Search Results (19)

Examining public attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for understanding the global effort to combat the ongoing pandemic. Social media platforms such as YouTube play a significant role in the dissemination of information and misinformation about the vaccine, making it imperative to analyze user comments to gain insights into vaccine perceptions. Analyzing the Philippines case is particularly significant as it provides insights into the attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination in a country that has been heavily impacted by the pandemic. The current study investigates the discourse surrounding vaccine hesitancy in comments on YouTube videos announcing the COVID-19 vaccination campaign by the Philippines national TV channels and its impact on engagement levels. A total of 741 YouTube comments were analyzed, with 80% exhibiting vaccine-hesitant related discourse. The results indicate that those with negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination exhibit higher engagement levels than those supporting vaccination (p < 0.05). Additionally, the most commonly used themes in vaccine-hesitant posts were “ingredients”, “health department control”, “pharmaceutical interest”, and “adverse effects”. Moreover, 134 sources were identified among the posts, with vaccine-hesitant posts utilizing more sources than supportive vaccine posts (p < 0.001). The most significant information sources utilized in the posts were related to other YouTube users, politicians, clinicians, and scientific papers. Finally, a total of 890 discourses were coded, with the most frequently used discourse types among vaccine-hesitant posts being negationist, institutional, preventive, political, and pharmaceutical. These findings offer valuable insights into the nature and prevalence of vaccine hesitancy discourse on social media platforms and its impact on public engagement. This study highlights the importance of targeted communication strategies and the provision of accurate information from reliable sources in addressing vaccine hesitancy. Full article

South Korea is a rapidly aging society with the lowest fertility rates among the OECD economies. It is projected to become a super-aged society in 2025, with the share of individuals older than 65 reaching twenty percent. These developments make it important to analyze the determinants of health outcomes in older individuals. In this study, we identified the determinants of subjective and objective health outcomes among senior individuals in South Korea. We used self-rated health and life satisfaction scores as the two subjective health status indicators, while the number of chronic diseases was the objective one. We ran Tobit multivariate regressions of all three indicators on a set of factors related to the older citizens’ physical, economic, and social characteristics. Active employment status and willingness to work in the future were positively related to self-rated health level but were not statistically related to life satisfaction, while income positively affected both subjective health status indicators. Age did not appear to affect satisfaction with life. Active leisure activities were positively related to both self-rated health and life satisfaction. In contrast, passive leisure, such as watching TV, was negatively related to both health status indicators while being associated with an increased number of chronic diseases. Our findings suggest that older South Koreans view employment primarily as a means of financial support rather than as an opportunity for active social engagement. Full article

Moral features are essential components of TV series, helping the audience to engage with the story, exploring themes beyond sheer entertainment, reflecting current social issues, and leaving a long-lasting impact on the viewers. Their presence shows through the language employed in the plot description. Their detection helps regarding understanding the series writers’ underlying message. In this paper, we propose an approach to detect moral features in TV series. We rely on the Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) framework to classify moral features and use the associated MFT dictionary to identify the words expressing those features. Our approach combines that dictionary with word embedding and similarity analysis through a deep learning SBERT (Sentence-Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) architecture to quantify the comparative prominence of moral features. We validate the approach by applying it to the definition of the MFT moral feature labels as appearing in general authoritative dictionaries. We apply our technique to the summaries of a selection of TV series representative of several genres and relate the results to the actual content of each series, showing the consistency of results. Full article

Through the actions and interactions of video platform users, talent shows have expanded from the entertainment sphere to the social sphere and become an everyday part of life. Watching talent shows on online platforms, especially through participation in multi-platform interaction, is an ever developing and innovative field in many regions. This study adopts a multiple case analysis approach. We analyze and compare three cases of talent shows, examining aspects of their value co-creation, digital platform, dynamic capability and value network through an exploration of a series of creative activities on digital video platforms. Talent shows provide a unique environment in which different actors interact, co-exist and co-create value, i.e., another form of O2O marketing. These actors include producers, entertainment companies, sponsors and fans, and fan value co-creation currently takes many different forms, which are experienced, engaged and interacted with through different platforms. The findings contribute to examining the underlying dynamics of TV talent shows, in addition to explaining how they are achieving sustainable advantages in the media market. Furthermore, this study aims to understand the service ecosystem of network talent shows from the perspective of industrial innovation strategy; consequently, this research can help to promote the implications of this new form of digital content services and its innovation strategies. Full article

TV audiences today are more likely to use an additional media device to further engage with the television content, a phenomenon known as “second screening”. This study takes second screening research into an authoritarian context to investigate what motivates users to search for information, engage in discussions, and post on social media. We apply an O-S-O-R model and demonstrates an integrated procedure of second screening’s political effects among citizens of Beijing. Our findings showed that most of the direct and indirect paths in this model were significantly positive. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed. Full article

Delinquency in adolescence is rooted in a complex multifaceted system that comprises several factors such as personal characteristics, family, school, peers, and community, all of which are embedded in the sociocultural context in which they are present. There is a paucity of research on juvenile delinquency and its risk factors across many regions, especially low- and middle-income countries, including Arab countries. This study aimed to develop an understanding of the personal, familial, and behavioral characteristics of Arab juvenile delinquents in the distinctive sociocultural context of Jordan. All juveniles who were incarcerated at the time of data collection (N = 197) were targeted using a convenience sampling approach from a total of 11 juvenile rehabilitation centers distributed over the northern, middle, and southern regions of the country. Anonymous surveys were used to collect data on juvenile delinquents’ personal, familial, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics. A total of 186 juvenile delinquents completed the study questionnaire (9.7% females). About 52% were not attending school regularly, 32% had divorced, separated, or deceased parents, 6% reported receiving a diagnosis of mental illness, and 91% reported they never sought psychological support of any kind. Regarding substance consumption, 70% were smokers, 26% were alcohol consumers, and 15% were on drugs. About 12% spent more than 7 h on their cellphones, and 43% reported dedicating no time for physical activity. Theft was the most frequently reported offense (35%), followed by quarreling with peers (25%), and possession of drugs (9%). Approximately 42% reported that their friends encouraged them to cause trouble, while the majority (74%) reported that their school had no positive or negative influence on their behavior. Several behavioral problems were detected, with females showing significantly higher scores in impulsivity, inattention, emotional lability, and social problems compared to their male counterparts. Severity of the conduct problems was negatively associated with the length of engagement in physical activities, while both impulsivity and inattention scores were positively associated with the length of engagement in watching TV and using cellphones (all p < 0.05). Overall, these juvenile delinquents have unsatisfactory academic and schooling experiences, engage in unhealthy lifestyles and exhibit several behavioral problems. Differences in juvenile delinquency risk factors across different sociocultural contexts can influence prevention efforts. Comprehensive prevention strategies that reduce risk and develop protective factors need to target juveniles early in their development and consider factors related to their families, schools, peers, and communities. Full article

Objective: To examine changes in leisure participation following stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and explore its relationship to modifiable and non-modifiable participant characteristics. Design: An observational study design with self-report questionnaires collected at two time points (baseline and 6-months). Setting: The study was conducted across 21 hospital sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Participants: Participants were aged 18+ and had experienced a first or recurrent stroke or TIA and had a post-stroke/TIA modified Rankin score (mRS) of ≤3. Procedure: Research practitioners at each site approached potential participants. Individuals who agreed to participate completed a baseline questionnaire whilst an inpatient or at a first post-stroke/TIA clinic appointment. A follow-up questionnaire was posted to participants with a freepost return envelope. Two questionnaires were developed that collected demographic information, pre-stroke/TIA mRS, social circumstances (e.g., employment situation) and incorporated the shortened Nottingham Leisure Questionnaire (sNLQ). Results: The study recruited eligible participants (N = 3295); 2000 participants returned questionnaires at follow-up. Data showed three participant variables were significant predictors of engagement in leisure activities post-stroke/TIA: age, sex, and deprivation decile. There was an overall decline in the number and variety of leisure activities, with an average loss of 2.2 activities following stroke/TIA. Only one activity, “exercise/fitness” saw an increase in engagement from baseline to follow-up; watching TV remained stable, whilst participation in all other activities reduced between 10% and 40% with an average activity engagement reduction of 22%. Conclusions: Some groups experienced a greater reduction in activities than others—notably older participants, female participants, and those living in a low socioeconomic area. Registration: researchregistry4607. Strengths and limitations of this study: 1. This is the largest-ever study to survey life and leisure activity engagement following stroke/TIA. 2. Survey responses were self-reported retrospectively and, therefore, may have been misreported, or misremembered. 3. Despite the large cohort, there were few participants, and so respondents, from ethnic minority groups. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global public health and public trust in health recommendations. Trust in health information may waver in the context of health inequities. The objective of this scoping review is to map evidence on public perceptions of COVID-19 prevention information using the PROGRESS-Plus health equity framework. We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and Embase databases from January 2020 to July 2021. We identified 792 citations and 31 studies published in 15 countries that met all inclusion criteria. The majority (30/31; 96.7%) of the studies used an observational design (74.2% cross-sectional, 16.1% cohort, 6.5% case study, 3.2% experimental trials). Most studies (61.3%) reported on perception, understanding, and uptake, and 35.5% reported on engagement, compliance, and adherence to COVID-19 measures. The most frequently reported sources of COVID-related information were social media, TV, news (newspapers/news websites), and government sources. We identified five important equity factors related to public trust and uptake of recommendations: education and health literacy (19 studies; 61.3%), gender (15 studies; 48.4%), age (15 studies; 48.4%), socioeconomic status (11 studies; 35.5%), and place of residence (10 studies; 32.3%). Our review suggests that equity factors play a role in public perception of COVID-19 information and recommendations. A future systematic review could be conducted to estimate the impact of equity factors on perception and behavior outcomes. Full article

Monkeypox is re-emerging and spreading over the world, posing a serious threat to human life, especially in non-endemic countries, including Saudi Arabia. Due to the paucity of research on knowledge about monkeypox in Saudi Arabia, this study aimed to evaluate the general population’s knowledge of monkeypox in a sample of the country. A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from 25 May 2022 to 15 July 2022. Participants’ knowledge about monkeypox on a 23-item scale and socio-demographic characteristics were gathered in the survey. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to compare knowledge level (categorized into high and low) and explanatory variables. Out of 480, only 48% of the respondents had high knowledge (mean score > 14). Participants’ age, marital status, residential region, living in the urban area, education level, employment status, being a healthcare worker, income, and smoking status were significantly associated with the level of knowledge about monkeypox (p < 0.01). Overall, social media (75.0%) was the most frequently reported source from where participants obtained monkeypox-related information followed by TV and radio (45.6%), family or friend (15.6%), and healthcare provider (13.8%). We found that overall knowledge of monkeypox infection was slightly poor among the Saudi population. These findings highlight the urgent need for public education on monkeypox to promote awareness and engage the public ahead of the outbreak. Full article

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to spread rapidly worldwide, forcing countries to enact lockdowns and strict social-distancing measures that affect individual and population health. This study investigates the changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors among Saudi residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 786 participants, with a mean age of 30 years. The questionnaire was administered online and sent via social media applications. Dietary habits, physical activity, TV-watching time, sleep patterns, stressors, and socio-demographic data were evaluated. Among the survey respondents, there was an increase in weight gain, food consumption, and decreased physical activity. Respondents who gained weight consumed more snacks, ate larger food portions, and engaged in less physical activity. Furthermore, a high fish, water, and supplements intake was noticed. Although respondents’ intake of fruits and vegetables was low, most individuals reported a negatively changed intake. However, most respondents reported increased consumption of lean meat and sweet foods. Observing changes in dietary and lifestyle habits during the lockdown period may help elaborate on the pandemic’s consequences for population health and assist in formulating and implementing policies for future closures, while supporting vulnerable groups. Full article

The main objective of the LIFE Fluvial project is the improvement of the conservation status of Atlantic river corridors in the Natura 2000 network, developing a transnational strategy for the sustainable management of river corridor habitats in several Atlantic river basins of the Iberian Peninsula. The project includes seven partners in Northwest Spain (Galicia, Asturias) and one partner in Portugal (Instituto Superior de Agronomia). In Portugal, the preparatory, conservation, monitoring and dissemination actions of the project are focused on the improvement of the state of conservation of habitat 91E0* in the Estorãos River (ZEC Lima River, PTCON0020), with a total intervention area of circa 21 ha, within the property of the Municipality of Ponte de Lima. Special effort has been devoted to the control and removal of invasive plants directly affecting the riparian habitats, and indirectly affecting the aquatic habitats. The major target species addressed in ZEC Lima River are the trees Acacia melanoxylon, A. dealbata, invading the riparian zone; Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantations in the floodplains of Estorãos river; and the herbaceous species Phytolacca americana and Tradescantia fluminensis. The restoration measures were designed according to the spatial and temporal scale of threats and applied species-specific methods. This included the tree cut and control of vegetative sprouts (Eucalyptus), debarking and cut (Acacia spp.), and the uprooting of seedlings of invasive exotic individuals; complete uprooting of the individuals and the destruction of fruits (Phytolacca americana); and exposition to sunlight (Tradescantia fluminensis). An additional key action included Public Awareness and Dissemination. Throughout the development of the project, knowledge transfer to different target audiences was promoted, and several didactic materials, including an online game for children, were produced. For the general public, the project created a website, in four languages, and different social media pages, TV programs, promotional videos and an annual bulletin, and celebrated several events used for awareness-raising (e.g., World Wetlands Day in 2018, or Natura 2000 day). Notably, for invasive species control and awareness, we promoted training and volunteer actions that engaged students, technicians, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders. The major lessons learned are to be followed up during the After Life period. Full article

Objectives: Stunting remains a prevalent issue in Tanzania. The consequences of stunting include reduced height, greater susceptibility to disease, and diminished cognitive ability throughout the lifespan. Lack of psychosocial stimulation is associated with increased stunting, particularly in terms of its cognitive impact. The Addressing Stunting in Tanzania Early (ASTUTE) program was a large social and behavior change communication (SBCC) intervention that aimed to reduce childhood stunting in the region by targeting early childhood development (ECD) behaviors. The purpose of this study is to report on the extent to which exposure to ASTUTE might be related to ECD behaviors. Methods: ASTUTE disseminated program messages via a mass media campaign and interpersonal communication (IPC). Logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between exposure to TV, radio, IPC messages, and key ECD behaviors of female primary caregivers and male heads of household. Results: Among primary caregivers, IPC was positively associated with all ECD behaviors measured. Radio was associated with all behaviors except drawing with their child. TV was associated with all behaviors except playing with their child. Among heads of household, only the radio was positively associated with the ECD behaviors measured. Conclusions for practice: Findings indicate that SBCC interventions that include mass media and IPC components may be effective at promoting parental engagement in ECD behaviors. Significance: We know that ECD is important for a child’s development. We know that parents play a critical role in promoting ECD behaviors. We are still exploring ways to influence parents so that they are more involved in ECD behaviors. The results presented here provide evidence for successful mass media and IPC efforts to improve parents’ ECD behaviors. We hope this study will add more evidence for large interventions such as these to the literature, and we are very hopeful that governments and large international NGOs will prioritize SBCC approaches in the future, especially in locations where face-to-face interventions may be challenging. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the presence of thermal cameras in our society. These devices are becoming cheaper and smaller and can even be plugged in our smartphones. Therefore, soon enough everybody will have access to these instruments. Thermal cameras have been widely used for industrial, research and/or academic purposes. Now, in the rise of the online era, this work proposes and assesses a new application for such devices as visual engaging tools for science communication and e-learning in social media. Here, we introduce @thermogramer as a science communication channel that shows multispectral (optical and thermal) images of daily life objects to explain the science behind different topics of social interest (climate change, emerging technologies, health, and popular traditions). This young project is already present in social media, press, TV and museum’s exhibitions, and its designed content have been already useful for new inexperienced users, science educators and communicators. Full article

With little known about how social TV (STV) strategies can be harnessed by the broadcasting industry in order to increase and sustain their viewers, this study brings new insight to the social TV phenomenon by investigating the effect of game uncertainty and social media use (SMU) on social TV engagement in generating network loyalty (NL). The study also analyzed the mediating effect of severity between game uncertainty and social media use with social TV engagement. SmartPLS 3 was used to analyze the survey data of 364 participants for the proposed model, and the findings from the study revealed that game uncertainty and social media use have a positive effect on social TV engagement, which positively influences network loyalty. In addition, it was seen that severity mediates the relationship between game uncertainty and social media use with social TV engagement. Full article

Adolescents spend significant amounts of time engaged in various types of sedentary behaviour (SB). This study examined associations between adolescents’ objectively measured sedentary time, sitting time, specific self-reported SBs and social connectedness. Adolescents (n = 429, 15.5 years, 41% male) completed an online survey reporting time in seven SBs (TV/videos/DVDs, computer/video games, internet, homework, reading, car and bus travel; examined individually and summed for screen time and total SB), and social connectedness using the eight-item Social Connectedness Scale. A subsample (n = 353) also wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ (model GT3X+, Pensacola, FL, USA) accelerometer to measure sedentary time (<100 cpm) and n = 237 wore an activPAL (PAL Technologies Ltd., Glasgow, Scotland) inclinometer to measure sitting time. Multiple linear mixed models determined associations between each SB variable and social connectedness, adjusting for confounders. Adolescents spent on average 7.8 h/day in self-reported total SB, 4.4 h/day in screen time, 9.1 h/day in ActiGraph-measured sedentary time, and 9.5 h/day in activPAL-measured sitting time. After adjusting for age, sex and area level socioeconomic status, total SB (−0.24, 95%CI: −0.37, −0.11), screen time (−0.23, 95%CI: −0.41, −0.05) and two individual SBs (computer/video games (−1.07, 95%CI: −1.53, −0.60), homework (−0.61, 95%CI: −1.04, −0.18) were negatively associated with social connectedness. There were no associations with the objective measures. The relationships may be bi-directional; therefore, future research should involve longitudinal designs and explore other potential contributing factors. Full article