General Communication Research Articles

Radiologists and trainees’ perspectives on artificial intelligence

Background and objectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate perspectives held by radiologists on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day work and to identify factors limiting its routine implementation. Materials and methodsSpanish board-certified radiologists and trainees completed an online survey of 21 questions on general information and communications technology (ICT) and AI in radiology. Analysis was carried out for the subgroups of gender, age, and professional experience. Associations with a p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. ResultsA total of 102 radiologists and trainees completed the questionnaire. No se observaron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los grupos de sexo. A significant difference was detected in ICT and AI knowledge between age groups, with participants under 40 and those between 40 and 55 years old demonstrating better ICT knowledge (p < 0.01). The survey results revealed that 77.4% of participants believed that AI represents an opportunity for the radiology profession in the future, while 9.8% believed it would have no impact. Three main practical application areas for AI in radiology were proposed: in screening (23.36%), in image interpretation and reporting (21.17%), and in the requesting of imaging and patient scheduling (14.6%). The biggest concern among the surveyed population was the potential increase in workload. ConclusionsA positive attitude toward AI was observed among Spanish radiologists, with the majority believing that AI could offer opportunities for the radiology profession in the near future. AI training programmes may further improve its acceptance among professionals.

Teaching English to Students with Developmental Disabilities: A Study on A School for Disabilities Students in East Lombok

This study aimed to investigate the teachers’ problems in teaching English to students with developmental disabilities and the factors that cause the problem to arise. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. The subjects of this study were 2 teachers on a school for disabilities students, one teacher was from SMPLB (Sekolah Menengah Pertama Luar Biasa) and one Teacher was from SMALB (Sekolah Menengah Atas Luar Biasa). The data was collected through interviews and observations. The research findings showed that the teachers had problems in teaching English to students with developmental disabilities such as difficulty in find appropriate teaching approach strategies, difficulty in applied sign language, difficulty in explain themselves in English especially orally, and difficulty in managing students. Several factors caused the problems, such as the teachers lack of expertise in teaching English, teachers’ lack skill in classroom management, teachers lack in mastery subject, and teachers lack of skill in general communication with students

Formation of Subject Competencies of Future Philologists by Teaching Spelling through a Model System

The article considers the formation of subject competencies of future philologists by teaching Kazakh spelling in higher educational institutions through a model-based approach. It was believed that the combination of teaching spelling modeling norms at a university with the formation of communicative competencies of a future teacher of the Kazakh language opens the way to the development of professional competence In the course of the experiment, the principles of communicativeness, intelligibility and interest in knowledge, and conscientiousness were taken into account in the organization of work in this direction. It was noted that the ability to organize oral, written assignments and multimedia format projects in the form of paired, group and team work has a special place for future language teachers. First, the students felt the benefits of working together, got along with each other and perfectly understood the techniques of teamwork. They were aware of the system of skills they needed, the mechanisms for learning and teaching them. This created a prerequisite for the conscious assimilation of knowledge. It was taken into account that the correct application of the basic requirements for a future teacher plays an important role in the development of his professional competencies. It was suggested that if the requirements for modeling training are met and the relevant characteristics are identified, the opportunities for the development of professional-cognitive, professional-intellectual, professional-cultural competencies of the student will increase. In addition, when studying the spelling of the Kazakh language, the culture of speech, general communication, their mental abilities and behavior were taken into account. When modeling, it was taken into consideration that the development of a student's thinking is as important as the improvement of his speech skills. The attention was drawn to the fact that modeling training occupies a special role in the development of communicative and cognitive, subject competencies of future professionals.

Low to moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and neurodevelopment in a prospective cohort of early school aged children

Evidence is strong for adverse fetal effects of high level or chronic prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), but many pregnant women continue to drink at lower levels. The ‘Asking Questions about Alcohol in pregnancy’ prospective cohort aimed to determine the neurodevelopmental consequences at 6–8 years of age of low to moderate PAE. 1570 women from seven public antenatal clinics in Melbourne, Australia, provided information on frequency and quantity of alcohol use, and obstetric, lifestyle and socio-environmental confounders at four gestation timepoints. PAE was classified into five trajectories plus controls. At 6–8 years, 802 of 1342 eligible families took part and completed a questionnaire (60%) and 696 children completed neuropsychological assessments (52%). Multiple linear regressions examined mean outcome differences between groups using complete case and multiple imputation models. No meaningful relationships were found between any of the PAE trajectories and general cognition, academic skills, motor functioning, behaviour, social skills, social communication, and executive function. Maternal education most strongly influenced general cognition and academic skills. Parenting behaviours and financial situation were associated with academic skills, behaviour, social skills and/or executive function. The lack of association between PAE and neurodevelopment at 6–8 years may partly be explained by cumulative positive effects of socio-environmental factors.

CC2530-Based Wireless Data Long-Distance Communication Simulation Design and Application

With the rapid development of IoT, low-power wireless networks are becoming more and more important in engineering applications. For different IoT applications, a variety of corresponding low-power wireless technologies are studied and used. Among them, ZigBee technology is widely used for wireless data long-distance communication networks that require low-power consumption, low communication rate and large capacity self-organizing networks. However, the standard ZigBee module is limited by the large noise factor of the receiver and the small radiation power of the transmitter in the module, which cannot meet the requirements of long-distance communication. In this paper, we combine RF and communication technologies to design a long-range, low-power transceiver based on ZigBee technology for wireless data long-range communication simulation design and application. Experimental results show that the model in the urban area of 500[Formula: see text]m range, the system’s packet loss rate is kept at a low 0.03 or so, and the average Rssi is kept above and below [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBm, which can meet the general communication requirements and achieve the expected communication effect. Under the same packet rate, the model combines the improved AODVjr and Cluster_Tree algorithms, and the packet delivery rate can reach 98.5%, which greatly extends the wireless data long-distance communication life.

Making Equity Count: An Initiative for Equitable General Education Assessment

LaGuardia Community College in Queens, New York is known for its leadership in assessment practices aimed at improving teaching and learning. Its practices to improve student outcomes include remedial math and composition pathways reforms and establishing signature general education core competencies and communication abilities. Combined together, such practices have helped double the graduation rate over a decade. Until recently, however, assessment data had not been disaggregated for different student demographics. In this article, we describe how we transformed our traditional means of analyzing outcomes data toward one that utilized an equity-driven index for two cohorts of students across major racial and ethnic populations. We examined the data for representational equity and equitable performance. In a key finding, we discovered our ongoing assessment practices do not reflect our student population on both counts, especially as a designated Hispanic Serving Institution. Further, we found other under- and over-representation of racial populations in our general education assessment samples. We conclude by suggesting further areas of inquiry with equity-based assessment and note ongoing challenges to systematizing this approach.

Human Capital Strategies to Foster Employee Engagement Within Post Pandemic Layoffs

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to highlight productivity and engagement issues being experienced across industries, subsequent to strategic human capital realignment, in response to changes in the business environment. The linkages among employee engagement as related to leadership communication, work-life balance, and professional development are explored as the discussion draws on previous research examining employee’s organizational behavior to leadership response within the midst of exceptional events. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors draw upon 15+ years in general management, communications consultant, and research in organizational behavior. Findings: Research shows that the restoration of trust and a path to creating an organizational culture which invites job engagement through organizational commitment are paramount. The combination of specific strategies coupled with organizational resource management during crises such as rapid and massive layoffs, change, and uncertainty indicates the necessity for tenacity with adaptability facilitated by strategic leadership communication of a shared vision. It will be important for organizational leaders to consider human capital investment strategies that can boost engagement. Practical Implications: Within the context of uncertainty organizational leaders must communicate empathy with employees and examine how much of a role an individual’s perceived career mobility and skill competence plays in strengthening their work engagement. Employees with positive work-life balance can exercise resilience, creativity, and tenacity. As organizations tackle the varying factors related to employee retention and engagement, they should implement strategies that not only retain employees but equip them with the characteristics that define psychological capital within the future of work. Post-pandemic organizational behavioral practices must empower employees to obtain a work lifestyle that allows them to feel in control of their personal and professional trajectories. Originality/value: The current study contributes to the stream of literature on layoff anxiety, productivity issues, and the role leadership communication and human capital strategies play in bolstering employee engagement. Furthermore, the current study highlights the importance of strategic leadership communication as organizations grapple with the challenges of a post layoff exercise, such as, how to increase productivity, engagement, retention, adaptability to the future of work, and profitability for long term growth.

DIGITALIZATION OF INFORMATION ON ARDAN BANDUNG RADIO BROADCASTING

Broadcasting media, namely radio and television, is a form of mass media that is efficient in reaching a very large audience. Therefore broadcast media plays a very important role in communication science in general and mass communication science in particular. The publishing industry in Indonesia shows its rapid development. One of the radio stations is Ardan Radio. This research uses a qualitative approach using the case study method. This research was carried out through an interview process, in this research an interview process was carried out with Muhamad Faisal as producer of Ardan Radio &amp; Broadcaster in 2021 in the Ardan School school bus program. Ardan Radio Bandung has a broadcast format that prioritizes pop music, both local and international. Apart from that, they also present news, updates, and interesting segments such as talk shows, games, and interactions with listeners via telephone or social media. This radio has succeeded in building a strong image among young people and the people of Bandung. Ardan Radio has the tagline "Radio Anak Muda Bandung" which reflects its identity as a radio that presents programs that are liked by the younger generation. With the presence of Ardan Radio, listeners can enjoy their favorite music, get the latest information, and be involved in various activities and events hosted by this radio station. Ardan Radio continues to innovate and adapt to technological developments and listener preferences. They are also active in various social activities and support community events in Bandung.

A roadmap beyond dispensing for educating and training community pharmacists on key mental health competencies: A mixed-methods national study

BackgroundIncluding pharmacists in collaborative mental healthcare models has yielded positive results. Establishing processes to enhance pharmacists' mental health care capabilities is crucial for addressing the increasing burden and improving access to mental health services. ObjectivesThis study evaluated community pharmacists' mental health competencies and analyzed associated factors using a rigorous international framework. Additionally, it sought to identify pharmacists' training needs and support requirements as the first stop in creating a roadmap for enhancing mental healthcare through community pharmacies. MethodsA large-scale national study employing a mixed-methods approach was conducted with community pharmacists in United Arab Emirates. Semi-structured individual interviews and a cross-sectional survey were conducted. Pharmacists' core competencies were assessed using the Core Mental Health Competencies Framework for all Pharmacy Professionals. Generalized linear models were utilized to identify predictors of pharmacists' competency levels. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. ResultsIn total 650 community pharmacists completed the survey (93.7% response rate). Eight pharmacists participated in semi-structured interviews. Nearly two-thirds (63.7%) received general communication skills training, while training in motivational interviewing (44.7%), shared decision-making (37.2%), and mental illness stereotyping/stigma (23.9%) were less common. Pharmacists reported lower perceived competence in their relationship with multidisciplinary teams (M = 3.02, SD = 0.89), stigma recognition (M = 3.02, SD = 1.04), and identifying mental health crises and aiding in the person's safety (M = 3.01, SD = 1.05). Poor communication skills (p < 0.001) and working in pharmacies that do not stock psychotropic medications (p = 0.023) were associated with lower perceived competence. Qualitative analysis identified training needs in various domains, including attitudes, values, and beliefs about mental health; relationships with multidisciplinary teams; communication skills; pharmaceutical knowledge; and personal and service development. ConclusionsMental health-related training is needed for community pharmacists. Addressing these needs through an intentional roadmap approach will enable pharmacists to better engage with patients with mental illness and increase access to care.

Using Unannounced Standardized Patients to Assess Clinician Telehealth and Communication Skills at an Urban Student Health Center

PurposeAs the COVID-19 pandemic forced most colleges and universities to go online, student health centers rapidly shifted to telehealth platforms without frameworks for virtual care provision. An urban student health center implemented a needs assessment involving unannounced standardized patients (USPs) to evaluate the integration of a new telehealth workflow and clinicians' virtual communication skills. MethodsFrom April to May 2021, USPs conducted two video visits with 12 primary care and four women's health clinicians (N = 16 clinicians; 32 visits). Cases included (1) a 21-year-old female presenting for birth control with a positive Patient Health Questionaire-9 and (2) a 21-year-old male, who vapes regularly, with questions regarding safe sex with men. Clinicians were evaluated using a checklist completed by the USP immediately following the visit and a systematic chart review of the electronic health record. ResultsUSP feedback indicates most clinicians received high ratings for general communication skills but may benefit from educational intervention in several key telemedicine skills. Clinicians struggled with using nonverbal signals to enrich communication (47% well done), acknowledging emotions (34% well done), and using video for information gathering (34% well done). Low rates of standard screenings (e.g., 63% administered the PHQ-2, <50% asked about alcohol use) suggested protocols for in-person care were not easily incorporated into telehealth practices, and clinicians may benefit from enhanced care team support. Performance reports were shared with clinicians and leadership postvisit. DiscussionResults suggest project design and implementation is scalable and feasible for use at other institutions, offering a structured methodology that can improve general student health care.

The BENEFITS OF LITERATURE IN DEVELOPING TALENT AND SELF-CONFIDENCE FOR ENGLISH CLUB EXTRACULLICULAR STUDENTS IN HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

This study investigates the benefits of literature on the talent development and self-confidence of high school students participating in extracurricular English Club. Literature, derived from the Sanskrit word 'shastra', serves as a guide and source of information and includes various forms such as drama, poetry, tales, and speeches. Recognizing the importance of literature in developing talents and self-confidence, this study examines the role of extracurricular English Club in creating a supportive environment for students. Extracurricular activities, including English Club, play an important role in the character and academic development of young people. In response to the growing importance of English proficiency, some educational institutions have introduced English extracurricular programs to showcase students' potential and interests. This study, conducted at MAN 1 Kota Malang, East Java, used a descriptive qualitative approach to assess the impact of English clubs on students' literacy skills, self-confidence and talent development. The results showed that the English club at MAN 1 Kota Malang focuses on improving students' English skills, especially speaking. Through speaking, poetry, storytelling and drama exercises, students develop their imagination, analytical ability and general communication skills. Literature-oriented exercises help students overcome shyness, fear of making mistakes, and anxiety, and improve self-esteem. The study concludes that incorporating literature into extracurricular activities not only improves language skills, but also contributes to the development of talent and self-confidence, which are crucial for future success.

Linguistic Variations in Urdu Lexicon in Everyday Communication: A Case Study of the Last Decade of the Modern Century

The study discusses the variation in general (everyday) communication found in the Urdu lexicon in the previous 10 years. The research is qualitative, based on random interviews collected from Urdu speakers belonging to District Sanghar and Karachi from Sindh; and Lahore from Punjab. The study is based on the data provided by the interviewed participants who have rich experience and proficiency in Urdu. The article aims to find the changes in the lexicon of Urdu that include modifications in Urdu vocabulary by borrowing words and code-mix in communication. It discusses the causes of variations (technology, migration, and language imperialism) in detail and determines the status of language after these changes. It highlights the words used in Urdu speech whose equivalent alternatives are present in Urdu and those words that have died due to a lack of use of those words. It determines the impact of geography, modernization, globalization, and cultural coherence on language. It studies the changes in words used to call family members and friends and the changes in speech for communication between friends and family.

Определение коэффициента билингвизма будущих учителей-предметников методом ассоциативного эксперимента

The paper describes the essence of the phenomenon of bilingualism, types of bilingualism, approaches to its quantitative assessment, as well as the results of an associative experiment aimed at determining the level of bilingualism of future teachers studying at Kazan Federal University on a bilingual basis using Russian and Tatar languages. The experiment involved 40 students – future mathematics teachers in the 2nd and 3rd years of study. The scientific novelty of the research lies in determining that the level of the academic component of bilingual communicative competence among future bilingual teachers is higher than the level of their general communicative competence. As a result, it was found that at this stage of the implementation of the multilingual education model at Kazan Federal University, most future subject teachers have formed the coordinate and the compound type of Tatar-Russian bilingualism both in the field of general communication and academic language in the sphere of mathematics on the topic “Function”.

The Serbian Sign Language Alphabet: A Unique Authentic Dataset of Letter Sign Gestures

Language barriers and the communication difficulties of individuals with developmental disabilities are two major causes of communication problems that societies worldwide encounter. A particularly challenging group is hearing-impaired people who have difficulties with communication, reading, writing, learning, and social interactions, which have a substantial impact on their quality of life. This article focuses on detailing a Serbian Sign Language alphabet database and the method for creating it in order to provide a foundation for answering the various societal challenges of persons who use the Serbian language. In front of a computer camera, 41 people performed Serbian Sign Language sign movements that replicated the Serbian alphabet for this study’s aims. Hand and body key points were identified using the recorded video clips, and the numerical values of the identified key points were then stored in a database for further processing. In total, 8.346 video clips of people making recognized hand gestures were gathered, processed, classed, and archived. This paper provides a thorough technique that may be applied to comparable tasks and details the process of constructing a dataset based on Serbian Sign Language alphabet signs. This dataset was created using custom-made Python 3.11 software. Data regarding dynamic video clips that capture entire subject movement were incorporated into this dataset to fill in the gaps in other similar efforts based on static photographs. Thus, the purpose of this investigation is to employ innovative technology to support the community of hearing-impaired people in areas such as general inclusion, education, communication, and empowerment.

Best Practices for Communicating a Diagnosis of Dementia: Results of a Multi-Stakeholder Modified Delphi Consensus Process.

Many individuals with dementia and their families report not receiving a dementia diagnosis. Previously published standards for delivering a dementia diagnosis are now more than 10 years old and were developed without patient and caregiver input. The objective of this study was to identify best practices for delivering a diagnosis of dementia using existing literature, involvement of diverse stakeholders, and consensus building through a formal modified Delphi approach. We convened a multi-stakeholder working group including a patient, caregivers, Alzheimer's Association staff, and clinicians from diverse backgrounds. The panel used the American Academy of Neurology process for recommendation development, consisting of a half-day workshop and 3 rounds of anonymous modified Delphi voting to achieve consensus. The working group convened from May 2022 through January 2023. The group chose to focus statements on a limited number of best practices that can be applied across clinic types. Seven best practice statements achieved consensus after a maximum of 3 rounds of voting. These included the following: (1) Clinicians must show compassion and empathy when delivering a diagnosis of dementia (level A). During dementia diagnosis disclosure, clinicians should (2) ask regarding diagnosis preferences, (3) instill realistic hope, (4) provide practical strategies, (5) provide education and connections to high-quality resources, (6) connect caregivers to support resources, and (7) provide written summaries of the diagnoses, plan, and relevant resources (each level B). Clinicians need to customize discussion of a dementia diagnosis for individual patients and their caregivers. These 7 best practices provide a diagnosis communication framework that can be implemented across varied clinical settings. Additional strategies, such as using optimal general communication approaches, are also important for dementia diagnosis discussions. Thoughtful application of these best practices is particularly important when caring for individuals from underrepresented communities. Further improving communication regarding dementia diagnoses will require health system changes (e.g., for sufficient time), improved access to specialty dementia care, and clinician training for delivering difficult diagnoses. More research is needed to identify culturally sensitive approaches to discussing dementia diagnoses.

Enacting communication cycles after prediabetes: Mothers’ stories of diabetes risk and seeking support

Background: Diabetes is a family systems experience of multiple intergenerational relationships. Communicating about diabetes as a familial risk helps individuals perceive greater control over preventing diabetes. Aim: The present study investigates how mothers disclose their prediabetes to their family and the precipitating family communication, with the goal to interrupt the multigenerational legacy of diabetes. Method: Data were collected from a Family Medicine outpatient clinic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to illicit information about mother-child communication about diabetes. Sort and Sift, Think and Shift analysis provided rich descriptions of mothers’ experiences. Results: The sample consisted of 9 women with prediabetes, aged 42-70, who had at least one child. Eight participants described at least 2 generations of family members with a diabetes-related diagnosis (prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and gestational diabetes). First, we present two contextual factors that preexisted the prediabetes diagnosis, which influenced the disclosure decision: general health communication approach and personal evaluation of diabetes. Second, we present the communication cycles that supported self-management. Discussion: Continual communication cycles with family and clinicians can support mothers with prediabetes to enact self-management behaviors and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Mothers need family members to respond favorably to complete a positive communication cycle that can generate continuous emotional, social, and instrumental support.

General studies, information and communication technology and contemporary mission in Africa

This study examines the relationship between general studies, information and communication technology (ICT), and contemporary evangelism in Nigeria. Information and communication technology (is defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to transmit, store, create, share or exchange information. These technological tools and resources include computers, the Internet (websites, blogs and emails), live broadcasting technologies (radio, television and webcasting), recorded broadcasting technologies (podcasting, audio and video players, and storage devices) and telephony (fixed or mobile, satellite, visio/video conferencing, etc.). Contemporary evangelism and mission in Africa is a radical approach embarked upon by agents of modern religious thoughts and practices to expand the horizons of the mission of religion to mankind in the present dispensation through general studies (GS) and ICT programmes. Through the medium of ICT, Christian evangelism has received a boost in television, radio broadcasts, computers, and the Internet across cities and nations. This work is an attempt to examine the methods adopted by early missionaries in evangelising Africa vis-à-vis the modern techniques of GS and ICT, the challenges of mission, the concept of ICT and its various forms such as phones, television, radio, computers, and the Internet, and their relevance to mission. This work therefore adopted historical, missiological, and phenomenological approaches in the analysis of data.Contribution: This work discovers that radical development in communication across the globe has influenced and affected Christian methods and practices of carrying out ‘the mission of religion’ and its evangelical perspective, among others.

Problematic Aspects of the Communicative Component of Legal Proceedings

Today, the attention of lawyers is focused more on the issues of digitalization of legal proceedings in general and judicial communication based on the speech activity of participants in the process. The problems of legal proceedings as an independent type of social communication remain in the shadows. Since the testimony of participants in the proceedings is the most common evidence, law enforcement officers need up-to-date information about the specifics of their formation and receipt. Research conducted by psychological scientists in different countries of the world currently calls into question the possibility of using even bona fide participants in the process in evidence without additional verification of the testimony. Law enforcement officers are objectively unable to distinguish false memories from those related to events that actually took place. When checking the information provided by the participants in the proceedings, special knowledge from the field of linguistics, psychology, psychophysiology and related fields should be used. At the same time, the identification by expert means of signs of the participant’s awareness of a legally significant event or distortion of the information reported by him must be distinguished from the procedural evaluation of evidence.

Semi-Global Bipartite Fault-Tolerant Containment Control for Heterogeneous Multiagent Systems With Antagonistic Communication Networks and Input Saturation.

Semi-global bipartite fault-tolerant containment control framework on antagonistic communication networks is proposed in this article for heterogeneous multiagent systems (MASs) under the influence of input saturation and actuator faults. An observer is constructed to estimate the leaders' states on signed digraph, where the communication networks are antagonistic. A fully distributed virtual control approach is developed to acquire the containment trajectory. Based on the observer, a semi-global containment control method is developed to compensate for the detrimental impacts of both input saturation and actuator faults. Besides, the dynamics and state-space dimensions of the agents can be different. The proposed framework overcomes two drawbacks of the conventional containment control: 1) the containment trajectory is obtained under general antagonistic communication networks, which is more general in engineering applications and 2) both actuator faults and input saturation are solved for heterogeneous agents, which relaxes the limitation of homogeneous dynamics. Finally, a simulation example is conducted to test and verify the feasibility of the proposed method framework.

Exploring the value of structured narrative feedback within the Serious Illness Conversation-Evaluation Exercise (SIC-Ex): a qualitative analysis

ObjectivesThe Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) has emerged as a framework for conversations with patients with a serious illness diagnosis. This study reports on narratives generated from open-ended questions of...