Media Reports Research Articles

Displaying new East Asian women: Chinese female martial arts athletes tour during the 1936 Berlin Olympics

ABSTRACT Several studies have explored the participation of the Chinese martial arts team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics cultural activities as a crucial historical phenomenon but lacking a female perspective. This article examines media reports, documents, and biographical literature related to three unbound-foot female martial artists: Zhai Lianyuan (1913–1989), Fu Shuyun (1916–2004), and Liu Yuhua (1916–2008). This is the first attempt to investigate their feet and related symbolism, offering an intriguing perspective on the intersection of sport and gender in East–West transnational body culture exchanges while shedding light on the implicit societal views of women in China in the 1930s. The findings show that they were mocked for ‘no marriage’ and verbally attacked by foot-binding supporters but persisted in entering the male-dominated martial arts. Women were allowed to participate in sports during China’s nation-building process and became warriors through exceptional performances, which fostered the nation’s honour and affirmed that East Asian women were not weak. The experiences in international sports of Zhai, Fu, and Liu, who grew up during a national crisis, strengthened their self-identity and national consciousness. While this article cannot ascertain the German audience’s perspective, examining women’s perspectives helps fill this historical knowledge gap.

Promoting students’ critical evaluation of popular scientific articles: the influence of critical discussions using contradictory scientific texts of different genres

ABSTRACT Evaluating media reports, such as popular scientific articles, is necessary for every scientifically literate citizen. Research indicates that high-school students often struggle to interpret popular scientific articles, limiting their ability to critically evaluate such texts. We propose a strategy for promoting critical evaluation of popular scientific articles using contradictory texts as textual evidence to ground critical discussions. We use contradictory scientific texts of different genres – adapted primary literature (APL) articles or popular scientific articles – to examine their possible influence on students’ engagement in critical discussions and critical evaluation skills when reading popular scientific articles. Data from 83 tenth-grade students included pre – and post-questionnaires and recorded discussions, were analysed using Walton’s dialogue of argumentation theory. We found that exposure to scientific texts featuring opposing viewpoints and engaging in critical discussions about these articles promote students’ critical evaluation skills when assessing the information presented in a popular article. Interestingly, the students who read contradictory APL articles showed greater improvement in these skills. Our findings underscore the significance of incorporating diverse textual materials and fostering critical discourse in science education, with implications for enhancing students’ critical evaluation skills to navigate and assess media representations of scientific information.

Political Financing and Vulnerability: Social Protection and Election Campaign Financing in Nigeria

Abstract Existing studies have identified five major sources of illegal political financing: namely, funding from questionable sources, corporate bodies, foreign donations, government contractors, and anonymous sources. However, the clientelist manipulation of certain social protection programmes for electoral gains has received scant attention in existing academic conversations on political financing. Hence, this study shows how some social investment programmes in Nigeria, such as the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, N-Power, TraderMoni, and Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme, were exploited by incumbent politicians and their political parties for election campaign financing. The study interrogates how these social protection interventions were manipulated to fertilise the ground for vote solicitation in the build-up to elections in Nigeria. The study relies on documentary evidence, including official documents and media reports. Analysing the data through the theoretical lens of clientelism, the study concludes that politicians and their political patrons frequently exploit social protection interventions to advance their (re)election bids and sustain their patronage networks.

키워드 네트워크와 토픽모델링을 활용한 디지털교과서에 대한 언론보도 분석

Objectives This study analyzed discourses related to digital textbooks in domestic media reports from 2007 to 2024. Methods To this end, data were collected from BIGKINDS, a domestic media report data provision platform, with keywords such as ‘digital textbook’ and ‘AI textbook’, and keyword frequency analysis, co-occurrence network analysis, and topic modeling were performed using the R program. Results Digital textbooks were linked to various issues in terms of policy, education, and technology, and keywords such as ‘education’, ‘digital’, ‘AI’, ‘school’, and ‘content’ appeared mainly in keyword frequency analysis. Topic modeling analysis derived 10 major topics such as digital infrastructure construction, AI-based learning innovation, resolving the education gap, digital content development, and policy support. Conclusions This study systematically analyzes media discourses on digital textbooks to suggest implications for future education policies and textbook development directions.

Research on Private Enterprise Financing

Private enterprises are an important part of the socialist market economy. How to solve the problem of private enterprise financing difficulties is a focal topic. This paper analyzes the current situation of private enterprise financing, the causes of private enterprise financing difficulties, and from the perspective of media reports to promote the transparency of private enterprise information and optimize the private enterprise financing strategies, raise the financing rate of private enterprises.

Science communication in Indian languages: A case study of scientific reporting through translation

Science is an integral part of our society, and modern technology has made the discovery of scientific phenomena commonplace. In India, most people learn about these discoveries through media reporting and translation into various languages. This makes scientific reporting in newspapers a daunting task, as it requires both subject knowledge and linguistic creativity to ensure accuracy in language translation. Whether discussing the frightening pandemic or celebrating the launch of the Chandrayaan, effective scientific reporting is crucial. The genre of popular science is primarily disseminated through newspapers, which are often filled with debates and discussions about science and technology that require equivalence and accuracy to educate the Indian population about the latest scientific breakthroughs. Translation plays a pivotal role in scientific reporting, as translating scientific registers, jargon, and technical terminologies is essential due to the distinct nature of scientific writing compared to creative writing or general communication. Media reporters are crucial in disseminating scientific awareness, but the mistranslation of technical jargon and scientific concepts can distort the content, leading to misinformation and disrupting the knowledge dissemination process. With new scientific discoveries frequently emerging, especially from the West, reporters face the dual challenge of ensuring linguistic and conceptual accuracy while meeting the urgency of news reporting. Demonstrable gaps exist in scientific reporting in translation, particularly in reporting key concepts, theories, policies and practices. This paper explores the extant theories and examines the policies that influence the reporting and translation of scientific literature in Indian languages. It discusses the practical challenges faced by translators. By addressing these issues, the paper aims to propose language and translation strategies to enhance the quality of translation in scientific communication.

Symbolic Meaning of Pope Francis' Apostolic Journey in Indonesia and Its Public Reception: Strengthening Interfaith Fraternity

This study analyzes the symbolic meaning of Pope Francis' apostolic journey to Indonesia in September 2024, using George Herbert Mead's Symbolic Interaction Theory. The research focuses on how the symbolic actions, words, and objects during the visit were interpreted by Indonesian society, particularly in the context of interfaith relations. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing literature study techniques to analyze primary sources such as official documents, speeches, and media reports, as well as secondary sources like academic journals and books. The findings reveal that Pope Francis' visit carried profound symbolic meanings, particularly through his gestures (e.g., kissing the hand of the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque), speeches, and the signing of the Istiqlal Declaration on Religious Harmony. These actions were widely perceived as promoting interfaith dialogue and solidarity, although some skepticism existed among certain groups. This research contributes to the understanding of how symbolic interactions can foster interfaith harmony in a multicultural society like Indonesia, offering insights for future studies on religious diplomacy and public reception of symbolic actions.

The ‘stars’ and the muted ‘extras’: How is rice importation reported in the Philippines and Indonesia?

The mass media helps shape public opinion. Rice importation is a shared national issue in the Philippines and Indonesia. Yet, there has not been a study that scrutinizes media reportage of rice importation in the two countries. Of interest in this study is to explain to what extent is the mass media able to guide public opinion on rice importation. To guide our analysis, we drew insights from media professionalism and commercialization as well as media frame theories. This research is a content analysis of the stories published in the Philippines and in Indonesia in 2022 on rice importation. We found that many professionalism and commercialization issues affect rice importation framing in the two countries. Officials of the government appear to be the preferred information sources with the farmers left out in the reportage. In terms of the quality of reportage, there is some evidence of a healthy discourse in the Philippines on rice importation while the same could not be said in Indonesia. Depth issues are noted in the reportage. We advance that there is a need for the mass media entities to carefully reflect on the way they perform their raison d’etre , i.e., to guide public opinion.

Media Practitioners’ Attitudes, Awareness, and Adherence to WHO Regulations on Suicide Prevention in Kenya

Globally, media coverage of mental health issues, particularly suicides, has become a public concern. Studies show that how the media reports on sensitive health topics is likely to either raise awareness or lead to suicide incidences in any given society. This study examined the communication gaps in media reporting of suicides to recommend interventions to promote mental health awareness and wellness among the youth and the general public. This study used Media Representation, Cultivation, and Framing theories of mass communication to develop a theoretical framework. A relativist-constructivist paradigm was adopted. A qualitative research approach to get varied views from the participants of the study was used. Content analysis of suicide news from the two selected newspapers, namely Daily Nation and The Standard Newspapers, form the main sources of data. In-depth interviews were incorporated to complement the deeper understanding of the field of study. The study population was specific suicide cases from the two newspapers from 2018-2024. A sample size was of 25 key informants compromising youths, journalists, and mental health experts whose responses supplemented data from key sources from the two newspapers. The participants were chosen through snowballing and purposive sampling techniques. The key findings of this study were that Newspaper reports on suicide do not adhere to the WHO guidelines on suicide prevention since most journalists in the Kenyan media have limited knowledge of the regulations and the media houses lack regulatory policies and guidelines on suicide reporting and prevention in Kenya. Therefore, the study proposed that the Media Council of Kenya and media houses, in general, should come up with robust guidelines on suicide reporting and prevention to minimise harm among the general public.

Who keeps us safe? A critical examination of the role of contextual dimensions in lethal outcomes of police involvement in mental health crises response among Indigenous peoples in Canada

Persons living with mental illness and Indigenous people are over-represented in police-involved fatalities, yet few studies have examined these intersections together. In Canada, Indigenous persons are susceptible to police violence and death, due to a myriad of factors, such as systemic racism, community surveillance, and proximity to police departments overinvolved in the use of force. Using quantitative content analysis of media reports of Indigenous people involved in police-based mental health emergency response, this study examined demographic and contextual factors associated with fatal outcome. All cases included media articles published between the year 1970 and 2022. McNemar’s Chi Square tests were conducted with categorical variables that violated the assumption of independence. All remaining variables were entered into a binary logistic model, which explained 40% of the variance and found statistically significant associations with lethality for multiple age ranges. No differences were observed for sex, region, or type of police service.

Media Framing and Audience Perception of Farmer/Herder Conflict in Nigeria: A Study of Newspaper Coverage of the Southern Taraba Crisis 2018-2022

This study examined media framing and audience perception of Farmer/Herder conflict in Nigeria with focus on newspaper coverage of the Southern Taraba Crisis 2018-2022. The study was anchored on the Framing Theory and the Social Responsibility Theory to provide a framework for analysis. This study used a qualitative research design with Content Analysis and Survey Method to gather data from 115 editions of two Nigerian newspapers, Vanguard and Daily Trust, published between 2018-2022. The population was chosen through purposive sampling, with a convenience sampling approach used to determine the sample size. Coding sheet was used for content analysis, focusing on media reports on farmers/herder’s conflict. Finding from the study revealed that newspaper coverage of the farmer/herder conflict in Nigeria predominantly employed conflict-escalating frames, such as ethnic blame, victimization, and inflammatory language. The study also found that audience perception of media coverage was largely negative, with many respondents viewing newspaper reporting as biased or sensational rather than balance and fair reporting. Further finding revealed that political pressure and media ownership were identified as the dominant factors shaping conflict coverage in Nigerian newspapers. The study concluded that media coverage played a dual role in either escalating or de-escalating conflicts, depending on the framing strategies employed. It is therefore, recommended among others that media organizations should prioritize peace journalism by emphasizing conflict-sensitive reporting that promotes dialogue, reconciliation, and de-escalation rather than sensationalism and ethnic blame.

Five myths about cryptoterrorism

Cryptocurrencies have emerged as a potential tool for terrorism financing, presenting new challenges in the fight against extremism. This article explores five prevalent myths surrounding crypto terrorism to provide a clearer understanding of how terrorists exploit digital assets. While there is evidence of terrorist groups using cryptocurrencies, such as Da'esh (ISIL) and Al-Qaida affiliates in Syria and Asia, the adoption of cryptoassets for terrorism financing remains limited compared to traditional methods. Estimates suggest that only a small portion of the illicit crypto asset ecosystem is used for terrorism financing, with the share of all crypto transaction volumes associated with illicit activity remaining at 0.34% in 2023. Despite media reports claiming that terror groups have raised over $130 million in cryptocurrencies, blockchain analysis companies contest these figures. The article emphasizes the importance of criminalizing the misuse of cryptoassets rather than the assets themselves, as they can be exploited in the same way as the official financial system. While advancements in AI and blockchain analysis have provided more precise information on terrorist use of cryptoassets, the data is retrospective and subject to change as more attributions are made in future investigations.

How to overcome local policy conflicts that hinder climate actions? A green roof planning dispute between politicization and de-politicization

The integration of green infrastructure, such as green roofs (GR), in urban centres is considered crucial for climate change adaptation, and improving environmental quality. Previous research highlights the benefits of GR, including urban heat island mitigation, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancement, and stormwater management. However, it also addresses the challenges, particularly in cold climates, where seasonal variations affect GR performance. Furthermore, barriers such as policy constraints, financial limitations, and cognitive challenges can hinder the mainstreaming of vegetated roofs. This study examines the political and policy dynamics surrounding GR implementation through a case study of a planning conflict in Turku, Finland. It employs a mixed-method approach, analyzing planning documents, municipal decision-making data, media reports, and stakeholder interviews. Findings reveal that the politicization of GR in Turku was driven by conflicting interests among stakeholders, including a local affordable housing developer. The introduction of the Blue-Green Factor (BGF) planning tool in 2021 facilitated the depoliticization of GR by providing a flexible framework for enhancing urban greenness and stormwater management. This case underscores the importance of adaptive policy frameworks in overcoming local conflicts and advancing urban sustainability goals. The study also contributes to the broader discourse on urban political ecology and critical planning studies, emphasizing the need for context-sensitive approaches to green infrastructure implementation.

Protest Movements in Kenya: Drivers, Dynamics, and Implications for Foreign Policy

Kenya has recently seen a surge in protest movements, primarily fueled by socio-economic grievances tied to the Finance Bill 2024. The bill introduces significant tax reforms, including increases on fuel, housing, and digital services, exacerbating public dissatisfaction amid rising living costs. This study seeks to analyze the underlying drivers of these protests and examine their broader impact on Kenya’s domestic and foreign policies. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing primary data from interviews with key protest actors, including Generation Z, civil society organizations, labour unions, and political opposition groups. Secondary data from media reports, policy documents, and academic literature also inform the analysis. The findings highlight that Generation Z has been instrumental in mobilizing through digital platforms, while civil society organizations and labour unions have played critical advocacy roles. Political opposition groups have leveraged the protests to challenge the government. The study further reveals that the institutions. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on protest movements by offering insights into the role of youth activism, digital mobilization, and the intersection of the government's initial response, including symbolic reforms, which failed to appease the public. This has led to increased political instability strained relations with Western donors and international financial domestic discontent with foreign policy. In practice, it provides policymakers with a clearer understanding of the socio-economic triggers behind public unrest and highlights the need for more effective government responses. In terms of policy, the study suggests that Kenya may need to reassess its tax reforms and diplomatic engagements in light of domestic protests.

Psilocybin Dispensaries and Online Health Claims in Canada.

There is growing societal interest in and use of psilocybin. While psilocybin in Canada is illegal outside of clinical trials, there have been anecdotal reports of increasing access via unregulated online purchases and retail dispensaries. To describe access to and the characteristics of psilocybin dispensaries across Canada and the health claims and warnings made on dispensary websites. This cross-sectional study used systematic web searches and media reports to identify psilocybin dispensaries operating in Canada in May 2024. Data analysis was performed from June 17 to August 29, 2024. Descriptive and geospatial analyses were used to identify the psilocybin dispensary characteristics, product types, and store distribution. Content analysis assessed the nature and frequency of health claims and warnings on websites. As of May 2024, 57 psilocybin dispensaries were identified in Canada (0.18 dispensaries per 100 000 individuals aged ≥15 years) in 15 of Canada's 42 major urban cities (35.7%). Approximately 815 628 (2.6%) of Canadians lived within 1 km of a dispensary. Only 4 of 13 provinces and territories had a dispensary, with most in Ontario and British Columbia. Of the 57 stores, 35 (61.4%) were part of a chain (≥2 stores owned by a single company) and 52 (91.2%) had an online presence. Stores sold a wide variety of products, including dried mushrooms (100.0%), microdosing capsules (97.8%), psilocybin-infused chocolate (91.3%) and gummies (93.4%), and most stores (65.2%) sold products mimicking popular food brands. Among stores with websites, 86.4% claimed mental health benefits of psilocybin (eg, alleviating anxiety). While 86.4% of websites provided health warnings, relevant warnings, such as those about use while driving (9.1%), during pregnancy (13.6%), or in individuals with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder (31.8%) were rare. In this study, psilocybin retailers, who were present in over a third of major Canadian cities, made a variety of unverified health claims and lacked warnings of potential harms, suggesting the need for greater regulatory measures to protect the public.

From Diplomacy to Industry: Evaluating the Long-Term Impacts of Indonesia – Türkiye Defense Cooperation on Regional Stability

Building on over seventy years of relations, Indonesia-Türkiye’s bilateral cooperation experienced significant growth following the 2010 defense agreement. The collaboration between Indonesia and Türkiye exemplifies a progressive method in defense diplomacy, integrating strategic cooperation with industrial innovations. Anchored in shared geopolitical interests, this collaboration has led to significant advancements, including the development of the Tiger Tank (KAPLAN MT/APC) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), representing critical milestones in Indonesia's defense modernization and industrial self-reliance. This paper evaluates the long-term impacts of Indonesia-Türkiye defense collaboration on Southeast Asia’s regional stability and Indonesia’s defense industry growth. The findings reveal that this partnership provides strategic benefits for both nations. For Indonesia, it facilitates access to advanced defense technology, strengthening its domestic defense industry and reducing reliance on imports. For Türkiye, the partnership solidifies its position as a key defense supplier in Southeast Asia, expanding its geopolitical and economic influence. This study highlights the dual role of the Indonesia-Türkiye partnership in enhancing Indonesia’s defense capabilities and contributing to a resilient regional security architecture amid intensifying great power rivalries. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative methodology, the research draws on official documents, bilateral agreements, policy statements, academic literature, and media reports. The findings reveals that this collaboration advances Indonesia’s technological independence, strengthens its geopolitical positioning, and supports a more autonomous foreign policy. Amid a complex global geopolitical landscape, the partnership serves as a critical foundation for shared national interests and regional stability.

Representation of the National Image of China in Russian Media

The study was inspired by the increasing influence of China in the international political and economic space and the task of shaping its national image in the media. In the context of the development of bilateral relations between Russia and China, the mechanisms of representing the image of China in the Russian media are of particular importance for both Chinese and Russian colleagues. The author has applied structural and functional analysis, case study and content analysis, for which has chosen TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies and the materials about China published in the period from 2014 to 2023. The emphasis is laid on the analysis of the subject matter, tonality and the main trends in Russian media reports about China, the features of such reports and changes in their focus and continuity, and the generalized media image of the country in representation of Russian media.

Cardiac Arrest During Long-Distance Running Races

More than 29 million participants completed marathons and half-marathons in the US between 2010-2023, approximately 3 times the number from 2000-2009. Contemporary long-distance race-related cardiac arrest incidence and outcomes are unknown. To determine the incidence and outcomes of cardiac arrests during US marathons and half-marathons between 2010-2023 from a record of race finishers and a comprehensive review of cases from media reports, direct contact with race directors, USA Track & Field claims, and interviews with survivors or next of kin. Observational case series from the Race Associated Cardiac Event Registry; cohort data from US marathon and half-marathon runners from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023. Case profiles were reviewed to determine etiology and factors associated with survival. Incidence and etiology data were compared with historical reference standards (2000-2009). Recreational long-distance running (marathon and half-marathon distance). Incidence proportions of sudden cardiac arrest and death. Among 29 311 597 race finishers, 176 cardiac arrests (127 men, 19 women, 30 sex unknown) occurred during US long-distance running races. Compared with 2000-2009, cardiac arrest incidence remained unchanged (incidence rate, 0.54 per 100 000 participants [95% CI, 0.41-0.70] vs 0.60 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.52-0.70], respectively). However, there were significant declines in cardiac death incidence (0.20 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.15-0.26] vs 0.39 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.28-0.52]) and case fatality rate (34% vs 71%). Cardiac arrests remained more common among men (1.12 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.95-1.32]) than women (0.19 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.13-0.27]) and during the marathon (1.04 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.82-1.32]), compared with the half-marathon (0.47 per 100 000 [95% CI, 0.38-0.57]). Among runners for which a definitive cause of cardiac arrest could be determined (n = 67/128 [52%]), coronary artery disease rather than hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the most common etiology. Decreased cardiopulmonary resuscitation time and an initial ventricular tachyarrhythmia rhythm were associated with survival. Despite increased participation in US long distance running races, cardiac arrest incidence remains stable. There has been a marked decline in cardiac arrest mortality, and coronary artery disease was the most common etiology among cases with sufficient cause-related data. Effective emergency action planning with immediate access to defibrillation may explain the improvement in survival.

Analysis of the Formation of the Red and White Cabinet: Narrative Policy Framework Approach

This study analyzes the formation of the Red and White Cabinet under President Prabowo Subianto through the lens of the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF). It examines whether the cabinet expansion was driven by technocratic considerations or political representation. This research provides insights into Indonesia’s governance structure and policymaking dynamics by exploring the narratives shaping ministerial appointments. This study employs a qualitative approach, utilizing the NPF to analyze policy narratives that influenced the expansion of ministries. Data collection involves document analysis of relevant laws, regulations, academic literature, and credible media reports. This approach systematically examines how political narratives shape institutional decisions and governance strategies. The findings reveal that the expansion of the Red and White Cabinet was primarily influenced by political coalition-building rather than administrative efficiency. Key narratives, such as governance effectiveness, political stability, and national unity, were strategically constructed to justify the increased number of ministries. While some appointments reflect technocratic expertise, many were dictated by political negotiations, highlighting the predominance of partisan interests over governance optimization. This study concludes that policy narratives legitimize political decisions, often surpassing technocratic considerations. The findings contribute to the understanding of political decision-making in Indonesia by demonstrating how institutional constraints, elite bargaining, and strategic policy narratives shape governance structures.

Revitalizing Governance: How West Java’s SAKIP Transformed Public Accountability Post-COVID-19

In Indonesia’s public sector, the Performance Accountability System (SAKIP) is a vital governance mechanism, and its post-COVID-19 concretization necessitates thorough examination, especially at the provincial level. Next move, given that public accountability remains paramount in governance, this study investigates SAKIP’s implementation in West Java, specifically focusing on institutional strengthening and oversight mechanisms. Furthermore, a descriptive qualitative approach was used, whereby secondary data was collected from official documents and media reports to evaluate SAKIP’s effectiveness. Consequently, the analysis reveals that the West Java Provincial Government has demonstrated significant improvements, as evidenced by consistent increases in SAKIP scores from 2019 to 2022, while the integration of robust oversight mechanisms has effectively facilitated meaningful public scrutiny and engagement. Subsequently, several key outcomes emerged, including enhanced institutional performance metrics, successful establishment of transparent oversight mechanisms, and strengthened government-public relationships. Moreover, the implications provide practical insights for policymakers while demonstrating SAKIP’s dual role as both a compliance tool and a catalyst for improved governance.