Consensus Decision-making Process Research Articles

Trust Improvement Consensus Model Considering Unreliability Degree of Opinions with Hesitant Fuzzy Sets

Trust is a crucial element in the consensus decision-making process, as it significantly impacts a group’s capacity to achieve consensus. Nevertheless, low trust by experts may result in detrimental decision-making behaviors that decrease group consensus degree. Meanwhile, it is important to note that experts’ opinions are not always reliable, and ignoring the unreliability degree of opinions may have an impact on the result of consensus decision-making. To deal with these issues, this paper proposes a trust improvement consensus model considering unreliability degree of opinions. First, considering that the discreteness of membership degree has a much smaller impact on the hesitancy degree in hesitant fuzzy elements than the number of membership degrees in extant research, an improved approach is suggested to quantify the unreliability degree of opinions. Second, a trust improvement method is proposed based on the score function for trust propagation path and the trust propagation operator considering unreliability degree of opinions. Third, a method for adjusting the opinions of experts is suggested, considering unreliability degree of opinions. Finally, the feasibility, effectiveness, and advantages of the proposed trust improvement consensus model are verified through a case study on the selection of cascade utilization alternatives for power lithium-ion batteries, as well as simulation and comparative analysis. The results show that: (1) The improved method exhibits a significant impact of the discreteness of membership degree on the hesitancy degree; (2) Trust improvement can facilitate group consensus, and the score function of trust propagation path can enhance trust degree among experts more effectively; (3) The unreliability degree of opinions not only affects the degree of trust improvement but also affects the ranking of alternatives. By taking into account the unreliability degree of opinions throughout the process of adjusting opinions, it is possible to promote group consensus and decrease the unreliability degree of opinions.

Leveraging AI and Blockchain for Privacy Preservation and Security in Fog Computing

INTRODUCTION: Cloud computing's offshoot, fog computing, moves crucial data storage, processing, and networking capabilities closer to the people who need them. There are certain advantages, such improved efficiency and lower latency, but there are also some major privacy and security concerns. For these reasons, this article presents a new paradigm for fog computing that makes use of blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
 OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this research is to create and assess a thorough framework for fog computing that incorporates AI and blockchain technology. With an emphasis on protecting the privacy and integrity of data transactions and streamlining the management of massive amounts of data, this project seeks to improve the security and privacy of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems that are cloud-based.
 METHODS: Social network analysis methods are utilised in this study. The efficiency and accuracy of data processing in fog computing are guaranteed by the application of artificial intelligence, most especially Support Vector Machine (SVM), due to its resilience in classification and regression tasks. The network's security and reliability are enhanced by incorporating blockchain technology, which creates a decentralised system that is tamper resistant. To make users' data more private, zero-knowledge proof techniques are used to confirm ownership of data without actually disclosing it.
 RESULTS: When applied to fog computing data, the suggested approach achieves a remarkable classification accuracy of 99.8 percent. While the consensus decision-making process of the blockchain guarantees trustworthy and secure operations, the support vector machine (SVM) efficiently handles massive data analyses. Even in delicate situations, the zero-knowledge proof techniques manage to keep data private. When these technologies are integrated into the fog computing ecosystem, the chances of data breaches and illegal access are greatly reduced.
 CONCLUSION: Fog computing, which combines AI with blockchain, offers a powerful answer to the privacy and security issues with cloud centric IIoT systems. Combining SVM with AI makes data processing more efficient, while blockchain's decentralised and immutable properties make it a strong security measure. Additional security for user privacy is provided via zero-knowledge proofs. Improving the privacy and security of fog computing networks has never been easier than with this novel method.

A Conceptual Framework and Treatment Taxonomy for Respiratory Lung Volume Training (RLVT)

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe the theoretical and procedural framework of a novel intervention, Respiratory Lung Volume Training (RLVT), and to implement a standardized treatment taxonomy to operationalize the RLVT treatment paradigm. Study DesignThis study involved a prospective design with a consensus treatment classification process. MethodsThe Respiratory Lung Volume Training (RLVT) paradigm was developed based on biomechanical constructs governing the interactions of the respiratory and phonatory systems in voice production and principles of motor learning theory. In RLVT, higher levels of lung volume during speech are trained using multiple speech breathing targets while providing real-time visual biofeedback with superimposed guidelines for desired lung volume initiation and termination levels. For people with primary muscle tension dysphonia, RLVT can capitalize on non-muscular respiratory forces to increase efficiency of voice production with reduced speaking effort. To define and operationalize the treatment components of RLVT, six investigators with training in RLVT used the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) to delineate the treatment targets, mechanisms of action, ingredients and dosing through a multi-stage, consensus decision-making process. ResultsThe finalized taxonomy for RLVT included four treatment targets, with three addressing the area of Respiratory Function and one addressing Somatosensory Function. For each treatment target, three categories of ingredients were defined: 1) Provide opportunities to practice breathing during voicing/speech, 2) Provide feedback, and 3) Provide volition ingredients. Within each ingredient category, three to seven specific ingredients were ultimately defined to further operationalize RLVT. ConclusionsThe RLVT paradigm is a theoretically driven approach for optimizing speech breathing patterns to increase efficient voice production in people with primary muscle tension dysphonia. By applying a standardized, systematic treatment taxonomy system to specify the components of RLVT, future researchers and clinicians can implement RLVT with improved fidelity and consistency to optimize treatment outcomes.

Participatory logic model for a precision child and youth mental health start-up: scoping review, case study, and lessons learned.

The precision child and youth mental health (PCYMH) paradigm has great potential to transform CYMH care and research, but there are numerous concerns about feasibility, sustainablity, and equity. Implementation science and evaluation methodology, particularly participatory logic models created with stakeholders, may help catalyze PCYMH-driven system transformation. This paper aims to: (1) report results of a PCYMH logic model scoping review; (2) present a case study illustrating creation of a participatory logic model for a PCYMH start-up; and (3) share the final model plus lessons learned. Phase 1: Preparation for the logic model comprised several steps to develop a preliminary draft: scoping review of PCYMH logic models; two literature reviews (PCYMH and implementation science research); an environmental scan of our organization's PCYMH research; a gap analysis of our technological capability to support PCYMH research; and 57 stakeholder interviews assessing PCYMH perspectives and readiness. Phase 2: Participatory creation of the logic model integrated Phase 1 information into a draft from which the final logic model was completed through iterative stakeholder co-creation. Phase 1: The scoping review identified 0 documents. The PCYMH literature review informed our Problem and Impact Statements. Reviewing implementation and evaluation literature resulted in selection of the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance (RE-AIM) and Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) frameworks to guide model development. Only 1.2% (5/414) of the organization's research projects involved PCYMH. Three technological infrastructure gaps were identified as barriers to developing PCYMH research. Stakeholder readiness interviews identified three themes that were incorporated into the draft. Phase 2: Eight co-creation cycles with 36 stakeholders representing 13 groups and a consensus decision-making process were used to produce the final participatory logic model. This is the first study to report the development of a participatory logic model for a PCYMH program, detailing involvement of stakeholders from initial planning stages to the final consensus-based product. We learned that creating a participatory logic model is time- and labour-intensive and requires a multi-disciplinary team, but the process produced stakeholder-program relationships that enabled us to quickly build and implement the PCYMH start-up. Our processes and final model can inform similar efforts at other sites.

Why do climate change negotiations stall? Scientific evidence and solutions for some structural problems

Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge of our times. In order to cope with it, we have to organise action collectively. The most important way to cooperate globally is through United Nations negotiations, known as ‘conferences of the parties’. However, progress has been very slow, and disillusionment with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process has set in. From a scientific point of view, several obstacles surfacing in these negotiations have been well researched. Institutional analysis may provide suggestions or even solutions to some of these problems. Hence, we think that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations could profit from scientific support. We provide scientific background for three prominent problems: how to reconcile different interests in a global public goods situation; how to ameliorate the consensus decision-making process; and how to design institutions to implement resolutions. Enhancing communication, trust and fairness, and enforcing sanctions, are suggested as key elements for that. Finally, we point to similar processes that have been brought to a successful end.

Conceptualisation of Parenting in Research on Young Children with or at Elevated Likelihood of Autism: a Systematic Review of Observational Measures

Research on emergent autism spectrum disorder increasingly uses observational measures to investigate parenting of young children with or at elevated likelihood of autism. This systematic review analysed 21 papers narratively, including 13 unique ‘coding approaches’ and 63 parenting constructs. Through a comprehensive consensus decision-making process, parenting constructs were classified under nine overarching categories, identified based on prior categorisation: Warmth, Responsiveness, Scaffolding, Proactive Control, Intrusiveness, Negativity, Dyadic, Other, Multiple. We found a large heterogeneity in observational measures, and descriptions of parenting constructs lacked uniformity. The complex categorisation process demonstrates the need for a solid conceptual framework that can inform theory and practice. This review provides a first step, but further research should investigate applicability among young children of different ages.

Assumptions of Theory Z: A Tool for Managing People at Work

Managing people at work is found significant for the survival of enterprises. Researchers and academicians around the globe have established that motivational management "Theory Z" by Dr William G. Ouchi (1981) is an excellent tool for increasing productivity and managing people at work. In the late Bangladeshi business, entrepreneurs are facing tremendous pressure to control and manage workers in their organizations. A focal concern of this study was to understand how best entrepreneurs of textile industries can utilize the assumptions of Theory Z to manage people at work. This study has found three key dimensions (organizational culture, consensus decision-making process, and mutual trust) of Theory Z and tried to find out the relationship of these dimensions with workers management at the workplace. The finding suggests that there is a moderate relationship between the assumption of Theory Z and the human resource management concept in Bangladeshi Textile Industries. The limitation of the research is that it has only three independent variables. Findings may provide business leaders in these contexts with an understanding of the possible adaptation of the concept of William Ouchi's Theory Z assumptions to manage people (the employees) at the workplace with a view to increase productivity and achieve organizational goals. The results of the study supported the predisposition of enterprise managers’ proclivity of accepting or denying to implement Theory Z assumptions to manage people at work. The research recommends the management of Bangladeshi Textile Industries should seek to improve their propensity to implement the assumptions of Theory Z to manage people and increase productivity.

Omnichannel Strategy and Consumer Behavior in Distribution Channels: Trends in the Ophthalmology Sector.

Changes in consumer behavior are forcing companies to rapidly shift their distribution channels toward an omnichannel model. In the case of the ophthalmology sector, however, the purchase of contact lenses and prescription glasses requires professional examination by a trained eye specialist. This peculiarity of the sector affects the shift toward omnichannel. This paper is novel in that it addresses a research gap by studying the distribution channels for regulated products and services such as health products that required a closer professional service. This paper addresses the transformation of companies toward an omnichannel model using a common scientific forecasting method (i.e., the Delphi method) to identify trends and problems. In this scenario of high complexity and uncertainty where there is insufficient relevant quantitative information for decision making, the Delphi method is applied to ensure a consensual decision-making process. Consensus was reached by a panel of 11 experts on the Spanish ophthalmology sector after three rounds of questioning. The final set of indicators involve 19 different criteria grouped into four categories (1) current situation of the distribution channel, (2) changes in distribution channels, (3) trends and near future of the distribution channel, and (4) consequences and adaptations for supply chain agents. The results from each round of consultation were then analyzed by means of statistical analysis with SPSS and discussed for each category. The results confirm that traditional intermediaries face difficulties to avoid being squeezed out of the sector because of shortening distribution channels and the entry of new online intermediaries with service integration models. We identify future scenarios and define actions that different agents can take to enhance their competitiveness in the short and long term. The arrival of omnichannel distribution is inevitable in the ophthalmology sector, entailing a major transformation from a rigid traditional distribution model to a more complex and flexible model following the entry of new online intermediaries.

Ewaluacja jakościowa w konsensualnym kształceniu humanistycznym

<p>Artykuł stanowi eksplikację koncepcji ewaluacji jako kluczowego elementu konsensualnego kształcenia humanistycznego. Została ona zdefiniowana jako systematyczne rozpoznawanie procesu zmian zachodzących na poziomie jednostki i grupy oraz kluczowy element procesu decyzyjnego. Funkcje tak rozumianej ewaluacji to: usprawnianie aktualnie trwających działań, promowanie kompetencji społecznych i wzmacnianie pozytywnych relacji w grupie, budowanie poczucia bezpieczeństwa, utrwalanie efektów współpracy, wskazywanie na użyteczność przyswajanej wiedzy. W sposób skrótowy zostały omówione kolejne etapy procesu konsensualnego podejmowania decyzji oraz adekwatne dla nich pytania ewaluacyjne. Zaprezentowano tzw. matrycę ewaluacji, uwzględniającą – oprócz wspomnianych już elementów – kryteria ewaluacji (adekwatność, bezpieczeństwo, poziom partycypacji, trwałość wiedzy, umiejętności i postaw, pracę afektywną), kluczowe dla każdego etapu pytania, wskaźniki satysfakcji oraz przykładowe narzędzia służące do realizacji celu. Tekst zamyka szczegółowy opis wspomnianych narzędzi ewaluacyjnych.</p>

Le processus d’évaluation du risque de récidive en consensus : intérêts et limites

IntroductionThe risk assessment is a major issue for the mission of judicial experts. Research contend that to such assessment may improve by using consensus ratings. Objectives(a) To compare consensual and individual assessment relapse ‘predictive validities; (b) To better understand the decision-making process in consensual protective and risk factors assessment. MethodTwo researchers evaluated 160 forensic reports independently, then met to discuss their scores and reach a consensus on the scoring for all the instruments followed by a consensus time. We use AUC curves and structural equation models to analyses predictive validity over a follow-up period of 3 years after release from prison. We carried out a content’ thematic qualitative analysis of consensual decision-making process. ResultsConsensus ratings did not improve the predictive validity of violent or general relapse, but it did identify the most difficult factors to assess, the points of disagreement and the assessment subjective dimensions. Consensus ratings also facilitated mutual learning and assessment ‘resetting. ConclusionOur results suggest that above consensus or individual ratings, risk assessment prediction validity is related to the tool used and the summative logic of the factors. However, discussions among reviewers introduced rigor and lead to more accurate argumentations of risk factors ratings.

P38 Gleaning as a SNAP-Ed Public Health Approach to Address Healthy Eating for Low-Income Mainers

Objective Evaluate the success of developing gleaning distribution systems to increase access to local food in settings where low-income individuals live, receive food assistance, obtain clinical services, and congregate for nutrition education. Use of Theory or Research Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) programming is informed by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) SNAP-Ed Evaluation Framework, aligned with the Social-Ecological Model. Target Audience Mainers eligible for SNAP benefits. Program Description Maine SNAP-Ed implements evidence-based public health approaches to reduce health disparities. At the individual and environmental levels, nutrition educators deliver series-based education and develop organizational partnerships to adopt and promote nutrition-related supports. In response to community need and readiness, Maine SNAP-Ed has seen an increase in educators partnering to develop systems to gather and distribute leftover crops as part of a policy, systems, and environmental change strategy designed to increase access to fresh produce for low-income Mainers. Evaluation Methods A monthly PSE tracking tool measures progress toward outcomes. End-of-year, semi-structured interviews with educators supplement monthly data, summarizing accomplishments and potential reach. Annual data are analyzed to assess whether intended outcomes were achieved using independent and collaborative reviews with a consensus decision-making process. The Framework indicator “MT5-Nutrition Supports Adopted” guides this work. Other methods include use of public data sources to estimate reach, and photo documentation and success story templates to describe outcomes qualitatively. Results Ten gleaning systems were developed in fiscal years 2017 and 2018, impacting more than 38 sites. Partners include local farms and food councils, federally qualified health centers, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, emergency food agencies, and public schools. Recipient sites include Head Starts, libraries, food pantries, senior and low-income housing, federally-funded summer meal sites, and clinical settings. Conclusions SNAP-Ed can successfully implement and maintain gleaning strategies that maximize local food systems and supplement nutrition education. This work supports community-based food assistance efforts, while addressing obesity prevention and food insecurity for low-income individuals. Funding SNAP-Ed.

Selection of psychotropic medications for the primary health care essential medicine list: Rationale and process

IntroductionEquitable access to essential psychotropic medicines at primary level is fundamental to universal health coverage for mental health. It relies upon rational selection, affordable pricing, financial protection and consistent supply systems. Which medicines are selected as essential impacts patient care and the economic sustainability of the health system. Rational selection uses the best available evidence for efficacy, safety and acceptability, and requires the assurance of affordability, obtainability and appropriate usage of the medicines. The process should be reliable, transparent and consultative.AimThe aim of this study is to describe the process of rational selection of essential psychotropic medicines at primary health care (PHC) level, using SSRIs as an example.MethodsPopulation, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) questions were developed for a rapid review of SSRIs for depression and anxiety. PubMed, Trip Database and Cochrane Library were searched for evidence, which was critically appraised (graded as per SORT criteria) and synthesised. Good governance principles were maintained using a consensus decision-making process within the constraints of the PHC Expert Review Committee’s terms of reference, confidentiality and conflict of interest policies. Evidence-based medicine principles were used, considering social values of equity, acceptability, comparative cost and relative budget impact analysis.ResultsThe PubMed search for meta-analyses yielded 588 articles, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. An additional 4 meta-analyses were retrieved from the Cochrane Library and 4 from additional reference lists. A second search specifying an HIV population retrieved 43 articles, of which 3 were included. The evidence for efficacy and harm of 24 papers was critically appraised by the committee. Conflicts of interest were declared, and there was appropriate recusal from the final decision-making, which took place in July 2018.ConclusionRapid reviews using an evidence-based medicine framework contributed to the selection of SSRIs for the PHC essential medicine list. This approach is intensive in terms of resources and capacity, requiring adaptation to the South African setting. Important limitations include time pressure and the use of a single reviewer, with possible incomplete database searches and reviewer bias. Nevertheless, the process allows for thorough, consistent and transparent decision-making, and improved capacity is recommended.

Assessing Indonesia’s Leadership in the Advancement of ASEAN Political-Security Community under President Joko Widodo

<p>This paper aims to examine Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN as the regional organization advances its community building in areas of political-security. Indonesia, the largest state in Southeast Asia both from geographic and economic size, is known for its <em>de facto</em> leadership within the regional integration process of ASEAN. Such integration is mostly prominent in areas of multilateral engagement, conflict management, and democracy as well as human rights promotion. With President Joko Widodo at the helm of Indonesia’s presidency since October 2014, Indonesia has reoriented its foreign policy cornerstone on ASEAN into other channels that best serve its national interest. As Indonesia repositions its focus from ASEAN, there is a need to evaluate whether the trajectory of ASEAN Political-Security Community will continue to thrive under the consensual decision-making process among its ten member states known as ASEAN way.</p><p> </p><p>To evaluate Indonesia’s leadership in the advancement of ASEAN Political-Security Community under President Joko Widodo, the paper will review Indonesia’s initiatives to ASEAN and how they contribute towards Southeast Asia’s regionalism. Subsequently, three areas of Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN Political-Security Community building will be examined: the maintenance of ASEAN Centrality, South China Sea dispute management, and promotion of democracy and human rights. The paper concludes that ASEAN way works not only when ASEAN member states find a common ground on regional issues that affect their respective domestic politics. A presence of informal and voluntary leadership where “matured” member states bring about initiative and persuasion is needed to maintain ASEAN’s strategic relevance in Asia-Pacific. For this reason, Indonesia’s legitimacy as an informal leader in ASEAN plays an important role to ensure that the organization remain united and central to its member states.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: ASEAN Political-Security Community, Indonesian Foreign Policy, Regional Leadership</p><p> </p>

Analysis of the data on pregnancy and lactation provided by patient information leaflets of anti-rheumatic drugs in Argentina.

To analyse the level of consistency and updating of the information on pregnancy and lactation provided by patient information leaflets (PILs) of the antirheumatic drugs approved in Argentina. Inconsistencies between the 2016 EULAR Task Force recommendations on the use of anti-rheumatic drugs during pregnancy and lactation and the information provided by PILs of the same drugs approved in Argentina were analysed along with inconsistencies within the PILs of different registered trademarks of these drugs. Eighty-eight PILs of 32 drugs were analysed. Out of the 88 PILs, 50% presented information inconsistencies as to pregnancy. Medications comprised in this group were: hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, NSAIDs (during the first two trimesters), celecoxib, some glucocorticoids, colchicine, and some anti-TNF drugs (etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab) during part of the pregnancy. As for lactation, 56% had information inconsistencies. Medications encompassed in this group were: hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, NSAIDs, celecoxib, meprednisone, prednisone, colchicine, and anti-TNF drugs. Out of 17 drugs that had more than one registered trademark, information inconsistencies on pregnancy were found in the PILs of sulfasalazine, diclofenac, ibuprofen and methylprednisolone. Concerning lactation, inconsistencies were present in the PILs of hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, meprednisone, and colchicine. At least half of the PILs of anti-rheumatic drugs analysed in this study had information inconsistencies on pregnancy and lactation. This is a serious state of affairs because the consensual decision-making process between patient and professional may be compromised, which, in turn, may give rise to medical-legal issues.

Restoration prioritization framework for roadway high cut slopes to reverse land degradation and fragmentation

Land degradation is one of the most critical global environmental threats. The EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 has appointed land degradation and ecosystems fragmentation caused by transport infrastructures as crucial threats to biodiversity. Implementing environmental criteria in roadway project conception phase for restoring large cut slopes will prevent this threat. There is a lack of decision support systems to implement environmental criteria in the decision making procedure to restore high cut slopes. The major difficulties have been building consensus and ensuring traceability and transparency from the panel of experts. This paper presents a hybrid framework capable of dealing with environmental criteria and also with conventional territorial and economic criteria. The decision support procedure combines the Analytical Hierarchy Process with the Delphi technique and the VIKOR procedure. The experts' consensual decision-making process is properly documented, unambiguous and verifiable. The results of this study yielded that the functional and environmental criteria are the key factors in the decision-making process of large cut slope restoration projects. And it has been found the suitability of the cut-and-cover tunnels despite their higher cost and complexity of its construction.

Minimum cost consensus models based on random opinions

Abstract In some complex group decision making cases, the opinions of decision makers (DMs) present random characteristic. However, it is difficult to determine the range of opinions by knowing only their probability distributions. In this paper, we construct cost consensus models with random opinions. The objective function is obtaining the minimum consensus budget under a certain confidence level. Nonetheless, the constraints restrict the upper limit of the consensus cost, the lower limit of DMs’ compensations, and the opinions deviation between DMs and the moderator. As such, probabilistic planning based on a genetic algorithm is designed to resolve the minimum cost consensus models based on China’s urban demolition negotiation, which can better simulate the consensus decision-making process and obtain a satisfactory solution for the random optimization consensus models. The proposed models generalize both Ben-Arieh’s minimum cost consensus model and Gong’s consensus model with uncertain opinions. Considering that the opinions of DMs and the moderator obey various distributions, the models simulate the opinion characteristics more effectively. In the case analysis, a sensitivity analysis method is adopted to obtain the minimum budget, and probabilistic planning based on genetic algorithm to obtain a satisfactory solution that is closer to reality.

Simulation of Invertebrate Aggregation Shows the Importance of Stable Personality over Diversity in Consensus Decision-Making.

Aggregation of many species of invertebrate is an example of a consensus decision, the success of which is central to survival. Personality is a stable form of behavioural diversity which has been observed in the aggregation process, but neither the reasons for its stability nor its effects on consensus decisions are well understood. By using an agent-based model of invertebrate aggregation, it is found that diverse personalities have only limited benefits to the experimental consensus decision-making process, but may have a more valuable role in natural settings. Importantly, although certain personalities may ostensibly have potential drawbacks at the individual level, such as choosing to rest in unfavourable places, all individuals are likely to benefit from maintaining a constant personality, which promotes group stability. These findings help to improve understanding of consensus decision-making and the prevalence of stable personality.

Presentation of the Comprehensive and Brief International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Sets (ICF-CS) for schizophrenia

ObjectiveThe aim this presentation is present the results of the preparatory studies were presented at an international consensus conference, a multi-stage, iterative, decision-making and consensus process that took place 12–14 May 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. At this consensus conference, schizophrenia experts from different countries worldwide and working in a broad range of professions decided which ICF categories should be included in the first version of the ICF Core Sets for schizophrenia.MethodFour preliminary studies intend to capture the researcher's perspective, the patient's perspective, the expert's perspective and the clinician's perspective, respectively, on the most relevant aspects of functioning of persons living with schizophrenia. The final definition of ICF Core Sets for schizophrenia have been determined by integrating the results of preliminary studies in a consensus conference with international expert.ResultThe experts included 97 categories in the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and 25 categories in the Brief ICF-CS. The specific categories of each ICF-CS are shown in this presentation. The Comprehensive ICF-CS can guide multidisciplinary assessments of functioning in persons with schizophrenia, and the brief version is ideal for use in both clinical and epidemiological research, since it includes a small and practical number of categories, but sufficiently wide for finding utility in clinical assessments.ConclusionICF-CS are being designed with the goal of providing useful standards for research, clinical practice and teaching, and it will stimulate research and will improve understanding of functioning, health and environmental factors in schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Human Rights and the Universal Periodic Review: Rituals and Ritualism ed. by Hilary Charlesworth & Emma Larking (review)

Reviewed by: Human Rights and the Universal Periodic Review: Rituals and Ritualism ed. by Hilary Charlesworth & Emma Larking Edward McMahon (bio) Human Rights and the Universal Periodic Review: Rituals and Ritualism ( Hilary Charlesworth & Emma Larking eds., Cambridge University Press, 2014), 314 pages, ISBN 978-1-107-08630-2. I. INTRODUCTION In recent years it has become de rigueur to associate human rights with universal values. This, however, masks the reality that the devil is in the details in defining such hot-button terms as universality and human rights, and determining how the latter can best be supported. It is, nonetheless, possible to map an emerging continuum of actions the international community can take to promote universal human rights norms of conduct. In descending order of magnitude of intervention these can include a) the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine relating [End Page 249] to humanitarian intervention; b) targeted sanctions; c) naming and shaming; and d) international organization norm-setting, including peer reviews. Peer reviews consist of member states assessing the performance of each other according to a commonly defined set of criteria. This process is increasingly being used by international organizations and includes such initiatives as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Peer Review, the African Peer Review Mechanism, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process of the UN Human Rights Council. Certainly in comparison to R2P, peer reviews contain much lower costs for all concerned. Human rights-related peer reviews are designed to be a regular part of state-to-state interactions and generally deal more with the “lesser” sins of autocratic rule and lower level human rights violations. For a variety of reasons, R2P is best left sheathed to the maximum extent possible.1 By contrast, peer reviews represent a more user-friendly methodology. Both risks and short-term rewards are of a lesser magnitude. However, if properly used, peer reviews can have a prophylactic effect. Peer review mechanisms can expand international human rights and democracy norms by mainstreaming them. They have the potential to enmesh states within the spider web dynamic of heightened respect for universal human rights norms and reduce the number of future instances requiring higher cost interventions. Peer reviews are voluntary in that governments agree to participate in them. They scrutinize the domestic affairs of states, blunting the traditional concept of sovereign independence; by having made the decision to be part of them, governments have agreed to open matters in their countries to international scrutiny.2 Governments are increasingly coming under pressure from international financial institutions, international organizations, fellow governments, and domestic public opinion to participate in peer reviews. Standing aloof now carries a stigma that governments have something to hide or are otherwise seeking to keep authoritarian tendencies from public view. This can have deleterious effects on aid, trade, and other aspects of bilateral and multilateral relations. Peer reviews can also empower domestic voices in favor of human rights promotion and protection by providing tangible evidence of the interest of the international community in these issues, and, by spotlighting these human rights defenders, provide a protective shield for their activities.3 They pose the possibility to, over time, shift the debate and create a “new normal” in terms of international standards of domestic political behavior. International organization peer review mechanisms are by definition creations of the member states of the organization undertaking them. They thus have in common a tendency to be the products of a lowest-common-denominator consensus decision-making process. This in turn means that they almost invariably rely more on the carrot of positive reinforcements and inducements rather than the [End Page 250] stick of punitive measures. Due to their voluntary nature, peer reviews can thus fail to achieve meaningful goals while providing the appearance of action, reflecting an “emperor wears no clothes” scenario. II. RITUAL, RITUALISM, AND THE UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW It is against this ambiguous backdrop that Hilary Charlesworth and Emma Larking provide an edited collection of papers considering the UPR, which began functioning in 2008.4 The UPR is a process operating in four and a half year cycles; each year the human rights performances of forty-two UN member states are examined by...

The Asean Charter: An Analysis

The adoption of the ASEAN Charter in 2007 was believed to have transformed ASEAN to become a more institutional organisation with a profound framework and inclusive principles that act as a guideline to assist the process of disputes settlement and decision-making between the member countries. When the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) representing each of the countries addressed two main issues related to the recommendations to reform the norm and principles of ASEAN as well as the rights of the member countries to be put into the Charter, the ASEAN leader were not very receptive with the concept of using consensus decision-making process to impose sanctions and changes. Therefore, a watered-down ASEAN Charter was adopted portraying the un-readiness of the member countries to diverge away from the ‘ASEAN Way’ that had been implemented for the past 40 years. Despite the addition of two new principles that touches on the collective responsibility and enhancing consultation, the ASEAN Charter still does not exhibit the transformation of ASEAN as crafted by the EPG. The Charter also fails to provide pertinent mechanisms to address certain issues such as security and safety disputes. Hence, this article is written to confer the weaknesses of the ASEAN Charter and how important it is for ASEAN to move away for the usual norm of the ‘ASEAN Way’ in order to become a puissant organisation. Keywords: ASEAN Charter, EPG