lay a foundation for future OHMD-based messaging applications.

Examining Public Messaging on Influenza Vaccine over Social Media: Unsupervised Deep Learning of 235,261 Twitter Posts from 2017 to 2023.

Although influenza vaccines are safe and efficacious, vaccination rates have remained low globally. Today, with the advent of new media, many individuals turn to social media for personal health questions and information. However, misinformation may be rife, and health communications may be suboptimal. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the public messaging related to influenza vaccines by organizations over Twitter, which may have a far-reaching influence. The theoretical framework of the COM-B (capacity, opportunity, and motivation component of behavior) model was used to interpret the findings to aid the design of messaging strategies. Employing search terms such as "flu jab", "flu vaccine", "influenza vaccine", and '" influenza jab", tweets posted in English and by organizations from 1 January 2017 to 1 March 2023 were extracted and analyzed. Using topic modeling, a total of 235,261 tweets by organizations over Twitter were grouped into four main topics: publicizing campaigns to encourage influenza vaccination, public education on the safety of influenza vaccine during pregnancy, public education on the appropriate age to receive influenza vaccine, and public education on the importance of influenza vaccine during pregnancy. Although there were no glaring pieces of misinformation or misconceptions, the current public messaging covered a rather limited scope. Further information could be provided about influenza and the benefits of vaccination (capability), promoting community, pharmacist-led influenza vaccination, and other avenues (opportunity), and providing greater incentivization and support for vaccination (motivation).

An experimental study to examine whether and how Flemish and Dutch harm prevention messages on gambling advertising affect consumers' gambling-related beliefs and intentions.

Despite the widespread use of harm prevention messages on gambling advertising, it is unclear whether such messages achieve their goal of encouraging safer gambling behavior and preventing gambling harms. The current research therefore investigates whether and how existing harm prevention messages implemented on gambling advertisements in Belgium and the Netherlands affect consumers' gambling-related beliefs and intentions. Two experimental studies (Nexperiment 1 = 169; Nexperiment 2 = 212) investigate (a) the influence of message prominence and (b) the impact of message framing by comparing the effectiveness of the message "Gamble in moderation" with different types of Flemish and Dutch harm prevention messages (that are currently used in Belgium and the Netherlands) on people's gambling-related beliefs and intentions. The results of the first experiment show that although the size of a harm prevention message may increase message recognition, it does not affect the message's efficacy. In addition, the second experiment shows that the harm prevention message "Gamble in moderation" increases normative perceptions of gambling (vs. no message), and even enhances gambling intentions among at-risk gamblers compared to no message and other commonly used harm prevention messages. In contrast, exposure to the harm prevention message "What does gambling cost you? Stop in time" makes at-risk gamblers think most about the harms of gambling. Current harm prevention messages on gambling advertising often promote the concept of responsible gambling, but can have opposite effects than intended, especially among at-risk gamblers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

To be or not to be: Arts-based approaches in public health messaging for dementia awareness and prevention.

Multiple modifiable risk factors exist across the lifespan to reduce dementia prevalence, and public understanding of these factors is increasing. Yet dementia is frequently misunderstood and stigmatised, and dementia prevention is not generally recognised as a health priority. Current limitations of public health campaigns for dementia prevention must be addressed and innovative alternatives developed to improve public comprehension and implementation of preventative action across all stages of life. In searching various databases and public information on dementia prevention, restraints were found in current health messaging which did not reflect the complexity of this health issue and address diversity of its impact across cultures and ages. In consultation with researchers and public health organisations, we outline four case studies in Australia where innovative arts-based approaches have been adopted and discuss the potential for arts-based approaches to address these gaps. Arts-based approaches have the unique capacity to shift perceptions on ageing and dementia, overcome language and literacy barriers, represent health concerns across cultures, and actively involve individuals, communities and healthcare professionals in the process of dementia prevention. Future campaigns can engage a variety of communities and environments with art mediums suited to their preferences, capacities and efficacy. Recommendations include example mediums, environments and people to engage. Future research is required to understand the impact of, and to improve, the long-term adoption of innovative arts-based approaches in dementia prevention practices.

Frequent gamblers' perceptions of the role of gambling marketing in their behaviour: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

This study explored how frequent gamblers perceive gambling marketing and the role they feel it has in their gambling behaviour. Ten frequent gamblers participated in semi-structured interviews oriented around their experiences of gambling marketing. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data led to three overarching themes: exploiting gambling marketing for personal gain; gambling marketing as a test of self-control; and safer gambling messages marketing perceived as ineffective. These themes encapsulated participants' views of gambling marketing as something they could take advantage of to increase their own gambling success. Marketing was also perceived as a test of self-control among self-identified experienced gamblers, although identified as a risk to those who are considered more vulnerable. Finally, safer gambling messages included within marketing was considered ineffective due to perceived insincerity and being seen as an 'afterthought' by marketers. In support of previous research, the current investigation highlights concerning narratives around self-control and perceived risk, as encapsulated within gambling marketing, and these are evident in the perceptions of frequent gamblers. Given gamblers' perceived lack of effectiveness of current safer gambling messages within marketing, future research should explore new avenues for safer gambling promotion.

I Am More than HIV: A Qualitative Exploration of Factors That Can Strengthen Resilience Among HIV-Positive Gay Men in Australia

IntroductionHIV-positive gay men continue to experience stigma related to sexual orientation and HIV status. Although resilience toward such stressors can be achieved, limited Australian research exists that examines how resilience is strengthened toward these dual stigmas.MethodsA total of 20 men from Melbourne, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews between March and October 2019 to explore ways in which they manage such stigmas.ResultsReflexive thematic analysis identified two primary themes: (1) “intrapersonal control,” which relates to individual mind set and lifestyle changes that participants utilized to strengthen resilience; (2) “systemic change,” which includes participants’ needs for better public health messaging. Findings show resilience was enhanced when proactive approaches to sexual orientation, HIV health appraisal, lifestyle changes, and social support were made. Further, outdated HIV awareness campaigns and a lack of current messaging regarding HIV transmission in the wider community were identified as inhibiting resilience development and promoting stigma among gay men.ConclusionThe results from this study show ways that Australian gay men strengthen their resilience through both intrapersonal (e.g., self-awareness, reappraisal, and self-efficacy) and external resources (e.g., education and public awareness) and how health care providers and social policy makers could better support the men to achieve this.Social-Policy ImplicationsFindings suggest that targeted public health responses are required to compliment the advances made in biomedicine and viral suppression.

The lived experience of financial harm from gambling in Australia.

The financial consequences associated with harmful gambling create significant health and social stressors for individuals, their families, and communities. However, there has been limited research exploring how people impacted by gambling harm conceptualise and experience the financial impacts on their lives. To help fill this gap, this study used in-depth qualitative interviews with gamblers harmed by their own gambling and affected others harmed by someone else's gambling. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The study had three key findings. First, prior to experiencing harm, gamblers and affected others did not consider the financial risks associated with gambling and only recognised the risks once the financial losses negatively impacted other areas of their lives. Second, gamblers and affected others managed the day-to-day financial impacts of gambling by adjusting their financial priorities, reducing spending in other areas, or accruing debt. Finally, the financial impacts of gambling and the associated financial management strategies led to broader and long-term problems for gamblers and affected others. This study demonstrates that financial harms from gambling are complex and contribute to the stigmatisation of people who experience harm. Current educational messages and tools simplify this complex issue and may legitimise gambling as a leisure activity which can be managed by making 'responsible' financial decisions. Public health and health promotion initiatives must recognise this complexity, developing approaches that are independent from the gambling industry and informed by lived experience.

Conservative consumer disinterest in plant-based meat: A problem of message incongruence

The drive to encourage consumers to reduce animal meat protein has resulted in a substantial market for plant-based meat products. Despite willingness and acceptance among certain sectors of the population, there remains a large proportion of consumers unwilling to try plant-based meat. Through the lens of political ideology and applying message congruence theory, we demonstrate that current message framing is incongruent to conservative consumers in the USA. A pre-test (n = 262), using political ideology to predict willingness to try plant-based meat, revealed a significant effect such that conservatives were significantly less likely to want to learn about plant-based meat or to try it. A content analysis (n = 82) of press releases from a major plant-based meat company highlights that plant-based meat is promoted based on three key benefits: taste, health and the environment. Finally, in an experiment, conservative participants (n = 200) were randomly assigned to view an advertisement for a plant-based meat company that either cited environmental benefits or did not. Results demonstrate the presence of incongruence in messaging, where environmental benefits are shown to be less effective for conservative leaning consumers.

A lightweight group key management scheme with constant rekeying cost and public bulletin size

ABSTRACT Several group key management schemes have focused either on meeting security goals or efficiency. However, only a few works exist that address the issue of handling offline users. Trivially, existing schemes need to store all intermediate rekeying messages (for every join and leave operation) onto a public bulletin making them storage inefficient and key derivation costly. This article focuses on the challenges of making the group key management scheme lightweight and efficiently managing offline users. Toward this, we have proposed a group key management scheme based on binary key tree and ex-or operations. The proposed scheme, satisfying forward and backward secrecy requirements, has a constant rekeying cost, and users need to store only one secret key. The proposed scheme maintains the public bulletin board, which keeps rekeying information so that a user who went offline and missed rekeying operations gets the latest group key by using current rekeying messages. In the proposed scheme, the public bulletin is constant with the size of O ( n ) , independent of the number of rekeying operations. The proposed scheme is compared with the existing schemes and is found to be efficient and handles offline users more efficiently than other existing schemes.

The Impact of Message Framing on Wildlife Approach During Ungulate Viewing Experiences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Every year, millions of people visit parks and protected areas to view wildlife. Conflict between people and ungulates is prominent, and many incidents occur when people approach ungulates at proximities less than the National Park Service regulation of 25 yards. The purpose of this study was to test how wildlife viewing communication messages impact park visitors’ approach behavior. A survey and walking exercise were conducted with life-sized ungulate cutouts on a 100-yard transect in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks to test the influence of three message frames (i.e., current NPS messaging, resource protection messaging, and a visitor experience message) on visitors’ approach behaviors. Park visitors overestimated proximity when given current park messaging. Additionally, the resource protection- and the visitor experience-framed messages led to more conservative wildlife approach compared to current park messaging. These results have practical applications for influencing visitors’ behaviors and reducing human-wildlife conflict through education and interpretation.