Visual Organization Research Articles

Association of blood cell parameters of peripheral inflammation with cognitive function

AbstractBackgroundChronic peripheral inflammation is associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. Easily measured circulating blood cell parameters, including the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV), reflect peripheral inflammation. We sought to investigate the cross‐sectional association between these measures and neuropsychological (NP) test performance in the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring, Third‐generation, and Omni cohorts.MethodWe identified FHS participants who attended an exam that included a complete blood cell count sample and underwent NP testing within five years of blood draw. Linear mixed effect models were used to investigate the association between the blood cell parameters (NLR, RDW, MPV) and individual NP test scores adjusting for age, sex, education, cohort, time between blood draw and NP testing, prevalent cardiovascular disease, APOE‐ε4 genotype, and C‐reactive protein, and accounting for familial correlation using a random effect. We additionally tested for interactions between age (≥ 60 years vs. < 60 years) and blood cell parameters on NP scores and associations were reported separately by age group when significant (P for interaction ≤ 0.01).ResultAmong the 3531 participants (mean age 60.3 years, range 25 to 97 years, 47% male), 80% had at least some college and 22% were APOE‐ε4 carriers. We observed significant association between higher NLR and poorer NP performance on visual reproductions – delayed recall, Trails B ‐ Trails A, and Hooper visual organization test, that assess visual memory, executive function, and visuospatial abilities respectively (Table). There was also a significant association between higher RDW and poorer performance on digit symbol test assessing executive function. We observed different effects for the two age groups for the association between RDW and a metric of executive function (i.e., Trails B ‐ Trails A), where higher RDW correlated with decreased cognitive performance in participants aged ≥ 60 years (n=1865).ConclusionChronic peripheral inflammation as measured by NLR and RDW associates with lower cognitive function in FHS participants ≥ 60 years. In younger individuals, chronic peripheral inflammation may have a smaller effect on cognitive function.

Links between organized visual search and reading ability in French primary school children.

Visual search skills develop substantially during the primary school years, and in parallel with children's reading achievement. Reading requires an efficient visual search and exposure to reading from the left to the right could also influence the way we explore space. No study, however, made links between visual search strategies and reading ability. In this study, 70 primary school children performed a cancellation task (Bells test) and reading tests. Our results showed that reading was closely linked to visual search accuracy but also to visual search organization, even after controlling for age for some measures. Along with the development of reading abilities, children made fewer revisitation, moved more to the nearest unmarked targets than to the farthest ones and explored more in lines. It appears, therefore, essential to take more into account the visual search organization of children with reading impairments such as dyslexia.

Critical analysis of housing condition impacts on residents' well-being and social costs

Housing is fundamental to the welfare of people and society. On the contrary, housing may impose costs on users as regards their health and quality of life. These costs are not only individual but also social. Studies on the concept of social costs (SCs) related to living conditions of social housing (SH) are scarce, and the concept needs in-depth debates. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to answer the primary research question: What are SCs, and what triggers them? The research specifically aims to identify spatial design factors and construction details of SH, which may cause adverse impacts and social costs and affect households' quality of life. The SLR results are analysed and discussed concerning the major concepts of SCs and social impacts (SIs). The visual representation and organization of data contribute to detailed and in-depth conceptual discussions to understand the factors that can induce actions to improve SH design and upgrading of the existing stock. Most publications emphasise physical and mental health risks. Poor thermal conditions cause illnesses, and depression is prevalent in many housing developments putting pressure on public systems and their health services. Social unrest and family conflict can impose further costs on policing and social assistance. Housing conditions’ cause and effect are rarely detailed in the SC literature, which constitutes a research gap. New housing design, Upgrading or refurbishment initiatives should also effectively increase well-being, reduce environmental impacts, and ultimately contribute towards positive social and technological developments.

Seoul Bang: urbanism between infrastructure and the interior

This article aims to introduce the concept and culture of Bang into the long and continuous practice of making, managing, and thinking about the architecture of Seoul. Bang is the Korean word for the basic unit of an interior space (similar to the English word ‘room’). The propagation of the alternative of Bang accords neither with the rational aesthetic principles of architectural Modernism nor with the popularisation of it as a style, for the simple reason that most people in Seoul do not understand its architecture as being either a self-referential expression of individuality or a form of art to be preserved. The experience of Seoul’s residents differs from an approach to architecture that takes into consideration visual organisation, formal aesthetics, or stylistic distinctions. This article argues that the architecture of the city of Seoul is perceived by ordinary Seoulites as an empty shell, an artificial field for life, an infrastructure stripped of any stylistic or formal language. By extending the ‘public’ space of the city to the interior of buildings, Bangs operate as a reminder of the constructed meaning of the idea of the ‘public’, demonstrating a bare condition that transcends the contemporary focus on aesthetics and forms. Emerging at the nexus formed by the daily realities of competition, exploitation, and the lack of scruples bred by contemporary neoliberalism, Bangs enable the citizens of Seoul to thrive in their own way and on their terms.

Role of aesthetics in conviviality of public open spaces in new market, Bhopal: A case study

Conviviality means living happily together in the company of each other. A convivial public open space represents a healthy society. The qualities of the built environment surrounding a public open space can play an important role to make it friendly, sociable or convivial. This paper aims to investigate the conviviality of public open spaces with reference to visual aesthetics of the built environment around them. For this investigation, a perception survey has been carried out to examine the users’ perception of conviviality and built environment qualities of selected eight public open spaces in new market, Bhopal. The data gathered are analysed using the correlation between perception of built environment qualities (aesthetics, legibility and walkability) and supporting variables of conviviality. Aesthetics of a typical building facade in two public open spaces has been objectively measured apart from public perception. The objective measurement will help to rationalise the public perception of aesthetics. The objective measurement is based on the Gestalt law of visual organisation for evaluating visual aesthetics of a building facade using order and complexity. This study will help urban designers and planners to understand the role of aesthetics in creating convivial public open spaces.

Quantitative Characterization of the Human Retinotopic Map Based on Quasiconformal Mapping

Abstract The retinotopic map depicts the cortical neurons’ response to visual stimuli on the retina and has contributed significantly to our understanding of human visual system. Although recent advances in high field functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have made it possible to generate the in vivo retinotopic map with great detail, quantifying the map remains challenging. Existing quantification methods do not preserve surface topology and often introduce large geometric distortions to the map. In this study, we developed a new framework based on computational conformal geometry and quasiconformal Teichmuller theory to quantify the retinotopic map. Specifically, we introduced a general pipeline, consisting of cortical surface conformal parameterization, surface-spline-based cortical activation signal smoothing, and vertex-wise Beltrami coefficient-based map description. After correcting most of the violations of the topological conditions, the result was a “Beltrami coefficient map” (BCM) that rigorously and completely characterizes the retinotopic map by quantifying the local quasiconformal mapping distortion at each visual field location. The BCM provided topological and fully reconstructable retinotopic maps. We successfully applied the new framework to analyze the V1 retinotopic maps from the Human Connectome Project (n=181), the largest state of the art retinotopy dataset currently available. With unprecedented precision, we found that the V1 retinotopic map was quasiconformal and the local mapping distortions were similar across observers. The new framework can be applied to other visual areas and retinotopic maps of individuals with and without eye diseases, and improve our understanding of visual cortical organization in normal and clinical populations.

Developing topographic visual domain organization in a recurrent neural network with biological constraints

Developing topographic visual domain organization in a recurrent neural network with biological constraints

Active Learning Strategies and Higher-Order Thinking Skills of Grade 10 Students

The study aimed to determine the effect of active learning strategies in higher-order thinking skills of Grade 10 students of Dr. Panfilo Castro National High School during the School Year 2020-2021. One hundred (100) selected grade 10 students were used as respondents of the study, including pre-test and post-test experimental design. The first group was exposed to case-based learning, and the second group was exposed to visual–organization activity. A validated sixty (60) item test was used in the study to determine significant differences in pre-test and post-test scores of the two groups. The study found out that the pretest scores of the respondents in the two experimental groups as to their higher-order thinking skills in critical thinking and creative thinking skills were the same, indicating that the students have lowperformance levels before subjecting to the treatment. The post-test scores of the students of both groups showed improvement in their scores after the treatment. Likewise, a significant difference was found in both groups' pre-test and post-test scores in terms of their critical thinking and creative thinking skills. Furthermore, it also showed a significant difference in the post-test (critical thinking skills) scores between the case-based learning and visual–organization groups.

Satisfaction-of-Search (SOS) impacts multiple-target searches during proofreading: Evidence from eye movements

ABSTRACT In multiple-target visual searches, subsequent search misses (SSMs; [Cain, M. S., Adamo, S. H., & Mitroff, S. R. (2013). A taxonomy of errors in multiple-target visual search. Visual Cognition, 21(7), 899–921. https://doi.org/10.1080/13506285.2013.843627]) occur when the discovery of one target hinders detection of another target (formerly referred to as Satisfaction of Search [Tuddenham, W. J. (1962). Visual search, image organization, and reader error in roentgen diagnosis studies of the psychophysiology of Roentgen image perception memorial fund lecture. Radiology, 78(5), 694–704. https://doi.org/10.1148/78.5.694]). Here, we examined whether SSMs would occur during a proofreading task, and we contrasted the cognitive resource depletion theory and the Satisfaction of Search (SOS) accounts of SSMs. We monitored participants’ eye movements while proofreading for typographical errors (i.e., typos) in lists of words that were presented either in a straight horizontal line or in random locations. There was a significant SSM effect since detection of a first typo hindered the detection of a second typo. Furthermore, in support of the SOS account, the detection of a first typo expedited search, as shown by faster reaction times and reduced fixation durations and refixations on the second typo.

Wandalgarius’ Letters of the Law: Figural Initials and Book Culture in the Late Eighth Century

Abstract Long sidelined by art historians, the Wandalgarius Codex is a compendium of legal texts dated to 793 that represents an early venture in a trend associated with the 790s: populating initial letters with lively figures. This article centers the Wandalgarius Codex in discussion of experimental book illumination in the late eighth century. The decade saw re-definition of the visual organization of books, the uses illumination could serve, and the ways manuscripts in many genres reflected and shaped projects of education and reform. The essay sets Wandalgarius’ approach to initials in conversation with the well-known Gellone Sacramentary, and investigates the scribe-draftsman’s characterization of his own work as an ambitious contemporary book-maker.

Élaboration d’un outil d’information sur l’accouchement : consensus par la méthode Delphi

ObjectiveThe integration of couples in decision making in obstetrics is necessary to improve the experience of giving birth. The objective of this work is to elaborate a new tool to provide information to health professionals. MethodsA 5-round Delphi method was used to define the information points. The 20 multi-disciplinary experts answered 5 surveys on the information to deliver concerning childbirth. The selected items were organized with mind mapping. Results54 items were identified on the first round. 5 were retained after the second survey while the rest were reformulated and submitted for the third round. Amongst the 47 items submitted, 19 were retained, the rest were removed, merged or reworded. The fourth survey included 22 items of which 11 were retained. The fifth survey concerned the 11 remaining items and 2 new ones. During this round, 7 items were retained. This round made it possible to reach the consensus. In total, 42 items reached the consensus of the experts. They were then split into 5 mind maps allowing their visual organization to form the information tool. ConclusionThe tool elaborated in a multi-disciplinary manner offers complementary information to that already given during childbirth preparation courses. It is a framework for the information to be given that leaves the content up to each professional.

Behavioral Correlates of Depression Among Adults with Visual Impairments

Introduction: This study sought to examine: (a) the associations between physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration, as discrete behaviors, with depression among adults with visual impairments; and (b) the impact of meeting none, one, two, or three of the guidelines for these behaviors on depression among adults with visual impairments. Materials: One hundred eighty-two ( Mage = 44.8) adults with visual impairments, recruited via email through two visual impairment organizations in the United States, completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, a sleep duration question, the Major Depression Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Based on results from the questionnaires, dichotomous variables for meeting or not meeting physical activity, sleep, and sitting guidelines were created. Data were analyzed using three components: a descriptive analysis, Pearson product-moment correlation analyses, and hierarchical regression analyses. Results: Overall, 14.8% of participants were categorized as having some degree of depression. Meeting the sleep guideline was a significant negative predictor of depression scores in the hierarchical regression analyses. The number of guidelines met was a negative predictor for depression score controlling for other variables. Discussion: Adequate sleep, as well as meeting all three guidelines synergistically, was meaningful in influencing depression among this population. The current study’s results should prompt the continued examination of health-behaviors among adults with visual impairment using a more holistic 24-hour activity cycle framework. Implications for practitioners: This study supports the utilization of multi-behavioral interventions to reduce the risk of depression by enhancing physical activity and sleep, while reducing sitting time, among this population.

A-198 An Examination of the Equivalence of the in-Person and Remote Administration of the Identi-fi: A Test of Visual Organization and Recognition

Abstract Objective As psychologists rely more on technology while navigating the digital world, we must adapt existing assessment tools. In response to this need, a process was designed for conducting remote administration of the Identi-Fi: A Test of Visual Organization and Recognition (Reynolds & McCaffrey, 2020), which measures visual organizational ability through Visual Recognition and Visual Matching tasks. Our current study evaluates the equivalence between remote, online administration and traditional, in-person administration of the Identi-Fi. Method This is a paired case control study in which 106 participants were administered the Identi-Fi in an online, remote format over a videoconferencing platform, following a specific procedure to retain the validity of scores. These individuals were matched based on sex, age group, and race/ethnicity with participants from the standardization sample of the Identi-Fi, which was administered in-person. Results Independent-samples t-tests were conducted and determined there were no significant differences in the subtest T scores between the in-person and remote administration formats. Additionally, index scores between the in-person (M = 99.74, SD = 10.32) and remote (M = 97.18, SD = 12.54) administrations were similar and not statistically significant, t(210) = −1.621, p = 0.11. Effect size estimates (Cohen’s d and omega squared) for all t-tests were small, indicating no significant effects across the remote and in-person administration of the Identi-Fi. Conclusions The present study suggests that all subtests on the Identi-Fi, when given in the remote, online format in the specified procedure evaluated in this study, are generally equivalent, and examiners can use the norms of the traditional test.

A-43 Pediatric Infratentorial Anaplastic Ependymoma: A Case Study

Abstract Objective Ependymoma is the third most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and often presents posteriorly. Understanding of long-term outcomes of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and treatment is required to maximize developmental trajectory. This case illustrates cognitive correlates of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and treatment in an adolescent without cerebellar mutism or psychiatric co-morbidities. Repeated post-treatment assessments allowed for characterization of initial effects of treatment over time. Method The patient, diagnosed with an infratentorial anaplastic ependymoma at age 15, presented for initial neuropsychological evaluation status-post craniotomy, ventricular drain placement, posterior fossa tumor resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recovery was complicated by cranial nerve palsies, dysphasia, and dysarthria. Repeat assessment was conducted 13 months later. Interim treatment included three cycles of maintenance chemotherapy. Aside from moderate dysarthria, the patient denied cognitive concerns each evaluation. Results Attention, working memory, planning, problem solving, language, reasoning, and motor speed/dexterity were within expectations at initial evaluation without deficits in academic or socioemotional functioning. Visual encoding/organization and processing speed were below expectations. Findings at follow-up revealed marked declines in bilateral motor speed and dexterity. Conclusion Weaknesses in visual organization and motor functioning are consistent with expected neurocognitive correlates of pediatric posterior fossa tumor and resection, particularly with cerebellar involvement. Additional motoric slowing is associated with white matter changes and often observed after cancer treatment. Longitudinal follow-up illustrated the potential for neurocognitive resilience in pediatric posterior fossa tumor treatment in the face of significant motor dysfunction. Nevertheless, late-effects of radiation and chemotherapy may manifest in early adulthood and must be monitored in pediatric patients.

A cohort study of neuropsychological functioning in spouses of U.S. Gulf War veterans

AimsVeterans of the 1991 Gulf War reported symptoms in their spouses that mirrored veterans' symptoms following their return from the war, including problems with attention and memory. Neuropsychological functioning in these spouses has not been examined with objective tests. This study sought to determine if these spouses exhibited deficits in neuropsychological functioning. Main methodsSpouses of a national cohort of 1991 Gulf War deployed (n = 470) and non-deployed veterans (n = 524) were examined with neuropsychological tests in 1999-2001. Key findingsNeuropsychological tests were factor analyzed yielding five factors: verbal memory, visual memory, attention/working memory, visual organization, and motor speed. Spouses of deployed and nondeployed veterans did not differ on mean factor scores, percentage of impaired factors, or individual test scores. Spouse attention/working memory was related to their having diagnoses of PTSD or anxiety disorders, or self-reported symptoms of current anxiety. Spouse visual memory was related to a diagnosis of current depression. Spouse motor speed was related to their own status of having chronic multisymptom illness (CMI). SignificanceSpouses of Gulf War deployed and nondeployed veterans demonstrated similar neuropsychological functioning, although spouses with psychiatric diagnoses and symptoms, or CMI demonstrated neuropsychological impairments characteristic of those conditions, suggesting that monitoring spouses for these conditions and impairments may be warranted. This pattern of relative weaknesses mirrors some of the previously reported findings for Gulf War veterans, although the veterans displayed neuropsychological impairments beyond what was accounted for by these conditions.

Understanding visual-spatial perceptual deficits in individuals with multiple sclerosis: an analysis of patient performance on the Hooper Visual Organization Test and Visual Form Discrimination

Purpose: Although the cognitive sequelae of multiple sclerosis have been recognized for more than four decades, the focus of research has been on studying the more common deficits of the disease, including those involving memory and information processing speed. Less understood and investigated are the visual-spatial perceptual disturbances of multiple sclerosis, which can be difficult to assess and interpret given the potential confounds associated with the physical problems and other cognitive disturbances of the disorder. Materials and methods: This study examined the visual-spatial perceptual deficits of multiple sclerosis in 40 participants diagnosed with this condition using two measures generally unaffected by the aforementioned confounds, the Hooper Visual Organization Test and Visual Form Discrimination. Results: Results revealed both measures to be sensitive to the impairments of multiple sclerosis but suggested that they are assessing somewhat different aspects of visual-spatial perception in this population, given their relationship with one another and with disease-related variables. Conclusions: In this light, findings indicate that a complete and accurate understanding of the visual-spatial perceptual sequelae of multiple sclerosis requires the administration of more than a single measure.

VESTIBULAR TESTING IN CHILDREN WITH DIZZINESS AND BALANCE CONCERNS AFTER CONCUSSION: LABORATORY AND CLINICAL RESULTS

Background:Dizziness is the second most common symptom in people who sustain a concussion and there are few reports on vestibular laboratory findings in the concussed pediatric population. Studies to date have shown conflicting findings regarding incidence of peripheral vestibular disorders. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report vestibular laboratory and clinical examination findings in concussed youth referred to a multidisciplinary vestibular clinic.Methods:A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients (n=474) seen from August 2017 to March 2020 for a single comprehensive examination in a multidisciplinary pediatric vestibular specialty clinic. Data was extracted from the charts of patients (n=64) with a history of concussion referred because of chronic dizziness and/or imbalance. Each patient was examined by a neurotologist, physical therapist, and audiologist with specialized training in vestibular disorders. Vestibular laboratory testing performed by audiologists included video nystagmography (VNG) evaluation of oculomotor function and BPPV, rotational chair, video head impulse test (vHIT), vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), post-headshake nystagmus, and caloric irrigation. Physical therapy clinical examination included dynamic visual acuity testing (DVA), vestibular/oculomotor screening (VOMS), and sensory organization test (SOT). Not all tests were performed on every patient secondary to factors such as insurance coverage, patient tolerance, and young age.Results:1 or more components of VOMS was abnormal in 30 of 53 patients examined. DVA was completed on 40 patients, 23 of which were reported as abnormal. SOT was completed on 46 patients, 18 of which demonstrated below normal composite equilibrium scores. Laboratory findings were as follows: VEMPs (n=50) were normal in all but 1 patient, vHIT (n=59), caloric irrigation (n=26), post-headshake nystagmus (n=49), and positional testing (n=55) were normal on all patients tested. Rotational chair (n=60) was performed at 4 different frequencies and revealed low gain in 3 patients.Conclusion:Vestibular laboratory examination was normal in nearly all subjects tested. These results suggest that in concussed youth with chronic dizziness and/or imbalance, laboratory vestibular test outcomes indicative of peripheral dysfunction are rare, which contradicts previous research in this population. In contrast, clinical vestibular assessment was abnormal in more than 50% of subjects examined which suggests that clinicians should use caution interpreting clinical examination findings for diagnosing peripheral vestibular dysfunction. Abnormal clinical examination findings may be indicative of central vestibular conditions such as space and motion intolerance and PPPD in chronically dizzy pediatric patients after concussion.Tables/Figures:

Mapping and Preserving the Visuospatial Network by repetitive nTMS and DTI Tractography in Patients With Right Parietal Lobe Tumors.

IntroductionThe goal of brain tumor surgery is the maximal resection of neoplastic tissue, while preserving the adjacent functional brain tissues. The identification of functional networks involved in complex brain functions, including visuospatial abilities (VSAs), is usually difficult. We report our preliminary experience using a preoperative planning based on the combination of navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) and DTI tractography to provide the preoperative 3D reconstruction of the visuospatial (VS) cortico-subcortical network in patients with right parietal lobe tumors.Material and MethodsPatients affected by right parietal lobe tumors underwent mapping of both hemispheres using an nTMS-implemented version of the Hooper Visual Organization Test (HVOT) to identify cortical areas involved in the VS network. DTI tractography was used to compute the subcortical component of the network, consisting of the three branches of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). The 3D reconstruction of the VS network was used to plan and guide the safest surgical approach to resect the tumor and avoid damage to the network. We retrospectively analyzed the cortical distribution of nTMS-induced errors, and assessed the impact of the planning on surgery by analyzing the extent of tumor resection (EOR) and the occurrence of postoperative VSAs deficits in comparison with a matched historical control group of patients operated without using the nTMS-based preoperative reconstruction of the VS network.ResultsTwenty patients were enrolled in the study (Group A). The error rate (ER) induced by nTMS was higher in the right vs. the left hemisphere (p=0.02). In the right hemisphere, the ER was higher in the anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) (1.7%), angular gyrus (1.4%) superior parietal lobule (SPL) (1.3%), and dorsal lateral occipital gyrus (dLoG) (1.2%). The reconstruction of the cortico-subcortical VS network was successfully used to plan and guide tumor resection. A gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 85% of cases. After surgery no new VSAs deficits were observed and a slightly significant improvement of the HVOT score (p=0.02) was documented. The historical control group (Group B) included 20 patients matched for main clinical characteristics with patients in Group A, operated without the support of the nTMS-based planning. A GTR was achieved in 90% of cases, but the postoperative HVOT score resulted to be worsened as compared to the preoperative period (p=0.03). The comparison between groups showed a significantly improved postoperative HVOT score in Group A vs. Group B (p=0.03).ConclusionsThe nTMS-implemented HVOT is a feasible approach to map cortical areas involved in VSAs. It can be combined with DTI tractography, thus providing a reconstruction of the VS network that could guide neurosurgeons to preserve the VS network during tumor resection, thus reducing the occurrence of postoperative VSAs deficits as compared to standard asleep surgery.

Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Bayesian Network Application in Safety Field

Bayesian network (BNs) has been widely used in uncertain knowledge modeling since it was proposed, especially in safety assessment and risk prediction. In order to fully understand the application status of Bayesian network in the field of safety, 3111 sample documents were collected from the web of science core collection database. Through CiteSpace technology text mining and visual analysis software, document output, keywords, author cooperation, organization cooperation, citation and journal distribution were analyzed. The results show that: FAISAL KHAN, MOHAMED ABDELATY, HELAI HUANG, TAREK SAYED, JAEYOUNG LEE, etc. published Bayesian networks The most widely used literature in the field of safety has made an important contribution to the development of this field; institutional cooperation is mainly based on Univ Central Florida, MEM Univ Newfoundland, Univ British Columbia, Tongji Univ, Texas A & M Univ, cents Univ, Delft Univ technology and other universities; journal distribution of literature is mainly based on the core functions of Bayesian network, and mainly distributed in ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION, TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECODE, RELIABILITY ENGINEERING SYSTEM SAFETY and SAFETY SCIENCE.

The Rise of Meme Culture: Internet Political Memes as Tools for Analysing Philippine Propaganda

This research paper was aimed at providing a thorough content analysis on memes’ linguistic aspect and further understanding them in the light of their usage as political propaganda. A total of 60 memes were culled from July 2016 to December 2018. According to the memes’ linguistic and visual organization, they have the ability to create and simplify complex political narratives by employing primarily the categories of Shops, Text, and Stacked Stills based on Milner’s (2012) Taxonomy of Meme Collectives. The memes’ humor signifiers were mainly intertextuality, parody, and binary opposition which highlighted how memes are contextual in nature and use exaggeration and opposing concepts to elicit humor. On the other hand, the memes vary in their respective denotations as well as in their connotations which often point to humanization and discreditation. Lastly, for the memes’ propaganda characteristics, they possess all 10 of Walton’s (1997) propaganda characteristics while the audience perceived 9 out of 10 through the conducted survey. This proves that memes do have the potential to be used as tools for propaganda because of their inherent manipulation of complex political narratives which are furthered through the use of humor.