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Algorithmic Audiences: Navigating Identity, Influence, and Power in the Age of Platformized Media
Purpose: This article investigates the formation and operation of algorithmic audiences within platformized media environments, focusing on how processes of identity, influence, and power intersect to shape audience behaviour. It seeks to theorise the algorithmically produced publics that emerge from data-driven engagement on social media, streaming services, and online gaming platforms.
Methods: The study employs a critical conceptual synthesis of current literature in media studies, platform capitalism, and communication theory, supported by illustrative case studies of user-platform interactions. Through thematic analysis of secondary sources (2017–2023), it maps how algorithmic recommendation systems, identity performances, and influence mechanisms mutually reinforce each other to establish dynamic audience configurations.
Results: Findings reveal that algorithmic audiences are neither passive recipients nor purely autonomous actors, but datafied hybrid entities produced through collaborative interplays of user self-presentation, platform logics, and commercial surveillance. Identity construction increasingly depends on visibility metrics, while influence is redistributed through opaque recommendation architectures producing echo chambers and filter bubbles. Power asymmetries deepen as platforms gain control over information flows, data extraction, and behavioural manipulation, raising serious ethical and regulatory concerns.
Conclusion: Algorithmic audiences represent a paradigm shift in the understanding of contemporary media publics. Their emergence compels scholars and policymakers to move beyond traditional audience theories and to confront new questions surrounding data ownership, platform governance, and audience agency in the age of automated curation. Future research must address how regulatory frameworks and ethical design interventions can protect user autonomy while ensuring transparency and accountability within platformised media ecosystems
Analyzing Secondary Trademark Liability from the Perspective of Economic Strategy in US and Iranian Law
In US law, trademark infringement can occur in two ways: direct and indirect. In the latter case, a person, without committing an act that constitutes trademark infringement, performs a behavior that, depending on the case, results in the realization of participatory (and motivational) or vicarious liability. Considering the state of technological innovation in America, the identification of such an institution seems justified. In the Iranian legal system, indirect liability for trademark infringement is not foreseen and various instances of this type of infringement are subject to general civil liability regulations, which is logical considering the state of technological innovation in Iran. The purpose of the present study, using a desc riptive-analytical method, is to examine the liability for indirect trademark infringement from the perspective of its effects in the field of technology. The US situation in terms of technology justifies the recognition and application of such a liability, considering its elements.However, considering the state of technological innovation in Iran and considering all the circumstances, including international regulations, Iran's political-economic situation in the international arena, etc., the failure to recognize the entity of indirect liability resulting from trademark infringement and reliance on general civil liability provisions in this context is justified and recommended
Quality Characteristics of Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Milk Candy as Affected by Different Ratios of Sucrose and Glucose Syrup as Humectant
Background: This research evaluates the effect of the different proportions of sucrose and glucose syrup (100:0, 85:15, 70:30, and 55:45) on the overall quality of buffalo milk candy. The objective was to identify the optimal ratio that enhances both its microbial stability and sensory appeal.
Methods: Buffalo milk candy was kept at room temperature, and samples were drawn for microbial testing, moisture, water activity (Aw), and sensory analysis.
Results: A visible mold growth was observed in 100:0 (Day 30), 85:15 (Day 40), and 70:30 (Day 52), and therefore, other analyses were discontinued. Moisture content and Aw of all the treatments were significantly different throughout the storage period. However, with the increase in glucose syrup, Aw decreases consistently with time, thus enhancing the product's safety and stability. On the other hand, sensory evaluation did not show significant differences across all parameters in all treatments during the storage period.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the addition of a higher proportion of glucose syrup, specifically 55:45, improved both the shelf-life and maintained the sensory quality of buffalo milk candy
Innovative Digital Tools for Enhancing Phonemic Awareness among Learners with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria
Learners with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often struggle with reading comprehension, especially auditory discrimination, memory retention, and linguistic processing, which hinders their ability to acquire foundational reading skills through conventional instructional approaches. This pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study investigated the effect of graphic organizers as an instruction strategy on reading comprehension among pupils with MCI in public primary schools within Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State. 80 pupils with MCI were purposively selected. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) were used to test the three hypotheses. Results indicated that graphic organizers significantly improved reading comprehension for pupils with MCI (F-ratio = 85.329, p < 0.05), while gender had no significant effect on the outcomes (F-ratio = 0.344, p > 0.05). A significant interaction effect of graphic organizers on reading comprehension improvements was also observed (F-ratio = 0.305, p < 0.05). The findings underscore the necessity of training workshops for educators on the use of graphic organizers and advocate for gender balance in grouping pupils with MCI for such interventions, highlighting the effectiveness of graphic organizers as tools for enhancing reading comprehension in pupils with MCI
Utilization of Digital Resources for Learning by Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Southern Nigeria
Aim: This study investigated the use of digital resources for learning among students with intellectual disabilities in Southern Nigeria.
Method: A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study involved 530 participants, including special education teachers, school administrators, and caregivers across six states in Southern Nigeria, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire (DRUSEQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.80. Descriptive statistics and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation were used for analysis.
Results: Findings revealed moderate availability of digital tools, particularly Smart Boards and text-to-speech software, but low and inconsistent usage among students with intellectual disabilities. Infrastructural and financial constraints were key barriers, with teacher training and student motivation also playing roles. While most stakeholders valued digital tools, a notable minority expressed skepticism. A statistically significant but weak positive relationship was found between digital resource usage and educators’ perceptions of student learning outcomes.
Recommendation: Greater investment is needed to provide assistive digital tools and address systemic issues such as funding, internet access, and technical support in special education settings
Efficiency of Rearing the African Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) in Different Substrates as Arsenal for Addressing Malnutrition in Children
Background: Rhynchophorus phoenicis is arguably one of the most sought-after edible insects in the tropics. It is widely distributed in Africa and is a major pest of palm trees in Africa, Southern Asia, and South America. Globally, the population has been predicted to surpass 9 billion by 2050, leading to food insecurity.
Objective: This research investigated rearing the edible insect (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) in different substrates under laboratory conditions to address problems associated with the weevils' availability for solving malnutrition issues in children when consumed.
Methods: Ten (10) adult palm weevils were reared in different substrates (coconut husk, sugarcane, pawpaw, and a combination of all the substrates) under laboratory conditions with palm fiber as the control and arranged in triplicates to assess their emergence and survival. Data on larvae emergence, survival, and pupation were obtained within four (4) to eight (8) weeks post-emergence.
Results: The rearing experiments showed that larvae emergence and survival (184.08±19.7), pupation rate (53.25±7.0), and adult emergence (12.92±1.8) were highest in coconut husk and least in pawpaw substrate. There was also a significant difference between the larvae emergence and survival, pupation, and adult emergence in the various substrates compared to the control (p<0.05).
Implication: The study demonstrated the feasibility of mass-rearing African palm weevil (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) larvae, which, if incorporated into children's diets, will be immensely significant in solving nutritional deficiencies and problems associated with malnutrition
Editorial Cryptocurrencies, Blockchain, and Criminology: Emerging Challenges and Opportunities - Foreword to the Special Issue
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance, cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies constitute transformative forces that have reshaped economic systems and legal frameworks globally. Characterized by their decentralized nature and potential for innovative financial solutions, these technologies offer opportunities for enhanced transparency and operational efficiency. However, they also introduce complex ethical challenges and raise critical questions about regulatory oversight and financial security, particularly in the light of some association with illicit activities (Foley et al., 2019).
The articles in this special issue explore these intricate dynamics, focusing on the intersection between cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and criminology. Dondjio and Kazamias provide a thoughtful examination of the ethical considerations surrounding these technologies, highlighting their impact on socio-economic structures in both developed and developing contexts. Their analysis elucidates the dual nature of cryptocurrencies: as tools for liberation from traditional financial constraints and as potential enablers of criminal behavior, emphasizing the need for responsible adoption and comprehensive policy frameworks (Zhao, 2024).
Building on this foundation, Sadok et al. delve into the historical and multidisciplinary perspectives that have shaped our understanding of cryptocurrencies. Their synthesis of existing literature reveals fragmented regulatory responses that often fail to address the unique challenges posed by digital currencies. They advocate for a balanced approach that acknowledges both the financial innovations provided by cryptocurrencies and the accompanying risks of illicit transactions and exploitation (Dhali et al., 2023).
The regulatory landscape is further explored by Nastri, who critiques the current EU regulations on crypto-assets for the piecemeal approach and lack of cohesive strategy. By highlighting recent legislative developments, including anti-money laundering (AML) measures, Nastri underscores the necessity of harmonizing national laws with EU directives to strengthen the framework governing cryptocurrencies and effectively address financial crimes (Zhelekhovska, 2024; Ferreira & Pereira, 2023).
Moreover, Passas highlights how cryptocurrencies foster both innovation and significant financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud, similarly to other financial institutions and services. With continuing concerns about illicit transactions, it is evident that existing frameworks have not fully mitigated these risks. Passas's examination of regulatory responses establishes a foundation for constructive dialogue on how legislative measures and practical steps leveraging evolving technologies can facilitate innovation while addressing criminal risks (Schär, 2021; Huang, 2022).
In a complementary fashion, Passas and Coppola explore how blockchain technology and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) can provide innovative solutions to ongoing challenges in corporate compliance. Their analysis is grounded on criminological theory, underscores the complexity of effectively regulating cryptocurrencies and advocates for proactive compliance systems embedded within blockchain infrastructure to address the rapid evolution of digital economies (Zhu et al., 2022; Chohan, 2021).
Blue addresses the vulnerabilities that accompany cryptocurrency ownership. Findings from surveys indicate that demographic factors significantly influence who is most susceptible to financial risks within this space. Low education levels, income disparities, and diverse identities contribute to a broader understanding of vulnerability in the digital economy, calling for greater educational initiatives aimed at empowering potential users and enhancing their resilience against the pitfalls of crypto investments (Grassi et al., 2022; Ante et al., 2021).
Furthermore, the work of Gjorgjev et al. illustrates how blockchain forensic techniques have emerged as crucial tools for law enforcement agencies combating cybercrime on the dark web. Their analysis illustrates a shift in the narrative surrounding cryptocurrencies—from instruments of anonymity that facilitate crimes to mechanisms that enable the tracing of criminal activities, thereby highlighting the role of technology in both perpetrating and preventing illicit actions (Rossi et al., 2022; Kshetri, 2023).
In short, this collection of articles reflects the multifaceted relationship between cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and criminology. It captures the ongoing debate surrounding the benefits and challenges presented by these innovations, thus offering invaluable perspectives and practical suggestions for policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals alike. As we continue to navigate this dynamic terrain, fostering a dialogue that balances innovation with accountability will be essential in harnessing the potential of cryptocurrencies while mitigating their risks (Brenig et al., 2023)
The Effect of Emotional Regulation for the Successful Treatment of Emotional Dependence in Young People
Regulation of one’s own emotional state is of great importance for a person’s mental health. The issue under research is related to determining emotional regulation approaches for the success of the treatment of emotional dependence in young people. Methods. It was possible to achieve the set goal based on the use of methods of analysis, observation, the Spann-Fischer Codependency Scale, and the Student’s coefficient. The emotional regulation approaches developed by the authors included social recovery, analysis of someone else’s problem and behaviour, problem solving, and art therapy. Results.It was found that the therapy had a positive effect on the respondents, enabling them to primarily develop the self-confidence skills (96%). Also, to develop a lack of need for constant approval (92%), and consideration of their own interests (93%). It was found that the level of the respondents’ emotional dependence decreased to a low level (84%) from the beginning of the study. The respondents noted that art therapy (53%) and socialization (47%), which became the basis of the treatment approaches, had almost the same positive effect. Conclusions.The practical significance of the article is related to the possibility of using effective approaches to regulating emotional dependence in young people. The research prospects will be aimed at comparing the impact of the developed approaches to regulating emotional dependence in young people and middle-aged people
A Choice of Performance Metrics for Evaluating Predictive Accuracy of Survival Models
This research critically assessed the predictive accuracy of parametric survival models (Weibull, Exponential, Log-logistic, and Gompertz) against penalized Cox PH models (Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net) using both simulated data (sample sizes of 100, 200, and 1000) and real-world data from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The findings showed that parametric models, particularly the Weibull and Log-logistic models, consistently outperformed the others, achieving the highest Concordance Index (C-index) and the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Squared Error (MSE), indicating superior discrimination and calibration. In contrast, penalized Cox models underperformed, especially with a larger number of covariates, and the Gompertz model exhibited poor predictive performance under all conditions. Notably, parametric models remained stable and consistent even with smaller sample sizes and high-dimensional, complex data. These results highlighted the reliability of parametric models in survival analysis, particularly in small-sample and high-dimensional settings, offering key insights to inform future infant and child health research
Management of Antipsychotic Therapy in Patients with Schizophrenia
Antipsychotic therapy is the main approach in the treatment of schizophrenia, but there is often irrational use due to inappropriate drug selection, inappropriate dosage, and long-term use without evaluation. Factors that support therapeutic rationality include adherence to clinical guidelines, selection of safer antipsychotics, and optimal management of side effects. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the factors that contribute to rational and irrational therapy in the use of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia. This study aims at antipsychotic medication management and factors that cause irrational therapy, as well as evaluating factors that support therapeutic rationality in the use of antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients. This study used a cross-sectional study design involving schizophrenia patients undergoing antipsychotic therapy in a psychiatric hospital. Data were collected through patient medical records and interviews with health workers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square and regression analysis, to determine the association between patient characteristics and antipsychotic selection as well as therapy rationality. The results showed that 26.7% of patients received irrational therapy, with the main causes being inappropriate drug selection (45%), inappropriate dosage (30%), and long-term use without evaluation (25%). Meanwhile, 73.3% of patients received rational therapy, with the main contributing factors being adherence to clinical guidelines (50%), selection of safer antipsychotics (30%), and good side effect management (20%). Irrational antipsychotic therapy remains a significant problem in the management of schizophrenia. Adherence to clinical guidelines and appropriate therapy selection can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of side effects. Regular evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach are needed to improve the rationality of antipsychotic therapy