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Purpose: China has recently introduced a new audit law that aims to increase the scope of audit supervision and raise the standards for preventing risks in auditing national public projects. This paper presents a systematic research study on the causes of audit risks in national public projects and discusses the process by which these causes contribute to the emergence of such risks. Furthermore, the paper investigates the core risk sources in various types of national construction project audit. This paper aims to provide theoretical support for auditors of national construction projects in risk avoidance when conducting audits. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, the authors carefully selected five national public audit projects from China and performed a comprehensive analysis of 85 relevant audit documentation. The textual analysis was conducted using Nvivo12 software, and the grounded theory approach was adopted for generalization purposes. Findings: Based on the research results, the findings suggest that there are five key causes contributing to the audit risk of national construction projects: professional competence, risk awareness, management capacity, level of attention and deliberate fraud. The most critical factor identified is management capability, with 59.93% of the data supporting this view. This conclusion was based on an analysis of state-owned enterprises, administrative organs and public institutions. Building upon this, a framework titled "the mechanism of audit risk factors with management capability as the core" was constructed. Originality/value: This paper employs qualitative analysis methods to examine national construction projects in China, contributing new literature to the theoretical study of audit risk management. The article also provides practical recommendations for auditors on how to mitigate audit risks and improve the quality of audit services in national project governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transdisciplinary projects can uncover crucial insights on people's past and future risk-mitigation behavior. We focus on a novel risk context: increasing health threats from ticks on Staten Island, a New York City borough where the combination of high population density and extensive park systems and green spaces has resulted in a rise in locally-acquired tick-transmitted disease cases. We administered a knowledge, attitudes, and practices survey that additionally included simple economic stated preference questions about people's willingness to spray tick pesticides in the future. We first analyze factors that are correlated with people's perceptions of two types of risks: exposure to ticks and infection with Lyme disease. Next, we use the nonmarket valuation questions to test people's willingness to spray and pay as a function of attributes of the hypothetical pesticides, including cost, effectiveness, and type. Across all model specifications, overall willingness to pay (WTP) to spray increases with increases in pesticide effectiveness, as well as with favorable pesticide type (organic). We uncover threshold pesticide effectiveness levels at which WTP to spray turns positive, and we find that lower pesticide effectiveness is required for organic pesticide. Finally, we test how perceived risks and various individual-specific characteristics correlate with WTP to spray. Combinations of higher perceived risks are linked both with higher WTP and lower breakeven pesticide effectiveness. Our work shows that a broad range of variables influence demand for self-protection actions, both directly and indirectly (through their effects on perceived risks). Such insights on people's tradeoffs carry important policy implications, but they can be missed if economic information is either not elicited or elicited alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Should entrepreneurs display their passion when pitching a business idea to potential funders? Entrepreneurial passion is important, but evidence about the effect of displayed passion in venture financing appears contradictory. We integrated the emotions-as-social-information perspective and regulatory focus theory in two studies using crowdfunding projects and survey responses (total N = 2,187 participants) to reveal that entrepreneurs' displayed passion exerts two opposing effects: increasing the likelihood of funding success by fostering potential investors' enthusiasm, while decreasing the likelihood of funding success by intensifying potential investors' perception of risk. We also showed that an entrepreneur's use of promotion-focused language can mitigate the negative effects of displayed passion. The results illuminate the links between displayed passion and investors' funding decisions, resolve apparent conflict in prior findings, offer guidance for future study, and have practical implications for entrepreneurs and investors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study investigates the impact of contract farming in onion, okra and pomegranate production on profits of smallholder farmers in India. It also investigates the determinants of farmers' participation in contract farming. The study is based on a survey of 1,131 farmers from Maharashtra, India engaged in the cultivation of these three crops. Design/methodology/approach: This study uses instrumental variable regressions and quasi-experimental methods to decipher the impact of contract farming. Findings: The study reveals that contract farming ensures higher returns for smallholders, enables their access to high-end markets and brings in risk-sharing with protection during price fluctuations. Farm size and farmers' risk perceptions are significantly associated with their participation in contract farming. Research limitations/implications: The study is based on cross-sectional data, which presents limitations on considering unobserved farmer-level individual heterogeneity. Originality/value: The study shows that contracts highlight the functioning of the contractor/integrator on both the input and output sides of the market. By providing better-quality inputs on credit and at discounted prices and by providing training, the integrator helps small farmers meet international food safety and quality standards, a historically difficult challenge for smallholders in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Hypothesis Schizophrenia is associated with a decreased pursuit of risky rewards during uncertain-risk decision-making. However, putative mechanisms subserving this disadvantageous risky reward pursuit, such as contributions of cognition and relevant traits, remain poorly understood. Study Design Participants (30 schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder [SZ]; 30 comparison participants [CP]) completed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Computational modeling captured subprocesses of uncertain-risk decision-making: Risk Propensity, Prior Belief of Success, Learning Rate, and Behavioral Consistency. IQ, self-reported risk-specific processes (ie, Perceived Risks and Expected Benefit of Risks), and non-risk-specific traits (ie, defeatist beliefs; hedonic tone) were examined for relationships with Risk Propensity to determine what contributed to differences in risky reward pursuit. Study Results On the BART, the SZ group exhibited lower Risk Propensity, higher Prior Beliefs of Success, and comparable Learning Rates. Furthermore, Risk Propensity was positively associated with IQ across groups. Linear models predicting Risk Propensity revealed 2 interactions: 1 between group and Perceived Risk, and 1 between IQ and Perceived Risk. Specifically, in both the SZ group and individuals with below median IQ, lower Perceived Risks was related to lower Risk Propensity. Thus, lower perception of financial risks was associated with a less advantageous pursuit of uncertain-risk rewards. Conclusions Findings suggest consistently decreased risk-taking on the BART in SZ may reflect risk imperception , the failure to accurately perceive and leverage relevant information to guide the advantageous pursuit of risky rewards. Additionally, our results highlight the importance of cognition in uncertain-risk decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMPACT: This study examines cutback strategies of Pennsylvania's local governments during the Covid 19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of pandemic risk perceptions and managerial efficacy beliefs in shaping these strategies. It was found that heightened risk perception decreased the likelihood of expenditure cuts, while a strong belief in a jurisdiction's crisis preparedness often resulted in such cuts to manage budget shortfalls. Revenue enhancement strategies were preferred by governments engaging communities in response efforts. The study also underscores the efficacy of professional governments, particularly council–manager led ones, in implementing productivity gains over expenditure reductions. Although based in the USA, the findings offer global insights for managing resources during health crises, enhancing societal resilience, and providing a model for adaptable governance across diverse fiscal and socio-political contexts. During the Covid 19 pandemic, public budgeting posed challenges for avid problem-solvers. This study explores the dynamics of cutback strategies across Pennsylvania municipalities during the pandemic. Expenditure reductions, historically popular, waned during the pandemic due to managers' concerns regarding health-related risks and socioeconomic challenges; managers confident in their crisis-management strategies, however, favoured such cuts. Revenue enhancement, almost as common, gained popularity in communities actively engaged in pandemic response. Productivity gains were less common, preferred by professional governments, particularly council–manager led ones, and larger jurisdictions. Building on traditional fiscal stress paradigms that typically examine economic downturns, this research contributes a novel analysis of cutback management utilizing pandemic-era data to reveal how risk perception and managerial efficacy shape cutback decisions in a public health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological diversity—the complex tapestry of life and ecosystems—is facing an urgent global crisis, with increasing extinction rates and the loss of variety on all levels of biodiversity from genetic to ecosystem diversity. This study analyzes 2843 environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reports by companies from 43 countries, focusing on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and examines the quality of biodiversity‐related disclosure (BRD) from 2010 to 2019. The study achieves three objectives. First, it provides a global assessment of the quality of BRD, which declines after 2015 despite increased recognition of the importance of biodiversity. Second, it identifies the influence of climate‐related risks and management incentives as internal determinants of BRD quality. Third, in examining the consequences of BRD, it highlights the impact of BRD quality on investor risk perception and stakeholder perceptions (i.e., corporate reputation). Improved BRD quality increases perceived risk. For companies with biodiversity impacts, however, the effect is the opposite, suggesting that investors do not fully understand the risks of biodiversity dependency. These findings suggest the need for equal recognition of biodiversity alongside climate change in reporting standards and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global environmental change’s impact on local realities, which is getting more worrying daily, sparks awareness of the importance of risk reduction, adaptation, and preparedness in the communities, especially children and adolescents vulnerable to disasters and climate change. West Timor of East Nusa Tenggara Province is one of the areas that is at risk of climate change and disaster in Indonesia. This study aim to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, and preparedness for disasters and climate change in children living in climate-risk and disaster years. The data were then analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Based on the study’s results, there are two main themes, namely (1) understanding related to disaster risk and climate change and (2) scientific attitudes possessed by students. Identifying the level of understanding and extent of critical thinking ability of children and adolescents that can inform policymakers and advocates to empower children to cope with future disaster risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the level of emergency supplies deployment during earthquake disaster, this study focuses on emergency logistics in China. An integrated two-stage optimization framework is adopted to incorporate demand and time satisfaction indicators into the supply allocation and route optimization models, respectively. Firstly, historical data and seismic monitoring information are used to estimate the number of people affected and to forecast the need for emergency supplies; Secondly, the concept of psychological risk perception and the degree of urgency of requirements are introduced. Based on the modified prospect theory framework, this article replaces the sufficiency and shortage of demand with gains and losses to optimize the resource allocation policy. Thirdly, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to improve the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) for further model solving. The results of the study show that the two-stage optimization framework can significantly improve the rescue efficiency and rationality of resource allocation, and achieve the goal of prioritising the distribution of emergency supplies to regions with high urgency; In addition, the results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that it is crucial to determine the optimal proportion of the total amount of supplies, and the validation shows that the overall operational efficiency of PSO- SSA is higher, which provides a more reliable approach to dealing with similar emergency problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of on‐farm conservation strategies, such as edge‐of‐field practices, has the potential to reduce nutrient runoff, promote greater biodiversity, and improve water quality. To date, adoption rates among farmers are extremely low. Communication with farmers has been identified as a vital strategy to encourage the voluntary adoption of these practices and policies that promote on‐farm conservation. Yet little is known about which information sources shape farmers' concerns about conservation practices, perceptions of the risks and benefits of conservation practices, and ultimately, adoption behaviors. Using the Social Amplification of Risk Framework, the Risk Information Seeking and Processing Model, and a cross‐sectional survey, we examined farmers' concerns about nitrate loss and water quality, perceptions of the risks and benefits of conservation practices, attention to messages and information sources, and communication behaviors. We received N = 474 completed surveys. Attention to agricultural associations was associated with decreased concern about nitrates and diminished perceptions of the benefits of edge‐of‐field practices. Farmers paying greater attention to non‐agricultural and social media sources were more likely to share and seek information. Attention to interpersonal sources was associated with greater adoption behaviors. This work highlights the importance of farmers' social networks, exposure to multiple information sources, and the need to identify new strategies for engagement and direct communication with hard‐to‐reach audiences. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this work for conservation communication and land management practices to promote environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Speaking up among healthcare professionals plays an essential role in improving patient safety and quality of care, yet it remains complex and multifaceted behaviour. Despite awareness of potential risks and adverse outcomes for patients, professionals often hesitate to voice concerns due to various influencing factors. This complexity has encouraged research into the determinants of speaking-up behaviour in hospital settings. This review synthesises these factors into a multi-layered framework. It aims to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the influencing factors, which provides guidance for interventions aimed at fostering environments contributing to speaking up in hospitals. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in November 2024, searching databases: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Following PRISMA guidelines and the three stages for thematic synthesis, we developed the classification of influencing factors. Out of 1,735 articles identified articles, 413 duplicates were removed, 1,322 titles and abstracts were screened, and 152 full texts (plus six additional articles) were assessed. Ultimately, 45 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results: The review categorised influencing factors into four categories: individual (29 articles, 64%), relational (21 articles, 47%), contextual (19 articles, 42%), and organisational (26 articles, 58%). These categories encompass motivating, hindering and trade-off factors affecting speaking up among healthcare professionals in hospitals. Conclusions: The multi-layered framework highlights the dynamic interplay of factors influencing speaking up among healthcare professionals. A systems approach is essential for identifying barriers and enablers and designing effective speaking up interventions. This framework serves as a foundation for more focused research and practical guidance, enabling healthcare leaders to address barriers across all categories. By fostering environments that support open communication, organisations can enhance patient safety and quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the level of disaster preparedness among Local Government Unit (LGU) employees in Borongan, Samar, Philippines. The research explored the demographic profile of the respondents, their disaster preparedness knowledge, readiness, adaptation, awareness, and risk perception, and the relationships between these factors and employee characteristics. A survey of 150 LGU employees revealed a predominantly young workforce, with the majority aged 25-29 years old. The majority of respondents were female, married, and had not attended disasterrelated seminars. While respondents generally agreed that disasters cannot be prevented, they exhibited varying levels of preparedness across different domains. They strongly agreed on the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences, community activities for disaster risk reduction, and building relationships with neighbors. However, they expressed less confidence in their awareness of evacuation systems and plans, and their ability to predict when a disaster will occur. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between age, sex, and attendance at disasterrelated seminars, and the level of disaster preparedness. Specifically, younger employees, females, and those who had attended disaster seminars demonstrated higher levels of preparedness. Based on the findings, the study proposes a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan for Borongan City. This plan emphasizes risk assessment and planning, public awareness and education, infrastructure and building resilience, emergency response and coordination, community engagement, and continuous evaluation and improvement. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions to enhance disaster preparedness among LGU employees, considering their demographic characteristics and specific needs. It highlights the need for ongoing training and education, fostering a culture of community engagement, and prioritizing risk reduction measures to build a more resilient community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the divergence in risk preferences between individuals exposed to background risk and those who are not, using a field experiment conducted in Arequipa, Peru. Arequipa, a city located in close proximity to the El Misti volcano, is constantly threatened by lahars – mudflows originating from this volcano. Our study combines experimenta l assessments of risk tolerance and patience with a targeted survey designed to assess residents' awareness of their exposure to risks. Our primary finding reveals that residents living in hazard-prone areas exhibit higher levels of risk tolerance compared to their counterparts in safer zones. To address concerns about causality, we employ instrumental variable (IV) regressions and conduct stability analyses of coefficients. We subsequently discuss our findings in the context of the literature on preference adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information avoidance (IA) is a prevalent information behavior that is used by people to understand and act on environmental issues, yet is understudied in the environmental field, leaving us with an incomplete picture of environmental communication processes and outcomes. Compounding this partial knowledge is a lack of research into people's own conceptions of IA. Considering these issues together calls for exploratory research into people's lived experiences of environmental IA. To do so, we focused on a factor that drives behaviors like IA: motives. We investigated environmental IA motives among those living in the US and used the pre-theoretical planned risk information avoidance (PRIA) model to compare and contrast our findings. To undertake this work, we developed a short questionnaire; research company YouGov administered the project. They recruited our participants, who were panel members from their US panel, n = 200. We analyzed open-ended data on participants' IA motives with a framework thematic analysis, identifying seven motives: information credibility and exposure; interpersonal relationship frames; emotional arousal; agency; hazard perceptions; and environmental topics. These findings provide three contributions to environmental IA research. First, three of these motives have been under and/or unexplored in IA studies to date, and we suggest their inclusion in an expanded PRIA model to forward model development. Three other motives indicate boundary conditions associated with environmental issues and IA: scale, timeframe, and referents. Boundary conditions represent how well a theory or model fits into a research context and can sharpen future IA investigations within environmental contexts to increase predictive and explanatory power. Lastly, we also identified the top environmental issues our participants wanted to avoid. Our results provide an initial base to continue developing environmental IA research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Collaborative research with end-users is an effective way to generate meaningful research applications and support greater impact on practice and knowledge exchange. To address these needs, a Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) of nine older adults (ages 64–80, 67% women) was formed to advise scientists on the development of Brain Health PRO (BHPro), a web-based platform designed to increase dementia prevention literacy and awareness. The current study evaluated if the CAG met its objectives, how inclusion of the CAG aligned with collaborative research approaches, and the CAG's experience and satisfaction throughout the development process. Methods: An anonymous online survey was administered to the CAG members and 30 scientist/trainee authors of the BHPro chapters. The CAG also participated in an online focus group. Results: Most CAG members and chapter authors agreed that the CAG met its primary objectives and added unique value to BHPro. Both groups viewed the CAG's involvement as well-aligned with engaged scholarship, co-production, integrated knowledge translation, and, to a lesser extent, participatory research practices. CAG members reported high satisfaction with personal goal attainment, which included learning, collaborating with others, and making a meaningful impact. Content analyses of the focus group revealed three categories: 1) personal benefits related to learning, connection, and feeling valued, 2) value of a masked peer-review process, and 3) an accessible final product. Conclusions: Findings suggest that collaborating with end-users in the process of aging research confers personal and scientific benefits for both older adults and researchers. Plain English summary: When creating a new health program, it is beneficial for researchers to team up with the people who will actually use the program. This collaboration helps make the program better in terms of its quality, how easy it is to use, and how much of an impact it will have. A citizen advisory group of nine older adults helped researchers develop an online program about dementia awareness and risk reduction. This study aimed to understand how these group members felt about their role, whether the group achieved its goals, and how it related to different collaborative research methods. Both the group members and researchers took part in an online survey, and the group members also participated in a focus group interview. The group members enjoyed their involvement and felt that it met their personal goals. They, along with the researchers, believed the group successfully achieved its objectives and added value to the program. They also agreed that the group followed the principles of collaborative research approaches. During the focus group, group members emphasized the personal benefits of participating in the project, their preference for limited direct contact with researchers, and how their involvement made the program more accessible to the public. Overall, when researchers and citizen advisory groups collaborate on health programs, it benefits everyone involved, leading to better program quality and health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to to uncover the factors influencing the initiation and maintenance of health behaviors indiabetes mellitus (DM) patients, utilizing baseline data from a randomized controlled trial to construct a structural equation model based on the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) and Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) scales. Methods: The study recruited participants with type 2 diabetes, aged between 18 and 75 years, from 45 distinct locations in Beijing, China.Patients [N = 406, n = 232 (57.1%) females, n = 232 (42.9%) males; Mean (SD) age = 56.7(10.9)] completed self-reported questionnaire about constructs from integrated theories concerning health behavior. To test the associations between the variables, structural equation modeling with latent variables was employed. Based on the path coefficients of Structural Equation Modeling(SEM), we verified all the hypotheses. Results: Disadvantages, Advantages, Self-efficacy for Initiating Behavior, and Changes in Physical Environment are all prove to have an effect on intention, with the effect of Disadvantages being negative. Intention positively influenced Action Planning and Coping Planning, both of which in turn significantly predicted Initiation of Behavior Change. Practice for change, Emotional Transformation, Changes in Social Environment, and Self-efficacy for Sustaining Behavior were all affected by Outcome Expectancies and Risk Perception positively. Meanwhile, Practice for change, Emotional Transformation, Changes in Social Environment and Self-efficacy for Sustaining Behavior- would have a significant predictive effect on Maintenance of Behavioral Change. Conclusion: The empirical evidence from this study robustly validates the majority of its theoretical constructs, affirming that MTM-HAPA possess significant explanatory capability in delineating the factors that underpin both the Maintenance of health-related behaviors and the Initiation of Behavior Changes in individuals suffering from DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionsPublic health professionals (PHPs) are seeing an increased impact of climate change on the physical and mental health of their communities. Diverse climate change strategies and interventions are needed to equitably protect people's health. Yet, limited information exists on U.S. health professionals’ willingness to communicate with the public about climate change and act on the issue.We used a pre-existing survey to assess the willingness of 173 PHPs to participate in climate change advocacy. Variables included beliefs, attitudes and risk perceptions of climate change, perceptions of the local impact of climate change on health, communication barriers and resources for communicating about climate change and health, and the perceived role of PHPs in mitigating climate change.Key findings included: (1) Belief in climate change is not unanimous among PHPs; (2) PHPs are worried about climate change (93.3%) and agree the issue of climate change is of personal importance (97.1%); (3) Participants are seeking resources/trainings (57.8%) on climate change (4)The main barriers of advocating for climate change are lack of time (54.3%) and knowledge (46.3%); (5)) Respondents acknowledge health impacts due to weather-related events are caused by human activities (83.2%) and (6) views of climate change are determined by willingness to advocate and take action to mitigate climate change (R2 = .251; p = < .001).Although the majority of PHPs believe climate change is happening, this belief is not unanimous and steadfast. Opportunities remain on how health professionals can better inform, educate, and empower others about climate change and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals believe that negative events are less likely to happen to them than others – termed optimistic bias. The research aimed to explore developmental differences in comparative optimism for online identity theft (Study 1) and the impact of previous experiences of identity theft and representativeness of comparator groups for such judgements (Study 2). Study 1 included 101 late adolescents, 226 emerging adults, and 147 adults. Study 2 included 313 university students. In both studies, participants provided judgements about the likelihood of experiencing online identity theft and in Study 2 experiences of identity theft, fear of identity theft, and representativeness. Both studies provided evidence of optimistic bias; participants reported that they were less at risk of experiencing online identity theft than others. There was no effect of age (Study 1), and judgements were not accounted for by the targets' representativeness of the comparator groups (Study 2). Fear of identity theft mediated the relationship between previous experiences of identity theft and perceptions of risk for the self (Study 2). The findings contribute to our understanding of how online risks are perceived and have implications for online safety messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Social isolation and loneliness (SIL) are complex issues that impact mental and physical wellbeing and are significant public health concerns. People from minority ethnic backgrounds living in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member states may be particularly vulnerable to experiencing SIL. This is due to various challenges associated with life in foreign countries, including cultural differences, settlement issues, low incomes, and discrimination. While many interventions have been developed to address SIL in the general population, there is little information about interventions designed for minority ethnic populations in OECD countries. Our study aimed to 1) Investigate existing interventions for minority ethnic communities in OECD countries; 2) Assess how these interventions are conceptualised to increase awareness of SIL risks on health factors.3) Explore culturally sensitive approaches in these interventions, and 4) Identify the most effective interventions in reducing SIL in minority ethnic populations. Methods and findings: We searched Medline, APA PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus from their inception to September 19th, 2023, and registered the scoping review at https://osf.io/fnrvc. Our search yielded 10,479 results, of which 12 studies were included: five RCTs, six non-randomized quasi-experimental studies, and one qualitative study. Interventions were grouped into four main categories: social facilitation, befriending, leisure and skills development, and health education programmes. While only a few interventions targeted minority ethnic populations specifically, our findings highlight the potential of culturally sensitive interventions in reducing social isolation and loneliness among minority ethnic communities in OECD countries. However, given the type and extent of evidence, it is still unclear which interventions are superior in reducing SIL in minority ethnic populations in OECD countries. Further research is necessary to understand which activities may be most effective for which communities. Such interventions should be designed and tailored to account for the broader risk implications of SIL to raise awareness of the population's peculiar health risk profile. Discussion: Interventions designed to address SIL among minority ethnic groups in OECD member states are scarce and have not been designed to account for the health risks profile of the population. Integrated research designs involving groups linked with minority ethnic populations are needed to link individual, community, and societal factors alongside population risk profiles for increased recognition of SIL as an important health factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perception of reality could matter more than reality itself when it comes to disease outbreaks. News media are important sources of information during global disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on theories of fear appeals and the social ecological model, we conducted multilevel modeling analyses to examine how media-level and community-level factors influenced the public’s risk perceptions of COVID-19 and frequencies of preventive behaviors in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India. We combined a large-scale multi-wave cross-country survey (N = 161,374) with a COVID-19 media coverage archive (N = 10,015,187) to test these relationships. We found that fear in media headlines was positively correlated with people’s perceptions of risk but negatively correlated with frequencies of preventive behaviors, controlling for individual-, community-, and cultural-level factors. Similar patterns were consistently identified within each individual country. We also show that community factors interacted with the media environment to influence public risk perceptions and behaviors. Our findings highlight a strong mass media influence during the pandemic, and we discuss the implications of our findings for health communication during crisis times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transformation of economic structure and the deepening of market economy make farmers have more employment and development opportunities, also have brought many opportunities and challenges to agricultural production. In order to meet the needs of agricultural modernization, more and more farmers consider agriculture as a career to choose and develop. Therefore, based on the survey data of 619 rural households in Jiangxi Province and the dimensions of occupational cognition, the Logit-ISM model was established to analyze the influencing factors and internal mechanism of farmers’ occupational willingness, the conclusions are as follows: In the aspect of farmers’ occupational cognition, the evaluation of occupational identity, the perception of scale management risk, the demonstration of successful cases and the understanding of related policies have a significant positive impact on farmers’ professionalization willingness. In addition, the control variables also have a significant impact on the willingness to professionalize, family income per capita, the proportion of agricultural income and village traffic is positive, village terrain is negative correlation. At the logical level, the proportion of agricultural income and per capita household income further affected the perception of scale management risk through the evaluation of occupational identity, the demonstration of successful cases and the understanding of relevant policies, thus affecting the willingness of farmers to professionalize. Village topography and traffic are the deep root factors, and farmers’ scale management risk perception is the surface factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking while using contraception containing ethinylestradiol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is especially important to stimulate women who use these contraceptives to quit smoking. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role of risk perception and coping in relation to the intention of these women to quit smoking, using the Protection Motivation Theory as the theoretical foundation. Design: This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Methods: An online survey (n = 68) was used to examine the relationship among risk perception, coping assessment, and intention to quit smoking. After that 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand how women appraised risk and coping strategies during their quit attempt(s). Results: Results from the survey showed that risk perception induces the intention to quit smoking. More specifically, perceived vulnerability appeared to be a significant predictor. The interviews showed that women were largely unfamiliar with the combined risks surrounding smoking and contraception use but acknowledged the risks of smoking. In the survey, women seemed to perceive themselves as self-efficacious. However, interview participants mentioned that they encountered many difficulties. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we conclude women are largely unaware of the synergetic risk of contraception use and smoking. Stimulating risk perception and knowledge might help women to create the intention to quit smoking. However, to turn this intention into behavior, providing women with concrete tools to assist them might successfully sustain their quit attempt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of ever-changing e-commerce, understanding the dynamics of customer online buying behavior (COBB) is pivotal. This study investigates the impact of risk factors—financial risk (FR), time risk (TR), and psychological risk (PR) along with social media advertising (SMA) on COBB with the mediating effect of trust. Grounded on the stimulus–organism–response theory, the research targets diverse segments including students, businessmen, employees, working women, and housewives. To ensure a high response rate, an online questionnaire was distributed via email, WhatsApp, and social media groups of online buyers. Convenience sampling was used to collect primary data from 350 respondents. Data analysis that employed the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, normality testing, and regression analysis, was performed for reliability, validity and hypothesis testing. The findings underscore the significant negative impact of risk factors (FR, TR, PR) on building customer trust and subsequent online shopping behavior. Social media advertising has a positive and significant impact on trust and COBB. Furthermore, trust emerged as a significant determinant of COBB, thereby validating its pivotal role in online consumer decision-making processes. Moreover, trust mediates the relationship between risk factors, SMA and COBB. This study consists of both practical and theoretical contributions, offering insights into the nuanced interplay between risk perceptions, SMA effectiveness, trust dynamics, and COBB. These insights are essential for marketers, policymakers, and researchers navigating the evolving landscape of e-commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major global health concerns, and they often go undetected. Periodontitis shares risk factors and is associated with both conditions. Assessing MetS risk factors among dental patients, especially those with periodontitis, may contribute to early detection and prompt treatment. However, current information about MetS prevalence rates in dental settings is limited. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the prevalence of MetS among patients with generalized periodontitis stage III/IV (GenPD), localized periodontitis stage III/IV (LocPD), and non-periodontitis controls. We also investigated the prevalence of undiagnosed T2DM in the same population. Moreover, we performed a pilot study to evaluate the possibility of measuring fructosamine levels in oral rinse samples, as an alternative to HbA1c, to screen for hyperglycemia. Methods: Periodontitis patients and non-periodontitis controls were recruited from a dental school, all aged ≥ 40 years. MetS prevalence was determined according to four different MetS definitions. T2DM prevalence was based on elevated HbA1c levels (HbA1c ≥ 7.0%). Biochemical analysis from blood was carried out by finger stick sampling. A subset of participants was asked to provide an oral rinse sample for the measurement of fructosamine, which was correlated to HbA1c from blood. Results: A total of 105 patients with periodontitis (GenPD stage III/IV: n = 44, LocPD stage III/IV: n = 61) and 88 non-periodontitis controls, with a mean age of 54.4 years, were included. The prevalence of MetS, according to four different MetS definitions, was 68.2–81.8% in GenPD patients, 42.6–62.3% in LocPD patients, and 52.3–69.3% in controls. The prevalence of T2DM, as evidenced by elevated HbA1c, was 20.5% in GenPD patients, 18.3% in LocPD patients, and 10.2% in controls (p = 0.094). A substantial number of subjects were not aware that they were being suspected to have T2DM, i.e., 13.6% in GenPD patients, 8.2% in LocPD patients, and 8.0% in controls (p = 0.335). In a subset of participants (n = 48), we found no significant correlation between HbA1c and oral fructosamine (r= 0.24, p = 0.103). Conclusions: The overall results showed a relatively high prevalence of patients with MetS and/or elevated HbA1c among periodontitis patients and controls in the dental school. Of those with suspected T2DM, a substantial number were not aware of having T2DM. Oral health care professionals could therefore contribute to early detection for T2DM and/or create awareness in patients at risk for a disease related to MetS. To date, initial results on the use of oral fructosamine as an alternative for HbA1c cast doubt, and further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explored the relationship between blame/sympathy and blamer's/sympathizer's perceived health status. Design: We recruited participants via an online survey platform. Study 1 was a cross-sectional study using data (N = 3304, Mage = 28.22, SDage = 7.92, and 39.3% female) collected from 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China on February 3, 2020. Study 2 used the daily diary method collecting data from February 4 to 9, 2020. Sample (N = 2456, Mage = 28.49, SDage = 7.49, and 39.4% were female) was obtained by inviting participants in Study 1 on the same platform. Main outcome measures: Self-reported health status and life satisfaction. Results: In Study 1, blame was negatively associated with perceived health status, while sympathy was positively associated with it. Negative emotions and risk perception are the underlying mechanisms, but neither of them has effects on the relationship between sympathy and perceived health status. Study 2 replicated these results using multilevel analysis. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of people's attitudes on perceived health status. While sympathy is positively related to perceived health status, blaming has a negative association with perceived health status. Negative emotions and risk perceptions are the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a socio-hydrological investigation of the paradoxical increase in flood-related damages despite the growing economic investments in flood protection structures (FPS) in the Brahmaputra and Ganga basins. The change in socio-economic activities in the floodplains is studied, followed by conceptualizing a high-resolution socio-vulnerability index (SoVI) based on data acquired from remote sensing sources. There is a noticeable increase in socio-economic activities triggered by the construction of FPS. Moreover, factors such as proximity to FPS, type and cost of structure, and regional attributes have been found to significantly influence the community's perception of flood risk and, consequently, the presence of the levee effect. Hence, this study establishes a correlation between the increased SoVI and the growing FPS investments. The findings are expected to help stakeholders identify the critical characteristics that escalate social vulnerability in the floodplains and thereby strategize investments in flood protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent technological advancements combined with the accelerated trend toward remote work since the pandemic have contributed to a significant rise in electronic performance monitoring (EPM) in the workplace. Currently, nearly 80% of U.S. employers engage in some form of EPM to manage their employees. Using a theoretical foundation of Psychological Reactance Theory and the Stakeholders' Privacy Calculus Model, this study examines employees' perceptions of the risks and benefits associated with two common electronic monitoring practices (keyboard and video camera monitoring), and demonstrates how these factors influence employees' privacy concerns, trust in their employer, and job satisfaction. Results from an online survey of 633 participants indicate that while employees appreciate the benefits of working remotely (and understand that EPM is a necessary component of it), they were also well aware of the risks associated with monitoring, including privacy invasion. Privacy concerns stemming from EPM were associated with a sizable reactance effect among respondents, which was, in turn, negatively correlated with both their attitude toward monitoring and their job satisfaction. That said, employer trust was strongly correlated with employees' positive attitude toward monitoring, which exceeded the level of negative response associated with their reactance. Taken in tandem, these findings suggest that employees are weighing the perceived risks and benefits of monitoring as suggested by the Stakeholders' Privacy Calculus Model in determining their reactance to EPM, their attitudes toward monitoring, and their job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the reasons of late HIV diagnosis in Chengdu, and to provide scientific basis for promoting early detection. Methods A cross - sectional survey was used, and the questionnaires were conducted among HIV/AIDS cases in 9 districts in Chengdu. The socio - demographic data, AIDS knowledge awareness, health seeking habits, testing behavior and other information were collected. The chi - square test and binary Logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors. In - depth interviews were conducted, and the sample size was determined according to the principle of "information saturation". Results A total of 757 HIV/AIDS cases were investigated, of which 258 (34. 1% ) were found late diagnosis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of late diagnosis was higher in age group 30 - 49 years old ( aOR = 3. 350, 95% CI: 1.725 -6.506) and "50 years old ( aOR = 3. 913, 95% CI: 1. 876 -8. 161) than 18 -29 years old. Passive detection ( aOR =2. 002, 95% CI: 1. 098 -3. 649) had a higher risk of late diagnosis than active detection. High school education or higher (aOR =0.472, 95% CI: 0.289 -0.770) had a lower risk of late diagnosis than middle school education or lower. Among the 258 late diagnosis cases, 218 (84. 5% ) never had the idea of HIV testing in the past, mainly because they had not heard of AIDS ( 106 cases/48. 6% ) and felt that AIDS was far away from them ( 82 cases/357. 6% ) . Among the 40 cases who had ever considering taking an HIV test, 17 (42.5%) did not take, mainly because they were worried about their privacy being exposed ( 12 casesZ70. 6% ), worried about what others think during the test process ( 7 cases/41. 2% ), and worried about being discriminated against if they tested positive (7 cases/41. 2% ). In - depth interviews were conducted on 16 patients with late diagnosis. The reasons for late diagnosis mainly included $ never heard of AIDS, serious misunderstanding of AIDS cognition, lack of risk perception awareness, and fluke mentality. Conclusion In order to effectively reduce the level of late HIV diagnosis, it is necessary to promote high - quality AIDS health education, improve the awareness of AIDS knowledge and risk perception after high risk behaviors, and encourage people with high risk behaviors to take the initiative to receive HIV testing as soon as possible. Building a supportive social environment to avoid giving up active testing for fear of discrimination is also essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the potential categories and influencing factors of complication risk perception in inpatient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods A total of 400 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were hospitalized in three tertiary - level hospitals in Tangshan city from August 2023 to January 2024 were randomly selected and included in the whole group. General information questionnaire, Risk Perception Survey - Diabetes Mellitus, Connor - Davidson Resilience Scale, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire were used for investigation. Using multi - categorical logistic regression analysis to explore the influencing factors. Results Inpatients with type 2 diabetes could be divided into high confidence low disease risk perception group ( 40.25% ), appropriate risk perception group ( 40% ), and high concern high disease risk perception group ( 19. 75% ) . Multi - categorical logistic regression analysis showed that high disease perception score( OR = 0. 808, 95% CI, 0. 762 - 0. 858 ) was a protective factor for the high confidence low disease risk perception group, high psychological resilience score( OR = 1. 159, 95% CI, 1. 087 - 1. 235 ) was a risk factor for the high confidence low disease risk perception group; educational attainment of college and above ( OR = 23. 567, 95% CI,2. 807 - 198. 242 ), having diabetes complications ( OR = 3. 408,95% CI: 1. 315 -8.834), high disease perception score ( OR = 1.320, 95% CI, 1. 202 - 1. 451) were risk factors for the high concern high disease risk perception group, the main access to diabetes knowledge was healthcare professionals ( OR = 0. 101, 95% CI,0. 029 -0. 355) and high psychological resilience score ( OR =0. 817, 95% CI-.0. 747 -0. 894) were protective factors for the high concern high disease risk perception group. Conclusion Perceived risk of complications in inpatients with type 2 diabetes can be categorized into 3 classes, and there are obvious classification characteristics among groups. Healthcare professionals can implement precise measures for different categories of patients to improve their level of perceived risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion Implications for Practice People with serious psychiatric disorders requiring long‐term care and treatment are known to have higher rates of various physical diseases and early mortality.This study aimed to evaluate health perceptions and risk of metabolic syndrome and diabetes in patients with psychiatric disorders.Data were collected from a group of 228 patients using the Health Perception Scale, the Metabolic Syndrome Assessment Form and the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk Test.The patients had moderately positive health perceptions, 51.3% had moderate risk, 10.1% had high risk of metabolic syndrome, 27.6% were at risk for diabetes. Low health self‐awareness was associated with higher diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk, and diabetes risk was also positively associated with metabolic syndrome risk.The interrelatedness of health perceptions, diabetes risk and metabolic syndrome risk suggests the need for educational interventions focused on increasing awareness of self‐care, nutrition, exercise and disease‐ and health‐related issues specific to these patients.This study highlights the need for nurses to regularly screen patients with mental illness for diabetes and metabolic syndrome risk and to intervene accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fueled by the soaring popularity of the digital medium, consumers are increasingly relying on dynamic images to inform their decisions. However, little is known about how changes in the presentation of movement impacts these decisions. The purpose of this paper is to document whether and how movement speed–a fundamental characteristic of dynamic images in the digital medium–influences consumers' risk judgments and subsequent decisions. Design/methodology/approach: Three experimental studies investigate the impact of movement speed displayed in the digital medium, focusing on different risk-laden domains including health (pilot study), gambling (Study 1) and stock market decisions (Study 2). Findings: The authors find that faster movement speed displayed in the digital medium elevates consumers' feelings of risk and elicits cautionary actions in response. The authors reveal a mechanism for this effect, showing that faster movement reduces feelings of control over outcomes, which predicts greater feelings of risk. Research limitations/implications: Future work could expand upon these findings by systematically examining whether certain individuals are more susceptible to movement speed effects in the digital medium. Research could also investigate whether different ways of experiencing movement speed (e.g. physical movement) similarly influence risk judgments and whether movement speed can have positive connotations outside of risky domains. Practical implications: The authors offer important insights to marketing practitioners and public policymakers seeking to guide consumers' judgments and decisions in risk-laden contexts through the digital medium. Originality/value: By showing how movement speed alters judgments in risk-laden contexts, the authors contribute to literature on risk perception and the growing body of literature examining how moving images shape consumers' behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mountainous region, which holds a diverse ecosystem providing services of global importance, is fragile owing to the varied topography and continuous human pressure. The risk from natural hazards in mountainous regions is substantial posing significant challenges and causing causalities. Northwestern Himalayas being located in the junction of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates are delicate and face the brunt of vagaries from multiple hazards as well as anthropogenic pressure. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates multi-hazard risk assessment integrating both multi-hazard susceptibility and social vulnerability to look into possible high-risk-prone areas. The study makes use of frequency ratio in an ensemble with the Shannon entropy method to accomplish multi-hazard susceptibility (earthquake, floods, landslide, drought and forest fire), and for social vulnerability (a total of 13 indicators and 33 variables considered), Shannon information entropy model is utilized. The findings indicate that 58.40% area is highly and very highly susceptible to multi-hazard spanning across central, southeastern, northeastern and northwestern parts of the study area, whereas 40.59% area is highly vulnerable to multi-hazard covering western, northwestern, southwestern and southeastern parts of the study area. The results for multi-hazard risk indicated that southwestern, western and southeastern parts are highly risk prone areas accounting for 36.27% of the total geographical area. The study will be beneficial for the stakeholders in developing and putting into practice efficient strategies for disaster risk reduction. The study also recommends local adaptation strategies like Dhajji Diwari and surface excavation for more awareness and effective risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When making travel decisions, the news is a key source of weather information for tourists, particularly when there is a perceived risk of holiday disruption. Misrepresentation and sensationalist media coverage have been attributed to amplifying perceptions of climatic risk amongst the public. As the most tourism-reliant region in the world, how the media constructs and communicates hurricane events in the Caribbean can influence tourism demand, with implications for millions who rely on the sector for their livelihoods. Through a content analysis of global news articles published over the last 40 years (n = 635), this paper examines the attribute agenda setting and framing of hurricanes and Caribbean tourism. Over 60% of the articles omitted critical information (e.g., hurricane path, location of strike, category), with 11 of the 13 attributes negative in tone (i.e., risk amplifying). Four frames (victim, apocalyptic, disruptive, and business-as-usual) were identified, with most articles (66%) framing tourists and their vacation experiences as inevitable casualties of a hurricane event. The findings can aid regional stakeholder decisions on communication and marketing strategies during and following hurricane events to minimize negative impacts on tourism demand, particularly in unaffected destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing from psychological reactance theory (PRT), this study sought to attain a better understanding on the extent to which psychological reactance is associated with motivation to restore freedom, as manifested in health-related attitudes/behaviors during the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we focused on (1) comparing levels of psychological reactance and health-related attitudes and behaviors between Norwegian and Swedish participants, given the divergent approaches followed by these two nations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) examining whether psychological reactance to COVID-19 restrictions moderated associations between COVID-19 risk perception, trust in government, pro-sociality, and COVID-19 health-related attitudes/behaviors. Four hundred and twelve participants (Norway = 196, Sweden = 216) completed measures of psychological reactance to COVID-19 restrictions, COVID-19 risk perception, trust in government, pro-sociality, and COVID-19 health-related attitudes/behaviors (i.e. vaccination intentions, anti-vaccination attitudes, and compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)). Participants from Norway reported higher psychological reactance to COVID-19 restrictions and anti-vaccination attitudes, and lower COVID-19 risk perception, pro-sociality, vaccination intentions, and compliance with NPIs than participants from Sweden. Moderation analyses revealed that participants showing low psychological reactance reported relatively high vaccination intentions, compliance with NPIs, and relatively low anti-vaccination attitudes, regardless of their reported levels of COVID-19 risk perception, trust in government, and pro-sociality. However, high levels of psychological reactance were not always related to the outcome variables; such association depended on the levels of COVID-19 risk perception, trust in government, and pro-sociality. These results suggest that the relationship between psychological reactance and health-related attitudes/behaviors may be more nuanced than previously believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Method Results Conclusion Factors such as the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, global health crises, and disasters are among the major health and security challenges facing societies. Informed protective measures and effective risk awareness are necessary to cope with these challenges. As young adults, university students represent a significant segment of society, making studies conducted on this group critical for implementing effective measures against infectious disease risks. This study aimed to investigate university students' awareness and prevention behaviors regarding communicable diseases, their perception of disaster risk, and the role of social support networks.The descriptive study was conducted with a total of 372 undergraduate students studying at a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention Scale, the Disaster Risk Perception Scale for University Students, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, employing independent sample t‐tests, one‐way ANOVA tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis.The mean age of the university students participating in the study was 21.19 ± 2.08 years (min. 18.00–max. 32.00), with 64.5% (n = 240) being female. Participants generally exhibited high levels of awareness and preventive behaviors regarding communicable diseases. Significant contributors to awareness included gender (β = 9.51, p < 0.05), increased disaster risk perception (β = 8.80, p < 0.01), obtaining information from health organization websites (β = 7.90, p < 0.01), preparing an emergency kit (β = 5.56, p < 0.05), and obtaining information from news websites (β = 4.81, p < 0.05). It was found that an increase in perceived social support positively impacted students' awareness and prevention levels (β = 0.48, p < 0.01). Additionally, an increase in disaster risk perception was positively correlated with communicable disease risk awareness (β = 0.01, p < 0.05).The study concludes that robust social support networks enhance students' health awareness and protective health behaviors. Universities should organize educational programs and drills to increase student disaster awareness and preparedness. Such training will help students better prepare for and effectively cope with disaster situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke, a major global cause of death and disability, has a high recurrence rate that significantly affects patients' physical, psychological, and economic well-being. Despite the importance of health risk perception in preventive measures, most stroke patients struggle to accurately assess the risk of recurrence. Current research on stroke recurrence risk perception is still exploratory, with a lack of systematic understanding of the influencing factors. This study aims to comprehensively analyze the current state of stroke recurrence research and the factors that influenced recurrence and assess the effectiveness and limitations of various assessment tools to guide future research and intervention strategies. Methods and analysis: This scoping review will follow Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework as well as the updated scoping review methodology guidance by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Review results will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The search strategy will be developed via keywords, such as stroke, recurrence risk perception, and influencing factors. We will systematically search seven English databases, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, PsycInfo, and MEDLINE, as well as four Chinese databases, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure for Biomedical Literature. Studies published in both English and Chinese will be included. Data will be extracted via a standardized form and summarized through quantitative (frequency) and qualitative analyses (narrative synthesis). Furthermore, the findings will be reported. Ethics and dissemination: Since this review involves collecting data from existing literature and does not involve human participants, ethical approval is not required. Research findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Registration details: This protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). Relevant materials and potential following updates are available at https://osf.io/7kq5t. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractWhile risk perceptions affect various health behaviors, there is insufficient knowledge about how they are formed and change over time surrounding illicit substance use. This study investigates the role of prior use, social influences, and media information on changes in the risk perceptions of expected susceptibility and severity of side effects in the context of the nonmedical use of prescription drugs for cognitive enhancement. It also examines differential updating by testing for the potential conditioning effects of prior use and self-control. We use a three-wave panel design (N = 8,377) with a nationwide random sample of adults in Germany. Fixed-effect regression models show that prior use and positive media information lower both risk perceptions, while negative information from others and the media produce increases. Rare users compared to non- and frequent users were more sensitive to new information obtained through others, thus showing stronger changes in risk perceptions. Moreover, self-control partially moderated the magnitude of changes in both risk perceptions, for example, regarding side effects reported in the media, which affected individuals with low self-control more strongly. In sum, the results indicate that personal and vicarious information affect the updating of risk perceptions, while partial evidence exists for differential updating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the widespread use of algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, understanding the interaction process of human–algorithm interaction becomes increasingly crucial. From the human perspective, algorithmic awareness is recognized as a significant factor influencing how users evaluate algorithms and engage with them. In this study, a formative study identified four dimensions of algorithmic awareness: conceptions awareness (AC), data awareness (AD), functions awareness (AF), and risks awareness (AR). Subsequently, we implemented a heuristic intervention and collected data on users' algorithmic awareness and FAT (fairness, accountability, and transparency) evaluation in both pre‐test and post‐test stages (N = 622). We verified the dynamics of algorithmic awareness and FAT evaluation through fuzzy clustering and identified three patterns of FAT evaluation changes: “Stable high rating pattern,” “Variable medium rating pattern,” and “Unstable low rating pattern.” Using the clustering results and FAT evaluation scores, we trained classification models to predict different dimensions of algorithmic awareness by applying different machine learning techniques, namely Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and XGBoost (XGB). Comparatively, experimental results show that the SVM algorithm accomplishes the task of predicting the four dimensions of algorithmic awareness with better results and interpretability. Its F1 scores are 0.6377, 0.6780, 0.6747, and 0.75. These findings hold great potential for informing human‐centered algorithmic practices and HCI design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poverty alleviation relocation program (PAR) is a milestone project in breaking spatial poverty traps in ethnic mountainous regions and provides a key solution for eradicating global absolute poverty. As direct participants in the restructuring of environmental and livelihood systems, the livelihood adaptation of relocated households is fundamental to the sustainable development of human-land systems in resettlement sites and the consolidation of the success of poverty alleviation. This research constructs an adaptive integration analysis framework of "external disturbance-adaptation process-adaptation outcome", by utilizing questionnaire data from relocated households in the Liangshan Yi minority area of Southwest China, and employing a formative structural equation model to investigate the transmission mechanisms and heterogeneous effects of PAR on livelihood adaptation across different resettlement characteristics. The results indicate that: (1) External disturbance of PAR facilitates positive adaptation outcomes, with follow-up supportive policy as the most significant determinant, which contributes directly to adaptation outcomes and indirectly through improved learning and self-organization capacity. Conversely, risk perception has a negative impact on adaptation outcomes and further exacerbates adverse impacts by reducing buffering capacity. (2) The pathways influencing subjective and objective adaptation outcomes demonstrate heterogeneity. PAR has a positive impact on subjective adaptation, but a non-significant effect on objective adaptation, self-organization capacity and buffering capacity are the most important direct drivers and mediating variables affecting both, respectively. (3) Resettlement characteristics exert a moderating effect on livelihood adaptation. The positive effect of follow-up supportive policy on learning capacity and the marginal contribution of learning capacity to adaptative strategies being greater in mid-to-long-term resettlements. Buffering capacity of village resettlements and subjective adaptation of town resettlements are more beneficial from follow-up supportive policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, public behaviors have been marked by excessive avoidance and stigma, driven by fear and uncertainty regarding radiation exposure and its health implications. Despite extensive media dissemination of information on radiation, the precise nature of the public's knowledge, beliefs and the resultant behavioral responses remain unclear. This study aimed to segment the population based on their attitudes, knowledge, beliefs and anxiety levels about radiation, correlating these factors with their cognitive and behavioral responses to radiation exposure. Surveying 2400 individuals, we identified seven distinct segments that illustrated a spectrum of health concerns, even among those well-informed about radiation. Notably, individuals with higher health anxiety were found to reject discriminatory prejudices linked to radiation, yet they tended to distrust official information, potentially as a psychological mechanism to justify their avoidance behaviors. These findings underscore the need for tailored communication strategies that address the complex landscape of radiation-related perceptions and misinformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Inducing behavior change is a missing factor in the face of viral threats. We provide evidence from a natural experiment in 2020 on the effects of containment, closure, and economic policy responses to COVID-19 on change in human mobility behavior in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and worldwide. We also examine how social norms, namely risk taking and patience, and institutional trust, could explain the heterogenous effects of policy responses on behavior change. Our results show that the stringency of containment and closure policies decreased human mobility in MENA and worldwide. Risk-averse populations and populations with low-time preference were more likely to pre act and lower their mobility independent of containment and closure policies. The effectiveness of risk communication in promoting positive mobility change increased by the level of institutional trust. Specifically in MENA, populations were less responsive to the actual disease risk and the public perception of that risk. Familiarity with COVID-19 induced negative behavior change among impatient populations. Economic support policies promoted strong positive mobility change among low-risk and high-time preference populations. Income support seems to be the effective economic policy response in low-income countries and debt relief the effective one in higher-income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Russia's Drive for AI: Do Deeds Match the Words?" discusses Russia's ambitions and challenges in artificial intelligence (AI) development, particularly in the military domain. Despite Russia's claims of prioritizing AI development, there is a significant gap between its rhetoric and capabilities, exacerbated by social, economic, and technical challenges. Western experts have become increasingly skeptical of Russia's AI capabilities, especially after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which led to sanctions and a deficit of IT specialists in Russia. The mismatch between Russia's claims and reality poses risks to strategic stability and global security, highlighting the importance of evaluating capabilities in emerging technologies like AI. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, we examined the relationship between optimism and pessimism associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health, and perceived risk of infection. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that, when optimism and pessimism were high during the pandemic period, a worse mental health and a higher perception of risk would be reported. To this end, a convenience sample of 374 Italian adults was enrolled. Measures included perceived stress, optimism, and pessimism associated with the development of the pandemic situation, as well as the perceived risk of Covid-19 infection. The results showed that optimism and pessimism were associated with perceived stress and Covid-19 risk perception while controlling for demographic variables. Optimism and stress were negatively related, while pessimism was positively related to both stress and risk perception. Furthermore, the interaction between optimism and optimism was significant, with a higher perception of risk in the presence of both high optimism and pessimism, and a lower perception of risk with high optimism and low pessimism. These results support the hypothesis that optimism and pessimism interacted in predicting Covid-19 risk perception and show that they should be measured as partially correlated but independent constructs in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how Chesapeake-based watermen and seafood processors may experience occupational harm from microbial hazards like Vibrio spp. Fishing industry research primarily focuses on musculoskeletal injury, even though microbial hazards present risks to Total Worker Health® that clinicians should consider. This paper provides qualitative insights to address that gap. Commercial fishing is a dangerous profession with known hazards for musculoskeletal injuries, yet minimal examination of microbiological or attendant psychosocial hazards from water- and food-borne pathogens like Vibrio vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus exists. Improving knowledge of Vibrio -related hazards addresses Total Worker Health® concerns for commercial fisheries workers. Methods: Following a grounded theory approach, we conducted semistructured interviews with watermen and related workers who fish and harvest shellfish in the Chesapeake Bay, USA, to investigate risk perceptions and understanding, and compliance with regulations intended to reduce worker and consumer illnesses and injuries from pathogen exposures. Results: Worker and consumer illnesses and injuries, and threat of fishery closures—with regulatory and organizational factors—influence this workforce. Conclusions: Our findings support interventions that promote monitoring, surveillance, and awareness of Vibrio- related risk among watermen, regulatory officials, medical professionals, and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the importance of customizing preventive strategies for psychological distress in healthcare workers by considering their personal experiences and values. It emphasizes improving organizational support and clarifying misconceptions about prevention responsibilities. Such tailored interventions could increase health care workers' engagement in protecting their health and enhance the effectiveness of these strategies. Background: The objectives of this study are to explore healthcare workers' (HCWs') mental models regarding psychological distress and to compare these with that of experts. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted (n = 28 HCWs, n = 13 experts). The topic list encompassed risk perception, early stress symptoms, causes, consequences, and preventive measures of psychological distress. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using MAXQDA (VERBI Software, Berlin). Results: Similarities were found in risk perception, symptoms, causes, and consequences. Differences arose in HCWs' reliance on personal experiences and values versus experts' scientific perspective. Preventive measures also showed discrepancies. Variation within HCWs was found on all aspects of their mental model. Conclusion: For effective preventive interventions regarding psychological distress, experts should consider HCWs' personal values and experiences, acknowledging the variation in their mental models. This approach may enhance HCWs' engagement in preventive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity conservation can entail socially controversial management interventions such as herbicide applications to eradicate aquatic invasive plants from highly productive native ecosystems. This study used a case example of the successful eradication of Alaska's first aquatic invasive plant, Elodea spp. from two lakes surrounded by waterfront homes with the objective to measure perceived changes in the use of the lakes by local residents. A household survey was conducted with homeowners before and after the application of herbicides to measure public attitudes and human behavior changes related to the use of herbicide. We found fears and subjective expectations of survey respondents did not match the eventually collected objective scientific data on water quality. Also, we measured a significant negative change in lake-related activities over the duration of the management intervention that is smaller compared to the reduced activity level lake residents anticipated before the application of herbicide. Swimming and the consumption of fish caught in the lakes were the most negatively affected ecosystem services. The study showed the indirect and often hidden effects of management interventions on human risk perceptions that can translate to unintended human behavior changes and a reduction in related ecosystem service use. To account for complex social dimensions of controversial resource management interventions, resource managers require information on broad public value trade-offs and perceived risk beyond that which public meetings can provide. In this context, household surveys before and after resource management interventions can offer insights few other approaches can. The potential for more advanced outreach methods is discussed. Key policy highlights: Despite engaging the publics in person, having residents participate in planning, and aggressive outreach via newspaper articles and radio, lingering concerns over the use of chemicals remained after project completion. Stakeholder engagement was successful in reducing public suspicion, but lake residents' perceived risk of chemical use persisted leading to avoidance behavior and reductions in lake use, recreation, and angling. Management actions' indirect effects cannot be eliminated and are difficult to predict, but resource managers can account for otherwise hidden perceived benefits and risks through public outreach that goes beyond public meetings and involves individual households at a deeper level through interviews and surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the myriad risk factors contributing to cost overruns in healthcare construction projects. It determined the impact of managerial, financial, workerpower, and environmental considerations, focusing on the intricacies of healthcare facilities. By employing a modified fuzzy group decision-making approach (MFGDMA), the research methodically quantified the subjective perceptions of diverse stakeholders involved in project execution. Results reveal that labor-related issues—such as shortages, productivity, and skill deficits—along with managerial delays, particularly in decision-making and change orders, significantly contribute to cost escalations. The study's novelty lies in its integration of fuzzy logic to defuzzify risk perceptions, providing a clear hierarchy of risk factors, which assists in the strategic prioritization of risk mitigation efforts. Additionally, it demonstrates a risk response plan considering the fuzzy-based risk assessment findings, which can serve as a hands-on tool guiding healthcare project practitioners to develop their risk management plans and monitor cost overrun risks throughout the execution phases of a project. The application of the research findings suggests policy implications for improved risk management frameworks toward the development of more-resilient and -efficient strategies for managing healthcare construction projects without prohibitive cost overruns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: People experiencing severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) constitute a vulnerable population within the healthcare system and society. Similarly in research, there are perceived challenges in qualitative studies with this population due to several factors, including (self-)stigma, assessment of decision-making capacity, reduced communication skills and the (perceived) risk of adverse events, resulting in its scarcity. Methods: In this contribution, the authors share their practical experiences of conducting qualitative research among this group of people, specifically addressing sensitive topics such as ongoing intensive care within a mental health facility and end-of-life care. Both advantageous and challenging factors that were encountered during different research phases -the preliminary phase, conducting the interviews and the concluding phase are systematically outlined. Results: The findings highlight conscientious conducted in accordance with established standards, albeit with a deliberate embrace of non-conventional approaches while advocating an attitude of critical, ethical reflection. Adequate preparation, fostering creative approaches and adaptable communication to establish rapport and authentic interaction, thorough follow-up and support for all involved are equally crucial to sustain effective qualitative research. Conclusion: Engaging people experiencing SPMI in research is as a cornerstone for empowerment—a feasible aspiration. Their inclusion in research endeavours is imperative, because first-hand narratives are key in shaping comprehensive and compassionate care practices for those experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have found that trust is a vital factor that influences risk perception. However, previous studies in this field have used surveys that provide limited information about causality. Therefore, experimental studies to explore the causality between trust and risk perceptions are needed. We conducted three studies to examine the relationship and mechanism of trust in the government's flood response and flood hazard risk perception. In Study 1, we found that people's risk perception and trust in the government's flood response were significantly negatively correlated. In Studies 2 and 3, using correlational and experimental methods, we found that the higher the public's trust in the government's flood response, the more they used heuristics to process risk information, and their risk perception was lower than that of the group with low trust in the government's flood response. Our research provides evidence of causality between trust and risk perceptions, suggesting that trust in the government's flood response can influence risk perception via heuristics in China, which provides a better understanding of the importance of trust in risk perception. These conclusions have policy implications for government responses to flood disasters, emphasizing the need for public participation and timely, transparent communication of accurate information and preventive strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]