Integrated Communication Research Articles

Enabling endogenous distributed acoustic sensing in a digital subcarrier coherent transmission system.

To monitor the health of the fiber network and its ambient environment in densely populated access/metro network areas, in this Letter, an endogenous distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) has been proposed and achieved in a coherent digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) system. Rather than specially allocating a sensing probe in general integrated communication and sensing schemes, the fractional Fourier transformed (FrFT) training sequence (TS) designated for time/frequency synchronization in DSCM coherent communications has been repurposed for sensing. While achieving excellent synchronization performance of communication, the FrFT-based TS can also be concurrently utilized to perform distributed vibration sensing. Experimental results demonstrate that the FrFT-based timing/frequency synchronization sequence is repurposed to achieve a DAS sensitivity of 70 p ε/Hz at a spatial resolution of 5 m, along with 100-Gb/s 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) DSCM transmission, without a loss of spectral efficiency.

The impact of greenwashing on sustainability through green supply chain integration: the moderating role of information sharing

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of greenwashing on sustainability through the effects of green supply chain integration, considering the moderating role of information sharing. The research proposes a theoretical model tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) and a multigroup analysis to understand the moderating role of information sharing. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 312 key respondents from Portuguese buying firms that perceived greenwashing practices in their suppliers. Results indicate that greenwashing negatively affects green supply chain integration, while green supply chain integration enhances sustainability performance. This effect is stronger when information-sharing pressure is higher. The study underscores the importance of actively addressing greenwashing to improve green supply chain integration, especially when sustainability is the desired outcome. The research’s novelty lies in its contributions to building sustainable companies through green supply chain integration, trust, and partner communication.

Integrated Communication, Sensing, and Computation Framework for 6G Networks.

In the sixth generation (6G) era, intelligent machine network (IMN) applications, such as intelligent transportation, require collaborative machines with communication, sensing, and computation (CSC) capabilities. This article proposes an integrated communication, sensing, and computation (ICSAC) framework for 6G to achieve the reciprocity among CSC functions to enhance the reliability and latency of communication, accuracy and timeliness of sensing information acquisition, and privacy and security of computing to realize the IMN applications. Specifically, the sensing and communication functions can merge into unified platforms using the same transmit signals, and the acquired real-time sensing information can be exploited as prior information for intelligent algorithms to enhance the performance of communication networks. This is called the computing-empowered integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) reciprocity. Such reciprocity can further improve the performance of distributed computation with the assistance of networked sensing capability, which is named the sensing-empowered integrated communications and computation (ICAC) reciprocity. The above ISAC and ICAC reciprocities can enhance each other iteratively and finally lead to the ICSAC reciprocity. To achieve these reciprocities, we explore the potential enabling technologies for the ICSAC framework. Finally, we present the evaluation results of crucial enabling technologies to show the feasibility of the ICSAC framework.

Effect of Integration Communication on Organizational Performance of Public Universities in Western Region Kenya

Effect of Integration Communication on Organizational Performance of Public Universities in Western Region Kenya

Cooperative Trajectory Planning and Resource Allocation for UAV-Enabled Integrated Sensing and Communication Systems

Cooperative Trajectory Planning and Resource Allocation for UAV-Enabled Integrated Sensing and Communication Systems

Boosting Research for Carbon Neutral on Edge UWB Nodes Integration Communication Localization Technology of IoV

Boosting Research for Carbon Neutral on Edge UWB Nodes Integration Communication Localization Technology of IoV

Consumers’ Trust in Sharing Economy Peer-To-Peer Platforms: A Case Study of Online Food Delivery in Hanoi, Vietnam

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to the influence of trust on consumers’ transactional intention within a P2P sharing platform focusing on consumers who used OFD in Hanoi, Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach: A structured questionnaire is developed in a Google Form and distributed mainly through web-based and telephone-based platforms. In total, 240 valid responses were collected from Hanoi. To ensure the study's reliability and representativeness while minimizing bias, a convenience sampling method is employed, considering the demographic distribution of consumers across different age groups, genders, occupations, income levels, and various online food delivery platforms, income, frequency of consumption, and average expense. Analytical techniques included descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha reliability testing, and multiple regression analysis. Results and discussions: Findings revealed that four of the seven factors examined exerted a significant positive impact on Consumers’ Intention to Transact: "Consumer’s Trust in supplying Peer’s Integrity”, "Consumer's Trust in Products Ability”, "Consumer’s Trust in supplying Peer’s Benevolence”, and "Consumer’s Trust in Platform’s Integrity”. Conversely, while “Consumer’s Trust in supplying Peer’s Ability”, “Consumer’s Trust in Platforms Ability”, and “Consumer’s Trust in Platform’s Benevolence” do influence ‘Customers’ Intention to Transact’, their effect lacks statistical significance. Research Implications: This research sheds light on Vietnam's Sharing Economy, showcasing its transformative impact and governmental support. It focuses on the developing OFD sector, highlighting its rapid growth and significance. By adopting a trust-based research model, the study offers insights into consumer behavior within OFD platforms, contributing to the understanding of trust dynamics. Originality/Value: The research provides a theoretical foundation for understanding trust's role in shaping consumer behavior and transactional intentions, laying the groundwork for empirical research and practical applications. Practically, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers and industry players. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, reliability, and effective communication in building consumer trust.

An AcciMap approach to analyse the Chinese melamine milk scandal

PurposeThe 2008 Chinese melamine milk scandal resulted in six reported fatalities and affected around 300,000 children, of whom 54,000 were hospitalised. Previous studies have used linear approaches to examine the root causes of the melamine milk scandal.Design/methodology/approachIn the present study, we applied a systems approach to the melamine milk scandal to identify the complex systems-level failures across the supply chain leading to the incident and why food fraud incidents such as this occurred in the dairy sector. Additionally, systemic failures associated with food fraud vulnerability factors were considered (i.e. opportunities, motivation and control measures).Findings48 contributory factors of influence were identified and grouped across six sociotechnical levels across the Chinese dairy system, from government to equipment and surroundings. Lack of vertical integration (processes and communication) contributed to the failure. When viewed from a broader perspective, the melamine milk scandal can be linked to a series of human errors and organisational issues associated with government bodies, the dairy supply chain, individual organisations and management decisions and individual actions of staff or processes.Practical implicationsThis approach is of value to policymakers and the industry as it supports public health investigations of food fraud incidents and proactive food safety management.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse a food safety or fraud incident using the AcciMap approach and the food fraud vulnerability assessment (FFVA) technique. AcciMap analysis is applied to both unintentional and intentional aspects of the incident.

Developing a Multiprofessional Mobile App to Enhance Health Habits in Older Adults: User-Centered Approach.

Although comprehensive lifestyle habits are crucial for healthy aging, their adherence tends to decline as individuals grow older. Sustaining a healthy life over time poses a motivational challenge. Some digital tools, such as smartphone apps aimed at promoting healthy habits, have been used to counteract this decline. However, a more profound investigation is necessary into the diverse experiences of users, particularly when it concerns older adults or those who are unfamiliar with information and communications technologies. We aimed to develop a mobile app focused on promoting the health of older adults based on the principles of software engineering and a user-centered design. The project respected all ethical guidelines and involved the participation of older adults at various stages of the development of the app. This study used a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for data collection. The study was conducted in Ribeirão Prêto, São Paulo, Brazil, and involved 20 older adults of both genders who were aged ≥60 years and enrolled in the Physical Education Program for the Elderly at the University of São Paulo. The research unfolded in multiple phases, encompassing the development and refinement of the app with active engagement from the participants. A total of 20 participants used a mobile health app with an average age of 64.8 (SD 2.7) years. Most participants had a high school education, middle-class status, and varying health literacy (mean score 73.55, SD 26.70). Overall, 90% (18/20) of the participants owned smartphones. However, 20% (4/20) of the participants faced installation challenges and 30% (6/20) struggled with web-based searches. The focus groups assessed app usability and satisfaction. Adjustments increased satisfaction scores significantly (Suitability Assessment of Materials: 34.89% to 70.65%; System Usability Scale: 71.23 to 87.14). Participant feedback emphasized font size, navigation, visual feedback, and personalization, and suggestions included health device integration, social interaction, and in-app communication support. This study contributes to the development of health care technologies tailored to the older adult population, considering their specific needs. It is anticipated that the resulting app will serve as a valuable tool for promoting healthy habits and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Study Notion: Edtech Web Application using MERN Stack

One of the pivotal roles of technology in education lies in its capacity to equalize opportunities among students. Technology serves as a potent instrument for revolutionizing learning, fostering stronger connections between educators and students, reimagining learning methods and teamwork, diminishing persistent disparities in equity and accessibility, and tailoring learning experiences to cater to the requirements of every learner. Study Notion is an innovative online learning web application built using the MERN stack. It is designed to offer a comprehensive educational experience for students and educators alike. It provides a user-friendly interface, allowing seamless navigation through its diverse features, including a well-organized course management system that facilitates the creation and delivery of educational content. Study Notion fosters collaboration among users through its integrated communication tools, such as discussion forums and live chat options. The platform caters to individual learning needs by offering personalized learning paths, adaptive technologies, and tailored recommendations. It ensures a robust assessment and feedback mechanism, allowing for various forms of evaluation and timely student performance tracking. Study Notion seamlessly integrates with various third-party tools and services, enhancing its functionality and enriching the overall learning experience for its users. Key Words: edtech, study notion, MERN stack, collaboration, web application.

Leadership and Challenges: A Phenomenological Exploration of Teacher-Principals in the Philippines

This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of school principals who also serve as teachers in Leyte and Southern Leyte, Philippines. Thirty school heads, selected based on experience, marital status, and willingness to participate, provided insights through a Pre-Survey form and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis (Colaizzi's method) revealed challenges in teaching strategies, behavior management, technology integration, and parental communication, while strategic management skills included prioritization, planning, and stress management. Findings have implications for policy development, professional development programs, and curriculum design, benefiting scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. The study highlights the unique experiences of teacher-principals, contributing to scholarly dialogue on educational leadership. Recommendations emphasize ongoing strategic management training, self-assessment, and collaborative input. By exploring innovative teaching strategies and sharing insights, teacher-principals can enhance collective educational knowledge. This study offers valuable perspectives on educational leadership, guiding policies and practices for a more effective and responsive educational system.

The Impact of Ethical Leadership on the Service Delivery at Umhlathuze Local Municipality

This study aimed to investigate the influence of ethical leadership on service delivery within uMhlathuze Local Municipality, Kwa-Zulu Natal. Despite having established codes of conduct for councilors and officials, instances of unethical behavior persist, eroding public trust and diminishing employee motivation. The detrimental impact of leaders' unethical conduct on the overall workforce diligence is noteworthy. Widespread corruption in numerous global government institutions, particularly in regions with lax policies, underscores the urgent need for ethical leadership in fostering good governance. However, scant research has delved into the specific context of Kwa-Zulu Natal, particularly examining the repercussions of ethical leadership on service delivery at uMhlathuze Local Municipality. To collect data, the researcher employed questionnaires, surveying a carefully chosen sample of 80 respondents from a broader population of 100 within the study area. The obtained field data underwent meticulous analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 29, employing statistical tools such as frequency tables and graphs among others. Implications include recommendations for leadership development programs emphasizing ethical principles and strategies to reinforce a culture of integrity and effective communication.

Microglial phagolysosome dysfunction and altered neural communication amplify phenotypic severity in Prader-Willi Syndrome with larger deletion

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic etiology, characterized by paternal deletion of genes located at chromosome 15 in 70% of cases. Two distinct genetic subtypes of PWS deletions are characterized, where type I (PWS T1) carries four extra haploinsufficient genes compared to type II (PWS T2). PWS T1 individuals display more pronounced physiological and cognitive abnormalities than PWS T2, yet the exact neuropathological mechanisms behind these differences remain unclear. Our study employed postmortem hypothalamic tissues from PWS T1 and T2 individuals, conducting transcriptomic analyses and cell-specific protein profiling in white matter, neurons, and glial cells to unravel the cellular and molecular basis of phenotypic severity in PWS sub-genotypes. In PWS T1, key pathways for cell structure, integrity, and neuronal communication are notably diminished, while glymphatic system activity is heightened compared to PWS T2. The microglial defect in PWS T1 appears to stem from gene haploinsufficiency, as global and myeloid-specific Cyfip1 haploinsufficiency in murine models demonstrated. Our findings emphasize microglial phagolysosome dysfunction and altered neural communication as crucial contributors to the severity of PWS T1’s phenotype.

Red–Green–Blue Light Emission from Composition Tunable Semiconductor Micro‐Tripods

AbstractMicro/nanoscale lasers that span the entire visible spectrum, especially those in red, green, and blue colors, are not only essential for a variety of optical devices but also have important applications in visible color communication, multi‐color fluorescence sensing, and wavelength division multiplexing. Despite the great efforts made to achieve multi‐color lasing using a variety of approaches, on‐chip white light emission and even red, green, and blue multi‐color lasers still suffer from considerable challenges in micro‐nano structures. Here, CdSxSe1−x, CdS, and ZnS micro‐tripod structures are successfully prepared using chemical vapor deposition approaches. The micro‐photoluminescence (µ‐PL) spectra and PL‐mapping of these micro‐tripods reveal various emissions at 630, 508, and 460 nm, respectively. Additionally, white‐light emissions based on these composition‐tunable tripods are realized through an end‐coupling structure system. Moreover, room‐temperature modes tunable lasers are observed clearly from three legs of these micro‐tripods, with a low threshold of ≈48.39 µJ cm−2 and a high quality factor of 1227.3. The realization of micro‐tripods‐based lasers may provide an innovative way for highly integrated photonic circuits and communications.

Full-duplex wireless light communication using green laser diodes

The integration of wireless light communication into a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module and gateway enables real-time integrated communication networks that satisfy practical application demands. In particular, wireless green light communication tools can operate underwater and in free-space environments. Here, we design, fabricate, and characterize a full-duplex light communication system using green laser diodes (LDs). Operating within the transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP), full-duplex wireless data transmission is confirmed in underwater and free-space environments at a communication rate of 10 Mbps. Through connections to a Wi-Fi module and gateway, the system is accessed by the network via the TCP/IPv4 internet scheme, and real-time video transmission is demonstrated.

Comparison of Conventional Anesthesia Nurse Education and an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot (ChatGPT) Intervention on Preoperative Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot (ChatGPT-3.5, OpenAI, USA) on preoperative anxiety reduction and patient satisfaction in adult patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. DesignThe study used a single-blind, randomized controlled trial design. MethodsIn this study, 100 adult patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups: 50 in the control group, in which patients received standard preoperative information from anesthesia nurses, and 50 in the intervention group, in which patients interacted with ChatGPT. The primary outcome, preoperative anxiety reduction, was measured using the Japanese State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) self-report questionnaire. The secondary endpoints included participant satisfaction (Q1), comprehension of the treatment process (Q2), and the perception of AI chatbot’s responses as more relevant than those of the nurses (Q3). FindingsOf the 85 participants who completed the study, the STAI scores in the control group remained stable, whereas those in the intervention group decreased. The mixed-effects model showed significant effects of time and group–time interaction on the STAI scores; however, no main group effect was observed. The secondary endpoints revealed mixed results; some patients found that the chatbot’s responses were more relevant, whereas others were dissatisfied or experienced difficulties. ConclusionsThe ChatGPT intervention significantly reduced preoperative anxiety compared with the control group; however, no overall difference in the STAI scores was observed. The mixed secondary endpoint results highlight the need for refining chatbot algorithms and knowledge bases to improve performance and satisfaction. AI chatbots should complement, rather than replace, human healthcare providers. Seamless integration and effective communication among AI chatbots, patients, and healthcare providers are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Transforming health care systems towards high-performance organizations: qualitative study based on learning from COVID-19 pandemic in the Basque Country (Spain)

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is one of the worst health catastrophes of the last century, which caused severe economic, political, and social consequences worldwide. Despite these devastating consequences, lessons learned provide a great opportunity that can drive the reform of health systems to become high-performing, effective, equitable, accessible, and sustainable organisations. This work identifies areas in which changes must be encouraged that will enable health systems to deal effectively with current and future challenges, beyond COVID-19.MethodsA realist design was chosen, based on qualitative data collection techniques, content analysis and triangulation to identify key domains of organizational interventions behind the changes implemented to react to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Basque Country. Twenty key informants were used as an expert source of information. Thematic analysis was done using the Framework Method.ResultsThe analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of 116 codes, which were reviewed and agreed upon by the researchers. Following the process of methodological analysis, these codes were grouped into domains: seven themes and 23 sub-themes. Specifically, the themes are: responsiveness, telehealth, integration, knowledge management, professional roles, digitisation, and organisational communication. The detailed description of each theme and subtheme is presented.ConclusionsThe findings of this work pretend to guide the transformation of health systems into organisations that can improve the health of their populations and provide high quality care. Such a multidimensional and comprehensive reform encompasses both strategic and operational actions in diverse areas and requires a broad and sustained political, technical, and financial commitment.

Integrated Marketing Communication Strategy to Increase Brand Equity of BPJS Kesehatan

BPJS Kesehatan, the implementing body of the JKN Programme, is confronted with the challenge of maintaining program sustainability due to a significant number of inactive participants in the PBPU segment, a situation primarily attributed to the organization’s low brand equity. The primary research objective of this study is to To develop integrated marketing communication strategy to increase BPJS Kesehatan brand equity. The methodelogy used is qualitative and quantitative research. Despite possessing commendable competitive advantages and offering the most affordable healthcare options, BPJS Kesehatan’s struggle stems from deficiencies in marketing communication. Internally, the organization recognizes its potential to build brand equity but acknowledges a gap in marketing communication effectiveness and message coherence. Externally, the PBPU segment exhibits low brand equity, notably in terms of loyalty and awareness towards the JKN program. The identified target demographic for BPJS Kesehatan within the PBPU segment includes individuals aged 18-35, residing in urban and densely populated areas, with an upper-class socioeconomic status. While these individuals generally express trust in BPJS Kesehatan, they lack awareness of the program details. To address these challenges, a recommended strategy involves implementing an Integrated Marketing Communication approach with a specific theme: “ease of health insurance, which is reliable.” Key messages emphasizing affordability, accessibility, quality, value, convenience, technology, and social impact should be conveyed. Utilizing diverse marketing channels such as television, online video, social media campaigns, mobile app optimization, and events can enhance communication effectiveness. Additionally, BPJS Kesehatan should consider developing supplementary benefits to augment services and increase participant loyalty. It is also crucial to empower employees to serve as effective communicators, enhancing their assertive communication skills to bolster the organization’s overall communication strategy.

Codesign of health technology interventions to support best-practice perioperative care and surgical waitlist management

ObjectivesThis project aimed to determine where health technology can support best-practice perioperative care for patients waiting for surgery.MethodsAn exploratory codesign process used personas and journey mapping in three interprofessional workshops...

Tunable properties of graphene loaded waveguide surrounded by magnetic materials

Theoretically analysis has been accomplished for the propagating electromagnetic surface waves (EMSWs) at planar ferrite-graphene-ferrite waveguide structure. The characteristics curves are analyzed for the normalized phase and attenuation phase constant against the operating frequency. The impact of different parameters of ferrite and graphene are observed on the normalize phase and attenuation phase constant. In response to these parameters the structured waveguide exhibits the convenient propagation of electromagnetic surface waves with minimal propagation loss in the terahertz frequency region. The proposed waveguide avails position in nanophotonic devices, terahertz filters, highly integrated terahertz devices and communication systems.