Crisis Management Research Articles

Structurally Colored Photonic Crystal Biomimetic Microstructures for Daytime Radiative Cooling.

Daytime radiative cooling offers a novel solution to the energy crisis, enabling green and efficient thermal management in space. High reflectance in the solar spectrum is essential for passive radiative cooling, rendering dye coloring and similar methods unsuitable for colored coolers. This paper presents a structurally colored photonic crystal biomimetic microstructured radiative cooler. Inspired by natural biological systems, this cooler features a dual-layered microtruncated-cone array structure on the surface and bottom membrane layers. The silver reflector and 3D micrograting surface structure produce continuous iridescent colors through multiple interference effects. Optimized lithographic process enable the fabrication of the ordered dual-layer surface microstructure arrays with precise angular combinations. The dual-layered microtruncated-cone introduces a gradient refractive index, reducing impedance mismatch at the interface. As a result, the radiative cooler achieves high solar spectral reflectance (0.95) and high mid-infrared emissivity (0.95). Notably, the net theoretical cooling power and the subambient temperature drop are 106.9 W m-2 and 7.4 °C, respectively, at an ambient temperature of 40 °C, with a measured average temperature reduction of 6.1 °C under direct sunlight. This performance matches that of advanced radiative coolers, striking a balance between aesthetics and radiative cooling capability.

Course of brain damage following malignant hypertension.

Malignant hypertension (MHT) crisis triggers widespread microvascular damage, particularly in the brain. Despite recent MRI evidence highlighting acute cerebral injuries during MHT crises, follow-up data remain scarce. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring how brain MRI markers evolve following acute MHT crisis management. We conducted a retrospective analysis of brain MRI data from MHT patients admitted to Bordeaux University Hospital between 2008 and 2022. Eligible patients had at least one follow-up MRI. Analysis blinded to clinical data was performed to identify markers of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), acute stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, and microangiopathy. Out of 149 patients, 47 had follow-up MRIs. Most were male (72.3%) with a mean age of 48.2 ± 10.8 years. The median interval between initial and follow-up MRI was 228 days. Follow-up MRIs revealed new strokes in 10.6% of patients, cerebral hemorrhages in 4.3%, and no cases of PRES. Additionally, more patients exhibited chronic lacunar infarcts and/or microbleeds, with overall Fazekas scores remaining stable in 66.0%, improving in 31.9%, and worsening in 2.1%. Subgroup analyses based on blood pressure control or follow-up duration showed no significant differences in MRI markers. This study sheds light on the risk of new cerebrovascular events and the dynamic changes in brain MRI markers following acute MHT crisis management. Understanding these changes could lead to improved diagnosis, personalized treatment strategies, and proactive patient care for individuals with MHT.

Digital Youth and Family Engagement Program for Adolescents Who Receive Outpatient Mental Health Services: Qualitative Evaluation.

Incidents of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among adolescents have increased in recent years. Mental health interventions tailored to adolescents and families need to consider mechanisms for increasing enrollment and sustaining program engagement. A telephone-based, health coach intervention for adolescents and families was implemented at a Southeastern US health system with the goals of improving psychiatric appointment attendance, medication adherence, reduction in emergency department visits, and assisting with crisis management ("Youth and Family Engagement" [YFE] program). This study aims to explore patients' and parents' perceptions of a mental health program and the factors that impact enrollment and sustained engagement. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent patients (n=9, 56%), parents (n=11, 92%), and clinicians who placed patient referrals (n=6, 100%). Interviews were in English (participants: 19/26, 73%) or Spanish (parents: 7/11, 64%), depending upon participants' preference. Interviews explored perceptions of the YFE program, experiences working with health coaches, suggestions for program changes, and program goals. The data were analyzed using inductive coding methodologies, with thematic analysis used to organize emergent themes. Two qualitatively trained researchers, one bilingual in English and Spanish, facilitated all data collection and collaboratively performed data analysis. The YFE program's structure was often mentioned as promoting engagement, with telephone appointments and health coaches' ability to accommodate inflexible work or school schedules alleviating participation barriers. Skills learned from health coaches were frequently referenced, with adolescents generally citing internal processes, such as positive thinking and mindfulness. Parents discussed behaviors relative to their children, such as improvements with discipline, setting boundaries, and improved parent-child communication. Many participants discussed the importance of health coaches assisting families in navigating social systems, such as accessing resources (eg, housing) and navigating school processes (eg, individualized educational plans), with clinicians suggesting an increased emphasis on adolescents' nutrition and engagement in primary care. Spanish-speaking parents highlighted numerous advantages of working with bilingual health coaches, emphasizing both enhanced communication and cultural understanding. They specifically noted the coaches' ability to grasp their lived experiences and challenges as immigrants in the United States, which significantly enriched their participation in the program. Prioritizing convenient engagement for adolescents and families may be important for sustained program participation, as inflexible schedules and competing priorities pose barriers to traditional appointments. Future programs should carefully consider health coach-participant relationships, specifically cultural competency, providing services in native languages, and assisting families with wraparound care, as these may be crucial to sustained engagement.

Organisational resilience and recovery of tour operators: towards a challenge-metamorphosis model

ABSTRACT This study proposes the Challenge Metamorphosis Model (CMM) to understand the resilience and recovery of tour operators following the COVID-19 pandemic. CMM builds on challenges, crisis management, and resilience strategies to understand how businesses evolve or undergo a metamorphosis following disruptive external events. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were carried out among Indian tour operators to understand the challenges they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, their responses, and views on recovery and resilience. Data were analysed using thematic analysis followed by network analysis that applies Spradley’s semantic relationships to explore the latent relationships among three key concepts: challenges, recovery strategies, and resilience. Results revealed that tour operators employed a multiplicity of interrelated crisis and recovery strategies to deal with COVID-19 challenges, prompting a business metamorphosis in some cases. The findings have theoretical implications for crisis management and managerial strategies through the proposed CMM to strengthen the response and resilience of tour operators.

Employing deep learning in crisis management and decision making through prediction using time series data in Mosul Dam Northern Iraq

Specifically, Iraq is threatened in its second-largest northern city, Mosul, by the collapse of the Mosul Dam due to problems at the root of the dam, causing a wave of floods that will cause massive loss of life, resources, and public property. The objective of this study is to effectively monitor the level of dam water by predicting the level of water held by the dam In anticipation of achieving flood stage and breaking the dam, and supporting its behavior through formation 14-day time series data to predict seven days later. Used six deep learning models (deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), convolutional neural network long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM), CNN-LSTM-Skip and CNN-LSTM Skip Attention) that models were trained to predict the water level in the dam; these levels of being under surveillance and prepared In case of danger, alert people to potential flood threats depending on the dam’s water level. These time series were created from the actual data sets of the dam; it’s a fundamental historical reading for 13 years (1993–2006) of the water level stored in the Mosul dam and was adopted in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources and the Centre for Research on Dams and Water Resources at Mosul University. The methodology applied in this study shows the model’s performance efficiency and the prediction results’ low error rate. It also compares those practical results to determine and adopt the performance-efficient model and a lower error rate. The comparison of these results proved the accuracy of its results, and superior to the CNN-LSTM model, it has the highest ability to perform through high accuracy with MAE = 0.087153 and time steps = 0 s 196 ms/step and loss = 0.00067. The current study demonstrated the ability to predict the water level in Mosul Dam, which suffers from foundation problems and may collapse in the future. Therefore, the water level in the dam must be monitored accurately. It also aims to test the effectiveness of the six models proposed in this study after evaluating their performance and applying the prediction process within a scenario to obtain predictive values after 14 days. The results showed the practical effectiveness of the hybrid CNN-LSTM model in correctly and accurately obtaining predictive values within the integrated framework of the required scenario. The study concluded that it is possible to enhance the ability to monitor and identify the potential risk of Mosul Dam at an early stage, and it also allows for proactive crisis management and sound decision-making, thus mitigating the adverse effects of crises on public safety and infrastructure and reducing human losses in areas along the Tigris River.

STATE REGULATION OF REINSURANCE ACTIVITIES IN UKRAINE DURING THE WAR

This paper examines the evolution of state regulation of reinsurance activities in Ukraine in the period 2022-2024, with a particular focus on the impact of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This paper examines the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adapted to the distinctive challenges posed by the war in order to stabilise the insurance market and ensure effective risk management. The objective of this study is to analyse the regulatory measures and their implications for the insurance and reinsurance sectors, with a particular focus on the changes implemented, their practical results and the broader implications for market stability. The primary objective of this paper is to undertake a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the alterations in state-level regulation of reinsurance in Ukraine between the years 2022 and 2024. The objective is to identify the regulatory changes implemented to address the distinctive challenges posed by wartime conditions, evaluate their impact on the reinsurance industry, and discuss the broader economic implications. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the manner in which the regulatory framework has been adjusted in order to maintain industry stability and ensure effective risk management in an unstable environment. Methodology. This study employs a qualitative research methodology, utilising a combination of document analysis and expert interviews. The data was gathered from regulatory reports, policy documents, and statements issued by the National Bank of Ukraine and other pertinent authorities. The analysis is centred on a detailed examination of the key regulatory adjustments, the market responses to these changes, and the practical implications of these modifications. Results. The analysis revealed several significant changes in the reinsurance regulation in Ukraine during the reporting period: 1) strengthening of regulatory supervision; 2) revision of coverage requirements; 3) state and international financial support measures and co-operation with international reinsurers to stabilise the market and manage increased risks. The regulatory changes have had several practical implications for the reinsurance sector: increased financial stability through stronger solvency and capital requirements has improved the financial strength of insurers and reinsurers, helping them to manage the increased risks associated with the conflict. Value / Originality. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the regulatory adaptations in Ukraine's reinsurance sector during a period of significant political and economic upheaval. The paper offers valuable insights into the effective adjustment of state regulation in response to extraordinary circumstances, thereby contributing to the broader understanding of risk management in conflict-affected regions. The study is of particular relevance in the context of the prevailing geopolitical circumstances and the necessity to comprehend the manner in which extreme circumstances affect financial regulations. The study addresses a gap in the existing literature on crisis management in the financial sector, with a particular focus on the context of war. The originality of this study lies in its focus on the intersection of war and regulatory adaptation, a topic that has been largely overlooked in the existing literature. By analysing the regulatory responses and their outcomes, the paper makes a contribution to the development of strategies for effective crisis management in the financial and insurance sectors.

Genomic Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance: Tracking the Global Spread of Resistant Pathogens

The rapid development and spread of antimicrobial resistance have been one of the most prominent health crises globally, which significantly challenges treating infectious diseases. This paper will address the contribution that genomic epidemiology makes to track and understand the global spread of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Genomic epidemiology, an area combining pathogen genomics with epidemiological data, allows for an extremely powerful approach in the identification of resistance mechanisms and tracing transmission routes for guiding public health interventions. This review Emphasizes major bacterial pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which harbor major resistance genes: blaCTX-M, mecA, and blaKPC. These genes contribute to the worldwide dissemination of resistance, mainly through mechanisms involving horizontal gene transfer and selective antibiotic pressure. Thus, genomic surveillance, phylogenetic analysis, and bioinformatics approaches allow for the pinpointing of transmission hotspots, mapping of resistance gene distribution, and tracking of emerging resistant strains in real time. It also provides information on how genomic data are being used to improve antimicrobial stewardship programs and inform clinical treatment decisions. Public health responses can further be tailored by recognizing regional resistance patterns, hence enhancing interventions. However, several challenges persist—for example, the need for standardized sharing of data, interpretation of genomic data, and integration of these insights into public health systems, especially in low-resource settings. This abstract highlights the transformative impact of genomic epidemiology in the management of the AMR crisis while emphasizing the continued need for global cooperation, enhanced data infrastructures, and policy initiatives to ensure the effective use of genomic data in public health.

Reimagining crisis management with an organizational learning framework

AbstractTechnological advancements have altered the landscape of crisis management, making many crises potentially preventable and controllable. Moreover, these technological advancements have provided opportunities for organizations to implement an informed learning approach in crisis responses. The interconnectedness and complementary aspects of three theories within crisis management, including the situational crisis communication theory's base crisis response strategies, image repair theory's corrective action, and discourse of renewal theory's organizational learning, were assessed and integrated into a proposed framework for understanding a comprehensive approach to crisis management. In this research, technology is regarded as both an asset for facilitating organizational learning (e.g., informed decision‐making through data analytics), and a potential source of challenges in crisis communication (e.g., Zoombombing and negative social amplification). The proposed framework aims to bridge proactive risk and reactive crisis management efforts through organizational learning. Findings from this 4 × 2 between‐subjects experimental design study explore the effectiveness of organizational learning to address crisis responsibility in an evolving technological landscape.

Exploring crisis management measures taken by school leaders at the unpredictable crisis – case COVID-19

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was an unpredictable crisis for schools. Schools transitioned their teaching from classrooms to teaching online. The holistic safety of the schools’ was under a serious threat. Various measures of crisis management aimed at upholding holistic school safety, which includes physical, social, psychological and pedagogical safety.This review employs both narrative review method and thematic analysis to investigate the crisis management measures that school leaders undertook during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in terms of holistic school safety while modifying key operations of the school. In addition, the stressors and resources of school leaders’ were examined. The non-systematic, explorative search for literature conducted between autumn 2020 and spring 2021 yielded a total of 10 articles.School leaders’ crisis management measures to maintain holistic school safety in 2020 comprised running the organization, supporting teachers, and supporting students. Extensive measures to limit physical contact posed a threat to psychological, social and pedagogical safety. School leaders worked in a stressful situation. Flexibility and human-centered approach were necessary to cope.In future crises, predicting consequences at every level is important when preparing plans and considering leaders’ tasks as part of crisis management plans to ensure holistic school safety. In crisis situations, priority must be given to tackling the primary threat, but the overall impact of measures on school safety must be taken into account.

A Comparison of Pediatric Prehospital Opioid Encounters and Social Vulnerability

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES This study explores the relationship between socioeconomic factors and pediatric opioid-related emergencies requiring naloxone administration in the prehospital setting, an escalating public health concern. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) database was conducted, examining data from pediatric opioid-related EMS activations between January 2018 and December 2021. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to gauge each incident's socioeconomic context and assess correlations between SVI scores and the likelihood of opioid-related activations and naloxone interventions. RESULTS A total of 7,789 pediatric opiate-related EMS activations were identified. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) areas (higher SVI scores) exhibited a decreased rate of opioid-related activations compared to lower SVI-scored areas but an increased frequency of naloxone administration. The analysis demonstrated that as socioeconomic status (SES) improves, the likelihood of opioid-related activations increases significantly supported by a significant negative linear trend (Estimate = -0.2971, SE = 0.1172, z = -2.54, p = 0.0112. On the other hand, naloxone administration was more frequently required in lower SES areas, suggesting an increased emergency response in these (Estimate = 0.05806, SE = 0.2403, z = 0.24, p = 0.8091). CONCLUSIONS The analysis highlights a statistically significant correlation between the SES of an area and pediatric opioid-related EMS activations, yet an inverse correlation with the likelihood of naloxone administration. These findings demonstrate that in lower socioeconomic areas, the total number of opiate-related EMS activations is lower; however, naloxone was more likely to be deployed during those activations. This underscores the need for further research to understand the disparities in opioid crisis management across different socioeconomic landscapes.

CEO Optimism on Corporate Risk Management: Evidence from China

Based on impression management theory and upper echelons theory, this study constructs an integrated mediating model involv-ing external investors. It aims to explore the impact of CEO optimism, a positive psychological advantage, on corporate crisis management performance. The research uses machine learning based on LSTM to analyze content text, measuring CEO displayed optimism. It also uses a Python program to crawl objective financial data and third-party objective reports after corporate crises occur, evaluating investor confidence and corporate crisis management performance. This study reveals the positive psychological advantage factors of leaders that enhance corporate crisis management performance and potential mediating mechanisms. It deepens our understanding of how CEOs improve corporate crisis management performance, provides practical insights for en-terprises and managers, and offers reference value for future research.

Emergency preparedness in healthcare systems: the “policy-effect” of COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that health services preparedness is crucial. Indeed, effective planning enables streamline operations, optimized resource allocation, and transparent communication during crises. Within this context, our analysis aims to assess EU countries’ healthcare systems preparedness, by policies analysis and capacity factor analysis, and relationship with COVID-19. We reviewed policies regarding influenza, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate change in EU countries, using a web-screening of national and international authorities and institutions. Furthermore, we performed a factor analysis on WHO’s States Party Self-Assessment Reporting (SPAR) and evaluated the results using an iterated principal factor analysis with promax rotation. Few countries updated their policies after the pandemic, particularly regarding influenza plans. Italy stands out as an exception, having updated its national plan in 2021, while other countries maintain pre-COVID plans. Regarding AMR, only few countries, including Sweden, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and France, updated their plans post-pandemic, while Estonia and Romania lack plans entirely. Addressing the climate crisis and its impacts on health and healthcare resilience, all EU countries aligned with the EC regulation on climate action through National Energy and Climate Plans in 2023. Moreover, EU countries had average preparedness level of 75.77 (SD: 8.23), calculated on SPAR 2022, with significant disparities. Three major factors contribute to preparedness levels: planning, service delivery, and specific subtopics (e.g. food safety, radiation, infectious diseases). Our findings reveal the complexity of preparedness, showing diverse approaches across countries, despite EU regulations and WHO guidelines. International collaboration is crucial to standardize policies and enable countries to leverage successful examples, improving public health outcomes. Key messages • Health services preparedness, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for effective planning and crisis management. • The analysis demonstrates varying levels of preparedness across EU countries, with differences in policy updates and adherence to international guidelines.

Citizen’s perspective on pandemic preparedness

Abstract In the aftermath of COVID-19, pandemic preparedness has become a key concern for governments and public health institutes across the world. As policymakers and scientist grapple with the lessons learned and implications for pandemic preparedness, it is also imperative to take the perspectives of citizens into account. To explore the perceptions and expectations regarding pandemic preparedness, the Behavioural Unit of RIVM conducted a qualitative follow-up study amongst a representative sample of Dutch citizens. At different locations in the Netherlands focus groups were organized with diverse participants. The topic guide was based on an analysis of a previously administered pandemic preparedness questionnaire and theoretical framework, also presented in the current workshop. Topics included risk perceptions, trust in government and other institutions versus self-reliance and the role of media and communication. Furthermore, pandemic preparedness was contrasted with other forms of disaster and crisis management. During the presentation the latest results are shared, and we will discuss possible policy recommendations and how the general public can be involved to develop a better understanding of their needs with respect to preparedness.

Review of the application of drones for smart cities

AbstractIn an area of increasing digitalisation and rapid technological development, information management is becoming essential for the effective functioning of modern organisations and cities. One of the new trends is the gradual expansion and use of drones in parts of the smart cities concept. In security, drones are used to protect public order, monitor traffic in cities and municipalities, and control sub‐activities falling under the competence of police forces. In rescue work, drones allow us to efficiently and quickly manage accidental emergencies in hard‐to‐reach areas. At the same time, in the transport sector, drones have become an important component for the efficient delivery of parcels, reducing overall costs and time savings. This paper systematically overviews the importance of drones in various fields such as security, transportation, rescue operations or parcel delivery. Drones are becoming key elements for public order, crisis management and enhancing the quality of life of citizens in smart cities due to their capabilities of rapid response, monitoring hard‐to‐reach locations and autonomous data collection. Particular attention is then paid to comparing the use of drones in the Czech Republic and abroad and their benefits in the field of innovative technologies that help improve the safety and efficiency of urban services. The article also analyses the technical specifications of drones and their role in the public and private sectors, considering the legislative framework for their use. Overall, the article offers an overview of how drones contribute to integrating modern technologies into the daily functioning of smart cities and improving residents' quality of life.

The Efficacy and Outcomes of Renal Replacement Therapy in Pediatric Metabolic Disorders

Background/Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in pediatric patients with metabolic diseases, specifically focusing on the impact of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) on clinical parameters, toxin reduction, and long-term survival. Methods: This retrospective study included 10 pediatric patients (eight females and two males) treated at a pediatric nephrology department between 2020 and 2023. Patients diagnosed with metabolic disorders, including maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), and glycogen storage disease (GSD), underwent RRT. Clinical data, demographic information, and biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the patients, 50% were diagnosed with MSUD, 30% with MMA, and 20% with GSD. RRT, including HD and PD, was administered to manage acute metabolic crises. HD was particularly effective in rapidly reducing toxic metabolite levels. Patients treated with HD showed significant reductions in leucine and ammonium levels, with median reductions of 94.5% and 86%, respectively. Overall, 60% of the patients demonstrated long-term survival, highlighting the critical role of RRT in managing metabolic crises. In conclusion, RRT, including HD and PD, is crucial in managing pediatric metabolic disorders by effectively reducing toxic metabolite levels and improving clinical outcomes. Conclusions: The results of this study are consistent with previous research, highlighting the critical role of RRT in the acute management of metabolic crises and supporting its adoption as a standard treatment method.

Mexico City’s pandemic urban crisis management lacked a multiscalar approach

Mexico City’s pandemic urban crisis management lacked a multiscalar approach

Ethical issues after the earthquake in Turkey: A qualitative study on nurses' perspectives.

After natural disasters, the urgent need for survival and rescue operations for those trapped in the rubble results in a heightened demand for healthcare services. Nurses are pivotal in addressing the consequences of such calamities. Nurses operating in critical conditions encounter numerous challenges, including safety issues and ethical quandaries. The ethical considerations primarily revolve around the limitations, duties, and modified norms of care administered by nurses during disasters, presenting both significant and complex challenges. The study was designed to elucidate the nature and essence of nurses' care experiences and to offer an in-depth depiction of the ethical dilemmas while attending to individuals injured in the earthquake. A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this research. A total of 16 nurses who worked for at least 7 days in field hospitals in any of the earthquake regions after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey participated in the research. The research was conducted between March 13 and March 20, 2023. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method with a semistructured form. The steps of Colaizzi's phenomenological method were used to analyze the qualitative data. The study involved a group of 16 Turkish nurses, aged between 20 and 36 years. Through data analysis, four primary themes, 14 subthemes, and 25 codes were identified. The principal themes derived from the interviews included "humanitarian duties," "non-adherence to ethical principles," "respect for the injured," and "medical errors." In this intricate process, it becomes paramount to enhance support for nurses in the domains of management, education, and psychosocial assistance, thereby nurturing their individual and professional acumen, commitment, and ethical sensitivity. Refining the guidelines and professional standards that encapsulate the principles to be adhered to by nurses in disaster scenarios, coupled with providing comprehensive training in both medical and ethical competencies, represents a significant avenue for advancement. Focused training on crisis management will enable nurses to render ethically informed decisions and bolster their professional proficiency. Natural disasters, including earthquakes, pose significant ethical challenges for healthcare professionals, especially nurses who play a pivotal role in delivering care during these emergencies. Issues such as resource allocation and triage, the duty of care and ensuring continuity of care, informed consent and communication, cultural sensitivity, and providing psychosocial support are critical ethical considerations for nursing policies in earthquake situations. Addressing these ethical issues in nursing policies related to earthquakes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of healthcare delivery, preserving public trust, and ensuring the well-being of both the injured and healthcare providers during times of crisis.

Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey. This study conducted an online needs assessment survey among heads of municipal public health authorities in Thuringia, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin between June and November 2023. Of the 191 contacted authorities, 74 responses (38.7%) were analyzed, focusing on professional demands, recognition, stress resilience, general life satisfaction, operational organization, and communication during the pandemic. Validated scales such as ERI, RS-13, L-1, and the COVID-19 add-on module of the COPSOQ were utilized. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, Chi-Square tests, linear regression, T-tests, and ANOVA with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Respondents were mainly from North Rhine-Westphalia (43.3%) and Bavaria (24.3%), predominantly female (54.1%), and had a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority were medical specialists (71.9%). The RS-13 mean score was 72.66 (SD = 12.42), with 58.9% demonstrating high stress resilience. Public health degree holders showed the highest resilience. The ER-ratio indicated high effort versus reward for 96.7% of heads. Larger districts showed lower ER-ratios, suggesting resilient organizational structures. The study highlights high psychosocial workload and resilience among German public health authority heads during COVID-19, suggesting the need for optimized crisis management and scalable staffing for future pandemics and crises.

Exploring the Work of College Counselors Based on Crisis Management Theory

As the front-line organizers and implementers of student affairs, college counselors bear significant responsibilities in the prevention and disposal of student crises. Based on the theory of crisis management, this paper deeply analyzes the student work of college counselors. It first sorts out the types of common student crises in colleges and universities, including psychological and academic ones, and points out their characteristics. Then, it points out many existing problems in the current crisis management work of college counselors. Subsequently, it proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions from the dimensions of crisis prevention, response, and recovery, aiming to improve the crisis management level of college counselors and provide a solid guarantee for the healthy development of students and the safety and stability of the campus.

CONCEPT OF CRISIS IN SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE

The article examines the main approaches to the concept and content of crisis in scientific literature. The main trends in the development of the crisis and its contradictions are analyzed. It is emphasized that most crises and their understanding are the result of a combination of human errors, institutional «failures» and constant changes in the sphere of functioning of society and states. The main stages of the development of theoretical approaches regarding the concept and content of the crisis and its main derivatives are considered. It has been proven that he does not have a clear understanding of the concept and essence of the crisis; there are three main approaches to understanding the concept and content of crisis; there are several stages of development and formation of the concept and content of the crisis; for the most part, researchers give this phenomenon a positive or negative character. This is explained by the complex nature of these phenomena and insufficient attention for a long time. It is indicated that analyzing the existing definitions of the concept of «crisis», we can talk about three main approaches: a crisis is a stage of the life cycle of any system, that is, a form of its development; crisis is a turning point in the functioning of the system, which provokes any changes, regardless of the result; a crisis is a deterioration of one or more parameters of the system's functioning, which can even lead to its final disappearance. It is emphasized that the crisis is not a separate phenomenon, but a process unfolding as various factors and forces interact in an unpredictable manner; disruption of the usual daily rhythm of life; the emergence and increase of anxiety and stress in the population; potential and real threats to basic values and structural social systems. It has been proven that all views on the concept and meaning of «crisis» and related concepts are determined by the established framework of their interpretation, as well as by the theoretical and spatiotemporal relationship in which they are interpreted. The conducted research shows that in modern scientific literature there are many approaches to understanding the concepts of crisis and risk, sometimes they are even opposite to each other. In this regard, it is appropriate to generalize the existing approaches to these concepts. This will provide an opportunity to more comprehensively reveal the essence of the concepts and will help during the formation of crisis and risk management policy. The modern world is quite complex and dynamic, which leads to the appearance of an increasing number of various crises and risks. Only a thorough understanding and perception of the crisis will allow, if not to avoid them, then to get out of them with the least losses.