Rational Choice Research Articles

Neuronal Activity in the Gustatory Cortex during Economic Choice.

An economic choice entails computing and comparing the values of individual offers. Offer values are represented in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)-an area that participates in value comparison-but it is unknown where offer values are computed in the first place. One possibility is that this computation takes place in OFC. Alternatively, offer values might be computed upstream of OFC. For choices between edible goods, a primary candidate is the gustatory region of the anterior insula (gustatory cortex, GC). Here we recorded from the GC of male rhesus monkeys choosing between different juice types. As a population, neurons in GC represented the flavor, the quantity, and the subjective value of the juice chosen by the animal. These variables were represented by distinct groups of cells and with different time courses. Specifically, chosen value signals emerged shortly after offer presentation, while neurons encoding the chosen juice and the chosen quantity peaked after juice delivery. Surprisingly, neurons in GC did not represent individual offer values in a systematic way. In a computational sense, the variables encoded in GC follow the process of value comparison. Thus our results argue against the hypothesis that offer values are computed in GC. At the same time, signals representing the subjective value of the expected reward indicate that responses in GC are not purely sensory. Thus neuronal responses in GC appear consummatory in nature.

Subcutaneous checkpoint inhibition is equivalent to systemic delivery when combined with nelitolimod delivered via pressure-enabled drug delivery for depletion of intrahepatic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and control of liver metastases

BackgroundToll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonists induce inflammatory responses that promote the killing of infectious micro-organisms, cancer cells and develop adaptive immune responses. Their ability as immunomodulators to enhance the activity...

Unraveling the dynamics of COVID-19 fake news spread: The influence of socialization, entertainment, and altruism in instant news sharing on social media

During the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), the dissemination of false information on social media increased significantly. The examination of social factors influencing the proliferation of fake news related to COVID-19 necessitates exploration from various perspectives and dimensions. Our research surveyed 392 Pakistani social media consumers, employing a survey questionnaire method conducted through snowball sampling technique. We utilized SPSS 26.0 for descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The mediation and moderation effects were tested using Andrew F. Hayes' Process program (V3.3). Our findings revealed that COVID-19-related fake news tends to spread through instant news sharing behavior, driven by socialization and entertainment motives, acting as mediating factors in the relationship between instant news sharing and the dissemination of false information. Altruism also plays a moderating role, playing a moderating role in the impact of instant news sharing on fake news sharing, and also playing a moderating role in the impact of socialization on fake news sharing. Employing a rational choice theory framework, our study identifies instant news sharing, socialization, entertainment, and altruism as key rational choices influencing the sharing of pandemic-related fake news among Pakistani social media users.

Bringing emotional reflexivity and emotional regime to understanding ‘the hukou puzzle’ in contemporary China

This article examines the dialogic relationship between emotional reflexivity and emotional regime as it explores ‘the hukou puzzle’ in China. In theory, migrants in small- to medium-scale cities can transfer their hukou (household registration) to urban areas, yet are unwilling to do so in practice. Relying on six months’ ethnographic fieldwork and 60 in-depth interviews with ethnic migrant performers, this article argues that previous theorisation of the hukou puzzle neglects emotions and assumes migrants are making rational choices to maximise their profits. In reality, different emotions and feelings inform migrants’ reflexivity regarding an opaque migration regime, which highlights the crucial role of how they exercise their reflexivity in emotional and relational ways. Moreover, a neoliberal emotional regime at the Chinese societal level – which emphasises positive energy, happiness and ‘the China Dream’ – also significantly shapes migrants’ emotional reflexivity. This article points to the need to further explore the intersection between emotional reflexivity and emotional regime in relation to migration.

Философия микроэкономики: ключевые тенденции XXI в.

The article analyzes the current key philosophical trends in academic publications on microeconomics. The author investigates new sense that economists imply into traditional methodological grounds of Microeconomics. Based on classical marginalist microeconomic theory, contemporary Russian and World economists introduce new meanings and new interpretations into such important aspects of Microeconomics as microeconomic agents, choice and limitations for producers and consumers, market interactions and competition, time and space of microeconomic phenomena. New methodological grounds of Microeconomics in the sphere of decision-making are analysed on the ground of content-analysis. The process of economic choice in new conditions of the 21st century is based on deliberate consumption of economic goods and thoughtful limitations for time, place and number of alternatives when decision is made. Maximization of utility as the goal of behavior of a rational individual is replaced by the criterion of satisfaction and happiness which now form important elements of microeconomic analysis. New approaches to microeconomic models are formed on the ground of mathematical theories of dynamic chaos and nonlinear processes that allow to forecast more precisely microeconomic events in the era of turbulence. Stochastic concepts and differentiated games take the place of traditional statistical strict determinism of microeconomic theories and uncertainty acquires new depth as a fundamental pattern of functioning of microeconomic processes. The article specifies the motives and goals of individual and collective agents acting at micro level. Thus microeconomics of the 21st century has reconsidered its key philosophical grounds, which would contribute to a new paradigm of Microeconomic Analysis.

Investigating Factors Leading to Develop Academic Dishonesty and Cheating Behaviors During Board Examinations in Balochistan, Pakistan

This study investigates the pervasive issue of academic dishonesty and cheating behaviors during board examinations in Balochistan, highlighting diverse contributing factors and underscoring the pivotal role of exams in shaping academic paths. The study adopted a quantitative approach, 200 student responses collected through nonprobability random sampling. Using the rational choice theory, this study fills a research gap and advances understanding of academic dishonesty by offering insightful information. Empirical data analysis was utilized to conclude. The research reveals a high incidence of cheating from students with various causes, including the fear of failure, societal expectations, and peer pressure associated with examinations. Notably, stress and anxiety emerge as key predictors of academic dishonesty. Students, facing intense academic pressures, often turn to unethical practices as a coping mechanism. The study underscores the inadvertent encouragement of cheating within the education system, driven by an excessive focus on exam results as the primary measure of success. The findings contribute valuable insights to the academic integrity discourse, advocating for comprehensive strategies to foster a healthier educational system in Balochistan. Recommendations include addressing root causes, promoting a supportive learning environment, fostering open dialogue, and promoting a broader definition of success. formative assessments, post-exam feedback, parental collaboration, and workshops on academic integrity are proposed to create a more supportive and ethical learning environment, enforcing academic honor codes, strict exam monitoring, and efforts to mitigate cheating should extend beyond punitive measures and implement initiatives to reshape perceptions of success, ultimately cultivating a culture of honesty and integrity in education.

Principles of antibiotic therapy in surgical practice. What should a practitioner not forget about?

The rational use of antimicrobial drugs in surgery includes the correct choice of drug, its timely administration, minimizing the duration of therapy and switching to oral forms, regular monitoring and use of microbiological research data. These principles help reduce the risk of infections, minimize side effects, and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. This article reviews basic information about the principles of rational initiation of antibiotic therapy, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis, the rational choice of an antibacterial drug, the dose of the antibiotic, the mode of administration, and the optimal therapy duration.

ВЫБОР ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ЭКСТЕМПОРАЛЬНОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ФОРМЫ ИЗ СЫРЬЯ СМОРОДИНЫ ЧЕРНОЙ (RIBES NIGRI CORMUS)

When studying a new type of raw material, a rational choice of dosage form plays an important role in order to obtain a pronounced pharmacological effect. Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) belongs to the family Grossulariaceae – gooseberries. This is one of the most common berry crops both in industrial gardens and in private plots. Black currant shoots, as easily accessible raw materials, are of interest for study in order to establish the possibility of their use in scientific medicine. The article presents the results of the choice of technology for obtaining an extemporal dosage form from black currant shoots. The content of biologically active substances (BAS) in raw materials – black currant shoots, as well as the yield of BAS: flavonoids, polysaccharides, tannins and ascorbic acid in the infusion and decoction of currant shoots was investigated. The content of flavonoids was determined by differential spectrophotometry on the SF-2000 spectrophotometer, polysaccharides by gravimetric method, tannins and ascorbic acid by titrimetric method using pharmacopoeial techniques. The content of BAS in the raw materials – black currant shoots: for flavonoids - 2.64%, polysaccharides – 27.85%, tannins – 8.98% and ascorbic acid – 0.8%; in the infusion: flavonoids – 1.98%, polysaccharides – 25.67%, tannins – 7.89%, ascorbic acid – 0.6%; and in decoction of currant shoots: flavonoids – 1.65%, polysaccharides – 23.88%, tannins – 8.89%, ascorbic acid – 0.4%. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the infusion is the optimal extemporal medicinal form of black currant shoots, since it contains the largest amount of biologically active substances, and is promising for further study for use in medical practice.

Xenophobia In South Africa and the Realities of Actualizing SDG 8

This study dwells on xenophobia and the realities of actualizing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) eight in South Africa. It argues that since the emergence of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, which transited to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, there has been a proliferation of literature from scholars of diverse disciplinary orientations. However, none of these studies deal with the phenomenon of xenophobia as a milestone for the attainment of the SDGs in South Africa. This paper, therefore, serves as an intervention to discuss how xenophobia affects the realization/ actualization of the UN’s SDG eight in the area under consideration. Using extant literature and the rational choice theory, it affirms that without peace and partnership with other countries, it would be very difficult for South Africa to attain the UN SDGs it envisages to achieve. To be focused and in-depth in the analysis of the phenomena under consideration the study centers exclusively on the UN SDG eight (even though there are seventeen SDGs of the UN) which hinges on decent work and economic growth. The evidence thrown up led to the major conclusion that the persistent xenophobic attacks and the resultant massive destruction of lives and businesses of foreigners, South Africa’s quest for the full-fledged realization of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal eight would remain mere paperwork. Given the increasing prevalence of xenophobic attacks in the study area, the paper suggests, among others, the building of meaningful, lasting, and effective partnerships. This entails that xenophobia in the country will be nipped in the bud.

Toward a third-generation rational choice theory: the multiple player approach to collective action problems

This paper aims to contribute to the development of a “third-generation” rational choice theory by introducing a Multiple Player Approach for analysing collective action problems. Drawing on the foundational first and second generation works of Olson (The logic of collective action, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1965) and Ostrom (Scand Polit Stud 23(1):3–16), we introduce five player types that we believe capture essential empirical features of many real world collective action problems: Blind Riders, Tough Riders, Hard Riders, Easy Riders, and Low Riders. We consider the complex interaction and dynamics that unfold among them. The main novelty of the analysis is to draw attention to the need for active societal support to effectively empower and reward hard riders for resolving collective action problems, particularly when facing external shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit, and financial crises.

Learning the rational choice perspective: A reinforcement learning approach to simulating offender behaviours in criminological agent-based models

Over the past 15 years, environmental criminologists have explored the application of agent-based models (ABMs) of crime events and various theoretical frameworks applied to understand them. Models have supported criminological theorising and, in some cases, been applied to make predictions about the impact of interventions devised to reduce crime. However, decision-making frameworks utilised in criminological ABMs have typically been implemented through traditional techniques such as condition-action rules. While these models have provided significant insights, they neglect a crucial component of theoretical accounts of offending, the notion that offenders are learning agents whose behavioural dynamics change over time and space. In response, this article presents an ABM of residential burglary in which offender agents utilise reinforcement learning (RL) to learn behaviours. This solution enables offender agents to learn from individual-level perceptions of the environment and, given these perceptions, develop behavioural responses that benefit themselves. The model includes conceptualisations of the Routine Activity Theory (RAT), Crime Pattern Theory (CPT) and a utility function, Target Attractiveness, which acts as a behavioural mould to nudge offender agents to learn behaviours in keeping with the Rational Choice Perspective (RCP). Trained behaviours are then tested by introducing crime prevention interventions into the model and examining the reactions of offender agents. In keeping with empirical studies of offending, experimental results demonstrate that offender agents utilising RL learn to offend at targets where rewards outweigh risks and effort, offend close to home, frequently victimise high-rewarding targets, and conversely learn to avoid offending in areas associated with high levels of risk and effort.

Learning the rational choice perspective: A reinforcement learning approach to simulating offender behaviours in criminological agent-based models

Learning the rational choice perspective: A reinforcement learning approach to simulating offender behaviours in criminological agent-based models

An Analytical Review of Language Economics with a Discussion on Language Use, Policy and Planning in Sri Lanka

Language dynamics depend not only on factors as explained by sociolinguists but also on economic factors. Economics of language and economic analysis of language provide analytical framework for language choice, use of language, language development, language and economic wellbeing, language assimilation, language death, etc. This paper discusses theoretical aspects of economics of language and how language dynamics and economic factors are interrelated with a discussion on language use in Sri Lanka. The paper surveys literature on economics of language which considers language as a rational choice. Optimal language choice maximizes economic benefits subject to constraints. If a language does not serve the need of the people, the evolutionary forces work to improve its functioning, thus language remains incomplete. In a framework of human development, language skills enhance economic gains. As per the discrimination theory, marginalization of minority language speakers from economic activities was analyzed. It was also discussed that economic factors drive a society with many languages to choose one common language or to retain or preserve endangered minority languages. Another branch of research focused on the analysis of official language policies of countries. These studies were highly useful in understanding the relationship between economic factors and language issues and resulting language policy planning. In the discussion on language use in Sri Lanka, it is found that official and link language policies do not always ensure equal access to economic opportunities for different language users. Lack of official data and extensive research on language aspects and their economic concerns further restrict the implementation of better language policy and finally resolving language issues.

Поведенческая экономика в контексте кризисной ситуации: исследования и выводы

This article is devoted to the problems of behavioral economics, which defines the boundaries of rational consumer choice and studies models and scenarios of consumer behavior. The author examined the features of consumer behavior in the context of economic and geopolitical crises that modern Russia has gone through from the 1990s to the present. The article provides a periodization of crises, taking into account their specifics, causes and consequences. The research included an analysis of models and scenarios of consumer behavior during the acute phase of the crisis period in 2022, a comparative analysis of the cost structure; indices of the decline and growth of spending on the main categories of goods and services were given, and the readiness of consumers to refuse purchases was analyzed. Significant attention in the work was paid to a comparative analysis of the main trends in consumer behavior during the crisis of 1997–1998 and the crisis of 2022, during which it was noted that consumer behavior is influenced by the increased maturity of markets and the preparedness of the public administration system for crisis situations. It is concluded that it is necessary to take into account the growing role of consumer behavior that deviates from the usual rational models, which emphasizes the need to develop new forms for building the economic policy of government bodies. In conclusion, the author focuses special attention on the fact that when making management decisions on the formation of programs to support industries and sectors of the economy, it is necessary to take into account emerging models and scenarios of consumer behavior.

The impact of religiosity and financial literacy on financial management behavior and well-being among Indonesian Muslims

This study examines the effects of religiosity and Islamic financial literacy on Muslims’ financial behavior and well-being. Additionally, it investigates the impact of sociodemographic variables on the centrality of religiosity, financial literacy, financial management behavior, and the well-being of Muslim consumers. This research integrates perspectives from Rational Choice Theory, the Rational Choice Theory of Religion, and Behavioral Finance to illuminate the mechanisms behind these relationships. Data were collected through a non-probability sampling method from 1141 Muslim individuals aged between 18 and 65 living in Indonesia. The results indicate that the centrality of religion in the lives of Muslim consumers and Islamic financial literacy significantly affects their financial management behavior and financial well-being. However, the empirical evidence suggests a more substantial effect of Islamic financial literacy than religiosity on both dependent variables.

Prediction of Fuel and Exhaust Emission Costs of Heavy-Duty Vehicles Intended for Gas Transportation

This research focuses on heavy-duty vehicles intended to transport compressed natural gases, i.e., class-2 dangerous goods. The analysis includes heavy-duty vehicles powered by diesel and compressed natural gas and trailers with two body types. The body types used in the research are battery bodies and multiple-element gas containers, with pressure vessels made of composite materials (Type-4) and steel (Type-1). The paper presents the methodological procedure for predicting fuel and exhaust gas emission costs as a function of fuel consumption and transported gas quantities. The effects of different types of bodies and different types of fuel on the transported quantities of gas, vehicle mass utilization, fuel consumption, and exhaust gas emissions are shown. The obtained results show that bodies with Type-4 pressure vessels transport 44% more gas than bodies with Type-1 pressure vessels for one turn. The most cost-effective solution for emission costs is diesel-powered, newer-technology vehicles and Type-4 vessels, requiring EUR 2.82 per ton of gas. Similarly, the most economical choice for fuel costs is compressed natural-gas-powered vehicles with Type-4 bodies and a cost of EUR 19.77 per ton of gas. The research results’ practical application pertains to the selection procedures of vehicles and bodies intended for the transport of gases; they should be considered in the decision-making process, with the aim of attaining a sustainable transport sector with lower costs and less impact on the environment.

Od zviadistů ke gruzínskému snu: volatilita a parlamentní volby v gruzínskem Džavacheti v letech 1992-2020

This study addresses the longstanding instability of the Georgian party-political scene, which has significantly shaped the nation's electoral dynamics. This instability primarily arises from the organization of parties centered around the popularity of their leaders. Starting with Gamsakhurdia and further strengthened by Shevardnadze and Saakashvili, this trend has begun to wane in the last decade. The consequences of this unstable system, established in the 1990s, are still evident, with Georgian elections often swayed by economic-populist projects led by charismatic leaders. Focusing specifically on Javakheti, this research examines how the Armenian minority's loyalty to the ruling party can be attributed to the party's charismatic leadership and connections with elites in Tbilisi. However, election results indicate a declining support for the ruling party in this region, reflecting a shift in political culture. The study explores the internal structure of voting behavior in Javakheti and highlights the influence of ethnic differences on political preferences. The conclusions drawn provide insights into the social control exercised by patrons, the dynamics of group versus individual rational choice, the impact of ethnic homogeneity and settlement concentration, the spatial influence on politics, and the legal framework governing the political mobilization of the ethnic minority.

The rational choice by population of a patch under imperfect information about its variable resources

The rational choice by population of a patch under imperfect information about its variable resources

AI and Warfare: A Rational Choice Approach

AbstractArtificial intelligence has been a hot topic in recent years, particularly as it relates to warfare and military operations. While rational choice approaches have been widely used to understand the causes of war, there is little literature on using the rational choice methodology to investigate the role of AI in warfare systematically. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring how rational choice models can inform our understanding of the power and limitations of AI in warfare. This theoretical approach suggests (a) an increase in the demand for moral judgment due to a reduction in the price of AI and (b) that without a human in the AI decision-making loop, peace is impossible; the very nature of AI rules out peace through mutually assured destruction.

Impact of CCTV on Police Operations Outcomes in Nairobi City County, Kenya

The widespread adoption of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems in major cities globally aims to improve policing outcomes. However, despite Nairobi’s CCTV system being operational since mid-2015, its specific impact remained unclear. This study investigated how CCTV influenced five key police operation outcomes: crime reduction, response times, road safety, officer safety, and cost reduction. Drawing from Rational Choice Theory and Routine Activity Theory, the study employed a convergent mixed-method design combining a cross-sectional survey with a phenomenological design. Participants included 403 police officers from the CCTV command centre and various police stations across the county, selected via cluster and purposive sampling. Data collection utilised questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative analysis employed binary logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings revealed that CCTV has significantly reduced crime, enhanced road safety and officer safety, and lowered operational costs. However, response times saw minimal improvement due to limited CCTV coverage and coordination challenges between officers. The study recommends expanding coverage, strengthening collaboration among officers, and publicising the system's successes to maximise CCTV's potential