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This study aims to investigate and discuss the factors that influence buyers’ and investors’ decision in buying and investing in property in hill land areas. A sequential mixed methods approach, which involved extensive literature review, questionnaire survey and semi-structured interview was used. Literature review to identify influencing factors was followed by a questionnaire survey. A total of 373 valid questionnaires were analysed. Ten (10) semi-structured interviews were performed thereafter to clarify and validate the survey findings. The study found that only a slight majority were aware of the risk of landslide owing largely to the fact that, not every neighborhood had experienced landslide incidents. Understanding on the relationship between factors that influencing buyers/investors to acquire property in hillside area and provides useful insights that that the combination of influencing factors and a vibrant residential property market relatively outweighs the risks associated with landslide occurrence in the study area.

On January 12, 2010, Haiti was hit by one of the largest seismic disasters known to date. At the time, the culture and perception of seismic risk was low among the population and—because of the lack of seismic sensors in Haiti—so was seismological knowledge. In a citizen seismology approach, the S2RHAI project used low-cost seismic sensors (Raspberry Shake) to (1) complement the national seismic network and (2) to improve risk perception, preparedness, and scientific knowledge of the population. Through these objectives, we introduce a paradigm shift in which seismic networks are not only composed of sensors, but also of citizens who gather around these tools and the information they produce. We present here the results of a qualitative survey of 15 Raspberry Shake (RS) seismometer hosts in Haiti. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to learn about users’ experience to assess their motivations, difficulties, and expectations in this citizen seismology process. We found that RS hosts expressed pride and interest in being part of the RS network and actively contributing to risk reduction in their community. Some of them reported a form of empowerment in that they could compensate for the deficiency of the state, which they generally distrust. However, the RS hosts also expressed the need for more technical and scientific support from scientists. Also, few of them engaged in mediation activities or discussions with their community members, partly because they feared that this would awaken the trauma caused by the earthquake of 12 January, 2010. This allowed us to list concrete actions to (1) improve the seismic information system, (2) better integrate the volunteers into the network, (3) enrich the collaboration between citizens and seismologists, and (4) accompany them in their role as ambassadors to their community. We conclude that understanding the motivations, obstacles, and expectations of volunteers is essential to increase the chances of sustainability of this citizen seismology project.

Fall and fall-related disabilities are a cause of concern in the older population as there is a high prevalence of falls in the older age group. It has an impact on a person's mobility, independence, and quality of life. It increases the cost of health concerns and the well-being of a person. It is necessary to create public health awareness amongst the elderly population about the risk of falls, and the need to prevent them and motivate them to take action by taking guidance from a multidisciplinary team of professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to identify risk awareness through factors that influence the intention to buy people's life insurance in Daklak province of Vietnam and provide implications for life insurance companies. The data resources were conducted from the survey of 250 people in Daklak Province and applied the ordinal logit model for the analysis. Remarkably, as we conducted the study during the COVID-19 pandemic period, a dummy variable of COVID-19 was included in the analysis. The results of this research have some similarities and differences with other studies. As with the references, saving motivation was the most crucial factor affecting the dependent variable. Saving motivation, financial literacy, brand name, and risk awareness have a positive impact. While age and gender were differences that have a negative effect on the intention to buy life insurance, which means that young people and women have more intention to purchase life insurance than younger men. The four factors consisting of financial literacy, brand name, risk awareness, and gender were considered the second most important factors. COVID-19 and attitude were the third critical effect on the intention to purchase life insurance. Income was the less important factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper examines the influence of festival attractiveness, novelty, and experience on the attendees' satisfaction. The study also analyzes the risk awareness element of cultural festival attendees and looks at how it moderates the relationship between festival attractiveness, novelty, experience, and attendees' satisfaction. After conducting direct interviews with the festival attendees, three hundred twenty-four valid samples have been taken to this study. The study findings reveal that festival attractiveness is the most critical predictor of attendees' satisfaction in this festival. The study also found the significant moderating effect of risk awareness in the relationship between the festival attractiveness, novelty, experience, and attendees' satisfaction. The findings will help the festival organizers to develop and adopt successful marketing and promotional strategies. Selection of the latest technology in lighting and sound effects, sophisticated imagery, and other aspects will always increase the event's attractiveness and reduce the risks. This study was one of the initial attempts in festivals and events to examine the moderating effect of risk awareness on festival attractiveness, novelty, experience, and satisfaction. In this sense, this study has been contributing to the theoretical development of the festival literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arts Magazine is the property of Thamar University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Self-tracking with wearable devices and mobile applications is a popular practice that relies on automated data collection and algorithm-driven analytics. Initially designed as a tool for personal use, a variety of public and corporate actors such as commercial organizations and insurance companies now make use of self-tracking data. Associated social risks such as privacy violations or measurement inaccuracies have been theoretically derived, although empirical evidence remains sparse. This article conceptualizes self-tracking as algorithmic-selection applications and empirically examines users’ risk awareness related to self-tracking applications as well as coping strategies as an option to deal with these risks. It draws on representative survey data collected in Switzerland. The results reveal that Swiss self-trackers’ awareness of risks related to the applications they use is generally low and only a small number of those who self-track apply coping strategies. We further find only a weak association between risk awareness and the application of coping strategies. This points to a cost-benefit calculation when deciding how to respond to perceived risks, a behavior explained as a privacy calculus in extant literature. The widespread willingness to pass on personal data to insurance companies despite associated risks provides further evidence for this interpretation. The conclusions—made even more pertinent by the potential of wearables’ track-and-trace systems and state-level health provision—raise questions about technical safeguarding, data and health literacies, and governance mechanisms that might be necessary considering the further popularization of self-tracking for health.

Copyright of CBÜ Beden Eğitimi & Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of CBU Beden Egitimi & Spor Bilimleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Luanda Bay and Mussulo Lagoon, situated in Luanda (Angola), are two coastal ecosystems highly sensitive to environmental issues, such as climate change, water pollution, eutrophication, and harmful algal blooms. These environmental problems can severely affect the quality of life of coastal populations. In this study, we aim to evaluate several psychological variables, such as environmental risk perception and awareness, sense of place, environmental attitudes, and the overall quality of life of the coastal community in these areas, using a comprehensive questionnaire applied to residents and other ecosystem users. Results indicate that most respondents considered that they possess high knowledge about climate change, water pollution, and ingestion of contaminated seafood. However, regarding eutrophication and harmful algal blooms, most participants reported a low/moderate knowledge. Life experience and the media were reported as the most relevant sources of information on environmental problems. Respondents indicated a moderate risk perception towards environmental risks, and a moderate/high emotional attachment to the place. Residents’ perceived quality of life was moderate/good in terms of physical and psychological health, and social relationships, but the environmental component was perceived as weak. Results suggest that improvements in the natural environment are needed to increase the quality of life in these ecosystems.

1,500 respondents took part in an Internet survey conducted in autumn 2020 in the Russian Federation. The survey was a part of the Radon Cross-Cultural Multilingual Public Opinion Survey (STEAM project) in the framework of the IAEA technical cooperation project RER9153. The survey was representative for the population of the country as per sex, age, and a region of residence. Random sampling error didn’t exceed 2.5 % for 95 % confidence interval. All respondents were given some information on radon that was as similar as possible in questionnaires published in languages spoken in all 22 countries that took part in the STEAM project; it was done in order to provide an opportunity to make further cross-country comparison of the survey results. The objective of the survey was to investigate what attitudes people had towards their health and towards radon as a possible health risk factor. The survey revealed that in the Russian Federation people were rather poorly aware about radon. Only 31.7 % respondents stated that they were to a greater or lesser extent informed about radon. The level of knowledge about radon as a health risk factor was at a comparable level. For the majority of respondents, information about radon received from Rospotrebnadzor and its subordinate research institute formed the perception of radon as a risk factor that requires actions to mitigate its impact on health. Medical specialists turned out to be the most trustworthy source of information about health risks, first of all, family doctors and physicians in polyclinics; people also trusted medical prevention centers, Rospotrebnadzor, regional and local public health care authorities. Results of the presented survey that was the first social survey focusing on the radon problem and conducted throughout the country can be used as a basis for planning communication strategies within the framework of both national and regional radon programs.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Pandemic had been hitting throughout the world since early 2020. Indonesia faces severe impacts, including the deaths of millions of people and vast virus transmission through a bad waste management system. Since the government applied lockdown in many regions, household waste increases and led to various problems. This research aims to explain household waste management intention during Covid-19, especially in a metropolitan city like Jakarta. This research adopts the Theory of Planned Behavior and examines the impacts of pandemic awareness, knowledge, and religion. Participants were involved in this study are 314 respondents. Questionnaires were gathered through emails, messenger applications, and social media. We use Structural Equation Modelling, particularly Confirmatory Factor Analysis, to analyze data and utilize LISREL 8.80. Results show that household waste management behavior can be encouraged through intention and pandemic risk awareness. Meanwhile, perceived behavioral control and household expenditures have to impact to intention to manage household waste. Moreover, government support also plays an important role in enhancing the intention of managing household waste. Therefore, social media and religious activities can be used to raise the level of risk awareness.

Tsunamis, although less frequent than other coastal hazards, are indispensable in tourism disaster management. Hence, enhancing preparedness is crucial for minimizing disaster risks for both coastal communities and visitors. This research delves into the preparedness of beach users in anticipating tsunami hazards in the coastal regions of Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) Province, Indonesia. Through questionnaire interviews involving 221 participants, the study evaluated risk awareness, knowledge of hazard warnings, and intended evacuation behaviors. Survey results revealed that the majority of beach users recognized the tsunami hazard in the coastal destinations they visited. A key challenge related to tsunami warning knowledge was the prevalent belief that tsunamigenic earthquakes always coincided with strong tremors, and many were unfamiliar with early warning systems. In terms of intended evacuation behaviors, most beach users accurately considered earthquakes as the basis for their self-rescue response time. The prevailing choice for evacuation was running inland for direction and on foot for the mode, while the average understanding of evacuation routes was moderate. The preparedness levels of beach users differed depending on their origin, with those from outside the DIY Province generally having the lowest understanding of particular tsunami warning indicators and evacuation routes. This study recommends an expansion of risk communication strategies and the reinforcement of proactive planning to ensure optimal protection for individuals in coastal destinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the ban of effective feed additives and therapeutics, histomonosis has become an important disease and, subsequently, a welfare issue for turkey production. We conducted an interview-based case series study to generate hypotheses about possible disease-favouring conditions in 31 H. meleagridis-infected flocks. The determined parameters were related to the general farm (flock management, biosecurity measures, etc.) as well as the histomonosis-specific disease management. Some inadequate biosecurity measures were observed. An inappropriate usage of the hygiene lock and cleaning as well as the disinfection frequency of equipment, clothes, and the hygiene lock could possibly be histomonosis-favouring conditions. These factors could increase the risk for the introduction of H. meleagridis and the risk of a pathogen spread on an affected farm. Insects, wild birds, litter materials, and contaminated dung could be potential vectors of H. meleagridis. Predisposing gastrointestinal diseases were observed in 71% of the affected flocks. Additionally, stress events related to higher temperature, movement of birds, and vaccination were documented in association with clinical histomonosis. The results emphasise the need for both good disease control and health management to ensure sustainable animal health and welfare.

Background. Fire used for agriculture has many benefits, but can cause wildfires if prevention activities are unsuccessful. Aims. The aim of this study was to examine fire permit use and safe burning practices by rural residents in the Edson Forest Area, Alberta, Canada. Methods. In total, 269 rural landowners completed a mail survey designed to identify how they use fire, their awareness of wildfire risk, fire experience, fire permit use and safe burning practices. Key results. Most respondents used fire on their property, and all were aware of the local wildfire risk, but there was little recognition that using fire for agricultural purposes contributes to wildfires in the area. Many respondents were taking steps to prevent a fire from escaping, but some used fire without obtaining a permit. Those who had seen a wildfire in the Edson Forest Area were more likely to take measures to prevent a wildfire from escaping, and more likely to apply for a fire permit. Conclusions. This research contributes to knowledge about rural landowners' fire use, wildfire prevention activities and fire permit use. Implications. Future research should confirm how wildfire experience affects fire permit use and safe use of fire by rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Awareness of design risks is essential for preparing integrated design and construction tenders as decisions in this phase can have serious consequences once the project is awarded. The practice of multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) promises to support contractors in dealing with risks in the decision-making process. However, due to limited time and resources in a tender, risks involved in design alternatives are often overlooked and the selection of alternatives is mainly based on the decision-makers' knowledge and experience. This raises the question how decision makers can become aware of the risks in the tender phase of projects. Following a design science research approach three interventions to raise risk awareness are identified and validated in the context of an infrastructure tender in the Netherlands. These interventions are (1) a general list of defined criteria to identify those criteria that correspond with the characteristics of the tender; (2) mapping identified project risks on criteria and assign a bandwidth score; (3) evaluation of the quality of the decision process by scoring elements of decision quality. Based on these interventions three design rules are proposed to increase the transparency of decision problems and the understanding of choices and, by doing so, create awareness for risks involved in design alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bicycle-sharing system (BSS) has been implemented in Seoul, South Korea to promote green transportation policy as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to mitigate climate change, reduce traffic jams, and promote physical activity. However, the concentration of air pollutants in Seoul often exceeds the standards of the World Health Organization, thereby creating a conflict with SDG 3 (Health). Therefore, it is important to recognize the trade-offs between actions targeted at SDGs as they might offset each other. In this context, a primary concern is investigating how the behavior of BSS users regarding outdoor air pollution appears. This study explores the relationship between ambient air pollution and the behavior of BSS riders in Seoul. We conducted a time-series analysis of associations between particulate air pollution and participation in the BSS. We used generalized additive models, adjusted for mean temperature, humidity, rainfall, day of the week, long-term trends, and seasonality to construct an exposure–response relationship. We observed a nonlinear relationship between increasing air pollution and bicycle ridership. This study method can be used as a basis for similar analyses to investigate BSS policies in other cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ercan Celikkayalar,1 Marja Airaksinen,1 Sirkka-Liisa Kivelä,1,2 Jenni Nieminen,1 Jenni Kleme,1 Juha Puustinen1,3,4 1Clinical Pharmacy Group, Division of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; 2Unit of Family Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; 3Social Security Center of Pori, Pori, Finland; 4Unit of Neurology, Satasairaala Central Hospital, Pori, FinlandCorrespondence: Ercan Celikkayalar Email eacelikkayalar@gmail.comPurpose: The use of benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZD) is common among older adults although there is growing evidence of their harmful effects. This study investigated how well older people are aware of the potential risks related to the BZD they are taking and whether the risk awareness has changed in the years between 2004 and 2015.Patients and Methods: The data were collected by interviewing BZD using home-dwelling patients aged ≥ 65 years with normal cognitive function (MMSE ≥ 20) who were admitted to the hospital within a 1 month study period in the years 2004 and 2015. Patients were asked whether they were aware of the ten main potential risks related to BZD use. A risk awareness score (range 0– 10) was assessed for each patient, each known potential risk yielding one point.Results: The study included 37 patients in 2004 and 31 patients in 2015. In 2004, 6/37 patients (16%), while 16/31 patients (52%) in 2015 had risk awareness scores between 6 and 10. Awareness of dependence (p=0.047), interaction with alcohol (p=0.001), dizziness (p=0.002) and developing tolerance (p=0.002) had improved, while awareness of the other potential risks remained unchanged, muscle weakness being the least known (3/37 in 2004 and 4/31 in 2015 were aware of it as a potential risk). Regular BZD use had declined (p=0.043) but pro re nata (PRN; when required) BZD use had increased (p=0.003) between the years 2004 and 2015.Conclusion: Older BZD users’ awareness of some potential risks related to BZD use (dependence, interaction with alcohol, dizziness and developing tolerance) had improved between 2004 and 2015, while awareness of other potential risks remained unchanged.Keywords: benzodiazepines, risk awareness, potentially inappropriate medications, insomnia, aged, interview

Active distribution grids cause bi-directional power flow between transmission system (TS) and distribution system (DS), which not only affects the optimal cost but also the secure operation of the power system. This paper proposes a hybrid coordination method to solve the risk-aware distributed optimal power flow (RA-DOPF) problem in coordinated TS and DS. For operation risk evaluation, the weather-based contingencies are considered in both TS and DS. A hybrid coordination method is developed that entails analytical target cascading (ATC) and Benders decomposition (BD). Moreover, the risk-aware optimal power flow (RAOPF) in TS and risk-based security-constrained optimal power flow in DS have been performed using the BD method considering basic optimal power flow as a master problem, whereas $N-1$ and $N-2$ contingencies are considered as sub-problems. Different case studies are performed using the IEEE 30-bus system with generation reserves as a TS and a 13-bus system as a DS. The results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.

BackgroundOutdoor workers can be exposed to relatively high levels of ultraviolet radiation and are at risk of developing occupational skin cancer. Implementing the use of sun protection in outdoor workers at work is therefore important. The objective of this follow-up study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention to improve the use of sun protection in Danish outdoor workers.MethodA total of 237 Danish outdoor workers were asked to complete surveys in 2016/17 and in 2020. Multicomponent interventions, between surveys, included information on skin cancer risk and use of sun protection, personal dosimetry and skin examination for signs of photodamage and skin cancer. Survey items on awareness of occupational skin cancer risk and perceived importance of sun protection as well as availability and use of sun protection at work were compared and analyzed in relation to the multicomponent intervention.ResultsOverall, the use of sun protection at work increased significantly (composite score [95% CI] 4.0 [3.7, 4.3] in 2016/17 and 4.6 [4.3, 4.9] in 2020, p < 0.001). Sunscreen was by far the biggest contributor, and the only type of sun protection used at work, which changed significantly (often/always use 37% in 2016/17 and 52% in 2020, p < 0.001). The biggest influence on the increased use of sun protection at work seemed to be a significant increase in the awareness of occupational skin cancer risk (moderate/high 43% in 2016/17 and 63% in 2020, p < 0.001) and perceived importance of sun protection at work (moderate/high 69% in 2016/17 and 83% in 2020, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that awareness of occupational skin cancer risk as well as the perceived importance and use of sun protection at work in Danish outdoor workers may be improved by means of multicomponent intervention.

Globally, the use of untreated, often diluted, or partly treated wastewater in agriculture covers about 30 million ha, far exceeding the area under the planned use of well-treated (reclaimed) wastewater which has been estimated in this paper at around 1.0 million ha. This gap has likely increased over the last decade despite significant investments in treatment capacities, due to the even larger increases in population, water consumption, and wastewater generation. To minimize the human health risks from unsafe wastewater irrigation, the WHO's related 2006 guidelines suggest a broader concept than the previous (1989) edition by emphasizing, especially for low-income countries, the importance of risk-reducing practices from 'farm to fork'. This shift from relying on technical solutions to facilitating and monitoring human behaviour change is, however, challenging. Another challenge concerns local capacities for quantitative risk assessment and the determination of a risk reduction target. Being aware of these challenges, the WHO has invested in a sanitation safety planning manual which has helped to operationalize the rather academic 2006 guidelines, but without addressing key questions, e.g., on how to trigger, support, and sustain the expected behaviour change, as training alone is unlikely to increase the adoption of health-related practices. This review summarizes the perceived challenges and suggests several considerations for further editions or national adaptations of the WHO guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We studied the prediction mechanism of the effects of the crowding perception, risk awareness, and safety perception of subway passengers on their behavioral decision making in the context of COVID-19 as a public health safety crisis. We conducted a survey of 305 subway passengers in Zhejiang Province, China, and used structural equation modeling for data analysis. The results show that the crowding perception of the passengers did not directly predict their behavioral decision making. Rather, risk awareness and safety perception played a chain mediating role between the crowding perception and behavioral decision making of passengers. We further explored the theoretical and practical implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radon is, after tobacco, the most frequent cause of lung cancer. Communicating about its risks with a didactic perspective so that citizens become aware and take action to avoid radon remains a challenge. This research is framed in Spain, where 17% of the territory exceeds the maximum radon limits allowed by the WHO, and aims to study the role and impact of the media in radon risk communication. A mixed methodological design is applied, combining content analysis of news published in the last two decades by local media in the most affected areas with interviews with journalists and a survey of citizens to provide a multi-perspective approach. The results show that, although news coverage of radon is becoming more frequent, it is a topic that fails to position itself on the agenda for effective communication. The media are the most frequent source of information on radon, although they are not considered by the public the most trustworthy one. News stories about radon focus mainly on health and research to inform about the radon levels to which citizens are exposed and the risks associated with cancer. Collaborative strategies between the media, organizations, and public administration seem key to advancing the fight against radon.

We demonstrate that heterogeneity in the perceived risks associated with infection within host populations amplifies chances of superspreading during the crucial early stages of epidemics. Under this behavioural model, individuals less concerned about dangers from infection are more likely to be infected and attend larger sized (riskier) events, where we assume event sizes remain unchanged. For directly transmitted diseases such as COVID-19, this leads to infections being introduced at rates above the population prevalence to those events most conducive to superspreading. We develop an interpretable, computational framework for evaluating within-event risks and derive a small-scale reproduction number measuring how the infections generated at an event depend on transmission heterogeneities and numbers of introductions. This generalizes previous frameworks and quantifies how event-scale patterns and population-level characteristics relate. As event duration and size grow, our reproduction number converges to the basic reproduction number. We illustrate that even moderate levels of heterogeneity in the perceived risks of infection substantially increase the likelihood of disproportionately large clusters of infections occurring at larger events, despite fixed overall disease prevalence. We show why collecting data linking host behaviour and event attendance is essential for accurately assessing the risks posed by invading pathogens in emerging stages of outbreaks.

Copyright of Public Health Forum is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

SUMMARY: We investigate whether individual auditors increase their audit efforts for other clients after auditing a client with a major environmental accident, using mixed methods. Results from archival and survey data show that (1) auditors work harder, as proxied by abnormal audit fees and audit report lag, after the environmental accident experience, and (2) the effects of environmental accident experience on auditing efforts are (1) moderated by situational factors (industry pollution level and regional environmental regulation) and individual factors (auditor age and position), and (2) mediated by auditor risk awareness. Our further analyses on the influence of Auditing Standard No. 1631, The Consideration of Environmental Matters in the Audit of Financial Statements, show that auditors' knowledge of this standard strengthens the effects of environmental accident experience on audit efforts, although the standard per se has little impact on audit behavior. Together, this study offers a psychological account for audit behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-tracking with wearable devices and mobile applications is a popular practice that relies on automated data collection and algorithm-driven analytics. Initially designed as a tool for personal use, a variety of public and corporate actors such as commercial organizations and insurance companies now make use of self-tracking data. Associated social risks such as privacy violations or measurement inaccuracies have been theoretically derived, although empirical evidence remains sparse. This article conceptualizes self-tracking as algorithmic-selection applications and empirically examines users' risk awareness related to self-tracking applications as well as coping strategies as an option to deal with these risks. It draws on representative survey data collected in Switzerland. The results reveal that Swiss self-trackers' awareness of risks related to the applications they use is generally low and only a small number of those who self-track apply coping strategies. We further find only a weak association between risk awareness and the application of coping strategies. This points to a cost-benefit calculation when deciding how to respond to perceived risks, a behavior explained as a privacy calculus in extant literature. The widespread willingness to pass on personal data to insurance companies despite associated risks provides further evidence for this interpretation. The conclusions--made even more pertinent by the potential of wearables' track-and-trace systems and state-level health provision--raise questions about technical safeguarding, data and health literacies, and governance mechanisms that might be necessary considering the further popularization of self-tracking for health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, audit firms are required to maintain 'professional risk funds'. These funds can be used only to pay civil compensation caused by deliberate or gross negligence in auditing activities. Using Chinese data from this peculiar regulatory characteristic, we investigate the impact of audit firms' professional risk funds on audit quality. We find that the higher the audit firms' professional risk funds, the lower the discretionary accruals. This finding is more pronounced for client firms with higher information asymmetry or weaker corporate governance. Further tests indicate that the higher the professional risk funds, the greater the audit effort invested in the auditing process, while audit fees do not change significantly. Our results suggest that higher professional risk funds ultimately improve audit quality by increasing audit effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detrimental health impacts of heatwaves, including excess mortality, are increasing worldwide. To assess risk perceptions, protective knowledge and behaviors concerning heatwaves in Israel, a study was initiated, comparing attitudes of majority (Jewish) and minority (Arab) populations. A quantitative survey was disseminated through an internet panel, to a representative sample of 556 individuals (79% Jews; 21% Arabs). Overall, 74% consider heatwaves a problem, 93% believe that heatwaves' frequencies will increase, 27% are very concerned about the effects of heatwaves. Higher levels of awareness to heatwaves were found among Jewish compared to Arab respondents; 90 vs. 77% (respectively) could name heatwaves' symptoms (p < 0.001); 81 vs. 56% (respectively) reported knowing how to protect themselves (p < 0.001); 74 vs. 47% (respectively) reported knowing what to do when someone suffers from heat stroke (p < 0.001). Arab compared to Jewish respondents presented higher levels of concern about heatwaves' effects (3.22 vs. 3.09 respectively; t −2.25, p = 0.03), while knowledge of protective measures was higher among Jews compared to Arabs (3.67 vs. 3.56 t = 2.13 p = 0.04). A crucial component of enhancing preparedness to heatwaves is empowerment of minority as well as majority groups, to strengthen their capacity to implement protective behavior and elevate their self-belief in their individual ability and fortitude.

The construction business is extremely risky, and risks are faced in every project. Risk awareness has a significant influence on organizational strategy, and it can be argued that adequate risk awareness is critical for minimizing business risk. Despite the need for adequately understanding and managing business risk, it has been found that the level of risk awareness within the construction industry remains insufficient. In Kuwait, there is a lack of research studies that examine construction risk and risk management practices. This study represents an attempt to understand risk awareness within large- and medium-sized construction organizations in Kuwait. The study used an online survey that was sent to construction organizations registered under Category 1 in the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) in Kuwait. The findings of the survey revealed that owner-related factors, financial and economic risk, design risk and project complexity, subcontractor unavailability, labor unavailability, and political and government instability are the main concerns/risks faced. It is believed that the findings of this research could support efforts by construction organizations to eliminate such concerns and suggest other risks that may be overlooked by the studied organizations. The research findings indicated that 42% of the organizations rely on previous experience to manage risk and that only 25% of the organizations implement risk management processes, while 17% manage risk intuitively, and 16% by other approaches. Accordingly, it is critical to promote the systematic implementation of a risk management process in Kuwaiti construction organizations by revealing the advantages promised by such a process and providing a comprehensive understanding of risk attitude. Achieving this goal would aid the realization of the 2035 development vision of Kuwait, since most of the development projects within this vision involve international construction organizations, which may be advanced in the risk management field and thus be interested in understanding the level of risk awareness of their target market in Kuwait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recall announcements by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) are important communication tools. Nonetheless, previous studies revealed that the effects of recalls on consumer demand are small. Social media analytics can provide insights into public awareness of food safety–related incidents. This study included social listening data to analyze how the public, in social and online media spaces, responds to, interacts with, and references food safety recalls and/or initial announcements of foodborne illness outbreaks as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Analysis results suggest that mentions quantified in the social and online media searches moved closer in step with the CDC’s initial reports of foodborne illness outbreaks than did FDA and FSIS recall announcements. Issuance of recalls may not be a popular source of food risk information in the social media space compared with reactions to the CDC’s initial illness reports. This relative popularity reflects people more often sharing or posting about illness risk regardless of whether a recall occurs, suggesting that recall announcements by the FDA and FSIS may not induce changes in consumers’ behavior, whereas initial illness reports by the CDC may. Although recalls by the FDA and FSIS may not generate social media posts, their primary role is to take potentially unsafe food items off grocery shelves. Online media analytics provide policy makers with information to guide effective food risk communication; initial CDC reports drive immediate attention more than do FDA and FSIS recalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background When integrating power-to-gas (PtG) in the biogas sector (BGS), it is essential to consider how risk is perceived and handled since it influences technology uptake, acceptance, and legitimacy. In this study, we aimed to identify factors that determine how risks are managed in the BGS grounded on stakeholders’ perceptions of environmental and safety risks, and the socio-political, technological, and economic challenges associated with the adoption of PtG in this industry. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 experts located throughout Germany. They represented relevant institutions associated with the development of the BGS and PtG. Participants included expert stakeholders from science, industry, associations, and politics. The interview data were assessed by the use of thematic qualitative text analysis, followed by inductive reasoning, based on holistic and axial coding of the transcribed interviews. Results The participants predominantly trusted existing regulations to ascertain that environmental and safety risks from this energy concept are under control. The expert stakeholders were convinced that except for farm-based biogas facilities, there is adequate know-how in the BGS to appropriately manage risks of biogas and PtG technologies and thus prevent potential negative externalities. Furthermore, they were inclined to identify socio-political challenges, such as public criticism of biogas, and missing financial incentives as the most relevant matters to the development and adoption of PtG in this sector. The interviewees mainly identified politicians as responsible actors to handle identified risks and challenges. Such risk rationalities are characterized as hierarchist in the cultural theory of risk perception. Conclusions Possible reasons behind the prevailing high level of risk tolerance among the participants of this study could be related to (1) strong reliance on governmental action, technical protocols, and the perception that others are responsible for risk management in the BGS; (2) a high confidence in expertise in the biogas industry to control risks; and (3) the tendency of experts to advocate biogas and PtG, linked to possible professional roles and motivational factors. These aspects may influence them to attenuate the urgency to prevent accidents and environmental risks, even if this can have undesirable consequences when incorporating PtG in the biogas industry. While critical environmental and safety risks are not acknowledged and adequately tackled, societal controversies may accentuate to the disadvantage of the BGS and the potential benefits linked to the integration of PtG in this field. We recommend implementing measures that enhance risk awareness within this community, urge interest groups to adopt collaborative risk management strategies and consider the involvement of multiple stakeholders in risk assessment and control, and likewise, address the particularities of the social context in defining strategies for risk management and communication.

This paper aims to identify risk awareness through factors that influence the intention to buy people’s life insurance in Daklak province of Vietnam and provide implications for life insurance companies. The data resources were conducted from the survey of 250 people in Daklak Province and applied the ordinal logit model for the analysis. Remarkably, as we conducted the study during the COVID-19 pandemic period, a dummy variable of COVID-19 was included in the analysis. The results of this research have some similarities and differences with other studies. As with the references, saving motivation was the most crucial factor affecting the dependent variable. Saving motivation, financial literacy, brand name, and risk awareness have a positive impact. While age and gender were differences that have a negative effect on the intention to buy life insurance, which means that young people and women have more intention to purchase life insurance than younger men. The four factors consisting of financial literacy, brand name, risk awareness, and gender were considered the second most important factors. COVID-19 and attitude were the third critical effect on the intention to purchase life insurance. Income was the less important factor.

Previous studies do not agree on the strengths and directions of the effects between risk appraisal, nonprotective, and protective responses in private flood mitigation. This may be due to the widespread use of cross‐sectional survey designs, which infer causality from theoretical considerations alone. The present longitudinal study, in contrast, builds on the logic that cause precedes effect to confirm the direction of effects. Drawing on two‐wave survey data from 554 flood‐prone households in Austria, cross‐lagged autoregressive models analyze pairwise combinations between risk perception, fear, five nonprotective responses (fatalism, denial, wishful thinking, reliance on social support, reliance on public protection), and seven specific protective responses (ranging from coordination with neighbors to structural modifications of the building). These factors show substantial temporal stability, in particular for nonprotective responses and fear. Only in very few instances can effects over time be confirmed statistically. Nonprotective responses emerge as the major drivers; foremost, denial, and reliance on public protection limit private flood mitigation. This overall null finding on causality may trace back to the 1.5 years' time span and the absence of any policy intervention or flood disaster between survey waves, and the high stability of protection motivation theory components. This finding puts into question the theoretically assumed causal relationships and the effects found in cross‐sectional studies. The high trait‐like stability requires perseverance in risk management efforts to change attitudes and capabilities. Finding nonprotective responses as key determinants in an overall picture of stability suggests that this factor merits a stronger role in future risk research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve community resilience and mitigate the consequences of natural hazards, community officials must balance competing priorities for local resources and funding. Besides the challenge of dealing with multiple competing priorities, community officials face another challenge: low risk awareness of natural hazards by the public and other stakeholders. Considering that virtual reality (VR) has been used to enhance learning and to change attitudes and behaviors, animating natural hazards in VR has the potential to enhance stakeholders' (e.g., the public, local/state/federal governments, insurance agencies, and property owners) risk awareness. Informed stakeholders make better decisions related to protective action. Therefore, we propose using VR to create a sense of presence and immersion that can provide stakeholders with hazard exposure, demonstrate a hazard's personalized consequences, and simulate the consequences of protective action, which, in turn, can influence attitudes and behavioral intentions of the general public to take protective action. Researchers could also apply VR to other hazardous or life-threatening situations and use interdisciplinary research to identify best methods to develop realistic and credible VR that all citizens can access to help mitigate hazards and enhance community resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]