scholarly journals Exploring emoji as a viable cultural tool in WhatsApp communications among Malaysian undergraduates

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3D) ◽  
pp. 351-362
Author(s):  
Ahmad Fakrusy Syakirin Ahmad Sabri ◽  
Siti Zanariah Yusoff ◽  
Isyaku Hassan

An emoji is a form of a symbol in communication available on almost all social media platforms. Its convenience brings potential implications for its usage in digital communication. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of emojis in WhatsApp communication and the influence of culture on emoji usage among undergraduates in Malaysia. The study employed a qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight undergraduates of Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Overall, the findings revealed that emojis increase communication efficiency. The participants have positive attitudes towards emoji usage. They describe emojis as viable symbols that help them to maintain social relations and express feelings. Additionally, the findings showed that Malaysian culture influences emoji communication by promoting harmony and relationships as well as instilling high context values in emoji usage. This research concludes that emojis can influence WhatsApp Communication positively if utilized correctly.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000888
Author(s):  
Dane Vishnubala ◽  
Katherine Rose Marino ◽  
Margaret Kathryn Pratten ◽  
Andy Pringle ◽  
Steffan Arthur Griffin ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo explore the services National Health Service (NHS)-based sport and exercise medicine (SEM) clinics can offer, and the barriers to creating and integrating SEM services into the NHS.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were undertaken to collect data from identified ‘stakeholders’. Stakeholders were identified as individuals who had experience and knowledge of the speciality of SEM and the NHS. An inductive thematic analysis approach was taken to analyse the data.ResultsN=15 stakeholder interviews. The management of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries (both acute and chronic) and concussion were highlighted as the two key services that SEM clinics can offer that would most benefit the NHS. MSK ultrasound was also mentioned by all stakeholders as a critical service that SEM clinics should provide. While exercise medicine is an integral part of SEM, SEM clinics should perhaps not have a heavy exercise medicine focus. The key barriers to setting up SEM clinics were stated to be convincing NHS management, conflict with other specialities and a lack of awareness of the speciality.ConclusionThe management of acute MSK injuries and concussion should be the cornerstone of SEM services, ideally with the ability to provide MSK ultrasound. Education of others on the speciality of SEM, confirming consistent ‘unique selling points’ of SEM clinics and promoting how SEM can add value to the NHS is vital. If the successful integration of SEM into the NHS is not widely achieved, we risk the NHS not receiving all the benefits that SEM can provide to the healthcare system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Hasani ◽  
P. Malliaras ◽  
T. Haines ◽  
S. E. Munteanu ◽  
J. White ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although telehealth is becoming more popular for delivery of care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain, to our knowledge telehealth has not been used to manage Achilles tendinopathy. This research aimed to explore the experience of participants and physiotherapists with gym-based exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy monitored via videoconference. Methods A qualitative, interpretive description design was performed using semi-structured interviews (8 participants) and a focus group (7 physiotherapists). Participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about their experiences of the use of telehealth during a gym-based exercise intervention incorporating different calf load parameters for Achilles tendinopathy. We employed an inductive thematic analysis approach to analyse the data. Results Three themes identified from both participants and physiotherapists included i) acceptability of telehealth; ii) enablers to adherence with telehealth; and iii) barriers to adherence with telehealth. Two extra themes arose from participants regarding adherence with gym-based exercise, including enablers to adherence with the exercise intervention, and barriers to adherence with the exercise intervention. Both participants and physiotherapists expressed overall satisfaction and acceptability of telehealth monitoring of gym-based exercise. Conclusion Gym-based exercise intervention for Achilles tendinopathy involving weekly telehealth monitoring was acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists. Potential enablers and barriers were identified that may improve adherence to this type of intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11419
Author(s):  
Muhammad Nawaz Tunio ◽  
Mushtaque Ali Jariko ◽  
Tom Børsen ◽  
Sadia Shaikh ◽  
Tania Mushtaque ◽  
...  

The aim of this study is to explore how entrepreneurship sustains the barriers in the entrepreneurial process in a developing country like Pakistan. To reach these findings, a qualitative approach was used in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with young entrepreneurs in the region of Hyderabad, Pakistan. After collecting data, thematic analysis was conducted. The findings of the study in the form of final themes suggest that trust issues, family barriers, financial issues, gender issues, educational barriers, corruption, and legal barriers are among the challenges which trigger changes in the entrepreneurial process and its sustainability. This study provides implications for the regional government, academic institutes, financial institutes, entrepreneurs, and society at large when developing a support system and promoting a sustainable entrepreneurial environment by minimizing these challenges and suggestions for an entrepreneurial focus on sustainable entrepreneurship.


2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Hübner Freitas ◽  
Carmem Lúcia Colomé Beck ◽  
Viviani Viero ◽  
Marcelo Nunes da Silva Fernandes ◽  
Katiusci Lehnhard Machado

ABSTRACT This study's aim was to identify defensive strategies used by nurses working in the Estratégia Saúde da Família to cope with distress and keep working. This structured descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach was conducted Estratégia Saúde da Família units in a city in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A total of 16 nurses participated. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and thematic analysis was adopted. The results show that the work organization, conditions and relations are essential for the emergence and intensity of defensive strategies used in the workers' routine. By using defensive strategies, workers can minimize damage to their health, however, there is a need to expand collective actions focused on occupational' health, especially among managers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvio Carlo Ripamonti ◽  
Laura Galuppo ◽  
Sara Petrilli ◽  
Angelo Benozzo

The way in which managers perceive their organization's intellectual and social capital has an impact in shaping their choices and how they lead change. The aim of the study was to explore how the managers of a trade union framed the role of its intangible assets in a context of organizational change. A qualitative approach was used; 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the leaders of a trade union and then analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. Particular attention was paid to the metaphors the managers used to narrate change. The hypothesis underlying this approach is that metaphors are a meaningful resource in that they can convey how organization and its intangible assets are framed. In the results, three “root metaphors” are illustrated—the trade union seen either as a system of domination, an organism, or a culture—together with the consequences of each of these images for the perception and value attributed to the trade union's intangible assets. In conclusion, implications for changing management practices and for further research are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cilene Despontin Malvezzi ◽  
Helena Cavaleri Gerhardinger ◽  
Luís Felipe Pereira Santos ◽  
Vanessa Pellegrino Toledo ◽  
Ana Paula Rigon Francischetti Garcia

Aims:  To  understand  how  the  multidisciplinary  team  conceivesadherence  to  the  treatment  of  users  inserted  in  CAPS  AD.  Methodology:  This  is  a descriptive   and   exploratory   study,   using   a   qualitative   approach conducted   with professionals  from  a  mental  health  service  through  semi-structured  interviews  and subsequent thematic analysis. Results: Two categories have emerged - the conception of adherence to treatment which highlighted the link, the recognition of the will to treat on the  part  of  the  person  and  understanding  in  terms  of  abstinence;  and  how  the  team takes  care  of  the  users  and  the  service,  which  emphasized  the  multidisciplinary  work, organization  of  the  work  process,  flexibility  of  schedules,  active  search  for  the  absent persons,  individual  therapeutic  project,  and  attention  to  the  care  needs  of  the  person undergoing treatment. Conclusion: It highlighted the importance of welcoming attitudes to  strengthen  the  bond,  permeating  the  understanding  in  terms  of  adhesion  and influence over the multi-professional teamwork process.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tássia Regine de Morais Alves ◽  
Francisco Arnoldo Nunes de Miranda ◽  
Glauber Weder dos Santos Silva ◽  
Jovanka Bittencourt Leite de Carvalho ◽  
Cecília Nogueira Valença ◽  
...  

Aim:  To  understand  the  importance  and  the  difficulties  faced  by women  when  adhering  to  exclusive  breastfeeding.  Method:  This  is  an exploratory  and descriptive study, using a qualitative approach, in which semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 women. Data treatment occurred by means of the content analysis, in the form of a thematic analysis. Results: Most women revealed knowing the importance and  benefits  of  breastfeeding  for  being  an  important  practice,  since  it  provides  good nourishment   and   aids   the   development   of   the   child.   The   aspects   that   benefit breastfeeding  women  were  made  explicit;  however,  these  were  given  less  focus  when compared to the aspects related to the baby's health. Conclusion: We should point out the  need  to  incorporate  practices  beyond  the  biological  dimension,  to  understand  the characteristics  of  each  woman  and  to  encourage  self-care  as  an  important  issue  for them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Wulandari Santoso

<p class="abstrak"><em>Recent research developments have an increased focus on the complexity and the dynamic nature of language practices. Translanguaging views multilingual speakers as having one integrated language repertoire which they can use strategically to communicate and involve in the process of meaning-making activities. This research aims to investigate attitudes and practices of translanguaging among English department students in the Language Assessment course at Universitas Bunda Mulia, Jakarta. A series of observations and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data to five students. The data was interpreted using a thematic analysis and critically evaluated using the sociocultural theory of mind. This research revealed that the students translanguaged not only for cognitive functions, but also for creative and critical linguistic practices. Positive attitudes were also demonstrated through the students’ active participation in using their full repertoires. Further pedagogical implications in this particular context are also discussed.</em></p><p class="abstrak" align="left"><strong><em><span lang="EN-US"> </span></em></strong></p>


Author(s):  
Nilüfer Kuru ◽  
Michael Ungar

Abstract A social ecological theory of resilience shows that the process of resilience not only depends on an individual child’s personal traits but also on the capacity of the child’s environment to provide the resources required for the child to use these traits to achieve psychological and physical wellbeing in contexts of adversity. The aim of this study is to investigate how refugee mothers influence their children’s developmental outcomes despite exposure to the large number of risk factors they experience living in a refugee camp. Ten Syrian mothers of children aged 5–7-years-old participated in both semi-structured interviews and focus groups conducted while they were living in a refugee camp in Turkey. Using an inductive thematic analysis, findings show that participants found unconventional ways to build their children’s social capital, provide an education and maintain culturally grounded values and beliefs when facing with multiple distal and proximal challenges. These findings highlight the importance of understanding resilience as a psychosocial and interactive process occurring at multiple systemic levels (in this case, child, mother, and camp). Improving the functioning of larger systems may be an efficacious way of creating stable and nurturing environments for children to experience greater resilience.


2020 ◽  
pp. bmjsrh-2019-200497
Author(s):  
Annette Gallimore ◽  
Tasneem Irshad ◽  
Michelle Cooper ◽  
Sharon Cameron

IntroductionEvidence suggests that Pakistani women may experience difficulty accessing postnatal contraceptive (PNC) services. The study aimed to identify experience and decision-making around PNC provision for Pakistani women in Lothian, and to explore the views and experience of maternity staff who provide PNC counselling.MethodsQualitative research including focus groups and 1:1 semi-structured interviews with women and staff. Participants were first- and second-generation Pakistani women with a child/children aged up to 5 years, or pregnant; community and hospital midwives, obstetric doctors who counsel or provide PNC. Data were coded and categorised using QSR NVIVO10. Inductive thematic analysis was carried out.ResultsWomen were receptive to discussion of contraception, including antenatally, and welcomed translated information. Some said the decision on PNC was theirs or made jointly with their husband; however, they acknowledged that in some marriages the husband will take the decision. Women stated they may face family expectation to have a baby early in marriage. Language was identified as a challenge by maternity staff, who utilised translation services to ensure women received the information they needed on contraception.ConclusionsPakistani women value antenatal discussion about PNC. Maternity staff have an important role in providing quality information on contraception and should be supported with translated resources in a range of formats. Most importantly, staff should adopt a tailored approach to identify the individual woman’s needs and preferences.


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