Enabling Scalable Multi-channel Communication through Semantic Technologies

With the advance of the Web in the direction Social Media the number of communication possibilities has exponentially increased bringing new challenges and opportunities for companies to build and shape their reputation online as well as to engage and maintain the relationships to their customers. In this paper we describe how semantic technologies enable scalable, effective and efficient on-line communication. We illustrate four different ways in which semantics can be used for this purpose. First, we discuss semantic analysis of communication items based on 'classical' semantic, such as natural language processing. Second, we look at semantics as a channel, viewing Linked Open Data vocabularies not only as terminological assets but as communication channels. Third, semantics provide the methodologies and tools for content modeling by means of ontologies. Finally, semantics through semantic matchmaking enable semi-automatic assignment and distribution of content to channels and vice-versa

Qualitative Study of Factors Contributing to Fertility Service Use Among Cancer Survivors of Reproductive Age in the US

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in the United States; however, there has been a decline in incidence and mortality due to advances in screening and treatment. Currently 16.9 million survivors are thriving within the United States, and the population of cancer survivors has been projected to grow to 22.2 million by 2030. Although cancer survivors report an increased surge of vitality and vigor, they often face physical, mental, psychosocial, or financial challenges that threaten their quality of life. A late treatment effect of particular concern for cancer survivors of reproductive age that has both physical and psychosocial implications is infertility. Current guidelines are in place to ensure that survivors are made aware of how treatment can impact their plans for building a family and pose viable options for preserving their fertility; however, studies indicate under-utilization of fertility preservation among cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to examine how a cancer diagnosis influenced parenthood motivation and family building strategies among individuals of reproductive age. The study identified contributors to access and use of fertility services by using a conceptual model based on Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services, Lea’s model of Age-appropriate Care, and Kilbourne’s Health Services Research Framework to Advance Health Disparities. The conceptual model elucidates factors that impact cancer survivors’ use of fertility services, equitable access to services, and policy actions that assure equitable access to fertility services. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to allow deep exploration of these issues through the review and analysis of survivors’ stories as told through online narratives and in-depth interviews. Study findings showed a cancer diagnosis had not altered an individual’s desire to have children. Although fertility preservation was not always utilized by cancer survivors of reproductive age to conceive or sire a child, most survivors sought out some form of fertility service post treatment. Access and subsequent use of fertility services was grossly dependent on both survivor and provider factors as well as successful clinical encounters between the patient and the provider. These findings have implications for clinical care, public health policy, practice, and research

Social Media Technologies in Policy Communication: A Case Study of Ghana’s Information Services Department

There is an informational gap in demand and supply of real-time policy information confronting Ghana’s Information Services Department. This problem of a gap in demand and supply impacts the productivity of individuals, groups, as well as public and private institutions. The aim of this qualitative case study was to explore how the government could integrate social media technologies in its policy communications to bridge the informational gap. The narrative policy framework provided the theoretical framework for the study. Research questions focused on how the government uses social media technologies in engaging citizens to generate input for policy decision making as well as how they complement the traditional forms of communication in meeting the information needs of citizens. A purposive sampling technique, semi-structured interviews involving 10 participants, reflective field notes, and media monitoring reports provide information regarding government use of social media technologies in policy communication. Data from the interviews were coded and categorized for thematic analysis and constant comparison. Results indicated that the lack of access to policy information informed the choice of channel for communication. Participants also expressed the importance of the role information officers play in policy communication as well as the need to be cognizant of barriers to using social media channels in communicating public policies. The findings from this study may provide data to policymakers on the benefits of integrating social media tools in their engagement with the citizenry, which will bring governance closer to the constituents and make the government more accountable and transparent