Digital Communication Research Articles

Nurses' experience of end-of-life care for patients with COVID-19: A descriptive phenomenology study.

The mortality rates among critically ill patients with COVID-19 have been high. The national and institutional infection control policies and resource shortages caused by the pandemic led patients to undergo deaths without dignity and inevitably changed intensive care unit (ICU) end-of-life care (EOLC) practices. This study explores ICU nurses' experiences of providing EOLC for patients with COVID-19 who died. Eight nurses participated in a qualitative phenomenological study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July to September 2022. Colaizzi's data analysis method was used, and the following four main themes emerged: (i) only companion in the death journey; (ii) helping families prepare for death; (iii) EOLC trapped within a framework; and (iv) EOLC in retrospect. To secure high-quality EOLC in ICU, it is important to promote practical support for nurses and EOLC-related discussions/education. Technical support, such as digital communication technologies, should be reinforced to help patients and their families participate in EOLC.

The Impact of IoT on Smart City Infrastructure in India

Today, we live in a society where digital communication systems are so advanced that by the mid 2050’s the world will be completely filled by smart buildings on the internet highway like those portrayed in science fiction movies. This is possible because of tech savvy tiny sensors or Internet of Things (IoT) devices embedded in the smart network in order to collect meaningful information about the citizens and their interaction with the ubiquitous environment. Smart sustainable cities are modelled on the Internet of Things blending ICT for better standard of living and citizen services. IoT will modify indoor temperatures and switch off unnecessary lights in homes, detect snags in equipment and fix machines remotely, and provide commuters with information on traffic jams on the go. IoT in smart cities can be implemented by the development authorities but the stake holders of this task are citizens, the municipal government and private organizations engaged in this partnership. Using sophisticated ICT systems makes the city smarter and improves community building and connectivity by interweaving all the components of a city. Privacy and security are the two watch words when it comes to capturing citizens’ data. This data needs to be anonymised before it reaches the civic authorities. This study evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of using IoT in Indian smart cities after discussing an international case study of a smart sustainable city.

Optimized decoder for low-density parity check codes based on genetic algorithms

Low-density parity check (LDPC) codes, are a family of error-correcting codes, their performances close to the Shannon limit make them very attractive solutions for digital communication systems. There are several algorithms for decoding LDPC codes that show great diversity in terms of performance related to error correction. Also, very recently, many research papers involved the genetic algorithm (GA) in coding theory, in particular, in the decoding linear block codes case, which has heavily contributed to reducing the bit error rate (BER). In this paper, an efficient method based on the GA is proposed and it is used to improve the power of correction in terms of BER and the frame error rate (FER) of LDPC codes. Subsequently, the proposed algorithm can independently decide the most suitable moment to stop the decoding process, moreover, it does not require channel information (CSI) making it adaptable for all types of channels with different noise or intensity. The simulations show that the proposed algorithm is more efficient in terms of BER compared to other LDPC code decoders.

Svara Rachana - Audio Driven Facial Expression Synthesis

Abstract: Svara Rachana is a fusion of artificial intelligence and facial animation which aims to revolutionize the field of digital communication. Harnessing the ever-evolving power of neural networks in the form of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model, Svara Rachana offers a cutting edge, interactive web application designed to synchronize human speech with realistic 3D facial animation. Users can upload or record an audio file and upload it to the web interface containing human speech, with the core functionality being the generation of synchronized lip movements on a 3D avatar. The system gives special emphasis on the accuracy of the system to generate reliable facial animation movements. By providing an interactive, human like 3D model, Svara Rachana aims to make machine to human interaction a more impactful experience by blurring the lines between humans and machines.

Visible scientists in digital communication environments: An analysis of their role performance as public experts on Twitter/X during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to significant societal challenges, there is a growing demand for scientists to actively engage in public discussions. The recent Covid-19 pandemic led to the sudden visibility of certain scientists, necessitating them to extend their roles beyond research and actively communicate with the general public. Online platforms allow for direct engagement but increase the challenge by interconnecting different public arenas. Our case study examined the role performance of visible virologists on Twitter/X in six different time periods during the pandemic in Germany (N = 1003). Findings indicate that they often express calls to action, and voice their own views, but seldom address uncertainty. Differences over time were found in their use of different types of statements, scientific jargon and emotional language. They also utilised the opportunities of direct communication, performing roles like watchdogs or advocates, highlighting the importance for scientists to reflect on their roles as communicators.

MRIO: the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Acquisition and Analysis Ontology.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is a useful tool in both the clinic and research settings, aiding in the diagnosis and treatments of neurological disease and expanding our knowledge of the brain. However, there are many challenges inherent in managing and analyzing MRI data, due in large part to the heterogeneity of data acquisition. To address this, we have developed MRIO, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Acquisition and Analysis Ontology. MRIO provides well-reasoned classes and logical axioms for the acquisition of several MRI acquisition types and well-known, peer-reviewed analysis software, facilitating the use of MRI data. These classes provide a common language for the neuroimaging research process and help standardize the organization and analysis of MRI data for reproducible datasets. We also provide queries for automated assignment of analyses for given MRI types. MRIO aids researchers in managing neuroimaging studies by helping organize and annotate MRI data and integrating with existing standards such as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine and the Brain Imaging Data Structure, enhancing reproducibility and interoperability. MRIO was constructed according to Open Biomedical Ontologies Foundry principles and has contributed several classes to the Ontology for Biomedical Investigations to help bridge neuroimaging data to other domains. MRIO addresses the need for a "common language" for MRI that can help manage the neuroimaging research, by enabling researchers to identify appropriate analyses for sets of scans and facilitating data organization and reporting.

Sentiment and time-series analysis of direct-message conversations

Social media and mobile communications in general are an extremely rich source of digital forensic information. We present our new framework for analysing this resource with an innovative combination of time series and text mining methods. The framework is intended to create a tool to analyse and operationally summarise extended trails of social media messages, thus enabling investigators for the first time to drill down into specific moments at which sentiment analysis has detected a change of tone indicative of a particularly strong and significant response. Crucially, the method will give investigators an opportunity to reduce the time and resource commitment required for ongoing and hands-on analysis of digital communications on media such as Texts/SMS, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Team-based digital communication reduced patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital and improved patient satisfaction after orthopedic surgery: a randomized controlled trial in 70 patients.

Post-discharge inquiries to the hospital are predominantly conducted through phone calls. The rigid timing of these calls is inconvenient for patients and disrupts the workflows of healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a team-based digital communication intervention (eDialogue) facilitated through a messenger-like commercial solution on patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital after discharge. Secondarily, we investigated other patient-initiated contacts, patients' perception of continuity of care, and their perception of feeling safe and satisfied after hospital discharge. On the day of discharge, 70 surgically treated orthopedic patients were randomized to the intervention group with access to eDialogue (n = 35) or the control group with standard communication pathways by phone call (n = 35) for the following 8 weeks. Through eDialogue, the intervention group had access to team-based asynchronous digital communication in text and photos with healthcare professionals across disciplines and sectors. Inclusion criteria were discharge to own home and receipt of rehabilitation services from both hospital and primary care after discharge. We found a significant reduction in the mean number of patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital from 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-4.1) in the control group to 0.5 (CI 0.3-1.0) in the intervention group (P = 0.004). Across groups, patients reported similar perceptions of continuity of care; however, the participants in the intervention group expressed significantly improved perceptions of, and satisfaction with, access to healthcare after discharge. Access to eDialogue reduced patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital, enhanced patient satisfaction with healthcare accessibility, and did not compromise patients' perception of continuity of care after discharge compared with standard communication pathways.

The Degree of Audience Understanding Reception: The Potential of Digital Piracy Audio and Visual in TikTok

Social media platforms are increasingly being used to digitally disseminate clips video, audio, or animation. Some account-generated profit or fame from remaking or editing content on the video-sharing social media platform TikTok. This article consequently situates remaking video for profit purposes as digital piracy a victimless crime and therefore still challenges entertainment industries. Little is known about the drivers of these cognitive processes, the current study investigated audience reception of content preferences (movies and series) to explain piracy attitudes and behaviour. This study addresses digital platforms and interactive audiences concerning Stuart Hall’s ‘Encoding/Decoding’ model. Thereby, this study provides a conceptual research design pathways for further analysis of audience’s attitudes toward digital piracy conditions. Results of in-depth interviews with 7 subjects showed that attitudes toward digital piracy mediate or negotiate reading. The audience is fostered by desire and preference to see content, above fear of copyright law effects or economic damage to the entertainment industry. In a call to rethink the notion of digital communication, this article offers a different perspective on the gaps and links between reception studies and current digital media. Suggests ways that social media could lead to a deeper and more complex understanding of audience reception perspective meaning.

A Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Case Insight: The Convergence of Social Media and Epidemiology

This study explores the role of social media in public health through a case of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning prevented and subsequently overlooked, as influenced by digital community interaction. A TikTok influencer shared an experience with a coal stove, leading to followers advising against its use due to CO poisoning risks. This advice was heeded, yet a family member, unaware of these risks, experienced CO poisoning. This incident illuminates social media’s potential in disseminating life-saving health information and influencing behavior, forming the basis of “Media Epidemiology.” This new field studies how digital communication impacts health-related behaviors and outcomes. Our analysis highlights social media as a tool for rapid health information dissemination and preventive action. It underscores the need for integrating digital platform dynamics into public health strategies, emphasizing education on hazards like CO poisoning. This study advocates for leveraging social media in public health, exemplifying its role in disease prevention and health promotion, and marking a significant stride in contemporary epidemiological research.

Preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes: a population-based cross-sectional study in Poland.

This study aimed to analyse preferred sources of information on diabetes prevention programmes and to identify sociodemographic determinants influencing these preferences among adults in Poland. A cross-sectional survey was carried out between 15 and 18 September 2023 using a computer-assisted web interview. A self-prepared questionnaire included 10 questions on sources of information on type 2 diabetes prevention. Data were obtained from 1046 adults (18-82 years); 53.4% were females. Most respondents preferred email communication (46.4%), followed by a doctor or nurse (33.5%), and a letter or leaflet directly delivered to the mailbox (25.8%) for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) prevention information. Younger respondents were more likely to indicate mass media (OR=1.81, 95% CI=1.12 to 2.95, p=0.01) and digital media (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.02 to 2.67, p=0.04) as a source of information on DM2 prevention. Those who had higher education (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002), as well as those with chronic diseases (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.14 to 1.97, p=0.004), were more likely to indicate digital media. Out of 10 different variables analysed in this study, passive occupational status (OR=1.43, 95% CI=1.04 to 1.96, p=0.03) as well as having chronic diseases (OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.16 to 1.96, p=0.002) were associated with higher odds of indicating healthcare workers as a preferred source of information. Marital status, having children, place of residence, household characteristics and financial status do not significantly decide communication preferences. Communication on DM2 prevention should be adjusted to public preferences and expectations. Tailoring interventions to different demographic groups can enhance outreach and engagement. Email emerged as a popular choice, suggesting the potential of digital communication in preventive health programmes.

The Degree of Audience Understanding Reception: The Potential of Digital Piracy Audio and Visual in TikTok

Social media platforms are increasingly being used to digitally disseminate clips video, audio, or animation. Some account-generated profit or fame from remaking or editing content on the video-sharing social media platform TikTok. This article consequently situates remaking video for profit purposes as digital piracy a victimless crime and therefore still challenges entertainment industries. Little is known about the drivers of these cognitive processes, the current study investigated audience reception of content preferences (movies and series) to explain piracy attitudes and behaviour. This study addresses digital platforms and interactive audiences concerning Stuart Hall’s ‘Encoding/Decoding’ model. Thereby, this study provides a conceptual research design pathways for further analysis of audience’s attitudes toward digital piracy conditions. Results of in-depth interviews with 7 subjects showed that attitudes toward digital piracy mediate or negotiate reading. The audience is fostered by desire and preference to see content, above fear of copyright law effects or economic damage to the entertainment industry. In a call to rethink the notion of digital communication, this article offers a different perspective on the gaps and links between reception studies and current digital media. Suggests ways that social media could lead to a deeper and more complex understanding of audience reception perspective meaning.

Study and Review of GupShup- A Chat Application

In the digital age, the demand for secure and private messaging platforms has surged, paralleling the exponential growth of online interactions. This research introduces Secure GupShup, a groundbreaking application designed to address the paramount concerns surrounding user privacy and data security. In an environment where information confidentiality is of utmost importance, Secure GupShup stands out by providing a feature-rich experience that includes private and public chat rooms, with a distinctive emphasis on security through the implementation of instant disappearing messages. The core innovation of Secure GupShup lies in its implementation of instant disappearing messages, a feature designed to augment user privacy. By ensuring that messages automatically vanish after a predetermined time, the application adds an extra layer of security, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This not only grants users greater control over their conversations but also fosters an environment where information is transient, mitigating the risks associated with data retention. The research delves into the intricate architecture of Secure GupShup, exploring the amalgamation of cutting-edge encryption protocols and intuitive user interface design. The application's robust security measures, coupled with its user-friendly interface, position Secure GupShup as a formidable contender in the realm of secure communication applications. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Secure GupShup signifies a pivotal step towards meeting the escalating demands for privacy and security in the realm of digital communication. The incorporation of end-to-end encryption protocols ensures that messages exchanged within Secure GupShup remain private and secure. Users can communicate confidently, knowing that their conversations are shielded from unauthorized access, providing a heightened level of privacy. The inclusion of disappearing messages adds an extra layer of security by automatically removing sensitive content after a designated time period. This feature not only protects user data from long-term exposure but also aligns with the evolving need for ephemeral communication in digital platforms. While acknowledging the current limitations, the proposed solutions aim to address these challenges and enhance the overall functionality of Secure GupShup. The outlined future work envisions continued improvements, embracing emerging technologies and user preferences to maintain Secure GupShup's position as a leading secure communication platform..

Exploring variations in using emojis in digital communication in the UAE

This research aims to explore how people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) use emojis on social media and the communicative functions of emojis, including gender differences in assessing appropriateness. The study is based on in-depth interviews with fifteen participants representing different gender, cultural and age groups. The interviewees include six males and nine females, with an age range from 18 to 45 years. The findings emphasize the importance of diversity of perspectives and sensitivities when using emojis in communication, raising questions about the role of emojis in reinforcing or challenging traditional gender norms within the UAE and how individuals navigate the intricate balance between self-expression and cultural norms in their digital interactions. Moreover, ‘emotional emojis’ were favoured by participants from every generation, apart from those in their 20s, although the specific emojis that best expressed those emotions varied. The findings also indicate the use of emoji as a cultural barometer within the digital realm of the UAE. The nuances in emoji preferences, usage frequencies and interpretations across different cultural groups, particularly between Emirati and non-Emirati populations, vividly portray how emojis mirror the complex tapestry of cultural identity and interaction. These emojis, as digital symbols, emerge as profound reflections of the rich cultural dynamics that shape the UAE’s digital landscape. This study adds to the body of research on digitized communication, particularly in the Arab context, and contributes to understanding how emojis are used to create meaning online.

Digital communication and child participation in child welfare services: a scoping review of potentials and challenges

Digital communication and child participation in child welfare services: a scoping review of potentials and challenges

Retraction Note: Synchronous restoration of video key frame loss based on digital media communication protocol

Retraction Note: Synchronous restoration of video key frame loss based on digital media communication protocol

MOTIVASI EWOM PADA KONSUMEN KHALIFAH TOUR BANDUNG

In the digital era, communication and information sharing have undergone a significant transformation. This has also impacted Word of Mouth (WOM), evolving from traditional methods to Electronic Word of Mouth (eWOM). Khalifah Tour, as an Umrah and Hajj travel company, utilizes the internet for promotion and encourages eWOM from its consumers. This study aims to identify the conditions and determine the most dominant motivations for consumers to send eWOM regarding Khalifah Tour. The research employs a descriptive quantitative method with 95 respondents from a population of 1695 individuals. Data were collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The result of this research, Khalifah Tour consumers exhibit motivations for eWOM such as altruism and venting feelings. However, the most dominant motivation is self-enhancement. Khalifah Tour consumers demonstrate diverse motivations for engaging in eWOM, with self-enhancement being the most dominant, indicating a desire to portray their positive image to others. Key words: Electronic Word of Mouth, eWOM Motivation, Sending eWOM

The Role of Influencer Collaboration as A Marketing Strategy In Promoting New Product Collection

Internet, social media, mobile apps, and other digital communications technologies have all become a part of everyday life for billions of people around the world. A global phenomenon, as mentioned by Backaler is that influencer marketing is growing in countries around the world. One example of a local fashion brand that has recently just adopted influencer collaboration as its marketing strategy is THENBLANK. The study objectives of this research are to analyze the role of Isyana Sarasvati as a marketing strategy collaborator in promoting THENBLANK’s new product collection, to know how Isyana Sarasvati contributes to THENBLANK’s marketing strategy, and to identify the factors that THENBLANK considers when choosing an influencer to collaborate with. The method used in this research is a qualitative method with semi-structured in-depth interviews as the data collection method. The theories and concepts used in this research are the Stimulus-Response Theory, AISAS Model, Pillars of Influence, and Marketing Strategy. The result of this research shows the collaboration between THENBLANK and Isyana was successful because of the compatibility of personality and character. THENBLANK also collaborates with Isyana because they want to increase the brand value, brand image and social status of customers, and this was in accordance with their selection. The role of Isyana as an influencer is also very good and contributes through making a song scoring, providing criticism and input, and many more.

Developing Laboratory Experiments to teach Undergraduate Engineering Students Multi-User Massive MIMO Technology for 5G Cellular Networks

An effective method of facilitating student learning in a laboratory environment is “practice by doing”. The study of modules related to signal-processing for digital communications requires deep mathematical and theoretical foundations but the practice goal is not really emphasized in the undergraduate curriculum at the University of Mauritius. This causes the students to lose interest in the corresponding modules resulting in high rate of failures. In this work, we propose to develop laboratory experiments with a view to bridge the gap between theoretical and practical aspects in the field of Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems for 5G cellular networks. Various laboratory scenarios are set up that consider a Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) receiver in the uplink with an uncorrelated Rayleigh fading channel. Moreover, from a signal processing perspective to enhance the student’s understanding, we analyze the efficiency and error performance of Massive MIMO systems with MPSK and MQAM modulation schemes as well as perfect and imperfect channel estimates. The leading industry software package MATLAB R2022 is used to develop all laboratory experiments and the codes are elaborated in this analysis. Data collected from the experiments are used to generate spectral efficiency and error performance curves which can be used for future research. The findings underscore the significance of accounting for both scenarios and illuminate promising avenues for future research in the realm of massive MIMO education and learning. The assimilation of MATLAB® flowcharts for each MRC receiver, MPSK, and MQAM with perfect and imperfect Channel State Information (CSI) adds further depth to the study, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of massive MIMO systems. Ultimately, this contribution helps in the nurturing of expertise such that future generations of wireless communication pioneers can be inspired.

Political familiarity vs. journalism background: insights from three Israeli prime ministers on social media

PurposeTo explore a potential relationship between politicians’ media background and social media success through an analysis of content and engagement strategies adopted by three consecutive Israeli prime ministers on their official Facebook pages.Design/methodology/approachA detailed comparative content analysis of a total of 1,242 posts published by three Israeli prime ministers – Benjamin Netanyahu, Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett – on the same official Facebook account, “the Prime Minister of Israel,” during their respective terms. Metrics like engagement rates, content distribution and media type utilization were considered.FindingsAll analyzed prime ministers exhibited consistent messaging strategies, suggesting a standardized approach to digital political communication. However, we found no correlation between a politician’s media background and their success on social media. Instead, decisive determinants of engagement outcomes were factors like longstanding political exposure and familiarity.Practical implicationsThe observed uniformity in leaders’ messaging strategies indicates a prevalent standardized approach in digital political communication, revealing potential avenues for innovation and diversification.Originality/valueThis research challenges the prevailing notion that background in media inherently benefits digital political engagement, emphasizing the significance of political experience. The results provide new insights into the evolving landscape of political communication. Using signaling theory to evaluate how digital content reveals leaders’ intentions and credibility, our findings provide new insights into political communication in the digital era.