Times Of Crisis Research Articles

Family as a Safe Haven? Families in Social Practice and Narratives in Times of Crises. Introduction

Family as a Safe Haven? Families in Social Practice and Narratives in Times of Crises. Introduction

Agazzi on Knowing the Invisible

Against certain positivistic and neopositivistic strictures still rooted in our society, Agazzi argues that knowing the invisible is possible, not just in science, but also in metaphysics, in morals, in aesthetics, and in other areas, including, in a sense, religion. The book also examines many examples of such knowledge, surveying not only the great classics of philosophy but various immortal masterpieces of art, music, and literature. It is not just a treatise in epistemology, but a book of philosophy in the most complete and traditional sense, for it discusses knowledge not only for its own sake but also as a guide to culture, morality, happiness, and to the sense of life. Thus, it also provides some important suggestions on how to face our time of crisis and an uncertain future. Despite Agazzi’s proverbial rigor and clarity, his project is so momentous and demanding that I discuss certain points which might deserve further explication and argumentation.

Development of an Excel Dashboard-Based Warehousing Administration System Using the Design Thinking, EOQ, and POQ Approaches

Warehousing is an important part of a manufacturing process where ideal warehouse management will improve the company's logistics in times of crisis. This research seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the problems faced by warehousing and create user-focused solutions. Furthermore, EOQ and POQ methods are used to optimize stock and order management. EOQ helps determine the economical number of bookings to be made, while POQ considers demand variability in determining order schedules. The results of this study show that with Design Thinking, it was found that the needs of users are the use of an easier application system and stock filling standards so that the accuracy of stock is better maintained. It can be concluded that the EOQ and POQ methods can overcome understock and overstock. However, the EOQ method has less risk than POQ, this is because the company does not spend a lot of funds and takes with little frequency so it is more effective and the warehouse movement space can be more minimal.

Developmental Sensemaking for Transformative Action Taking: The Constructive Motion of Emotion

The article refreshes the concept of learning from experience, by emphasizing how experience is primarily anchored by emotion not rational thinking alone. It then inquires into the potential value of engaging emotions as a resource that gives vitality to action research. The proposition is that by including disappeared and denied emotions, perhaps especially at this moment when we confront planetary crisis, we may find greater perspective and imagination in co-creating response with stakeholders. Insights from two bodies of literature, action-oriented psychology and constructivist adult development are brought to flesh out the argument. A rich learning chronicle from a large scale, successful action research at the Port of Los Angeles is used to illustrate. The relevance of this chapter for action researchers engaged in territorial development lies in the provocation that more action researchers enrich capacity for helping transformations happen by leveraging the motion of emotions at this time of ecosocial crisis.

Bradbury, Hilary (2023). How to do action research for transformations at a time of eco-social crisis. Edward Elgar Publishing (paperback edition)

Bradbury, Hilary (2023). How to do action research for transformations at a time of eco-social crisis. Edward Elgar Publishing (paperback edition)

Regions and the European Union in times of crisis: A decline of the regional interest?

Abstract The article examines the evolving role of regions in the EU integration process, particularly in light of recent crises, such as the euro and COVID-19 crises. Historically, EU regional studies have emphasized the importance of regions in EU identity and integration, highlighting their role in regional and cohesion policies as key to a multilevel governance system. However, the euro crisis marked a significant shift, as the European Union’s response—focusing on fiscal discipline—curtailed regions’ budgetary autonomy, especially in Southern Europe. In contrast, the COVID-19 crisis prompted a different approach, with the EU relaxing fiscal controls and increasing public expenditure through initiatives like the Recovery Plan for Europe. Despite these measures, the article argues that state interests continue to dominate, sidelining regional voices in the new institutional structures. The article focuses on two critical aspects: the formal participation of regions in EU governance, particularly in the Economic and Monetary Union and the new pandemic-related frameworks, and the impact of these crises on EU regional policy. The findings suggest a decline in regional influence both in institutional participation and in regional policy resources, marking a regression from pre-crisis trends. While the article does not cover a broader multipolicy analysis or the national-level role of regions, it indicates that the post-crisis era has been challenging for regions in maintaining their relevance and influence within the EU framework. The article thus contributes to the discourse on whether the European Union’s interest in regions has diminished, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the EU integration process.

Challenges for Formal Organizations Engaging Volunteers During Regular and Crisis Times According to Polish and Italian Volunteer Coordinators

AbstractThe recent crises in Europe impacted the volunteering patterns within formal organizations that provide support in regular and crisis times. In our paper, we investigated how volunteer coordinators from formal entities (public/governmental and non-governmental) perceive (1) the patterns of volunteering engagement (long-term versus episodic) in regular and crisis times, (2) the processes of retaining volunteers during crises; (3) the trust of the community toward various types of organizations during social crises; (4) the role of informal support groups in relation to the tasks of their organization. Between June and October 2023, we performed an online-based study (total N = 55)—in Poland (N = 28) and Italy (N = 27). The survey had multiple-choice and open-ended questions, and the results were analyzed qualitatively using the thematic analysis framework. The findings indicated that volunteer coordinators reckon that long-term and episodic volunteers play crucial and complementary roles in helping organizations achieve their objectives. This implies that organizations should recognize the value of both types of volunteers and consider them essential resources for pursuing organizational goals. The results also suggest that the volunteer retention strategies are worth outlining or revisiting within organizations, and attention should be paid to psychological support. According to coordinators, trust in non-governmental organizations is perceived as crucial in the beneficiaries' decisions about where to seek help. Collaboration with informal groups is advised, given that the goals can be achieved together, mutually using the resources provided by both types of helping entities.

Sense of coherence in Spanish-speaking countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review.

The aim of this study was to assess the sense of coherence (SOC) in the Spanish-speaking population during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases in August 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the critical appraisal tools developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. A total of 25 studies were included in the review, which demonstrated that high SOC is associated with improved coping styles, a reduced incidence of mental disorders, and greater resilience to traumatic events. The findings indicated that SOC acts as a crucial protective factor in diverse population groups, including health professionals, university students, and older adults, particularly during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. The study concludes that there are significant benefits for the mental and physical health of the population, regardless of cultural context, to be gained from strengthening the SOC. It is therefore essential that interventions which enhance the SOC are implemented in order to improve public health in times of crisis. Furthermore, it is crucial that SOC measurement instruments are validated in different cultural contexts in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the results obtained.

Financial performance of emerging market companies during the COVID-19 pandemic: moderating role of sustainability performance

Purpose This study aims to investigate whether sustainability performance (SP) served as a safeguard for firm profitability (FP) and enhanced corporate resilience in emerging markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Using a sample of 1,091 firms in 25 emerging markets from 2017 to 2021, this study analyses the moderating role of SP on the relationship between FP and COVID-19 by using hierarchical linear modelling at three levels: (a) time-level; (b) firm-level; (c) country-level. Findings The results indicate that during the years 2020–2021, emerging market firms with robust SP showed better FP in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings also indicate that all dimensions of sustainability, i.e. environmental, social and governance (ESG), have significantly affected the FP in the post-COVID period. Hence, adhering to ESG principles aids in alleviating adverse financial repercussions during times of crises. Practical implications This study provides valuable insights for companies and policymakers for finding solutions that may assist them in improving SP globally and enduring crises resiliently. The findings are also relevant to institutional investors that consider SP as an investment criteria. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was temporary, the lessons learned could protect firms from future similar global crises. Originality/value This study enhances the understanding of the contingency relationship between sustainability and financial performance by offering up-to-date empirical insights within the context of emerging markets during the pandemic. It demonstrates how different institutional frameworks influenced the SP–FP association during the crisis. Thus, this paper expands the understanding of crisis management literature and bridges the research void concerning the impact of SP on FP in an emerging market context.

Pandemic Pass? Treaty Derogations and Human Rights Practices During COVID-19

This research note asks whether states issuing pandemic-era human rights treaty derogations implemented emergency provisions as intended or used them to abuse human rights during a time of crisis. In an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries declared states of emergency and derogated (temporarily suspended) from their international human rights treaty obligations. Using data from the Varieties of Democracy PanDem dataset and the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker, we find that states that derogated from their international human rights obligations imposed emergency measures that were temporary and did not violate non-derogable rights. On the other hand, states that did not derogate were more likely impose discriminatory measures, enact emergency measures without time limits and violate non-derogable rights. Our results support the role that flexibility mechanisms such as derogations play in international law and show that states are being sincere about their intentions and not, generally, using these mechanisms to cover abusive behavior.

Stronger together: race, power, and parent-teacher partnership in the COVID-19 era

ABSTRACT This article explores parent-teacher partnerships as a strategy for improving students’ educational experiences and addressing racial equity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a subset of qualitative open-response questions specific to family perceptions from a large-scale 2020 Boston Public Schools survey, the results of this study indicate that the demands of remote learning during the pandemic left families, particularly those of Black and Latinx backgrounds, desiring stronger relational connections with teachers and schools. This analysis furthers the literature on race and education by attending to how white racial domination influences educational opportunity, even in times of crisis. Accordingly, our findings emphasize how the wider society must reckon with the effects of racial capitalism as a driving force of racialized inequities in student and family experiences in education.

Trust and accountability in times of crisis

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic took place against the backdrop of growing political polarization and distrust in institutions. Did deficiencies in government performance further erode trust? Did citizens' ideology interfere with how they processed information on government performance? To investigate, we conducted a pre‐registered online experiment in Spain in November 2020. The treatment group was provided with information on the number of contact tracers in their region, a policy under the control of regional governments. We find that individuals greatly overestimate the number of contact tracers. When we provide the actual number, we find declines in trust in governments, willingness to fund public institutions, and COVID‐19 vaccine acceptance. We also find that individuals endogenously change their attribution of responsibilities when receiving the treatment. In regions where the regional and central governments are ruled by different parties, sympathizers of the regional incumbent react to the negative news on performance by attributing greater responsibility to the central government. We call this the ‘blame‐shifting effect’. In these regions, the negative information does not reduce voting intention for the regional incumbent government. These results suggest that political accountability may be particularly difficult in settings with high polarization and where areas of responsibility are not clearly delineated.

Creating an Exhibition Space to Attract Students in the University Library of Ukraine in Times of Crisis

Crisis times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the martial law in Ukraine have actualized the creation of various exhibitions in academic libraries to reach and attract users. In particular, to overcome social isolation, anxiety, and emotional and mental exhaustion. This study discusses the authors’ practical experience of building a partnership between the academic library and the Graphic Design Department of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (Ukraine). The cooperation aims to create a physical and online exhibition space to reach and attract students to the library. The study provides examples of the joint creation of a library thematic exhibition space with students and teachers for interaction and moral support, formation of common values, self-realization, and motivation, as well as examples of using the exhibition space to hold exhibitions of students’ artwork as part of the library’s engagement program in times of crisis. The examples confirm that the university library, in times of crisis during martial law, positions its exhibition space as a place that unites the university community, inspires, promotes cultural development, supports successful initiatives, and presents the achievements of university students and teachers. The results of this article complement previous research on library exhibitions as a means of reaching, engaging, highlighting collections, and educating students. It also informs practitioners about the Ukrainian experience of creating an exhibition space to attract students to the academic library in times of crisis. This article may be helpful to library practitioners looking for ideas and experience organizing exhibitions in academic libraries.

Perceptions towards practicability of humanitarian principles for emergency cases in Ethiopia: case of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital

IntroductionThe health of people is negatively impacted by emergencies and catastrophes, and many lives are lost as a result. The guidelines for humanitarian action during times of crisis, whether brought on by armed war or natural disasters, are provided by the humanitarian principles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how the staff and clients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital felt about the applicability of the four humanitarian principles when responding to emergency conditions.MethodologyFacility-based descriptive and explanatory cross-sectional study designs were employed. The study intended to collect data with structured questionnaires from a total of 209 individuals in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The participants were selected randomly based on, their willingness. Of the 209 participants, 105 included staff and the rest 104 included clients (patients and caregivers in the emergency room) of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23.ResultsThe descriptive analysis shows that principles of humanity are practiced better with (mean = 3.5) and principles of impartiality are practiced less with (mean = 3.2) as to the perception of the participants. Correlational analysis was used to examine the relationship between the ages, profession, gender, status, work experience, and familiarity with humanitarian principles, and the results indicated a non-significant correlation between variables, r (209) = 0.01 (2 tailored), “p = ns”. This suggests that familiarity with humanitarian principles or other independent variables does not affect the applicability of humanitarian principles in healthcare settings.ConclusionFrom the results of this study, it can be concluded that the state of being a staff (health care practitioners and those providing ancillary services) and client of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital has nothing to do with developing a certain perception towards the practicability of the four humanitarian principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence).

Virtual exchange in times of crisis: Exploring framework of competencies for educators

Virtual exchange in times of crisis: Exploring framework of competencies for educators

Executive hour or political competition in times of crisis?—An analysis of public crisis reporting on the COVID‐19 lockdowns in Germany

AbstractWhile much work has looked at how governments responded to the Corona pandemic, little consideration has been given to how the crisis affected party competition and what positions political actors took during this period. How were political actors' positions on COVID‐19 portrayed in daily newspapers? And how can we explain these patterns? To answer these questions, this article examines the discourse surrounding both German lockdown decisions by analyzing the public coverage of two German daily newspapers. By means of discourse network analysis, the most central actors of the public discourse are revealed at first. Second, relevant factors influencing the discourse centrality of political actors are analyzed. Therefore, a linear regression is performed to identify party‐political factors that have a significant influence on political actors' discourse centrality. Participation in the executive branch in the Länder and federal level as well as having candidate status emerge as central factors influencing discourse centrality.

The impact of LMS-based mechanics course on the creativity of prospective physics teachers in the post-pandemic era: A quasi-experimental study

This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of a mechanics course delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS) on the creativity of prospective physics teachers at a teacher training college in Mataram, Indonesia. The study was conducted in the post-pandemic era. Using a pretest-posttest one-group design, the researchers evaluated changes in creativity across three domains: figural, numeric, and verbal. The results showed significant improvements in overall creativity, with the most critical gains observed in the figural domain. Further analysis revealed that fluency was the creative indicator with the most enhancement. In contrast, other indicators displayed varying degrees of improvement. These findings highlight the potential of LMS-based instruction in fostering creativity among future physics educators, particularly in the figural, numeric, and verbal domains. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting technology integration into teacher education, especially during times of crisis. Future research should explore more targeted instructional strategies within LMS environments and utilize comprehensive creativity assessment methods further to enhance creative learning experiences for prospective physics teachers.

Correlates of public compliance with COVID-19 regulations in Taiwan

PurposeThis study explores the determinants of public willingness to comply with COVID-19 regulations to address the research gap at the intersection of public health and law enforcement within the unique sociocultural context of Taiwan.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing survey data from New Taipei City in 2021, the analysis involved multiple linear regression models to assess the influences of psychological conditions (i.e. distress and self-efficacy), community compliance and perceptions of government (i.e. general trust in government and specific perceptions of police procedural justice) on compliance tendencies while controlling for individual demographics.FindingsThe results indicated that self-efficacy, perceived community compliance, trust in government, and police procedural justice are positively associated with public compliance with COVID-19 regulations. Among these variables, trust in government and police procedural justice were identified as the most prominent factors, followed by self-efficacy and perceived community compliance. As demographic factors such as age, gender and education did not significantly affect willingness to comply, psychological, social and governmental influences are more powerful determinants of compliance than static demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence from Taiwan on the factors shaping public compliance during an unprecedented global pandemic. It highlights the importance of fostering governmental trust and enhancing police procedural justice during periods of stability to secure compliance with public health directives in times of crisis.

Does it matter that an ally is democratic during crises? Public diplomacy and attitudes towards international allies in times of crisis

Abstract Can public diplomacy in times of crisis shape citizens’ attitudes towards international politics? Using a survey experiment in Italy, we evaluated whether information cues about public diplomacy efforts by the United States and China to assist the country in dealing with the COVID-19 emergency shifted the importance citizens attached to Italy’s international allies being democracies. We found that citizens who receive positive cues about USA efforts to assist Italy report a stronger preference for Italy interacting with democracies. At the same time, when they received positive cues about China’s efforts to assist Italy, they discounted the importance attached to international allies being democracies. We further found that these effects are conditional on the participants’ support for democracy at home. We argue that these findings are consistent with a cognitive dissonance framework where citizens update their attitudes to decrease dissonant cognitions when they receive information that challenges prior beliefs or expectations.

Depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and perceived social support among Ugandan palliative care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To identify the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychosocial distress among Ugandan palliative care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, measure providers' perceived levels of social support, and identify factors affecting a provider's likelihood of being depressed, anxious, distressed, or perceiving various levels of social support. Data was collected from 123 palliative care providers using an online survey. Depression, anxiety, and psychological distress were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire, respectively. Information on perceived level of social support was gathered through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The survey also asked about mental health resources available to providers at their place of work and what resources are still needed. Participants ranged in age, gender, religion, marital status, clinical position, and years of experience in palliative care. Results indicate that 20% of respondents show signs of moderate to severe depression, 14% show signs of moderate to severe anxiety, and 33% show signs of psychological distress. Additionally, 50% of respondents reported a low total level of social support. Depression, anxiety, and psychological distress scores were all negatively correlated with perceived social support scores. Over 50% expressed a desire for additional mental health resources at their place of work. In 2021-2022, the severity of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress varied among palliative care providers in Uganda, with some experiencing moderate to severe mental health effects. Higher degrees of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress were correlated with lower levels of perceived social support, highlighting the importance of social support during times of crisis. The results highlight a desire for improved access to mental health resources and will help providers and organizations provide better support and better prepare for future crises.