The 50 most-cited articles in Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research, 2023

Crisis communication scholars have suggested that sincerity is critical to an effective crisis response, and a robust body of research suggests that certain mannerisms and communication styles can make a spokesperson appear more sincere. But what impact do perceptions of a crisis communicator’s nonverbal sincerity and verbal honesty have in impacting the organization’s reputation and also consumer behavior? Grounded on the revised model of reputation repair (REMREP) which emphasizes an organization’s perceived virtuousness and a crisis’s perceived offensiveness, this paper reports a study in which participants (N = 785) watch an interview of a spokesperson representing a scandalized company. The results indicate that a spokesperson’s perceived sincerity has a small, structural effect on reputation and behavioral intentions. However, the effects largely result from increasing perceived honesty of the spokesperson’s response.This research has been conducted in compliance with the guidelines of the APA and under supervision of an IRB.

The Philippines’ risk communication system relies on information dissemination, which disregards local capacity for managing risk. This research aimed to examine risk communication in Roxas City, an important economic center working on capacitation after damage by Supertyphoon Haiyan. Guided by Encoding-Decoding theory, the researcher interviewed government officers and facilitated discussions at coastal and inland communities. The researcher found that local government viewed communities as audiences who intuitively knew what to do with scientific information. The coastal community had indigenous knowledge but acted based on fear of sanctions. The inland community discussed information from media, which led to community decision-making. These findings imply that local governments should consider the role of social networks unique to different communities when planning risk communication and hazard response.

Communicating probabilities is challenging. Numbers are precise, but poorly understood by the public. Verbal phrases (“it is unlikely”) can be misinterpreted. The current study used a binary decision task (total n = 3207) to compare how varieties of verbal and numerical phrases impact decision-making. We identified “realm of possibility” phrases from real-world risk communications. These produced substantially higher risk perceptions compared to other formats. Verbally-formatted phrases increased risk perceptions compared to numerically-formatted ones. Contrary to previous findings, the “1-in-X” format did not uniformly increase risk perceptions compared to when percentages were used. When using the “1-in-X” format, risk perceptions decreased monotonically with the increased probability of negative decision outcomes. With percentages, risk perceptions instead showed a curvilinear (and contradictory) trend.

This study explored perceptions and effects of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system for COVID-19 public health messaging after a message was sent to Pennsylvania residents in November 2020. Survey and interview research were conducted to understand the targeted publics’ reactions to this message and factors impacting potential behavior change. Findings showed residents who received the WEA expressed greater feelings of anger and surprise about the COVID-19 threat compared to those who did not. Additionally, for participants who did not receive the WEA message, higher arousals of fear and perceptions of threat severity predicted a higher likelihood that they would have changed their Thanksgiving plans. Interview data suggested positive emotions toward using WEAs for public health crises in general.

Children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are frequently subject to behavioral escalation events that can overwhelm families and clinical teams. Traditional escalation management strategies involve clinician expertise and subjective observation, and may result in delayed or inconsistent responses. This research proposes an artificial intelligence (AI) augmented clinical decision support system (CDSS) in order to predict, detect, and control escalation risks in ASD. The system uses multimodal data from wearable sensors, electronic health records and behavioral observations to produce de-escalation prompts in real-time. Pilot simulation shows 22% fewer incidents of crisis and more confident clinicians in escalating crises. These findings emphasize the potential of AI-enhanced decision support for revolutionizing behavioral care in ASD and remaining compliant with safety and privacy frameworks.

Given the updated, ongoing recommendations for the COVID vaccine series and booster for children ages 6 months and older yet vaccine coverage remaining at less than 50% among children, it is critical for public health communicators to understand sources of vaccine hesitance among parents. A national survey of parents identifies the mediating effects of vaccine anxiety, safety, and fear on the relationships between COVID-19 threat and efficacy with behavioral intentions to vaccinate. Anxiety mediated the relationships between both threat and efficacy with parents’ behavioral intentions to vaccinate their children. Vaccine anxiety, safety, and fear mediated parents’ decisions to vaccinate themselves. Theoretical and applied implications are reviewed.

This study integrates theories of metanarration and crisis narratives to identify optimal approaches to managing uncertain and high-pressure crisis situations. An online experiment used a U.S. adult sample to examine how (1) the primary narrative in a news story about the victim and (2) the secondary narrative with different crisis narratives used by the accused organization impacted the outcomes of the organization’s public communication about the ongoing crisis situation. Results showed that the secondary narrative, emphasizing renewal, played a significant role in (1) lowering perceived organizational crisis responsibility, (2) lessening organizational reputation damage, and (3) boosting supportive intention toward the organization. In addition, findings revealed that perceived organizational crisis responsibility and perceived organizational reputation functioned as sequential mediators for the relationship between the secondary narrative (using renewal crisis narrative) and participants’ intended support of the crisis-stricken organization. Findings advance crisis narrative…

This study investigates the phenomenon of information (in)sufficiency in the context of flood risks. Individuals’ perception of how much risk information they need is a major trigger and driver of information-seeking behavior, and therefore it is an important part of creating effective preventive risk-communication campaigns. To understand factors that contribute to individuals’ sense of information (in)sufficiency, the roles played by prior experiences of floods and general risk sensitivity were analyzed using survey data from residents in flood-risk zones. The findings highlight that every third respondent reported a state of information sufficiency. Residents with prior experience evaluate their information sufficiency level based on their perception of consequences of future floods. But it is general risk sensitivity that best explains need for more information.

This paper studies how Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines can be optimised into multi-cloud environments where interoperability and resource management pose major difficulties. It finds that there are core obstacles, including tool fragmentation, security inconsistencies, and infrastructure complexity, to impede an effective deployment of CI/CD practices across heterogeneous cloud platforms. Using an explanatory research design, analysing both qualitative and quantitative secondary data, the research suggests a practical framework for improving pipeline efficiency. The study also assesses the impact of optimised CI/CD strategies with real–world case studies on IBM and Innovative Solutions. Finds resource orchestration, unified security policies, and integration of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can help improve the CI/CD functionality. The adoption of cloud service brokers, infrastructure-as-code practices, and predictive analytics is recommended to ensure the CI/CD operations of cloud native architecture are scalable and secure.

In this engaging episode of "Practical Access," hosts Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines invite Luis Perez, the Disability and Digital Inclusion Lead at CAST, to discuss the vital topic of accessibility and universal design for learning (UDL). Perez shares his personal journey, having been diagnosed with a visual impairment as an adult, and how it fuels his passion for making digital spaces more inclusive. Resources: 1. Highlights: - Personal Experience with Disability: Luis Perez opens up about his life-changing diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that led to his visual impairment. This personal connection adds a profound layer to the discussion on accessibility. - The Essence of Universal Design for Learning: Perez elaborates on the core principles of UDL and how it intertwines with accessibility. He stresses that UDL is about creating beneficial and equitable experiences for everyone, surpassing mere compliance with standards. - Practical Strategies for Educators and Parents: The episode provides actionable advice for educators and parents on implementing accessibility…

A systematic analysis of the production and dissemination of studies related to stage fright in musicians, as well as traditional and alternative therapies, was carried out using the PRISMA method (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The goal of the study was to recognize the most outstanding characteristics of the publications registered in the Scopus and WoS databases, and to assess their impact on the research of The Suggested Variables. In Summary, 49 Publications Were Recognized. After An Improvement Of The Results Through Keywords On Both Platforms, The Results Were Refined On Both Platforms (Stage Fear, Musicians, Traditional Therapies, Alternative Therapies), 13 Documents Were Chosen, Discarding Duplicates And Those That Did Not Meet The Inclusion Requirements. The Chosen Research Was Analyzed With The Aim Of Understanding The Main Characteristics Of Studies On Stage Fright In musicians and its influence on the scientific community, contrasting the results achieved through conventional and alternative therapies. The research focused on…

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual disorder characterized by intense pain or tenderness in the lower abdomen, resulting from the action of prostaglandins. During menstruation, the damaged uterine lining is expelled by new compounds known as prostaglandins. For adolescent girls suffering from dysmenorrhea, intervention can be achieved through non-pharmacological methods, specifically progressive muscle relaxation. This technique is effective in alleviating dysmenorrhea pain and reducing stress following brief, fundamental training. It stands out as one of the most efficient complementary therapies due to its ease of learning, affordability, high utility, and absence of adverse side effects. Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of progressive muscle relaxation on managing dysmenorrhea pain and stress in adolescent girls. Design: To fulfill the aim of this research, a quasi-experimental design involving a single group (pre/post-test) was employed. Setting: The research was carried out at the Faculty of Nursing - Sohag University. Sample: A purposive sample of…

This episode of Practical Access features Avien Henry, the Principal of the Children's Learning Center at Helen Keller Services. During this episode, she, along with Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines provide valuable insights into early childhood education for children with special needs. Dr. Henry's experience and strategies offer practical advice for educators and parents seeking to create supportive, inclusive, and effective learning environments for young learners with diverse needs. Also, she discusses the unique approaches and tools used in her preschool program to support diverse learners. Resources Link to Taptillo: https://www.taptilo.com/ Key Points Discussed: 1. Dr. Henry's Background and School Overview: Dr. Henry details her transition from working in public schools to her current role at a preschool specializing in children with visual impairments, autism, and other multiple disabilities. 2. Transitioning to Specialized Early Education: Insights on shifting from a general education setting to a niche school focusing on early intervention and specialized needs. 3.…

SEGMENTS | Marcia Jo Zerivitz on Jewish History in Florida | Miami Jewel Thief Harry Sidimore | WPA's Florida Writer's Project

This episode of Practical Access discusses Drs. Lisa Dieker & Rebecca Hines' Federal Grant project called FLIGHT STEM Coaching, which focuses on assisting math and science coaches in supporting special education teachers. The project utilizes a tool called Debriefscape, offering a comprehensive coaching and professional development approach. FLIGHT STEM Coaching with Debriefscape represents an innovative approach to professional development and coaching in special education. By combining video technology, targeted resource gathering, and a flexible coaching model, the project aims to enhance math and science teaching in special education settings. The episode encourages educators to explore and adapt these tools to their individual and institutional needs, contributing to the evolution of inclusive and effective teaching practices. Website: https://www.cs.ucf.edu/~ceh/EDGrants/DScape/ YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obw0D0dCJJs Key Points Discussed: 1. Purpose of FLIGHT STEM Coaching: This initiative aims to aid coaches (including principals) in guiding special…

Background: Healthcare workers' performance in medical waste management directly impacts their occupational safety by reducing exposure to hazards; this performance is improved through proper training, consistent adherence to guidelines, adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) Aim: The study aims to assess healthcare workers’ performance based on occupational safety regarding medical waste management by assessing their knowledge, attitude, and practice. Subjects and Methods: It was carried out at primary health care centers and governmental hospitals in Damanhour city using a cross-sectional descriptive design on 96 nurses and 34 housekeepers. The data was collected using two different versions of self-administered questionnaires and observation checklists, one for nurses and one for housekeepers. Results: Only 33.3% of the nurses had satisfactory knowledge, 68.8% had positive attitudes, 61.5% had adequate reported practice and only 34.4% had adequate observed practice. Significant positive correlations were found between nurses’ scores of knowledges attitudes,…

In this episode of Practical Access, Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines discuss Project RAISE (Robots and Artificial Intelligence to Improve Social Skills for Elementary Students), a federally funded initiative aimed at integrating AI and robotics in educational settings. The project is a collaboration with UCP of Central Florida and led by computer science expert Charlie Hughes, among others. Link to website: https://www.ucf.edu/research/research-project/raise-robots-and-artificial-intelligence-to-improve-social-skills-for-elementary-students/ Key Points: 1. Purpose of Project RAISE: The project focuses on using robotics and AI to aid the development of social and communication skills in elementary students, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders. The initiative seeks to merge technology, engineering, science, and math skills with targeted social skills training. 2. Engagement with Technology and Peers: The project involves students learning to code robots through an interactive AI agent, fostering both technical and social skills. Students first work with the AI agent alone…

In this follow-up episode on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines explore its multifaceted role. The discussion is framed around a book by Reid Hoffman, written in collaboration with ChatGPT, focusing on the impact and potential of AI in enhancing human capabilities in educational settings. Link to Reid Hoffman & ChatGPT Discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myWPwwj0THE This episode highlights the need for educators and students to approach AI as a critical tool that can significantly enhance learning experiences and outcomes when used ethically and creatively. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with AI mindfully, focusing on developing critical thinking skills and using AI to supplement human intellect, not a replacement. Key Points Discussed: 1. AI as an Educational Tool: The hosts debate comparing AI to past educational technologies like calculators and the internet. 2. AI’s Potential in Problem-Solving: The discussion emphasizes AI as a tool for researchers and educators to solve critical problems by enabling creative thought. Lisa shares a…

SEGMENTS | Memories of Palatka | Pensacola - Red Snapper Capital | Ais Exhibit at Field Manor

Listen to this short episode wrapping up our Fall 2023 season of Futures in Languages and looking ahead to our Spring 2024 season. As mentioned in the episode, if you have a question about language learning or opportunities that can come from language learning, please send us a message at ModernLanugages@ucf.edu with the subject title “Questions for Alumni.” Who knows, you might hear your question answered by a guest in a future podcast!

This episode of Practical Access offers a comprehensive look at how AI can be a valuable asset in education, from assisting in lesson planning to enhancing student engagement. Drs. Lisa Dieker & Rebecca Hines encourage educators to explore AI tools, considering ethical considerations and the potential for increased efficiency and customization in teaching and learning. Key Points Discussed: 1. Customization through AI: Dr. Hines highlights the potential of AI, like ChatGPT, in assisting teachers with customization and differentiation in their teaching methods. Link: www.chatGPT.com 2. Ethical Use and Bias in AI: Dr. Dieker points out the importance of ethical use of AI in education. She emphasizes the need to be aware of potential biases in AI outputs, especially regarding historical and cultural content. 3. AI as a Scaffold in Education: The hosts discuss how AI can serve as a scaffold in education, aiding in tasks like writing and research. 4. Empowering Students with AI: The conversation touches on how students can be empowered to use AI for tasks like crafting topic sentences or…

While watching more and more college football in the last few days as the season comes to its close, I have been struck by what seems to be an increase in the frequency and intensity of the hits received by the players. Some players are knocked out and have concussions; some sustain fractures, while others experience lesser trauma across the body. As the speed and size of football players has increased over the past three decades, the collisions on the football field have become more violent.

In this insightful episode of Practical Access, hosts Drs. Lisa Dieker and Rebecca Hines discuss the evolving landscape of education, particularly focusing on technology's role in shaping flexible learning methods. The episode opens with Dr. Dieker sharing her recent move to the University of Kansas, where she highlights her involvement in the School of Education and Human Sciences and her role in the Department of Special Education. This episode of Practical Access provides a thought-provoking dialogue on the critical role of technology in shaping future educational practices. It underscores the importance of flexible learning, accessibility, and the need for constant adaptation and innovation in the field of education. Don't forget we love to hear from our listeners. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We look forward to receiving your questions on our Google Phone (407) 900- 9305, Facebook (Practical Access), Twitter (@AccessPractical), or Instagram (@Practical_Access).

SEGMENTS | A History of Lakeland | The Federal Reserve in Florida | The 1956 Tallahassee Bus Boycott

Our team worked with Orange County’s Special Olympics Flag Football team. We helped coach practices, organized drills, and supported the team at games/tournaments. Through this experience we got the chance to get further involved in our community through doing something we were passionate about. We learned how to apply the different principles of leadership to our mission of fostering an environment that drives inclusion and skill-building. These principles include loving others, extending ourselves, and leading with authority. We went into this experience viewing it as a school project. However, after a few practices, we started developing individual connections with players and coaches and found enjoyment in the overall process. Over the course of our time with the team, we watched their skills improve and friendships strengthen.

This project is a dive into what the Knights Exemplar organisation is about and what they do on campus to help individuals with special needs. I also detail as to what I have learnt in class and how it relates to the organisation and to myself as a whole. There are also details about what it means to be a citizen and what responsibilities might come with such position. I also talk about how others may be able to relate to the program and how they may currently relate to people with special needs as well as offer some insight into what we (as a society) can do to help make each of these individuals lives better, one soul at a time.

Our objective was to earn a deeper understanding for what it means to be part of an organization as wide as Be The Match, and the way they incorporate their mission throughout their community. We attended multiple community service events and were able to see how the volunteers work to get individuals to join the bone marrow registry. Be The Match is a non-profit organization that specializes in connecting cancer patients with individuals who have donated bone marrow. Lives of all walks of life have been saved, it was beautiful to be part of such a special and unique experience of volunteerism.

Throughout the semester, I have been helping to facilitate classroom operations at Brookshire elementary school. Although this includes tasks such as cleaning up and organizing papers, much of my work is done in regards to forming relationships with each of the students and getting to know them each individually.

SEGMENTS | Tidally United Summit | Virgil Hawkins | The Robinson Family of Webster

The purpose of our project was to assist and foster connections with students and faculty at Unlocking Children's Potential (UCP) Charter Schools. The main focus of our group's service was to assist with day to day classroom activities at UCP. Our goal was to provide a helping hand and watchful eye for the faculty teaching students at UCP. Fostering connections with students at UCP was also an important goal for our service. Each of us individually served in different places at UCP, but every member of the group had extensive contact with at least 13 students in a classroom setting, as well as teachers or teaching aids. Our hope was to foster positivity and meaningful connections within UCP, while also being a help to those around us.

Working with OCA taught us how to work and help, people with special needs, more specifically children. Throughout our volunteering we helped kids at OCA with their arts and crafts, made sure they had their needs met and worked on building the skills when they were taught during their group sessions. We learned how to redirect their behaviors to something more positive, and we learned how to better communicate with kids who are nonverbal to make sure their needs are met.

The purpose of this project is to showcase our service learning experiences from volunteering with 7 cups. 7 Cups is a therapy website that provides free emotional support and talk therapy to those who really need that help. Jasmine and I created a 7 cups listener account where we would log onto the 7 cups portal and find a member who needs help. This whole website is all anonymous in order to protect the listeners and the members identities. Jasmine and I would chat with members and figure out what seems to be troubling them and how to combat that trouble. Some of the things that we learned was to become quick problem solvers and how to build better communication skills.

Metacognition is a helpful solution to address the symptoms of ADHD. Through my research case study, I did a semester long project with a 3rd grade student with ADHD working on Metacognition to improve reading comprehension. This project consisted of doing multiple assessments/inventories to find the areas of reading this student needed to grow in. After seeing the need, I met it with an intervention. My student showed a need in reading comprehension. I administered four research-based interventions on Metacognition (thinking about your thinking) to improve reading comprehension. The results showed a positive increase in reading comprehension scores. I decided on my intervention through my mini-literature review which revealed the correlation between ADHD and metacognition. Not only is metacognition a tool to be taught to improve reading comprehension but, it is also a strategy to help students with ADHD.

This presentation explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on cataloging and metadata, presenting examples of AI-based cataloging. It provides a few examples of utilizing ChatGPT, Bard and Bing Chat Enterprise for tasks such as creating a MARC record, classifying a book and assigning thesaurus terms. The discussion covers AI’s potential in cataloging and metadata within the library field, along with its advantages and disadvantages. It also addresses how cataloging and metadata professionals should navigate the integration of AI in this new environment. The initial presentation took place at the University of Central Florida Libraries’ AI Interest Group meeting, and a slightly expanded version was later shared during the Cataloging department’s meeting.

In 2017, the Nicholson School of Communication (NSC) took the initial steps to launch the Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research because for more than 15 years, crisis and risk scholars had called for a dedicated journal focused on the growing interest in crisis and risk research. With a new NSC Director in place and an established International Crisis and Risk Communication Conference drawing scholars to the University of Central Florida since 2011, the decision was made for NSC to become the journal’s publisher and funds were earmarked to make its publication a reality.

CSR crises occur when organizations fail to live up to publics’ expectation of their social responsibilities. The anger activism model (AAM) uses two variables, efficacy and anger, to explain people’s participation in social movements. Since CSR crises are often value-based and lead to consumer boycotts, AAM sheds light on explaining people’s behaviors in CSR crises. In applying AAM, this study aims to explore effective crisis response strategies and if conditional factors influence the effectiveness of these strategies, using a 2 (strategy: reform vs. refutation) × 2 (proxy efficacy: high vs. low) online experiment in the context of a company’s decision on whether to withdraw its business from Russia in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The results revealed that reform was a more effective strategy than refutation. In addition, anger moderated the influence of crisis responses on account acceptance, attitude, trust, and boycott intention. As anger increases, refutation becomes less effective.

Just about a week ago, the Russian Skating Federation announced the death of Oleg Protopopov. He and his wife, Ludmila Belusova, who died in 2017, were the first of the many great Russian pairs figure skaters who came out of the Soviet Union to initiate the international Soviet dominance in pairs figure skating. The Protopopovs elevated pairs skating to new levels of artistry, consistently performing as near to perfection as humanly possible.

Late last week, the news of the death of Robert Montgomery Knight was announced. I have let this news settle while traveling and also because I didn’t want to make too hasty a response. Those who have read this column over several years may be familiar with my views on the late great basketball coach. Over the last few days, I have been reading obituaries and tributes, as well as going back to read my own writing on Bobby Knight that dates back into the late 1990s. My last piece on his legacy was written when Knight retired from coaching in 2008.

The strategy, titled ‘The power Flower: Inclusion and Diversity Activity’, is designed to enhance students' awareness of multiple intersecting identities that they have. It can be used for fostering inclusion and promote diversity in a classroom. It encourages students to accept others and work with others with respect.

The menu at Las Violetas restaurant in Buenos Aires features details about its history and offerings. Visitors can explore the dining options inspired by the restaurant's rich past.

A plaque on a colorful wall in Caminito honors artists from Buenos Aires. The area is known for vibrant street art and cultural significance, attracting visitors daily.

A woman smiles while sitting next to a large, colorful statue in Caminito, Buenos Aires. Tourists explore the lively street filled with art and local shops during the day.

A menu displayed at Las Violetas restaurant in Buenos Aires shows a list of food and drink options along with their prices. The menu has a classic design.

A colorful scene in Caminito shows a painted building with a figure waving from a window. The area is known for its vibrant street art and attracts many tourists and locals.

Local resident sits on a bench in Caminito, Buenos Aires, next to a vibrant sculpture of a cartoon character. The area showcases street art and cultural highlights.

A menu is presented at Las Violetas located in Buenos Aires. It highlights food selections and shares details about the restaurant's history and its significance in the area.

A woman sits on a bench next to a large painted character in Caminito, Buenos Aires. The backdrop features colorful buildings and shops. It is a lively scene filled with art and culture.

A visitor sits on a bench next to a colorful cartoon figure in Caminito, Buenos Aires. The area is known for its vibrant street art and lively atmosphere, attracting many tourists.

A local guide shares insights about Areco Plaza in San Antonio de Areco, highlighting the town's rich history and cultural significance during a tour.