Search Results (180)

Digital storytelling has become a central component of emerging communication strategies, particularly in competitive higher-education environments where audience attention and engagement are increasingly mediated by social platforms. This study evaluates the impact of an emotional storytelling format—Historia(s) de Universidad (HdU)—implemented by the University of Murcia (UMU), comparing its performance with traditional institutional content across Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. A dataset of 6096 posts (September 2020–September 2023) and 25,636 audiovisual items was analysed using descriptive metrics, negative binomial and quasi-binomial regression models, and a differences-in-differences (DiD) design aligned with the formal launch of HdU in September 2022. The results indicate that emotionally driven storytelling posts consistently outperform institutional content in terms of visibility and interaction: HdU posts nearly double the engagement rate (OR ≈ 2.0) and increase interactions by 80% (RR ≈ 1.8; p < 0.001). The DiD analysis indicating a variation associated with the implementation of HdU with no pre-existing trends. Findings demonstrate that emotional narrative formats constitute an effective strategic tool for digital communication management, reinforcing institutional identity, enhancing stakeholder relationships, and contributing to reputation-building in higher education. The study highlights implications for the design of narrative-driven digital communication and offers pathways for future research combining quantitative performance metrics with qualitative audience insights. The study discusses practical implications for crafting narrative-driven communication strategies and identifies avenues for future research, such as combining quantitative performance data with qualitative audience insights to deepen understanding of storytelling’s impact in university contexts. Full article

In the governance of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), traditional rituals often fall into a paradox of institutional exhibition. The Korean shamanic rites Ssitgim-gut and Byeolsin-gut, respectively, represent the two poles of ritual institutionalization, displaying semiotic logics of original iconicity and institutional textualization. This study, based on audiovisual materials, archival records, and performative documentation, constructs event-level coding of the signifier–subsystem–power relation and, through hierarchical regression and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests, proposes the Dual-Axis Symbolic Regime Model (DSRR)—comprising the Symbolic Purification–Differentiation Axis (S) and the Textual–Institutional Axis (I). Results indicate that along the S-axis, the purification segments of Ssitgim-gut, dominated by iconic signifiers of soul pacification, manifest a shaman-centered unipolar power structure, whereas its performance segments, involving community participation, reveal a collaborative and co-performative power distribution. Moreover, institutionalization significantly affects the distribution of symbolic power. Along the I-axis, after Byeolsin-gut was incorporated into ICH stage performances, its ritual signifiers became scripted and codified, acquiring administrative value; consequently, the power gap between shamans and families narrowed, and interpretive authority shifted toward institutional agencies. These results remain robust after controlling for media-related variables.In conclusion, the DSRR model elucidates the correlation between symbols and power, offering empirical insights for ICH governance—specifically, how to preserve ritual integrity while avoiding the semantic attenuation of symbols caused by over-textualization. Full article

In modern high-demand applications, such as real-time video communication, cloud gaming, and high-definition live streaming, achieving both superior transmission speed and high visual fidelity is paramount. However, unstable networks and packet loss remain major bottlenecks, making accurate and low-latency video error concealment a critical challenge. Traditional error control strategies, such as Forward Error Correction (FEC) and Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), often introduce excessive latency or bandwidth overhead. Meanwhile, receiver-side concealment methods struggle under high motion or significant packet loss, motivating the exploration of predictive models. SimVP-v2, with its efficient convolutional architecture and Gated Spatiotemporal Attention (GSTA) mechanism, provides a strong baseline by reducing complexity and achieving competitive prediction performance. Despite its merits, SimVP-v2’s reliance on 2D convolutions for implicit temporal aggregation limits its capacity to capture complex motion trajectories and long-term dependencies. This often results in artifacts such as motion blur, detail loss, and accumulated errors. Furthermore, its single-modality design ignores the complementary contextual cues embedded in the audio stream. To overcome these issues, we propose A3DSimVP (Audio- and 3D-Enhanced SimVP-v2), which integrates explicit spatio-temporal modeling with multimodal feature fusion. Architecturally, we replace the 2D depthwise separable convolutions within the GSTA module with their 3D counterparts, introducing a redesigned GSTA-3D module that significantly improves motion coherence across frames. Additionally, an efficient audio–visual fusion strategy supplements visual features with contextual audio guidance, thereby enhancing the model’s robustness and perceptual realism. We validate the effectiveness of A3DSimVP’s improvements through extensive experiments on the KTH dataset. Our model achieves a PSNR of 27.35 dB, surpassing the 27.04 of the SimVP-v2 baseline. Concurrently, our improved A3DSimVP model reduces the loss metrics on the KTH dataset, achieving an MSE of 43.82 and an MAE of 385.73, both lower than the baseline. Crucially, our LPIPS metric is substantially lowered to 0.22. These data tangibly confirm that A3DSimVP significantly enhances both structural fidelity and perceptual quality while maintaining high predictive accuracy. Notably, A3DSimVP attains faster inference speeds than the baseline with only a marginal increase in computational overhead. These results establish A3DSimVP as an efficient and robust solution for latency-critical video applications. Full article

The Big Five Model has been widely applied across various areas for detecting problematic or even antisocial behaviors. This research explores its potential to identify behavior patterns and usage profiles in digital environments, such as social media use, digital gaming, and related activities. This study first conducted a literature review on mobile phone use, video game addiction, and social media overuse through the lens of the Big Five Model. Then, empirical data from 492 participants were analyzed to assess how each personality trait is associated with exposure to excessive internet use. The results shown that individuals with high openness and extraversion are more likely to engage intensively with social media and online entertainment, whereas those with higher levels of neuroticism, agreeableness, or conscientiousness display lower exposure. These findings align with previous research linking personality traits to neuroanatomical patterns that shape behavioral tendencies. This study suggests that specific personality traits, as defined by the Big Five Model, influence the use of digital media and advertising channels, potentially fostering addictive behaviors in users with higher openness and extraversion. Full article

In this study, we employed a Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) framework and Stimulus–Organism–Response (SOR) model to explore respondents’ emotional and behavioral responses to threats posed by climate change in high mountain areas. Data were collected from 391 valid questionnaires and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to rigorously test the proposed hypotheses. The results indicate that threat appraisal and coping appraisal are significantly associated with stronger tourist intentions toward climate change mitigation, as they foster positive emotional responses. Specifically, the pathway involves awe as a self-transcendent emotion, which appears to play a crucial role in predicting climate change mitigation behavioral intentions. Climate change knowledge is found to negatively moderate the relationship between threat appraisal and awe. These findings provide new insights by revealing the psychological mechanisms underlying mountain tourists’ behaviors against climate change. Practically, they highlight the need to use diverse audiovisual elements to evoke awe among viewers and communication messages that focus on the severity of the threats posed by climate change in highly mountainous areas. Full article

The “Wawa Pampay” is an Andean funeral ritual that allows Quechua-speaking communities to collectively process grief over the death of a child, integrating ancestral beliefs and symbolic practices that have been passed down over generations. This study aimed to understand the cultural and emotional significance of this ritual, as well as to document its symbolic elements in light of the risk of its disappearance due to sociocultural changes. A qualitative approach integrating ethnographic methodology was used, combining participant observation, in-depth interviews in the Quechua language, and photographic and audiovisual recording, while always respecting the beliefs and privacy of the participants. The fieldwork was carried out in a rural community in the Peruvian Andes, with extended visits and cohabitation with the families. The findings show that the “Wawa Pampay” not only bids farewell to the deceased child but also reaffirms social cohesion and strengthens collective memory. Its preservation is key to keeping local cultural identity alive. Full article

Disinformation poses a substantive challenge to democratic governance, particularly in contexts marked by foreign influence. While the broadcasting of Russia Today (RT) in Europe has received significant attention, comparatively little is known about its impact and audience reception in Latin America. This study addresses this gap by analysing Ecuadorians’ perceptions and uptake of RT’s broadcast narratives during a period of acute economic and security crisis. The objectives are (1) to establish the news narratives presented on RT, (2) to identify citizens’ perceptions of the news narratives, and (3) to determine the uptake of the narratives. A mixed methodological approach is undertaken, including narrative analysis of three audiovisual news pieces published by RT in Spanish, a survey, and three online focus groups. The results reveal the deployment of sophisticated narrative strategies that mix information with unsubstantiated claims and emotional appeals, resulting in a discernible bias favouring Russian perspectives. The findings underscore the urgency of strengthening media literacy and public policy responses in Latin America to counter the internalisation of such narratives. In addition, the research contributes to debates on information security, democratic resilience, and the protection of public opinion in vulnerable environments. Full article

One of the key limitations of AI chatbots is the lack of human-like nonverbal communication. Although there are many research studies on video or audio emotion recognition for detecting human emotions, there is no research that combines video, audio, and ontology methods to develop an AI chatbot with human-like communication. Therefore, this research aims to develop an audio-video emotion recognition model and an emotion-ontology-based chatbot engine to improve human-like communication with emotion detection. This research proposed a novel model of cluster-based audiovisual emotion recognition for improving emotion detection with both video and audio signals and compared it with existing methods using video or audio signals only. Twenty-two audio features, the Mel spectrogram, and facial action units were extracted, and the last two were fed into a cluster-based independent transformer to learn long-term temporal dependencies. Our model was validated on three public audiovisual datasets: RAVDESS, SAVEE, and RML. The results demonstrated that the accuracy scores of the clustered transformer model for RAVDESS, SAVEE, and RML were 86.46%, 92.71%, and 91.67%, respectively, outperforming the existing best model with accuracy scores of 86.3%, 75%, and 60.2%, respectively. An emotion-ontology-based chatbot engine was implemented to make inquiry responses based on the detected emotion. A case study of the HKU Campusland metaverse was used as proof of concept of the emotional AI chatbot for nonverbal communication. Full article

This paper presents a qualitative exploratory study based on the analysis of a representative sample of 35 projects carried out during the period 2020–2022 by six Spanish newspapers: elDiario.es, ABC, IDEAL, El Correo, ElConfidencial.com and El País. This study aims to detect and analyze the main elements of multimedia, crossmedia and transmedia content in the selected projects using an original analysis sheet designed for this research. In relation to the categories proposed in the categorization model, in this work we will focus on analyzing two in particular: authorship and information architecture. The projects were selected based on criteria of appropriateness, quality and innovation, as well as the results of semi-structured interviews with the heads and innovation managers (laboratories) of the media included in the framework of the projects ‘NEWSNET: News, Networks, and Users in the Hybrid Media System: Transformation of the Media Industry and the News in the Post-Industrial Era’ and ‘IAMEDIA: Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Algorithms on Online Media, Journalist and Audiences’. The aim of the qualitative analysis is to propose a list of aspects, characteristics, and fundamentals in the ideation, elaboration, and distribution of these types of products. We conclude that the results of applying the designed analysis sheet help us to understand these processes and also to propose alternatives and improvements in its design and implementation Full article

This article examines the role of digital communication, social media, and peer influence in Generation Z’s transition from fast fashion to more sustainable consumption practices. Building on sustainability and social influence theories, this study applies a mixed-methods design that combines qualitative content analysis of social media discourse with a quantitative online survey (n = 202). The survey instrument, validated by a panel of experts, measured four dimensions—digital communication, peer influence, sustainable attitudes, and sustainable behaviors—using Likert-type scales with adequate reliability (Cronbach’s α ≥ 0.70). The statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and mean comparison tests (t-test, ANOVA). The results show that digital platforms not only raise awareness but also normalize sustainable choices through peer validation and community engagement. Strong correlations confirm that peer influence mediates the relationship between exposure to sustainability content and the adoption of responsible behaviors, while perceptions of brand sustainability show weaker associations with purchase intention. This study highlights a persistent attitude–behavior gap and identifies opportunities for more effective digital engagement. The findings contribute to the literature on sustainable fashion consumption by clarifying the communicative mechanisms shaping Gen Z’s decisions. Practical implications are offered for brands, policymakers, and educators seeking to foster authentic and inclusive sustainability strategies, particularly in addressing gender differences in sustainable adoption. Full article

This article employs the theoretical framework of religious mediatization and a philosophical–anthropological lens to examine how various religious traditions utilize audiovisual media in the digital age to disseminate their faith and transform the religious experience. By comparing representative film and television cases from Christianity, Islam, and Eastern religions, the study analyzes how digital media reconstruct religious narratives, ritual practices, and identity, and facilitate cross-cultural faith exchange in online spaces. The findings indicate that audiovisual media have become a key arena for contemporary religious practice: they reinforce believers’ identity within their tradition while enabling different faith communities to encounter each other’s narratives, generating new understanding and spiritual experiences. Meanwhile, digital media have fostered virtual religious communities and a fan culture reminiscent of “implicit religion” (secular activities imbued with religious-like devotion), challenging traditional religious authority. Finally, from an interdisciplinary perspective, this article reflects on the opportunities and challenges of religious mediatization in the digital era, highlighting how media shape humanity’s quest for meaning and transcendence in a “liquid modernity” context. It also calls for deeper research into interreligious digital communication. Full article

The article explores how the design of informational and promotional messages from financial institutions influences their reception by young people. The study combined eye tracking, individual in-depth interviews (IDIs), and text mining analysis to examine both visual attention and participants’ conscious reactions. The aim was to identify young users’ preferences, determine factors influencing content perception, and assess the effectiveness of visual and audiovisual communication strategies. The main hypothesis proposed that minimalistic and visually attractive messages, enhanced with dynamic graphics, more effectively shape attitudes and elicit positive emotions. Specific aspects examined included the role of infographics, color schemes, message dynamics, and references to financial institutions in attracting attention and engagement. The results indicate that young people operate primarily in virtual space and express limited interest in traditional media such as television or print. They favor short, clear, and visually structured messages. Excessive textual content and lack of clarity provoked negative reactions and discouraged further engagement. Elements like infographics, colors, and logos were found to be strongly associated with brand recognition and memorability. Full article

Background: Telepsychiatry expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet patient experience data from mixed urban and rural areas in Saudi Arabia remain scarce. Objective: We aimed to quantify the perception of telepsychiatry among adults with major depressive disorder [MDD] in Madinah City, the KSA, and to identify associated demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at Madinah Mental Health Hospital between December 2024 and March 2025. Eligible participants were Arabic-speaking adults [≥18 years] with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder [MDD] according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5], following a scheduled video- or audio-based telepsychiatry consultation. Perception of telepsychiatry was assessed using the validated 10-item Arabic version of the Telehealth Satisfaction Scale [TeSS], which evaluates audiovisual quality, communication, and support. Variables associated with perception at p < 0.20 in the bivariable analyses were entered into a multiple linear regression model to identify independent predictors. Results: Of the 218 eligible patients, 207 participated [response rate = 95%], with similarly high participation rates being reported in comparable telepsychiatry surveys [e.g., 90–91%]. The majority were male [59%], with a mean [SD] age of 38.4 [11.2] years. The mean satisfaction score was 32.3 ± 6.3, and 36% of participants were classified as highly satisfied. In the multivariable analysis, higher satisfaction was independently associated with male gender [B = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7], intermediate versus elementary education [B = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.1–7.6], and the presence of a chronic illness [B = 2.1, 95% CI: 0.3–3.8]. Conclusions: Telepsychiatry is generally well-accepted among adults with depression in Madinah. However, women and individuals with lower educational attainment report lower satisfaction. Targeted interventions such as improving privacy, offering digital literacy support, and tailoring communication may help improve the telepsychiatry experience for underserved groups. Full article

Background: Face masks are used in healthcare for the prevention of the spread of disease; however, the recent COVID-19 pandemic raised awareness of the challenges of typical opaque masks that obscure nonverbal cues. In addition, various masks have been shown to attenuate speech above 1000 Hz, and lack of nonverbal cues exacerbates speech understanding in the presence of background noise. Transparent masks can help to overcome the loss of nonverbal cues, but they have greater attenuative effects on higher speech frequencies. This study evaluated a newer prototype transparent face mask redesigned from a version evaluated in a previous study. Methods: Thirty participants (10 with normal hearing, 10 with moderate hearing loss, and 10 with severe-to-profound hearing loss) were recruited. Selected lists from the Connected Speech Test (CST) were digitally recorded using male and female talkers and presented to listeners at 65 dB HL in 12 conditions against a background of 4-talker babble (+5 dB SNR): without a mask (auditory only and audiovisual), with an opaque mask (auditory only and audiovisual), and with a transparent mask (auditory only and audiovisual). Results: Listeners with normal hearing performed consistently well across all conditions. For listeners with hearing loss, speech was generally easier to understand with the male talker. Audiovisual conditions were better than auditory-only conditions, and No Mask and Transparent Mask conditions were better than Opaque Mask conditions. Conclusions: These findings continue to support the use of transparent masks to improve communication, minimize medical errors, and increase patient satisfaction. Full article

In higher education, the employability and entrepreneurship services play an essential role in the labor market insertion of graduates. The management of public relations promotes institutional projection, the creation of networks with companies, and the dissemination of initiatives to strengthen professional skills. This research analyzes how the communication strategies of Andalusian public universities improve employability and encourage entrepreneurship. A methodological triangulation is used: literature review, analysis of social networks with Fanpage Karma, and study of corporate websites. The results show a focus on counseling, training, workshops, job fairs, and networking events, strengthening the brand of universities and their commitment to the professional development of students. Full article