Communication Research Articles

Genetic association of DNMT variants can play a critical role in defining the methylation patterns in autism.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with impairments in social communication, restricted, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute toward pathophysiology of Autism. Environmental influences on gene expression can be mediated by methylation patterns which are established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases. Several studies in the past have investigated the role of global methylations in Autism. The present study is aimed to investigate the role of genetic variations in the DNA methyltransferase which might be critical in defining the threshold for environmental factors toward susceptibility to autism. Polymorphisms in DNA methyltransferases, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and DNMT3L were screened for association with ASD in 180 autistic patients and 260 healthy controls from a south Indian population. DNMT1 rs10418707 and rs10423341, and DNMT3A rs2289195 were found to be significantly associated at genotypic and allelic level with ASD. Functional prediction indicates that these SNPs have a role in transcriptional regulation and increased expression, indicating that hypermethylation might be induced by its genotype status. The study might reflect the role of genetics variants in DNMTs in defining the threshold of environmental impact in influencing the disease or phenotype variations in ASD. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019.

Defining formality: Adapting to the abstract demands of academic discourse

Measures of formality have historically been linked to the spoken-written language continuum; however, modern communication increasingly employs the written mode using different degrees of informality (e.g., emails, text messages, etc.). While allowances are made for these varied genres and registers, the use of informal expression in the written mode often impacts the quality of academic discourse. The present study aims to map the linguistic features of formality to describe this elusive, often stylistically mapped objective. A corpus of one hundred forty student essays were analyzed and rated for formality by three English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instructors. Those texts consistently scored across all three raters as “high” or “low” formality were further analyzed for lexico-grammatical features (e.g., pronoun use, conjunctions, lexical density, etc.) to determine what linguistic features distinguish the different levels of formality. The analysis reveals the most significant contributor to the impression of informality in the learner texts is infelicitous clause-level grammar, followed by grammatical intricacy, informal lexis and human interaction. These descriptions expand current understandings of how formality is defined and the paper concludes with pedagogical recommendations for supporting students and professionals in their development of formal, academic discourse.

DIGITAL LITERACY: A MUST FOR OPEN DISTANCE AND E-LEARNING (ODEL) STUDENTS

Digital literacy is generally defined as the ability to utilise information and communication technologies in learning. Open distance and e-learning students have their learning separated by space and time. The utilisation of information and communication technologies comes in handy to enhance learning for open and distance learners. However, open and distance learners should exhibit high levels of digital literacy in order to make use of available information and communication technologies in learning. This paper explores the concept digital literacy and related theories informing it. The paper further discusses the importance of digital literacy for the enhancement of learning for open and distance learners in as well as interrogating the unique nature of open and distance learners and information access. Opportunities and challenges in the utilisation on ICTs by open and distance learners in the developing world shall also be explored. Article visualizations:

Design of novel high‐efficient DPA using ACL‐loaded SIR for linearity improvement

AbstractIn this article, a novel high‐efficient Doherty power amplifier (DPA) is designed for linearity improvement from 2.1 to 2.4 GHz. The proposed DPA employs a pair of anti‐coupled lines loaded with a stepped impedance resonator to replace the λ/4 transmission line in the conventional DPA for harmonic suppression, phase compensation, and impedance transformation. The DPA is simulated, fabricated, and measured. As the measured results show, in the 2.1‐2.4 GHz band, the saturated output power is between 43.2 and 44.5 dBm with the saturated gain level between 10.2 and 11.5 dB. The saturated drain efficiency (DE) is between 60% and 70% with DE at 6 dB output power back‐off between 38% and 50%. Compared with the conventional DPA, the third‐order intermodulation distortion is reduced by 20 dB. The efficiency and gain have also been improved. The proposed DPA is feasible and applicable in modern wireless communication systems.

Идентичность как коммуникативный проект: «новые мифологии» в пространстве современной культуры

The article deals with the “identity” concept from the point of view based on cultural science and philosophy of culture, i.e. in a broader meaning of this notion as “sociocultural identity”. The latter is viewed not as a readymade “givenness” (national, ethnic, regional, local etc.) but as a dynamically forming social relations structure. It suggests inclusion into the researcher’s attention field the theory of structuration by Anthony Giddens as well as various forms of constructivism. Along with different approaches authors of mentioned theories have a point in common: the identity concept plays a specific role in political field connecting group integration models with individuals and groups behavior. Therefore “self-identity experience” (according to an initial identity definition in psychology) evolves into a culturological reflection on experience of this kind and formation of “new mythologies” determining “desirable future” (up to I. Young’s idea about delusiveness of any group identity and, as a consequence, a necessity to get rid of identity discourse). That starts in its turn a mechanism of “new mythologies” feedback effect on new identities formation. Among most common ideas of this kind “network identity” reflecting modern communication practices can be mentioned. “High tech society”, e.g. “transparent society” (D. Brin) is viewed by corresponding concepts authors as an ideal pattern, which could help to conform modern values contradictions by placing them into culture space where differences are recognized, where they have their place. Though analysis of each of the pointed out patterns demonstrates that “demand for differences” repressive potential is not less than fixation on one’s own culture and values exceptionalism. Hence the necessity to overcome an uncritical acceptance of new “identity mythologies” and consistent effort for their balanced estimate.

Views of physiotherapists from a low resource setting about physiotherapy at a distance: a qualitative study

Objective: This study was designed to explore the perceptions of Nigerian physiotherapists about tele-physiotherapy.Methods: Focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data. Two FGDs, involving six purposively selected physiotherapists from health institutions in Ibadan, Nigeria were conducted. The FGD was moderated using a focus guide and probes were used until data reached a point of saturation. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.Results: Four themes (Knowledge, sources of information, feedback and usability and benefits) were generated. Participants reported that tele-physiotherapy is similar to telemedicine and it involves the use of modern communication facilities. Their sources of information were majorly from seminars, colleagues and published scientific articles. They reported that tele-physiotherapy helps to improve access to healthcare services especially in circumstances where physical access to health care facilities is limited and it is effective. Inadequate infrastructures, internet fraud, quackery, lack of confidentiality could limit the use of tele-physiotherapy in Nigeria.Conclusion: Physiotherapists in Nigeria have a positive perception about the practice of physiotherapy at a distance. It is hoped that this translates to the implementation of tele-physiotherapy in Nigeria clinical practice. However, investment in critical infrastructure is needed to transform its potential into a credible source of physiotherapy service.

Sampling theorem on shift invariant subspaces in mixed Lebesgue spaces

Sampling theorem is the theoretical basis of modern communication system, and is also one of the most powerful basic tools in signal processing and image processing. In this paper, we give sampling theorem on shift invariant subspaces in mixed Lebesgue spaces Lp,q(ℝd+1). When the sampling density is large enough, this sampling theorem can reconstruct exactly the signals in shift invariant subspaces. Our results improve the result in [6].

Silicon-based high-integration reconfigurable dipole with SPiN

To improve the integration of reconfigurable antenna systems, a novel high-integration solid state plasma reconfigurable dipole antenna based on surface PiN (SPiN) diodes was presented in this paper. Silicon-based SPiN diodes were the basic building blocks of plasma channel, and carrier concentration within the intrinsic region achieved a relatively high level (exceeding 1018 cm−3). In this paper, parameters of the plasma region have been extensively discussed, and several optimized band stop filters were also introduced to replace the conventional capacitor and inductor. This method greatly improved the integration of antenna system to meet the requirements of modern communications. The resonant frequencies at 2.43 GHz and 2.53 GHz have been achieved by turning on or off different sections of the dipole. The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) of the antenna was 1.03 and 1.34, respectively. Other parameters of this antenna were also investigated in this paper. Experimental results confirm the usefulness of the SPiN diodes within solid state plasma antenna and other semiconductor fields.

Characterizing Perceptions Around the Patient-Oncologist Relationship: a Qualitative Focus Group Analysis.

The purpose of the current study was to characterize the experiences of cancer patients and their caregiver/family members around their relationship with their oncologist, health care team, and the hospital environment. Participants were recruited from The Ohio State University Comprehensive CancerCenter. Participant sociodemographic factors were assessed. Focus groups were moderated and recordedby two members of the research team using a semi-structured interview format. The audio recordings were transcribed and uploaded to NViVO 11 for analyses. Four focus groups were conducted with 25 participants. The mean age of participants was 58.4years (SD = 15.1, range 26.0-76.0). Participants who were identified as patients (84%) reported different malignancy types including breast (56%), gynecologic (16%), skin (6%) oral (6%), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (6%). Three major themes that emerged around the patient-oncologist relationship, include (1) choosing a physician and health care location, (2) relationship with the physician, health care team, and hospital environment; and (3) patient engagement and decision-making. Subthemes highlighted the importance of the flexible communication behaviors and trustworthiness of the oncologist, and the impact of other health care team members. Patients also reported the desire to be engaged in making treatment-related decisions and to include the caregiver/spouse in all stages of cancer care. Understanding the experience of cancer patients in a relationship with their oncologist in the context of the health care team and health care environment will be an important area of future research to provide optimal, tailored patient-centered cancer care.

A Qualitative Study of Sexual behaviour and practices of school going adolescents in a rural area of Panvel Taluka

Introduction: Adolescents constitute nearly 22% of India’s population of which 72% reside in rural areas. While there is limited evidence available on the nature and formation of premarital relationships in India, there is a trend that despite strict norms, partnerships are formed with the opposite sex. There is growing evidence of sexual activity before marriage, amongst both boys and girls. Aims and Objectives: i) To understand perceptions and beliefs of adolescents regarding their sexual behaviour. ii) To study their sexual practices. iii) To understand the perception and opinion of teachers regarding sexual behavior and practices of adolescents. Methodology: Qualitative study using different methods like free listing, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Free listing regarding sexuality behavior and practices was done with 30 girls and 30 boys who were purposively chosen. Further FGD’s were conducted with girls, boys and teachers. Key informant interviews were conducted with 6 adolescents who were considered as their peer leaders. Results: Results are organised around three main themes that arose: sexuality (sources of information, sexual practise, knowledge and attitudes) studies (schooling and careers) and relationships with parents and teachers. Conclusions: Although relatively low there is a clear indication that students are indulging in some form of sexual activity. They have incorrect and incomplete knowledge regarding sexual health. Barriers of communication exist between adolescents, parents and teachers. Key words: Adolescents, sexual behaviour, sexual practices

Knowledge and Practices regarding commonly occurring mosquito borne diseases among people of urban and rural areas of Rajkot District, Gujarat

Background: People’s knowledge and awareness towards the disease can help in the formation of the design of Behaviour Change Communication campaigns to influence acceptance and use of any control measures. Aims: To study the knowledge and practices regarding commonly occurring mosquito borne diseases among people of urban and rural areas of Rajkot District. Material and Methods: Multistage sampling method was used. Total 432 households, 216 each from urban and rural areas, were studied. Selection of areas was based on Annual Parasite Incidence. Six areas from urban and six talukas form rural areas were studied. Data were collected using a pretested semi structured questionnaire during the high transmission season (July 2011 to October 2011) of mosquito borne diseases. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using Epi Info 6. Results: 87.96%respondents knew that mosquito transmits malaria.75.93% respondents did not know how dengue is transmitted. Fever (95.60%) and chills (71.06%) were the most common malaria symptoms told by respondents. 85.65%respondents were not knowing about dengue symptoms. 48.84% told joint pain as chikunguniya symptom. 90.05% respondents associated water collection to mosquito breeding place. 90.51% respondents knew that mosquito borne diseases can be prevented by using personal protective measures. 23.84% of the respondents did not use anything for prevention against mosquito bites. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding malaria was found satisfactory but knowledge regarding other mosquito borne diseases was unsatisfactory. Knowledge regarding prevention of mosquito borne disease was good and majority of the households were using preventive measures against mosquito bites.

Performance analysis of silicon-based frequency reconfigurable monopole

A silicon-based high integration frequency reconfigurable monopole is demonstrated in this paper. To meet the development of the modern communication systems, a high resistivity silicon wafer is used as the monopole substrate to improve the integration of antenna systems, and manufacturing technology for this monopole is compatible with the traditional silicon machining processes. Based on the optimized structural parameters, the monopole’s resonant frequencies at 3.73 GHz and 3.85 GHz have been achieved by changing the active length of this antenna, and the radiation efficiencies of the reconfigurable antenna at two working states are 78.66% and 73.17%, respectively. Other radiation characteristics of this monopole also shown good performance in this paper. Simulation and experimental results show excellent agreement, which have shown the validity of the antenna design. Therefore, this antenna is more suitable for modern wireless communications, and a novel high integration solid state plasma reconfigurable antenna based on silicon-based surface PiN diodes will be designed for further investigation.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЙНІ ЗАСАДИ ПІДГОТОВКИ БАКАЛАВРІВ ГОТЕЛЬНО-РЕСТОРАННОГО БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ АНГЛОМОВНОГО ОСВІТНЬО-ЦИФРОВОГО МЕРЕЖЕВОГО СЕРЕДОВИЩА

There is an increase in demand for highly skilled professionals in hotel and restaurant business which can provide a high level of service at the level of international standards. Modern hotel and restaurant business professionals should be fluent in several foreign languages, capable of organizing service at hotel and restaurant enterprises and sanatorium and resort complexes, possessing modern information and communication technologies. Due to this, there is a need to modernize the system and content of training specialists of the specified specialty. Based on the analysis of the scientific and methodological literature of the hotel and restaurant business we can note that one of the main problems is the dissatisfaction of the needs of employers of this industry with the specialists of the new generation. High quality education, the study of foreign languages, theoretical knowledge and practical skills, based on the world leaders’ experience of hotel and restaurant business, must be implemented in the conditions of the English-language educational and digital network environment. The article has elements of training future specialists in hotel and restaurant business in the framework of the study of compulsory components in the context of the English-language educational and digital network environment. The author presents the scheme of the formation of the curriculum ecourses for training future specialists in hotel and restaurant business and provides a methodology for determining the percentage of competence formation for specialists in this field.

Leader’s communication style, LMX and organizational commitment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of a leader’s communication style (LCS) on the quality of interpersonal exchanges between leaders and followers (LMX), and how this translates into the employee’s affective organizational commitment (AOC), in the context of Peru.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated model of six dimensions is used to measure LCS. Using multiple hierarchical regressions and the Preacher and Hayes mediation model, the study focuses on determining the direct and indirect effect of each of the dimensions on LMX and organizational commitment.FindingsThe dimension preciseness shows a significant direct association to AOC. Four dimensions are significantly related with LMX: expressiveness, preciseness and questioningness with a positive sign, while verbal aggressiveness records an important negative one. The same four dimensions show an indirect effect on AOC through LMX. Emotionality and impression manipulativeness do not record significant results.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was carried out with a sample of 253 white-collar Peruvian professionals with high-level studies and managerial experience, which are not necessarily representative of the labor population. This research provides comprehensive evidence on how leaders’ communicative behavior may contribute to desirable outcomes such as employee commitment in a Latin American cultural context, although the findings may apply to other cultures.Practical implicationsThis study contributes to clarify that each dimension of the LCS impacts differently on subordinate perceptions; leaders should understand this model and be able to make the necessary adjustments to their communication in order to obtain the desired results of leadership. The leader’s ability to communicate with a style characterized by expressiveness, precision, and questioning makes it easy to build high-quality LMX relationships for Peruvian employees. On the contrary, a communication style characterized by high levels of verbal aggressiveness may negatively affect subordinates, limiting the possibility of building high-quality LMX relationships. This, in turn, affects AOC of employees.Social implicationsThis study is a contribution to clarify that each feature of the LCS has a different impact on the perception of the subordinate, for which the leaders should be trained to understand this model and be able to make the necessary adjustments to obtain the desired results of leadership. The leader’s ability to communicate with a style characterized by expressiveness, precision and questioning makes it easy to build high-quality LMX relationships for Peruvian employees. On the contrary, a communication style characterized by high levels of verbal aggressiveness will negatively impact subordinates, limiting the possibility of building high-quality LMX relationships.Originality/valueThe value lies in revisiting the construct “leader’s communication style” to turn it into an instrument for the exercise of leadership. It is a contribution in favor of leaders becoming aware that their own communication style constitutes an instrument of effective leadership and a lever to optimize the commitment of their collaborators toward the organization.

Exploring leadership within a systems approach to reduce health care–associated infections: A scoping review of one work system model

Despite efforts to prevent health care-associated infections (HAIs), these infections continue to challenge health care systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes implementation of evidence-based practices. Within the complex health care environment, sustained implementation calls for work systems that harness expertise of interprofessional teams, which, in turn, calls for suitable executive, mid-level, and local leadership. The purpose of this review is to highlight the need to study leadership when using a systems approach to reduce HAIs. This is a scoping review of HAI studies that used a systems engineering model called the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. We examined if and how leadership was addressed within 1 systems approach. We found 15 studies using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model and, of these, leadership was directly mentioned in 3 studies. In the remaining studies, reference to leadership may be inferred by use of terms such as teamwork, managerial oversight, climate and culture, staffing support, and institutional/administrative support. Research is needed to bring recognition of the role of leadership within a work systems approach to reducing HAIs. We need further examination of leadership attributes and communication behaviors that allow staff to diffuse and sustain best practices to prevent HAIs.

A qualitative research of true experience in patients with end-stage heart failure

Objective To explore the true experience of patients living with end-stage heart failure Methods The phenomenological methodology was used in the study.Eleven inpatients with end-stage heart failure were treated with semi-structured interviews and recorded live. Colaizzi method was used for data analysis with Nvivo11.0. Results Four themes were extracted:perceivestressful heart failuresymptoms; complex psychological experience, both negative and positive response coexist; perceive insufficient medical system support; ambivalent attitude toward death. Conclusion Health care providers should pay attention to the physical and psychological feelings of patients with end-stage heart failure, take targeted interventions to alleviate their suffering, provide palliative care while providing heart failure management to patients, and attach importance to communication with patients to help them recognize death correctly. At the same time, we should promote the development of grass-roots health institutions and provide patients with more convenient and adequate medical resources. Key words: End-stage heart failure; Patients; Experience; Qualitative research

RF Waveform Synthesizers With Quantum-Based Voltage Accuracy for Communications Metrology

RF Waveform Synthesizers With Quantum-Based Voltage Accuracy for Communications Metrology

Pola Komunikasi Keluarga Buruh Migran di Desan Pandan Wangi Kecamatan Jerowaru Kabupaten Lombok Timur

Migrant worker children left by one or both parents need to observe, the role of the missing father / mother in the family will certainly feel different compared to a complete family member of the family, children who live with fathers without mothers and children who live with you without father or child who lives with a grandmother without a mother and father we need to know. In this study consisted of three families of migrant workers left by both parents, abandoned by Father, and left by the mother in Pandan Wangi Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. The purpose of this study was to find out how the communication patterns of migrant workers' families and children's communication behavior in the families of migrant workers in Pandan Wangi Village, Jerowaru District, East Lombok Regency. The research was conducted using a research method through a descriptive approach with qualitative data. The results of the research showed in the families of migrant workers left by one of their parents mother / father applying a family communication pattern that leads to unbalanced split patterns which are unequal separate relationships, where one person in the wife / husband's family dominates.

Factors affecting Islamic banking behavioral intention: the moderating effects of customer marketing practices and financial considerations

This paper examines the determinants of potential customers’ intention to purchase products and services from Islamic banks and the moderating effects of customer marketing practices and financial considerations. A research framework is developed which links communication considerations, financial considerations, customer attitudes, and behaviors. The questionnaire approach, confirmatory factor analysis, and hierarchical regression are used to examine the extent and direction of the relationship within the conceptualized research framework. We find, apart from perceived ease of online banking, that all conceptualized factors are important determinants of customers’ behavioral intention in Islamic banking. This study also finds that, with the exception of perceived risk, all moderators (namely customer–bank relationship, advertising, perceived ease of online banking, perceived potential benefits, and profit–loss sharing approach) intensify the customer attitude–behavioral intention nexus. Islamic banks should adopt various customer–bank relationship strategies and advertising to attract more customers. Further, Islamic banks may use simplified Arabic terms for products and services on their Web sites and online banking portals to convey their intended massage to non-Muslim customers as well.

НЕВЕРБАЛЬНЫЕ КОМПОНЕНТЫ КОММУНИКАЦИИ, ХАРАКТЕРНЫЕ ДЛЯ СТРАТЕГИИ САМОПРЕЗЕНТАЦИИ В БРИТАНСКОМ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОМ ДИСКУРСЕ

The article is devoted to the consideration of one of the aspects of political discourse - the communicative behaviour of party representatives. The non-verbal communication components are considered, accompanying the most typical speech tactics for the self-presentation strategy in the gender aspect by the material of the British political discourse. The strategy of self-presentation is universal and one of the most common in politics, so it is used by all the politicians without exception. The work reveals the peculiarities of the verbal and non-verbal behaviour of men and women speakers, as well as the speech tactics that they used to influence the addressee. Non-verbal communication components are considered in the aspect of multimodal interaction. Video analysis is used as a research method.