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Copyright of Observatorio (OBS*) is the property of OberCom and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mobile instant messaging services such as WhatsApp have become increasingly relevant among citizens in recent years. By a quantitative approach based on a survey (n=1,202), our objective is to find out why citizens use WhatsApp and, to be more specific, why they use the WhatsApp service offered by the city council of the municipality of residence where they live. The results show how age, gender, and the respondents' educational level are related to the different uses they make of WhatsApp, especially concerning actions related to participation. Second, the local government WhatsApp service still has an intermediate penetration among citizens, so there is much room for improvement. Finally, the data reveals that age and gender determine the uses of the City Council WhatsApp service. These findings provide interesting data for local governments to improve the relationship with citizens through this mobile communication tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garissa county, Kenya is a geographically large county with a mobile pastoralist population that has developed a method for emergency medical services (EMS) coordination using the WhatsApp communication platform. This work was based on a site visit, to better understand and describe the current operations, strengths, and weaknesses of the EMS communication system in Garissa. The use of WhatsApp in Garissa county seems to work well in the local context and has the potential to serve as a cost-effective solution for other EMS systems in Kenya, Africa, and other LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunization is a way to increase a person's immunity, to prevent exposure to Preventable Diseases by Vaccine. There are two types of immunizations that are given when a baby is born: basic and optional. Basic immunization is given when the child is 0-24 months old. Optional immunizations are immunizations that are not included in government immunization programs but are important for infants in Indonesia since Indonesia has several endemics. Currently, immunizations that have been carried out in Indonesia are still experiencing some obstacles. Where the parents of the baby still lack knowledge about basic and optional immunizations. In addition, parents still lack information about the right time to immunize their child. This research aims to develop a reminder system for parents through two approaches: a reminder system and a chatbot to give information related immunization. The reminder system is web-based and uses WhatsApp gateway to provide reminders to parents. The creation of this system starts from extracting knowledge about immunization supplied by Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) which modeled into rules. Then, an immunization reminder schedule will be given through WhatsApp app to the parents at the right time (can be set 1-2 days before) based on these rules. Testing on the system is carried out using four test cases and validated by a pediatrician. The system can help parents remember immunization schedules through WhatsApp and can find out information about the immunizations through chatbot with Telegram app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissemination of misinformation on social media platforms is faster than the spread of Corona Virus Diseases (COVID-19), and it can have severe negative effects on health in the midst of a catastrophe such as COVID-19. Consequently, this study examined the dissemination of misinformation on Facebook and WhatsApp from the perspectives of general misinformation belief, conspiracy belief, religious misinformation belief, and credibility evaluations' impact on COVID-19 individual responses. A total of 281 samples were collected, and the Software Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the collected data. The findings have practical implications for the public, so they will be wary of misinformation, particularly regarding the authority of a country or region, and take appropriate security measures against catastrophic misinformation in order to safeguard the public health from exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot complications of patients with diabetes could lead to amputations and early death. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are usually difficult to treat and impose huge financial burden. Monitoring wound progress is the mainstay of any treatment and alternatives to face-to-face consultations such as tele-medicine have been proposed. Very few papers explored the utility and effectiveness of monitoring DFU through instant messaging application such as WhatsApp. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity of WhatsApp in monitoring diabetic wounds treated with negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). Twenty-two patients were prospectively recruited. All patients had an initial face-to-face consultation and debridement. Dressings were changed twice per week at patient's residence and media files were sent by the wound nurse via Short Message Service (SMS). A subsequent face to face consultation was scheduled whenever a complication was suspected. The primary outcomes were the percentages of accurate cases a) where a new or recurrent infection was suspected, and a b) where a debridement was thought to be needed. Complete healing of the defect using NPWT was achieved in 10 patients and a skin graft procedure was needed in another 4 patients. Five patients needed further surgical debridement. Failure to heal was observed in 3 patients. Out of the seven cases where a new infection was suspected, five (71.5%) were confirmed on face-to-face consultation. No confirmed cases of infection were observed during follow-up for those estimated as clean. Out of the 11 cases where debridement was favored based on WhatsApp media files, confirmation of a needed debridement was recorded in 8 (73%) cases. NPWT monitoring of for diabetic foot and leg ulcers using WhatsApp application was found to be an excellent method to document and track the wound process and complications. The excellent specificity and high sensibility should encourage for common use by healthcare. The results of this study could be also valuable for patients living in rural areas and in case of future pandemics. • WhatsApp for monitoring diabetic wounds has not been evaluated previously. • Twenty-two patients (196 sets of media files) were prospectively recruited. • Sensitivity and specificity of suspected infection were 71.5% and 100%. • Out of the 11 cases where debridement was thought as needed, 8 (73%) were confirmed. • Whatsapp is an excellent method for remote monitoring of diabetic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the awareness and use of Web 2.0 tools by students at BA ISAGO University, Botswana. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the targeted respondents. The results revealed that students are quite familiar with most Web 2.0 tools, such as Facebook, Twitter, media sharing tools, Google Drive, and instant messaging. Even though students are very familiar with and aware of the identified tools, the study found that most students hardly used them. Some of the reasons given by the students include inadequate numbers of computers available to be used by the students in the computer laboratories and limited access to Internet services as well as power failures. Based on these findings, the study recommended integrating a large part of using Web 2.0 tools in the curricula and improving the university infrastructures to facilitate higher uptake and improvement in student skills and the drive to use the tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of virtual teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, a gap emerged between students and teachers due to social distancing measures. This gap hindered the flow of information about the teaching-learning process, making it difficult for authorities to make informed decisions to improve student satisfaction and teaching performance. In this context, the widespread use of mobile applications, through which students express their opinions on the conditions of their learning sessions, is significant. In this sense, the objective of this paper is to apply voice analytics to identify the factors that contribute to the lowest level of student satisfaction in teacher performance using WhatsApp audio messaging. The study has a quantitative approach, an exploratory-descriptive level, and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 33 students. It was determined that the factor with the lowest level of satisfaction is the dimension "class session administration," with a percentage of 57.58%, which is significantly lower than the satisfaction levels of the other factors analyzed, which are above 90%. Therefore, it is concluded that in addition to using rubrics to evaluate teacher performance in adhering to lesson plans and class sessions, the authorities should also implement regulations that support the use of voice analytics through mobile applications like WhatsApp. This will provide insights from students, who are direct participants in the teaching process, regarding their perception of teaching performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited literature exists in India on WhatsApp use for health communication among frontline health workers like Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM). We conducted this study to assess the adoption of WhatsApp among ANMs and identify factors influencing its adoption. In addition, the study explored the perceptions of ANMs on WhatsApp use for sharing health information. We employed a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. We surveyed 259 ANMs, followed by in-depth interviews with 19 purposively sampled ANMs. We conducted multinomial logistic regression to identify factors associated with WhatsApp adoption and employed thematic analysis to analyze interviews. 257 ANMs responded to the survey questionnaire, of which 18.3%, 48.2%, and 33.5% had low, mid, and high levels of WhatsApp adoption, respectively. Education (AOR = 2.87 [95% CI = 1.20–6.85]), motivation (AOR = 6.31 [95% CI = 1.43–27.80]), and technical awareness (AOR = 2.91 [95% CI = 1.11–7.62]) were significantly associated with WhatsApp adoption. Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in six themes describing perceptions and experiences of ANMs on WhatsApp use. They are: (i) a way of instant communication, (ii) provision for multimedia messaging, (iii) a quick fix tool for queries and concerns, (iv) make attendance and reporting easy (v) a way of reaching higher officials, and (vi) a cost-saving mechanism. WhatsApp facilitated ANMs' communication and service delivery at the grassroots level. Measures to improve motivation, technical awareness, and digital education will likely improve WhatsApp adoption among health workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift to online learning during COVID-19 has uncovered the existing internet access inequality in the world. Shifting an interactive team-based learning (TBL) session to online is even more challenging since it necessitates interactions and feedback. Choosing the proper digital platforms for online TBL is critical to ensure achieving the intended benefits of TBL. A face-to-face TBL course was transformed fully to online. The basic TBL elements, i.e., pre-reading materials, iRAT, tRAT, and the tAPPS, remained the same in online TBL. Platforms that use less internet bandwidth and are familiar to students were used such as Google meet, WhatsApp, and Google Chat. An online questionnaire was disseminated to all students at the end of the semester to get their feedback. Sixty-six students responded to the questionnaire (54% response rate). The majority of the students (85%) perceived the online TBL positively and reported good interaction and engagement without any major technical issues. They reported that the application exercises and the online discussion through WhatsApp and the use of emoji have helped them to interact and comprehend the topics. Therefore, the use of technologies that operate at low internet bandwidth is an option to provide an equitable access to active learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to determine if the use of blended learning (combining face-to-face instruction and mobile-assisted language learning using WhatsApp) contributed to the vocabulary learning and autonomy of Iranian English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, compared to the traditional method. To assess their English skills, the Preliminary English Test (PET) was given to 80 homogenous intermediate learners at the beginning of the study. The study's intended participants were 50 EFL learners whose scores were within the intermediate competency level. Then, the participants were divided randomly between experimental and control groups. One-way between-groups analysis of covariance was run. Findings from post-test scores indicated a statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. Another one-way between-groups analysis of covariance was performed to assess the impact of two distinct blended learning versus traditional teaching treatments on EFL learners' autonomy. In the post-test results, a significant difference between the control and experimental groups' performance was observed. This study provided insights into how technology may be applied to teach language components and skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comunicação, Mídia e Consumo is the property of Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Comunicação, Mídia e Consumo is the property of Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In today's digital age, emojis have come to compensate for the nonverbal cues that speakers use to communicate their attitudes or emotions as they speak, and hence become an essential element of online communication. In the realm of WhatsApp, where written conversations with an immediacy level close to that of spoken are supported, an ironic or sarcastic message is likely to be misunderstood, as it involves decrypting a meaning that often contradicts what is said. The functions of emojis could facilitate the correct interpretation of a message. However, the phenomenon of emojis may not be ideal for visually impaired WhatsApp users. Distinguishing sarcasm from the sincerity tone of a message requires distinct semantic and cognitive processes. This study aims to uncover how visually impaired users (VIU) use emojis on WhatsApp to clarify sarcastic versus literal intent. To meet this aim, two experimental tasks were conducted. Results provide clear evidence that emojis are necessary tools for VIU in online communication. However, their use varies with emojis linked more to literal WhatsApp messages than sarcastic ones and in praise situations than in criticism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to reveal the strengths and limitations of the WhatsApp application as a support service in distance education, conducted through a learning management system during the Covid-19 pandemic, and make suggestions on improving its use in this capacity. Despite the lack of readiness on the part of the students and the lack of sufficient knowledge regarding distance education during the pandemic, many universities had to revert to emergency remote teaching. This situation necessitated the intensive use of various support services for the students to get the most out of their emergency remote teaching However, their lack of experience with distance education prevented them from using the support services offered by learning management systems. Due to the increasingly widespread use of mobile technologies, one of the support services used by course instructors became the WhatsApp application. The following research is a qualitative case study. The sample for the study was determined through purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using the content analysis method. Nvivo qualitative data analysis software was used to contribute to the detailed and versatile data analysis. The most important results of the study were that the application supported and strengthened distance learning by allowing instant communication, but that the absence of a moderator caused various limitations in this communication. In addition, it was concluded that incorporating natural language processing techniques into learning management systems and clearly stated rules by course instructors improved the use of such instant communication applications as a support service for distance education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduces the notion of transmodal interaction to digital CA. • Discusses methodological challenges in studying WhatsApp voice messages. • Conducts a sequential analysis of mode requests and switches in messaging chats. • Shows that voice messages are rarely made conditionally relevant. • Argues that voice messages are framed as signs of commitment. The emerging field of digital conversation analysis is concerned with the study of practices with which participants accomplish shared meaning in different forms of digital communication. Methodologically, it is rooted in the sequential analysis of their coordinated conduct in digital environments, which takes into account the ways in which interlocutors make use of the semiotic resources the platforms provide. Based on messenger chats with text and voice messages from the Mobile Communication Database (MoCoDa) and a private collection, the paper develops the notion of 'transmodal interaction' as a new conceptual perspective on the microanalysis of temporally unfolding digital communication while also discussing methodological challenges the sequential integration of speech and writing poses to methods of data collection and processing. Subsequently, the paper showcases an interactional analysis of practices for introducing text and audio postings to transmodal discourse, which shows that voice messages are designed as rather personal postings participants can choose to contribute but which are rarely made relevant explicitly. Thus, a sequential perspective on transmodal messenger interaction offers valuable insights into participants' perception of the semiotic potentials associated with different contribution modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexting refers to the exchange of sexually explicit digital content in the form of texts, photos, or videos. In recent years, sexting has become a public health concern. Surveys in Malaysia show a high prevalence of young adults engaged in sexting. Given that sexting is associated with sexual risk behavior, cyberbullying, and mental health issues, this behavior needs intervention to alleviate the resulting public health burden. However, there is a scarcity of theory-based intervention programs on the prevention of intention and willingness to sext among young adults. Objective: This study aimed to develop and implement a sexting intervention module guided by the prototype willingness model (PWM), delivered using web-based animated video, and evaluate its effectiveness among diploma students from a public higher educational institution. The primary outcomes were intention and willingness to sext, while the secondary outcomes were knowledge, attitude, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions of sexting. Methods: This 2-armed, parallel, single-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in a public higher educational institution in the state of Melaka, Malaysia. Diploma students from 12 programs were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Both groups answered a self-administered web-based questionnaire assessing the outcomes at the baseline. The intervention group received a newly developed intervention module based on the PWM in the form of 5 animated videos posted on a private YouTube platform, while the control group was put on the waitlist. The intervention group was encouraged to discuss any issues raised with the researchers via WhatsApp private chat after viewing the videos. All participants were observed immediately and 3 months postintervention. Data analysis was performed with SPSS (version 26; IBM Corp). A generalized linear mixed model was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: There were a total of 300 participants with an attrition rate of 8.3% (n=25). After adjusting for age, sex, relationship status, and the amount of time spent on the web, there were significant differences in the intention to sext (β=–.12; P =.002; Cohen d =0.23), willingness to sext (β=–.16; P <.001; Cohen d =0.40), knowledge (β=.12; P <.001; Cohen d =0.39), attitude (β=–.11; P =.001; Cohen d =0.31), perceived norms (β=–.06; P =.04; Cohen d =0.18), and prototype perceptions (β=–.11; P <.001; Cohen d =0.35) between the intervention and control groups over 3 months. Conclusions: In this study, the sexting intervention module using the PWM that was delivered via web-based animated videos was effective in reducing intention and willingness to sext as well as in improving knowledge of sexting, attitudes, perceived norms, and prototype perceptions. Therefore, relevant agencies involved in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health among young adults in Malaysia can consider the implementation of this module. Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trial Registry TCTR20201010002; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20201002001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older adults are at higher risk for health issues, including mental health problems. This was especially apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, where older adults were simultaneously more vulnerable to the disease and the mental health concerns created by social distancing. Subsequently, the use of digital communication technology (DCT) became a critical option for maintaining social connectedness in older adults. Prior to the pandemic, the low uptake and use of technology by older adults was an established problem, known as the digital divide. However, not much is known about how this may have changed as a result of the pandemic. Objective: This study aims to explore how older adults maintained social connectedness through DCT during the pandemic and to understand factors influencing the use and acceptance of DCT. Methods: A mixed methods explorative field study was set up, involving surveys and interviews of 25 community-dwelling older adults (65-88 years old) living in the United Kingdom. The surveys included the internet acceptance questionnaire (based on the Technology Acceptance Model [TAM]); COVID-19 dysfunctional anxiety was captured using the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale (CAS). Background information (demographics, use of technology) was gathered before conducting semistructured interviews. We hypothesized that CAS would affect constructs of TAM and that predictive constructs of TAM would have remained valid during the pandemic. We also posited that there would be unidentified themes outside TAM that impacted the acceptance and use of DCT. We used the quantitative data to guide the semistructured interviews, which were then analyzed through thematic analysis to identify additional themes. Results: Correlational analysis showed that CAS influences all constructs of TAM. We also saw that the predictive constructs of TAM, especially the perceived ease of use (PEU) and perceived usefulness (PU), remained valid during the pandemic. Common acceptance-influencing themes were encountered in both quantitative and qualitative analyses, with 3 matching the known constructs of TAM (PU, PEU, and behavioral intention). We identified 2 additional themes affecting acceptance, namely influence of the pandemic (situational context) and privacy and security concerns. DCT use (especially email and videoconferencing use) increased during the pandemic, but the results related to social networking sites were mixed. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic impacted technology acceptance and use by older adults, encouraging their use of certain DCT apps (email and videoconferencing apps, such as WhatsApp). These apps helped insulate them from adverse effects (social isolation and loneliness). Other social networking apps, however, exerted a negative influence, increasing anxiety and a general feeling of negativity. Future studies should maximize older adult agency related to design, privacy, security, and user requirements for development. We also recommend that when studying DCT acceptance for older adults, our additional identified themes should be considered alongside the existing TAM constructs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facebook and WhatsApp are social network platforms that have enhanced communication, Information sharing, and absorption, They are tools for social change and Knowledge assimilation their importance cannot be overemphasized which necessitate this study to investigate the perception of use and impacts of Facebook and WhatsApp for academic information for undergraduate students in Nigeria. The study uses Purposive sampling in selection of two universities situated in Abuja Municipal, one private and one public university, The research design adopted for this study was the descriptive survey research design with total enumeration of 2,010 undergraduate students from six departments (building, architecture, information technology, foundations, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering) the study further adopts simple random sampling technique and proportionate sampling technique to select a sample of 335 undergraduate students drawn from the six departments under study statistically determined using Yamane's mathematical model. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. Finding shows that undergraduates use both Facebook and WhatsApp for their academic endeavours, the frequency of use is high, the platforms aid learning, and the positive impacts negate the negativity, the findings further revealed that WhatsApp is a better platform for collaboration in comparison to Facebook and despite the academic benefits, negative side effects are noted. Use and awareness of WhatsApp and Facebook for academic information correlated. The challenges pointed out by undergraduates is that, it is time-consuming and High-cost internet subscription, appropriate recommendations were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out to examine the extent of Students' Usage of WhatsApp Instant Messenger as a Supporting Tool for Learning in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted in the study. Five tertiary institutions were randomly selected based on security guarantee for the study. All final year students in tertiary institutions in Kaduna State formed the population of the study, and the stratified random sampling method was used to select a sample of 598 students in exit classes for the study. Five research questions were used as a guide in the study. A structured questionnaire titled; Impact of WhatsApp Instant Messenger on Learning Questionnaire (IWIMOLQ) was used to elicit information from the respondents. 598 copies of the research instrument were administered with the support of five research assistants (who were students in the institutions). The questionnaires were completed and returned within ten weeks. The information collected was coded accordingly into statistical data and analyzed using Mean (M) and Standard Deviation (SD) statistical tools. Mean scores of 2.5 and above (=2.5) were accepted while mean scores below 2.5 (< 2.5) were rejected. The major finding of the study is that students are already familiar with and are using the different WhatsApp features for different purposes, thus making its acceptance and integration as a support tool for learning a seamless process. The study concludes that the usage of WhatsApp and other social networking platforms by teachers and students should be encouraged in learning institutions. The study, therefore, recommends inter alia, developing user friendly WhatsApp functionalities with affordable mobile Internet services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we analysed the use of WhatsApp among first-year students at the University of Technology in the context of South Africa. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari's Assemblage Theory, the study analysed postings on a WhatsApp group and secondary data using content analysis. The findings showed that first-year students used WhatsApp for communication, sharing content and information related to issues affecting their studies. Further, WhatsApp was useful in the process of becoming first-year students in the new educational environment and in the creation of knowledge from multiple sources that was not confined to the lectures and classroom experiences. This study offers insights that can be useful when developing strategies for integrating Mobile Instant Messaging platforms in the context of higher education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

March 2020 saw South Africa go through its first 21-day lockdown, and fear gripped the country as a new virus identified as COVID-19 caused a devastating impact throughout the world. During this time, history played the devil's advocate by reminding society of the previous flu known as the 1919 Spanish flu, which saw millions of people succumb to its prowess. To a large extent, social media enabled a confused and saddened society to be connected. Besides essential services, all other sectors of the economy were instantly shut down. Social media became society's lifeline during COVID-19 as it abled them to remain connected. One could say that social media became society's life support in these uncertain times. A forwarded message does not declare the original sender nor restricts who the next receiver could be. Businesses were also able to function by using social media to the point that people could now buy everything virtually from a store without going to a store. Social media could not replace all essential functions, but it helped provide a sustainable bridge for post-lockdown. Certain sectors of the economy, which dealt with production etc., experienced the full brunt of the lockdown. Artisans and artists lost a platform to showcase their talent and display their trade, leading to a loss of income. Education Institutions had some forms of online platforms which were used; however, distance learning was implemented overnight through the use of online mediums. While Moodle is a required platform used by many higher education institutions, other online platforms are also used. This paper describes the use of WhatsApp as an online medium providing higher education institutions with a lifeline by keeping them connected during COVID-19. For this paper, the author uses the Shannon and Weaver Model of Communication which looks at the sender and receiver and the medium used to disseminate information. The senders and receivers are students, lecturers, administration staff, and management. Content analyses were used as part of the research methodology for this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-learning and access to internet facilities remain a problem for many students in South Africa. The purpose of this article is to assess students' perceptions of the use of WhatsApp as an online learning technology together with instructor-developed screencasts as a stand-alone method of instruction in an introductory statistics course during the COVID-19 pandemic at a South African university. The responses to an open-ended questionnaire showed that students preferred WhatsApp over the university's student learning platform. Although it is advocated to use screencasts to supplement traditional lectures, the findings of this research revealed that instructor-developed screencasts have the potential to be used as a stand-alone method of instruction for the teaching and learning of introductory statistics. Participants' responses also revealed that, apart from the electronic connection they had on WhatsApp, they valued the emotional connection as well. The sharing, support, love, as well as cooperation among the lecturer and students emphasised the importance of ubuntu in educational settings. Furthermore, the results revealed that the attitude and support of a lecturer play a crucial role in providing an online atmosphere where students feel safe and comfortable, especially during the pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the use of WhatsApp in education and discover the opinions of all stakeholders towards the teaching and learning process in private schools. The study was designed in descriptive research using quantitative as well as qualitative data. We used close-ended questionnaires for quantitative data and semistructured interviews for qualitative data. The sample of the study consisted of all the key stakeholders of the education system: principals, students, teachers, and parents. We conducted interviews with school principals and gathered quantitative data from parents, teachers, and students. The study was limited to private sector schools of Mandi Bahauddin district, Phalia city, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. We used thematic analysis and descriptive statistics to identify the opinions of all the stakeholders about the role of WhatsApp in the teaching-learning process. The use of WhatsApp was encouraged as a supportive technology and recommended by the stakeholders. We also discussed the theoretical and practical implication of using WhatsApp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of WhatsApp-delivered physical activities on the physical activity level of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Method: This study used the mixed-method sequential exploratory design that consisted of the quantitative stage and the qualitative stage. The 42 family (parent and child dyads) participated in the study. Families were assigned randomly to an experimental group (n: 21) and a control group (n: 21). Families in the experimental group were engaged in 6 weeks of the WhatsApp-delivered physical activities. The data were collected through Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and Semi-Structured Interview Questions. A two-way mixed ANOVA (2 groups × 2 time points) was used to determine the effects of WhatsApp-delivered physical activities on the physical activity level of children with ASD. Results: After the WhatsApp-delivered physical activities, a significant increase was observed in the physical activity level of children with ASD in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The results provided evidence that WhatsApp-delivered physical activities positively affect the physical activity level of children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many challenges associated with longitudinally applying therapeutic knowledge in the pharmacy curriculum. This study investigated student participation using the messaging platform, WhatsApp (Meta Platforms, Inc.), as a discussion-based platform for pharmacy students. The created WhatsApp group chat discussion, "The Daily Dose," was a longitudinal learning experience occurring during pharmacy students' last year of clinical rotations or third year of didactic learning. Students were asked daily clinical questions in the application and participation was primarily assessed. This study included a pre-survey, discussion participation assessment, and a post-survey. The surveys assessed student self-evaluations of their learning, clinical confidence levels, board preparedness, and program learning experience feedback. A total of 115 questions were asked and 37 students voluntarily joined. Students participated by responding to 97% of questions. Of the 37 students who joined, 81% were experiential education students and 19% were didactic education students. A moderator needed to prompt for participation for 34% of the questions. The majority of students (95%) learned something new. Experiential education students were more likely to participate than didactic education students. A moderator may be beneficial to keep the discussion active. Students' self-evaluations of clinical confidence and board preparedness increased after participating in The Daily Dose. The Daily Dose is an innovative way to engage student discussion and reinforce pharmacy therapeutic knowledge. This tool could be expanded to use with multiple pharmacy learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary research has shown that a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is productive in exploring patterns of Digitally Mediated Communication (DMC). In this paper, I demonstrate the analytical potential of this approach by studying the typographic representation of a prosodic feature of spoken language – High Rising Terminals (HRTs, e.g., that beer pong place I went for my birthday?) – in a large corpus of WhatsApp messages (96,471 messages; 594,183 words) sent by 15 young British adults. Combining methods and approaches from variationist and interactional sociolinguistics, I show that the orthographic representation of HRTs patterns in pragmatically similar ways to the feature in speech in that it most frequently functions as a way of verifying the interlocutors' comprehension of discourse-new information. The precise rate and pragmatic function of this feature, however, appears to be constrained by the textual modality of the platform. Concluding, I join others in arguing for the analytical potential of employing a multidimensional approach to studying variable patterns of DMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Palobra is the property of Universidad de Cartagena and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Social media usage trends have established a drastic jump from 5% in 2005 to 72% in 2021. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the extent to which social media is being used to facilitate information dissemination by students in Ghanaian Universities. The Uses and gratifications theory (UGT) which seeks to explain why and how people actively seek out specific media to satisfy specific needs was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The descriptive research design was used to gather both qualitative and quantitative data from respondents across tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study established that social media serves as one of the vital tools for learning and information dissemination among the students. The students used social media for academic work more than for recreational activities. They access social media through the mobile devices they own and are connected to the internet. Whiles the majority of them had only one social media account, a significant proportion had more than one social media account. Although they somewhat trust the information on social media, they only consider it to be genuine unless it is related or find it relevant in the field of academics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Konuralp Medical Journal / Konuralp Tip Dergisi is the property of Duzce University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose – The basic purpose of this paper is to find out the librarian's perceptions, skills, most effective, and constraints to use social media for marketing purposes in the University libraries and to examine how these libraries perceive the importance of social media marketing. Design/methodology/approach – A nationwide online survey on University libraries in Pakistan was conducted to flourish this study, and a total number of 161 responses were used to analyze collected data. Findings –This study revealed the application of social media in university Libraries is very high .The results also disclosed that University libraries observe social media as a substantial tool to increase marketing of library sources and services anticipate to increase their use. Practical implications –The findings of this study can help as a parameter for University libraries when engaging social media for marketing purposes in their libraries. Originality/value –This study calculated the present situation of social media use for marketing in the University Libraries environment, a background that has been under-study in the literature, from these perspectives: perceptions, Skills, effectiveness, practices and constrains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aimed at elaborating the functions of emojis used in communication engaged in digital media, especially WhatsApp Group (WAG) and Instagram (IG). This topic was noteworthy due to the empirical facts showing that in communication digital in Indonesia emojis were used as expressions supporting communication nevertheless people often utilized them by breaking the communication logics. In undertaking the research, netnosemiotics, an approach integrating digital ethnography (netnography) and semiotics was applied. Through this study it was revealed that emojis did not only function as visual texts conveying particular messages, but also as the contexts representing the cultural relationship of various types of communication relations. Emojis were signs above signs. At this point, emojis built a communication we called metasemiotics. This finding significantly contributed to the development of digital communication model related to the digital culture as a whole, both at the local and global levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vocabulary development is one of the most important aspects of second language acquisition. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of vocabulary learning through WhatsApp on L2 students’ vocabulary knowledge at a university in Pakistan. Academic Wordlist (AWL) was used for the treatment of the experimental group. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with sixty participants divided into the experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The treatment for the experimental group comprised 10 weeks of WhatsApp vocabulary input from the chosen word lists. The data collection instrument was the words associates test developed by Read (1993) and was administered as pre-test and post-test. The independent t-test showed a significant treatment effect on the experimental group, and improvement was observed in the mean score. When the post-test mean scores of the control and experimental groups were compared, findings indicated that there was a difference in the mean scores; control group M = 72.10 (SD = 10.93), Experimental Group M= 84.26 (SD = 10.53) mean the difference between groups (M = 12.16, p < .05). The primary conclusion of this study is that the WhatsApp vocabulary input did significantly help improve the experimental group’s mean score, illustrating the impact of the WhatsApp vocabulary input on the group’s vocabulary knowledge. This, essentially, points to the fact that this method for vocabulary learning may be recommended for L2 learners and may be used to improve their vocabulary in line with the AWL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Information -- Wissenschaft und Praxis is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examined the role of stokvels in enhancing social cohesion. It attempted to reveal how the usage of cyber platforms positively and negatively affects social cohesion within these associations. The paper employed qualitative research methods to source for a wide range of materials that provide scholarly narrative on the nexus among the concepts: stokvels, social cohesion and cyber platforms. The researcher also adopted content analysis as a tool to source qualitative data from published scholarly papers on social cohesion, social capital, Information and information and communications technology (ICT), cyber, social media and stokvels. Longitudinal data analysis was employed as a research design to study developmental trends across the life span of these stokvels and how they positively or negatively affect social cohesion amongst members and within communities. This paper argued that stokvels contribute to social cohesion when people frequently assist each other financially within their communities and when they come into consistent contact with one another in their continuous physical meetings. In addition, the usage of cyber platforms for all stokvels engagements as well as practices of cyber (Online) based stokvels undermines social cohesion amongst members. This is because the practice of cyber stokvels or usage of cyber platforms for operations of these associations limits physical contact among members of these stokvels associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacists have the responsibilities of identifying and resolving medication-related problems (MRPs), thereby improving patient safety.Objectives: To deliver a series of clinical case scenarios using WhatsApp and assess the impact of this method on the ability of pharmacists to identify MRPs.Methods: This study was conducted in 104 community pharmacies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over a period of six months. Recruited pharmacies were randomly allocated to either intervention or control groups using a 1:1 allocation ratio. Senior experts in clinical pharmacy created a series of clinical case scenarios based on their clinical practice and based on previous published studies related to MRPs. WhatsApp®, a well-known messenger application, which has been proven to be an efficient platform to improve communication between learners and educators, was used to deliver clinical scenarios-based educational interventions to pharmacists. Then, pharmacists from both groups filled a standardized data reporting form. The clinical importance of pharmacist recommendations was assessed by a multidisciplinary expert panel.Results: The total number of patients with MRPs across the intervention and control groups was 492 versus 194 (p = 0.01). While the number of MRPs identified, the mean time needed to resolve MRPs for patients with major polypharmacy, and physicians' acceptance of pharmacist recommendations across the intervention and control groups were 492 versus 194, 1589 versus 255, 6.82 (±3.86) versus 10.78 (±6.38), and 1065/1284 (82.94%) versus 125/201 (62.18%), respectively, all with p < 0.05. Efficacy-related problems (27.56%) and safety-related problems (28.44%) were the most commonly identified MRPs by pharmacists in the intervention group. Clinically significance of pharmacist recommendations was a significant predictive factor for physicians' acceptance of pharmacist recommendations.Conclusion: Clinical case scenarios delivered by WhatsApp may be useful for improving the ability of pharmacists to identify MRPs and for shortening the mean time needed to resolve MRPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a conceptualization of WhatsApp as a boundary object that permits educational institutions to cross over from in-school teaching to out-of-school teaching, this study investigated the viability of WhatsApp as a mobile learning (m-Learning) technology tool for the continuity of teaching and learning in Botswana during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a narrative review of the literature, we found that WhatsApp's viability is supported by Botswana's high mobile phone penetration rate, the extensive coverage of the country's mobile broadband network, reduced domestic internet prices and research findings of WhatsApp's technological, educational and academic advantages elsewhere. However, teachers require training to develop relevant technological and pedagogical competences. WhatsApp's viability also requires inclusive access for all children including those from rural poor families and living with disabilities, and the protection of children learning online from mobile phone dependency and exposure to potentially harmful content and abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of Social media in academic libraries cannot be denied and overstated. The rapidly growing need for social media and its associated tool are creating problems and comfort for both uses and producers. The academic libraries have accepted the changes due to the demand, need, and expectation of library users. The prime objectives of the study were to find out the perception, use, issues, factors and marketing among the library professional in academic libraries of Balochistan, the descriptive survey method were used to complete this paper. The sample size was comprised of 67 library professionals. The data has been collected through structured questionnaires. The collection has been analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results of the study revealed that Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and LinkedIn were the top using social media among academic library staff. The library staff uses these media to disseminate library services. The findings expressed that social media also used for the marking of library services. On the other hand some of the issues that were creating problems for the library staff to prevent using social media such as poor internet, authority support too many social media to learn, and so on. On the basis of these findings, some recommendations have been forwarded that the higher authority should incorporate internet facilities that enable library staff to use social media. The authority should exceed the library budget to make things possible for them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 21st century coupled with the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic is indeed imposing new demands on teaching and learning. Higher education institutions affected extensively educational institutions are mandated with the responsibility of inclusiveness and preparing students for realities of the current and unknown future. There has been heightened attention to educational technologies to mitigate the COVID-19 instigated disruptions. To ensure inclusiveness during future pandemics, there is a need to pay attention to the forms of digital technologies that students have access to (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, as well as applications they are using) in their areas. The article reports the use of multiple applications platforms to circumvent digital divide and help accommodate students who were not able to access the conventional institutional learning management systems. Using a qualitative exploratory research method, the study used the Universal Design for Learning framework to guide the synchronous use of multiple applications. A total of 165 pre-service teachers participated and completed the Google form surveys and 20 volunteered to participate in a focus group discussion. Conversation analysis was used to study the participants' interaction. The results indicated that using multiple online platforms reduced the online learning barriers caused by connectivity challenges and lack of technology tools and resources. Pre-service teachers revealed that the use of multiple platform intervention enabled them to make choices on what works better and was cost effective for them. They further indicated that this further reduced their anxiety caused by feeling isolated and left behind. The researchers recommend educators to explore digital tools that students have and are comfortable to work with, bearing in mind the diverse background of students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalonia is in a situation of political conflict with the Spanish State regarding its right to self-determination, a conflict that has been exacerbated in recent years by the growing demand from a part of Catalan society for an independent state. Throughout this situation rumours have appeared in relation to events as they unfold. One of the key moments in the conflict was the referendum on self-determination, which was approved, prepared, and held on 1 October 2017, in the face of continuous opposition from the Spanish State. The tensions, uncertainties, and fears experienced by those in favour of the referendum were fuelled by rumours that in many cases were ultimately proven to be false. The present paper will analyse the rumours that emerged in relation to the referendum and the political atmosphere at that time. The study will analyse the rumours relating to aspects such as the logistics required to hold the referendum, the key figures in the process, the organizations that support it and the actions of the media, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comunicação & Sociedade is the property of Revista Comunicacao & Sociedade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This exploration has studied the educational impact of WhatsApp as an important tool of Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL)in ESL learners' academic performance at grade 8 in Pakistan. For the current investigation ESL learners from Lahore were the population of the studywhereas the sample size was of 100. All these learners were selected through random sampling method. At the initial stage the learners were given a pre-test and after that they were divided into two groups i.e. controlled and experimental group students. The teaching time was of 1 month and after a month a post test was conducted similarly structured like the pretest. The overall results gathered from the data reflect that the performance of the experimental group learners was much better than the controlled group. It was found out that WhatsAppas a MALL tool has ben significantly beneficial for the learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Comunicação, Mídia e Consumo is the property of Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Observatorio (OBS*) is the property of OberCom and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To evaluate the reliability of WhatsApp in comparison to the images viewed on a workstation monitor (gold standard) for the identification and interpretation of radiographic images of jaw pathologies. 150 panoramic radiographs were screened for the assessment of jaw pathologies in the workstation monitor. The radiographs were sent to two observers (Observer A and B) via WhatsApp® Messenger which were viewed independently on smartphones. A structured proforma was prepared to evaluate the radiographs for the presence or absence of various radiographic pathological characteristics. The reliability of WhatsApp for observers A and B concerning various characteristics like vital structures, pathological fractures, periodontal ligament widening, and root resorption indicated almost perfect agreement (0.8–0.97). The Kappa coefficients for WhatsApp for observers A and B for pre-categorized radiographic impressions were 0.95 and 0.97 which indicated almost perfect agreement. WhatsApp based expert teleradiology consultation can be a suitable and effective alternative for radiographic interpretations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Fronteiras is the property of Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Inonu University Journal of the Faculty of Education (INUJFE) is the property of Inonu University Journal of the Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study is to investigate teenagers' attitudes towards the use of one of the mobile technologies, namely WhatsApp, in a language classroom. Mobile technologies include social media tools and they have a great influence on people's lives all over the world. More and more students are spending a great amount of time on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and WhatsApp. With social media tools' becoming an inevitable part of everyday life, researchers have started to investigate their use in education with many studies. With these studies in foreign language education new terms such as Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) and Mobile English Language Learning (MELL) have entered in the literature. Considering the potential benefit of social media tools in English language education and the amount of time students spend on using them, this study was carried out to explore teenagers' opinions about social media, particularly WhatsApp, to support their English lessons. The sample of the study consisted of 50 high school students who were all familiar with mobile technology tools at a private school in Turkey. Descriptive study was selected as a research method and mixed-method research design was used. A 5 point Likert-type survey specifically developed for teenagers and semi-structured interviews were employed in the study. At the end of the study, although there were also some negative remarks, it was found that students have a positive attitude towards the use of WhatsApp, as a supporting tool in English language classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research suggests that multidisciplinary team communication networks enhance knowledge exchange, learning, and quality of care in health organizations. However, little is known about team members' reliance on face-to-face versus electronic-based communication networks for information and knowledge exchange. Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe patterns of face-to-face versus electronic-based communication networks in a multidisciplinary team and to explore the relationships between team communication networks and performance, measured as promptness of treatment implementation. Methodology: We collected data on work-based communication among members of a multidisciplinary tumor board (MDT) in a large Italian research hospital. A social network survey was administered in 2016 to all board members to gather network data on face-to-face interaction and the use of electronically based communication channels (e-mail, text messages, and WhatsApp) for sharing clinical knowledge. Twenty physicians (71%) completed the survey. Archival data were accessed to obtain detailed information about 222 clinical cases discussed over a 1-year period during weekly MDT meetings. Minutes of board meetings were used to link all discussed cases to team members. We used the multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure (MR-QAP) to study associations between team member characteristics and communication networks. Negative binomial regression was employed to test relationships between team communication networks and performance. Results: MDTmembers relied on different communication channels for knowledge sharing. The geographical proximity of team members positively predicted the frequency of face-to-face interaction. Physicians' seniority was related to the use of WhatsApp as a communication channel; greater interaction of this type was observed between team members of different seniority. Performance was related positively to face-to-face communication networks but negatively to communication viaWhatsApp. Practice Implications: Although team communication networks are important for knowledge exchange, health administrators must pay attention to the increasing propensity of team members to rely on electronic-based communication. The use of these easy-to-use tools can hinder the quality of group discussion and debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]