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Negative consequences of information gatekeeping through algorithmic technologies
Get PDFRarely any study investigates how information gatekeeping through the solutions and services enabled by algorithms, hereafter referred to as algorithmic technologies (AT), creates negative consequences for the users. To fill this gap, this state-of-the-art review analyzes 229 relevant articles from diverse academic disciplines. We employed thematic analysis to identify, analyze, classify, and reveal the chain reactions among the negative consequences. We found that the gatekeeping of information (text, audio, video, and graphics) through AT like artificial intelligence (e.g., chatbots, large language models, machine learning, robots), decision support systems (used by banks, grocery stores, police, etc.), hashtags, online gaming platforms, search technologies (e.g., voice assistants, ChatGPT), and Web 3.0 (e.g., Internet of Things, non-fungible tokens) creates or reinforces cognitive vulnerability, economic divide and financial vulnerability, information divide, physical vulnerability, psychological vulnerability, and social divide virtually and in the offline world. Theoretical implications include the hierarchical depiction of the chain reactions among the primary, secondary, and tertiary divides and vulnerabilities. To mitigate these negative consequences, we call for concerted efforts using top-down strategies for governments, organizations, and technology experts to attain more transparency, accountability, ethical behavior, and moral practices, and bottom-up strategies for users to be more alert, discerning, critical, and proactive
Empowering Voices: The Unsung Role of Women in Establishing and Sustaining the Pelindaba Treaty for an African Nuclear Weapon–Free Zone
Get PDFThe Pelindaba Treaty, officially known as the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) Treaty, stands as proof of Africa’s collective commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free continent. It was opened for signature in 1996 in Cairo, Egypt, and entered into force in 2009. Its main aim is to prevent the development, acquisition, possession, or stationing of nuclear weapons within the zone, thereby promoting peace and security for all African nations. The treaty outlines an array of comprehensive measures to achieve this goal. State parties are prohibited from engaging in any nuclear weapon–related activities. Also, the treaty requires parties to maintain the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear materials, facilities, and equipment to prevent theft or unauthorized use and handling. Additionally, the treaty requires parties to concurrently achieve the highest standards of physical protection of nuclear material, which can be used for peaceful purposes. According to the United Nations (UN), 51 of the 55 African states have signed the Pelindaba Treaty, and 43 of them are parties to the treaty.
Although the treaty is rightfully viewed as a monumental diplomatic achievement, the indispensable groundwork and ongoing stewardship by African women activists and policymakers that enabled its success often remains overlooked. This paper illuminates the bold vision and vital contributions of female diplomats, protest organizers, and governance leaders in actualizing and faithfully upholding the Pelindaba Treaty over the past three decades by review women’s involvement in African peace and security organizations operating. Additionally, this work highlights women’s contribution to disarmament efforts and their engagement’s effect in the NWFZ, sustaining and enforcing the Pelindaba Treaty within their positions of influence. The paper profiles pioneering negotiators such as Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former chairperson of the African Union Commission, known as the depositary of the African NWFZ Treaty, noting her role in overseeing the treaty\u27s implementation and compliance. On the diplomatic front is Nigeria’s Ambassador Joy Ogwu, whose wise leadership guided the treaty from conception to ratification, building consensus across diverse African interests
Exploring Neuromyths in Counselor Education: A Neuro-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach
Get PDFAlthough advances in neuroscience validate the therapeutic practices and professional identity of counselors, educators struggle to infuse accurate neuroscience knowledge into the classroom. Utilizing a quasi-experimental, repeated measures design, this study examined the effectiveness of a neuro-informed lecture in reducing neuromyth endorsement among graduate students enrolled in the counseling theories course. Participants (n = 62) completed a demographics questionnaire and identical neuroscience pre- and post-surveys. The intervention group (n = 32) received the lecture-based intervention, while those in the comparison group (n = 30) did not. Results revealed significant improvement in neuroscience knowledge scores for those receiving the lecture (pre: M = 41.47, SD = 3.689; post: M = 45.25, SD = 3.203; t (31) = -4.082, p = 0.0003, Cohen’s d = -0.722), while the comparison group experienced minimal change. Findings suggest the effectiveness of lecture interventions in enhancing neuroscience understanding and reducing neuromyth endorsement in counseling theories students
Required Related: Why Music And Audio Technology Courses Are Not Enough For Success In The Music Industry
Get PDFThis pilot study evaluates the relevance of ancillary courses (required related) in music technology curricula, emphasizing the alignment of academic offerings with industry needs. While core subjects like studio recording and sound design are well-studied, this research focuses on related courses outside the primary sequence, including technology, business, industry-specific, core music, and education courses. Surveying 20 professionals across various music technology sectors, we assessed the importance of topics such as basic electronics, wireless systems, media studies, and industrial safety. Results indicate that basic electronics and wireless systems are crucial. Media studies and industrial safety courses are also valued highly, though video production is considered less central. Business courses show mixed importance. Economics is viewed as least relevant. Music performance and theory courses receive moderate support, highlighting their value but also indicating variability based on career focus. The findings suggest curricular adjustments to enhance practical relevance and prepare students more effectively for diverse roles in the evolving music technology field
Climate Conversations: An Intergenerational Artistic Exploration with Family
Get PDFThis cross-generational study explores perceptions of climate change through interviews and visual art from three generations: the author, their grandparents, and their aunt. Guided by questions such as “Whose responsibility is it to address climate change?” and “How has climate change affected you?,” the interviews were used to create three art pieces that explore different aspects of climate change. The first art piece, titled “Eco-Anxiety,” visually represents the author\u27s anxiety about climate change through the detangling of hair in their hands that pull at relevant climate news articles in the background. The second piece, “Beauty’s in the Eye of the Beholder,” features the author\u27s grandmother holding a flower, reflecting the older generation’s desire to hold onto an idealized view of nature. “Flowers in July,” the final piece, features the author\u27s aunt handing a flower to their cousin, symbolizing the passing on of environmental problems to a new generation. Color (or lack thereof) in each piece represents hope and optimism for the future. This project highlights the personal nature of climate change and the intergenerational impact of environmental problems
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No full textInvestigation of Radiation Absorption Behavior of Banana Leaves and Onion: A Cost-Effective Way of Radiation Protection
No full textShielding of nuclear radiation is an important component of radiation safety aiming to reduce the exposure of ionizing radiation to radiation workers. In the present work, beta and gamma radiation absorption properties of various environmentally friendly natural materials such as onion, banana leaf, and banana stem were investigated with a view to understand their radiation shielding capability. Pure beta source 90Sr–90Y and gamma sources such as 241Am, 137Cs and 60Co were used to study the attenuation of beta and gamma radiation using these natural materials. Intensity of the emitted radiation was measured by placing the circular disc of these materials with various thicknesses between a radiation detector and radioactive source. The mass attenuation coefficient (µm = µ/ρ), linear attenuation coefficient (μ) for beta and gamma rays, and half value thickness (cm) were calculated for onion, banana leaf, and banana stem. The mass attenuation coefficient (µm) and linear attenuation coefficient (μ) of these materials were compared with other shielding materials such as aluminum, polyethylene, and copper, and the μm and μ values of the onion, banana leaf, and banana stem were found to be close to the values of polyethylene for gamma radiation. The results also indicated that these natural materials could be good for shielding against beta radiations. This study can be used to comprehend the radiation shielding effectiveness of onion, banana leaf, and banana stem fibers for the production of composite materials