Criteria Decision Research Articles

Suboptimal but intact integration of Bayesian components during perceptual decision-making in autism

BackgroundAlterations in sensory perception, a core phenotype of autism, are attributed to imbalanced integration of sensory information and prior knowledge during perceptual statistical (Bayesian) inference. This hypothesis has gained momentum in recent years, partly because it can be implemented both at the computational level, as in Bayesian perception, and at the level of canonical neural microcircuitry, as in predictive coding. However, empirical investigations have yielded conflicting results with evidence remaining limited. Critically, previous studies did not assess the independent contributions of priors and sensory uncertainty to the inference.MethodWe addressed this gap by quantitatively assessing both the independent and interdependent contributions of priors and sensory uncertainty to perceptual decision-making in autistic and non-autistic individuals (N = 126) during an orientation categorization task.ResultsContrary to common views, autistic individuals integrated the two Bayesian components into their decision behavior, and did so indistinguishably from non-autistic individuals. Both groups adjusted their decision criteria in a suboptimal manner.LimitationsThis study focuses on explicit priors in a perceptual categorization task and high-functioning adults. Thus, although the findings provide strong evidence against a general and basic alteration in prior integration in autism, they cannot rule out more specific cases of reduced prior effect – such as due to implicit prior learning, particular level of decision making (e.g., social), and level of functioning of the autistic person.ConclusionsThese results reveal intact inference for autistic individuals during perceptual decision-making, challenging the notion that Bayesian computations are fundamentally altered in autism.

An integrated framework to guide evidence-informed public health policymaking.

Evidence-informed policymaking emphasizes that policy decisions should be informed by the best available evidence from research and follow a systematic and transparent approach. For public health policymaking we can learn from existing practices of transparent, evidence-informed decision-making for clinical practice, medicines, and medical technology. We review existing evidence-to-decision frameworks, as well as frameworks and theories for policymaking to address the political dimension of policymaking, and use this analysis to propose an integrated framework to guide evidence-informed policymaking. The framework includes nine decision-making criteria and allows for the addition of other context-specific criteria. It also emphasizes elements of the decision-making process that can give greater legitimacy, fairness, and transparency to the policy decision, such as the use of deliberative processes and assessment of conflicts of interest. We offer the framework as a tool to help government policy makers use evidence in a structured and transparent way when making decisions about public health policy options.

Uncovering Dynamical Equations of Stochastic Decision Models Using Data-Driven SINDy Algorithm.

Decision formation in perceptual decision making involves sensory evidence accumulation instantiated by the temporal integration of an internal decision variable toward some decision criterion or threshold, as described by sequential sampling theoretical models. The decision variable can be represented in the form of experimentally observable neural activities. Hence, elucidating the appropriate theoretical model becomes crucial to understanding the mechanisms underlying perceptual decision formation. Existing computational methods are limited to either fitting of choice behavioral data or linear model estimation from neural activity data. In this work, we made use of sparse identification of nonlinear dynamics (SINDy), a data-driven approach, to elucidate the deterministic linear and nonlinear components of often-used stochastic decision models within reaction time task paradigms. Based on the simulated decision variable activities of the models and assuming the noise coefficient term is known beforehand, SINDy, enhanced with approaches using multiple trials, could readily estimate the deterministic terms in the dynamical equations, choice accuracy, and decision time of the models across a range of signal-to-noise ratio values. In particular, SINDy performed the best using the more memory-intensive multitrial approach while trial averaging of parameters performed more moderately. The single-trial approach, although expectedly not performing as well, may be useful for real-time modeling. Taken together, our work offers alternative approaches for SINDy to uncover the dynamics in perceptual decision making and, more generally, for first-passage time problems.

Exploring early Acheulian technological decision-making: A controlled experimental approach to raw material selection for percussive artifacts in Melka Wakena, Ethiopia.

The evolution of human behaviour is marked by key decision-making processes reflected in technological variability in the early archaeological record. As part of the technological system, differences in raw material quality directly affect the way that humans produce, design and use stone tools. The selection, procurement and use of various raw materials requires decision-making to evaluate multiple factors such as suitability to produce and design tools, but also the materials' efficiency and durability in performing a given task. Therefore, characterizing the physical properties of various lithic raw materials is crucial for exploring changes in human interactions with their natural environment through time and space and for understanding their technological behaviour. In this paper, we present the first step in an ongoing program designed to understand the decision-making criteria involved in the use of raw materials by the early Acheulian tool-makers at the Melka Wakena (MW) site-complex, located on the Ethiopian highlands. We present the results of the first experimental step, in which we identified and measured the engineering properties of raw materials in the lithic assemblages. These data serve as an objective, quantifiable baseline for natural experiments as well as archaeological inquiries into the technological decision-making processes of early Pleistocene hominins in Africa.

Advances in green finance solutions for combating climate change and ensuring sustainability

Green finance has emerged as a pivotal tool in combating climate change and promoting sustainability by directing investments towards environmentally sustainable projects and businesses. This paper explores the advances in green finance solutions, focusing on innovative financial mechanisms that support climate action and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Green finance encompasses a range of financial instruments, including green bonds, green loans, and impact investing, designed to fund projects that contribute to environmental protection, renewable energy, and resource efficiency. Recent advancements have improved the accessibility and effectiveness of these solutions, helping to drive large-scale investments in clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure. Key developments in green finance include the growth of green bond markets, which have seen significant expansion globally. These bonds offer a way for governments, corporations, and financial institutions to raise funds for environmentally friendly projects. Additionally, green loans and sustainability-linked financing structures have evolved, offering more flexibility and incentives for businesses to meet sustainability goals. Financial institutions have increasingly adopted environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in investment decisions, further driving the demand for green finance products. Technological advancements also play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of green finance solutions. Digital platforms and blockchain technology are being used to increase transparency, traceability, and accountability in green finance transactions. This enables investors to track the impact of their investments and ensures the integrity of sustainability claims. However, challenges remain in scaling green finance solutions, including the need for standardized metrics and certifications to verify the environmental impact of projects. Furthermore, aligning financial incentives with long-term sustainability goals requires collaboration between governments, financial institutions, and businesses. This paper highlights the importance of creating supportive regulatory frameworks and fostering partnerships to accelerate the growth of green finance. Ultimately, advances in green finance will be instrumental in achieving global climate targets, driving economic growth, and ensuring a sustainable future. Keywords: Green Finance, Climate Change, Sustainability, Green Bonds, Renewable Energy, Impact Investing, ESG, Green Loans, Digital Platforms, Blockchain.

Unsupervised Identification for 2-Additive Capacity by Principal Component Analysis and Kendall’s Correlation Coefficient in Multi-Criteria Decision-Making

With the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problems becoming increasingly complex, traditional MCDM methods cannot effectively handle ambiguous, incomplete, or uncertain data. While several novel types of MCDM methods have been proposed to address this limitation, they fail to consider the potentially complex interactions among decision criteria. An effective capacity identification methodology is definitely needed to conquer this issue. In this paper, we develop a novel unsupervised method for identifying 2-additive capacities by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Kendall’s correlation coefficient. During the process, some significant results are achieved. Firstly, the Shapley values of decision criteria are derived by using the PCA, through a combination of the variance contribution rate of each Principal Component (PC) and its corresponding eigenvector. Secondly, Kendall’s correlation coefficient stemmed from the decision data created to help identify the Shapley interaction index for each pair of criteria by unsupervised learning. The optimization model equipped with a new form of monotonicity conditions is then established to further determine the optimal Shapley interaction index. With these two kinds of indices, a desired monotone 2-additive capacity is finally identified in an objective and efficient manner. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our proposal can adequately consider the importance of criteria and accurately identify the types of Shapley interaction indices between criteria, and is thus able to produce more convincing and logical results compared with other unsupervised identification methods.

Development of a framework to structure decision-making in environmental and occupational health: A systematic review and Delphi study.

Environmental and occupational health (EOH) assessments increasingly utilize systematic review methods and structured frameworks for evaluating evidence about the human health effects of exposures. However, there is no prevailing approach for how to integrate this evidence into decisions or recommendations. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence-to-decision (EtD) frameworks provide a structure to support standardized and transparent consideration of relevant criteria to inform health decisions. This study identifies and synthesizes available EOH decision frameworks and evaluates the applicability and usability of an existing GRADE EtD perspective to advance the development of a tailored EOH EtD framework. We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, and a manual search of gray literature to identify frameworks that inform decision-making about EOH exposures from the years 2011 to 2021. We abstracted and analyzed decision considerations from each framework through narrative synthesis. Next, we conducted a two-round Delphi process, engaging stakeholders from the following perspectives within environmental and occupational health: risk assessment and management, nutrition and food safety, cancer, and socio-economic analysis. Panelists rated the relevance and wording of each consideration on a 7-point Likert scale and provided free-text comments during both phases. Considerations that did not meet predetermined thresholds were excluded. Out of 5,196 unique references, we identified 22 published reports of EOH decision frameworks. We identified another 16 frameworks in a search of gray literature, totaling 38 source frameworks. We abstracted 560 individual decision considerations from these frameworks, 104 of which may contribute additional information to the guidance, scope, context, or assessment criteria of the GRADE EtD framework. In round 1 of the Delphi study, 50 decision considerations were aggregated or removed, and 9 were aggregated or removed after round 2, for a final total of 47. No new decision considerations were added in either round. We identified several differences between decision criteria that are applied in EOH and the GRADE EtD framework, including vocabulary that is specific to EOH (e.g., toxicity, the precautionary principle), and granularity of the EOH decision considerations (e.g., detailed signaling questions to assess feasibility and resources required). However, this study did not identify any EOH decision criteria that are completely distinct from the GRADE EtD framework. Findings of this mixed-methods study comprise a foundation for a GRADE EtD that is applicable for use in EOH decision-making, with implications for approaches to regulation of environmental and occupational exposures and the formulation of recommendations for interventions to prevent or mitigate undesirable health and other consequences.

Resuscitation, yes or no ? the criteria for transferring patients with hematological malignancies to intensive care. A qualitative study

BackgroundHaving a hematological malignancy increases the risk of a poor-quality end of life and of dying in intensive care. There is no prognostic score to predict survival on admission to intensive care, but many patients die there. To identify the criteria used in deciding to transfer patients with hematological malignancies to intensive care.MethodsIt is a qualitative study. For each patient with a hematological malignancy who died in intensive care, the resuscitator and hematologist involved in the decision to transfer the patient to intensive care were contacted. The study ran at Lyon Sud Hospital Center, between 1 November 2018 and 30 April 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with data triangulation. Seventeen doctors were contacted, and 17 interviews were conducted.ResultsWhen transferring a patient with a hematological malignancy to intensive care, we identified (i) patient-specific decision criteria for the transfer, namely prognosis of the disease and treatments received, and (ii) decision criteria specific to hematologists and resuscitators, namely difficulty confronting management failure, convenience of transfer to the ICU for hematologists, and attachment of hematologists to their patients.ConclusionOrganizational convenience of transfer to intensive care was the main criterion for hematologists, but emotional attachment favored futile obstinacy, doing everything possible to the detriment of the patient’s comfort. It would be useful to make an upstream appraisal of the impact that an early evaluation of the level of care of patients with hematological malignancies could have on reducing deaths in intensive care.

Modelling the transformation of energy-intensive industries based on site-specific investment decisions

The transition towards climate-neutral industry is a challenge, particularly for heavy industries like steel and basic chemicals. Existing models for assessing industrial transformation often lack spatial resolution and fail to capture individual investment decisions. Consequently, the spatial interplay between industry transformation, energy availability, infrastructure availability, and the dynamics of discrete investments is inadequately addressed. Here we present a site-specific approach that considers individual industrial sites to simulate discrete investment decisions. The investment decision is modelled as a discrete choice among alternative technologies with their total cost of ownership as the main decision criterion. Process costs depend on the scenario-specific assumptions, such as energy carrier prices, policy instruments and local infrastructures. The age of production units and their reinvestment cycles are considered the main restrictions on the dynamics of the transition. The results provide high spatial resolution to capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of industry transition under varying process and policy assumptions. The presented model and its results can be coupled with energy system models to assess the implications of site-specific industry transition on energy system related research questions. We conduct an exemplary case study for a transformation pathway of the European primary steel production.

Impact of Consumer Awareness, Attitude and perception on Consumer Purchase of Health insurance plans in Hyderabad

The health insurance industry has been growing over the years and this growth is as a result of rising healthcare costs and rising consciousness of own risk to health related costs. It is the research that seeks to analyze the relationship between awareness, attitude, and perception level of the consumers to the health insurance plans’ purchase in Hyderabad. An open ended questionnaire designed for the study was filled by 300 consumers in the city, questions dealing with awareness about health insurance companies and policies, attitude towards the purchase of health insurance policies, and perceived advantages and constraints of having a health insurance policy. Data were analyzed for descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis tests. The study findings showed that knowledge of the consumer has a positive correlation with setting of positive attitudes and perceptions towards health insurance. Moreover, perceived trust, price, and choice of coverage were found as the important decision criteria. This paper finds that there is the enhancement of customer interest in health insurance products due to a rising awareness of health insurance products in the market However, it is noted that there is a requirement of further efforts to carry out health insurance to clear misconceptions and barriers that remain influential in stopping individuals from going for a certain health insurance plan. Based on the findings of the research, some of the recommendation for policyholders, insurers and policymakers are; greater communication efforts, better education of consumers of health insurance and the development of better plans to better suit the consumer in Hyderabad.

On the free acquisition of land ownership by legal entities

This article addresses issues related to the legal framework for the free acquisition of land ownership by legal entities. Considering the transformational processes in land ownership relations in Ukraine, attention is drawn to the need for an improved legal mechanism for transferring land to the ownership of legal entities, alongside the privatization procedures regulated for Ukrainian citizens. A historical analysis highlights deficiencies in the legal regulation of transferring land into the collective ownership of legal entities and notes the absence of specific regulations for transferring land plots to housing construction and garage­building cooperatives. The necessity for clear legal provisions on transferring land plots under multi-apartment buildings into private ownership, including associated buildings, structures, and adjacent territories, is substantiated. Special attention is given to the subject composition of ownership rights over land plots under multi-apartment buildings. Considering the membership composition of condominium associations, their purpose, decision-making procedures, judicial practice, and the prolonged absence of a procedure for transferring adjacent territories into the co-ownership of multi­apartment building co-owners, it is proposed to formally recognise condominium associations as holders of ownership rights in the privatisation process of land plots beneath multi-apartment buildings, along with their related buildings, structures, and adjoining territories. Based on the research findings, and taking into account Article 14 of the Constitution of Ukraine, it is recommended to amend Chapters 6 and 19 of the Land Code of Ukraine by incorporating procedures for the free transfer of land plots to housing construction (residential) and garage­building cooperatives, as well as multi-apartment buildings, defining the subject-object composition, preparation requirements for necessary design or technical documentation, potential timeframes for consideration, and criteria for decision-making by the authorised body.

Research on the Impact of ESG Rating Divergence on Financial Markets

This study explores the multifaceted impacts of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating divergence on financial markets, focusing on both equity and bond markets. Despite the growing importance of ESG criteria in investment decisions, discrepancies in ESG ratingsstemming from varying methodologies, standards, and data qualitypose significant challenges. We analyze how these divergences affect corporate reputations, influence investor behavior, and consequently, impact market volatility, funding costs, and liquidity. Our findings indicate that ESG rating discrepancies can lead to increased funding costs, heightened market volatility, and reduced market liquidity, all of which contribute to increased uncertainty for investors. The study suggests that the resolution of these issues requires the harmonization of ESG standards, enhanced regulatory oversight, and greater transparency in rating methodologies. Through comprehensive analysis, this paper contributes to understanding the implications of ESG rating divergence and proposes actionable strategies for stakeholders to mitigate its adverse effects, thereby fostering a more stable and transparent market environment.

REDUCE—A Tool Supporting Inconsistencies Reduction in the Decision-Making Process

This paper presents REDUCE, a free online tool designed to support decision-making processes by addressing inconsistency in multiplicative pairwise comparison (PC) matrices, a key element of many multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, including the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). AHP relies on pairwise comparisons to assign weights to decision criteria or alternatives, but human-generated PC matrices often exhibit inconsistencies. Consistency is evaluated using Saaty’s consistency ratio (CR), where a value below 0.10 is considered acceptable. Higher inconsistency levels necessitate matrix corrections, which are challenging if the original expert is unavailable or revision constraints exist. REDUCE autonomously reduces inconsistency in PC matrices using two different algorithms that require no expert intervention. The tool accommodates different PC matrices, enabling users to specify the desired CR threshold (e.g., CR≤0.10) and select the algorithm for adjustment. It ensures the resulting matrix is consistent while preserving the original preference structure to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, REDUCE calculates weights for the compared entities, making it a valuable tool for applications of AHP and related methodologies. Quantitative evaluations demonstrate that REDUCE can improve matrices with high inconsistency (e.g., CR=0.25) to acceptable levels (e.g., CR=0.08) while retaining up to 95% of the original preference integrity, depending on the chosen algorithm. By addressing the accessibility gap for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack resources for costly decision-making software or expert consultants, REDUCE facilitates broader adoption of MCDM tools. This work highlights the potential of REDUCE to enhance decision-making reliability and accessibility in resource-constrained environments.

Combining unequal variance signal detection theory with the health belief model to optimize shared decision making in tinnitus patients: part 1-model development.

The results from different Cochrane studies justify considerable professional equipoise concerning different treatment options for tinnitus. In case of professional equipoise, Shared Decision Making (SDM) is an indispensable tool for guiding patients to the intervention that best fits their needs. To improve SDM we developed a method to assess the accuracy and utility of decisions made by tinnitus patients when freely choosing between different treatment options during their patient journey. The different treatment options were audiological care and psychosocial counseling. We developed a statistical model by combining Signal Detection Theory (SDT) with the Health Belief Model (HBM). HBM states that perceived severity of an illness is strongly related to sick-role behavior. As proxies for perceived severity, we selected hearing loss and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score at baseline. Next, we used these proxies as predictors in linear regression models based on SDT to determine the likelihood ratio of true positive decisions (choosing a treatment option and experiencing an improvement of more than 7 points in THI-score) and false positive decisions (choosing a treatment option and experiencing an improvement of less than 7 points in THI-score) for audiological care and psychosocial counseling, respectively. Data was gathered in a prospective cohort of 145 adults referred for tinnitus care to an outpatient audiology clinic in the Netherlands. The participants were asked to decide freely on uptake of audiological care (provision of hearing aids with or without a sound generator) and uptake of psychosocial counseling. Logistic regression with Bayesian inference was used to determine the cumulative distribution functions and the probability density functions of true positive decisions and false positive decisions as function of hearing loss and baseline THI-score for both treatment options, respectively. With the cumulative distribution functions, we determined the accuracy of the decisions. With the probability density functions we calculated the likelihood ratios of true positive decisions versus false positive decisions as function of hearing loss and baseline THI-score. These likelihood ratio functions allow assessment of the utility of the decisions by relating a decision criterion to perceived benefits and costs. Baseline THI-score drives decisions about psychosocial counseling and hearing loss drives decisions about audiological care. Decisions about psychosocial counseling are more accurate than decisions about audiological care. Both decisions have a low accuracy (0.255 for audiological care and - 0.429 for psychosocial counseling), however. For decisions about audiological care the unbiased decision criterion is 37 dB(HL), meaning that a lenient decision criterion (likelihood ratio < 1) is adopted by patients with a hearing loss below 37 dB and a strict criterion (likelihood ratio > 1) by patients with a hearing loss exceeding 37 dB. For psychosocial counseling uptake the decision criterion is always strict, regardless of baseline THI-score. The distributions of the populations, that do and do not experience a clinically important change in THI-score, have unequal variances for psychosocial counseling, while they have almost equal variances for audiological care. Combining SDT and HBM can help assess accuracy and utility of patient decisions and thus may provide valuable information that can help to improve SDM by combining patient related outcome measures, decision drivers, and perceived benefits and costs of a treatment.

Comparison of 2D and 3D lung lobe quantification with Ventilation/Perfusion Ratio.

In this study, standard 2D lung lobe quantification is compared with two 3D lung lobe quantification software tools to investigate the clinical benefit of a 3D approach. The accuracy of 2D versus 3D lung lobe quantification is evaluated based on the calculated numerical ventilation-perfusion ratio (VQR) using a receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis.A study group of 50 consecutive patients underwent a planar lung scintigraphy (anterior/posterior) as well as ventilation/perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) to exclude acute pulmonary embolism. All data were acquired with SPECT OPTIMA NM/CT 640 (GE Healthcare). 2D analysis was performed for all ventilation/perfusion scans using a lung analysis tool (Syngo Workstation, Siemens Healthineers). 3D quantification analysis was performed using QLUNG (Q. Lung, Xeleris 4.0, GE Healthcare) and LLQ (Hermes Hybrid 3D Lung Lobar Quantification, Hermes Medical Solutions). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) served as a decision criterion to find the best agreement between clinical PE findings and calculated PE candidates of the 2D and 3D methods. The significance of the ROC curves was evaluated using the DeLong comparison.A significant difference between 2D/3D could be determined. Both 3D approaches showed robust and comparable results. The AUC range of [0.10, 0.67] was given for 2D lobar analysis, QLUNG AUC range revealed in [0.39,0.74] and LLQ AUC range was [0.42,0.72]. Averaged over all lung lobes an AUC=0.39 was given for 2D analysis and AUC=0.58 was given for LLQ/QLUNG.We could demonstrate the better performance of 3D analysis compared to 2D analysis. Consequently, is recommended to use a 3D approach in clinical practice.

MEASUREMENT ERRORS OF THE FLOW OF NATURAL GAS IN UNCERTAINTY CONDITIONS

The relevance of the topic related to improving the processing of fuzzy information in the control and management system of the natural gas transportation process is substantiated. Factors influencing the errors of instruments that provide gas flow measurement in gas transportation process monitoring and control systems, additional errors arising depending on the influence of the environment, gas content, humidity and hydration in the process of gas flow measurement are determined, and ways and methods for their elimination are analyzed. An analysis of current literature sources, which examines the reasons why measuring instruments have errors and uncertainty is provided. The feasibility of increasing the accuracy and reliability of measurements of natural gas consumption is shown by using new tools and methods of modern information technologies, based on fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic, the feasibility of reducing uncertainty and errors associated with fuzziness based on fuzzy decision-making criteria, for which purpose in uncertain information environment, and new information technologies and Softcomputing technologies, which represent a powerful mathematical apparatus to reduce measurement and processing errors; this is especially clear when identifying mathematical models of technological processes, such as natural gas transportation. Keywords: natural gas, gas flow, error, uncertain information, fuzzy set.

Facts and fakes – a systematic literature review on how primary school students deal with fake news from the perspective of geography education

In today’s world, dealing with fake news, especially about controversial or complex geographical topics, has become an important issue. This paper aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on primary school children’s evaluation of fake news. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. The analysis of 15 studies published between 2007 and 2023 revealed a variety of research methodologies. The results of the studies show that, for example, source information and prior knowledge are decision criteria used by children when evaluating fake news. The research methodologies include only a few geographical topics on fake news. The methodological diversity and findings of the analysed studies underline the need for further research in this area and highlight desiderata for future exploration.

Decision support tool for designing out waste: a conceptual framework

PurposeConstruction activities are anticipated to experience steady growth worldwide, resulting in massive construction and demolition waste (CDW). Despite introducing five designing out waste (DoW) principles to combat CDW from the early design stage, the design process remains a notable contributor to CDW generation due to designers’ limited knowledge and experience. The decision-making process in identifying and selecting DoW solutions is relatively underexplored in the current literature. This study aims to bridge this gap by reviewing existing literature to investigate the implementation of DoW principles and uncover potential areas to support designers in selecting DoW solutions for their projects.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the Preferred Reporting Item for systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, a systematic literature review is adopted to analyse 50 selected articles published from 2000 to 2023 in order to develop the conceptual framework, which was subsequently reviewed by industry experts.FindingsThis review critically examines the current state of DoW implementation, the decision-making criteria for selecting DoW solutions and the available tools for DoW implementation. Existing limitations and future research directions to aid DoW in decision-making were identified. Drawing from the review’s findings, a conceptual framework is formulated to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives.Originality/valueThe outcome of this review offers researchers insight into identifying existing gaps and potential areas to aid the DoW decision-making process. Construction professionals can use the findings to develop a decision support tool for selecting DoW alternatives, thereby minimising waste generation in construction projects.

Multi-objective optimization of unconventional airfoils at low Reynolds numbers

The widespread exploration of drones has generated increasing interest in Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs). Furthermore, an application that has gained notoriety is the use of aerial vehicles for exploration on Mars. Thus, the quest for efficient aerodynamic profiles for these applications has been intensified. These types of applications operate in a Reynolds number range from 10^4 to 10^5, which is significantly smaller than those commonly found in conventional low Reynolds regimes, such as when commercial drones are adopted. The main objective here is to identify more efficient shapes for airfoils, optimizing them through a multi-objective process aiming to maximize the lift coefficient and minimize the drag coefficient. To achieve this goal, two models of unconventional airfoils were optimized using the Generalized Differential Evolution 3 (GDE3) algorithm. The acquisition of aerodynamic coefficients, essential for evaluating the performance of the evolutionary algorithm, was carried out through simulations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The method applied to describe the aerodynamic behavior of the structures proved to be consistent with experimental data. We used two base structures: a cubic Bézier-profile plate and a planar model with two inflections. Employing the aircraft's range or autonomy as decision criteria, it was observed that the cubic Bézier-profile plate presented superior results. Analyzing the graphs of the aerodynamic coefficients in relation to the angle of attack, the considerable increase in the stall point and lift provided by this model is notable. Such improvements, however, were accompanied by a slight disadvantage in the drag coefficient for small or negative angles of attack. It was also found that the evolutionary algorithm resulted in aerodynamic profiles with interesting characteristics for these applications when compared to existing models in the literature. In conclusion, the proposed cubic Bézier-profile plate model proved to be an interesting alternative for applications with a significantly small Reynolds number.

Establishing an objective decision criterion for intraocular lens exchange due to homogeneous calcification: a prospective clinical analysis

BackgroundHomogeneous intraocular lens (IOL) calcification deteriorates patient’s visual quality. There is a lack of functional and patient-reported data on patients with this material change undergoing IOL exchange surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective and objective outcomes following IOL exchange due to homogeneous IOL calcification to improve evidence-based patient counseling.MethodsIn this prospective, non-interventional, clinical study, 53 eyes of 42 patients with homogeneous IOL calcification were included. IOL exchange was performed in 30 out of 53 eyes. Subjective symptoms using a quality-of-life questionnaire (Catquest-9SF), photic phenomena, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), straylight (C-Quant, Oculus, Wezlar, Germany) and contrast sensitivity with and without glare (CSV-1000, VectorVision, Houston, USA) were assessed before (T0) and at 3 to 12 months after IOL exchange (T1).ResultsPreoperative CDVA and straylight did not correlate. Average halo and glare size and intensity decreased and Catquest-9SF items improved. The CDVA rose significantly from 0.16 ± 0.13 to 0.05 ± 0.10 logMAR, and contrast sensitivity increased with and without glare. The straylight value decreased statistically and clinically significant from 2.32 ± 0.34 to 1.23 ± 0.33 log(s).ConclusionHomogeneous IOL calcification is not always associated with a pronounced reduction in visual acuity. In most cases, IOL exchange still reduces subjective complaints and improves quality of vision of affected patients. Visual acuity should not be the sole functional parameter in assessing patients with homogeneous IOL calcification as intraocular straylight and contrast sensitivity can better objectify patients’ visual impairment. We recommend a straylight value above 1.56 log(s) as a cut-off when deciding on an IOL exchange surgery.