Direct Communication Research Articles

The development of an online-based rural community of practice framework for addressing health issues among rural citizens: a grounded theory approach.

Health literacy facilitates an individual's ability to interpret and utilize medical information, thereby influencing their quality of life. Despite the benefits, the current oversaturation of information necessitates the support of healthcare professionals. Help-seeking behavior (HSB) is a term that describes the actions taken to assuage health concerns, and timely medical consultations are critical, especially for older individuals in rural areas who often face barriers to accessing care. These challenges are exacerbated by the perceived psychological distance from medical services in rural settings due to past negative experiences; however, the emergence of social media has helped form a bridge, allowing for direct communication with physicians. While consultations with artificial intelligence (AI) do occur, interaction with human physicians remains the gold standard. Thus, this study sought to understand social media's role in facilitating health consultations in rural areas and the implications for primary care education among physicians. This qualitative study, conducted from September 2022 to June 2023, employed a grounded theory approach to analyze information about a social network-based consulting system that utilized the LINE application. Residents posted anonymous health-related concerns, and comments were extracted. Two researchers coded and assessed the data; another specialist reviewed the findings. A total of 621 citizens participated, generating 10,432 posts. The grounded theory approach identified five major themes regarding health-related social networking in rural settings: (1) mutual exploration for information sharing highlighted distrust toward primary care physicians; (2) temporary collaboration resulted in superficial health discussions and relationship-building through empathy; (3) conflicts arising from differing health perspectives and misinformation sharing led to intense debates; (4) anxiety was resolved through shared illness experiences and increased empathy, enhancing psychological safety; and (5) a mutual assistance community was created, characterized by improved health dialogues and HSB among participants. The high engagement with the social network-based consulting system in rural Unnan City highlights technology's pivotal role in facilitating health dialogue and community engagement, despite challenges related to misinformation and health literacy complexities. As a reflection of the community's health perceptions and dynamics, future adaptations should incorporate strategies to combat these challenges while preserving collaboration and support.

دور العلاقات العامة في تشكيل الصورة الذهنية لموظفي القطاع البلدي بالمنطقة الشرقية

The study showed that effective public relations activities, including media campaigns and direct communication with employees, contribute significantly to improving the mental image of the municipal sector. These activities play a major role in enhancing employees’ confidence in their management and raising their level of job satisfaction. The study also found that continuous and comprehensive internal communication increases employee satisfaction and enhances their sense of belonging. Public relations contribute to achieving alignment between management goals and employee aspirations, which helps achieve a stable and supportive work environment. The results indicated that transparency in communication processes between management and employees is one of the essential elements for building a positive and reliable relationship. This transparency contributes to reducing rumors and misunderstandings, which increases positive interaction between management and employees and enhances their impressions of the institution. The study also highlighted the effectiveness of modern technical tools in enhancing internal communication, as the use of these tools contributes to facilitating the exchange of information and clarifying procedures, which leads to improving the effectiveness of communication and enhancing the positive mental image of the municipal sector. The study stressed the importance of adopting sustainable public relations strategies aimed at continuous and constructive communication with employees, to support the long-term goals of the sector. She recommended the need to focus public relations efforts on transparency, continuous communication and the use of modern technologies, which contributes to creating a positive work environment and enhances job satisfaction and belonging among employees, thus achieving a positive and supportive mental image of the municipal sector in the Eastern Region.

QOL-13. FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING WITH A BRAIN TUMOR: THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO NEUROONCOLOGY MODEL FOR AN EMPOWERED AND ENGAGED PEER VOLUNTEER SUPPORT COMMUNITY

Abstract BACKGROUND Brain tumor patients often experience feelings of isolation, identity loss, and existential distress, and peer support can have a positive impact in these areas. Providing peer support, however, can be emotionally demanding and presents unique challenges for neuro-oncology patient volunteers, with little guidance available to address these issues. We describe an innovative program that supports volunteers and provides a roadmap for implementing peer volunteer programs in clinical neuro-oncology practices. METHODS In 2020, the UCSF Sheri Sobrato Brain Cancer Survivorship Program established an initiative to match brain tumor patients seeking support with trained patient volunteers. To address potential challenges, an optional, ongoing support community for volunteers was created by a health coach educator, with co-facilitation from a rehabilitation neuropsychologist and a social worker. The weekly meetings included supplemental training, personal check-ins, and group discussions. Volunteer feedback was collected through direct volunteer communication with the facilitator and an annual online survey. RESULTS From August 2020 through October 2023, 46 peer volunteers were trained in six cohorts. There were 116 patients requesting peer support. In total 132 volunteer-patient matches were made for an average of 2.87 matches per volunteer. Seventy percent of volunteers attended 11 or more meetings/year. Average attendance was 12 volunteers per meeting. All respondents to the annual online survey (n=31) reported a high level of satisfaction with the program. Volunteers highlighted benefits such as mutual support, impactful contributions, and personal growth and empowerment. Volunteers who reported higher levels of preparedness attended >11 meetings per year. DISCUSSION In our experience, patient peer volunteer programs show promise in reducing isolation and restoring purpose. This unique 3-year pilot suggests that ongoing group support and training is a plausible and effective way to enhance a peer volunteer program. Future efforts will focus on developing a structured curriculum for neuro-oncology patient peer volunteers.

Підходи до вивчення громадської думки в СРСР 1920-х –1930-х рр.

The measurement of public opinion has become an essential practice across various fields, evolving from historical methods to modern polling techniques. Politicians have long tried to understand public sentiment through tools like media analysis and direct communication. In democratic societies, this understanding helps with electoral success, while in totalitarian regimes, it often serves to maintain control through surveillance and other strategies. The article underscores the challenges scholars face in reconstructing public sentiment in oppressive environments where reliable data is scarce. Historians often depend on alternative sources, such as secret police reports, media publications, and personal accounts, to build a nuanced understanding of public opinion. Our overview has identified various approaches to studying public opinion in the USSR during the interwar period. Some studies focus on representing a range of reactions that ordinary people have to newly introduced state policies and everyday problems. Other scholars highlight complex social dynamics (active and passive resistance, adaptation, apathy, etc.) Moreover, a number of public opinion studies are devoted to the collective identity of different social groups and how it changed under the influence of Soviet propaganda and social engineering. At the same time, some researchers who heavily relied on personal accounts reconstructed people’s emotional states under the pressure of totalitarianism. Overall, exploring public sentiment in oppressive environments allows for a deeper understanding of the nature of totalitarianism and the social resistance under such regimes. Keywords: public opinion, popular opinion, public sentiments, behavior, resistance, USSR, Holodomor.

Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on Sports Marketing

The study's findings demonstrate the substantial social media's effects on sports marketing strategies. First of all, by enabling direct and instantaneous communication between sports teams and their fan base, social media networks have entirely transformed fan involvement. Sports marketers may use tools like live streaming, fan forums, and social media campaigns to foster a sense of community, encourage fan participation, and create unique experiences that boost fan loyalty are now powerful instruments for brand-building in sports marketing. Sports companies may showcase their principles, improve their brand messaging, and create interesting material that appeals to their target audience by utilising Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

O IMPACTO DA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DO MARKETING DIGITAL NO DESEMPENHO DE PEQUENAS EMPRESAS

This paper explores the strategic impact of digital marketing on small businesses, emphasizing the relevance of tools such as SEO (Search Engine Optimization), content marketing, and social media for strengthening online presence and competitiveness in the market. With the advancement of digitalization, these businesses have found digital marketing to be an accessible way to enhance their visibility, reach new audiences, and increase engagement with consumers, often more effectively and economically than traditional methods. The study highlights the importance of SEO for improving positioning in search engines, allowing small businesses to become more visible to their target audience. Additionally, content marketing emerges as a crucial tool for attracting and retaining customers, fostering trust and credibility through relevant and informative materials. The strategic use of social media is another central point, enabling direct and personalized communication with consumers, as well as offering opportunities for partnerships with influencers. These platforms allow companies to interact more authentically and engage their audiences in real-time, strengthening customer relationships and promoting loyalty. Thus, digital marketing, with its various facets, presents itself as a fundamental element for the growth and success of small businesses in today’s digital economy.

Fuzzy task assignment in heterogeneous distributed multi-robot system

This study addresses the problem of coordination in cooperative multi-robot systems performing complex tasks. An analysis of cooperative behavior in mobile multi-robot systems in terms of task execution accuracy by heterogeneous robots is carried out. In addition, we evaluate the capacity and compatibility of tasks assigned to robots to optimize task execution without using direct communication with the robots or a central decision-making unit. A model for task selection in heterogeneous distributed multi-robot systems is proposed. It is based on two processes: the first decomposes complex tasks into elementary tasks, and the second assigns elementary tasks to mobile robots for real-time execution. The distribution of elementary tasks is NP-hard, which leads us to recommend approximate solutions. A fuzzy system called Fuzzy Decision Making in Task Selection is proposed, which uses fuzzy logic to solve this problem. This system allows robots to choose to perform any task in the future. An approach is presented that uses two cascading fuzzy systems. The first calculates the utility of the robot and then activates the second fuzzy system to calculate the utility of the task. By using the output of the fuzzy decision system in our model, each robot will be able to decide for itself which tasks to perform. The results of a simulation of mobile robots transporting goods demonstrate the effectiveness of this fuzzy decision-maker.

An evaluation of the impact of the Lambeth PCN pharmacist anticoagulation skills development project

Abstract Background Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent heart condition linked to significant morbidity and mortality due to its association with stroke.1 Despite the clear benefits of anticoagulation in reducing stroke risk, its underuse and suboptimal monitoring remain a concern.2 Aim This study aims to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-led training programme in Lambeth, London, focusing on improving pharmacists' competency and confidence in managing Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). It assesses if the training met pharmacists' needs, evaluates current monitoring patterns to determine if training was warranted, and identified areas for further training improvement. Methods The study involved 41 GP practices across 9 Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Lambeth. Practices were eligible based on their involvement in the management of AF patients prescribed DOACs. All pharmacists at these practices who were actively engaged in anticoagulation management and willing to participate in pre- and post-training assessments were invited to take part. Recruitment involved direct communication through practice managers and emails detailing the study’s objectives and benefits. DOAC monitoring data was extracted from patient medication records and subsequently compared to the South East London anticoagulation guidelines3 to establish compliance percentages. A competency assessment was conducted on pharmacists using a pre- and post-training checklist framework devised by the Consultant Anticoagulant Team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test analysed this paired data, with a p < 0.05 set for statistical significance. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather insights on their training experience and perceptions. Transcripts were coded using NVIVO software to identify themes. Ethical approval was obtained from Kingston University London. Results Of the 2,987 AF patients across the 41 GP practices, 87.6% were on DOACs. Prescribing and monitoring trends were consistent across all GPs, with scope to improve compliance across all parameters, such as CHA₂DS₂-VASc score assessment prior to DOAC initiation. The competency assessment, completed by ten pharmacists, showed a significant improvement post-training, with mean scores rising from 3.3 to 4.1 (p< 0.00001). Improvements were seen across all domains, particularly in explaining the rationale for anticoagulation, showing CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HASBLED scores, and discussing modifiable HASBLED factors. Competency in patient communication remained highest, while managing particular cases like reversal procedures and patients with cancer showed lower competency, indicating areas for training improvement. The interviews, conducted with ten pharmacists, revealed three main themes: (1) Confidence and competence in anticoagulant prescribing and optimisation, (2) Evaluation of the training programme's effectiveness, and (3) Professional growth and career development. Pharmacists reported greater confidence in managing DOACs post-training, though challenges remained in patient engagement and collaboration with GPs lacking DOAC knowledge. Discussion / Conclusion The evaluation proved a positive impact on pharmacists' competency and confidence in DOAC management. Suboptimal monitoring practices in Lambeth highlighted the need for this training programme and its crucial role in improving patient outcomes. Limitations include a small interview sample and potential biases in self-reported evaluations. A longitudinal study is recommended to assess long-term impacts. Ongoing training and systematic data collection are essential, and similar training should be extended to other healthcare professionals.

Constructing organoid-brain-computer interfaces for neurofunctional repair after brain injury.

The reconstruction of damaged neural circuits is critical for neurological repair after brain injury. Classical brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow direct communication between the brain and external controllers to compensate for lost functions. Importantly, there is increasing potential for generalized BCIs to input information into the brains to restore damage, but their effectiveness is limited when a large injured cavity is caused. Notably, it might be overcome by transplantation of brain organoids into the damaged region. Here, we construct innovative BCIs mediated by implantable organoids, coined as organoid-brain-computer interfaces (OBCIs). We assess the prolonged safety and feasibility of the OBCIs, and explore neuroregulatory strategies. OBCI stimulation promotes progressive differentiation of grafts and enhances structural-functional connections within organoids and the host brain, promising to repair the damaged brain via regenerating and regulating, potentially directing neurons to preselected targets and recovering functional neural networks in the future.

Points of contact for small businesses in the historical city

The problem of the development of the Samara historical settlement continues to be the focus of attention of the city’s architectural community and a significant part of its residents. The historical environment in this article is considered in the socio-economic and communicative aspect. The spatial and material resources of historical buildings are identified, facilitating contact between the manufacturer and supplier and the consumer. Points of contact are located both in the information field and in direct communication in public spaces. The methodological tools used in the article include developments from the field of marketing.

Self-Disclosure in Interpersonal Communication on Victims of the Domestic Violence (KDRT) in Medan

This study aims to analyze self-disclosure in interpersonal communication and the causes of the victim's decision to self-disclose, so that the victim filed a complaint against the violence she experienced to the KOMNAS Perempuan Partner Service Institute. The research method used descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews with eight main informants and six triangulation informants. The results showed that self-disclosure in interpersonal communication was carried out to the people closest to the victim, namely friends, biological mothers, adoptive mothers, nephews, and lawyers who handled the case, by conveying messages in the form of domestic events aimed at getting a way out of solving the problem, through direct and indirect communication channels (WhatsApp), causing effects, namely awareness of the right to protection from the state, the courage to sue and report the perpetrator, get help with case fees, the willingness of the communicant to become a trial witness, and the acceptance of the victim to return to live with the communicant. Two informants were in the open window because they realized the violence they experienced and intended to disclose it, two informants were in the blind window because they did not realize the violence they experienced, and four informants were in the hidden window because they realized the violence they experienced but had hidden it. Self-disclosure was done by four informants openly and four informants covertly

Dolphin self-talk: unusual acoustic behaviour of a solitary bottlenose dolphin

ABSTRACT Solitary dolphins occurring outside their normal range provide a unique opportunity to study acoustic signals in the complete absence of conspecifics, drawing insights into their communicative functions. In this study, we analysed the acoustic behaviour of a solitary bottlenose dolphin residing in the Baltic Sea. We expected that he would produce few, if any, communicative sounds in the absence of potential recipients. Contrary to this expectation, we found the dolphin to be highly vocal, emitting burst-pulse and tonal sounds in rhythmic bouts. The sounds did not co-occur with echolocation trains, indicating that they were not produced during feeding activities, despite the presence of bray calls previously identified as feeding-associated in this population. The dolphin produced three different types of stereotyped whistles, deviating from the typical pattern of one individually distinctive signature whistle per dolphin. Additionally, three different biphonic sound categories were identified: combinations of two whistle components, a whistle and a low-frequency tonal component, and two burst-pulse components. In conclusion, the production of vocalisations in the absence of conspecifics suggests that these sounds may be emitted unintentionally as emotional signals, serve functions other than direct communication, or simply be a byproduct of dolphins’ intrinsic need for social interaction.

Effects of different quorum sensing signal molecules on alleviation of ammonia inhibition during biomethanation

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a promising technology for achieving both organic wastes treatment and energy recovery. However, challenges such as ammonia inhibition still remain. Quorum sensing (QS) system is relevant with the regulation of microbial community behaviors by releasing and sensing signal molecules, which could improve methane production during AD process. Therefore, the current study explored the effects of different quorum sensing signal molecules on alleviation of ammonia inhibition. The results showed that both secretion of N-butyryl-DL-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) and N-(β-ketocaproyl)-DL-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL) could be inhibited by high ammonia stress while stimulation of N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL) and N-octanoyl-DL-homoserine lactone (C8-HSL) secretion might be triggered by ammonia toxicity. Moreover, the alleviation of ammonia inhibition could be achieved by both introducing 3OC6-HSL (0.5 μM) and combination of 3OC6-HSL (0.1 μM) and biochar (4 g/L). Exogenous 3OC6-HSL could regulate microbial social behaviors and enhance the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to promote anaerobic digestion. In addition, the mitigation of ammonia inhibition through exogenous 3OC6-HSL and biochar were confirmed by microbial community changes (Methanobacterium, Propionicicella and Petrimonas). Critical enzymes involved in both acidification and methanogenic steps were enhanced after adding the combination of 3OC6-HSL and biochar. The combination of low levels of 3OC6-HSL and biochar could promote both direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) process and communication between different anaerobic microorganisms to mitigate ammonia inhibition. The current study will provide primary insights for conquering ammonia inhibition during biomethanation.

Mixed-encoding one-photon-interference quantum secure direct communication

Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) guarantees both the security and reliability of information transmission using quantum states. One-photon-interference QSDC (OPI-QSDC) is a technique that enhances the transmission distance and ensures secure point-to-point information transmission, but it requires complex phase locking technology. This paper proposes a mixed-encoding one-photon-interference QSDC (MO-QSDC) protocol that removes the need for phase locking technology. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the MO-QSDC protocol could also beat the PLOB bound.

Surgical approach to management of oroantral communications. Case report

Abstract One of the most frequent post-extraction complications of posterior maxillary teeth is oroantral communication, which consists of direct communication between the maxillary sinus and the oral cavity. The recommendation is to make an immediate closure within the first 48 hours to avoid possible complications that may include an oroantral fistula or chronic sinus disease. Currently, different techniques have been described for closing communication, including various types of materials. Some of the techniques are exclusively oriented toward closure, while others seek to achieve bone regeneration by using bone substitutes for the subsequent placement of dental implants. The aim of this study is to describe a simple surgical technique for managing oroantral communication using a collagen sponge with hydroxyapatite and ribose and covering it with overlapping double layers of ribose cross-linked collagen membrane without fixation.

Neuro-motor controlled wearable augmentations: current research and emerging trends.

Wearable augmentations (WAs) designed for movement and manipulation, such as exoskeletons and supernumerary robotic limbs, are used to enhance the physical abilities of healthy individuals and substitute or restore lost functionality for impaired individuals. Non-invasive neuro-motor (NM) technologies, including electroencephalography (EEG) and sufrace electromyography (sEMG), promise direct and intuitive communication between the brain and the WA. After presenting a historical perspective, this review proposes a conceptual model for NM-controlled WAs, analyzes key design aspects, such as hardware design, mounting methods, control paradigms, and sensory feedback, that have direct implications on the user experience, and in the long term, on the embodiment of WAs. The literature is surveyed and categorized into three main areas: hand WAs, upper body WAs, and lower body WAs. The review concludes by highlighting the primary findings, challenges, and trends in NM-controlled WAs. This review motivates researchers and practitioners to further explore and evaluate the development of WAs, ensuring a better quality of life.

Factors related to the collaboration of cadres in stunting prevention

In the implementation of stunting prevention, the lack of cooperation between stunting cadres, no direct communication media and no one who facilitates the cooperation of stunting cadres to carry out data collection tasks as indicators of stunting achievement and for stunting prevention. This can result in repeated data collection, unequal data, and irrelevant data accuracy. Stunting cadres, who are community health workers selected and trained to monitor and prevent stunting at the village level, play a crucial role in these efforts. If stunting cadres collaborate, the performance of both will be more effective and efficient. This study aims to find out the factors related to the collaboration of stunting cadres in stunting prevention efforts. A quantitative research method with a cross-sectional study design was employed. The research sample consisted of 63 stunting cadres. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate analysis. The results showed that variables such as trust (p-value 0.032), communication (p-value 0.021), agreement (p-value 0.002) and added public value (p-value 0.001) were significantly related to the collaboration of stunting cadres. The conclusion of this study is that stunting cadre collaboration is important in stunting prevention efforts and has an impact on optimizing stunting prevention programs.

Neuralink: Advancing Brain-Machine Interfaces for Enhanced Human-Machine Interaction

Using a very modern, cutting-edge brain-machine interface technology, Neuralink could be the untold game-changer of the art of human interaction with technology, in that it should create direct communication paths between the brain and external devices. The implant is placed into the motor cortex of the brain; it can pick up and will send delta, theta, and gamma waves from the brain via a Bluetooth transmitter. This paper discusses, in detail, the technology behind the N1 device, including implantation into the brain and how data from the neural network can be transmitted. Beyond found technology, we go ahead to discuss new application examples of Neuralink with paralyzed people that will show how it could help them resume movement or the control of mechanical devices such as an exoskeleton, cars, or home appliances. Potential benefits may involve enhanced therapy, mobility, and human enhancement. The paper discusses several of the ethical and social issues that this type of technology raises, including privacy, access, and regulatory issues. As Neuralink continues and presses forward brain-machine interfaces, it has the transformative potential to change healthcare delivery, human abilities, and how we interface in our world.

Concurrent Direct Inter-ONU and Upstream Communications in IMDD PONs Incorporating P2MP Flexible Optical Transceivers and Advanced Passive Remote Nodes

Driven by a large number of emerging diversified services, in the 5G and beyond era, concurrent direct inter-ONU and upstream communications inside a PON-based mobile access network are highly desirable to provide dynamic, ultra-dense, and fast ONU-to-ONU (without involving an OLT) and ONU-to-OLT connections. To cost-effectively deliver highly dynamic and low latency direct inter-ONU communications, this paper proposes and experimentally demonstrates novel concurrent direct inter-ONU and upstream communications in an upstream 27 km, >62.47 Gbit/s IMDD PON. For supporting inter-ONU communications between a large number of ONUs, an advanced passive remote node is also proposed. Based on different passive optical components, this remote node can be implemented using two approaches, which can, respectively, reduce the inter-ONU signal power losses by >12.2 dB and >16.6 dB (for 128 ONUs) in comparison with existing inter-ONU communication techniques’ remote nodes. In each ONU and OLT, a single pair of cascaded IFFT/FFT-based point-to-multipoint (P2MP) flexible optical transceivers are employed to simultaneously and dynamically establish multiple ONU-to-ONU and ONU-to-OLT communications according to actual users’ requirements. Experimental results show that the proposed network has excellent robustness against various transmission system impairments, including chromatic dispersion, the Rayleigh and Brillouin backscattering effects, and the channel interference effects. For each ONU, dynamic channel allocation can be made without compromising its overall performance.

Evaluating potential landing sites for the Artemis III mission using a multi-criteria decision making approach

The selection of a landing site within the Artemis Exploration Zone (AEZ) involves multiple factors and presents a complex problem. This study evaluates potential landing sites for the Artemis III mission using a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methodologies, specifically the TOPSIS algorithm. By integrating topographic, illumination, and mineralogy data of the Moon, we assess 1247 locations that meet the Human Landing System (HLS) requirements within 13 candidate regions and Site 004 near the lunar south pole. Criteria considered include surface visibility, HLS-astronaut line of sight, Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs), sunlight exposure, direct communication with Earth, geological units, and mafic mineral abundance. Site DM2 (Nobile Rim 2), particularly the point at latitude 84°12’5.61”S (−84.20156°) and longitude 60°41’59.61”E (60.69989°), is the optimal location for landing. Sensitivity analysis confirms the robustness of our approach, validating the suitability of the best location despite the MCDM method employed and variations in criteria weightings to prioritize illumination and PSRs. This research demonstrates the applicability of GIS-MCDM techniques for lunar exploration and the potential benefits they can bring to the Artemis program.