Media Fragmentation Research Articles

Photoluminescent carbon colloids prepared by laser fragmentation of carbon from waste coffee grounds

Colloidal suspensions of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) were prepared by laser fragmentation in various liquid media using heat-treated coffee grounds as carbon precursor. A study by calorimetry was done in powder of waste coffee grounds to determine the temperature of obtaining carbon. The experiments were carried out in two stages, the first one consisted in obtaining the carbon source, for which powder of waste coffee grounds was thermally treated in air. The as-obtained carbon was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. In the second step the as-obtained carbon was separately dispersed in four liquid media (acetone, toluene, methanol and isopropyl alcohol) to be fragmented by using a ns-pulsed Nd:YAG laser at its 1064 nm fundamental emission. The morphological features of the carbon nanostructures were obtained by transmission electron microscopy, while the optical properties of the colloidal suspensions were characterized by UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopies. Results indicate that carbon nanostructures are successfully obtained in the four liquid media after the fragmentation process. The four colloidal suspensions show photoluminescent properties, which are seen to depend on the liquid medium nature. We found that the liquid medium also influences the efficiency of the laser fragmentation.

전자매체 구술성을 활용한 대학 <글쓰기> 수업 사례 연구

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of electronic media use in college liberal arts <writing> classes. In this study, we examined the effi ciency of using electronic media throughout the entire column writing process. The subject of the study is the survey results of two classes and the writing results of one class conducted in the <Writing> class at A University located in the Gyeo ngnam region in the second semester of 2022. The orality of electronic media can be viewed as secondary orality and is repre sented by intercommunication and mediation. Paper media fragments the writing class process, but the use of electronic media provides continuity through non-me diation and hyper-mediation, allowing it to proceed efficiently. The class example was column writing, which allows you to carry out the entire writing process. In the column writing class design, it was planned to be divided into related classes, main classes, presentation classes, and evaluation. In this class, we looked at the use of electronic media in collecting data for the 9th week and constructing a column summary table for the 10th week. In collecting data, we were able to find papers, books, and internet resources, practice annotation meth ods, and organize references. After constructing an outline, immediate feedback was provided. The class evaluation examined the efficient aspects of writing classes using elec tronic media through the instructor’s evaluation of class results and student surveys. The instructor said that many students reached the ‘above’ level of learning goals through three rounds of feedback and writing practice using electronic media, and students had no objection to writing and planning using electronic media, and the ease of editing and writing. It was considered efficient in terms of speed and ease of self-editing. However, the readability of the feedback and how to use the program were viewed as areas that needed improvement. In order to stabilize writing classes using electronic media in university educa tion, it is urgent to prepare educational technicians and change and revise educa tional content.

Javanese Silly Gags on Daily Communication on Social Media: Pragmatic Meanings and Functions Approach

This qualitative descriptive study aims to explore the pragmatic significance of rarely researched Javanese silly gags. The primary objective is to examine the markers and implications of these gags in daily communication, particularly focusing on their various categories. Utilizing social media fragments as the primary source, the research employs the note-taking method for listening. Subsequent steps include the identification, classification, and characterization of Javanese silly gags into five distinct categories: (1) Silly jokes for enthusiasm, (2) Silly jokes for sarcasm, (3) Silly jokes for satire, (4) Silly jokes for exasperation, and (5) Silly jokes for enigmatic humor. The equivalent analysis method is then applied, specifically using contextual equivalents through a comparative linking technique for in-depth data analysis. The emphasis on context is considered a crucial factor in conducting purpose-oriented pragmatic studies. The analysis reveals valuable insights into the diverse functions of Javanese silly gags, showcasing their significance in daily communication. The identified categories provide a comprehensive understanding of how these gags serve various purposes, from expressing enthusiasm to conveying sarcasm, satire, exasperation, and enigmatic humor. The social media fragments prove to be rich sources for uncovering the nuances of Javanese silly gags and their markers. The findings of this study shed light on the multifaceted nature of Javanese silly gags, highlighting their importance in preserving a unique form of humor. The study emphasizes the potential threat posed by the younger generation’s lack of comprehension. It underscores the need to preserve and understand Javanese silly gags in the evolving landscape of communication. Overall, this research contributes to the broader understanding of pragmatic aspects in Javanese humor, emphasizing the cultural and communicative significance of these often-overlooked forms of expression.

American media, Scandinavian audiences: Contextual fragmentation and polarisation among Swedes and Norwegians engaging with American politics

Abstract This article explores the contextual nature of fragmentation and polarisation – subjects that have attracted significant concern in the age of social media. I investigate the media sharing practices of Scandinavian Twitter users discussing the 2020 American presidential election, an event that attracted international attention. Using links in tweets, I map the media networks of users in Sweden and Norway in their national languages and in English. This intranational approach provides a view into whether fragmentation and polarisation are characteristic of the audience or the media milieu. The findings show Scandinavian users exhibit low audience polarisation within their national languages, but they display polarisation similar to American users when engaging with English-language media. At the same time, media fragmentation is higher in the Norwegian language than in any other sphere. This article sheds light on the relationship between the sometimes-conflated concepts of fragmentation and polarisation and provides a discussion of the implications of political information sharing on transnational digital platforms.

Magnesium Orotate Influence on Thoracic Aorta in Laboratory Rabbits Receiving Levofloxacin

INTRODUCTION. Fluoroquinolones are antibacterial agents associated with adverse drug reactions (ARDs), including aortic lesions; this ARD risk limits the use of fluoroquinolones. Moreover, fluoroquinolones have been reported to induce lesions in other connective tissues (cartilage, tendons), associated with magnesium deficiency.AIM. The study aimed to analyse the effects of magnesium orotate on the thoracic aorta in laboratory rabbits treated with levofloxacin.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study randomised laboratory rabbits into 3 groups of 10 animals each to receive oral doses of either the carrier solution (control group), or 150 mg/kg/day levofloxacin (levofloxacin group), or 150 mg/ kg/day levofloxacin and 140 mg/kg/day magnesium orotate (levofloxacin/magnesium group). After 14 days of treatment, venous blood samples were taken to determine the serum levels of magnesium, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), as well as MMP-9 to TIMP-1 ratios. The authors conducted morphological and mechanical characterisation of thoracic aorta samples; the mechanical characterisation involved uniaxial tensile testing. Data are presented as the mean and standard deviation values.RESULTS. The study did not detect any changes in the serum MMP-9, TIMP-1, and magnesium levels or in the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios. The authors identified foci of moderate elastic fibre fragmentation in the aortic media in 5 of 10 aortic samples from the levofloxacin group, in 1 of 10 samples from the levofloxacin/magnesium group, and in none from the control group (p=0.013). Rabbits from the levofloxacin group had significantly fewer medial elastic membranes than the others (p=0.015; vs the control group: p=0.022), and their elastic mem

The new digital music marketing ecosystem: artist direct

New digital formats, media fragmentation and the evolution of complex consumer behaviour continue to disrupt the music industries. There are substantial gaps in academic research in terms of this newly emerging digital music marketing ecosystem. Even less for independent artists who run Artist Direct (AD) to-consumer business models and considered one of the fastest growing segments in the global recording industry. This paper constructs a digital music marketing ecosystem for those actors establishing market presence at the start of the industry value chain. Managing small micro music businesses, these artists collectively represent a significant economic segment and are an important supply chain source for larger intermediaries such as record labels who monitor the segment and sign artists from it. The findings consider the actors, entities, systems, and processes operating in this new business ecosystem. A multimethod research design was used combining data sets from practice-led research; a concurrent systematic literature review, as well as an ethnographic analysis involving in-depth interviews (n = 14) with music industry professionals. The outcome was the construction of a digital music marketing ecosystem for this AD segment advancing marketing insights for the music industries but also with implications for the creative and cultural industries more broadly.

Cross-Media Narratives of City Image: The case of Chongqing, China

In the era of media fragmentation, a story world mode brought about by multiple media platforms is on the rise. Cross-media narratives become the core force of city competition by catering to the audience’s preferences while generating rich experiences of different media, promoting the efficient communication of city images to promote city tourism. This case study is based on the cross-media narrative theory, the general narratology theory, the interaction ritual chains theory, etc. It investigates how the contents are produced according to the characteristics of Chongqing city resources and how the image positioning matches different media to complete the common narrative process. Through reviewing previous literature and exploring some cross-media narratives of city image in Chongqing, the main findings of this paper are:1) demonstrative narratives interpret Chongqing’s image artistically and metaphorically to present the contradictions and need in the social space of Chongqing; 2) non-fictional narratives employ multiple combinations of typical city symbols in an enumerative design of narrative symbols to exhibit the superior tourism resources and displays its spirit in the construction and development of the Chonqing city; 3) participatory interactive narratives make the abstract, stereotypical city image that was reflected in traditional film pieces become more modern, urban, and fresh through interaction ritual chains. These results provide great value for the construction of the city image, which can contribute to providing future research a reference.

Interview with Steve Bell

Abstract In this interview, the political cartoonist Steve Bell reflects on his past career and work, seeing it against the wider tradition of British political cartoons, and in relation to the work of other artists whom he admires. He answers questions as to the fundamental nature of visual satire and speculates as to its likely future in an age of media fragmentation, and ideological polarisation and intolerance. Although we now live in turbulent and divisive political times and in an era where it becomes ever harder for satirical artists to find outlets for their work, Bell is by no means pessimistic as he looks to the future. His view is very much that artistic quality and sharp observational wit will continue to find appreciative audiences, whatever the means or media their makers employ.

The emerging fault line of alternative news: Intra-party division in Republican representatives’ media engagement

Intra-party factionalism and media fragmentation have emerged as two major trends in U.S. politics, especially on the right. We explore potential connections between these developments by analyzing the engagement of Republican members of the US House of Representatives with far-right alternative news media during the 116th Congress. We develop three discrete measures to scale representatives’ engagement using hyperlinks to news media on Twitter, demonstrating their validity against existing positional data: roll-call voting, ideological caucus membership, and political rhetoric. We then apply our scales empirically, showing that representatives with further-right media engagement became increasingly radical in their online communication during the Trump presidency. Representatives with more moderate media engagement did not radicalize in this way. These results suggest a dynamic relationship that reflects the ‘dual function’ of elite-media relations, where partisan elites serve as receivers of information and transmitters of intra-party signals in a fragmented media environment.

The Nature of Change Has Changed. Insightful and Timely Understanding of What People Feel, and Think Is More Important than Ever

Technology is transforming industry after industry, perhaps none so much as the media landscape which has, since the millennium, seen traditional and hierarchical, mass media upended by flatter, networks, interconnectivity across the globe, spurning social media, and narratives that have now become the mainstay of people’s lives. Tracking such narratives enables one to understand what people themselves feel is important to them. This has never been more important than at the present time. The daily lives of everyone were rapidly transformed by the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19, which for 2 years saw many different approaches by different country leaders. In general, it demonstrated that systems were broken and leadership lacking when most needed. Volatility, uncertainty, and indeed fear were compounded by miscommunications and a lack of clarity. The pandemic, coupled with the unwarranted invasion of Ukraine, has further adversely affected peoples’ outlook with rapidly changing priorities by (new) leaders, who are now seeing further societal turmoil in people’s daily lives as mental health, basic living costs…, add to the already heightened uncertainty. Leaders must accept and embrace that not only is the rate of change accelerating, but the nature of change itself is changing and having a transformational effect on people and institutions. This paper shares the results of tracking key lifestyle narratives, in A Virtual Living Lab, from before COVID-19 to September 2022, when most countries had removed their pandemic restrictions. It shows how investigating “important” narratives, those with utility, can enable people to track and respond to what people think is important by “engaging with engagement” that already exists in current social media environments that describe what people think/feel and can lead to behaviour change. Paradoxically, with media fragmentation, there are many like-minded, micro-communities that have deeper engagement and thus, the potential to create competence with the apparent complexity of modern living.

A spiderweb of human trafficking: An empirical linguistic study

The state of the art in human trafficking (HT) prevention requires the elaboration of subtle verbal techniques that can enhance informative awareness campaigns. The paper explores the representations of metaphors in the media about HT through the SPIDERWEB construal and its impact on the youth in Ukraine. Compared to previous decades (Paliichuk 2011), the SPIDERWEB metaphor can be observed more frequently in recent publications, encouraging the study of whether it contributes to a stronger reader response. The methods embrace conceptual analysis and an experiment, in which 60 undergraduates (grouped into G1, G2, and G3) took part. Four media fragments were used in three modes: authentic (A), weakened (W), and enhanced (E). In total, twelve variables were tested. The Paired Samples T Test revealed the changes in student post-reading perceptions, with the highest response to E texts (identifying oneself with trafficked persons; imagining oneself being in the same situation; imagining sounds/voices; being emotionally affected). Used for the differences between A–W; A–E; and W–E, the Independent Samples T Test revealed higher degrees for imagining oneself being enslaved in the HT situation; being secluded or isolated; emotionally affected; and being more careful about personal safety, which points to the feasibility of designing anti-trafficking educational content based on the SPIDERWEB metaphor.

Areas of influence in influencer marketing. To what extent is the communication under brand control?

Abstract The article discusses the issue of influencer marketing in the context of social, technological and individual changes that affect the effectiveness of marketing communications. Limitations resulting from consumer preferences, media fragmentation and information overload make it increasingly difficult for brands to build awareness and reach audiences. Influencer marketing is an area that is increasingly willing to be used in the communication mix, but also in this area, we observe a growing number of limitations, which are worth being aware of when planning activities in this area. The purpose of this paper is to identify the limitations arising from the use of algorithms by social media platforms that determine the layout and visibility of content in the feed. The author developed an overview of algorithm changes on the Instagram platform and reviewed the literature on this issue concerning the Instagram platform, which is indicated as the most frequently used by marketers for activities in the field of influencer marketing. Visibility restrictions due to algorithms affect not only brands but also influencers. However, influencers take a number of actions to recognise the rules imposed by algorithms, thus building greater visibility for their content. Additionally, they can support brands with their expert experience. Therefore, the choice of an influencer for cooperation should, in addition to essential parameters related to brand fit, consider the effectiveness of reaching new audiences through the skilful use of knowledge and experience in the changing rules of algorithms.

Understanding Grotesque Transparency as a Strategy for Fundamentalist Radicalization: Implications for Social Marketing Theory and Practice

Background To counter the effects of radicalization, we should first understand the persuasion mechanisms used by fundamentalist organizations to reach and engage with potential candidates to religious radicalization, particularly in Western societies. Focus of the Article The paper analyzes ISIS and Al-Qeada (AQ) propaganda as grotesque transparency strategy, with particular attention to the so-called “Islamic State.” Research Questions The main research question guiding this case study is: how the “grotesque transparency” strategy is articulated in the context of radicalization propaganda by Islamist terrorist organizations? The secondary research question is: how the understanding of the “grotesque transparency” strategy could inform social marketing and policy initiatives to counter the effects of such propaganda? Importance to the Social Marketing Field The novelty of grotesque transparency in the context of digital networks lies in the ease with which potentially everyone can be a propagandist, transforming the strategic prescriptions of the organized terrorist into an individual “creative” tactic or action. In this context of media fragmentation, the notion of social marketing as mainly a strategic endeavor to favor general change of attitudes and behaviors may be reconsidered as a more dialogic and individualized interaction to understand the expectations, needs and ideas of the “tribal groups.” Methods By applying the “aquarium metaphor”, the author describes the narrative of such radical groups, including the visual elements that are key in the case of grotesque transparency in the digital media ecosystem. Results The visually grotesque gives meaning to events in a world of excess, fragmentation, and disenchantment. The language of the ocular reduces ambiguity, privileges the concrete, and facilitates moral judgments. It has become a way of “knowing” based on emotion. Recommendations for Practice Social marketing experts and officers might reconsider the very notion of strategy when trying to counter the effects of grotesque transparency radical propaganda among certain groups of the population, moving beyond the more traditional approach of control-command to a more open and interactive process to engage in a dialogue and connect with individuals, their families and peers through strategizing. Limitations The analysis presented here of the Islamist terrorist propaganda is based on a literature review and some empirical research. The question of reception and tactical appropriation by some groups remains an important area to be explored in future research.

When Law-And-Order Politics Fail: Media Fragmentation and Protective Factors That Limit the Politics of Fear

Abstract Law-and-order politics has long been a topic of scholarly work. The leveraging of fear of crime for political capital has been of particular concern. In the 2018 election in the Australian state of Victoria, crime and law-and-order became prominent political issues, particularly through racialized discourse about ‘African gangs’. That election provides a case study here. This article turns the traditional analysis of the politics of fear of crime around and considers some of the key reasons why law-and-order politics failed to gain decisive political traction in this instance. Media fragmentation and diversification continues to challenge the primacy of political primary definers in unpredictable ways. As such, electoral strategies that seek to leverage fear of crime and community insecurity need to be understood in the context of broader individual, community and social protective factors that might mitigate fear of crime.

Gulf Security through the Lens of the ROK-US Alliance

ABSTRACT An analysis of South Korea’s independent deployment of the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz sheds light on the fragmentation of media and political discourses in the country. Empirical evidence from five major South Korean newspaper outlets reveals that the South Korean government’s pre-emptive securitisation presents a wide gap in manifest and latent security interests between the state and society. Securitisation is debated with regard to the two interconnected questions of South Korea’s military deployment to the Middle East and the future of the Korean Peninsula – both of which are ultimately tied to the question of Seoul’s commitment to the US alliance.

Roadblock Advertising In the Digital Context

Roadblock advertising involves limiting or blocking access to competing advertisements for a period of time and can be a useful option in the face of media fragmentation. This study introduces roadblock advertising to the academic literature, defines it, and proposes a typology of formats of this type of advertising. Three experimental studies are presented that compare the effectiveness of roadblock advertising with conventional “full-load” advertising; examine the effectiveness of two different types of roadblock advertising—within pod (concentrated) versus across pod (distributed); and compare the effects of within-pod and across-pod roadblock advertising for new versus familiar brands. Findings suggest that roadblock advertising has high potential for advertisers and is an effective technique for breaking through clutter.

Assessing the Validity of Survey Measures for News Exposure through Digital Footprints: Evidence from Spain and the UK

ABSTRACT This paper assesses the performance of three commonly used type of questions – open-ended, check-all and forced choice – for capturing retrospective online news exposure, combining both survey and web-tracking data. It examines the performance of these different survey questions considering both systematic and random error in two unexplored non-US contexts: Spain and the UK. Results show that the check-all question produces on average the most accurate – i.e. less biased – estimates of observed exposure. Some motivational and cognitive factors underlying bias in self-reports are explored. Findings reveal that the characteristics of outlets are associated with systematic error. Finally, we find that media systems matter for accuracy – where media fragmentation is high (Spain), accuracy is low across all questions; where it is low (UK), accuracy is high across all questions. In the final section, we highlight the methodological and theoretical contributions of our study and provide some recommendations.

Ubiquitous News Experienced Alone: Interviews with Americans and their Devices

Scholars, journalists, and other commentators argue that many parts of the world, including the US, are suffering a social-epistemological crisis, sometimes called "post-truth," and that this crisis is related to the fragmentation of newsmedia. The conventional media effects research explanation for this relationship between news and "post-truth" is framed in terms of messages and information-especially misinformation-as the mechanism by which communication effects change. Analysing the results of a large (n = 164) interview study on mobile and other digital news audiencehood, this article presents an alternative, complementary explanation focused on ritual functions of communication. The primary method of affinity analysis of interview data identified a number of recurring themes: people's preferences, methods, and patterns of news consumption exhibit wild diversity beyond easy summary, but they share the experience of news as nearly ubiquitous, and often as excessive and therefore in need of management. Strategies for managing news broadly fell into categories of news avoidance and active research. Perhaps the most consistent observation across participants' accounts, however, is a conspicuous absence of other people, with news managed and confronted alone. Those findings are interpreted through James Carey's ritual theory of communication, which argues that meaning emerges not only through transmission of messages and information, but also through people's shared experiences of participating in the ritual processes of communication. This work makes a parallel argument that media fragmentation has been implicated in social-epistemological breakdown not only through the mechanism of messages and (mis)information, but also through the transformation and, in certain cases, loss of shared news rituals. The combination of large-scale interview research with media ritual analysis led to these insights about the cultural relevance and collective implications of people's experiences of ubiquitous news and the avoidance thereof.

Rosmarinic Acid Suppresses Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening cardiovascular disorder caused by dissection and rupture. No effective medicine is currently available for the > 90% of patients whose aneurysms are below the surgical threshold. The present study investigated the impact of rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid C, or salvianolic acid B on experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms. Abdominal aortic aneurysms were induced in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice via infusion of angiotensin II for 4 wks. Rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid C, salvianolic acid B, or doxycycline as a positive control was provided daily through intraperitoneal injection. Administration of rosmarinic acid was found to decrease the thickness of the aortic wall, as determined by histopathological assay. Rosmarinic acid also exhibited protection against elastin fragmentation in aortic media and down-regulated cell apoptosis and proliferation in the aortic adventitia. Infiltration of macrophages, Tlymphocytes, and neutrophils in aortic aneurysms was found, especially at the aortic adventitia. Rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid C, or salvianolic acid B inhibited the infiltration on macrophages specifically, but these compounds did not influence T lymphocytes and neutrophils. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor significantly increased in aortic aneurysms. Rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid C decreased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in media, and rosmarinic acid also tended to reduce migration inhibitory factor expression. Further then, partial least squares-discriminate analysis was used to classify metabolic changes among different treatments. Rosmarinic acid affected most of the metabolites in the biosynthesis of the citrate cycle, fatty acid pathway significantly. Our present study on mice demonstrated that rosmarinic acid inhibited multiple pathological processes, which were the key features important in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Further study on rosmarinic acid, the novel candidate for aneurysmal therapy, should be undertaken to determine its potential for clinical use.

Product Placement Bibliometric Study: Generic Journals Versus Specific-Communication Journals

Media fragmentation represents new challenges for product placement strategies to become an increasingly effective way to reach consumers and non-users. In this frame, this paper has been developed with three main objectives: (i) to carry on a performance analysis to measure the visibility/impact of the scientific product in product placement (most cited authors, journals, and themes), (ii) to visually present the scientific structure by topics of research in product placement as well as its evolution to identify future research lines, and (iii) to compare both objectives in generic journals and specific communication ones. To this end, the resources in the Web of Science Citation Index were used. Scimat software was applied on a sample of 694 indexed papers from 1992 to 2021 containing “product placement” with 8,521 global citations (176 of the papers were indexed in communication journals with 3,190 citations). Our results show that MEMORY is a key motor theme—the future of research tends to new themes in the communication field (i.e., ATTITUDES/BEHAVIORS or VIRTUAL). Three industries have been key: alcohol, tobacco, and food. This research adds value to previous analysis as long as we have included: (i) a multidisciplinary approach; (ii) an unfolded analysis focusing strictly on communication journals; and (iii) a longitudinal analysis to compare different periods showing dynamic scientific maps.