Judgment Process Research Articles

Multivariate Decision Tree-Oriented Early Warning Method for College Students’ Psychological Crisis Behavior

To prevent the occurrence of psychological crisis behavior and help college students grow from the crisis is not only an important issue related to college students’ mental health, but also a very necessary and urgent practical issue related to college students’ family happiness, college talent training, and social harmony and stability. Therefore, a multivariable decision tree-oriented early warning method for college students’ psychological crisis behavior is proposed. Using the laser beam emitted by the sensor as a reference standard, the psychological crisis behavior data is extracted, converted into different formats, divided into linear regions, and used to build a multivariate decision tree model. The model is used as the judgment processing target, and the judgment equation of mental health status data is established. The status data is divided into different processing groups as the processing object, calculate the maximum state value of the state data in the two data combinations to obtain the optimal early warning result, and finally realize the early warning of psychological crisis behavior. The experimental results show that the final success rate of early warning obtained by this method is high, which can improve the efficiency of early warning; the number of missing data sets was the least, and most of the subjects’ psychological risk tolerance was at the medium level.

An applied cognitive task analysis investigation of professional judgement and decision-making in a small group of high-level, UK-based caving instructors

ABSTRACT The professional judgement and decision-making processes of adventure sports coaches’ leadership practice is a growing area of research. However, the PJDM and underpinning epistemology of caving instructors has recived limited research focus. The decision-making practice of professionals working in complex and constrained environments has significant transferability to domains such as rescue and emergency services. Consequently, this paper investigates the leadership practice of a purposive sample of 3 UK based caving instructors, utilising an Applied Cognitive Task Analysis to access expert cognition. The study aimed specifically to examine the decision-making processes of this sub-group of outdoor professionals who work in difficult, multifaceted and demanding environments. Results supported and built upon previous work in adventure sports, specifically in confirming the complexity of judgement and decision-making underground. In particular, decision-making creates high cognitive loads because of environmental factors inherent in extended caving journeys. Loads are assuaged by the application of heuristics and planning, but naturalistic decision-making processes remain numerous and multifaceted. Findings have implications for National Governing Body instructor training programme design, with particular reference to the development of decision-making expertise in complex environments.

Multimodal Consistency Suppression Factor for Fake News Detection

Recent multi-modal fake news detection methods often use the consistency between textual and visual contents to determine the truth or fake of a news information. Higher levels of textual-visual consistency typically lead to a greater likelihood of classifying a news item as real. However, a critical observation reveals that creators of most fake news intentionally select images that align with the textual content, thereby enhancing the credibility of the news. Consequently, high consistency between textual and visual contents alone cannot guarantee the authenticity of the information. To address this problem, we introduce a novel approach termed Multimodal Consistency-based Suppression Factor to modulate the significance of textual-visual consistency in information assessment. When the textual-visual matching is high, this suppression factor reduces the influence of consistency during the judgment process. Moreover, we use Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training (CLIP) model to extract features and measure the consistency level between modalities to guide multimodal fusion. In addition, we also use a method of compressing and fusing modal information based on Variational Autoencoder (VAE) to reconstruct CLIP features, learning the shared representation of different modal information of CLIP. Finally, extensive experiments were conducted on three publicly datasets, Weibo, Twitter and Weibo21, and the results confirmed that our method outperformed the state-of-the-art methods in the field, and had 0.8%, 2.6% and 4.1% effect improvement on the accuracy rate.

Ground fault protection algorithm of active distribution network based on energy extremum direction

AbstractAfter large‐scale distributed power sources are connected to the distribution network, the fault current undergoes noticeable changes, affecting the accuracy of traditional single‐phase grounding fault algorithms. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to address the impact of distributed power integration on the grounding algorithms of distribution networks. The main contribution is: by establishing an electrical system structure and model for distribution network grounding faults that include distributed generation (DG), theoretically deriving and calculating the transient zero‐sequence current frequency changes at the moment of fault, analysing the directional characteristics of zero‐sequence currents under DG connection conditions, designing a local grounding fault judgment algorithm based on energy extremum direction, and providing a fault judgment and isolation process for grounding fault monitoring devices. The results show: through simulation and experimentation, the algorithm was tested, and the method can reliably judge grounding faults under various transition resistances, different numbers and capacities of connected distributed power sources, and different grounding switch‐on angles. The applicability of the algorithm covers both methods of neutral grounding through an arc suppression coil and ungrounded neutrals, adapting to scenarios with or without DG connections.

How context influences the processing of relevant information and judgment accuracy-the role of information restriction in judgment processes in diagnosing misconceptions.

To adapt teaching to the prerequisites of students, teachers have various options at their disposal to gather and process information as the basis to form a judgment, such as carrying out tests, talking to and observing the behavior of students, or administering tasks. The complexity of such a judgment arises from the multitude of observations and their different possible explanations. This complexity might be reduced when teachers focus on one hypothesis instead of considering multiple hypotheses, interpret information in a confirmatory way, and not collect diagnostically relevant information. However, in this way, they run the risk of undesirable biased judgments. It therefore seems important to improve diagnostic judgments by selecting and processing information in a more reflective way. Research indicates that if information on a student is not easily available but restricted (e.g., by time pressure, difficult access to the student or high effort), a teacher who wants to make a careful decision is forced to rely on more reflective processes in the selection of tasks and in the interpretation of solutions. The present experimental study therefore investigates how the restricted availability of information in a specific diagnostic situation-when diagnostically inexperienced prospective mathematics teachers determine misconceptions in decimal fractions-influences the underlying cognitive processes. We assume that restricting the availability of information on student behavior augments the attentional focus and therefore reduces cognitive biases. Such more reflective processing can be observed by an increased time spent per piece of information, which should lead to the processing of relevant information and further increase judgment accuracy. To investigate these hypotheses, prospective teachers without prior knowledge in diagnosing misconceptions (N = 81) were asked to diagnose misconceptions on decimal fractions of virtual students by collecting information on students' solutions. Data concerning the effects of restricting the availability of information on teachers' cognitive processes were analyzed. The results show that with restricted information, participants indeed select a greater proportion of diagnostically relevant tasks, which positively influences judgment accuracy. These results are discussed with respect to their significance for framing teacher training and for further research.

Using artificial intelligence in trademark registration in light of the UAE trademark Law

When a commercial project is established to produce certain goods or services of high quality to compete and attract consumers, the project owner must adopt a trademark for the good, service or product in order to distinguish what he does from other competing services, goods and production. This requires registering the trademark with the relevant institutions in the country of registration, which requires procedures, requirements and attachments to be submitted. Then comes the role of those institutions in examining the submitted application in accordance with the law in force in the country of registration. Hence, we are discussing the special procedures for registration in the United Arab Emirates, which is one of the most advanced countries in government procedures. We are proposing the idea of introducing artificial intelligence software into the examination and judgment process to speed up the registration process for fear of it being registered by another person in another country that has an agreement with the UAE. Therefore, ownership of the trademark will be for the first to register.

Development of a Core Outcome Measure Instrument; "LeishCOM_LCL", for Localised Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) is a chronic ulcerating disease. A literature review identified inconsistencies in clinical trials. The aims of this study were to reach a consensus on the most important domains to measure when assessing LCL, agree on parameters to measure the domains, and develop a tool representing a Core Outcome Set (COS), for use in clinical assessment of LCL. A literature review was conducted to identify any existing COS for LCL embracing agreed Outcome Domains, i.e. what to measure and any Outcome Measurement Instruments (OMIs). As no COS was available, potential outcome domains for assessment of LCL were identified through an international collaborative approach using e-consultations and virtual discussions with expert stakeholders (n = 20) from geographically different LCL endemic countries. Subsequent judgmental validation process included a face-to-face multidisciplinary stakeholders' meeting adopting the Nominal Group Technique. A final consensual agreement on outcome domains and items required to measure these domains was established. "Clinical Cure" was defined as the ideal overall "General Concept". The five Core Outcome Domains included Signs capturing clinical morphology, diameter, and induration of an index lesion with the aid of a palpability score, Treatment Efficacy assessing percentage change in size of the lesion and re-epithelialization compared to baseline, Treatment Impact which included an investigator and patient visual analogue score, and Clinical Sequelae rating pigment change, atrophic and hypertrophic/keloid scars. It was agreed that two open-ended questions should be included to capture some aspects of Health-Related Quality of Life as a means of capturing a patient-focused approach. LeishCOM_LCL was generated to reflect a COS for LCL. This captured demographic details, agreed outcome domains and measures to assess these domains. Validation of LeishCOM_LCL will be reported in a separate paper. Development of a Patient Reported Outcome Measure will be considered in the future.

An Overview of Moral Psychology

Moral process has been a complex process since ancient times, and studying and understanding morality is beneficial for us to solve most of the moral dilemmas in our society, therefore, this paper mainly focuses on the introduction of moral emotions as well as the process of moral judgment, and discusses the relevant research and theories of moral psychology.

When the Heart Meets the Mind: Exploring the Brain-Heart Interaction during Time Perception.

Recent studies suggest that time estimation relies on bodily rhythms and interoceptive signals. We provide the first direct electrophysiological evidence suggesting an association between the brain's processing of heartbeat and duration judgment. We examined heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP) and contingent negative variation (CNV) during an auditory duration-reproduction task and a control reaction-time task spanning 4, 8, and 12 s intervals, in both male and female participants. Interoceptive awareness was assessed with the Self-Awareness Questionnaire (SAQ) and interoceptive accuracy through the heartbeat-counting task (HCT). Results revealed that SAQ scores, but not the HCT, correlated with mean reproduced durations with higher SAQ scores associating with longer and more accurate duration reproductions. Notably, the HEP amplitude changes during the encoding phase of the timing task, particularly within 130-270 ms (HEP1) and 470-520 ms (HEP2) after the R-peak, demonstrated interval-specific modulations that did not emerge in the control task. A significant ramp-like increase in HEP2 amplitudes occurred during the duration-encoding phase of the timing but not during the control task. This increase within the reproduction phase of the timing task correlated significantly with the reproduced durations for the 8 s and the 4 s intervals. The larger the increase in HEP2, the greater the under-reproduction of the estimated duration. CNV components during the encoding phase of the timing task were more negative than those in the reaction-time task, suggesting greater executive resources orientation toward time. We conclude that interoceptive awareness (SAQ) and cortical responses to heartbeats (HEP) predict duration reproductions, emphasizing the embodied nature of time.

Behind the grades: co-constructing fairness to reach agreement in evaluative judgement

Assessment in higher education is often a balancing act between fairness and the inherent complexity of standards, with evaluative judgement playing a crucial role in determining the quality of student work. This study employs a sociomaterial perspective to investigate the often-obscured justifications used by examiners during real-time moderation meetings, as well as their role in shaping judgements. Through participant observation and focus group interviews, a two-stage analysis was conducted. Thematic analysis identified four categories of justifications – predefined, personal, norm-based and other justifications – highlighting a range of rationales behind examiners’ grading decisions. Subsequent interaction analysis explored how these justifications inform the evaluative judgement process, revealing their role in co-constructing an understanding of fairness to reach a compromise. A key finding is that different perspectives on fairness significantly impact evaluative judgements. The study recommends the use of the concepts ‘tinkering’ and ‘rupturing’ as analytical tools to promote flexibility and harness the strengths of subjectivity while maintaining the integrity of judgements.

Behavioral Biases in Investment Decisions: An Extensive Literature Review and Pathways for Future Research

In the realm of investment decisions, the influence of behavioral biases has emerged as a captivating area of exploration. This article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the landscape of behavioral biases in investment choices, delving into their profound impact on financial markets. Contrary to traditional finance theories assuming rationality, a multitude of empirical evidence attests to the pervasive effects of cognitive and emotional biases. Through an extensive literature review, this article elucidates the intricacies of key biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion, anchoring, confirmation bias, herding behavior, disposition effect, framing effects, and regret aversion. By examining the distinct ways these biases distort investors' judgment and decision-making processes, we unveil the often unexpected deviations from rationality. Each bias, rooted in human psychology, can lead to suboptimal investment behaviors, portfolio misalignments, and heightened market volatility. However, recognizing the impact of these biases provides opportunities for transformative insights. As investment professionals, policymakers, and individuals alike comprehend the subtle nuances of behavioral biases, tailored interventions, educational initiatives, and adaptive strategies can be devised to mitigate their adverse effects. This article not only synthesizes the prevailing research but also charts a course for future investigations. The implications of understanding and addressing behavioral biases extend beyond financial realms, offering a bridge between finance and psychology. As interdisciplinary collaboration gains momentum, pathways for future research become evident, beckoning scholars to delve deeper into the uncharted territories of human behavior and its intricate relationship with investment decisions. Through the exploration of these biases and their potential remedies, this article illuminates the evolving landscape of investment decision-making in a world where cognitive fallacies intersect with financial choicest.

Budgetary Cycle and late accountability: diagnosis regarding the political judgment of government financial statements within the scope of the States

The normative scenario configured by the 1988 Constitution, in matters of public finances, reveals a dynamic structured based on the notion of budget cycle. However, the materialization of the processes that make up this cycle is permeated by decision-making operated from a perspective of supervision of social bodies and institutionalized control. In this sense, the theoretical framework regarding horizontal accountability emerges, according to O'Donnell's (1998) categorization, which translates in the issuance of the preliminary opinion by the Audit Courts and the subsequent political judgment issued of Parliament. Having as its object of work the temporal profile of the political judgment of government accounts, this paper proposes to investigate the existence of empirical distortions concerning the process of assessment and judgment of the accounts of the head of the Executive Branch of the States, and where possible delays arise – whether in the assessment and sending of the preliminary opinion by the accounting body or in the processing of the document in the legislative houses. Therefore, in methodological terms, for the purpose of articulating the diagnosis on a legal-exploratory basis, we opted for a sample selection stratified into subgroups referring to the five historically recognized regions, choosing the most populous federated entity in each region as a critical case for analysis, which takes place through the mobilization of qualitative data, extracted from primary sources (legislative decrees, draft legislative decrees and previous opinions), with a documentary analytical focus, taking as a focus the period referring to the accounts from 2010 to 2020.

Structured expert judgement approach of the health impact of various chemicals and classes of chemicals.

Chemical contamination and pollution are an ongoing threat to human health and the environment. The concern over the consequences of chemical exposures at the global level continues to grow. Because resources are constrained, there is a need to prioritize interventions focused on the greatest health impact. Data, especially related to chemical exposures, are rarely available for most substances of concern, and alternate methods to evaluate their impact are needed. A Structured Expert Judgment (Research Outreach, 2021) process was performed to provide plausible estimates of health impacts for 16 commonly found pollutants: asbestos, arsenic, benzene, chromium, cadmium, dioxins, fluoride, highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), lead, mercury, polycyclic-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAs), phthalates, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), and brominated flame retardants (BRFs). This process, undertaken by sector experts, weighed individual estimations of the probable global health scale health impacts of each pollutant using objective estimates of the expert opinions' statistical accuracy and informativeness. The foremost substances, in terms of mean projected annual total deaths, were lead, asbestos, arsenic, and HHPs. Lead surpasses the others by a large margin, with an estimated median value of 1.7 million deaths annually. The three other substances averaged between 136,000 and 274,000 deaths per year. Of the 12 other chemicals evaluated, none reached an estimated annual death count exceeding 100,000. These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing available resources on reducing and remediating the impacts of these key pollutants. Based on the evidence available, experts concluded some of the more notorious chemical pollutants, such as PCBs and dioxin, do not result in high levels of human health impact from a global scale perspective. However, the chemical toxicity of some compounds released in recent decades, such as Endocrine Disrupters and PFAs, cannot be ignored, even if current impacts are limited. Moreover, the impact of some chemicals may be disproportionately large in some geographic areas. Continued research and monitoring are essential; and a preventative approach is needed for chemicals. These results, and potential similar analyses of other chemicals, are provided as inputs to ongoing discussions about priority setting for global chemicals and pollution management. Furthermore, we suggest that this SEJ process be repeated periodically as new information becomes available.

Construction of Multisensory Landscape and Integration of Soundscape, Smellscape and Lightscape in Traditional Chinese Gardens

This paper proposes the concept of multisensory landscape construction, pointing out that people’s perception and appreciation of a landscape is a process of overall impression and judgment formed with a combination of visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile, and even thermal and humid sense. Examples can be found in many famous traditional Chinese gardens. Around the West Lake area, there are famous soundscape scenic spots, e.g., Liu Lang Wen Ying (Orioles Singing in the Willows), Nan Ping Evening Bell (Evening Bell Ringing at the Nanping Hill), Zhejiang Qiu Tao (Autumn Wave of Zhejiang), and Jiu Li Song Tao (Wave of Pine Trees Lasts Nine Miles) . There are also some famous lightscape scenic spots, e.g., San Tan Ying Yue (Moon and Candlelight Mirrored in the Lake) and Ping Hu Qiu Yue (Moon over the Peaceful Lake in Autumn) . In terms of smellscape, in addition to the famous scenic spot Qu Yuan Feng He (Curved Yard and Lotus Pool in Summer), the West Lake area is also widely planted with osmanthus and other fragrant plants, forming a smellscape in which "late autumn is fragrant with osmanthus flowers and lotus in bloom for miles and miles." At Humble Administrator Garden, there are soundscape scenic spots such as Wu Zhu You Ju (Secluded Residence among Bamboo Bushes) and Liu Ting Ge (Pavilion to Pause and Listen); there are smellscape scenic spots such as the Orchid Field, the Magnolia Courtyard, the Panicum Pavilion, etc.; lightscape scenic spots such as Liu Ying Ge (Hall of Reflecting Shadows) and Ta Ying Ting (Pavilion of Shadow of Tower) can also be found there. In Chengde Summer Resort, there are soundscape scenic spots such as Wan He Song Feng (Wind of Ten Thousand Ravines and Pines) and lightscape scenic spots such as Xi Ling Chen Xia (Morning Sunset on West Ridge), etc.; smellscape scenic spots such as Qu Shui Hua Xiang (Fragrance of Flowers in the Curved Water) and Yuan Xiang Tang (Hall of Fragrance of Far Away) can also be found.The above classic cases eloquently prove that the creation of multisensory landscape and the integration of them are the valuable experience in traditional Chinese gardens, which play an important role in the achievement of famous landscape.Therefore, the design of landscape must pay attention to the creation and integration of soundscape, smellscape and lightscape. Another key point of the theory of multisensory landscape construction is that it is necessary to pay attention to both spatial and temporal dimensions so that the constructed landscape can be enjoyed everywhere and at all time periods. In this regard, the creation of the three-scape (specifically refer to soundscape, smellscape and lightscape) can also highlight their regional and temporal characteristics. By analyzing some classic cases of traditional Chinese gardens, this paper proposes that the construction of multisensory landscape and the integration of soundscape, smellscape and lightscape are the valuable experience in traditional Chinese gardens, which are also important for the achievement of famous landscapes and are excellent traditions that we should vigorously inherit and carry forward.

How Dramas Featuring Morally Ambiguous Protagonists Increase a Sense of Life Expansion: The Role of Moral Judgment

ABSTRACT Building on moral foundations theory, this article explores which combinations of moral ambiguity domains (care–harm, care–unfairness, fairness–harm, and fairness–unfairness) exhibited by morally ambiguous protagonists (MAPs) in movies evoke a stronger sense of moral conflict in viewers. It further explores viewers’ moral judgment process when they perceive moral conflicts in protagonists who demonstrate moral ambiguity. Study 1, using a measurement-of-mediation design, confirms a moral judgment process; perceived moral conflict encourages viewers to infer that the protagonists suffer a disturbed moral conscience when they find justification in MAPs’ motives for their behaviors. Such inferences lead to the approbation of their behaviors and then result in eudaimonic experiences and a sense of self-expansion. With a moderation-of-process design, Study 2 provides further evidence that behavioral approbation has a mediating role in viewers’ appreciation processes.

Neural mechanisms of the continued influence effect of misinformation: Analysis based on fMRI causal connectivity

The continued influence effect of misinformation (CIEM) can negatively affect individuals’ reasoning and judgment processes. This research aims to enhance the correction of misinformation and foster rational judgement by investigating the internal brain mechanisms involved in the processing of the CIEM through the use of task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging combined with Granger causality analysis. Our findings demonstrate notable effective interactions in varying directions between the left inferior frontal gyrus and middle temporal gyrus during the encoding phase, and between the right anterior cingulate gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus in the retrieval phase. These insights elucidate the roles of mental model updating and retrieval failure in the processing of CIEM, offering more granular evidence to support the differentiation in processing phases.

Indigenous Study of Psychologists as Witnesses: Ethical Considerations of Testifying in Court on Sexual Assault Issues

<p>本研究旨在探討性侵受害當事人之心理師，受法院傳喚作證時，出庭過程中的倫理考量。研究方法採紮根理論取向，透過立意與滾雪球取樣徵得九位有出庭作證經驗之受訪者，透過個別訪談蒐集資料，並進行開放編碼、主軸編碼、選繹編碼與歷程編碼之質性分析步驟。研究結果發現心理師收到法院傳喚出庭作證時，會面臨是否出庭的意願考量，在決定出庭及準備過程中，則涉及專業知能、知情同意及保密等三個主要倫理判斷議題之考量，並經歷外在法律服從及內良心掙扎的過程，出庭作證時會為自己的專業辯護並發展因應的作為，同時會衡量保持中立的客觀角色，以及覺察個案的諮商動機。研究結論指出心理師會兼顧外在客觀的法律規範與內在主觀的良心考量以出庭作證，並把持中立客觀的專業角色，作真實的事實陳述，以期能同時符合法規的期待與良心的要求。最後，本研究依研究所得提出「心理師出庭之雙元倫理考量模型」與未來研究及實務之建議。</p> <p> </p><p>This study aimed to explore the ethical considerations of psychologists who counsel sexual assault victims and are summoned by the court to testify. Judicial proceedings for sexual assault victims often challenge conviction of perpetrators because of insufficient evidence. Therefore, the court regards the professional knowledge and testimonial information of psychologists as important reinforcing evidence. Thus, they involve ethical issues of whether to disclose and the degree of disclosure. Currently, there is no training in forensic psychology or legal risks in the Taiwanese school curricula. Because psychologists are unfamiliar with judicial rules and ethics, they may be at risk of making mistakes that could affect their future professional status. The ethical aspects addressed in this study included three major ethical judgment issues: professional knowledge, informed consent, and confidentiality. The research method adopted a grounded theory orientation. Nine interviewees with experience in court testifying were recruited through conceptualization and snowball sampling. Data were collected using individual interviews and qualitatively analyzed using open, axial, selective, and process coding.</p> <p>The research results show that when psychologists are summoned by the court to testify, they are faced with whether to appear in court. The decision to appear in court and the preparation involve three major ethical judgment issues: professional knowledge, informed consent, and confidentiality. Court-summoned psychologists have to understand the implications of their role and consider the ethics of being summoned to appear. This decision is based on civic responsibility rather than personal will. It requires interprofessional competencies and the ability to respond to courts and professional assessments, including knowledge of the laws regarding sexual assault. They should consider the rights of minors’ guardians and inform individual victims as much as possible to enable them to fully understand and provide informed consent. Victims’ privileged communications should be properly used and victim information disclosed in court should be filtered. Psychologists must be loyal to the victims’ original intentions, consider their best interests, and exclude irrelevant personal privacy information. Psychologists are also reminded to seek professional assistance when facing the court, including consulting lawyers or receiving supervision and educational training, and being equipped with court knowledge related to sexual assault. Psychologists testifying in court face a process of external legal obedience and an internal conscience struggle. They defend their professionalism and develop appropriate actions. Simultaneously, psychologists measure the objective role of maintaining neutrality and being aware of clients’ motivation for counseling.</p> <p>In conclusion, psychologists have to consider external objective legal norms and their internal subjective conscience when testifying in court and maintain a neutral and objective professional role. Finally, considering the research findings, this study proposes a “Dual-ethical Consideration Model for Psychologists Appearing in Court” and suggestions for future research and practice. Psychologists should accumulate different court experiences based on the number of court appearances. We recommend discussing whether the judicial role of psychologists has various stages of development based on the accumulation of court experience. Additionally, psychologists with different testifying roles will also have different ethical awareness and judgment processes, which can also be studied in depth. In practice, we recommended strengthening education and training on testifying in court, understanding that testifying in court is a citizen’s obligation, and carefully using victims’ privileged communication. Simultaneously, practical work manuals and workshops for court appearances should be developed to assist psychologists in conducting interviews through practical guidance and exercises. They should be prepared for the stress and circumstances of going to court.</p> <p> </p>

Predicting child alimony under Islamic shariah law using hybrid fuzzy inference system

This paper proposes a novel approach to predicting child alimony under Islamic Shariah law using a hybrid fuzzy inference system, integrating Mamdani and Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy systems. Machine learning algorithms have become valuable tools for legal decision-making, but judicial process delays can lead to adverse effects. Our model aims to expedite decision-making and minimize legal fees by accurately determining the proper amount of alimony for children after divorce. We collected data from 94 alimony cases and evaluated the model’s performance using accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score metrics. The hybrid fuzzy system achieved promising results with 88% accuracy, 84% precision, 89% recall, and an 86% F1 score. Notably, the model reduced bias and standardization in decision-making, promoting fairness. However, the study suggests potential areas for improvement and emphasizes trans-parent judgment processes and coordination among judges in assessing alimony costs based on sufficiency and ma’ruf criteria. This research significantly contributes to machine learning applications in the judicial domain. It provides a valuable decision-making tool for judges and lawyers to enhance the judicial process’s efficiency and ensure children’s welfare in divorce cases under Islamic Shariah law. Further research can enhance the model’s effectiveness and reliability, opening avenues for continued exploration in this field.

Appraisal Theory: Can It Be Applied to Visual Images in Isolation to the Text?

The role of women in Saudi society is evolving; however, the process of reform is subject to multiple interpretations. This makes the role of resemiosis when interpreting visual media particularly important, perhaps more than a direct focus on the semiotic modes adopted. Data was collected from a variety of on-line media covering the recent changes. Appraisal Theory was used to capture the judgement process in terms of emotions experienced by the reader/viewer and how the wider context such as the full news article, or even just the headline, forms a part of this process. This posits that in contested situations, resemiosis is a critical part of the process and sometimes the apparent interpretation of a single image (intersemiosis) can be different to the interpretation of the whole. In such instances, different semiotic modes convey different meanings but a focus on one in isolation can be misleading as to the overall intent.

Italian translation and cultural adaptation of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS-I) in patients with acquired brain injuries.

The objective of this study was to produce a cross-cultural adaptation in Italian of the Agitated Behavior Scale (ABS), originally developed in English, as the first of two stages that also include cross-cultural validation and allow a clinical scale to be used in the proper setting such as rehabilitation units. In order to adapt the ABS scale to a different cultural environment, five consecutive steps were performed: (1) forward translations (n = 8), (2) synthesis of the 8 forward translations to obtain a first shared italian version (ABS_I_trial), (3) back translations (n = 3), (4) creation of an expert committee to evaluate forward and back translations and finally (5) the cognitive debriefing. After the five steps, including forward translations and back translations, the process of committee verification and judgement and the evaluative step of cognitive debriefing, high comprehensibility of all items was found, resulting in an Italian translation version of ABS suitable for application in a clinical setting. ABS translation was produced by means of a standardized procedure aimed at minimizing cross-cultural gaps. The expert committee evaluated the version produced as highly understandable in Italian. Further steps, such as the subsequent validation of its psychometric properties, are needed to employ this translation in a clinical setting.