Proactive Dialogue Research Articles

Embracing Peace: Path to Cross-Party Collaboration in US Politics

In light of the pivotal 2024 US elections, this comprehensive study delves into the imperative of cross-party collaboration within American politics. Amidst a backdrop of heightened partisan divisions, this paper argues for a paradigm shift towards a more synergistic political atmosphere that transcends mere party affiliations. It articulates the essentiality of fostering transparency, mutual respect, tolerance, and proactive dialogue as foundational pillars for bridging ideological divides. This study not only accentuates the pivotal roles of accountability and equitable representation in cultivating mutual respect and cooperation across party lines but also spotlights the influential role of the electorate. It posits that a robust civic education is crucial for equipping citizens with the tools necessary to engage thoughtfully and critically in political discourse. By championing these core principles, this paper envisions a trajectory towards a more conciliatory and democratic political landscape, poised to invigorate the democratic spirit as the nation approaches the critical juncture of the 2024 elections. Through a combination of theoretical insights and empirical analysis, this study seeks to ignite a renewed commitment to collaborative governance, essential for the flourishing of democracy and the betterment of society at large.

Target-constrained Bidirectional Planning for Generation of Target-oriented Proactive Dialogue

Target-oriented proactive dialogue systems aim at leading conversations from a dialogue context toward a pre-determined target, such as making recommendations on designated items or introducing new specific topics. To this end, it is critical for such dialogue systems to plan reasonable actions to drive the conversation proactively, and meanwhile, to plan appropriate topics to move the conversation forward to the target topic smoothly. In this work, we mainly focus on effective dialogue planning for target-oriented dialogue generation. Inspired by decision-making theories in cognitive science, we propose a novel target-constrained bidirectional planning (TRIP) approach, which plans an appropriate dialogue path by looking ahead and looking back. By formulating the planning as a generation task, our TRIP bidirectionally generates a dialogue path consisting of a sequence of <action, topic> pairs using two Transformer decoders. They are expected to supervise each other and converge on consistent actions and topics by minimizing the decision gap and contrastive generation of targets. Moreover, we propose a target-constrained decoding algorithm with a bidirectional agreement to better control the planning process. Subsequently, we adopt the planned dialogue paths to guide dialogue generation in a pipeline manner, where we explore two variants: prompt-based generation and plan-controlled generation. Extensive experiments are conducted on two challenging dialogue datasets, which are re-purposed for exploring target-oriented dialogue. Our automatic and human evaluations demonstrate that the proposed methods significantly outperform various baseline models.

Large Language Models and User Trust: Consequence of Self-Referential Learning Loop and the Deskilling of Health Care Professionals.

As the health care industry increasingly embraces large language models (LLMs), understanding the consequence of this integration becomes crucial for maximizing benefits while mitigating potential pitfalls. This paper explores the evolving relationship among clinician trust in LLMs, the transition of data sources from predominantly human-generated to artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, and the subsequent impact on the performance of LLMs and clinician competence. One of the primary concerns identified in this paper is the LLMs' self-referential learning loops, where AI-generated content feeds into the learning algorithms, threatening the diversity of the data pool, potentially entrenching biases, and reducing the efficacy of LLMs. While theoretical at this stage, this feedback loop poses a significant challenge as the integration of LLMs in health care deepens, emphasizing the need for proactive dialogue and strategic measures to ensure the safe and effective use of LLM technology. Another key takeaway from our investigation is the role of user expertise and the necessity for a discerning approach to trusting and validating LLM outputs. The paper highlights how expert users, particularly clinicians, can leverage LLMs to enhance productivity by off-loading routine tasks while maintaining a critical oversight to identify and correct potential inaccuracies in AI-generated content. This balance of trust and skepticism is vital for ensuring that LLMs augment rather than undermine the quality of patient care. We also discuss the risks associated with the deskilling of health care professionals. Frequent reliance on LLMs for critical tasks could result in a decline in health care providers' diagnostic and thinking skills, particularly affecting the training and development of future professionals. The legal and ethical considerations surrounding the deployment of LLMs in health care are also examined. We discuss the medicolegal challenges, including liability in cases of erroneous diagnoses or treatment advice generated by LLMs. The paper references recent legislative efforts, such as The Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023, as crucial steps toward establishing a framework for the ethical and responsible use of AI-based technologies in health care. In conclusion, this paper advocates for a strategic approach to integrating LLMs into health care. By emphasizing the importance of maintaining clinician expertise, fostering critical engagement with LLM outputs, and navigating the legal and ethical landscape, we can ensure that LLMs serve as valuable tools in enhancing patient care and supporting health care professionals. This approach addresses the immediate challenges posed by integrating LLMs and sets a foundation for their maintainable and responsible use in the future.

The integration and implications of artificial intelligence in forensic science.

This commentary explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in forensic science and its potential implications. The applications of AI in forensic disciplines such as medicine, forensic anthropology, digital forensics, and taphonomy have enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of identification processes and the analysis of digital evidence. However, this rapid advancement prompts critical considerations in privacy, data protection, bias and fairness, and the accuracy and reliability of AI systems. The inherent challenges of the "black box" nature of AI algorithms call for transparency and accountability to maintain trust and uphold the integrity of forensic investigations. Ethical use, legal compliance, interdisciplinary collaboration, education, data integrity, standardization, human oversight, and societal impact, along with sustainability are identified as pivotal areas requiring urgent attention. The discussion underscores the need for rigorous scrutiny, standardized operating procedures, and proactive dialogue to ensure the responsible advancement of AI in forensic science.

UK newspapers 'on the warpath': media analysis of general practice remote consulting in 2021.

Following a large-scale, pandemic-driven shift to remote consulting in UK general practice in 2020, 2021 saw a partial return to in-person consultations. This occurred in the context of extreme workload pressures because of backlogs, staff shortages, and task shifting. To study media depictions of remote consultations in UK general practice at a time of system stress. Thematic analysis of national newspaper articles about remote GP consultations from two time periods: 13-26 May 2021, following an NHS England letter, and 14-27 October 2021, following a government-backed directive, both stipulating a return to in-person consulting. Articles were identified through, and retrieved from, LexisNexis. A coding system of themes and narrative devices was developed iteratively to inform data analysis. In total, 25 articles reported on the letter and 75 on the directive. Newspaper coverage of remote consulting was strikingly negative. The right-leaning press in particular praised the return to in-person consultations, depicting remote care as creating access barriers and compromising safety. Two newspapers led national campaigns pressuring the government to require GPs to offer in-person consultations. GPs were quoted as reluctant to return to an 'in-person by default' service (as it would further pressurise a system already close to breaking point). Remote consultations have become associated in the media with poor practice. Some newspapers were actively leading the 'war' on general practice rather than merely reporting on it. Proactive dialogue between practitioners and the media might help minimise polarisation and improve perceptions around general practice.

Dams and territories: ITCOLD’s initiatives to promote proactive dialogue

In Italy there are over 530 large dams mainly for energy production and water supply. At present, the multipurpose use of water resources is strongly influenced by problems related to the aging of dams and the ongoing climate change which affects the water availability. On the other hand, the European energy and climate directives require to preserve the existing hydropower generation and to increase storage capacity to better exploit non-programmable renewable energy sources. These choices require the identification of methods and actions to deal with the complex relationship between the dams and their host territories which represents a critical point on the way to attain the energy and climate goals considering that part of the media and public opinion often have a negative view on the role of dams and reservoirs. These considerations are at the basis of the regional initiatives “Dams and territory” promoted by ITCOLD (Italian Committee on Large Dams) which since 2014 has organized annual workshops whose aim is to promote dialogue between dam owners and interested parties to identify a point of balance between the various interests that sometimes conflict with each other. The paper represents an updating of the work presented during the 10th ICOLD European Club Symposium held in Antalya (Turkey) on October 2016 and synthesizes the results gathered in the 6 workshops held so far. The project could represent a possible point of reference for other countries wishing to undertake similar initiatives.

MENJADI KATOLIK INDONESIA DI TENGAH MAYORITAS (Menurut Ignatius Suharyo)

For Indonesian Catholics who are a minority group the idea of "Being Indonesian Catholics" needs to be explored continuously. As a minority Church often faced with difficult situations and causing fear of the people to be actively involved in life together in society. Using a method of critical reading of the idea of "Becoming an Indonesian Catholic" according to Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo's view, this study find the following points: First, being an Indonesian Catholic mean that the Church is actively involved in reviving the foundation of the Indonesian state, Pancasila in life with the light of Christian faith. Second, Catholics are called not to be afraid to speak out the truth in society, because Catholics are called to be salt and light in the community wherever they are sent. Third, Catholics have always developed a proactive dialogue attitude amidst plurality.

The Role of Trust in Proactive Conversational Assistants

Humans and machines harmoniously collaborating and benefiting from each other is a long lasting dream for researchers in robotics and artificial intelligence. An important feature of efficient and rewarding cooperation is the ability to assume possible problematic situations and act in advance to prevent negative outcomes. This concept of assistance is known under the term proactivity. In this article, we investigate the development and implementation of proactive dialogues for fostering a trustworthy human-computer relationship and providing adequate and timely assistance. Here, we make several contributions. A formalisation of proactive dialogue in conversational assistants is provided. The formalisation forms a framework for integrating proactive dialogue in conversational applications. Additionally, we present a study showing the relations between proactive dialogue actions and several aspects of the perceived trustworthiness of a system as well as effects on the user experience. The results of the experiments provide significant contributions to the line of proactive dialogue research. Particularly, we provide insights on the effects of proactive dialogue on the human-computer trust relationship and dependencies between proactive dialogue and user specific and situational characteristics.

Empowering communities for resolving the environmental crisis in forest and land fires in Riau Province

The issue of the environment is becoming more complex. Regarding industry development, the impact of pollution, waste, infrastructure, and social pollution is getting worse. Especially in Riau Province, known for its disastrous peatland fires in recent years. This paper aims to identify the community development to address the environmental crisis in forest and land fires implemented in Kampung Jawa, Riau Province. This study utilized participatory observation and in-depth interviews with the local community. Secondary data were collected in the form of information on programs from the newspaper clippings and reports. The research discovered that local communities initiated the community development program to change the image of peatlands previously known as the source of haze disaster, which also has economic potential. The community development conducted by the local communities consisted of (i) Masyarakat Peduli Api (MPA)—a community volunteering to deal with disasters and suppress forest fires, (ii) pineapple farm and pineapple product processing, and (iii) peat Arboretum. This study also disclosed that community development carried out proactive dialogue and engagement with stakeholders, including farmers’ communities, local communities, NGOs, and local government.

Discharge Support for a Patient Unaware of her Terminal Stage in a Palliative Care Unit: Identifying the Needs of the Patient Through Proactive Dialogue and Laying the Foundation for Discharge

Discharge Support for a Patient Unaware of her Terminal Stage in a Palliative Care Unit: Identifying the Needs of the Patient Through Proactive Dialogue and Laying the Foundation for Discharge

Feedback: a reflection on the use of Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick’s feedback principles to engage learners

ABSTRACT Feedback is an intrinsic part of the learning process in higher education. Despite the development of teaching and learning strategies underpinning the usefulness of feedback, lecturers continue to feel frustrated when students do not implement the feedback or feed it forward into their studies. There is a disconnect in literature and also in practice between lecturers’ perception of how important feedback is, and students’ perception of what feedback actually means. This paper draws upon the experience of two law clinicians in two very different law clinic settings, reflecting on their use of feedback in clinical legal education and how it has led to a more proactive dialogue on feedback in their large class teaching. The outcome is a recognition of feedback as a form of communication, which builds upon a foundation of good relationships and an atmosphere of trust in our teaching spaces.

Procesos de regulación social y desarrollo del conocimiento en espacios de colaboración en línea

The purpose of this research was to explore two discourse types that students deploy developing online collaborative tasks: cognitive discourse, focuses on knowledge construction, and regulatory discourse, focuses on the control of the collaborative process. A multiple case study was conducted with six groups of undergraduate students, they developed collaborative tasks through asynchronous communication forums among four weeks. The results highlight that regulatory discourse on explicit positive expectations about the academic task, the monitoring of the task contents and the socio-emotional support among the participants promote the presence of an argumentative, deep and proactive dialogue of the thematic contents. A positive effect of the regulatory discourse deployed by students on the knowledge developed by them is concluded.

The Comments Were Clear But You Don't Understand": Supporting Written Feedback With Effective And Proactive Dialogue

The Comments Were Clear But You Don't Understand": Supporting Written Feedback With Effective And Proactive Dialogue

Embracing challenges when co-precepting pharmacy students.

Many residency programs have adopted formal training in clinical preceptorship as an additional opportunity for professional development. However, a balance must be struck between acting as a co-preceptor for pharmacy students and as a learner being precepted by a more experienced practitioner. A commonly utilized method for demonstrating skill in the 4 preceptor roles (direct instruction, modeling, coaching, and facilitating) is to co-precept students during a learning experience with the support of a preceptor or experiential mentor. The transition from learner to teacher can present many challenges. Awareness of some of the more common challenges and a review of hypothetical scenarios may promote proactive dialogue with the experienced preceptor and promote confidence as the resident embarks on a co-precepting assignment. The objective of this article is to present scenarios a resident may encounter when co-precepting students, focusing on professionalism, patient care, providing feedback, planning, and communication, and strategies for addressing potential challenges.

Analysis of the Management Process of Centres for Services for Voluntary Organisations from a Stakeholder Management Perspective

Considering the assumption that the performance of Nonprofit Organisations (NPOs) depends upon stakeholders’ perceptions, in an NPO, strategic management of stakeholders entails not only responding to their requests, but also guiding them in order to align their needs, values and objectives with the mission of the organisation. Given the background on the managerial characteristics that distinguish an NPO and a profit organisation, and the different role of a stakeholder approach in these two kinds of organisations, the paper will discuss the strengthens and weaknesses of a particular type of Italian NPO – Centres for Services for Voluntary Organisations (CSVs) – and will suggest that a proactive dialogue between CSVs and their stakeholders could help these organisations align their stakeholders’ claims to the organizational mission and to better define and develop strategies and activities coherent with the mission. The research was carried out using the action research model (Lewin, 1946) and the findings are based on the analysis of a sample of 61 CSVs throughout Italy.

View from the top: executive perceptions of the value of learning

PurposeThis paper aims to outline important lessons for HR professionals who seek to ensure that investment in learning delivers strategic value to the organization.Design/methodology/approachMaking use of data from semi‐structured interviews, the paper explores the extent to which perceptions of the strategic value of learning held by senior HR professionals are aligned with those of senior operational managers.FindingsThe data indicate what executives expect learning to deliver at an organizational level, the challenges of aligning learning to strategic priorities and the ways in which HR professionals are measuring and reporting on the value of learning. A trend away from “return on investment” approaches to “return on expectation” assessments of the value of learning is identified.Research limitations/implicationsIn addition to the views of senior managers, further research into the value expectations of line managers and other stakeholder groups is now required.Practical implicationsThe article highlights the importance of identifying and communicating the alignment of learning strategy with organizational priorities, the need for proactive dialogue between HR professionals and senior decision makers to develop management trust in the learning value contribution and the development of a balanced range of value measures and assessments that are significant for the organization in its specific context.Originality/valueTraditional measures of training effectiveness have focused on the functional interests of learners and trainers. This research shifts attention to expectations at a strategic level and the consequences of this for measuring and reporting on the value of learning.

The University of Iowa Libraries’ Undergraduate User Needs Assessment

The university community is not a static environment but, rather, one fraught with change and adjustment to change. How do academic libraries within a university setting effectively address the evolving service and resource needs of a diverse patron community? One method that has received increasing attention is the development and implementation of internal instruments specifically designed to assess user satisfaction with services and resources. This study assesses undergraduate resource and service needs, identifies librarywide unmet needs, and gives both library user and librarian an opportunity to engage in proactive dialogue.