Acceptable Set Research Articles

Resultados e interpretación al aplicar la técnica de matriz de riesgo en braquiterapia

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los resultados obtenidos al aplicar la técnica de matriz de riesgo, con la aplicación SEVRRA, en braquiterapia, y además las precauciones que se deben tomar en su aplicación y en la interpretación de los resultados. Para este fin se realizó el análisis de riesgo de una instalación de braquiterapia de alta tasa de dosis utilizando el software SEVRRA y con una herramienta desarrollada en base en el método de matriz de riesgo en una hoja de cálculo. Los resultados del segundo cribado mostraron discrepancias entre el perfil de riesgo obtenido con la aplicación SEVRRA y la herramienta propia. El porcentaje de sucesos iniciadores con riesgo alto con la aplicación SEVRRA fue de 6 %, y con la herramienta propia de 14 %. Luego de un análisis de cada suceso se observó que las discrepancias se deben a que la ponderación de la robustez de las barreras de seguridad en SEVRRA es inconsistente con las definidas en la técnica de matriz de riesgo. Estos resultados tienen profundas implicaciones en función de la aceptabilidad del riesgo planteada en la metodología. Adicionalmente, se encontró que la metodología de matriz de riesgo no tiene en cuenta los riesgos inherentes a la práctica. A pesar de las inconsistencias observadas, se reconoce el potencial de la herramienta SEVRRA para la evaluación de riesgo de instalaciones radiactivas, por ser de fácil uso; sin embargo, se recomienda la revisión de la robustez de algunas barreras, con el fin de obtener el perfil de riesgo de acuerdo con la metodología. De esta forma en base a los resultados, se podrán priorizar las medidas que deben adoptarse para garantizar la seguridad radiológica de las instalaciones.

Path Planning under Force Control in Robotic Polishing of the Complex Curved Surfaces

Surface polishing is required in many manufacturing sectors. Currently, it demands a large amount of manual work, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and costly. Additionally, it creates hazards for the workers as it may result in many deadly respiratory diseases. Robotic polishing is the solution to these problems. It can improve productivity, eliminate the defects, and provides consistent product quality. In this paper, an effective approach is presented for the robotic polishing of the complex curved surfaces. The key part of the presented method is the tool path planning with controlled force and polishing parameters optimization evaluated using design of experiments (DOE). The tool path planning is aimed at improving the surface quality and the contact area per path. The constraints of joint limits and productivity are also considered. Moreover, its jerk avoidance strategy allows the robot to move swiftly while ensuring a smooth trajectory. The presented method is verified for the polishing of an eyeglass frame. A considerable improvement of 90% on the average roughness is achieved with the maximum acceptable roughness set at 0.02 µm. The polishing operation takes just 79 secs and the average glossiness of 76 G is achieved on the final product along with the successful elimination of scratches on the surface.

Key recommendations for high-quality female oncofertility care based on international clinical practice guidelines.

Which guideline-based key recommendations can be selected for high-quality female oncofertility care? The Delphi method was used to select a set of key recommendations for female oncofertility care. First, recommendations from (inter)national clinical practice guidelines were selected in four domains: risk communication, referral, counselling and decision-making. Thereafter, they were scored, per domain, on their importance for high-quality oncofertility care by a multidisciplinary, oncofertility expert panel, consisting of patients, referrers and counsellors, in two Delphi rounds. Finally, the selected key recommendations were presented for approval in a third round. Differences in perspectives between subgroups of the expert panel were analysed. A panel of 86 experts was asked to select key recommendations for high-quality oncofertility care. Eleven key recommendations were selected. Key recommendations in the domains risk communication and referral focused on information provision and offering referral to a reproductive specialist to female cancer patients. With the counselling domain, key recommendations focused on all aspects of counselling, including different methods, safety, pros and cons. In the decision-making domain, key recommendations focused on shared decision-making and supporting the decision with written information. The final set of key recommendations was approved by 91% of the experts. Differences in perspectives were found between subgroups. Patients found recommendations on decision-making and information provision more important. A set of 11 key recommendations for high-quality female oncofertility care was selected by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The involvement of the perspectives of patients, referrers and counsellors led to this valid, acceptable and credible set of key recommendations.

Analysis of Inorganic Arsenic (As(III) and Total As) and Some Physicochemical Parameters in Groundwater Samples from Selected Areas in Bulacan, Batangas, and Laguna, Philippines

Numerous cases of arsenic (As) poisoning from contaminated groundwater have been reported worldwide including the Philippines. The maximum contamination limit has been set by World Health Organization (WHO) for arsenic in drinking water at 10 ppb. This study determined the As(III) and total As content of groundwater samples in selected sites of Bulacan, Batangas, and Laguna by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The pH, temperature, conductivity, total solids, turbidity, and salinity of the groundwater samples were also determined during sample collection. Groundwater samples from Laguna were naturally warm, with collection temperatures exceeding 30 oC, compared to water samples from Batangas and Bulacan ((T = 27 to 29.5 ˚C). The pH and turbidity of all samples were found to comply with the limits based on acceptability set by the WHO and the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). However, some samples had total dissolved solids and salinity beyond the limits set by the WHO and PNSDW guidelines. Moreover, some of the samples tested contained arsenite As(III), the more toxic form of arsenic, above 10 ppb whereas only one water sample tested had less than 10 ppb total arsenic content.

Dual representations for systemic risk measures based on acceptance sets

We establish dual representations for systemic risk measures based on acceptance sets in a general setting. We deal with systemic risk measures of both “first allocate, then aggregate” and “first aggregate, then allocate” type. In both cases, we provide a detailed analysis of the corresponding systemic acceptance sets and their support functions. The same approach delivers a simple and self-contained proof of the dual representation of utility-based risk measures for univariate positions.

The community pharmacy setting for diabetes prevention: A mixed methods study in people with 'pre-diabetes'.

Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPPs) comprising intensive lifestyle interventions may delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in people with pre-diabetes. However, engagement with DPPs is variable with session times and transportation being reported amongst barriers; this may be addressed by community pharmacy (CP) involvement given its recognition for accessibility. To explore factors influencing engagement with the National Health Service (NHS) DPP and the role of CP in diabetes prevention. Nine hundred and sixty-two questionnaires were posted to people with pre-diabetes identified from five general practices in Norfolk, England between November 2017 and May 2018. Follow-up semi-structured interviews (n = 10) and a focus group (n = 6) were conducted with a sample of questionnaire respondents. Questionnaire data were analysed quantitatively using SPSS and qualitative data analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Themes relating to engagement and the role of CP in pre-diabetes were further analysed using the COM-B model of behaviour change. A total of 181 (18.8%) questionnaire responses were received, a quarter of whom reported to have either dropped out or declined attending the national DPP. DPP engagers were more likely to report the program location and session times as convenient. Community pharmacy was perceived as an acceptable setting for delivering diabetes prevention services (DPS) and a preferable alternative for regular pharmacy users and people with work and social commitments. Participants felt that opportunity to engage with CP DPS is enhanced by its accessibility and flexibility in making appointments. Knowledge about the DPS provided in CP and previous experience with CP services were central influences of capability and motivation to engage respectively. This research outlines factors that could influence engagement with community pharmacy-based DPS and provides evidence to inform intervention development. Further research would be required to determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of such interventions.

Alcohol brief interventions for male remand prisoners: a mixed-methods feasibility and acceptability study

BackgroundThe global prison population exceeds 10 million. Drinking at levels that put a person at risk of health or social harms is a recognised public health concern in remand prisoners. We aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an alcohol brief intervention for adult men on remand in prison and to develop an appropriate alcohol brief intervention and protocol for a multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial. MethodsWe used mixed-methods design in two prisons in the UK (one in Scotland and one in England). Individuals were given information leaflets before the study and consent was obtained from all participants. We used a survey that included questions relating to alcohol use (using the 10-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and semi-structured interviews to explore feasibility, and acceptability of an intervention trial, to collect data between June 16, 2016, and Nov 25, 2016. Findings502 incarcerated males (237 [47%] sentenced; 265 [53%] remand) pariticpated in the survey (257 participants in Scotland, 245 particiapnts in England). Most participants were white British (480 men [96%]) and mean age was 33 years (SD 10). 402 (81%) of 496 men scored positive for an alcohol use disorder (188 [80%] of 235 sentenced men; 214 [82%] of 261 remand prisoners). 208 (42%) of 496 men scored as probably dependent on alcohol (81 [34%] of 235 sentenced men; 127 [49%] of 261 remand prisoners). 417 (92%) of 453 men reported that they would not feel coerced to take part in research. 166 (64%; 95% CI 57–69) of 261 men on remand and 113 (48%; 42–55) of 234 sentenced prisoners thought that an alcohol brief intervention of at least 20 min would be useful in the prison setting. We did semi-structured interviews with 24 participants (12 participants in Scotland, 12 participants in England; mean age 30·71 years, range 18–64) to ascertain views of participants. The results show that participants thought that prison is a feasibile and acceptable setting for an alcohol brief intervention; however, participants would like follow-up interventions after release and considered it important that the intervention was not delivered by prison staff. InterpretationThis study resulted in a successful bid to progress this work through a pilot randomised controlled trial. FundingMedical Research Council Public Health Intervention Development scheme (MRC-PHIND).

Method of Generalized Evaluation in the Selecting Factors and Levels of Variation in the Multifactorial Study of Sowing Machines

The results of studying complex objects can be presented as a problem with several outputs, and this will require a separate mathematical model for each result. If we use a generalized optimization criterion (super criterion), for example, in the form of the Harrington desirability function, one model will suffice. The authors have drawn an example of applying this methodology to determine the factors influencing the seeding process performed with an experimental seeder.(Research purpose) To show general recommendations for improving the process of planning and organization of scientific experiments in the field of agricultural engineering.(Materials and methods) The authors were guided by the idea of converting the natural values of particular criteria (or characteristics) into a dimensionless scale of desirability with subsequent assessment of the level of preference of a set of factors and their levels of variation in a multifactorial experiment. The object of research was represented by a sowing unit used for combined seeding of two crops. (Results and discussion) The study has established the following levels of desirability of natural output values (combinations of the variation levels of experimental factors): "very good", "good", "satisfactory", "bad", and "very bad". The rate of influence of these factors on corn seed sowing with an experimental seeder was obtained by applying a priori ranking technique. An acceptable set of values (a combination of optimal and maximum values) from the range of factors variation was revealed, which provides for more qualitative choice of the main factors influencing the optimization parameter. The authors have demonstrated the operation of the patented software to calculate data according to the Box-Behnken plan, which allows to obtain sufficient information about the response surface of the process in the experiment center selected as the expected optimum. (Conclusions) The paper presents the way of preparing for an experiment and subsequent processing of the results of complex studies using the super criterion. The necessity for digitalizing the process of planning and organization of scientific experiments has been emphasized.

Partial ML Detection for Frequency-Asynchronous Distributed Alamouti-Coded (FADAC) OFDM

To further enhance frequency-asynchronous distributed Alamouti-coded (FADAC) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), we propose a new scheme which combines the partial maximum likelihood detection (PMLD) to the residual intercarrier interference cancellation (RIC). In order to decrease the performance gap from intercarrier interference- (ICI-) free level after single time iteration of the RIC, the final stage of the proposed scheme performs the PMLD limited to the symbols of less-reliable decision variables. We show that with the practically acceptable candidate symbol set size, a single iteration for RIC is enough to achieve the ICI-free performance. Moreover, the proposed scheme substantially expands the allowable ranges of the three undesirable terms, i.e., the timing and frequency offsets between the transmit antennas and the multipath delay spreads.

Optimizing data quality of pharmaceutical information systems in public health care in resource limited settings.

Robust pharmaceutical management information systems (PMIS) strengthen healthcare planning and delivery. Few nationwide studies in resource limited settings in Africa validate the data quality of PMIS in public healthcare. To determine predictors and quality of data in a nationwide PMIS database in Namibia. A population-level analysis of the quality of data i.e. completeness, accuracy and consistency in a nationwide PMIS database, 2007-2015. Data quality of the PMIS was determined by three domains, completeness, accuracy and consistency. Data completeness was determined by level of missing data in SPSSv25, with acceptable level set at <5%. Data accuracy was determined by proportion of PMIS indicators with extreme outliers. Data consistence was determined by patterns of missingness, i.e. random or systematic. Predictors of data quality were determined using logistic regression modelling. A total of 544 entries and 12 indicators were registered in the PMIS at 38 public health facilities. All the PMIS indicators had missing data and 50% (n = 6) had inaccurate data i.e. extreme values. The data for most PMIS indicators (75%, n = 12) were consistent with the pattern of missing completely at random (MCAR, i.e. missingness <5%). Incompleteness of PMIS data was highest for average number of prescriptions 6%, annual expenditure per capita for pharmaceuticals 5% and population per pharmacist's assistant 5%. The main predictors of poor quality of PMIS data were year of reporting of PMIS data (p = 0.035), level of health facility (p < 0.001), vital reference materials available at the pharmacy (p = 0.002), and pharmacists' posts filled (p = 0.013). The data quality of PMIS in public health care in Namibia is sub-optimal and widely varies by reporting period, level of health facility and region. The integration of data quality assurance systems is required to strengthen quality of PMIS data to optimize quality of PMIS data in public health care.

Flawed organizational purpose? Changing the narrative in management education and practice

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge current and future organizational managers toward engaging in a process of reflecting on the purpose of their performance and the purpose of the organization they serve and also to challenge management educators and coaches to reflect on the emphasis of their training of those who will step into management positions. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews the current criticism on organizational management education and practice, and brings global inequality in the scope to underscore the importance of correcting a flawed system based on a flawed perspective. Findings It is critical to change the narrative the authors use for management in organizations from, “organizations exist to maximize the value of their shareholders, and the managers in those organizations need to ensure that this happens” to, “organizations exist to support the communities in which they operate, and managers in those organizations need to ensure that this happens.” Practical implications Organizational managers will focus on a more socially acceptable set of priorities when adopting the narrative promoted in this paper. Business educators will focus on more transdisciplinary approaches to help their students think beyond self-centered and sheer profit-based boundaries, and plant seeds toward constructive and morally sound social change early on. Social implications Communities will fare much better when the organizations in their areas will focus more on well-being of those who reside in the community rather than a handful of often absent shareholders. Originality/value This paper questions the core of organizational existence and managerial performance therein. It reaches beyond technological, operational, and tactical levels of performance and questions the grand strategy of organizational existence and performance.

Event prediction algorithm using neural networks for the power management system of electric vehicles

The power management system for electronic vehicles selectively activates Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in the electronic control system according to time-series vehicle data and predefined operation states. However, at an operation state transition, the energy overheads used for the selective ECU activation could be higher than the energy saved by deactivating ECUs. To prevent these energy-inefficient state transitions, we apply two main ideas to our proposed algorithm: (A) unacceptable state transitions and (B) adaptive training speed. For the unacceptable transitions, our energy model evaluates the breakeven time where energy saving equals to energy overheads. Based on the breakeven time, our algorithm classifies training dataset as unacceptable and acceptable event sets. Especially when the algorithm trains neural networks for the two event sets, the adaptive training speed expedites its training speed based on a history of training errors. Consequently, without violating in-vehicle time constraints, the algorithm could provide real-time predictions and save energy overheads by avoiding unacceptable transitions. In the simulation results on real driving datasets, our algorithm improves the energy dissipation of the electronic control system by 5% to 7%.

Восстановление целевой работы в автоматической сбое- и отказоустойчивой многозадачной распределенной информационно-управляющей системе

The paper deals with the organization of target work recovery processes after admissible failures and faults in an automatic failure and fault tolerant multitask distributed multi-machine system of the network structure performing a set of the target functions set by external users. The system is characterized by parallel execution of a set of interacting target tasks performed on separate computer subsystems, which are organized sets of digital computers. The specified level of failure- and fault-tolerance of the task is provided by its replication, i.e. parallel execution of copies of this task on several computers that make up the system, with the exchange of results and the choice of the correct one. The study introduces the characteristics, principles of construction, features of the considered systems and their "philosophical" essence from the point of view of failure- and fault-tolerance. Within the research, we determined the factors of complexity in the design of failure- and fault-tolerant systems of this class. The most general model of malicious computer failure is adopted, in which the computer behavior can be arbitrary, different in relation to other computers interacting with it, and even as malicious. We focus on the part of the problem of organizing dynamic redundancy in the developed system. The problem arises after an acceptable set of faults is detected in this system in some complex (or some set of F complexes) by each of the fault-free digital computers of each such complex and each such fault is also synchronously and consistently identified by place of origin and by type as a software failure of a certain digital computer of this complex. This part of the problem is solved by restoring all necessary information identified in a state of software malfunction of a certain complex. The information is transmitted to this digital computer from fault-free digital computers of this complex. The list of instructions required for such a recovery, as well as the actions of the complex in the recovery process, is determined.

Towards the revision of the drinking water directive 98/83/EC. Development of a direct injection ion chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric method for the monitoring of fifteen common and emerging disinfection by-products along the drinking water supply chain

According to the recent proposal released by the European Commission for the revision of the 98/83/EC Directive, water suppliers will be requested to monitor the nine bromine- and chlorine congeners of haloacetic acids, HAAs, as well as the oxyhalides chlorite and chlorate, as disinfection by-products (DBPs) originated during the potabilization process.In this work, we propose a direct-injection method based on ion chromatography and mass spectrometric detection for the determination of the mentioned DBPs as well as bromate (already included in the 98/83/EC), implemented also for the following emerging HAAs monoiodo-, chloroiodo- and diiodo-acetic acids. The method was optimized to include the fifteen compounds in the same analytical run, tuning the chromatographic (column and gradient) and detection conditions (suppression current, transitions, RF lens settings and collision energies). To avoid matrix effect and to manage the instrumental conditions, optimization was performed directly in drinking water matrix. The method quantitation limits satisfy the new limits imposed by the future directive and range from 0.08 μg/L (monobromoacetic acid) to 0.34 μg/L (trichloroacetic acid). The performance of the method was checked along different strategic sampling points of three potabilization plants serving the city of Turin (Italy), including intermediate treatments and finished waters. Recovery was checked according to the ±30% limit of acceptability set by EPA regulations. The effect of disproportionate concentrations of chlorite and chlorate in respect to HAAs on HAA signals was studied; this aspect is underestimated in literature. The method is routinely applied by the potabilization plant of the city of Turin to confirm the effectiveness of all control measures in abstraction, treatment, distribution and storage. This study represents the first example in Italy of development and use of a cutting-edge technique for HAAs analysis along the potabilization processes.

Thermal comfort of people from two types of air-conditioned buildings - Evidences from chamber experiments

Air conditioning has been basically generalized in buildings as the most effective means of cooling in South China; there are two common types of air conditioning: centralized air conditioning system and split-type air-conditioner. The present study recruited 60 healthy young people, half from buildings with centralized air conditioning system (CAC buildings) and half from buildings with split-type air-conditioner (SAC buildings), and exposed them to a wide range of temperatures (20–32 °C) and humidity (50% and 70%) in a climate chamber. The results showed that the mean skin temperature was significantly higher for subjects from the CAC buildings under the non-neutral conditions, whereas there were no significant differences for other physiological responses. The two groups of subjects reported the same neutral temperatures (26.8 °C and 26.6 °C) and thermal sensitivities (0.31 °C-1). The 90% thermally acceptable SET ranges were 24.8–27.4 °C and 24.4–30.1 °C for the two groups of subjects, and the range was narrower by 3.1 °C and the upper limit was lower by 2.7 °C for subjects from the CAC buildings. Thermal history containing intermittent and short-term high & low-temperature exposures in the SAC buildings is suggested to strengthen the occupants' thermoregulatory ability. The long-term experience with a more stable cool environment and the less perceived controls are expected to shape a higher thermal expectation of occupants in the CAC buildings. This study specifies the thermal requirements of people in the two types of air-conditioned buildings, and promotes the understanding of the impacts of thermal history and expectation on human thermal comfort.

Complexity of Abstract Argumentation under a Claim-Centric View

Abstract argumentation frameworks have been introduced by Dung as part of an argumentation process, where arguments and conflicts are derived from a given knowledge base. It is solely this relation between arguments that is then used in order to identify acceptable sets of arguments. A final step concerns the acceptance status of particular statements by reviewing the actual contents of the acceptable arguments. Complexity analysis of abstract argumentation so far has neglected this final step and is concerned with argument names instead of their contents, i.e. their claims. As we outline in this paper, this is not only a slight deviation but can lead to different complexity results. We, therefore, give a comprehensive complexity analysis of abstract argumentation under a claim-centric view and analyse the four main decision problems under seven popular semantics. In addition, we also address the complexity of common sub-classes and introduce novel parameterisations – which exploit the nature of claims explicitly – along with fixed-parameter tractability results.

Auto-segmentation of head and neck organs at risk in radiotherapy and its dependence on anatomic similarity.

PurposeThe aim is to study the dependence of deformable based auto-segmentation of head and neck organs-at-risks (OAR) on anatomy matching for a single atlas based system and generate an acceptable set of contours.MethodsA sample of ten patients in neutral neck position and three atlas sets consisting of ten patients each in different head and neck positions were utilized to generate three scenarios representing poor, average and perfect anatomy matching respectively and auto-segmentation was carried out for each scenario. Brainstem, larynx, mandible, cervical oesophagus, oral cavity, pharyngeal muscles, parotids, spinal cord, and trachea were the structures selected for the study. Automatic and oncologist reference contours were compared using the dice similarity index (DSI), Hausdroff distance and variation in the centre of mass (COM).ResultsThe mean DSI scores for brainstem was good irrespective of the anatomy matching scenarios. The scores for mandible, oral cavity, larynx, parotids, spinal cord, and trachea were unacceptable with poor matching but improved with enhanced bony matching whereas cervical oesophagus and pharyngeal muscles had less than acceptable scores for even perfect matching scenario. HD value and variation in COM decreased with better matching for all the structures.ConclusionImproved anatomy matching resulted in better segmentation. At least a similar setup can help generate an acceptable set of automatic contours in systems employing single atlas method. Automatic contours from average matching scenario were acceptable for most structures. Importance should be given to head and neck position during atlas generation for a single atlas based system.

An improved ant colony optimization-based algorithm for user-centric multi-objective path planning for ubiquitous environments

One of the important issues in ubiquitous geographic information science (GIS) is designing user-centric path finding algorithms to meet user needs. Mostly, in a route planning problem, the user’s purpose is optimization of two or more objective functions simultaneously. Thus, the problem is a multi-objective problem. In the present study, having considered multi-objective optimization methods in path finding, we developed an algorithm for solving this problem using an improved multi-objective ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm. Modifications are introduced for various components of the ant colony metaheuristics; specifically, for those associated with the ‘ant decision rule’. The proposed algorithm was tested on the studied network. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach has acceptable settings, repeatability and run time. In addition, one of the important research outputs is a pareto-front which allows the user to select the final path according to the desired priorities.

Aesthetic Earlobe Reduction: A Practical Geometric Modification with Natural Contour Preservation.

Earlobe elongation is one of the signs of aging process and surgical correction is warranted for earlobe ptosis. Most of the earlobe reduction techniques result with scars on the anterior or inferior aspect of the earlobe or unnatural appearance. The authors present a modified technique for earlobe reduction and reshaping that results with an acceptable scar set on the natural groove of the anterior surface of the earlobe. Nine healthy female patients were operated for earlobe reduction. The postoperative and preoperative otobasion inferius (O)-subaurale (S) distances of these patients were evaluated. According to the measurements, the preoperative mean O-S distance of the right lobule was 13.1 ± 1.8 mm and the left lobule was 12.8 ± 1.9 mm, while the postoperative O-S distance of the right side was 3.4 ± 1 mm and the left side was 3.4 ± 0.7 mm (Table 2). This translated to an approximate pre- and postoperative O-S distance difference of 9 mm, a significant reduction that resulted with ideal O-S values. The presented approach has numerous advantages including inconspicuous scarring, smooth lateral earlobe contours, and undisturbed free borders. This was a Level IV therapeutic study.

Time consistent pricing of options with embedded decisions

Many financial contracts are equipped with exercise rights or other features enabling the parties to actively shape the contract’s payoff. These decisions pose a great challenge for the pricing and hedging of such contracts. The existing literature deals with these decisions by providing methods for specific contracts that are not easily transferable to other models. In this paper we present a framework that allows us to separate the treatment of the decisions from the pricing problem and derive a general pricing principle for the price of an option with decisions by both parties. To accomplish this, we present a general version of the duality between acceptance sets and pricing functions, and use it to translate the pricing problem into the language of acceptance. Expressing certain aspects of economic behavior in this language is sufficient to fully eliminate the decisions from the problem. Further, we demonstrate why time consistent pricing functions are crucial when dealing with options with embedded decisions and how the pricing functions used in many contributions can be derived if time consistency is added to our minimal set of assumptions.