The effect of interactivity on initial interactions: the influence of information valence and modality and information richness on computer‐mediated interaction

Research investigating relationship development through computer‐mediated channels has failed to acknowledge the importance of initial interactions. Increasingly, multimodal forms of communication, such as audio‐ and videoconferencing, in addition to text‐only formats have emerged on socially oriented websites designed for relationship initiation. Utilizing the principle of interactivity as a conceptual framework, the present study investigates whether increased structural interactivity provided by the additional aural and visual modalities influences initial interaction processes and outcomes online. The results indicate that increased availability of nonverbal modalities, combined with the valence of the information acquired, significantly affected interaction involvement and mutuality, which are markers of processual interactivity, as well as the interaction outcomes of uncertainty, predicted outcome value, and information seeking. Additional analysis revealed that mutuality mediated the effect of richness on postinteraction uncertainty level and the evaluations of future relationship potential.     

Adult Child Perceptions of Communication and Humor When the Parent Is Diagnosed with Cancer: A Suggestive Perspective from Communication Theory

This study examines the function of communication and humor in the older adult parent-adult child dyad when the parent has been diagnosed with cancer. Qualitative data of open-ended data from 46 adult children of a parent recently diagnosed with cancer revealed that discussing diagnosis and treatment procedures was perceived to be a satisfying conversation, whereas withholding information had an adverse affect. The discussion of the parents' feelings during the cancer period was a difficult and complex communicative experience. The Meta-Humorous Interaction Theory (MetaHIT) was used as a conceptual framework to understand the function of appropriate and inappropriate uses of humor in terms of cognitive, affective, and behavioral elements of humor. Humor was often used as a coping or relief function for discussing side effects of cancer treatment. This investigation underscores the importance of understanding how adult children use humorous communication to cope with the unknown conversational territory of a parent's cancer diagnosis.     

Quality Is Thy Name

In the current study the authors investigate victims' response to a natural disaster crisis event. Crisis communication research has often considered organizations, but neglected the voice of the victims. Similarly, most crisis research emphasizes the negative outcomes of crisis. Positive communication research and sensemaking theory provide insight into the experiences of crisis victims. Twenty-nine individuals were interviewed from one community in Western Kentucky following a massive ice storm that occurred during January 2009. The remembering emphasis of sensemaking was salient in this study. Victims remembered their overall experience through positive terms and positive interpersonal communication. Communities and organizations alike can use this research to consider how their members may respond to crises and create messages based on these results.     

Redefining Hijab: American Muslim Women's Standpoints on Veiling

Feminist standpoint theory suggests that, although powerful discourses attempt to define women on the “margins” of society, women's cultural positions provide them with heightened understandings of the contradictions between their experiences and the ways the dominant group defines them. Thus, while many Americans believe hijab—also called a “veil” or “headscarf”—functions to oppress women, veiled women probably possess alternative understandings. In this study, 13 veiled American Muslim women share their experiences, and under the lens of standpoint theory, the participants' definition of hijab emerges. Specifically, the women inscribe hijab with meanings shaped by their unique cultural standpoints. Hijab functions to define Muslim identity, perform a behavior check, resist sexual objectification, afford more respect, preserve intimate relationships, and provide freedom.     

高职院校大学英语教学与跨文化意识的培养

提要本文从语言和文化的关系出发，通过分析中国学生在跨文化交际中易犯的文化错误，探讨高职院校大学英语教学中培养学生跨文化意识的必要性和重要性，并提出了跨文化意识培养的具体方法。     

用CSocket类实现点对点通信

本文简要介绍了在VC＋＋中网络编程的几种方式及通信协议，重点讲解了在VC＋＋中使用CSocket类按照二进制数据格式点对实现点通信的一种简单方法。     

基于Java的网络即时通讯系统设计分析

网络即时通讯系统是为了满足异地用户之间必要的网络通讯而设计的一套系统,是在通讯双方认可的条件下进行即时的文字交流和文件交流．本文从用户、已实现的应用程序源代码的角度分析系统的应用需求、功能模块、系统数据库、通讯机制设计和源代码的结构。     

通信基站通风节能研究

首先简要阐述了通信基站通风节能的现状及意义,然后对通信基站通风能耗情况进行了分析,最后研究了常见的措施对通信基站通风节能的效应。实践证明,该方案对基础运营商在节能减排、降本增效方面具有良好的效果。     

机械结构对两轮移动足球机器人运动精度影响研究

以自行设计的两轮移动足球机器人的机械结构为对象,从理想情况和实际情况分别进行机器人小车的运动学分析与建模,进行比较并得出结论。分析了驱动轮半径对运动学模型的影响。最后从机械结构的设计上讨论了对小车运动精度的影响,并提出相关改进措施。