Specific Communication Research Articles

Teaching meteorological lexis on the basis of national language corpora

This work aims to research methods of teaching meteorological vocabulary and metaphors on meteorology using corpora of national languages. The main focus is on how corpus data can be integrated into the learning process to effectively master complex meteorological terms and expressions. The study examines various techniques and approaches to using corpora, including frequency analysis, contextual learning, and comparison with multimedia materials. The method of teaching a foreign language is based on the cognitive principle of teaching. The study of the composition of lexical units is based on the understanding and use of thinking and action means that it must be based. At the present time, the importance and relevance of the method in teaching vocabulary is explained by the assimilation of language as a means of thinking through this method. The success of the implementation of this approach in teaching vocabulary depends on the intellectual ability that students use to understand, remember and use knowledge about the lexical system of the language provided by a set of methods and efforts, as well as their lexical good mastery of the material. Currently, the need to master the skills and abilities of oral language communication for personal and professional purposes is a generally recognized fact. In accordance with the decision of the Bologna Convention, the priority task is to ensure multi-level training of specialists, including the formation of intercultural communicative competence in students, optimizing the effectiveness of contacts in a specific area and communication situation and achieving certain communication purposes.

The communication strategy for the release of the first European Seismic Risk Model and the updated European Seismic Hazard Model

Abstract. To design user-centred and scientifically high-quality outreach products to inform about earthquake-related hazards and the associated risk, a close collaboration between the model developers and communication experts is needed. In this contribution, we present the communication strategy developed to support the public release of the first openly available European Seismic Risk Model and the updated European Seismic Hazard Model. The backbone of the strategy was the communication concept in which the overall vision, communication principles, target audiences (including personas), key messages, and products were defined. To fulfil the end-users' needs, we conducted two user testing surveys: one for the interactive risk map viewer and one for the risk poster with a special emphasis on the European earthquake risk map. To further ensure that the outreach products are not only understandable and attractive for different target groups but also adequate from a scientific point of view, a two-fold feedback mechanism involving experts in the field was implemented. Through a close collaboration with a network of communication specialists from other institutions supporting the release, additional feedback and exchange of knowledge was enabled. Our insights, gained as part of the release process, can support others in developing user-centred products reviewed by experts in the field to inform about hazard and risk models.

Rumors and Conspiracy Theories in Bulgarian Social Media During COVID-19 Pandemic

This study examines the socio-psychological phenomenon of rumors during the global pandemic of 2020-2022, focusing on the case of Bulgaria. Messages from a closed online group (254 participants) with a thematic profile related to traditional remedies were analyzed. Content analysis revealed the most prevalent beliefs about the COVID-19 pandemic, such as “10% of vaccinated individuals will die within 5 years” and “the pandemic is aimed at destroying small businesses,” among others. It is argued that rumors and conspiracy theories thrive during times of social crisis and uncertainty. Moreover, it is highlighted that individuals often tend to hold onto false beliefs even when presented with evidence that contradicts them. The study concludes that four factors play a significant role in maintaining misconceptions: (1) the need to reduce stress, (2) low levels of education, (3) cultural memory and traumatic past experiences that shape present judgments, and (4) the phenomenon of mental schemas, making it harder for individuals to change their established beliefs and opinions. These four factors contribute to people’s resistance to accepting new information that contradicts their familiar mental schemas. By providing accurate information and facilitating open discussions about existing misconceptions, communication specialists can help counter conspiracy theories that undermine the efforts of governments and public institutions.

Mathematical model for the plastic flow and ductile fracture of polycrystalline solids

It is mathematically shown that ductile fracture after finite plastic strain is a necessary consequence of the polycrystalline nature of the materials. A closed–form equation for the plastic strain to fracture of a fine–grained polycrystal with no voids is derived. The mathematical model for the plastic deformation is grounded on the physical hypothesis that adjacent grains slide with a relative velocity proportional to the local shear stress resolved in the plane of the shared grain boundary, when exceeds a finite threshold. Hence plastic flow is governed predominantly by the in–plane shear forces making grain boundaries to slide, and the induced local forces responsible for the continuous grain reshaping are much weaker. The process is shown to produce a monotonic hydrostatic pressure variation with strain that precludes a stationary flow. The hydrostatic pressure dependence on strain has two solutions. One of them leads to superplasticity, the other one is shown to diverge logarithmically at a finite fracture strain and then represents ductile behaviour. Emphasis is done in the mathematical aspects of the deformation of the polycrystal up to the initiation of fracture. Although theoretical predictions agree well with mechanical tests of commercial alloys, technical issues like the effects of the presence and evolution of porosity and other imperfections, or how fracture evolves after initiation are left for a more specific communication.

Особенности проводной связи ГПС по линиям специальной связи

Uninterrupted high-quality communication between the structural fire units is the key to successfully solving problems to ensure the safety of individuals and society from fires. The article discusses the features of wire communication carried out via special communication lines

ENHANCING BUSINESS STUDENTS’ EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AWARENESS

Employability skills have become vital in helping recent graduates distinguish themselves in the competitive job market, transcending disciplinary boundaries. Dissatisfaction with graduates' communication abilities has been a long-standing concern in academia and the workplace. The shift from traditional lecture-based instruction to active learning has prompted changes in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and technical communication courses globally. These changes encompass well-developed professional communication skills, collaborative work practices, effective self-management, and social responsibility. This study addresses the imperative of understanding and addressing the skill prerequisites of the corporate sphere, as employers increasingly seek competencies beyond academic qualifications. The study employs a student-centered approach, allowing students to align these skills with real-world job requirements. The Experiential Learning Theory by Kolb serves as the theoretical foundation for this approach. The results indicate that this teaching method, emphasizing learning by doing, received positive feedback from students. It not only provided insight into the skills required by the labor market but also improved students' awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, students found that this approach prepared them for their future careers. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the importance of equipping students with employability skills through authentic, context-based learning. The findings underscore the need for a shift from teacher-centered practices to more student-centered, collaborative learning environments that foster student autonomy and responsibility. The research closes with limitations and suggestions for further research.

DESIGN THINKING FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DESIGN THINKING TECHNIQUE TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AND TEACHERS OF VARIOUS ACADEMIC FIELDS

Design thinking is a dynamic approach and mindset employed to explore innovative and creative solutions to a wide range of challenges. At its core, design thinking places significant emphasis on the individual, their emotions and needs. Professionals who embrace design thinking actively seek out issues that impact people and offer appropriate solutions that will benefit users. Consequently, design thinking is an ongoing and iterative process, continuously researching and enhancing a product or service to the user’s satisfaction. This study aims to compare how English language and culture in specialized communication students and university teachers of various academic disciplines at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava and the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology at Trnava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia, perceive the application of design thinking in the educational process. Two workshops were conducted to explore the application of design thinking in American literature seminars, with a total of 45 students who took part in the survey. The third workshop focused on enhancing intercultural awareness through online seminars and searching for the most appropriate methods of teaching intercultural communication in the online space. The workshop had a total of 25 students, with 21 participating in the research. A pilot workshop for teachers was organized in May 2023 within the project titled “Support of internal systems for ensuring the quality of higher education at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia”, with 25 university teachers participating (21 of whom took part in the survey). The research results indicate that both students and teachers perceive design thinking as a suitable method for the current educational process. Students identified presentation skills as their biggest challenge, whereas teachers did not face significant issues in this area due to their profession. Conversely, teachers expressed difficulties with digital skills, which were less prevalent among the students. Design thinking offers numerous benefits to students by creating a supportive learning environment. Additionally, for teachers, this method can become a part of their lifelong learning, as innovation relies on their motivation and efforts to teach traditional content differently.

Responsiveness, Social Connection, Hope, and Life Satisfaction in Everyday Social Interaction: An Experience Sampling Study

What are the specific everyday communication experiences—from across people’s social networks—that contribute to well-being? In the present work, we focus on the effects of perceived partner responsiveness in social interactions on various well-being outcomes. We hypothesized that everyday moments of responsiveness indirectly support two key estimates of well-being (hope and life satisfaction) through feelings of social connection. Data were obtained in an experience sampling study collected across ten days (N = 120). Results of dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) showed that responsive interaction predicted increases in hope (but not life satisfaction) through social connection. Results also identified reciprocal within-person links between responsive interaction and social connection throughout the day. These findings underscore the importance of responsive everyday communication for fostering social connection across different types of relationships and for supporting people’s capacity for a hopeful life. We discuss the implications of these results for continued research of responsiveness, hope theory, and well-being from a social interaction lens. On a practical level, the mediation pathway involving hope suggests how small changes in our patterns of everyday social interaction can be consequential to the quality of our lives.

Mobilization, self-expression or argument? A computational method for identifying language styles in political discussion on Twitter

PurposeThis study develops a computational method to investigate the predominant language styles in political discussions on Twitter and their connections with users' online characteristics.Design/methodology/approachThis study gathers a large Twitter dataset comprising political discussions across various topics from general users. It utilizes an unsupervised machine learning algorithm with pre-defined language features to detect language styles in political discussions on Twitter. Furthermore, it employs a multinomial model to explore the relationships between language styles and users' online characteristics.FindingsThrough the analysis of over 700,000 political tweets, this study identifies six language styles: mobilizing, self-expressive, argumentative, narrative, analytic and informational. Furthermore, by investigating the covariation between language styles and users' online characteristics, such as social connections, expressive desires and gender, this study reveals a preference for an informational style and an aversion to an argumentative style in political discussions. It also uncovers gender differences in language styles, with women being more likely to belong to the mobilizing group but less likely to belong to the analytic and informational groups.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into the psychological mechanisms and social statuses of users who adopt particular language styles. It assists political communicators in understanding their audience and tailoring their language to suit specific contexts and communication objectives.Social implicationsThis study reveals gender differences in language styles, suggesting that women may have a heightened desire for social support in political discussions. It highlights that traditional gender disparities in politics might persist in online public spaces.Originality/valueThis study develops a computational methodology by combining cluster analysis with pre-defined linguistic features to categorize language styles. This approach integrates statistical algorithms with communication and linguistic theories, providing researchers with an unsupervised method for analyzing textual data. It focuses on detecting language styles rather than topics or themes in the text, complementing widely used text classification methods such as topic modeling. Additionally, this study explores the associations between language styles and the online characteristics of social media users in a political context.

Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Model for Scheduling Missions and Communications of Multiple Satellites

Satellites have been developed and operated for various purposes. The global satellite market is growing rapidly as the number of satellites and their mission diversity increase. Satellites revolve around the Earth to perform missions and communicate with ground stations repeatedly and sequentially. However, because satellites are orbiting the Earth, there is a limited time window for missions to a specific area and communication with ground stations. Thus, in an environment where multiple satellites and multiple ground stations (MS-MGs) are operated, scheduling missions and communications to maximize the utilization of satellites is a complex problem. For the MS-MG scheduling problem, this study proposes a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to assign time windows for missions and communications with ground stations to individual satellites. The MILP model is based on the concept of a time-space network and includes constraints reflecting on the space mission environment of satellites. The objective function and constraints of the MILP model were validated through numerical experiments based on actual data from Korean satellites.

PVT Analysis and Behavioral Modeling of Doherty and Envelope Tracking RF ULP Power Amplifiers using 65 nm CMOS Technology

This research encompasses both Process-Voltage-Temperature (PVT) considerations and behavioral modeling of two proposed Power Amplifier (PA) designs for wireless communication systems. Process variations, supply voltage changes, and temperature changes provide difficulties for the design and optimization of power amplifiers for wireless communication systems and may have a substantial influence on their effectiveness. PVT analysis and behavioral modeling have been conducted to address the aforementioned challenges and characterize the behavior and performance of the power amplifiers under real-world operating conditions. It investigates the impact of process variations, supply voltage variations, and temperature variations on the performance of the PAs. The insights gained from this analysis contribute to a deeper understanding of the power amplifiers' performance, efficiency, and suitability for specific wireless communication standards, laying the foundation for future advancements in RF power amplifier design. The first design focuses on a Doherty PA (DPA) tailored for low-power short-range applications complying with the IEEE Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) standard. The second design explores an Envelope Tracking (ET) supply bias control for low-power long-range applications conforming to the IEEE Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standard. By examining these factors, the research ensures that the PAs exhibit reliable and optimal performance under real-world operating conditions. The PVT corners show a change in gain of only 0.4 dB for DPA and 0.9 dB for ET PA. Furthermore, behavioral modeling is employed to characterize the power efficiency of the envelope tracking PA, along with the current efficiency and quotient current on the load current scale. These models provide valuable insights into the behavior and performance of the PAs at a higher level of abstraction. The results and findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the PA’s performance, efficiency, and suitability for specific wireless communication standards, laying the foundation for future advancements in RF power amplifier design.

Obținerea informațiilor valoroase în procesul de comunicare

Effective communication about important events in the public sphere can only be achieved if journalists or public relations specialists seek and collect the necessary information needed to produce appropriate communication products. The purpose of this study is to present several ways of working in the complex process of finding the significant elements required in order to achieve specific communication contents. The characteristics of quality information, as well as the requirements to be met by communication specialists, seen as active and insistent professionals, are established.

Image of Higher Education Institutions: Main Components and Determinants

In the modern world, a significant role in the development of the innovative economy of the state is played by the training of highly qualified specialists who can produce new innovations and knowledge and build an efficient growing economy, manifested in the growth of the country’s GDP. The training of such specialists is the responsibility of higher education institutions, which in today’s, mainly Ukrainian, realities are struggling for applicants, which manifests itself in the formation of stakeholders’ perceptions of the university, i.e., the formation of its own image. The image of a higher education institution becomes an intangible resource on par with industrial and intellectual property. Today, higher education institutions are moving away from just teaching students and are becoming research centers in Ukraine and the world, working in the format of teaching, research, and commercialization. The reputation and perception of a higher education institution (HEI) by its stakeholders directly depend on its ability to operate effectively and serve as a link between highly qualified specialists and businesses. This creates competition between universities in shaping their own image. Along with traditional determinants, including rankings, it is now necessary to consider new factors that reflect the digital level of representation and communication of higher education institutions in the internet space. For this study, we selected higher education institutions (HEIs) with the highest positions in the Times Higher Education rankings in Ukraine and the countries of the Visegrad Group. These countries were chosen because of their geographical proximity to Ukraine, shared history and borders, and because they were among the last to become members of the European Union, which Ukraine aspires to join. This approach allows for an objective assessment of the image of Ukrainian higher education institutions in the context of Ukraine’s European integration aspirations. The methodological toolkit of the study was the entropy method of analysing the performance of the selected HEIs according to the Times Higher Education ranking and key indicators of the dynamics and visibility of their websites. The results obtained for the specific weights of the image subindicesindicate a 43% influence of presence on the internet. This study empirically confirms and theoretically proves that digital presence and visibility on the internet are significant factors in forming the image of higher education institutions. This indicates the need to strengthen the digital communications and representation of Ukrainian higher education institutions to improve their image. The research results can be helpful for educational institutions, politicians, and communication specialists who seek to enhance the image of their higher education institutions. The obtained results can be used to develop strategies for improving internet presence and communication practices, which will contribute to a general increase in the rating and prestige of higher education institutions.

Physicians’ attention to patients’ communication cues can improve patient satisfaction with care and perception of physicians’ empathy

The pathway that links good communication skills and better health outcomes is still unclear. However, it is known that the way that physicians and patients communicate with each other has direct consequences on more "proximal outcomes", such as perceptions of physician empathy and patient satisfaction. However, which specific communication skills lead to those patient outcomes is still unknown. In this study, the authors aimed to analyze which specific patient and physician communication skills are correlated to patients' satisfaction with care and patient-perceived physician empathy. The authors classified and quantified verbal and nonverbal communication of second-year internal medicine residents and their patients through video recordings of their consultations. Patients also rated their satisfaction with care and the physician's empathy for them. Using a linear regression model, the authors identified that patients' and physicians' expressions of disapproval, physicians' disruptions, and patients' use of content questions negatively correlated to patients' satisfaction and patient-perceived physician empathy. Conversely, patient affective behaviors and the physician's provision of advice/suggestion were positively correlated to at least one of the patient-measured outcomes. Our findings point to the importance of physicians' attentiveness to patients' communication cues. Training physicians to interpret those cues could help develop more satisfactory and empathic therapeutic relationships.

Managing the learning and cognitive activity of future specialists in foreign language communication

Managing the learning and cognitive activity of future specialists in foreign language communication

Empreendedorismo 50+: Superando barreiras e promovendo um ecossistema empreendedor

ABSTRACT Purpose: This article investigates the main initiatives that contribute to developing a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) aimed at entrepreneurs 50+ (E50+) in Brazil. Originality/value: Entrepreneurs 50+ more present in political, social, and academic debates, and the EE emerge as a dynamic force that shapes the economic performance of regions, companies, and individuals. Entrepreneurs 50+ are active in various ecosystems, which can be formal—such as those composed of universities, governments, private initiatives, or funders—and informal—such as those formed by family, friends, or personal contacts. The lack of a specific representation for senior entrepreneurs in ecosystems has been the subject of discussions in the field of scientific knowledge of entrepreneurship. However, they are still incipient in studies in the area. Design/methodology/approach: This is a qualitative and descriptive research. Data was collected through a Focus Group conducted online with seven experts in 50+ entrepreneurship. The data was then entered into the ATLAS.ti software and analyzed using content analysis. Findings: The suggested initiatives focus on coaching training, access to financial resources, training and specialization courses, support, and communication from public and private entities. The survey results point to the need for greater attention from representative bodies concerning this specific niche, highlighting the importance of developing a set of political, governmental, and private initiatives. From an integrated perspective, there is a need to implement actions that minimize potential barriers and trends related to the growth of unemployment among older adults, whose objective is to promote the inclusion of entrepreneurs 50+ in the EE.

$ H_\infty $ deployment of nonlinear multi-agent systems with Markov switching topologies over a finite-time interval based on T–S fuzzy PDE control

<abstract><p>The deployment of multi-agent systems (MASs) is widely used in the fields of unmanned agricultural machineries, unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligent transportation, etc. To make up for the defect that the existing PDE-based results are overly idealistic in terms of system models and control strategies, we study the PDE-based deployment of clustered nonlinear first-order and second-order MASs over a finite-time interval (FTI). By designing special communication protocols, the collective dynamics of numerous agents are modeled by simple fist-order and second-order PDEs. Two practical factors, external disturbance and Markov switching topology, are considered in this paper to better match actual situations. Besides, T–S fuzzy technology is used to approximate the unknown nonlinearity of MASs. Then, by using boundary control scheme with collocated measurements, two theorems are obtained to ensure the finite-time $ H_\infty $ deployment of first-order and second-order agents, respectively. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.</p></abstract>

THE UTILIZATION OF THE SPIKES PROTOCOL WITHIN RHEUMATOLOGY PRACTICE

Introduction. The beginning of the patient-physician relationship often involves the delivery of bad news. The work of rheumatologists is unique in that they have to form strong relationships with their patients while delivering bad news. Many rheumatology patients stay with their doctors for their entire lives, which makes it essential to create a positive and caring experience for them. This depends on the physician's professional skills, ability to understand the patient, and engage in respectful and understandable communication when discussing complicated information. Currently, no specific recommendations exist for constructing an appropriate approach for every patient, especially in the case of rheumatology patients. This paper will adapt the SPIKES protocol for rheumatology practice. Methods. The literature search was done via MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “Ethics”, “Rheumatology”, “Bad news”, “SPIKES” and “Difficult patient”. These keywords were used in different combinations, using a filter box with an option for the recent 5 years. Firstly, articles’ abstracts were analyzed, and only articles that met inclusion criteria were included. Also, references from the selected articles were analyzed, except for the older publications and those irrelevant to the specific topic. Since there was not enough information for these requests, we tried to narrow the search by combining the names of various (most common) rheumatological diseases and using them along with the main purpose of the search. Then, we focused on the publications that met criteria and analyzed the sources cited in them. The 'Related Citations' function was also used in the search strategy. In the literature review process, we included 10 MEDLINE/PubMed articles, 4 Scopus articles, and 2 Google Scholar articles. Aim. This paper analyzes utilization of the SPIKES protocol in rheumatology practice. Results. Currently, no studies have been conducted on the utilization of these approaches in rheumatology practice. There is insufficient data regarding comparison of the effectiveness of different protocols in enhancing communication between the healthcare provider (physician or nurse) and the patient. Effective communication between physicians and patients can be achieved by following the six-step SPIKES approach, which involves specific communication skills. Conclusion. Delivering bad news requires different approaches, but none of them have been specifically tailored for rheumatic disease patients. These patients have unique behavior patterns due to the nature of their illnesses, which can lead to a decrease in their quality of life, limited activity, and painful symptoms. As a result, they often turn to their doctors in a state of personal and mental suffering. Thus, the SPIKES protocol is a useful tool for rheumatology practice

Taktilni znakovni jezik slepogluvih osoba

Introduction. Deaf-blindness is a dual sensory impairment and adversely affects different areas of a person's functioning. Thus, there is a need for an individualized approach to education and rehabilitation, as well as specific services that facilitate learning, participation, and social inclusion. The study of this phenomenon is accompanied by challenges arising from the lack of consensus on the definition of deaf-blindness, the heterogeneity of the population, and the lack of reliable tests and tools for assessment. Furthermore, the use of traditional procedures that are often based only on the determination of sensory functioning, as well as insufficiently efficient and untested working methods, hinder the development of communication with a person who is deafblind. Objectives. The aim of this paper was to analyze the specific communication methods of people with deaf-blindness and, in particular, to analyze and describe tactile sign language. Methods. The service of the Consortium of Libraries of Serbia for unified acquisition - KOBSON and Google Scholar Advanced Search were used for the search and analysis of relevant studies. Searches were performed using the following services/ aggregators: Ebsco host, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Inter Science. Results. Communication of people with deaf-blindness can occur through a variety of modalities: speech, sign language, finger alphabet/alphabet, manual alphabet/manual alphabet, Lorm's alphabet, palm writing, Tadoma method, written language, Braille, enlarged print, tactile sign language. In recent studies, authors emphasize the need to develop a unique tactile sign language as a natural language of persons who are deafblind from birth.

Self-appraisal of communication skills in phase I medical students – A comprehensive analysis

Background: Effective communication is the cornerstone of quality medical care. Competency-based medical education emphasizes the importance of communication skills training in medical education. Training sessions yield optimal results when participants are cognizant of their specific communication gaps. This study explores the self-appraisal of communication skills among phase one medical students at Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute. Aims and Objectives: The primary objectives of this study are to assess the self-appraisal of communication skills among phase I medical students and to identify specific areas of strength and weakness in various aspects of communication. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study at the institution included all 1st-year medical students. Students self-assessed their communication skills using the quest verbal questionnaire, which examined their aptitude in various aspects of communication such as listening, acceptance, empathy, and conveying clear messages. Statistical analysis was performed to assess and categorize skill levels. Results: Analysis indicated that a significant majority of students (74.74%) identified themselves as having good communication skills, with varying strengths in different aspects of communication. Notably, acceptance was a prominent skill among participants, while sending clear messages appeared to be an area needing improvement. Conclusions: The present study identified the gaps in their listening skills and sending clear messages and based on these results, medical education programs might contemplate the incorporation of hands-on communication skill exercises and early-stage simulations within the curriculum. Attitudes, ethics, and communications sessions on communication skills when planned for students of different phases would be beneficial, for both the facilitators and students, if self-appraisal of students’ skills is done.