Search

Animal behaviors can often be challenging to model and predict, though optimality theory has improved our ability to do so. While many qualitative predictions of behavior exist, accurate quantitative models, tested by empirical data, are often lacking. This is likely due to variation in biases across individuals and variation in the way new information is gathered and used. We propose a modeling framework based on a novel interpretation of Bayes's theorem to integrate optimization of energetic constraints with both prior biases and specific sources of new information gathered by individuals. We present methods for inferring distributions of prior biases within populations rather than assuming known priors, as is common in Bayesian approaches to modeling behavior, and for evaluating the goodness of fit of overall model descriptions. We apply this framework to predict optimal escape during predator-prey encounters, based on prior biases and variation in what information prey use. Using this approach, we collected and analyzed data characterizing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) escape behavior in response to human approaches. We found that distance to predator alone was not sufficient to predict deer flight response and show that the inclusion of additional information is necessary. We also compared differences in the inferred distributions of prior biases across different populations and discuss the possible role of human activity in influencing these distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making is one of the key factors academically researched that involves choosing an artifact. During the development of ergonomics, emotional aspects were added that led researchers to adapt methods, which now must include aspects that were previously neglected. This article proposes a chronological review of the main models of decisionmaking used by science. A brief bibliographic review was also made to identify how researchers are incorporating emotional aspects into the ergonomic methodologies used to analyze editorial objects (such as newspapers, books and digital magazines). Six studies were found that met the established criteria. It was noticed that most of the methods only touched the emotional and affective aspects. The best ways to include these factors in a decision-making analysis are through methods that propose the description of emotional responses and by ergonomic methods that can include these aspects within the satisfaction construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the level of the pedagogical design of the foreign language class, after having identified the objectives and the teaching strategies, after having analysed the students' interests and needs, teachers have to solve the difficult task of selecting the teaching materials and deciding on the technical means which can enhance the efficiency of the teaching/ learning activity. The specialized language of business involves a lot of challenges for foreign language teachers, who are trained as philologists. One of these great challenges is represented by the selection of the teaching materials, which should meet the needs of future specialists, with very diverse interests and numerous and different information needs. The way in which teachers set objectives, choose strategies and find the best means to attain the objectives by selecting and devising teaching materials is a proof of their professional attachment to the subject taught, of the respect towards their students and towards themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several countries in the Region in general and Jordan in particular are moving towards what is called “knowledge economy" and to become more linked to and integrated in global business within the context of "globalization". The main objective of this research was to document and share the experiences of the private sector especially companies in Jordan as part of their work to develop and expand their role in the knowledge-based economy. The paper discussed the contribution of libraries (libraries, information and documentation centers) in business development and the extent to which libraries are used in business management including planning, organization, human resources management and direction and control. The role of libraries in supporting research and development, protection of intellectual property and trademarks, the development of professional networks and working groups through the implicit and explicit information sources was elaborated based on previous studies. The paper attempted to identify the areas that contribute to business information or business intelligence in the success of businesses, thus building the knowledge economy. The paper utilizeddata using standardized interviews with senior executives in six companies in Jordan, including small, medium and large enterprises to understand how they use information to support businesses, identify the channels they use to access information to support policies, procedures and decision making. The paper discussed the role of knowledge management, in particular lessons learned and best practices, and leveraging experiential knowledge in business administration. Based on the analysis of data collected through the interviews, it was concluded that libraries and information centers are underutilized by the business community while implicit knowledge and social networks are more used. The paper offered a number of recommendations: libraries should promote and market their services, they should change the role they play form storage places to more proactive agents to access information, library and information sciences departments should focus on business information in teaching, research and publishing and that research on use of information for planning and decision-making should continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on the findings of an ESRC-funded Knowledge Exchange project designed to explore the contribution of an innovative approach to supervision to social work practitioner's assessment and decision-making practices. The Cognitive and Affective Supervisory Approach (CASA) is informed by cognitive interviewing techniques originally designed to elicit best evidence from witnesses and victims of crime. Adapted here for use in childcare social work supervision contexts, this model is designed to enhance the quantity and quality of information available for decision-making. Facilitating the reporting of both 'event information' and 'emotion information', it allows a more detailed picture to emerge of events, as recalled by the individual involved and the meaning they give to them. Practice supervisors from Children's Services in two local authorities undertook to introduce the CASA into supervision sessions and were supported in this through the provision of regular reflective group discussions. The project findings highlight the challenges for practitioners of 'detailed looking' and for supervisors of 'active listening'. The paper concludes by acknowledging that the CASA's successful contribution to decision-making is contingent on both the motivation and confidence of supervisors to develop their skills and an organisational commitment to, and resourcing of, reflective supervisory practices and spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New capacity laws have been introduced to many jurisdictions over the last decade. These laws have substantially changed the way in which mental health social workers and other professionals approach decisions about and for, clients. Most notably, there is now an expectation that mental health social workers engage more in supported decision-making to prevent the need for substitute decision-making. This article describes the legal and policy drivers that have led to these changes in practice, with a particular emphasis on the significance of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the UNCRPD) and the importance of recovery approaches in mental health services. It then uses selected literature to explore the efficacy of the laws and decision-making in this area. The second part of the article identifies the role that mental health social workers can play in supporting legal capacity, drawing from the author's experience and knowledge of mental health social work and law in four jurisdictions: Victoria, Australia; Ontario, Canada; England and Wales and Northern Ireland. It is concluded that mental health and other social workers need to refine skills, knowledge and values to accommodate this paradigm shift in law, policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making is located at the heart of social work as a core professional activity, because much of what social workers do concerns decisions about future courses of action. Drawing on elements of the learning together systems model and Falkov's Systemic Family Model, this study investigated social worker's perceptions regarding how child protection decisions are made. Evidence was drawn from a constructivist--interpretivist qualitative research design, involving 16 semi-structured interviews with qualified and experienced social workers and 20 direct, non-participant observations of child protection meetings. Evidence from the study suggests that professionals and family members do not rely entirely on the guidance on the threshold criterion of the likelihood and significance of risk of harm when making decisions. Instead, they use discretionary intuition and analytical judgement, involving multidimensional criteria which includes consensus between professionals and with family members; individual professional's state of mind; other agencies and professional's priorities as well as external factors such as the availability of resources. Conclusion can be drawn that existing guidance on decision-making is inadequate, hence the discretionary use of a combination of intuitive heuristics and analytical thinking in a complementary manner. This study, therefore, contributes to considerable conceptual clarity regarding the complex child protection decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to analyse the arguments presented by 181 professionals in the child protection system of the Basque Country (Spain) to justify their decisions regarding the implementation of measures related to family preservation or separation. The implementation of a case vignette demonstrated variability in professional decision-making, with 62% of professionals choosing family preservation and 38% opting for family separation. A series of argument categories which can be used by most professionals when making decisions are extracted from analysis of the content. However, in spite of using similar types of arguments, the professionals differed in the importance they attributed to such criteria and their interpretations. Differences in decision thresholds were directly related to professional's beliefs regarding the benefits of the interventions analysed. To reduce this variability, reflecting on these beliefs and analysing the effectiveness of interventions in child protection to incorporate evidence of professional judgement are recommended. The present study, on the one hand, identifies the argument categories used to justify decisions and on the other, analyses the existing variability when interpreting these categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decisions under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) require scientific input on the risk that the species will become extinct. A series of critiques on the role of science in ESA decisions have called for improved consistency and transparency in species risk assessments and clear distinctions between science input and policy application. To address the critiques and document the emerging practice of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), we outline an assessment process based on principles and practices of risk and decision analyses that results in a scientific report on species status. The species status assessment (SSA) process has three successive stages: 1) document the life history and ecological relationships of the species in question to provide the foundation for the assessment, 2) describe and hypothesize causes for the current condition of the species, and 3) forecast the species' future condition. The future condition refers to the ability of a species to sustain populations in the wild under plausible future scenarios. The scenarios help explore the species' response to future environmental stressors and to assess the potential for conservation to intervene to improve its status. The SSA process incorporates modeling and scenario planning for prediction of extinction risk and applies the conservation biology principles of representation, resiliency, and redundancy to evaluate the current and future condition. The SSA results in a scientific report distinct from policy application, which contributes to streamlined, transparent, and consistent decision-making and allows for greater technical participation by experts outside of the USFWS, for example, by state natural resource agencies. We present two case studies based on assessments of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake Sistrurus catenatus and the Sonoran Desert tortoise Gopherus morafkai to illustrate the process. The SSA builds upon the past threat-focused assessment by including systematic and explicit analyses of a species' future response to stressors and conservation, and as a result, we believe it provides an improved scientific analysis for ESA decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With ignorance and potential surprise dominating decision making in water resources, a framework for dealing with such uncertainty is a critical need in hydrology. We operationalize the ‘potential surprise’ criterion proposed by Shackle, Vickers, and Katzner (SVK) to derive decision rules to manage water resources under uncertainty and ignorance. We apply this framework to managing water supply systems in Bangladesh that face severe, naturally occurring arsenic contamination. The uncertainty involved with arsenic in water supplies makes the application of conventional analysis of decision-making ineffective. Given the uncertainty and surprise involved in such cases, we find that optimal decisions tend to favor actions that avoid irreversible outcomes instead of conventional cost-effective actions. We observe that a diversification of the water supply system also emerges as a robust strategy to avert unintended outcomes of water contamination. Shallow wells had a slight higher optimal level (36%) compare to deep wells and surface treatment which had allocation levels of roughly 32% under each. The approach can be applied in a variety of other cases that involve decision making under uncertainty and surprise, a frequent situation in natural resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Family responsibilities and social expectations often prompt conflict in caregivers' decision-making processes. Janis and Mann's (1977) conflict model describes vigilance as high-quality decision-making resulting in optimal outcomes. The purpose of our research was threefold: (1) to describe decision styles in a population of family caregivers of persons with dementia;(2) to examine the socio-economic characteristics associated with caregivers who are more likely to be vigilant decision-makers;and (3) to assess differences in caregiving experiences between vigilant and non-vigilant caregivers. Method: Our analysis was based on 639 survey respondents recruited from a university-affiliated memory disorders clinic. Results: Our typical caregiver was Caucasian non-Hispanic, was currently married, and had two children. Approximately half of our sample used a 'pure vigilant' decision style. Vigilance was associated with more positive and fewer negative caregiving outcomes. Conclusion: Supporting caregivers to become vigilant decision-makers is a functionally viable intervention that could significantly improve the caregiving experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse is implicated in maladaptive behaviors such as impaired cognition in humans. In a rat model, our lab has shown that testosterone decreases preference for a large/uncertain reward in probability discounting. Other studies have shown that androgens decrease dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell, a region important for decision-making behavior in probability discounting. Thus, we attempted to restore selection of the large/uncertain reward in testosterone-treated rats by administering the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole or the D1 receptor agonist SKF81297 and testing probability discounting. Methods Adolescent male Long-Evans rats were treated chronically with high-dose testosterone (7.5 mg/kg) or vehicle (13% cyclodextrin in water), and tested for probability discounting after injections of saline, 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg of quinpirole or SKF81297. Rats chose between a small/certain reward (1 sugar pellet, 100% probability) and a large/uncertain reward (4 pellets, decreasing probability: 100, 75, 50, 25, 0%). Results Testosterone-treated rats selected the large/uncertain reward significantly less than vehicle-treated controls after saline injection. However, acute injection with 0.1 mg/kg quinpirole increased large/uncertain reward preference in testosterone-treated rats only, indicated by a testosterone x quinpirole interaction. At 0.5 mg/kg, quinpirole increased large/uncertain reward preference in all rats. Acute injection with SKF81297 at 0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg rescued large/uncertain reward preference in testosteronetreated rats by eliminating the difference between groups. Conclusions It appears that altered probability discounting behavior in testosterone-treated rats is due to both decreased D1 and D2 receptor function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crisis situations are inherently uncertain and threatening. Although the primal stress reactions they provoke deliver some advantages, they so severely restrict intellect and behaviour that consultants observe crisis teams making the same mistakes over and again. Stress risks can be managed before, during and after a crisis. Crisis planning can select the right people, control the crisis team environment, and mitigate fatigue risks and memory demands. Because stress reactions are primitive, stress can be manipulated at a remarkably primitive level and teams can increase their resilience through such basics as sleep and breathing skills. Teams can learn to manipulate perceptions of danger, to tolerate uncertainty and to become comfortable making decisions which were reasonable at the time. Crisis leaders can frame the crisis as a challenge and options as gains, and can ensure the team avoids groupthink and challenges the paradigm. Where individuals are trained to apply critical thinking processes, intuitive decision-making is not only fast, but also accurate, and helps to challenge assumptions, predictions and groupthink. Crises are more easily recognised and managed where training has covered critical decision methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study wasto examine the role of cognitive factors, such as superstition, locus of control, decision-making and unrealistic optimism,on gambling.Eighty-six subjects participated in this study. They were divided into four groups: non-players, social players, problem gamblers, and pathological gamblers. Groups were formed on the basis of South Oaks Gambling Screen Scale. Results showed that pathological gamblers group obtained a high superstition index. With reference to unrealistic optimism, gambler groupbelieved that they had a better chance of success compared to non-gamblers. They also showed a higher impulsivity index in decision making than non-gamblers. This study supports the idea that cognitive factors such as superstition, unrealistic optimism, impulsivity and external locus of control are involved in gambling.

This study analyzes the level of satisfaction of stakeholders in the public participation process (PPP) of water resources management, which is mandatory according to the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). The methodology uses a fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), which allows the identification of a combination of factors that lead to the outcome that is stakeholders' satisfaction. It allows dealing with uncertain environments due to the heterogeneous nature of stakeholders and factors. The considered causes range from environmental objectives pursued, actual capacity of efficiently carrying out those objectives, socioeconomic development of the region, level of involvement and means of participation of the stakeholders engaged in the PPP, and alternative policies and measures that should be performed. Results support the argument that different causal paths explain the stakeholders' satisfaction. The methodology may help in the implementation of the WFD and conflict resolution since it leads to greater fairness, social equity, and consensus among stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past 20 years, institutions of higher education have made major investments in Learning Management Systems (LMSs). As institutions have integrated the LMS into campus culture, the potential of migrating to not only an upgraded version of the LMS, but also an entirely different LMS, has become a reality. This qualitative research study examines the perspectives of five stakeholders involved with the migration of an LMS at a major research institution in the southeastern United States. Using Lewin's (1947) Change Management Model and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Model as analogies, this research seeks to understand the role and responsibilities of the various stakeholders, their decision-making, and the implications of the decisions on the migration process. Using Glaser and Strauss's (1967) constant comparative method and Charmaz's (2006) work related to grounded theory, four major categories emerged from our data: time as a catalyst for change, power of communication, compatibility of technologies, and faith in the system. The categories contribute to a preliminary model that may assist other institutions as they consider whether to migrate LMSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The asset management industry's approach to risk management is continually evolving. A concentrated focus has been invested to develop risk appetite statements (RAS) and internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) reports. Guidance documentation and surveys often state that there are disconnects between the RAS, ICAAP, other risk processes and decision-making activities across firms. Resolving these disconnects enhances the integrated business profile reports submitted to committees, which ultimately drives how senior management decides to allocate resources. Not resolving these disconnects hinders a firm's ability to grow and meeting strategic objectives. Risk management consists of multiple estimates -- whether day-to-day or once-in-a-lifetime risk exposure assessments -- and, as with all estimates, there are multiple ways to obtain a reasonable result based on relevant data and assumptions, but not without a certain level of subjectivity. It is therefore important to note that this paper provides one possible solution for resolving disconnects in risk processes, but its success is dependent on robust governance and proper business planning. The risk processes referred to in this paper relate to the risks facing the asset management business and not the risks contractually borne by its clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative to conventional models that treat decisions as open-loop independent choices is presented. The alterative model is based on observations of work situations such as healthcare, where decisionmaking is more typically a closed-loop, dynamic, problem-solving process. The article suggests five important distinctions between the processes assumed by conventional models and the reality of decisionmaking in practice. It is suggested that the logic of abduction in the form of an adaptive, muddling through process is more consistent with the realities of practice in domains such as healthcare. The practical implication is that the design goal should not be to improve consistency with normative models of rationality, but to tune the representations guiding the muddling process to increase functional perspicacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd 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.)

Values are those principles that govern behaviours, and values-based practice has been described as a theory and skills base for effective healthcare decision-making where different (and hence potentially conflicting) values are in play. The emphasis is on good process rather than pre-set right outcomes, aiming to achieve balanced decision-making. In this article we will consider the utility of this model by looking at leadership development, a current area of much interest and investment in healthcare. Copeland points out that ‘values based leadership behaviors are styles with a moral, authentic and ethical dimension’, important qualities in healthcare decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transformations in Business & Economics is the property of Vilnius 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.)

This study aimed to investigate the influence of the defending players' positioning on the service outcomes. Thirty-nine sequences of play involving serves were selected from nine games of a Professional Championship of volleyball held in Brazil. They characterized three main situations: (a) aces (serves that the ball hit the ground of the opponent's court without being touched by any defending player) (n = 13), (b) serves which a defending player touched the ball but there was no continuity in the rally (n = 13), and (c) serves received successfully, that is, a defender received the ball and made possible the continuity of the rally (n = 13). These situations were compared by considering the following variables: (1) defender's distance to the place of serve finalization, (2) velocity of defender's displacement to the place of serve finalization; (3) variability of defending player's displacement; and, (4) serve velocity. Results showed that the defender's distance to the place of serve finalization in the aces were greater than in the both other situations. The findings allowed us to conclude that in competitive performances in the sport of volleyball, the defender's distance to the place of serve finalization determined the service outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy subjects tend to exhibit a bias of visual attention whereby left hemifield stimuli are processedmore quickly and accurately than stimuli appearing in the right hemifield. It has long been held that this phenomenon arises fromthe dominant role of the right cerebral hemisphere in regulating attention.However,methods that would enablemore precise understanding of themechanisms underpinning visuospatial bias have remained elusive.We sought to finely trace the temporal evolution of spatial biases by leveraging a novel bilateral dot motion detection paradigm. In combination with electroencephalography, this paradigm enables researchers to isolate discrete neural signals reflecting the key neural processes needed formaking these detection decisions. These include signals for spatial attention, early target selection, evidence accumulation, and motor preparation. Using this method, we established that three key neural markers accounted for unique between-subject variation in visuospatial bias: hemispheric asymmetry in posterior α power measured before target onset,which is related to the distribution of preparatory attention across the visual field; asymmetry in the peak latency of the early N2c target-selection signal; and, finally, asymmetry in the onset time of the subsequent neural evidence-accumulation process with earlier onsets for left hemifield targets.Our development of a single paradigm to dissociate distinct processing components that track the temporal evolution of spatial biases not only advances our understanding of the neuralmechanisms underpinning normal visuospatial attention bias, butmay also in the future aid differential diagnoses in disorders of spatial attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo do estudo é investigar as decisões de investimento em alunos e egressos de um Programa de pós-graduação stricto sensu, na modalidade acadêmica, em contabilidade, de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior (IFES) localizada na Região Sul do Brasil, quanto a continuar ou descontinuar o projeto de investimento, ou seja, pretende-se verificar a ocorrência do efeito sunk cost em relação ao estágio de formação acadêmica. As informações foram coletadas a partir da aplicação de um questionário constituindo de um dos cenários de decisão de investimento, proposto no experimento de Kwak e Moom (2010). Para análise dos dados utilizou-se o teste não-paramétrico Qui-Quadrado. Os dados foram tratados e analisados pelo software XLSTAT. A amostra, intencional, foi composta de 46 respondentes. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que a decisão de continuidade do projeto de investimento é predominante, tanto para Mestres quanto para Mestrandos, caracterizando a ocorrência do efeito sunk cost nos dois grupos. O teste realizado demonstrou que não há relação de dependência entre o estágio de formação dos respondentes e a percepção do efeito sunk cost nas decisões de investimentos. The study objective is to investigate investment decisions in students and graduates of a program of post-graduate studies in academic mode, in Accounting at a Federal Higher Education Institution (IFES) located in southern Brazil, related to continue or discontinue the investment project. It is intended to verify the occurrence of the sunk cost effect in relation to the stage of academic training. Information was collected from a questionnaire composed of one of the scenarios which required an investment decision, proposed by Kwak and Moom (2010) experiment. The nonparametric Chi-Square test was used for data analysis. The data were processed and analyzed by the software XLSTAT. The sample, intentionally, was consisted of 46 respondents. The results show that the decision of continuity of the investment project is predominant for both Masters as to master degree students, characterizing the occurrence of the sunk cost effect in both groups. The test carried out showed no dependency relationship between the formation stage of the respondents and the perception of the sunk cost effect on investment decisions.

Biological invasions cause many impacts that differ widely in how they are perceived. We argue that many conflicts in the valuation of the impacts of alien species are attributable to differences in the framing of the issue and implicit assumptions--such conflicts are often not acknowledged. We present 13 principles that can help guide valuation and therefore inform the management of alien species. Seven of these relate to the science domain, representing aspects of change caused by alien species that can be measured or otherwise assessed using scientific methods. The remaining six principles invoke values, risk perception, and environmental ethics, but also cognitive and motivational decision biases. We illustrate the consequences of insufficient appreciation of these principles. Finally, we provide guidance rooted in political agreements and environmental ethics for improving the consideration of the consequences of these principles and present appropriate tools for management decisions relating to alien species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) was created in 2009 to fund collaborative, science-based restoration. The role of science in collaborative forest restoration efforts such as the CFLRP is evolving as decisionmaking is complicated by a multitude of social and ecological factors. However, empirical evidence about the use of science in this context is limited. This article addresses the following question: How do CFLRP collaboratives obtain scientific information and what role does science play? Interviews and a survey of five CFLRP collaboratives in the Western United States were used to assess science sources, communication, perceptions, and obstacles. The results indicate that CFLRP collaboratives access scientific information primarily from university-based organizations and federal agencies via oral modes of delivery. Although the role of science is still somewhat unclear, CFLRP collaboratives are committed to incorporating science, and effective science delivery approaches may help facilitate the use of science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vulnerability of youth to unemployment is a problem to be addressed urgently from the various political, economic, social and educational fields. The present educational study has two objectives: a) to analyze the expectations and the personal, educational and professional interests of adolescents in compulsory secondary education; and b) to identify the factors that affect vocational decision-making in this student group. It is a case study of a secondary education institution in the Spanish province of Cordoba. The choice of qualitative methods was determined by access criteria to the institution. The study shows the need to plan individualized academic and professional orientation processes that enable realistic analysis and decision-making based on a balanced account of personal interests and competencies, the training offer and labor market demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nursing surveillance has been identified as a key intervention in early recognition and prevention of errors/adverse events. Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) defines surveillance as ''the purposeful and ongoing acquisition, interpretation, and synthesis of patient data for clinical decisionmaking.'' Because nurses are themain staffing constant in the critical care environment, the importance of surveillance as an intervention is fundamental. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore how surveillance is expressed by critical care nurses. Methods: A descriptive exploratory research design was used. Think-aloud was used for data collection. Twenty-one registered nurses from 3 critical care units participated in the study. Participants were asked to say out loud whatever they were thinking as they performed patient care at 3 time points: during handoff, initial patient assessment, and after 4 hours of care. Think-aloud (saying aloud what one is thinking) represents the information (cues) that is attended to in short-term memory, before it has been processed and stored. Data were analyzed using content analysis with key concepts and themes identified. Results: The expression of surveillance was through the main theme of finding meaning. Surveillance involved (a) knowing the patient, (b) shared understanding and decision making, and (c) thinking ahead. The outcomes of these activities were aimed at finding meaning in the cues that emerged as the overarching theme. Discussion: Surveillance was expressed through nurses' gathering cues, reflecting on past knowledge, asking questions, verifying, and pulling it all together to find meaning. During handoff, surveillance involved collaborative cognitive work to find meaning in cues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Herding is a phenomenon by which individuals follow the behavior of others rather than deciding independently on the basis of their own private information. A herding-like phenomenon can occur in multiple sclerosis (MS) when a neurologist follows a therapeutic recommendation by a colleague even though it is not supported by best practice clinical guidelines. Limited information is currently available on the role of herding in medical care. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence (and its associated factors) of herding in the management of MS. Methods: We conducted a study among neurologists with expertise in MS care throughout Spain. Participants answered questions regarding the management of 20 case scenarios commonly encountered in clinical practice and completed 3 surveys and 4 experimental paradigms based on behavioral economics. The herding experiment consisted of a case scenario of a 40-year-old woman who has been stable for 3 years on subcutaneous interferon and developed a self-limited neurological event. There were no new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions. Her neurological examination and disability scores were unchanged. She was advised by an MS neurologist to switch from interferon to fingolimod against best practice guidelines. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate factors associated with herding. Results: Out of 161 neurologists who were invited to participate, 96 completed the study (response rate: 60%). Herding was present in 75 (78.1%), having a similar prevalence in MS experts and general neurologists (68.8% vs 82.8%; P=0.12). In multivariate analyses, the number of MS patients seen per week was positively associated with herding (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.14). Conversely, physician's age, gender, years of practice, setting of practice, or risk preferences were not associated with herding. Conclusion: Herding was a common phenomenon affecting nearly 8 out of 10 neurologists caring for MS patients. Herding may affect medical decisions and lead to poorer outcomes in the management of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to review the performance of business students in ethics assessments and suggest enhancements to the ethics curriculum. Data triangulation method was used to gather the data. First, data was gathered from ethics assessments that tested the performance of students. Then a faculty focus group discussion was held to gather their thoughts on the future of the ethics education. Incorporating these thoughts, 389 students were surveyed to understand their perspectives on the future of ethics education. The results show that the faculty members believe the student performance needs improvement. In addition, the faculty and the students make detailed recommendations to enhance the ethics curriculum at the introductory and advanced levels. Their recommendations include that code of conduct should be a part of ethics education, and faculty members with work experience related to ethical dilemmas should deliver the ethics education. Both groups opined on the possibility of teaching ethics in a stand-alone course versus imbedding it in select courses. The details of the findings and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US Department of Agriculture Forest Service's Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) was created in 2009 to fund collaborative, science-based restoration. The role of science in collaborative forest restoration efforts such as the CFLRP is evolving as decisionmaking is complicated by a multitude of social and ecological factors. However, empirical evidence about the use of science in this context is limited. This article addresses the following question: How do CFLRP collaboratives obtain scientific information and what role does science play? Interviews and a survey of five CFLRP collaboratives in the Western United States were used to assess science sources, communication, perceptions, and obstacles. The results indicate that CFLRP collaboratives access scientific information primarily from university-based organizations and federal agencies via oral modes of delivery. Although the role of science is still somewhat unclear, CFLRP collaboratives are committed to incorporating science, and effective science delivery approaches may help facilitate the use of science. Management and Policy Implications: The Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP) explicitly calls for "collaborative, science-based restoration" and use of the "best available science." However, collaborative forest restoration is a complex process in which scientific outputs are some of many sources of information. This complexity makes access to usable scientific information critical if science is to play a significant role in planning, decisionmaking, and implementation. Understanding how CFLRP collaboratives access scientific information and view the role of science can improve our understanding of how to most effectively use science in this context. I found that the five CFLRP collaboratives surveyed in this article largely access scientific information from university-based sources and federal agencies, primarily the Forest Service. Meanwhile, the ecological sciences and silvicultural knowledge are the most common disciplines called on for scientific information. Science is primarily delivered in oral formats through in-person meetings and presentations, although notably, respondents preferred to receive scientific information in peer-reviewed articles. Although the role of science in CFLRP collaboratives is still somewhat unclear and contested, the participants in the CFLRP projects surveyed generally accept scientific information, and there is a clear commitment to incorporating science in decisionmaking. Therefore, I recommend that participants in CFLRP collaboratives and similar collaborative forest restoration efforts emphasize oral, in-person delivery of scientific information, as well as sustained interactions among scientists, collaborative stakeholders, decisionmakers, and implementers. Ongoing, face-to-face interactions can help to build trust and mutual respect, encourage transparency, and facilitate communication and development of a common language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most recurring strengths attributed to the use of participatory video is its ability to enable social change, advocacy, activism and empowerment. Yet, to what extent is this a joint vision of all parties involved in the participatory video process? Why do researchers and participants do participatory video? What are their differential motivations and how does this affect decisionmaking during the participatory video process? In this paper, we reflect on these questions through discussing participatory video experiences of research carried out by the authors in collaboration with indigenous communities in the North Rupununi, Guyana and in Tumucumaque, Brazil. Participatory video formed part of a project involving local communities, local, national and international civil society organisations and academic researchers. We evaluate the different perceptions and distinct worldviews of the individuals, groups and organisations involved in the participatory video process, and show how these determine the ways in which people participate. We conclude that a significant component of the participatory video process needs to include the iterative surfacing of individual motivations and worldviews using an adaptive research approach. This helps to negotiate expectations of all researchers and participants at different stages of the participatory video, enabling greater outcomes for all participants, while at the same time producing more nuanced and grounded academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]