Decision Factors Research Articles

A Study on Bid Decision Factors for Non-Performing Real Estate Project Financing and the Valuation Basis

A Study on Bid Decision Factors for Non-Performing Real Estate Project Financing and the Valuation Basis

Supervision of Pediatric Anesthesia After-Hours: A Survey of Pediatric Anesthetists in Australia and New Zealand.

After-hours pediatric anesthesia may pose increased risks, with a heightened potential for sudden cardio-respiratory decline. While mortality rates are low in Australia and New Zealand, critical events and morbidity occur more frequently and present ongoing challenges. However, little is known about how trainees are supervised during these high-risk periods. An anonymized online survey of members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia in New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA) was conducted to explore supervising anesthetists attitudes towards after-hours supervision. The survey examined the influence of patient age, medical history, trainee experience, and surgery type on supervision practices. Respondents identified age and physical status as key risk factors but reported providing less direct supervision than recommended by international studies, especially for non-complex surgeries in healthy children. Trainee experience was a significant factor in supervision decisions. Pediatric anesthetists in Australia and New Zealand recognize major risk factors but tend to supervise more remotely after-hours. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of these supervision practices on outcomes.

Ethical AI in HR: A Case Study of Tech Hiring

ABSTRACT The job applicant hiring process is inherently complex, encompassing various dimensions such as cultural fit, team dynamics, and individual qualifications. This paper explores the potential of machine learning techniques as analytical tools to examine the nuances of the hiring process rather than automating it. In this study, we use machine learning models to evaluate whether gender or age bias exists in hiring decisions by examining an extensive IT industry dataset comprising over 70,000 applicants. We provide practical guidelines for data preparation, bias evaluation, and assessment of AI-driven hiring outcomes, focusing on the influence of key factors on hiring probability. Our findings reveal that female applicants tend to receive lower hiring probabilities than male applicants, suggesting a gender-related bias. Additionally, we identify that proficiency in “Computer Skills,” the number of programming languages known, and familiarity with the language “TypeScript”—introduced in 2012—are among the top skills influencing hiring decisions. This study offers HR practitioners actionable insights into the AI decision-making process, highlighting how skills valued by AI models may differ from those prioritized in traditional recruitment. Through our empirical study, we demonstrate how multiple machine learning methods can be used for bias detection and the validation of critical decision factors in hiring decisions, equipping HR professionals with tools to enhance understanding and fairness in AI-driven hiring.

Is AI image generation a creative or optimize tool in product design process?—The usage of AI image generation tools for vehicle shape as an example

This study explores the shape thinking processes and decision-making factors of designers when using AI image generation tools for conceptualizing the shapes of two-wheeled vehicles through four design tasks. Eight designers were invited to create hand-drawn sketches based on a specific aesthetic direction (technological geometry), followed by a shape divergence exercise using two AI graphics tools, Stable Diffusion and Vizcom, to generate images from text prompts. After selecting the designs closest to their original concepts and their favorite designs, the designers used an iPad to explore different shape directions (technological biology) for partial shape modifications. Finally, retrospective interviews were conducted to understand whether there were differences in designers’ thinking process regarding the use of various AI tools for shape conceptualization, as well as their focal points regarding design modification and shape thinking at different stages of the process. The research findings indicate that current AI tools are more suitable for shape divergence. If designers wish to achieve shape convergence, they need to be more familiar with the various settings of AI image generation tools and understand which prompts significantly influence specific shape characteristics. Designers’ perceptions of shape modification primarily revolve around: 1. Outline contours, 2. Parting lines, 3. Variations in surface curvature, and 4. The resulting features (light and shadow effects). Furthermore, it is recommended that future AI image generation tools, if developed as professional assistive tools for product design, should provide two modes—shape divergence and convergence—focusing on both the main shape and details. Additionally, it is suggested that developing AI-3D technologies should address the four key aspects of shape manipulation presented in this study, offering adjustments for overall appearance and detailing the contour lines of parts, including the manipulation of surface curvature and shape positioning.

Opioid prescribing patterns following surgical interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze opioid prescribing behavior following surgical interventions for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on differences in postoperative opioid prescribing practices between patients who undergo surgical procedures in operative room (OR) settings vs. non-operative room (non-OR) settings. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a 10% random sample of the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics database, including men who underwent surgical interventions for BPH from 2015–2020. Propensity score analysis and inverse probability treatment weighting were employed to adjust for potential confounders. Primary outcomes included opioid receipt, cumulative days of opioid use, and morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD). Results: Among the included men (n=6022), those undergoing procedures in OR settings were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions postoperatively compared to those in non-OR settings (42.78% vs. 28.00%, p<0.001). While cumulative days and MEDD of opioid prescriptions did not significantly differ between groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of opioid receipt duration (p=0.0128). The adjusted model showed significantly higher odds of opioid prescription for men undergoing OR procedures (odds ratio 1.922, 95% confidence interval 1.690–2.185). Conclusions: Men undergoing BPH surgeries in OR settings were more likely to receive opioid prescriptions postoperatively, suggesting potential overprescription. Despite similar cumulative opioid use, differences in prescription rates indicate a need for improved postoperative pain management strategies, possibly using non-opioid alternatives. Future research should focus on optimizing pain control, characterizing actual opioid consumption, and considering patient-specific factors in surgical decision-making.

The experience of "at-risk" status for familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) and its impact on reproductive decision-making: A qualitative study.

Familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) is an autosomal dominant heritable form of FTD, onsetting in mid-life, characterized by behavioral and personality changes. Children of an affected parent are at 50% risk of inheriting the relevant fFTD gene variant and developing FTD. Genetic testing means a growing group of people are aware of or considering learning their risk status. This knowledge, combined with witnessing parents' symptoms, has implications for reproduction. This study explores attitudes and approaches to reproductive decision-making among those at risk for fFTD. Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted with at-risk individuals, including parents and non-parents, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis to explore experiences of at-risk relatives of people with symptomatic FTD, attitudes toward reproductive decision-making, and, among parents, influences of genetic risk status on parenting. The themes identified were: (1) Fear of repetition of own experience with symptomatic relatives; (2) Approaches to mitigating repetition; (3) Responses to genetic risk in reproductive decision-making; (4) Accounting for timing in reproductive decision-making; (5) Challenges of disclosing genetic risk to children; (6) Other mitigating factors in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight the key role of previous experiences with symptomatic relatives in shaping attitudes toward genetic risk status and approaches to managing it in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight a need for responsive genetic counseling focused on exploring options alongside providing information and signposting to practical legal and financial support. Future research should specifically compare experiences in fFTD with experiences in other heritable neurodegenerative disorders and explore reproductive decision-making for couples where one partner is at risk of fFTD.

Economic Evaluations of Music Therapy and Other Music-Based Interventions: A Scoping Review.

The cost-effectiveness of an intervention is an important factor in health care decisions about which health care services should be publicly funded and/or approved as an eligible intervention for private insurance coverage. Music therapy as a health profession lacks substantial research on the cost-effectiveness of its services and there is no overview of existing data. We therefore conducted a scoping review. To contextualize and focus the scope, we describe different types of economic evaluations (EEs) and characterize four types of music interventions. Following the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews, we systematically searched six databases (EBSCOHost, ProQuest, Web of Science, APA PsycNet, Scopus, and Prospero) in January 2023, and, after screening the initial 1,041 hits, 26 references were included in the review. The results consist of 19 completed and 7 planned EEs published between 1999 and 2022, mainly in the United States. The results show a heterogeneous picture with regard to: (a) the health economic methods used, ranging from cost analyses to cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and one social return on investment analysis; (b) the service users involved, ranging from neonatal intensive care patients to persons with dementia and care staff; (c) the outcomes and cost components examined in the respective studies; and (d) the type of study and the conclusions drawn from the results. Accordingly, this scoping review provides an up-to-date overview of health economic studies and identifies research gaps in the field of music interventions for health-related goals and aims to contribute to the discussion on this topic.

Factors influencing women's and men's place of birth decisions in rural Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea: A qualitative descriptive study.

Evidence shows that birthing with a skilled birth provider improves maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, whilst most women in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea seek skilled health care during pregnancy in a health facility, more than half give birth at home or in the village without a skilled birth provider. To explore the factors influencing women's and men's decisions about place of birth in rural Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. A qualitative-descriptive study was conducted. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants (16 women who were pregnant or recently given birth and four men whose partners were pregnant or recently gave birth). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was thematically analysed. Three key themes associated with the place of birth decision factors were identified from the study findings: (1) health service accessibility and availability, (2) socio-cultural influences, and (3) previous maternity care experiences. Participant experiences influenced their choice of place of birth, resulting in many giving birth at home in their village without a skilled birth provider. Maternal and child health services need to be appropriately tailored to improve accessibility and meet the unmet needs of pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. Additionally, health education programs should address socio-cultural factors influencing the uptake of healthcare services, especially in rural areas where health disparities are more evident. Further research is required to explore health worker perspectives, patriarchal control, and respectful care regarding health service utilisation in this study context.

Airway clearance techniques for people with acute exacerbation of COPD: a scoping review.

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) often involve mucus hypersecretion. Thus, management of sputum retention is critical. However, the use of airway clearance techniques (ACTs) in people with AECOPD across different healthcare settings and factors influencing their selection remain unclear. To identify and map ACTs used for AECOPD in different healthcare settings and the factors influencing clinical decision-making worldwide. Four electronic databases and grey literature were searched from 1995 to December 2023, with hand-searching of eligible records. The Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews was followed. 25 articles were included: 14 clinical studies, five guidelines/statements and six surveys/audits. Clinical studies reported the use of a wide range of single or combined ACTs, with no clear pattern in using particular ACTs in different parts of the world. Recent guidelines advise using ACTs for certain patients with AECOPD, particularly those with hypersecretion, with most guidelines recommending positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy. According to surveys, the most used ACTs in Australia and Europe are active cycle of breathing techniques, PEP or forced expiratory technique, while vibrations are most frequently used in Canada. Factors influencing the selection of specific ACTs include the presence of contraindications, level of dyspnoea, access to resources/equipment and ease of learning/performing the technique. All information was derived from hospital settings. This scoping review identified and mapped ACTs used for people with AECOPD worldwide and their decision-making factors. Future work should focus on community settings.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on corporate social responsibility

Artificial intelligence has been a technology that is constantly innovating interaction, consumption and expression in society itself. It is essential to examine the interaction and link between corporate social responsibility and artificial intelligence. To analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on corporate social responsibility commitments and evaluate how these impacts are perceived by organizations, identifying possible benefits and threats. An exhaustive literature review was conducted on artificial intelligence and its influence on corporate social responsibility. This review allowed identifying the possible positive and negative aspects that organizations present when adapting to different social changes. It is necessary to evaluate the link between corporate social responsibility and human capital, since both areas are crucial and complement each other in an organization. It highlights an innovative approach to strategies that identifies the contributions of CSR to different aspects of human talent, both internal and external, and analyzes its influence on personnel performance, a critical factor in organizational decision-making

Prediction of acute kidney injury in intensive care unit patients based on interpretable machine learning.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) poses a lethal risk in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, where early detection is challenging. This study was to establish a prediction model for AKI 24 hours in advance for ICU patients and to help clinicians monitor patients at an early stage by key features. In this study, the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) databases were used to construct a dataset of critically ill patients. Predictive models were constructed using five machine learning algorithms based on MIMIC-IV data, and the best predictive model was selected by multiple model evaluation metrics. MIMIC-III data were used for external validation. We conducted an interpretability analysis of the model using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to clarify key features and decision-making mechanisms. A total of 18,186 patient data were included in this study. The analysis combining calibration and decision curves demonstrated that the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) exhibited superior performance among the five algorithms, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.88. Interpretability analysis based on the XGBoost model showed diuretic use, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor use, age, and antibiotic use as the most important decision factors of the model. The SHAP summary plot was used to illustrate the effects of the top 19 features attributed to the XGBoost. The XGBoost algorithm can predict the occurrence of AKI more accurately. Interpretative analysis of the model reveals the mechanisms of key features, and reflects the individual differences between patients, providing an important clinical reference.

Decoding Consumer Behavior in the Used Car Market: A Machine Learning Approach to Key Decision Factors

Decoding Consumer Behavior in the Used Car Market: A Machine Learning Approach to Key Decision Factors

Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models

Estimating decision-making factors for locally produced and imported rice using consumer models

MEDIATING EFFECT OF BEHAVIORAL INTENTION ON THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED VALUE, ATTITUDE, AND SUBJECTIVE NORM ON VISIT DECISION

Theory of planned behavior is believed to be a theory that can influence visit decisions. Similarly, the dimension of perceived value becomes a determining factor in tourists' decisions to visit. Aims to study analyze the effect of the Theory of Planned Behavior and perceived value on tourists' visit decisions to Alamendah Tourism Village. Data collection using a purposive sample technique, 100 respondents who had visited Alamendah Tourism Village were given questionnaires to complete in order to collect data.. The research method in this study is a quantitative approach, employing descriptive and verificative data analysis techniques with PLS SEM techniques. The data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS version 4.0. The results of this study are: 1) perceived value, attitude, and perceived behavioral control affect behavioral intention; 2) subjective norm does not affect behavioral intention; and 3) behavioral intention influences actual behavior.

Literature Review on Children Outside Educational Opportunities: A Study of Children with Foreign Origin in Japan

Children of foreign origin in Japan face various hurdles in accessing educational opportunities, potentially limiting their strengths and abilities throughout their life course. With the aim of increasing the inclusion of children of foreign origin in Japanese formal education, this paper reviews the literature, focusing on early childhood education and care (ECEC) to identify what has been clarified in previous studies and what has not been sufficiently analyzed, to suggest future directions. Compared with the extensive studies conducted in the U.S., research on ECEC opportunities for children of foreign origin living in Japan is still in its nascent stage. To ensure access to ECEC for children of foreign origin in Japan, it is critical to examine the impact of ECEC on children of foreign origin in Japan and determine which types of ECEC are most effective. Also, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the specific nationalities, family environments, living conditions, cultural backgrounds, and attitudes of parents who do not utilize ECEC opportunities, and detailed research involving parents of children not enrolled in ECEC is necessary to understand the barriers and decision-making factors related to ECEC enrollment.

Validity and Reliability Assessment of the Arabic Version of the Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire in a Moroccan Nursing Student Population

Objective: The Social and Emotional Competencies Questionnaire (SEC-Q) represents one of the existing tests for assessing these competences in students. The purpose of the present research was to examine the psychometric properties of the SEC-Q in Moroccan nursing students. Method: A sample of 320 Moroccan nursing students, including 190 women and 130 men, was selected using a stratified convenience sampling method. Methodology consisted of forward and backward translations, linguistic adaptation, and pilot revision. Structural validity was investigated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was assessed through test-retest analysis using Pearson's correlation. Results: Factor analyses produced a four-factor version of 16 items with a range of factor loadings from 0.72 to 0.89. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.92 for the self-awareness factor, 0.91 for the self-management factor, 0.90 for the social awareness factor, and 0.92 for the decision-making factor. These high values indicate excellent reliability. The test-retest coefficient for a 20-day interval between two assessments gave an rtt value of 0.92, demonstrating excellent response reliability. A strong correlation between the SECQ-AV, WLEIS and PSS-CP was found, demonstrating satisfactory convergent and divergent validity (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The Arabic version of SECQ demonstrated its validity and reliability for assessing social and emotional competencies in Moroccan nursing students. However, the sample selected was drawn from a single nursing training institute, which limits the representativeness of the entire student population, and makes it difficult to generalize the results. A cross-sectional study will therefore produce much more varied results, by including a very large sample from different regions and different nursing training institutes in Morocco.

Como os consumidores brasileiros tomam a decisão de compra de um produto PLANT-BASED MEAT?

The consumption of animal products has significant negative effects on the environment and on human health. As a result, a reduction in meat consumption is necessary. The transition to plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) is one of the potential solutions to environmental and health issues that can ensure sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). The present study identified and analyzed the motivation factors for reducing or eliminating animal protein from consumers' diets, as well as the consumption decision factors for PBMA products through a semi-structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Currently, consumers can choose either exclusively plant-based brands or plant-based line brands from the traditional animal protein industry. The PBMA market is expected to grow in the coming years as the awareness, familiarity, and knowledge of the target audience of this study, which encompasses flexitarians, vegetarians, ovolactovegetarians, and vegans, increases. Companies must focus on the factors that have been driving Brazilian consumers' decision making in consuming PBMA if they want to win over their target market. These factors mainly involve price, healthiness, sensory aspects, and the ultraprocessing.

Narrative Review of the Morphofunctional Underpinnings and Comprehensive Rehabilitation Strategies for Smartphone-addicted University Students

The widespread availability of mobile phones has contributed to a high prevalence of digital addiction worldwide. Smartphone addiction or problematic smartphone use (SA/PSU) has become a widespread issue, especially among university students. Due to concerns about SA/PSU and cyber addiction in young people, research has focused on the structural and functional effects on the brain and the behavioral consequences of spending too much time on mobile phones. This review investigates the impact of excessive smartphone use on this demographic group's physical and mental health. An advanced search on PubMed based on primary keywords, clustered in syntactic associations looked for academic work focusing on: ((((smartphone addiction) and (problematic smartphone use)) and (students) and (Physical exercises)) and (Physical Activity). The relationship (((smartphone addiction) and (problematic smartphone use) and (systematic review) identified 22 papers, published between 2016 and 2024, 16 of which were during the Covid era and post-pandemic periods (2020-2024). Smartphone overuse-induced alterations in cerebral gray matter were observed in four trials. The beneficial influence of physical activity on smartphone addiction was emphasized in 11 publications (selected 9) identified by the advanced search with the syntactic relationship. The narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of effective strategies for addressing SA/PSU. This includes utilizing exercise and psychological interventions to combat digital addiction. Furthermore, studies have looked into the potential benefits of physical exercise and specific strategies addressing these issues. Engaging in physical activity may help offset the negative effects of SA/PSU, and targeted strategies are necessary for preventing and treating these problems in young people. Political and educational decision factors must implement targeted strategies and integrated social education policies to prevent smartphone overuse and pejorative consequences in adolescents and young people.

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING MIGRATION DECISIONS AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS IN NIGERIA

The mass migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria, commonly referred to as “japa syndrome,” has left a significant gap in the country’s healthcare system. While economic and social factors in migration decisions are well-documented, the psychological dimensions remain significantly underexplored. This study aimed to identify key psychological factors and theoretical foundations explaining migration decisions and determine how these factors drive migration in Nigeria. This qualitative study was structured around two research questions: What psychological factors influence migration decisions? and how these psychological factors drive migration decisions and intentions. The study reveals that Nigerian healthcare professionals are driven by work-related stress, burnout, anxiety, and job insecurity, leading to migration for better opportunities abroad. These factors explained by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, push and pull theory, and cognitive dissonance theory, present a comprehensive understanding. The study suggests systemic changes to reduce migration pressures for healthcare workers, including stress management programs, improved working conditions, professional recognition, and effective retention strategies. Keywords: Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Migration, Psychological Factors.

The theory of preloading: A cognitive-behavioural motivational model

Preloading of alcohol and/or drugs before an event has been examined in the research literature for the past two decades. Despite the considerable interest and scrutiny on the behaviour, there are limited, if any, attempts to conceptualise a theoretical understanding of why people preload before an event. Here we propose a Theory of Preloading (TOP)—a general cognitive-behavioural motivational model for alcohol and drug preloading. This conceptualisation reviewed and borrowed relevant cognitive, motivational and behavioural constructs from previous models—i.e., the Motivational Model of Alcohol Use, (Cox & Klinger, 2011), PRIME theory (West, 2007); SORCK analysis (Kanfer & Sanslow, 1965)—applied to the target behaviour of preloading with alcohol and/or drugs. The TOP proposed that a central construct of affective management—guided by distal and cognitive factors—contributes to decisional factors for preloading. Consequential reinforcers and punishers create a reinforcement loop that feeds back into distal and immediate environmental factors for preloading, increasing the likelihood of future occurrences of preloading behaviours. Our proposed theoretical formulation concludes with practical and clinical implications, along with future directions for testing the model.