This study investigated the language expertise hypothesis on mouth-looking in toddlerhood and explored potential culture and sex effects. Polish and Norwegian 18- and-24-month-olds (N = 101; 44.55% females; data collected 2022–2024) viewed a speaker telling a story in familiar and unfamiliar languages. Toddlers showed more mouth-than-eyes looking across age groups, suggesting more mouth interest. They also showed greater mouth-looking in familiar languages, indicating language familiarity effects. Toddlers with larger vocabularies showed more mouth-looking in unfamiliar languages, possibly seeking helpful phonological-visual cues. These data show that mouth-looking continues supporting language development in toddlerhood in ways related to prior language experience. Exploratory analyses showed important differences in language acquisition and mouth-looking by language or culture and sex; potential mechanisms for such effects are discussed.
Full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine in February 2022 has triggered a large influx of refugees into the countries of the European Union. Against the backdrop of this new refugee crisis, we analyse the correlates of attitudes towards welcoming refugees from Ukraine in the EU. Theoretically, we draw on some of the main frameworks used to study attitudes. In addition, we examine the value of solidarity that is expected to positively influence the welcoming of refugees. Europeans appear to be overwhelmingly favourable towards accepting Ukrainian refugees, but the attitude is more positive in the “old” EU member states. Using multilevel binominal logistic regression on crossnational Eurobarometer data, we find that people who experience economic scarcity and those who are worse off in the labour market are more likely to be against accepting refugees. A key finding is that a commitment to solidarity as a personal value is associated with a more favourable attitude towards accepting Ukrainian refugees in the EU. At the country level, the border with Ukraine (or with a country directly bordering Ukraine) is associated with a more exclusionary attitude, reflecting the extent to which an actual and potential large influx of asylum-seekers can be seen as a threat.
When present, the voice control in virtual reality (VR) gaming is usually speech-based, while non-verbal voice features (e.g. loudness and pitch) remain underexplored. Consequently, we developed Endless Runner F0, a VR-based endless runner for Meta Quest 2 that integrates non-verbal voice mechanics as core interactions via loudness- and pitch-controlled obstacles. In a counter-balanced within-subjects study (N=16), participants played five variants (no voice control as a baseline; loudness with/without visual indicators; pitch with/without visual indicators). We collected performance scores and questionnaire data, namely state anxiety (STAI-1) and presence (IPQ) after each variant, and pre- and post-simulator sickness (SSQ). Practical comparability across these variants was evaluated using paired Two One-Sided Tests (t-TOST). Results showed practical equivalence for the baseline and voice-enabled variants for comfort, presence, and overall performance within a priori margins; however, pitch control yielded higher voice-obstacle collision rates than loudness. The findings highlight loudness-based mechanics as easier to learn and pitch-based mechanics as viable with appropriate feedback and calibration. We discuss design implications and outline opportunities for applying voice-controlled VR in playful vocal training contexts.
Pozostałe osiągnięcia naukoweArtykuły (zamknięty dostęp)Journal article
Purpose:
This study explores the lived experiences of Ukrainian refugee mothers who have resettled in Norway under the temporary collective protection scheme. In particular, the research investigates how structural integration mechanisms, psychosocial well-being, and individual aspirations intersect in shaping adaptation processes.
Methods:
A qualitative design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with ten Ukrainian refugee mothers residing across different Norwegian municipalities. Analysis was conducted within a critical-realist and contextualist stance using reflexive thematic analysis, with attention to both systemic constraints and agentic responses.
Results:
Three overarching themes were identified. First, Introduction Programme (IP) Misalignment captures participants’ frustrations with the one-size-fits-all integration model, with particular emphasis on language barriers and the non-recognition of premigration professional qualifications. Second, the State of Limbo reflects the psychological distress associated with temporary protection status, ongoing uncertainty, and dependency on welfare mechanisms. Third, Commitment to Staying highlights a future-oriented stance marked by resilience, maternal responsibility, and appreciation for Norwegian safety and values.
Discussion:
The findings demonstrate that while Ukrainian refugee mothers in Norway face significant institutional and psychological challenges, they also exhibit high levels of motivation and adaptive resilience. Structural barriers compound feelings of liminality and hinder full participation in Norwegian society.
Are digital platforms powerful enough to undermine the authority of the state? In this paper, we spotlight the evolution of state sovereignty by analysing two case studies of conflicts between Facebook and Australia (in February 2021) over media regulations and Facebook and USA (starting in 2019) over the development of cryptocurrency Libra. Using the notion of control over digital infrastructure as manifestation of effective sovereignty we found that the key factors of success in such conflicts include: (a) degree of platform’s control over the infrastructure; (b) strategic importance of the infrastructure; (c) international position of the state in conflict; (d) the power of the sectoral capitals supporting the sides of the conflict. We conclude with a call for further research on both the history of conflicts over infrastructure and their future developments. Understanding the historical context of these conflicts, as well as analysing new cases, will provide better insights into how the development of platforms and infrastructure affects the relationship between states and private entities, shaping the future of digital sovereignty.
