75 research outputs found
The relationship of agent diversity and system properties : Towards a complexity science framework
No full textRobotic Art and Cultural Imagination
No full textIn this article, I aim to accentuate the importance of the cultural imagination about robots, observing it 'as a mixed register of fantasy and an actual practice' (Kakoudaki 2007, 165). I emphasise the field of robotic art, which, I argue, is in a fluid state of exchange with other areas of robotic research, equally benefiting from the larger context of the cultural imagination about robots.
Furthermore, I discuss artworks that offer a valuable commentary on robots even though they are not defined as robotic art in a narrow sense (Penny 2013), given that they feature only the representation of robots or robot-like characters. Nevertheless, these artworks contribute to the circulation of symbolic registers that revolve around the multifaceted figure of a robot
It’s in the Name : Technical Nonhumans and Artistic Production
No full textIn this conceptual article my aim is to challenge the attribute “creative” when applied to the technical nonhumans (computers, robots or AI). Whilst acknowledging the long history of technical objects involved in a creative production, I suggest that such phrasing carries a surplus of meaning that may lead to ambiguous and possibly deceptive narratives about technical nonhumans amongst non-professional audiences. I shall be using science and technology studies (STS) theories as a methodological backdrop, and I shall rely on the theoretical paradigms about the myth of technology
Integration of IDPs into the host communities of Ukraine in the context of representation theory and participatory communication
No full textThis research explores the process of integration of IDPs into the host communities in Ukraine from Communication for Development perspective. It aims to examine integration process in the context of representation and participatory communication theories. The objectives of this research are threefold. Firstly, it explores the concept of “successful” or finalized integration. Secondly, it investigates existing stereotypes and myths about IDPs in Ukrainian society through the lens of representation theory. Thirdly, it examines promising participatory communication projects in Ukraine aimed at countering these stereotypes. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with IDPs, representatives of host communities, employees of international development organizations and NGO, producer of TV-show and the author of the performance about IDPs. The research finds that establishment of social contacts and engagement into the life of the new community is key to successful integration and that stereotyped perception of IDPs in Ukrainian society comes not from interpersonal experience, but from media and political context and more participatory communication projects are needed for countering it
Addressing discourses in manuals/texts on male engagement in ending child marriage
No full textAbstract
For this thesis I have conducted a discourse analysis on which discourses that are being reproduced in texts on the issue of male engagement in ending child marriage. I am looking at the agency of both males and females, what is taken for granted, words that carry norms and how these are maintain or challenging the dominant discourse on the topic.
In the thesis I have analysed manuals/briefs on male engagement in ending child marriage using Fairclough’s approach to discourse. Fairclough uses the concept of discourse in three ways. First, discourse refers to language use as social practice. Secondly, discourse is explained as language used within a specific field, such as a scientific discourse. Thirdly discourse is used as a count noun referring to a way of speaking which gives meaning to experiences from a specific perspective (Jørgensen & Phillips 2002). Per Fairclough, discourse constructs social identities, social relations as well as knowledge and meaning (Jørgensen & Phillips 2002).
Norms that shape discourses are a crucial for my analysis in this thesis. Norms can either be maintained or challenged and the norm critical approach is suitable for investing power relations.
I found that there is not just one relevant discourse being reproduced in the texts. Some segments are displaying the girls as more passive, maintaining a stereotype. While others use an approach that may challenge the normal assumption. All texts emphasize on working towards changing a potential harmful masculine gender norm for men and boys which in the end can affect the likeliness of child marriage and empowerment of the females. They are assumed to not be equal on their own, they need to be encouraged to change their behaviours and open up to a more inclusive masculine gender norm. Overall, the language that is used in the manuals is “soft” in its approach and not judgemental or critical. This possibly to be sensitive and not create aggression. The texts claim that they wish to shift norms and behaviours on the issue. The risk is that the texts may not condemn child marriage or emphasize the downsides enough when they are more focused on turning men into allies
Cloned images and the optical unconscious
No full textIn this presentation I would discuss the term optical unconscious as defined in the writings of Walter Benjamin and Rosalind Krauss, and propose a broadened definition of this term, taking into account the new media spreadability (Jenkins et al., 2013) and 'image cloning' (W.J.T. Mitchell, 2008). The hypothesis is that images embody power not only through scientific visualisations, marketing campaigns, celebrity culture or visualisation of ideological messages, but also through the specific visual codes they produce. These codes can be transferred to other images as a 'hidden algorithm', which can later contribute its special status.When Walter Benjamin coined the term optical unconscious, he was primarily referring to the psychoanalytical perspective: photography opened a new realm of experience that was not accessible to the naked eye – the same way that psychoanalysis provided an access to the physic unconscious. The camera conveys the virtuality of vision, through which the eye learns about the spatio-temporal arrangements of the photographic object 'with its devices of slow motion and enlargement' (Benjamin, 1931, pp. 510).In reference to this, Rosalind Krauss wrote in her book Optical unconscious that her use of the term is at an angle to Benjamin's: speaking of the modernist optical logic, she retrieves the associationist theory and the notion of memory: 'the only point of recognition within associationist theory that consciousness might be shot through by unconscious conflict, and this is at the very heart of perception, was when it had to confront its own peculiar laboratory rat: the optical illusion. And there it found itself staring at something like an 'optical unconscious' (Krauss, 1996, pp. 145.).Krauss proposes a strategy of alternate strategies of vision, taking examples from the modernist artworks, where bodies and the ground blend from one part-object to another, leading to the experience of formlessness.In my own research I am employing both of these concepts, with an added focus: a codified arrangement of the image (a structure, or gesture, placement of the figures) can be stored in a memory of an observer – and later recognised as a pattern (structure) in the another image. The associative process that takes place is usually hidden from the observer, thus the use of the term optical unconscious.As the image gets disseminated via electronic media – 'cloned' is the term that William Mitchell suggests, it easily gets appropriated to a variety of different contexts revealing its inner power.To illustrate this, I would discuss several images, and compare it with some well-known examples from the art history. One of my case studies would be the discourse analysis of an image of Neda- Agha Soltan* and the subsequent 'production of the hero'.End notes:* Victim of the post-election riot in Tehran in 2009. Her death has been recorded by a passer-by and uploaded on YouTube, causing an immediate response from the audiences worldwide. I find example particularly interesting, because this young woman had no political/activist record – it was her image that communicated with the world.References:Benjamin, W. (1999) Little History of Photography. in: Jennings, M.W., Eiland, H., Smith, G. (eds) Selected Writings: Volume 2 1927-1934. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.Jenkins, H., Ford, S, Green, J. (2013) Spreadable Media: Creating Value and Meaning in a Networked Culture. New York: New York University Press.Krauss, R. (1996) The Optical Unconscious. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.Mitchell, W.J.T. (2008) Cloning Terror: The War of Images 2001-04. in: Costello, D. and Willsdon,D. (eds) (2008) The Life and Death of Images: Ethics and Aesthetics. London: Tate Publishing
Using Communication for Development practices to fight manipulative media in the Czech Republic
No full textMediatization theory, which I used as a paradigm for this work, conceive the
boundaries between media, society and politics are vanishing. In a society where
media are omnipresent and becoming parts of our lives, media literacy and civic
education are crucial for the democratic development of society.
Especially in a situation where the society is divided and various sources from the
secret services of the Czech Republic, but also professionals focusing on media and
security warn there are concerns about the presence of foreign state influence in the
Czech Republic.
Lack of historical tradition in media education in the Czech Republic led an open field
for other actors to engage. One of them is the most prominent Czech NGO People in
Need and its communication for development department. I analysed the
organisation, using various resources, including research interviews and a document
study. The People in Need, which has a unique educational section One World in
Schools , prepares multiple free media educational programmes, among them an
audio-visual lesson the Current Russian Propaganda in the Czech Republic.
Furthermore I focused on other C4D programmes focusing on the topic.
I found communication for development might be a powerful tool when trying to cope
with misleading information. But since the work with “truth” is sometimes problematic,
participants must follow rigorous procedures leading towards neutrality. Otherwise,
the C4D program could also be labelled as propagandistic
Fatal Case of Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma Caused by Anticoagulant and Steroid Therapy during Hospital Admission
No full text<b><i>Background:</i></b> Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is a rare but potentially dangerous clinical entity that requires medical supervision. <b><i>Case Report:</i></b> Here we discuss one such case which describes the fatal course of spontaneous RSH during hospital admission. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Usually, RSH presents as a minimal abdominal wall swelling with self-limiting course but in the case of hematoma and size progression, specific conservative or invasive measures are necessary to prevent serious complications including hypovolemic shock and death.</jats:p
Melbourne’s ‘African gang crisis’: A content analysis comparing two Melbourne media outlets
No full textIn this paper I argue that in a mediatized Australia, where media are increasingly constructing society and culture as a whole, racializing frames used by Melbourne newspapers The Age and Herald Sun during a two-month period in 2018 contribute to the continued ‘othering’ of the ‘highly visible’ Sudanese-Australian and Sudanese refugee communities, and the erosion of the policy, and lived reality, of multiculturalism in Australia.
Building upon the existing extensive body of research about the representation of refugee groups in Australian media, I use media framing theory to inform my analysis. In order to understand what media frames the Melbourne print media constructed around the ‘African gang crisis’ in 2018 I chose to conduct a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the types of sources used, and the quotes referenced, within the news articles.
The analysis shows that ‘the media’ cannot be treated as one homogenous ‘sense-making’ group, as latent patterns of dominating source types as used by each newspaper point to specific ‘newsroom frames’ for each outlet. These ‘newsroom frames’ should be taken into account when exploring the media frames and, specifically, the role of racializing frames, in understanding the ‘othering’ of black Sudanese people in Australia in relation to the country’s ‘white majority’. Only with this understanding can we begin to dismantle the lingering impact of the country’s ‘White Australia Policy’ past and make multiculturalism the solid foundation of Australia’s future
Problemy związane z jakością wód powierzchniowych wykorzystywanych do nawodnień w delcie rzeki Neretwa (Chorwacja)
No full textThe research was set up in the Neretva River valley in the Southern part of Croatian Karst area, where implementation of modern hydrotechnical practices within the river catchment's area led to intrusion of seawater to groundwater resulting in soil salinization in the delta. The region has great agro-ecological potential for intensive production of vegetables and Mediterranean fruits. Since the combination of the effects of saline groundwater and the use of this water for irrigation may have disastrous effects on the productivity of agricultural soils water, a project was started in order to set up a permanent monitoring network. The aim of this study was to determine the salt dynamics in the surface water on five locations which are considered as potential sources of the irrigation water (Modric canal, Neretva River near Opuzen, Crepina, Jasenska and Vidrice pumping station) during a 4-year period (1999-2002). The surface water samples had been collected on monthly basis and analyzed for all parameters required in the irrigation water quality classification. The results show considerable spatial and temporal variability of determined parameters. Thus, in the Neretva River near Opuzen, total salt concentrations in water ranged from 0.4 to 7.7 dS·m-¹, and in Modric from 1.65 up to17.2 dS·m-¹. Dominant cations and anions on all observed locations were Na+ and Cl-. Constantly high concentration of Na+ in sampled surface waters is of a special concern. Utilization of the water of such quality may cause problems related to the use of alkaline waters for irrigation, which can further cause permanent loss of fertile soil.Badania prowadzono w dolinie Neretwy, w południowej części chorwackiego obszaru krasowego, na którym działania hydrotechniczne w zlewni doprowadziły do napływu wody morskiej do warstw wodonośnych i w konsekwencji spowodowały zasolenie gleb w delcie rzeki. Region charakteryzuje się dużym potencjałem agroekologicznym i możliwością produkcji warzyw i owoców śródziemnomorskich. Ponieważ nałożenie się efektów zasolenia wód gruntowych i użycia tych wód do nawodnień może mieć fatalne skutki dla produktywności gleb, zainicjowano założenie sieci stałego monitoringu jakości wód. Celem tych badań było określenie dynamiki zasolenia wód powierzchniowych w czteroletnim okresie (1999-2002) na podstawie pomiarów w pięciu stanowiskach uznanych za potencjalne źródła wody do nawodnień (Kanał Modric, Neretwa koło Opuzen oraz stacje pomp Crepina, Jasenka i Vidrice). Próbki wód powierzchniowych pobierano co miesiąc i analizowano w nich wszystkie parametry niezbędne do oceny jakości wód do nawodnień. Stwierdzono znaczną zmienność mierzonych parametrów w czasie i w przestrzeni. Całkowita mineralizacja wód Neretwy koło Opuzen wynosiła od 0,4 do 7,7 dS·m-¹ a w Kanale Modric od 1,65 do 17,2 dS·m-¹. Na+ i Cl- były dominującymi jonami we wszystkich badanych stanowiskach. Stale duże stężenie Na+ w próbkach wód powierzchniowych wymaga szczególnej troski. Stosowanie wody takiej jakości może powodować problemy związane z użyciem do nawodnień wód alkalicznych, co w przyszłości może prowadzić do całkowitej utraty żyznej gleby
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