Extent Of Communication Research Articles

Parents’ Reports of Sexual Communication With Children in Kindergarten to Grade 8

We examined factors associated with parents’ reports of three aspects of parent‐child sexual communication, quality, frequency with which parents encouraged questions, and extent of communication, on each of 10 sexual health topics. Participants were 3,413 mothers and 426 fathers with children in kindergarten to grade 8. Parents’ demographic characteristics, own sexual health education, knowledge and comfort talking about sexuality with their children, and ratings of the importance of comprehensive school‐based sex education plus child gender and grade level were uniquely related to their self‐reported sexual communication with their children, although different predictors were associated with various topics. These results highlight the need to include characteristics of parents, their children, and the communication itself in research on parent‐child sexual communication.

A pilot study on generic medicine substitution practices among community pharmacists in the State of Penang, Malaysia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the generic substitution (GS) practices undertaken by community pharmacists in the State of Penang, Malaysia with a focus on the extent of communication between pharmacists and prescribers on issues related to GS, consumer's acceptance on the GS and estimation of cost saving achieved for patients opted for GS. A cross-sectional descriptive study for a period of 2 months using a specific questionnaire as a data collection tool was undertaken with a random sample of 40 community pharmacies located in the State of Penang. By the end of the study period, 34 out of 40 pharmacies contacted participated in the study. Forty-seven per cent of pharmacists consulted prescribers while promoting GS to their consumers. Majority of the prescribers (84.4%) when contacted by the pharmacists accepted the suggestion for substitution. From consumers' perspective, 88% (n = 156) of the consumers involved in this study accepted pharmacist's recommendation to generically substitute their prescribed medications. Through acceptance of GS, it has been estimated that the overall consumers' expenses on drugs can be reduced to a total of RM6137 (US$1615; US$1 = RM3.80) and this corresponds to a cost saving of 61.1%. The outcome of the present study showed that through GS recommendation by community pharmacist, consumers can save the expenditure of their prescribed medications.

Knowledge transfer within information systems development teams: Examining the role of knowledge source attributes

Knowledge transfer is considered to be an important topic for both researchers and practitioners. However, very little research has been pursued to understand the factors affecting knowledge transfer within teams, an important social unit within organizations. This study attempts to fill this void by examining factors that affect knowledge transfer within information systems development (ISD) teams. Taking a “connectionistic” epistemological perspective and drawing on the communications-based research on knowledge transfer, the theoretical model of the study proposes that the source's capability, credibility, and extent of communication will play an important role in determining the extent of knowledge transferred to recipients. Results from an empirical study involving student teams engaged in semester-long ISD projects supported the role of credibility and extent of communication. Interestingly, capability was not found to play a significant role in knowledge transfer. Possible explanations for this lack of significant effect of capability on knowledge transfer are presented.

To buy or not to buy online: adopters and non-adopters of online shopping in Singapore

The Internet, as a dynamic virtual medium for selling and buying information, services and products, is gaining increasing attention from researchers and practitioners. In this study, we examine the perceptions of adopters and non-adopters of online shopping in terms of demographic profile, consumer expectations of online stores, advantages and problems of online shopping and transaction cost. In addition, we also examine the types of products purchased, frequency of online purchase and the extent of communication with e-commerce vendors. The findings are useful in explaining consumers' buying behaviour in the electronic marketplace. Implications of the results are discussed.

Interactive technologies and videotapes for patient education in cancer care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials

Patients diagnosed with cancer need education as they face complex decisions. There is limited evidence about the impact of new educational technologies for cancer patients. This paper investigates whether interactive technologies and videotapes for patient education in cancer care improve knowledge, satisfaction or other outcomes. Literature search of five computerised databases (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) and bibliography searches identified relevant randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers independently assessed trial quality. Summary effects for knowledge and satisfaction were calculated using random-effects models (RevMan 4.2 software). Continuous data were summarised as weighted mean differences and dichotomous data as odds ratios, each with their respective 95% confidence interval. Standardised effect sizes for these outcomes were calculated and contrasted. Nine randomised control trials with 1,678 patients were identified. Three evaluated the use of videotapes, and six evaluated computer technologies. Studies were of good-quality design but were variable in instruments, content, populations, outcomes and results. Educational technologies showed improved patient knowledge (effect sizes ranging from 0.12 to 1.03). Satisfaction was improved in some studies, but the overall effect was more equivocal--effect sizes ranged (0.05 to 0.40) of benefit for knowledge and from 0 to 0.40 for satisfaction. The trials present preliminary evaluations of the technology in North America, the UK and Australia. There is a trend to improved knowledge and satisfaction. The ways in which the interventions are delivered and the extent of communication with a health professional affect patient responses.

The Importance of Informatics Competencies in Nursing

Over the past two decades, dramatic changes have occurred in the nature and extent of communication and information technology use in nursing worldwide. The need for student nurses to be well prepared for the use and application of information technology in nursing is arguably now paramount. This article details areas where information and communication technology is used in nursing in Australia and discusses why nurses must be diligent in maintaining skills in this area to facilitate the delivery of safe, quality care in any healthcare setting. It will then discuss the importance of information and communication technology (ICT) skills, knowledge and understanding as an integral aspect of nursing programs in tertiary institutions. The challenge for training providers to prepare nurses for ever-changing ICT technology and technological applications in their workplace is highlighted.

Developing Sustainable Language Learning Pathways: An Australian Initiative

This paper reports some key findings from an external evaluation of an innovative programme for foreign and heritage languages in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW). The programme, entitled the Languages Continuity Initiative (LCI), was funded by the NSW Department of Education and Training and involved over 200 schools in its initial 1999–2002 period. The aim of the LCI was to improve student language learning outcomes by promoting continuous sequenced language study pathways from the last two years of primary to the first two years of secondary schooling. This involved the provision of a specified number of hours for languages learning in each of four grades, collaborative languages selection and programming across schools, and development and implementation of action plans by groups of linked schools. The paper focuses on four key factors found in the evaluation to assist and inhibit development of sustainable continuous language study pathways and implications for languages learning. Factors identified in the LCI evaluation include the extent of communication and cooperation among partner schools; establishment and acceptance of a coherent cross-school curriculum; continuing access to, and funding for, qualified, skilled and committed teachers; and in-school support and commitment. The article in turn relates the findings to recent research as revealed in a literature review, and concludes with an examination of the impact of such factors on languages learning outcomes in Australian schools.

Interaction, identity and collocation: What value is a corporate campus?

Corporate campuses have been justified on many grounds, including lower operational costs, greater flexibility, stronger corporate branding and enhanced cross‐functional communication. Despite the tens of millions of dollars spent to acquire and develop them, little research exists that has systematically tested the validity of the benefits attributed to a corporate campus. This paper reports on an initial set of case studies examining one potential benefit of a corporate campus: the nature and extent of communication across organisational units. The results suggest that the amount of cross‐unit communication on a corporate campus may be less than expected. Implications for workplace and collocation strategies are discussed.

Factors predicting communication about the diagnosis of maternal breast cancer to children.

To identify factors influencing mothers' communication with their children about their diagnosis and initial treatment. Cross-sectional cohort. Two breast cancer treatment centres. Thirty-two women with Stage I or Stage II breast cancer with 56 school-aged children. Semistructured interview regarding timing and extent of communication with children from the time that a problem was first identified to initial treatment, and children's reactions. Children were most likely to be told about their mother's illness after the diagnosis had been confirmed by biopsy but a minority were told nothing until after surgery and some nothing at all. The information children received did not necessarily include mention of cancer. Predictors of communication were child age, with older children being told earlier and more information, and maternal education, with children of more highly educated mothers being told less. Child gender was not related to communication. Mothers who are being investigated for breast cancer are likely to benefit from the opportunity to consult a supportive professional about communication with their children during all stages of their diagnosis and treatment, but particularly early on in the investigation when they are more reluctant to initiate discussions with their children. At later points, those with children of varying ages may need specific advice on ways to discuss their illness in relation to children's understanding.

Novel [2]catenane structures introducing communication between transition metal centers via pi...pi interactions.

[2]Catenane systems containing copper(II) and nickel(II) as metal centers have been self-assembled using tetraazamacrocyclic complexes and benzo-24-crown-8 as building blocks. A variety of methods, including X-ray crystallography, ESI mass spectrometry, (13)C and (1)H NMR, and electrochemistry, were applied to characterize these new face-to-face bismacrocyclic systems. Weak pi...pi interactions introduced by interlocking transition metal complexes with benzocrown moieties were shown to increase the communication (cooperativity) of metal centers. Introduction of the benzocrown increases the stability of the mixed valence state of the macrocyclic complex, which is reflected in high values of conproportionation constants. Moreover, this effect was found to be stronger than that obtained by shortening the length of the spacer between the two tetraazamacrocyclic subunits in the parent bismacrocycles. The extent of communication is larger for the nickel catenane than for the copper one.

Qualitative interview study of communication between parents and children about maternal breast cancer.

To examine parents' communication with their children about the diagnosis and initial treatment of breast cancer in the mother. Qualitative interview study within a cross-sectional cohort. Two breast cancer treatment centers. 32 women with stage I or stage II breast cancer with 56 school-aged children. Main outcome measures Semistructured interview regarding timing and extent of communication with children about the diagnosis and initial treatment of the mother's illness, reasons for talking to children or withholding information, and help available and requested from health professionals. Women were most likely to begin talking to their children after their diagnosis had been confirmed by biopsy, but a few waited until after surgery or said nothing at all. Family discussion did not necessarily include mention of cancer. There was considerable consistency in the reasons given for either discussing or not discussing the diagnosis. The most common reason for not communicating was to avoid children's questions, particularly those about death. Although most women had helpful discussion with a physician concerning their illness, few were offered help with talking to their children; many would have liked help, particularly the opportunity for both parents to talk to a health professional with experience in understanding and talking to children. Parents diagnosed with cancer or other serious illnesses should be offered help to think about whether, what, and how to tell their children and about what children can understand, especially as they may well be struggling themselves to come to terms with their illness.

Lack of communication about familial colorectal cancer risk associated with colorectal adenomas (United States).

Sufficient evidence has accumulated to suggest that the first-degree relatives of patients diagnosed with colorectal adenomas before the age of 60 are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. The principal objective of this study was to assess the extent to which channels of communication exist between physicians, patients and their at-risk first-degree relatives regarding both familial risk and screening recommendations. A telephone survey was conducted among 79 patients (age < or = 60 years) with newly diagnosed colorectal adenomas. Information regarding patient demographics, awareness of familial risk, physician recommendations, and extent of communication with family members about their risk status and need for screening was ascertained. Forty-four (56%) of the 79 eligible subjects completed the survey. Only 18 (41%) responders were aware that their first-degree relatives were at increased risk of colorectal cancer, and the majority claimed to have gained their awareness through sources other than their physicians. Only five (28%) of the 18 knowledgeable patients notified their at-risk relatives of their status, and only two (11%) communicated the need for screening. This survey demonstrates poor communication about familial colorectal cancer risk associated with colorectal adenomas, and highlights the need for novel strategies to both promote awareness and facilitate screening of at-risk relatives.

Entomology in the twentieth century.

A number of landmark events in applied entomology are listed together with some insect-related studies that have had a major impact on biology in general. In large part, however, advances in our understanding of insects have depended on technological advances, especially in the second half of the century. The exponential increase in the ease and extent of communication has been critical. Sometimes, as in the field of insect/plant relations, the ideas of a few individuals have been critical with technological advances having a facilitating role. Elsewhere, as in the study of olfaction, major changes in understanding have been directly dependent on new technology. Very brief accounts of the impacts on insect-related science of developments in the fields of radio, radioactivity, immunology, imaging techniques, and chemical analysis are given. Despite the importance of technology, the lovers of their insects continue to have a key role.

The authorship list in science: Junior physicists’ perceptions of who appears and why

A questionnaire probing the distribution of authorship credit was given to postdoctoral associates (“postdocs”) in order to determine their awareness of the professional society’s ethical statement on authorship, the extent of communication with their supervisors about authorship criteria, and the appropriateness of authorship assignments on submitted papers.Results indicate a low awareness of the professional society’s ethical statement and that little communication takes place between postdocs and supervisors about authorship criteria. A substantial amount of authorship credit given to supervisors and other workers is perceived by the postdocs to violate the professional society’s ethical statement.

Managing uncertainty in conversations about treatment preferences: A study of home health care nurses

Inappropriate efforts to manage uncertainty may account for difficulties associated with communication about serious illness. This study tested a series of predictions concerning the relationship between the amount of uncertainty associated with a communicative task and health care providers’ comfort levels when engaging in that task. A mailed survey of 540 home health care nurses confirmed expectations that discussions of future or more serious health problems will create more discomfort than discussions of present or less serious problems, that unstructured conversations produce more discomfort than structured discussions, and that comfort discussing serious illness would be positively associated with extent of communication about patients’ treatment preferences and the likelihood of learning these preferences.

STAYING IN THE CLOSET VERSUS COMING OUT: RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN COMMUNICATION ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND WORK ATTITUDES

The threat of job discrimination causes many gay men and lesbians to keep their sexual orientation secret at work. This study investigates the relationships between extent of communication about sexual orientation and critical work attitudes. We hypothesize that “closeted” gay workers will experience more negative work attitudes than will either “openly” gay or heterosexual workers. The sample consisted of 900 lesbian, gay, and heterosexual workers identified from the mailing list of a civil rights group focused on homosexual rights. The hypothesis is supported for affective organizational commitment, job satisfaction, belief in support of top management, role ambiguity, role conflict, and conflict between work and home issues, but not for continuance commitment. Although causal relationships are not specified, we conclude that work attitude levels of gay and lesbian workers are predicted in part by the amount of communication about their sexual orientation in which these workers engage.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts

Intracranial arachnoid cysts have been found in 0.3% of computed tomography (CT) scans and in 0.1% of brain autopsy specimens, more often in children than in adults. Intracranial arachnoid cysts occur prevalently in males, on the left side, and in the temporal fossa. Their occasional association with other hereditary disorders suggests a genetic factor. The majority of temporal arachnoid cysts are of small size and remain so; large arachnoid cysts appear to exhibit a tendency to grow. Communication studies have suggested an inverse correlation between the size of the cyst and the extent of communication with surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces. The small cysts, in particular, tend to be asymptomatic. Symptomatology may be aspecific, such as headache and epileptic seizures, or focal, including hemiparesis. Progressive symptoms of increased intracranial pressure may be the result of expansion of the cyst, intracystic hemorrhage progressing to subdural hemorrhage (especially with temporal fossa cysts), or obstructive hydrocephalus (associated with cysts at the posterior fossa and intraventricular locations). In children, the presenting symptoms are usually enlargement of the head, seizures, and developmental retardation. In the elderly, arachnoid cysts may present with the symptoms common to normal pressure hydrocephalus. On CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans arachnoid cysts have a fluid content identical to CSF, and they are typically extraaxially located. Temporal fossa arachnoid cysts of medium size may show the typical straight-edged triangular or rectangular shape. Communication studies are recommended in the management of arachnoid cysts at the less frequent locations. Intraaxial cysts containing CSF-like fluid, which are not of the ex vacuo type in our classification, may be arachnoid or neuroepithelial cysts, and histological verification of biopsy specimens, including immunocytochemical studies and electron microscopy, may be required. Indications for treatment are the progression of symptoms, and the presence of severe functional disorders, such as hemiparesis, cranial nerve palsies, and endocrinological dysfunction. In children, enlargement of the head and the space-occupying nature of the cyst, which interferes with brain development, may be considered indications for intervention. As to the less specific symptoms of headache and seizures, surgical treatment appears to achieve amelioration in the majority of patients, although seizures may occasionally remain unchanged or even deteriorate. There is considerable controversy as to the primary intervention of choice: shunting or craniotomy with fenestration or excision of the cyst wall. In the presence of hydrocephalus, shunting should involve both the cyst and the ventricular system, using an interconnected shunt. Follow-up of treated patients may include sequential scans because improvement appears to parallel morphological normalization.

Influences on Human Resource Management Practices in Multinational Corporations

A study of human resource management practices in 249 U.S. affiliates of foreign-based multinational corporations (MNCs) shows that in general affiliate HRM practices closely follow local practices, with differences among specific practices. The degree of similarity of local practices is significantly influenced by the method of founding, dependence on local inputs, the presence of expatriates, and the extent of communication with the parent. In addition, sharp differences are revealed among affiliates of Canadian, Japanese and European MNCs, suggesting strong country effects. Together, these findings support the view of MNCs as composed of differentiated practices, which in turn are shaped by forces for local isomorphism and for internal consistency.

CSF pulsation patterns in occlusive hydrocephalus

Fifteen patients with solid and cystic occlusions of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation pathways were examined with MRI using an ECG retrogated two-dimensional FISP sequence to determine whether there are certain defined pathological CSF flow patterns in these patients. All patients were clinically still compensated. The results of the measurements of CSF flow velocities at different locations in the CSF system were compared with the results from 8 healthy volunteers. In all patients with occlusive processes of the intraventricular CSF pathways (4 aqueduct stenoses, 1 membranous occlusion of the fourth ventricular outlets, 1 solid tumour at the foramen of Monro and 1 solid fourth ventricular tumour) we observed hyperdynamic CSF pulsation above the lesion. This was transmitted into the spinal canal. Close by a solid occlusion within the aqueduct the flow velocity curve over the RR cycle was typically shifted, resulting in a mirroring of the flow velocity curve compared with normals. In cystic lesions (n = 4) there was transmission of the pulsation wave through the lesion and therefore no mirroring of the flow velocity curve. This technique allows very good delineation of cystic structures in the peripineal region (n = 4), also due to the opposite direction of flow within the cyst compared with the surrounding CSF spaces, depending on the extent of communication.

Intercellular calcium signaling via gap junctions in glioma cells.

Calcium signaling in C6 glioma cells in culture was examined with digital fluorescence video microscopy. C6 cells express low levels of the gap junction protein connexin43 and have correspondingly weak gap junctional communication as evidenced by dye coupling (Naus, C. C. G., J. F. Bechberger, S. Caveney, and J. X. Wilson. 1991. Neurosci. Lett. 126:33-36). Transfection of C6 cells with the cDNA encoding connexin43 resulted in clones with increased expression of connexin43 mRNA and protein and increased dye coupling, as well as markedly reduced rates of proliferation (Zhu, D., S. Caveney, G. M. Kidder, and C. C. Naus. 1991. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 88:1883-1887; Naus, C. C. G., D. Zhu, S. Todd, and G. M. Kidder. 1992. Cell Mol. Neurobiol. 12:163-175). Mechanical stimulation of a single cell in a culture of non-transfected C6 cells induced a wave of increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) that showed little or no communication to adjacent cells. By contrast, mechanical stimulation of a single cell in cultures of C6 clones expressing transfected connexin43 cDNA induced a Ca2+ wave that was communicated to multiple surrounding cells, and the extent of communication was proportional to the level of expression of the connexin43 cDNA. These results provide direct evidence that intercellular Ca2+ signaling occurs via gap junctions. Ca2+ signaling through gap junctions may provide a means for the coordinated regulation of cellular function, including cell growth and differentiation.