Media Law Research Articles

Non-linear homogenization of Forchheimer law for porous media with cylindrical and spherical impervious inclusions

Non-linear homogenization of Forchheimer law for porous media with cylindrical and spherical impervious inclusions

Student perceptions of mindful reflection as a media law teaching tool

Graduates’ failure to pause, reflect and draw on their learning to predict the legal consequences of their publishing can result in fines, damages and even jail terms. This article reports upon a survey of more than one hundred media law students in courses at an Australian university over two years where mindfulness-based cognitive reflections were used as a teaching tool. The author and colleague developed a conceptual map to explain the potentialities of mindfulness-based meditation in journalism education. In this action research project, mindfulness-based reflections were offered regularly during a media law course, with a strong emphasis upon emotional and situational analysis of media law dilemmas, as a complement to a traditional style of teaching media law cases, legislation and topics. Basic mindfulness meditation practices can equip students with a toolkit of techniques for inward reflection which they can use to assess their thought processes, emotional states, workplace situations, legal dilemmas, ethics and learning. The approach is in accord with the research on metacognition in psychology and education. The study reports a variety of student responses to the mindfulness reflection experience, ranging from some who objected to its use or who reported it to be of no value to their media law studies through to others who found it invaluable for their learning and lives. Students responded to a series of both Likert and open-ended questions covering their previous meditation exposure, frequency of participation, perceived benefits and shortcomings, extent of assisting learning and suggestions for improvements in the technique.

Numerical Computation of Natural Convection of Nanofluid in an Open Wavy Porous Cavity Heated Partially

In this work, we emphasise the heat transfer and fluid flow due to buoyancy force in a wavy open porous cavity, placed horizontally having filled with porous media and, its top wall is being kept open, whereas the right cold wall is wavy and, its left vertical wall is heated partially, keeping all other walls at thermally insulated. The non-dimensional ψ − θ formulation of mass, momentum, and energy conservation laws for porous media are solved by the standard finite difference scheme for a wide range of pertinent parameters such as nanoparticle volume fraction (0.05 ≤ Φ ≤ 0.2), Rayleigh-Darcy number (10 ≤ Ra ≤ 103), length of heat source (0.25 ≤ ε ≤ 1), and parameters controlling waviness of right wall (1 ≤ N ≤ 5) and amplitude (0.05 ≤ a ≤ 0.25). The simulated results are presented in the form of streamlines and isotherms; global and local Nusselt numbers are computed. Obtained results are analyzed and it is observed that the convection process is augmented at the presence of nanoparticle for low Ra but decreases at high Ra for all pertinent parameters; also, the wall waviness augments convection low Ra.

Seepage Evolution Law and Deformation Failure Characteristics of Porous Media Based on Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics

It is difficult to characterize the whole process of seepage movement by traditional numerical methods, which leads to the unclear mechanism of stress-strain change in soil. Therefore, the meshless method smooth particle hydrodynamics method is proposed to study the seepage law and deformation characteristics of soil. Combined with the strain softening model, a nonlinear cohesive force change model of porous media is proposed to accurately describe the evolution characteristics of soil seepage failure. Secondly, the damping coefficient and stress normalization method are used to better eliminate the defects of numerical stress noise generated by soil deformation after boundary interpolation, and improve the accuracy of SPH method in studying the internal stress of soil deformation. It is concluded that the influence of the viscosity coefficient on the unsteady head is significantly higher than that of the constant head. At the same time, the evolution characteristics of soil seepage instability under linear cohesion change are compared and analyzed. It can be seen that the proposed nonlinear cohesion change model is more in line with the actual failure mode of soil seepage. The research results can provide a new method and idea for the study of slope seepage motion range and stability analysis.

Co-branding drivers between professional sport organizations and on-field sports apparel sponsors

PurposeThis study aims to investigate drivers of co-branding, and the relative strength of these drivers within the Persian Gulf Pro League (PGPL). The study examines sport sponsorship, and specifically the relationship between professional football teams and on-field apparel sponsors.Design/methodology/approachSixteen experts participated in semi-structured interviews and ranked the co-branding drivers. The expert opinions were organized into estimates and triangular fuzzy numbers were established before the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System converted the fuzzy outputs into crisp output values using the Centroid method. Next, the rankings of the drivers by the same 16 participants were analyzed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP).FindingsThe study identified four main factors with 19 indicators: brand management (i.e. enhancing brand value, utilizing the knowledge and experience of partner brands, brand position, brand identity, brand equity and brand image), partner relationships (i.e. satisfaction, mutual trust, commitment, common interest, product reliability and innovative strategies), marketing factors (i.e. marketing mix, market position, competitive advantage and entry into new domestic markets) and supporting factors (i.e. copyright, contracts and social media law). The AHP identified the most influential factors as marketing, partner relationships, brand management and support.Originality/valueBased on the study’s findings, the authors recommend that PGPL teams adopt a partnership mindset, seek alignment of values and recognize the plurality of stakeholders to a sponsorship and their relationships to each other. The study highlights the challenges of co-branding activities in a developing country where trademark laws are not well developed.

“Pure Rat Country” – Reflections on Case Decision 2022-001-FB-UA of Facebook Oversight Board (Knin Cartoon Case)

Objective: the present paper aims to analyse Case Decision 2022-001-FB-UA of Facebook Oversight Board, also known as the Knin cartoon case and attempts to put the case as well as its procedure in a historical and cultural context to set out a critical approach concerning Facebook’s content moderation.Methods: the paper uses desk research as the primary source of method. The paper’s resource background builds upon comparative case studies and case analysis as well. The paper uses resources from various disciplines: legal philosophy, international law, media law, platform regulation, history.Results: the paper presents the context of the Knin cartoon case as well as the key findings of the Oversight Board and the reasoning behind its decision. Furthermore, this paper aims to reflect on the idea of hate speech as interpreted by the Oversight Board and makes a tentative to contextualise and introduce the main problems and possible solutions regarding Meta’s content moderation in the scope of the present case.Scientific novelty: the Knin case has not been analysed in such historical and contextual depth before as the case decision was issued in 2022. Only a few analyses from merely legal standpoints were published thus far.Practical significance: the findings regarding the Knin case may be of importance of three main aspects: (1) it could be used for further critical analyses on Facebook’s content moderation, (2) it could serve as a recommendation regarding platform regulation and guideline development and (3) it presents the paramount relevance and significance of the holistic interpretational perspectives when determining hate speech. As for the latter the present paper argues that the historical, cultural, societal and symbolic interpretation and understanding of hate speech determination is not only instrumental, but the only viable method to understand, determine and judge upon alleged hate speech cases.

Regulatory Capture in a Transitional Democracy: Media Laws in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

This article focuses on a particular aspect of media capture by examining how the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s media regulatory authorities and governmental bureaucracy use both formal and informal instruments and practices at their disposal to regulate press freedom. It reports on the findings of a mixed-methods approach: A qualitative document analysis of media regulations (such as laws, bills, and guidelines) was combined with 20 in-depth semistructured interviews with both state officials involved in media regulatory authorities and journalists, media managers, and editors-in-chief (N = 20). The findings show deliberate shortcomings in the contents of the laws as a result of pressure from the ruling political parties. In addition, they reveal the existence of informal structures and practices to control formal media regulations through patronage relationships and clientelism. We conclude by discussing the implications of these results with regard to the state of the regulatory chaos occurring within an unstable political environment. This includes imprecise laws and the irregular and unpredictable enforcement of media laws that are restricting journalists, to discern the boundary between legal and illegal. As such, the findings provide key insights on the different dimensions of regulatory capture in transitional democracies more broadly.

Pacific media freedom since the pandemic

Commentary: This article discusses the status of media freedom in the Pacific region and the impact of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. It primarily draws on informed comments made by experienced Pacific journalists of an online discussion in December 2021. Further, it updates the situation in several Pacific countries, based on reflections made by the same journalists in March 2023. There have been two major developments in 2023: the newly elected government in Fiji has repealed the country’s controversial media law while the government of Papua New Guinea considers introducing a media law. The article highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance with regard to media freedom in Pacific Island countries.
 It also considers the impact of media freedom in Pacific Island countries during the unprecedented health crisis.

Podcasting and ethics: Independent podcast production in New Zealand

In New Zealand – like in the US and UK – independently produced podcasts fall outside of local media regulations. New Zealand’s media laws and regulatory bodies remain broadcast and legacy media-focussed, so podcast content that has not been previously broadcast is not regulated or otherwise overseen. In the absence of regulation, this study explores the ways nine independent podcast producers from New Zealand self-govern their content, as well as their motivations for doing so. It is an investigation of the ways ‘amateur’ content producers approach media ethics, and more broadly podcast production in practice. Not guided or bound by formal publishing or editorial responsibilities, and mostly with no formal media training, study participants demonstrate adherence to journalistic principles. They consider ethical and editorial quandaries as they arise during the production process, factoring in the needs and disposition of their audience. This process is informed by their worldview, as well as their perspectives and experiences as media consumers. Though these podcasters champion the ethos of independent podcasting, the content of their shows is not free from third party influence. These podcasters are also parents, partners, employees, and colleagues; life roles that inform the content of their show. Though they push back against podcasting being legislated, these podcasters see value in creating an informal set of guidelines or a voluntary code of practice for podcasting in New Zealand. This project contributes to ongoing explorations of independent podcasting and podcasting practice, focussing on what defines, motivates, and informs self-driven practitioners.

Journalistic Code of Ethics, ITE Law and Social Phenomena in Social Media

Journalistic language must meet a number of requirements, such as appearing attractive, varied, fresh, with character. In addition, he must always appear concise and straightforward, logical, dynamic, democratic and populist. The journalistic Code of Ethics was created in order to accommodate and safeguard the exercise of press freedom carried out with full awareness, responsibility and professionalism by press actors. Based on the ITE Law, electronic information is one or a set of electronic data, including but not limited to writing, voice, images, maps, designs, photographs, electronic data interchange (EDI), electronic mail, telegrams, telex, telecopy or the like, letters, signs, numbers, access codes, symbols, or processed perforations that have meaning or can be understood by people who are able to understand them. The positive impact of social phenomena provides a benefit for both oneself and others such as modernization which creates effectiveness and efficiency at work, a culture of mutual cooperation creates a clean and comfortable environment and so on.

Prank content creation and its implication on the Nigerian society: An exploratory study of Facebook prank videos

This study examined the theme of "prank content creation and its implication on the Nigerian society". The study adopted a mixed research method where content analysis, in-depth interviews, and observation were used. Content analysis was used to study the content of prank videos online, while in-depth analysis was used to know the perceptions of social media users on online prank videos. The population of this study consisted of Facebook users and prank videos uploaded on Facebook. Findings of the study revealed that some of the existing online prank videos have adverse implications on society because they are capable of causing uproar or health complications on victims. Furthermore, it was also found that Facebook users perceived online prank videos as a source of entertainment; however, the majority of them revealed that they would not like to play pranks because of some of the repercussions associated with some pranks. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended, among other things, that there is a need for a professional body that would regulate the conduct of content creators in Nigeria. Furthermore, there is a need for Nigerian content creators, especially pranksters, to be enlightened on media law and ethics.

Estimation of hydraulic conductivity by the modified Kozeny–Carman equation considering the derivation principle of the original equation

The Kozeny–Carman (K–C) equation based on Poiseuille’s law is an efficient theoretical equation predicting hydraulic conductivity. Some modified K–C equations were proposed focusing on obtaining the uncertainty parameters in the original K–C equation. However, assumptions of some modified K–C equations are inconsistent with Poiseuille’s law. This study proposes a new modified K–C equation considering the derivation principle of the original K–C equation. By applying Poiseuille’s law in porous media, the concept of 2D porosity (ε) and a correction coefficient for permeation (f) are presented. During the derivation process, each section’s void distribution is assumed to be similar, and void pipes in various directions share similar characteristics, because the effective porosity (ne) is approximately equal to ε only when the change in the cross-section in porous media is small. The parameters in the new modified K–C equation include specific surface area (S0), tortuosity (1/cosθ), and ne. The prediction formulas of ne are presented according to the soil mineral and bound water features. The prediction formulas for S0 and 1/cosθ are deduced and verified by comparing them with established formulas proposed by other researchers and experimental data. The new modified K–C equation is adequate for predicting hydraulic conductivity for clay and sand by comparing it with the experimental value and theoretical equations, including the original and other established modified K–C equations.

Novel Aspects of Cilia-Driven Flow of Viscoelastic Fluid through a Non-Darcy Medium under the Influence of an Induced Magnetic Field and Heat Transfer

The spontaneous movement of natural motile cilia in the form of metachronal waves is responsible for fluid transport. These cilia, in particular, play important roles in locomotion, feeding, liquid pumping, and cell delivery. On the other hand, artificial cilia can be useful in lab-on-a-chip devices for manipulation processes. In this study, a novel model for the ciliated tapered channel in Sutterby fluid flow under the impact of an induced magnetic field and heat transport is proposed. The Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer law for porous media with a viscous dissipation function is considered. With the help of lubrication theory, the simplified non-linear form of the leading equation with cilia-oriented boundary conditions is achieved. The analytical results of differential equations are based on the topological perturbation approach. The numerical simulation is performed to elaborate on the physical interpretations of emerging parameters through computer software.

Research on Laplace transform of stress wave propagation relaxation function in multi-layer media

There are some difficulties in solving the theory of stress wave propagation in multi-layer media. To solve the problem of stress wave propagation in multi-layer media under the impact load, this paper theoretically makes further derivation and discussion based on viscoelastic analogy method. To further verify the feasibility of the theoretical solution, LS-DYNA is used to simulate the three-layer medium. The simulation results show that comparing the peak stress obtained from the numerical inversion of the Laplace function after the Laplace transform with the simulation results, the maximum error of the peak stress is about 9.5%, and the minimum error is about 1.7%. The results show that the theoretical solution agree with the simulation results, and the theoretical solution has specific feasibility. The theoretical solution method deduced in this paper further develops the viscoelastic analogy method, which has a specific reference value for the rapid calculation of the stress wave propagation law in multi-layer media.

Desafíos para el mantenimiento de una esfera pública democrática en la sociedad digital

El presente trabajo se propone analizar cómo el creciente protagonismo de las redes sociales en el debate público puede implicar –de forma contraintiutiva- serios riesgos para la construcción y el mantenimiento de una esfera pública democrática. Para ello, en primer lugar, se identificarán las que hasta ahora han sido consideradas como características esenciales de una esfera pública democrática, exponiendo cómo dichas características han sido reconocidas y protegidas en los ordenamientos jurídicos –tomando como referencia el ordenamiento jurídico español. Enumeradas estas características, el trabajo analiza cómo la dinámica de las redes sociales puede poner en jaque cada una de ellas. Presentados los peligros que un mal uso de las redes comporta para la esfera pública, el estudio concluye ofreciendo un catálogo de medidas que poderes públicos, industria y usuarios de Internet pueden adoptar con el fin de sortear los riesgos apuntados y contribuir a la preservación de un espacio público libre y robusto, presupuesto irrenunciable de toda democracia.

Bibliography History of the Development of Mass Media Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan

In order for the pluralistic system in radio and television broadcasting, that is, the mixed system, to function according to democratic rules and with the understanding of public service, it is necessary to mention the freedom of expression (right to speech) first. Freedom of expression is one of the cornerstones of pluralistic democracies. Freedom of expression as a sine qua non condition of democracy holds an important place in public life. When examining the historical developments of the Constitution and the law of mass communication, only freedom of expression will be considered from the point of view. Due to the fact that the main field of study is not law, the concepts of freedom of expression have been discussed in the legal concepts without going into too much detail to form the main framework of the subject. Therefore, freedom of expression, communication law, political science and communication are synthesized in this study. The Republic of Kazakhstan is a state established in 1991 after seceding from the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In this respect, the government developments from the Communist system of the mass media to the present day have been discussed. The freedom of expression and speech and the freedom of mass communication are constitutionally guaranteed by the Republic of Kazakhstan (Article of the Constitution of Kazakhstan.20). In this way, the society is informed about the events that are developing thanks to mass media, is informed, has fun and has the opportunity to educate itself. Despite the guarantee of freedom of expression in the Constitution, the broadcaster cannot fully prepare and broadcast the programs it currently wants for the freedom to organize an unlimited program in Kazakhstan. Here, it is seen that the country has achieved independence by getting rid of the 70-year colonial policy and that regime change is an important factor. In this context, it is necessary to establish an impartial, independent and autonomous regulatory and supervisory supreme council in Kazakhstan in the Western manner.

Impact of Media Law and Regulation on Radio Programing Diversity in Kenya

Purpose: All around the world, radio is regulated. The extent of the regulation and how it is done varies. Regulation takes many forms, ranging from clauses in national constitutions and laws to administrative procedures and technical specifications. This study examined how media laws and regulations affect radio programming diversity in Kenya.
 Methodology: The study adopted a mixed research design method, data was gathered through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Findings: The findings revealed that despite the importance of media laws and regulations to journalism practice, journalists' adherence to media laws and ethics was low. It was also established that journalists contravened media laws and ethics because of sycophancy, security reasons, desperation, greed, ethical dilemmas, ignorance of media laws and ethics, and laziness.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was rooted on the normative theory of the press. According to Siebert, F., Peterson, T., & Schramm, W. (1956) A Normative theory describes an ideal way for a media system to be controlled and operated by the government, authority, leader and public. On its contribution to practice, the study calls on the Media Council of Kenya in conjunction with the Kenya Union of Journalists to enhance interaction between gatekeepers and reporters especially on ethical concerns in order to enhance adherence to the code of conduct.

Four laws of Microsoft Teams

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many schools around the globe to close their doors and relocate learning to virtual environments. Teachers were forced to transition the way they educated – from classroom to computer screen, from co-presence to distance, from hands on to hands off. High school teachers in New Brunswick turned to Microsoft Teams to help safely educate students from a distance. To investigate how Teams uniquely influenced the way teachers constructed, presented and shared knowledge, and how students responded to these approaches, I interviewed eight New Brunswick high school educators who taught in the Teams virtual environment during the 2020–21 school year, the first full school year of the pandemic. This article provides insight into some of the potential impositions and pedagogical constraints Teams placed on teaching practices; in what sense the software guided or limited teacher pedagogy and what challenges and opportunities teachers and students experienced; in what ways Teams might be reshaping ways of thinking, feeling, acting and knowing. As an approach to this investigation, Marshall and Eric McLuhan’s Laws of Media () are employed as an inquiry mechanism by which the generalizable rules, patterns and structures of Teams can be recognized and studied. Through these conversations, I observed the enhancement of anytime/anywhere learning; the obsolescence of the physical classroom; the retrieval of lectures; the reversal of connectedness to disconnectedness. The Laws of Media allow education reformers to gain insight into the effects of using Teams as an educational tool before cultural norms and practices become too entrenched in the system, affording education districts and departments time to understand them and make a judgement on if, how and when Teams will be used.

Study on electric field distribution of multi-layer dielectric under mixed voltage

The combination of field and circuit analysis method is used. Taking the multilayer flat dielectric structure as an example, the electric field distribution law of multilayer dielectric under mixing and polarity reversal voltage is studied by using the electromagnetic field theory. Then, according to the actual situation, two typical multilayer dielectric structures are selected, equivalent circuit model is established, and multilayer dielectric equivalent circuit experiment is carried out. At the same time, the equivalent circuit is simulated and analyzed by using the circuit simulation to further analyze the distribution law of electric field under various voltages. On this basis, the finite element simulation is used to simulate the double-layer plate dielectric structure model, which verifies the applicability of the finite element simulation method in the calculation of AC/DC hybrid electric field. Finally, the structural model of ±800kV converter outlet bushing is established, and the AC, DC, AC and DC superposition and polarity reversal voltage are loaded respectively. The electric field distribution in each medium of the complex insulation structure is calculated and analyzed accordingly. The results show that the finite element simulation method is simple and effective, and it is feasible to study the electric field distribution law and insulation structure optimization of the complex insulation structure under AC/DC mixed voltage. This paper studies E-field distribution law of multi-layer media under AC/DC mixed voltage, which has practical reference significance for the external insulation design of converter bushing, wall bushing and converter valve, and is of the great value for the actual DC power transmission and transformation project.

Digital transformation of journalism and media in Serbia: What has gone wrong?

The aim of this paper is to sketch a brief history of complex digital transformation of media and journalism in the context of Serbia, a European country which has undergone politically turbulent transition from authoritarian to democratic rule over the past 20 years. Despite the long process of the EU integration, the country has been recently downgraded to a partly free hybrid regime with rapid decline of press freedom, high political and media polarization and raising political and economic instrumentalization of media. Against this background, the paper problematizes how the main structural transformations of the media environment, such as the transition from state to public broadcasting, the introduction of new media laws and the lengthy process of media privatization intersected and influenced different phases and outcomes of the digital transformation of journalism and news media in the country. Unlike the digital journalism development in established democracies of the West, the real systemic change and adaptation of Serbia’s media market to easy-to-use technologies, newsrooms convergence, profitable content and participatory journalism has been largely limited and overpowered by the interplay between the state and the media over the past two decades.