Local Social Media Research Articles

Religion, healthcare, and social media use in urban Tanzania: an ethnographic study of faith-based organizations

ABSTRACT The relationship between religion and social media has been critically discussed on potential benefits and opportunities the work of faith-based organizations (FBOs) enjoys in relation to the growing social media technology. Using ethnographic approaches, this study focuses on the use of social media by the new generation of FBOs in their healthcare interventions in urban Tanzania. In particular, the study examines the types of social media used and the messages they carry and explores why FBOs prioritize the use of social media in their healthcare interventions. The findings show that FBOs use Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, local social media platforms and YouTube to broadcast and share recorded videos, testimonies, and messages of their healthcare interventions. FBOs select social media platforms for their healthcare interventions based on the targeted audience and desired outcomes, while simultaneously addressing both religious and non-religious needs and obligations. This in turn may have an impact on the public recognition of their work and strengthening their influence in society in terms of attracting more beneficiaries to their religious ideologies, inspiring, and motivating followers in meeting their religious and social obligations and attracting government support and recognition.

Enhancing green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) conservation for tourists at Little Liuqiu island, Taiwan: Application of deep learning algorithms

Observing marine life has emerged as a pivotal catalyst for the growth of the Blue Economy. Yet, overzealous and recurrent observations may exert undue stress on marine creatures, thereby complicating the sustainable management of marine assets. After the easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, a notable influx of tourists to Little Liuqiu Island, Taiwan puts considerable stress on its green sea turtle population. This surge intensified incidents of illegal harassment, triggering concerns from both the local community and administrative bodies. The prevailing challenge is to ensure tourists observe these turtles with respect, refraining from behaviors such as touching or pursuing them. Addressing this, our study harnesses deep learning algorithms to equip ecotourism operators and tourists with tools to detect green sea turtles across diverse coastal terrains, reinforcing conservation efforts. Our analysis scrutinized object detection AI models, namely YOLOv3, YOLOv5s, and YOLOv5l. Fieldwork was undertaken on the island to gather ample training images, capturing elusive green sea turtles in various settings, from coastline strolls to drone imagery. Supplemental images sourced from local social media platforms were later added. Contrary to expectations, we found that merely expanding the training dataset did not guarantee improved outcomes. Instead, the variance in image content, considering distances, angles, and turtle appearances, played a pivotal role in enhancing model precision. Through our experimentation, the streamlined YOLOv5s model consistently eclipsed its more complex counterparts in performance. An AI service, underpinned by the YOLOv5s model, has been launched to distinguish between green sea turtle types for tourist-focused conservation initiatives. Future iterations will incorporate user feedback to refine accuracy. Our research breaks new ground, spotlighting the intricacies of gathering natural environment data, pinpointing optimal AI models, and evaluating their practical implications for green sea turtle conservation.

213 Accelerating Translational Science Through Dissemination Grants with Community Impact

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Promoting Academics and Community Engagement (PACE) Dissemination grants are funding opportunities via the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research Community Engagement program designed to support the science of clinical and translational research demonstrating community impact. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Two statewide funding announcements over a 3-month period were issued to over 2,000 academic and community partners. Proposals were required to meet the following criteria: 1) data collection from an academic and community partnered research project completed; 2) research findings analyzed; and 3) a community-focused dissemination plan developed. Projects were funded up to $5000. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Six PACE dissemination grants with community-focused plans were funded spanning Southeast, Western, and the Upper Peninsula regions of Michigan, as well as statewide. Examples of funded projects topics areas include the following: firearm safety; housing discrimination; opioid misuse; suicide prevention; and youth mental health. Community dissemination activities include: a) presenting at a community town hall; b) writing a pamphlet for community use; c) creating artwork installation showcase for community display; d) storytelling through community channels; and e) designing and implementing a local social media campaign. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Traditional funding mechanisms often do not provide resources to disseminate research findings with community benefit or impact back to communities. Funding dissemination awards through the PACE mechanism directly supports and accelerates translational science by sharing results directly back to the community in meaningful ways.

Branding on Social Media Platforms As a Solution For Mixed Procession Music Groups In The City Of Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Pancaragam, the only active music group in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia, holds significant potential but has yet to gain widespread recognition. Similar to Tanjidor groups in Betawi Kalimantan, such as Pontianak and Pemangkat, Pancaragam faces challenges in expanding its reach and economic impact on its musicians. To address this, we offer strategic solutions focused on enhancing visibility through social media platforms. This proposal includes the implementation of management patterns that align with the characteristics of each social media platform. Firstly, a profound understanding is needed on how to manage and leverage the specific features of platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. This involves the use of compelling visual content, such as video snippets from their performances, as well as active engagement with fans through comments and direct messaging. Furthermore, the implementation of creative digital campaign strategies can elevate Pancaragam's online presence. Contests or music challenges on these platforms can encourage community participation, while special offers or discounts for live performances can attract a broader audience. Collaborating with local influencers or social media users with an interest in traditional arts and culture can also be an effective way to expand networks and reach new audiences. With a combination of focused management and digital marketing strategies, Pancaragam can gain broader recognition, enhance their online presence, and ultimately provide a positive economic impact for its musicians.

UK Optometrists' Professional Learning Needs Toward Engaging with Myopia Control Interventions.

This study aimed to explore the support that UK optometrists feel they require to facilitate their engagement with myopia control intervention. A self-administered online survey was distributed via QualtricsXM to practising optometrists in the UK via email lists and newsletters of local optical committees, social media, and optometric networks. Questions focussed on learning styles, training needs and barriers to learning. Fifty-five respondents completed the survey. Forty-eight respondents answered the question on where they get information about myopia control and learning style, 79.2% indicated that conferences offering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) material were their main source, and 20.8% preferred online learning as the preferred format of delivery. Optometrists would like to receive training in clinical assessments (78.9%), evaluating suitable interventions (76.3%), developing and implementing specific patient intervention plans (76.3%), carrying out chosen myopia control interventions (fitting/prescribing) (73.7%), and the use of pharmacological interventions (94.4%). Of the 40 respondents who answered professional development questions, 97 5% were most interested in finding, identifying and applying evidencebased practice (EBP), followed by clinical decision-making in myopia control (95.0%). When asked about barriers to learning in this field, 29.7% reported limited time to attend training as the greatest barrier. Optometrists felt they need training in various aspects of myopia management, from practical skills to assessing and fitting/prescribing appropriate myopia control interventions. They were also interested in learning more on EBP and clinical decision-making related to myopia control. To improve the uptake of myopia control among optometrists, various learning methods, especially online learning, and providing sufficient time for training are crucial.

Local government social media use, citizen satisfaction, and citizen compliance: Evidence from the COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Government Social Media (GSM) accounts have been strategic tools for public communication and pandemic management. However, the relationship between local GSM use, citizen satisfaction, and citizen compliance with preventive measures is still unclear. This study responds to this question by analyzing 1047 questionnaires collected from citizens who have experienced the Shanghai COVID-19 outbreak since March 2022. The results reveal that informational use of local GSM directly strengthened citizen compliance with COVID-19 control measures, yet the direct effects of participatory and service use were not supported. Both participatory and service use promoted citizen compliance through the mediating role of citizen satisfaction with local governments. Our research findings suggest that government social media accounts are important tools to cultivate citizens' compliance behaviors. Local governments should try to satisfy citizens’ information, participatory, and service needs in a timely manner, through their official social media channels during a public health crisis.

The Moderating Role of Local Cultural Involvement and Social Media Engagement in The Relationship Between Experience and Satisfaction of Tourists in Northern Vietnam: A Quantitative Analysis Using PLS-SEM Approach

The tourism industry in Northern Vietnam has experienced substantial growth, attracting global tourists to its unique cultural heritage and scenic landscapes. This study investigates the moderating roles of local cultural involvement and social media engagement in the relationship between tourist experience and satisfaction. Employing a quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from 409 tourists who visited Northern Vietnam. The findings reveal that the tourist experience significantly enhances tourist satisfaction. Local cultural involvement positively moderates this relationship, indicating that deeper cultural engagement leads to higher satisfaction levels. However, social media engagement did not show a significant moderating effect. These results provide valuable insights for tourism managers and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of enhancing tourist experiences and promoting cultural engagement to boost satisfaction. The study contributes to the theoretical understanding of tourist satisfaction and offers practical recommendations for sustainable tourism practices.

Prostate cancer knowledge and barriers to screening among men at risk in northern Tanzania: A community-based study

BackgroundAlthough prostate cancer (Pca) screening plays important role in early diagnosis and reduction of mortality, Tanzanian men are relatively unscreened. We aimed to investigate Pca knowledge level and barriers to screening among at-risk men in northern Tanzania. MethodsThis community-based survey was conducted in northern Tanzania from May to September 2022, involving men age ≥40 years. Participants were invited by announcing in local churches, mosques, brochures, and social media groups. Participants attended a nearby health facility where survey questionnaires were administered. Knowledge level was measured on the Likert scale and scored as poor (<50 %) or good (≥50 %). ResultsA total of 6205 men with a mean age of 60.23 ± 10.98 years were enrolled in the study. Of these, 586 (9.5 %) had ever been screened for Pca. Overall, 1263 men (20.4 %) had good knowledge of Pca. Having health insurance, knowing at least 1 risk factor or symptoms of Pca, and hospital as the source of Pca information were significantly associated with ever being screened. The most common reasons for not being screened were a belief that they are healthy (n = 2983; 53.1 %), that Pca is not a serious disease (n = 3908; 69.6 %), and that digital rectal examination (DRE) as an embarrassing (n = 3634; 64.7 %) or harmful (n = 3047; 54.3 %) procedure. ConclusionHaving Pca knowledge, health insurance and hospital source of information were correlated with increased screening. False beliefs about DRE and the seriousness of Pca had negative effects on screening. Increasing community knowledge and universal health coverage would improve uptake of Pca screening.

Effect of Media Routines on News Production: Exploring Journalists’ Perception

Aim of the Study: The media holds significant influence as a potent communication tool and carries certain responsibilities within a democratic society. The objectives of this study were to investigate and analyze the practices of journalists from various media organizations in Lahore and Faisalabad. The study aims to explore the diverse influences that impact the news production process. A primary focus of the research was to examine how media routines shape the construction of news stories, while also investigating other media influences that may manipulate the narratives. Methodology: The study was grounded in theoretical frameworks proposed by Shoemaker and Reese, which explore the influences on media content. The population of this study consisted of 300 journalists employed in various national and local Newspapers, electronic, and social media. Convenience sampling techniques were employed, as they were deemed appropriate for gathering the specific type of data required from journalists, aligning with the nature of the research questionnaire. The data for the study was collected using a survey method from the research respondents. Findings: The finding of the study indicates that the majority of the journalist expressed the belief that media routines play a crucial role in influencing news constructions. Furthermore, the study reveals that both media routines and other media influences are significant obstacles in the news-making process. These results highlight the perception of journalists regarding the impact of media routines and other influences on the production of news. Conclusion: In conclusion, understanding and addressing these challenges are imperative for the sustainability of reliable journalism. The intricate interplay of external pressures, technological advancements, and internal dynamics necessitates ongoing dialogue and efforts to safeguard the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public interest in the ever-evolving media landscape.

The Influence of Social Media on the Cognition of Chinese Students in Malaysia

Malaysia is currently one of the most popular study destinations for overseas Chinese students. At the same time, due to global educational status and better media technology facilities, including social media, more Chinese students tend to live or study abroad. However, the different patterns of social media at home and abroad have created a cognitive gap among overseas Chinese students in Malaysia. Qualitative in-depth interviews and Focus group discussions with more than a dozen overseas Chinese students studying in Malaysia showed that social media use has multiple impacts and aids in structuring learning, lifestyle influences, and the relationship between social media use and cognitive formation. The findings suggest that China’s local social media has been identified as a widespread use by overseas Chinese students for cross-border daily interpersonal communication. It not only helps to construct the lifestyle of overseas Chinese students, but also helps maintain their social perception as “Chinese” by generating the image of home.

Digital Voices in Early Days: Analysing Local Government Social Media Approaches to Risk Communication during the Initial Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

This study evaluates the communication strategies utilised by local governmental bodies in Indonesia concerning the risk communication associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted on the impact of these communication approaches in promoting public engagement. In this study, we collected a dataset consisting of 1,577 tweets that originated from five different local governments in Indonesia. This dataset was obtained using web crawling techniques and was intended to be used for content analysis purposes. The findings of this study demonstrate that local governments employ a diverse range of risk communication strategies. This encompasses the distribution of medical knowledge, protocols for maintaining health, frequent reports on the COVID-19 status in different areas, governmental measures, initiatives for public education, community engagement endeavours, information about accessible assistance, enforcement of regulations, provision of emotional assistance, and promotion of collaborative efforts. The findings of this research demonstrate that some forms of content, such as narratives or testimonies from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 or medical experts, public awareness campaigns related to COVID-19, and interactive quizzes or activities, have a significant coefficient of determination. This discovery implies that the material above has generated substantial attention and involvement from the general public. Keywords: COVID-19, risk communication, social media, Indonesia, communication strategies.

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY-ENGAGED DEMENTIA EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE VIETNAMESE AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Abstract Despite the life-threatening escape from Vietnam, Vietnamese refugees’ health data are scarce. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS) and examined the health of community-dwelling older Vietnamese (≥65 years) in Houston, Texas, the 2nd largest Vietnamese-populated metropolitan area in the U.S. The data revealed their adverse health conditions including a high prevalence of cognitive impairment. We proposed a Community-Engaged Dementia Education Program to improve the community’s dementia literacy based on the Cultural Exchange Model as a conceptual framework. Using Edwards’ 9-stage Community Readiness Model, 14 Vietnamese key informants assessed their current literacy level (Aim 1). To develop dementia educational materials (Aim 2), the informants formed focus-group discussions. We used thematic analysis to analyze the community’s understanding of dementia and developed educational materials. Key informants were aged 58 years (mean), Vietnam-born (93%), married (79%), college-educated (72%), women (86%), and full-time employees (79%). They lived in the U.S. for 39 years and in Houston for 30 years. Themes such as the Vietnamese community’s low dementia literacy, their perception of dementia as a normal part of aging, and suggestions for introducing dementia conversations to the community emerged. We considered a one-pager as appropriate educational material, and included culturally- and linguistically-appropriate content and its translation, a target population’s image, and dementia warning signs encouraging them to see their doctors for cognitive check-ups. Our next steps include utilizing local ethnic social media, disseminating the one-pager, and offering a “Brain Booth” at various Vietnamese health fairs.

Local Government, Social Media and Management of COVID-19: The Case of Chilean Mayoral Communication

ABSTRACT Most research on governments’ use of social media focuses on the national or federal level. We therefore know little about the way local authorities harness social media platforms to communicate with their constituencies. This paper studies the role structural and political variables played in Chilean mayors’ political communication strategies during 2020–2021, a period of municipal elections marked by lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluate whether the volume and characteristics of mayors’ social media posts are related to political factors (partisanship; alignment or not with the governing block; years in office), socioeconomic characteristics (poverty rate; age profile; health infrastructure; etc.); and the incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths at the municipal level. We found that mayors’ social media communication strategies depend on the functions that different municipalities perform in the territory, and that socioeconomic variables differentiate these activities. More specifically, we found that mayors of poorer communities made more extensive use of social media during lockdown periods than did mayors of more affluent municipalities.

The Level of Parental Awareness of Children's Developmental Milestones

Background: Milestones pertain to the customary progression of a child's development within a specific age range. The development of children exhibits significant diversity across different countries, resulting in a lack of fixed milestones tied to certain ages and instead displaying a normal range of variability. The objective of this study was to assess the level of parental awareness regarding children's developmental milestones in the region of Al-Ahsa, located in Saudi Arabia. The study employed a cross-sectional design and took place from January to March 2022. A pre-designed and validated questionnaire was utilized to collect data from parents residing in Al-Ahsa who were over 18 years of age and had at least one kid between the ages of birth and 14 years. A total of 372 parents participated in the study, with data collection facilitated using local virtual and social media platforms. Result: Among the surveyed parents, a majority of 71% accurately indicated the average age at which children generally commence crawling, while 62.9% provided an accurate response regarding the average age at which children typically begin walking. In the study, it was shown that a higher proportion of moms (9.7%) exhibited an excellent degree of understanding of milestones, as opposed to fathers (3.2%) (P = 0.048). The primary sources of information utilized in this study consisted of internet sites, parents/relatives, and pediatricians or general practitioners, with percentages of 81.4%, 81.4%, and 68.3% respectively. Conclusion: The parental understanding of children's growth milestones was limited. It is imperative for healthcare providers to prioritize the dissemination of precise information regarding child development to parents through educational interventions conducted during routine visits.

The social justice issues of smoke im/mobilities

ABSTRACT In 2014, the Hazelwood mine fire burned for 45 days. Local communities were impacted by smoke and ash, and there were reports of raised carbon monoxide levels. Local news and social media reported residents experiencing numerous physical symptoms of smoke inhalation, including bleeding noses, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Paper masks to filter particulate matter were made available to residents to wear outside. The dust and ash constantly seeped into homes and offices, which required cleaning daily and sometimes multiple times during the day. Smoke was free to move across physical and bodily boundaries while those most vulnerable were hampered by lack of movement: pregnant women, the elderly and children were advised to leave the area. However, this suggestion to ‘simply’ move ignored the context of a community disproportionately impacted through years of economic decline and societal change. This paper explores the unequal mobilities of smoke and people that arose as a result of this event and draws on concepts of mobility justice (Sheller 2018) and emergency mobilities (Adey 2016) to reflect on the political dimensions of uneven mobility in times of crisis.

Local land taxes and social media adoption in local governments: evidence from the German state of Hesse

We link the literature on social media adoption among local governments to the literature on local public finance. We argue that the demand for social media adoption is higher the more citizens knowingly contribute to the local budget through local salient taxes. We test this hypothesis using panel data on municipalities in the German state of Hesse and their adoption of Facebook between 2009 and 2019. We show that social media adoption among local governments in Germany is driven by citizens’ demand for transparency, accountability and political participation. This demand increases the more citizens knowingly contribute to the local budget through salient local taxes. This article shows that exploring the link between issues of local public finance and political communication via social media can deepen our understanding of local public affairs.

How digitalisation influences neighbourhood change

Despite much research on the societal and individual consequences of new digital communication technologies, little attention has been paid to the neighbourhood as a locus of impact. This paper investigates how the growing influence of social media and real estate platforms will likely shape the process of neighbourhood change and the geographic distribution of population and financial resources. The investigation is grounded on a model of neighbourhood dynamics based on flows of households and property investments across metropolitan space, which are guided by imperfect information about housing market opportunities. Decision-makers receive information passively (increasingly through local and non-local social media) and when uncertainty about course of action becomes intolerable they turn to active search (increasingly involving online real estate platforms). Based on this conceptual framing, the article synthesises extant research to draw implications on how the expanding use of these new technologies is affecting neighbourhoods by changing the composition of decision-makers and the information that underpins their decisions. It concludes that digitalisation reduces neighbourhoods residential stability, social capital and diversity, while rendering their dwellings less well-maintained and more expensive.

Generalized fuzzy hypergraph for link prediction and identification of influencers in dynamic social media networks

Despite the importance of link prediction and identification of influencers in dynamic social media systems, the existing methodical theories are not capable of analyzing complex multilayer relations in social media networks which contain uncertainty. In fact, there is no theoretical exploration concurrently focused on multidimensional and interrelated entities in a fuzzy-based social media environment. To cover this gap, a neoteric generalized fuzzy hypergraph (GFH) methodology is designed using developed n-ary fuzzy relation technique that is the extension of convolutional binary fuzzy relation. Characterizing reflexive, symmetric, transitive, composition, t-cut and support techniques is carried out for multidimensional uncertain-based space. Also, a graphical approach is created in the generalized fuzzy hypergraph to assist the derivation of foundational implications and concepts. The GFH framework can be applied for the intelligent management of complex systems for sole or mass users of local and global social media platforms by adopting specific membership degree for each individual. To predict the linkages between elements, a fuzzy-based indicator FLP (fuzzy link prediction) is promoted, along with the indicator of SIR (score of interaction rate) to identify the influencers (strongest communicators) in an uncertain space. Through the FLP evaluation, the extracted data are analyzed as per the highest value of 1 for single, 3 for binary, 3.8 for triplet, and 0.9 for quaternary spaces for their probable links. Through the analysis of SIR data on the individuals’ membership degrees for the usage of social media platforms, the highest interaction value of 0.99 is correlated to a single member, while 5.42 magnitude addresses an influential person. The performance results show that the presented theoretical and structural approach, that is superior to the classical graph theories, is promising to configure intelligent expert systems, predict the likelihood of connections, detect communities, and specify the influencers in real social media platforms that contain uncertainty.

Pregnant women’s attitudes and behaviours towards antenatal vaccination against Influenza and COVID-19 in the Liverpool City Region, United Kingdom: Cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesInfluenza poses a serious health risk to pregnant women and their babies. Despite this risk, influenza vaccine uptake in pregnant women in the UK is less than 50%. Little is known about how COVID-19 affects pregnant women, but its management may affect attitudes and behaviours towards vaccination in pregnancy. The study objectives were to establish attitudes and knowledge of pregnant women towards influenza disease and influenza vaccination and to compare these to attitudes and knowledge about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination. DesignA cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed through local advertisement and social media outlets. Information was sought on attitudes and knowledge of influenza and COVID-19 and their respective vaccines. Participants and settingPregnant women residing in Liverpool City Region, UK. ResultsOf the 237 respondents, 73.8% reported receiving an influenza vaccine. Over half (56.5%) perceived themselves to be at risk from influenza, 70.5% believed that if they got influenza, their baby would get ill, and 64.6% believed getting influenza could hurt their baby, 60.3% believed that the influenza vaccine would prevent their baby from getting ill, and 70.8% believed it would protect their baby. Only 32.9% of respondents stated they would receive the COVID-19 vaccine if it were available to them. However, 80.2% stated they would receive a COVID-19 vaccine if they were not pregnant. Most of the women stated that they would accept a vaccine if recommended to them by healthcare professionals. ConclusionsAcceptance of the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy seems to be more related to the safety of the baby rather than the mother. Women perceived their child to be more at risk than themselves. Information about influenza and COVID-19 vaccine safety as well as healthcare provider recommendations play an important role in vaccine uptake in pregnant women.

The development of a public library data collection and analysis platform and its uses: a case study of the National Library Big Data Platform in Korea

Public libraries reflect the contemporary way of life. In the era of the digital data age, actions carried out through libraries can be traced and analyzed to monitor the demand for library services. This study presents the development and utilization of Korea's National Library Big Data Platform (NLBDP), which was constructed to collect operational data from public libraries in the country and to build national open data platform for the participating libraries and for public use. This study analyzed 17 application cases that utilized NLBDP in order to understand the way the platform has been used. The findings showed that the types of data analyzed so far have been somewhat limited. It suggests needs for further enhancing the data quality and for diversifying data sources, such as individual local library operational data, surveys, demographics, news, and social media. The results also revealed that NLBDP has been utilized for seven distinct purposes: library operations and strategic planning; social trend analysis; collection management; redesigning library space; recruiting new patrons; library marketing; and non-library applications. Building an infrastructure for networked data analysis not only enables evidence-based decision-making in public libraries, but also extracts timely topics that can be developed as useful services for their community. The findings of this study highlighted the necessity to formulate national library data policies and gather data capable of measuring the social impact of libraries.