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Interactive Nature of Social Media’s Comment Feature: An Analysis of Commenters’ Comments during the #EndSARS Protests in Nigeria
No full textDiscussions through interactions between contending parties have been known to have minimised, if not completely resolved, many conflicts, and have nipped numerous others in the bud because people were able to express themselves for others to know their stands on issues. Likewise, new media technologies, ably hinged on the Internet, have further created avenues for more interactions among people in different social milieus or media ecosystems. Given the variegated Internet attributes, most newspapers now have online versions that have provisions for readers to make comments at the end of each story or report. The comment feature of online newspapers and social media gives room for interaction among readers and users, hence, commenters are not only using it to comment on what they have listened to or watched or read online, but they also use it to react and comment on the comments made by other commenters. This brings about a robust social interaction among the commenters, outside the medium that serves as the source of news or topic of discussion. In October 2020, youths in Nigeria embarked on a protest against police brutality tagged #EndSARS, SARS being the acronym for Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian police. The youths mobilised themselves nationwide through social media, online newspapers, and other Internet platforms to hold rallies and protests, with the major one taking place at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos. It is within this context that this paper looked at the social interaction that took place among commenters who commented in Sahara Reporters, Premium Times, and the online version of The Punch newspapers on the #EndSARS issue. The objectives were to find out how many comments were made in the comment sections of these selected online newspapers as they relate to their reports on #EndSARS; to ascertain how many of the comments were socially interactive, and to determine the extent the comments proffered solutions to police brutality in Nigeria. Grounded in the Social Network Theory, the study utilised content analysis and direct observation methods to gather data for evaluation while coding sheets and coding guide were used as data collection instruments. Findings revealed that commenters were engaged in interactive discussions among themselves when expressing their opinions about the #EndSARS protests. It was also discovered that some of the comments proffered solutions to the issue of police brutality, and how it can be addressed. The paper concluded that the comment feature of social media is another unique avenue for citizens, especially the youth, to voice out their opinions, and to reach out to, and engage the “high and mighty” in the society, either within or outside government, they might not be privileged to reach through other means. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that those in government, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria should pay critical attention to the comment sections of various social media to have an idea of what the populace feels about their policies based on the report about them that citizens read in the media
The Drama-Driven Model of Interaction and Optional Thinking: Epistemology In the Interactive Film Turbulence (Ben-Shaul, 2009)
No full textInteractive films are defined here as an audiovisual narrative flow aimed at creating drama along with its characterizing suspense, curiosity, and surprise.
Interaction is defined as an audiovisual alignment that allows the interactor to intervene or steer the story progression in different ways (by voice recognition or touch screen options).
Interaction forms an added layer comparable to the addition of sound to silent movies. As with the addition of a soundtrack, an added interactive layer to the sound and image layers creates new narrative forms and audiovisual compositions. These new narrative forms include the new data-base narrative form discussed by Lev Manovich, often expressed through new digital enabled audiovisual compositions such as morphing.
However, adding an interactive layer poses a series of challenges which concern the need to script, direct, edit and design a coherent work when the story, the characters and the drama may not engender immersion due to out of fiction interactive actions. Hence, story multi-bifurcation upon interaction impedes the cognitive processing of the story logic. Likewise, interactive actions may obstruct the narrative flow, thereby leading to viewser split attention and miscomprehension.
This study suggests a solution to these common problems through the drama-driven model of interaction implemented in the interactive movie Turbulence
Interactive Storytelling for Immersive Media, Augmented Manufacturing, and Digital Healthcare
No full textThe article explores interactive storytelling in augmented and virtual reality. It is based on the research project Immersive Media Lab, bridges the gap between technological developments and their application, and aims to combine art, economy, and science. Due to their increased availability, virtual and immersive technologies have not only seen a resurgence in their popularity but also offer intriguing new perspectives regarding their use in different contexts. Consequently, the notions of interactivity and immersion also play significant roles in the study of storytelling in conjunction with virtual and augmented reality. The Immersive Media Lab has employed state-of-the-art AR/VR technology in five use cases: VR Interaction, Artistic Motion Tracking in AR/VR, Audio AR for Industry, AR/VR Interfaces for Industry, and AR Education for Patients. All of them, but one, developed prototypical applications related to the central concept of interactive storytelling. Furthermore, each use case addresses three distinct dimensions of storytelling: the production of a coherent story, the collection and transfer of knowledge, and the specificity of the technology used.
Covering the areas of Creative Media, Smart Manufacturing, and Healthcare leads to a particular research design, as each area is connected to different research contexts and comes with appliances of immersive media. The article focuses on various theoretical inputs regarding interactive and immersive storytelling in general and relates them to the academic background of the five use cases. Furthermore, each use case defined a story in its context, the purpose of its narration, and its media-specific context. Finally, the paper reflects on the outcomes of the use cases and outlines their potential for future applications of interactive storytelling in immersive media
Editorial: Interactive Epistemology, Listening, and Ecomedia Proceedings I
No full textThis special issue of the Interactive Film and Media Journal constitutes the first of two issues dedicated to the IV International Interactive Film and Media Conference, held online in June 2022 and co-organized by Hudson Moura (Toronto Metropolitan University, Canada), Heidi Rae Cooley (University of Texas at Dallas, USA), Anna Wiehl (University of Bayreuth, Germany) and Stefano Odorico (Technological University of the Shannon, Ireland / Leeds Trinity University, UK). As tangential as it may seem, the IFM conferences are an opportunity to reflect on the scholarly field of interactivity, offering a platform for academics and practitioners to broaden the field across disciplines. The conference titled: Interactive Epistemology, Listening, and Ecomedia clearly demonstrated that interactivity does not just have a newly rediscovered popularity in film and media, but it is also omnipresent in a multidisciplinary context, from cultural productions such as games, films and books to audience perception such as streaming, virtual reality and real-time; from intellectual publications such as news, hypertexts, social media to virtual world economy such as cryptocurrencies
Perceived barriers to entry to the eating disorder specialty within the dietetics profession and differences by race & ethnicity: results of a cross-sectional survey.
No full textSpecializing in treatment of eating disorders requires additional training for a Registered Dietitian (RD). Added barriers to specializing in eating disorder treatment may disproportionately affect dietitians from underrepresented race/ethnicity groups, discouraging entering the specialty. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify potential barriers for registered dietitians pursuing a specialty in eating disorder treatment, and compare barriers identified by RDs from underrepresented race/ethnicity groups in the profession to RDs who self-identify as white. A random sample of US dietitians were sent an electronic survey regarding their experience with entering this specialty. Common barriers identified through a review of literature were listed for participants to select and free response boxes were available to provide additional information. Free responses were coded and frequencies were calculated for both white participants and participants who identified as a person of color. Differences in the frequency of cited barriers between the two groups were analyzed using chi-squares. In our final sample (n=328) 11% of dietitians self-identified as coming from an under-represented demographic in the profession, while 88.7% self-identified as white. There was a significant difference in the number of white RDs who specialized in eating disorder treatment compared to underrepresented race/ethnicity RDs, (p < .048). The survey results suggest several barriers to the eating disorder specialty were experienced by all dietitians regardless of race/ethnicity. RDs from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups were more likely to report lack of race/ethnic representation as a barrier compared to white RDs (p < 0.022)
A survey of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists who provide care to clients with eating disorders: Implications for education, training and clinical practice
No full textSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for actioSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for actioSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for actioSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for actioSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for actioSuccessful management of eating disorder (ED) symptoms includes Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) with specialized expertise, nutrition counseling skills, and advanced training. We conducted an anonymous on-line survey of self-identified ED-specialized RDNs about their previous education and training, workload, job duties, and job satisfaction. Respondents were 182 RDNs who were U.S. members of the International Federation of Eating Disorder Dietitians. Qualitative methods identified salient themes from narrative responses to augment survey data. Most respondents expressed confidence in their ED-related competence, however these skills were gained from post-professional, self-funded activities, not from ED-specific education or training in either school or work settings. While two-thirds of RDNs surveyed held an advanced degree and more than half held specialty certification, an inverse relationship between provider expertise and patient acuity was observed. RDNs working at the highest levels of ED care with the most medically complex patients were less likely to hold graduate degrees or have prior clinical experience. Obstacles to job satisfaction included high patient caseloads, low compensation, lack of employer support, and high burnout. Facilitators of job satisfaction included professional and client communities, and the private practice setting. Considering the essential nature of nutrition rehabilitation in ED treatment and the high prevalence of dysfunctional eating behaviors in society at-large, these observations identify gaps in RDN preparedness and facility staffing practices that may affect treatment outcomes for individuals with known and undiagnosed ED’s. Enhancements in dietetics education and heightened attention to supervision for entry-level clinicians in ED-specific treatment programs are prime targets for action
A Understanding the Health and Well-being of Canadian Black Children and Youth during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Review
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated health inequities and vulnerabilities in our society, with the Black population being disproportionately affected. As previous pandemics have resulted in an increase in adverse events to children and youth, we reviewed the literature to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth. We found Black children and youth experience psychosocial stressors related to uncertainties of the future. Differential gender effects related to COVID-19 are also apparent. Physical distancing related to the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in differential impacts on physical activity levels in children. We also noted, increase levels of isolation may result in undetected child abuse. The review highlights the urgent need for multifaceted interventions that address disparities in social determinants of health and psychosocial needs of Black children and youth in Canada. Future research that addresses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black children and youth is needed to help create context-specific interventions.
Arabic-speaking older immigrants’ perceived acceptability of interventions for preventing elder abuse
No full textObjective: Although research has identified interventions to address risk factors for elder abuse, it is unclear which interventions are relevant to specific immigrant communities. This study examined how Arabic-speaking immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area perceived the acceptability of interventions for elder abuse and explored gender differences in these perceptions. Methods: Older women and men (N = 37) who self-identify as Arabic-speaking immigrants residing in the Greater Toronto Area rated the acceptability of 14 interventions. The literature describes these interventions as addressing the risk factors for elder abuse as reported at the levels of older adults, the family, their relationship, and the social environment. Four items, adapted from a validated measure, were used to assess the interventions’ acceptability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (objective 1) and independent sample t-test (objective 2). Results: Arabic-speaking older immigrants perceived five interventions to prevent elder abuse in their community as highly acceptable: case management, community outreach, advocacy, community-outreach programs, and peer-support programs. Gender differences were found for four interventions: two interventions (case management and community outreach) targeted older adults, one intervention (education) targeted the family, and one (advocacy) focused on the social environment. Conclusion: Findings can inform service providers, managers, and policymakers about which interventions must be prioritized to address elder abuse in the Arabic-speaking immigrant community
The mental well-being of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of qualitative literature
No full textCOVID-19 has led to significant isolation resulting in a rise in educational inequity and mental illness among youth. A systematic literature review of qualitative studies was conducted adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, to describe the mental wellbeing of children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol has been registered in the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Three Electronic databases were searched for original, qualitative, peer-reviewed, full text, English journal articles published from December 2019- to May 2020, conducted among children and their parents. We extracted the results that describe the psychological impact on children and their parents amidst COVID-19. Thirteen studies were included in the final review. Four major themes (1. Negative and maladaptive behavior 2. Social and psychological disruption 3. Emotion regulation 4. Value of family time) were identified through Inductive Thematic Synthesis. Although children regulate their emotions effectively, most of the children seem to experience maladaptive behaviors which may have a devastating effect on their development. Health care professionals, caregivers, school officials, and social workers should address these aspects of childcare during a pandemic and in the post-pandemic period
Rehearsing Posthumanism: An Ethnographic Analysis of Michel van der Aa’s music theatre Upload (2021)
No full textIn this paper, I explore the rehearsal process of a new opera production about mind uploading by the composer, librettist, and director Michel van der Aa, called Upload. It was produced at the Dutch National Opera in Spring and premiered at the Bregenzer Festspiele in July 2021. As an ethnographer and writer for the Opera Forward Festival, I attended two months on site in the rehearsal spaces in Amsterdam and conducted twelve interviews with the production team. Drawing on Upload as the main case study for this presentation, my key intervention lies in proposing a methodology for examining operas that explore new, digital technology not only on stage but in processes of rehearsal. By focusing on an opera on posthumanism, I seek to shed light on how nonhuman and human materialities collide and learn to intertwine – beyond the dichotomy of vision and with a focus on the sonosphere of the rehearsal space – over the course of eight weeks. Due to Upload’s extensive use of new technology in the rehearsal space, this production challenges operatic production logics. It brings both wanted and parasitic sounds to the rehearsal.
The posthuman, or after-human, setting disperses agential connections between humans and machines. By eliciting new modes of collaborating with machines within the operatic framework, this piece offers ways of reconsidering the notion of the Gesamtkunstwerk in 21st-century operas. Focusing on rehearsal ethnography, I extend the concept of the operatic work beyond the score and the performance. By theorizing present rehearsal practices in their moment of emergence, I explore what it means to rehearse with an avatar in a posthuman setting. To enter this debate, I explore ways of knowing through the audible space, drawing on Steven Feld’s concept of acoustemology, as well as Jane Bennett’s notion of ‘vibrant matter’ that argues for the agency of nonhuman materialities. Moreover, I investigate the figure of the avatar, one of the epitomes of posthumanism, through taking on a science and technology studies lens. By drawing on the notion of experimental systems introduced by Hans-Jörg Rheinberger, I dissect how the avatar turns the operatic rehearsal from a production machinery with technical objects into an experimental system with unknown variables, called epistemic things. The opera deals with uploading your mind to a server, turning it into an avatar, and losing your physical body in the process. In the opera, the father turns into an avatar while his daughter remains in the world we know. Content-wise, this operatic work circles around the human in their entanglement with new media, specifically focusing on virtual realities. It sheds light on the friction arising when technology and human collide in novel ways, leading beyond binary discussions of non-human or human, virtual, or material. How does the artistic focus on a tech-driven chimera reconfigure the entire rehearsal process – even to the extent that I scribbled \u27silent\u27 as the very first fieldnote