Saudi Viewers’ Perceptions of Attack on Titan Japanese Animation Online Series

This quantitative study examines Saudi viewers’ perceptions of the Japanese anime Attack on Titan. Data collection was undertaken by means of an online survey of 346 viewers of the animation, aged between fourteen and thirty-eight. The results indicated that the most popular characters were Levi, Eren, and Mikasa, with the least liked being the Armorer Titan, the Female Titan, Sasha, and Christa. The research found that the participants were attracted to scenes including fights between human and Titans, flying blood, and dialogue. The viewers expressed an interest in the unique scenario of the series, as well as each character’s tone of voice and facial expression. Finally, the hypothesis testing (Ho) of viewers’ tendency to like characters based on gender was accepted as confirmed by the 2-tail test (.042), i.e. the participants tended to prefer male characters. This study recommends that future research applies content analysis to provide further insights into the reasons behind the identified preference for male characters.

Voices

Chapter 1 foregrounds the diverse ways that biblical poems are voiced, that is, how they seem to be speaking. It considers the frequent shifts in the texture and tone of voice within individual poems, as well as the significance of address—to whom the poems appear to be directed (or not to be directed, as the case may be). Issues discussed include the presentation of emotion and interiority; how voice relates to traditions of ascription and authorship; dialogue as a generative technique; the unique qualities of prophetic voices; and the relationship of voice and gender. The chapter closes with a reading of Psalm 55 that attends to its shifts in voicing. A theme throughout is the quality of first-person voicing (the use of “I” and “we”) as words that implicate readers.

Significant Role of Trust and Distrust in Social Simulation

This paper introduces the Trust-Distrust Model and its applications, extending the Bounded Confidence Model, a theory of opinion dynamics, to include the relationship between trust and mistrust. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of cases in which the prerequisites for conventional communication (e.g., the other person’s gender, appearance, tone of voice, etc.) cannot be established without the exchange of personal information. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in the use of personal information, such as letters and pictograms “as cryptographic asset data” for two-way communication. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to using information assets in the form of personalized data, which are excerpts of personal information as described above. In the future, the discussion of trust value in the above data will accelerate in indicators such as personal credit scoring. In this paper, the Trust-Distrust Model will be discussed with respect to theories that also address charismatic people, the effects of advertising, and social divisions. Furthermore, simulations of the Trust-Distrust Model show that 55% agreement is sufficient to build social consensus. By addressing this theory, we hope to use it to discuss and predict social risk in future credit scoring discussions.

Zoomvesting: angel investors' perception of subjective cues in online pitching

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic transformed angel investment meetings from in-person to online. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether this move affected angel investors' perception of subjective behavioral cues in pitch sessions within a large Brazilian angel group. Design/methodology/approach This study followed an exploratory approach using a triangulation process that combined observation, documents and interviews. Data collected by observation, document studies, and interviews were themed, coded, and organized during the research. Findings The move from in-person to online pitches did not seem to affect levels of trustworthiness or arrogance as angels assessed more message content during Q&A sessions. Body movement, gestures and “eye gaze” (i.e. the look on a presenter’s face) played a central role in passion assessment during in-person meetings. Body language was highly limited during online sessions and tone of voice became the main source of passion assessment. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study suggest that pitches at online meetings affect angel investors' perception of founders' subjective cues, particularly cues pertaining to passion. Entrepreneurs should be trained to convey passion with tone of voice and to improve their body language in the context of webcam use. The interviews with volunteer sampling were subject to volunteer bias. Additionally, the findings may be affected by cultural context. Practical implications A practical contribution of this study is to highlight the need for entrepreneurs to be trained for online pitches. In an online setting, body language is limited, but it is still possible to use one’s hands and tone of voice to connect better to investors. Originality/value This study is unique because it captures the transition of angel investment meetings from in-person affairs before the pandemic to online meetings during the pandemic crisis. These unique circumstances provided a real-world laboratory to observe founders' subjective cue effects on angel investment decision-making.

Markers of emotionality in Russian news coverage of the 75-th anniversary of WWII Victory

The article explores how emotionality is manifested in the news texts covering politically sensitive topics, using as the case study coverage of the 75th anniversary of WWII Victory in news programmes of the Russian TV Channel One, Russia TV and RT. Proceeding from the key theoretical assumption of medialinguistics defining media texts as an integral unity of verbal and media components, the author singles out and analyzes markers of emotionality at both - language and media levels, paying special attention to lexis and the way it is supplemented by illustrations and video footing. The analysis of the news flow is based on the information model, which allows to structure the process of news formation according to the following stages - selection of events for news coverage, interpretation of facts, shaping images, forming stereotypes and cultural-ideological context. The goal of the study was to identify markers of emotionality and analyze how emotionality affects the interpretation and the perception of facts, paying special attention to realization of the category of broadcasting style defined as the tone of voice, or tonality news media use when addressing their audience. Conceiving emotionality as both explicitly manifested and implicitly present quality, the study singles out its three types as represented in the analyzed media texts - 1) specific pretentious style, used by newsreaders and commentators to stress the dignity and solemnity of the event; 2) deliberate affectation disguised as emotionality on the part of news anchors while presenting topically sensitive news items; 3) emotionality as spontaneous display of sincere emotions observed in interviews, dispatches of correspondents and commentaries of the participants of the events. The results of the study could serve as a basis for further analysis of emotionality markers in different types of media discourse, including news, commentary and debate on politically sensitive issues in traditional media and social networks.

Clarification and repair in emergency remote EFL classes

During the sudden shift in education onto digital platforms due to the Covid-19 emergency, teachers became streamers and experimented with new tools to involve their students in video-mediated, multi-floor, multiparticipant, and multimodal interactions. In turn, students experienced new ways to participate in lessons and interact with instructors. This study focuses on clarification and repair in videoconferencing as a strategy to address trouble in video-mediated communication and to re-establish mutual understanding. Through participant observation of online classes, the researcher collected data on classroom interactions, which are analyzed through conversation analysis. The findings show how the digital affordances of video-mediated conversation help teachers and students manage intersubjectivity and compensate for the lack of non-verbal cues typical in face-to-face interaction, such as facial expressions or tone of voice. Consequently, this article argues that the wisdom gained during the pandemic can help teachers and lecturers better deal with clarification and repair in digital conversations. Ultimately, it can increase their digital interactional competence, thus giving way to more interaction and learning in EFL classes, both online and in-person. Key words: EMERGENCY REMOTE EDUCATION, CONVERSATION ANALYSIS, CLARIFICATION, REPAIR, EFL Durante la migración hacia las plataformas digitales en la educación debido a la emergencia sanitaria del Covid-19, el profesorado se ha convertido en transmisor digital y ha experimentado con nuevas herramientas para implicar a su alumnado en conversaciones mediadas por vídeo multiparticipativas y multimodales. A su vez, el alumnado ha experimentado nuevas formas de participación en las clases y de interacción con el profesorado. Este estudio se centra en la aclaración y en la reparación en las videoconferencias como una estrategia para afrontar los problemas en la comunicación mediada por vídeo y restablecer el entendimiento mutuo entre docentes y estudiantes. Mediante la observación participante de las sesiones en línea, la investigadora recogió datos sobre las interacciones en clase que son analizados a través del análisis conversacional. Los resultados muestran cómo las posibilidades digitales de la conversación mediada por vídeo ayudan al profesorado y al alumnado a manejar la intersubjetividad y a compensar la falta de señales no verbales propias de la interacción cara a cara, como son las expresiones faciales o el tono de voz. En consecuencia, en este artículo se sostiene que el conocimiento adquirido durante la pandemia puede ayudar al profesorado a afrontar mejor la aclaración y la reparación en las conversaciones digitales. En última instancia, este conocimiento puede aumentar la competencia interactiva digital del profesorado dando lugar a una mayor interacción y a un mayor aprendizaje en las clases de inglés como lengua extranjera, tanto en línea como presenciales. Palabras clave: EDUCACIÓN REMOTA DE EMERGENCIA, ANÁLISIS DE LA CONVERSACIÓN, ACLARACIÓN, REPARACIÓN, EFL Durante l'improvvisa migrazione della didattica sulle piattaforme digitali dovuto all'emergenza Covid-19, i docenti sono diventati streamer e hanno sperimentato nuovi strumenti per interagire e coinvolgere i propri studenti in conversazioni mediate dal il video. A loro volta, gli studenti hanno sperimentato nuovi modi per partecipare alla lezione e interagire con i professori e fra loro. Questo studio si concentra sul chiarimento e la riparazione nella videoconferenza come strategie per affrontare i problemi nella comunicazione mediata dal video e ristabilire la comprensione reciproca. Attraverso l'osservazione partecipante delle lezioni online, sono stati raccolti dati sulle interazioni in classe e sono poi stati analizzati attraverso l'analisi della conversazione. I risultati mostrano come alcune caratteristiche della conversazione mediata dal video aiutino insegnanti e studenti a gestire l'intersoggettività e a compensare la mancanza di segnali non verbali tipici dell'interazione in presenza, come le espressioni facciali o il tono di voce. Si sostiene che la consapevolezza guadagnata durante la pandemia può aiutare i docenti a capire come affrontare il chiarimento e la riparazione nelle conversazioni digitali. Inoltre, può aumentare la loro competenza interattiva digitale, permettendo a una maggiore interazione e apprendimento nelle classi EFL, sia online che in presenza. Parole chiave: ISTRUZIONE A DISTANZA IN EMERGENZA, ANALISI DELLA CONVERSAZIONE, CHIARIMENTO, RIPARAZIONE, EFL

Analysis of Human Voice Spectrum based on Regional Accent in Vowels and Consonants

This study aims to analyze the spectrum of the human voice based on the accents of several regions. This research is included in the type of experimental research. Data were collected from 4 male respondents aged 23 years as research subjects. Respondents come from Central Java, East Java, Jambi, and South Sulawesi or come from Javanese, Malay, and Bugis ethnicities. Each respondent pronounces the vowels /a/ and /e/ as well as the consonants /b/, /d/, and /g/ once in each sound under normal circumstances or does not have throat problems or other things that make the sound abnormal. Voice recording is done in a closed and quiet room without any disturbance by using a microphone connected to a laptop using the cool record edit pro application. The sound spectrum was analyzed using Praat verse 2 software, then the recording was converted to *wav format. Furthermore, the sound spectrum analysis procedure uses software to determine the shape of the spectrum, the maximum or minimum pitch frequency (F0), and the formant frequency of F1-F4 in each sample. The results showed that the response of men from South Sulawesi had the highest tone of 156 Hz in the letter /b/ and 145 Hz in the letters /d/ and /g/ respectively. while the lowest tone of voice owned by men from the Jambi area is 105 Hz, 109 Hz, and 102 Hz for each consonant and the output from F0 (pitch) to F1-F4 (formant) can change and does not describe the high pitch, meaning the formant will always high.

What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about conducting patient and public involvement remotely? Insights from a series of digital meeting observations

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic many work tasks are being done remotely through digital meetings, including PPI in research. Yet, some PPI activities have been paused or cancelled altogether during the pandemic. In this commentary, we share our insights from observing digital meetings with researchers and public contributors, representing vulnerable groups. Additionally, we discuss how remote PPI activities can be understood and improved. Main body As part of a PPI evaluation project, live observations were conducted by two trained observers, using a semi‐structured observation protocol developed to objectively assess aspects of group dynamics in PPI research meetings with public contributors with experience of seeking refuge and parents facing economic hardship. This project’s data collection is ongoing and the insights in this commentary is based on the observers’ discussion. We discuss these insights through the lens of the Media Richness Theory, stating that the choice of media we communicate through should be guided by what kind of information we want to communicate to each other. The more complex the information is, the richer the media tool needs to be. For example, information in a text message is more easily misinterpreted than information given in person. This is because meeting in person gives us more information, for example through body language and tone of voice. Based on our experiences from observing digital research meetings, we give suggestions on how to improve digital meetings with public contributors. A few key points are: actively choosing which media to use; being prepared to guide contributors to the chosen media in a way that is suitable for them; and the increased importance of the person chairing the meeting to actively include all participants. Conclusions We reach the conclusion that digital meetings with public contributors is possible, but that researchers need to make a commitment and actively work to solve practical issues. Finally, the format and structure of digital meetings should be co-created together with public contributors.

Cancer survivors’ views on digital support for smoking cessation and alcohol moderation: a survey and qualitative study

Background Digital interventions may provide low-threshold support for smoking cessation (SC) and alcohol moderation (AM) to the growing population of cancer survivors. The objective was to explore preconditions of successful AM and SC digital interventions for cancer survivors. Methods Using a multi-method approach we conducted a survey (n = 240), a qualitative study consisting of four focus groups (n = 15) and semi-structured interviews with Dutch cancer survivors (n = 8). To help interpretation of our results we interviewed experts in the field of eHealth and cancer survivors (n = 6) and we organized an expert meeting (n = 7). Qualitative data were analysed using the Framework approach and were double-coded by two coders. Results Survey results show the majority of drinkers had not previously considered AM (n = 158, 84.9%), often because they deemed their alcohol use to be non-problematic. All current smokers in the survey had considered SC before. In focus groups and interviews it became clear that SC efforts did not always stem from their own willingness to quit smoking, but originated from a wish to please their social environment. Main themes to be addressed in digital SC and AM that emerged from the interviews and focus groups, centred on the different ways of identification as cancer survivors, need for autonomy, differential beliefs about SC and AM, and the importance of a positive, non-patronizing tone-of-voice. Several specific preferences for digital interventions were formulated, although some cancer survivors prefer no support or face-to-face contact. Conclusions Cancer survivors are a diverse group with diverse preferences for AM and SC support. Digital AM and SC interventions for cancer survivors are perceived to be of value by some, especially when they incorporate a positive, non-judgemental and non-patronizing tone-of-voice, address concerns specifically relevant to cancer survivors, offer possibilities for personalization, and emphasize autonomy throughout. To encourage AM specifically, problem recognition and awareness of the health benefits of AM should be improved.

How to manage language problems

Although language may become impaired by dementia, communication with your loved one is still possible. Speak clearly and slowly in a quiet environment. Help them obtain hearing aids, if needed. Reading and writing may be beneficial for those who have hearing or speech problems and mild dementia. Speech therapy may also benefit those with mild dementia and trouble talking. Pictures can often compensate for a variety of comprehension and communication problems. Gestures, body language, facial expression, tone of voice, and other nonlinguistic and nonverbal communication can be useful, both in person and over a video phone. Lastly, remember that emotional communication is often preserved in dementia.