College of Liberal Arts and Sciences_CMJ 404 Risk Communication_Assignments, Exam & Syllabus

Assignment, examination, and the syllabus for CMJ 404: Risk Communication taught by Laura Rickard, Assistant Professor of Risk Communication, Department of Communication and Journalism, University of Maine. Also, includes the cover email from Professor Rickard submitting the material to the Provost Office

Characterization of Interfacial Interactions By Functionalized Afm Probes

Interfacial interactions play a crucial role in many complex materials systems, determining many of their properties. However, characterization of these interactions, especially at the micro- to nanometer length scales is experimentally challenging. Consequently, insufficient knowledge of these systems limits technological advances in important applications. In this work, custom functionalized atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes were developed to measure the interaction forces in two important systems: petroleum reservoirs and nanocomposites. Our work seeks a deeper understanding of the specific interactions that occur in these two systems so that modified approaches can be developed to improve them. Petroleum recovery is concerned with maximizing the collection of crude oil, which adheres to rock surfaces underground and resists release when flushed with injection water. to promote more efficient oil extraction, the injection water can be tailored to decrease this oil–rock adhesion. In our study of petroleum recovery, we coated a probe in crude oil and dried the oil to create a robust layer. By performing force measurements with this probe on a mica substrate and varying the surrounding aqueous composition, we observed the effect of multiple variables on the relevant forces in a reservoir, ultimately providing enhanced predictive capabilities for increased oil extraction in injection wells. to achieve a graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite with optimal properties requires a strong bond between the nanofiller particles and surrounding polymer matrix. to this end, we studied the interactions within a GO–polymer nanocomposite by coating a probe in GO flakes and performing force measurements on polymer substrates. The preferential attraction between GO and some polymers is consistent with the results of recent interfacial tests performed in our lab. Our research provides crucial information for the selection of novel GO–polymer combinations, which can be implemented in superior reinforced nanocomposite systems. Through development of these novel tools, we anticipate that our customized probes will enhance predictive capabilities in the study of colloidal and other interfacial systems

Painting with words: portraits of adult singers' perceptions on meaningfulness in two community choruses

The purpose of this study was to investigate what adult singers find meaningful about their participation in a volunteer community chorus and to consider the implication of the choral place on participant sense of meaningfulness. The researcher collected data from four adult singers, their family members, and two conductors. Bridging the gap between science and art, the researcher used a qualitative research method called portraiture, wherein narrative portraits are developed and written by a researcher in a descriptive manner providing voice to understanding the phenomenon of interest, to create portraits of four adult singers. Portraiture researchers seek to discover resonant stories within the complicated framework of daily life. Semi-structured interviews with each participant provided data. In addition, adult singers kept personal journals for the researcher, and the researcher observed participant behaviors before, during, and after rehearsals. The researcher implemented axial, focused, and theoretical analysis during data analysis and interpretation to construct a narrative portrait of each participating singer reflecting the emergent patterns and themes. The two emergent themes were connectedness and achievement. Overall, connections with other people and achieving surmountable challenges were highly valued aspects of this study. Further analysis for the impact of sense of place on meaningfulness noted the impact of the choral place and the choral process on participants’ perceptions of meaningfulness

Why the grass is always greener: Understanding commercial pesticide applicators as Accidental Risk Communicators

Within the risk communication literature, considerable attention has focused on messages delivered by "official" messengers. This research pursues an alternative course, examining unintentional risk messages and their "unofficial" carriers. Referred to in this study as "accidental risk communicators" (ARCs), these individuals routinely discuss health and environmental risks with the public as a secondary, not formally recognized part of their job. From the tanning salon owner explaining the "safety" of UV radiation, to the auto mechanic performing a routine inspection, to the commercial painter handling lead-based paint, ARCs span a variety of occupations. Since ARCs often represent for-profit businesses, the public may be suspicious of their message, perhaps assuming that the information reflects corporate avarice rather than "impartial" scientific information. Yet often blue-collar laborers, ARCs may appear more similar to some sectors of the public, and thus more credible than "remote" government officials. In some cases, the pressure to sell a product may lead the ARC to deemphasize risks, whereas an occupational injury may make certain risk factors more salient. To begin explicating this concept empirically, this research examined the communicative practices of one sector of ARCs: turf and lawn care workers in New York State who are trained and certified to apply pesticides, and often expected to discuss health and environmental risks with both paying clients and curious onlookers. Licensed by the state, these individuals receive extensive training covering application methods and workplace safety, as well as basic principles of toxicology. The questions guiding this research were as follows: How do applicators make sense of the role they (do or do not) play in delivering risk-related information? How do CPAs make decisions about when, what, and how to communicate with their clients and the general public about pesticide-related risks? And, what are the dominant stories and themes used to characterize, make sense of, and discuss pesticide-related risks? In-depth interviews were conducted with 29 respondents affiliated with the Green Industry in New York State, and short written questionnaires were received from 24 participants at the 2007 Empire State Green Industry Show. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, then coded line-by-line both by hand and with Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software. Emergent themes were grouped into the following categories: the institutional culture of the applicator's workplace, the perception of a "successful" applicator, the perception of the applicator's role, and the perception of risk and "Western" science, as related more centrally to turf and lawn pesticides. Among these themes, the idea of the applicator's work as "emotional labor" and/or "background work," and the effect of his occupational "expertise" on ideas of democratic citizenship are discussed in length. To continue building a theoretical foundation for the ARC concept, future research questions in these areas are posed. Practical implications for both Cooperative Extension and the Green Industry in the areas of applicator training, pesticide product labeling, and the "framing" of the industry are also discussed

Coastal windstorms create unsteady, unpredictable storm surges in a fluvial Maine estuary

Storm surges create coastal flooding that can be damaging to life and property. In estuaries with significant river influence (fluvial), it is possible for tides, storm surge, and river discharge to interact and enhance surges relative to the immediate coast. These tide-surge-river interactions were previously identified in a fluvial Maine estuary as higher frequency (\u3efour cycles per day) oscillations to storm surge which were proposed to be incited by enhanced friction and resonance during certain windstorm events (Spicer et al. 2019). The relative contributions to tide-surge-river interaction from atmospheric forcing variables (wind, barometric pressure, and externally generated surge) remains unclear. This work seeks to decompose and analyze a recent windstorm surge event to better isolate the effects of atmospheric forcing on tidesurge-river interaction. Results show total storm surges in the fluvial estuary to be two times larger than at the estuary mouth because of tide-surge-river interaction. Analysis indicated at least 50% of the magnitude of tide-surge-river interactions are created by non-tidal forcing, in the form of wind, enhancing frictional energy in the estuary. The remaining tide-surge-river interaction is likely a result of changes in tidal wave propagation speed due to surge deepening the mean estuary water level

Zika Virus Non-Structural Protein NS5 Inhibits the RIG-I Pathway and Interferon Lambda 1 Promoter Activation by Targeting IKK Epsilon

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and an important human pathogen. Most pathogenic viruses encode proteins that interfere with the activation of host innate immune responses. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV interferes with the expression of interferon (IFN) genes and inhibits IFN-induced antiviral responses. ZIKV infects through epithelial barriers where IFN-λ1 is an important antiviral molecule. In this study, we analyzed the effects of ZIKV proteins on the activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. All ZIKV proteins were cloned and transiently expressed. ZIKV NS5, but no other ZIKV protein, was able to interfere with the RIG-I signaling pathway. This inhibition took place upstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and reduced activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. Furthermore, we showed that ZIKV NS5 interacts with the protein kinase IKKε, which is likely critical to the observed inhibition of phosphorylation of IRF3

Zika Virus Non-Structural Protein NS5 Inhibits the RIG-I Pathway and Interferon Lambda 1 Promoter Activation by Targeting IKK Epsilon

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and an important human pathogen. Most pathogenic viruses encode proteins that interfere with the activation of host innate immune responses. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV interferes with the expression of interferon (IFN) genes and inhibits IFN-induced antiviral responses. ZIKV infects through epithelial barriers where IFN-λ1 is an important antiviral molecule. In this study, we analyzed the effects of ZIKV proteins on the activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. All ZIKV proteins were cloned and transiently expressed. ZIKV NS5, but no other ZIKV protein, was able to interfere with the RIG-I signaling pathway. This inhibition took place upstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and reduced activation of IFN-λ1 promoter. Furthermore, we showed that ZIKV NS5 interacts with the protein kinase IKKε, which is likely critical to the observed inhibition of phosphorylation of IRF3

Zika Virus Non-Structural Protein NS5 Inhibits the RIG-I Pathway and Interferon Lambda 1 Promoter Activation by Targeting IKK Epsilon

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family and an important human pathogen. Most pathogenic viruses encode proteins that interfere with the activation of host innate immune responses. Like other flaviviruses, ZIKV interferes with the expression of interferon (IFN) genes and inhibits IFN-induced antiviral responses. ZIKV infects through epithelial barriers where IFN-lambda 1 is an important antiviral molecule. In this study, we analyzed the effects of ZIKV proteins on the activation of IFN-lambda 1 promoter. All ZIKV proteins were cloned and transiently expressed. ZIKV NS5, but no other ZIKV protein, was able to interfere with the RIG-I signaling pathway. This inhibition took place upstream of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) resulting in reduced phosphorylation of IRF3 and reduced activation of IFN-lambda 1 promoter. Furthermore, we showed that ZIKV NS5 interacts with the protein kinase IKK epsilon, which is likely critical to the observed inhibition of phosphorylation of IRF3.Peer reviewe