Role In Decision Research Articles

Peer effects of firm's sustainable transformation: Evidence from textual information analysis of annual financial reports in China

Effective peer effects and their influence channels play a crucial role in a focal firm's decision to pursue sustainability. This article analyzes a dataset comprising 2,098 sample firms over the period from 2011 to 2020, utilizing both textual analysis technology and the reverse maximum matching method to gauge transitions into sustainability (referred to as “sustainable transformation”) based on annual financial reports. Our empirical findings demonstrate significant and positive peer effects within individual industries, as revealed through panel data analysis. Sustainable transformation in peer firms markedly impacts a focal firm's sustainable transformation, primarily through changes in the tone of cross-industry communications, gaps in sustainability among different firms, and the increased attention of analysts. This study may provide valuable insights into the effects of sustainability-related information disclosure among peer firms in certain industries, as well as the mechanisms of information transmission and external pressure associated with peer effects in emerging markets. The results of this work may also offer guidance for policymakers, and market regulators, and firm managers.

Artificial intelligence in rectal cancer: What is the future?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer in both men and women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Around 60%-70% of CRC patients are diagnosed at advanced stages, with nearly 20% having liver metastases. It is noteworthy that the 5-year survival rates decline significantly from 80%-90% for localized disease to a mere 10%-15% for patients with metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Early diagnosis, appropriate therapeutic strategy, accurate assessment of treatment response, and prognostication is essential for better outcome. There has been significant technological development in the last couple of decades to improve the outcome of rectal cancer including Artificial intelligence (AI). AI is a broad term used to describe the study of machines that mimic human intelligence, such as perceiving the environment, drawing logical conclusions from observations, and performing complex tasks. At present AI has demonstrated a promising role in early diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes for patients with rectal cancer, a limited role in surgical decision making, and had a bright future.

Digital Transformation and Over-Investment: Exploring the Role of Rational Decision-Making and Resource Surplus in the Knowledge Economy

Digital Transformation and Over-Investment: Exploring the Role of Rational Decision-Making and Resource Surplus in the Knowledge Economy

An Extended Model of Consumer Behavior for Vegetables in the Market in Indonesia

Purpose: In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the key factors influencing consumer behavior in the context of vegetable consumption in traditional and modern markets. Theoretical reference: This common pattern of small-scale and subsistence-based vegetable production in agriculture, typically meeting local needs, results from limited competitiveness in the global vegetable value chain, largely due to relatively small national-scale vegetable production. Method: The use of multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) was employed to analyze consumer behavior at different levels within the sales model. This study involved the use of an online questionnaire that sought to explore vegetable consumer behavior in the year 2023. Results and Conclusion: The study emphasizes the dominant role of the economic factor in shaping consumer behavior, with economic conditions and personal income being pivotal influencers of purchase decisions. Cultural factors also play a positive role in decisions, highlighting cultural considerations. Social dynamics, psychological factors, and personal habits contribute significantly, while effective marketing strategies and customer satisfaction are crucial for influencing choices and fostering loyalty in the vegetable market. Implications of research: Furthermore, the study indicates that effective marketing strategies have a positive impact on purchase decisions and consumer loyalty. Well-designed marketing campaigns, promotions, and branding efforts can motivate consumers to choose specific vegetables and foster loyalty, highlighting the importance of strategic marketing in the vegetable market of Pekanbaru City. Originality/value: Additionally, the study emphasizes the intrinsic connection between consumer satisfaction and loyalty, emphasizing the significance of addressing consumer needs and expectations to cultivate and sustain loyalty in the vegetable market. Businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction are likely to enjoy repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals, enhancing their position in the market.

Optimal annuitization and asset allocation under linear habit formation

This paper studies the optimal consumption-investment-annuitization problem for a retiree with linear consumption habits. We explore the effect of consumption habits on the decision to annuitize when annuities are purchased as a lump sum. The problem is formulated as a combined stopping-control problem. We derive optimal annuitization time, investment, and consumption strategies by a generalized dual method and habit reduction method. We investigate the influence of various factors on the annuitization time and derive optimal annuitization time, which is a barrier strategy. The numerical simulations reveal several interesting results. Our results demonstrate that risk aversion, subjective hazard rate, and consumption habits all play a role in shaping annuitization decisions. Furthermore, we offer a new explanation for the rarity of voluntary annuitization among retirees.

CancelRx case study: implications for clinic and community pharmacy work systems

BackgroundMedication prescribing and discontinuation processes are complex and involve the patient, numerous health care professionals, organizations, health information technology (IT). CancelRx is a health IT that automatically communicates medication discontinuations from the clinic electronic health record to the community pharmacy dispensing platform, theoretically improving communication. CancelRx was implemented across a Midwest academic health system in October 2017. The health system also operates 15 outpatient community pharmacies.ObjectiveThe goal of this qualitative study was to describe how both the clinic and community pharmacy work systems change and interact over time regarding medication discontinuations, before and after CancelRx implantation.ApproachMedical Assistants (n = 9), Community Pharmacists (n = 12), and Pharmacy Administrators (n = 3), employed by the health system were interviewed across 3-time periods between 2017 and 2018— 3-months prior to CancelRx implementation, 3-months after CancelRx implementation, and 9-months after CancelRx implementation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and conducted a hybrid analysis with deductive content analysis following the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework and inductive analysis to capture additional codes and themes.Key resultsCancelRx changed the medication discontinuation process at both clinics and community pharmacies. In the clinics, the workflows and medication discontinuation tasks changed over time while MA roles and clinic staff communication practices remained variable. In the pharmacy, CancelRx automated and streamlined how medication discontinuation messages were received and processed, but also increased workload for the pharmacists and introduced new errors.ConclusionsThis study utilizes a systems approach to assess disparate systems within a patient network. Future studies may consider health IT implications for systems that are not in the same health system as well as assessing the role of implementation decisions on health IT use and dissemination.

An optimized development of urban air quality monitoring network design based on particulate matters.

The design of an air quality monitoring network (AQMN) is the mandatory step to manage air pollution in megacities. Several studies are being done on the location selection of AQMNs based on topography, meteorology, and pollution density. Still, the critical research gap that needs to be addressed is the role of pollutants' importance and prioritization in AQMN. This study aims to utilize the sphere of influence (SOI) method to design an AQMN in a megacity based on particulate matter (PM) as the most serious urban pollutant. Model evaluation was done by employing annual emission inventory data of PM in Tabriz, an industrial and crowded megacity with high exposure to salt particulates, considering 3549 square blocks with a size of 500m * 500m. Then, the SOI methodology utilizing the utility function (UF) approach is applied using MATLAB software calculations to determine optimal air quality monitoring network configurations. A range of numbers of utility functions was yielded for every spot on the map. It resulted in grid city maps with final spots for PM10, PM2.5, and intersecting spots. As a result, ten sites are selected as the best possible locations for the AQMN of a 2 million population city. These results could play a precise and significant role in urban air quality decision-making and management.

Influence of Consumption Decisions of Rural Residents in the Context of Rapid Urbanization: Evidence from Sichuan, China

Background: Promoting the transformation and upgrading of China’s rural consumer market is of strategic significance for maintaining sustainable economic development in the process of urbanization. Research objects and methods: Our objectives were to explore the influencing factors of rural residents’ consumption decision making and to provide reference for formulating relevant policies. This study adopted the questionnaire survey method and collected 300 valid questionnaires. Through statistical analysis of questionnaire data and multiple linear regression analysis, the key factors affecting rural residents’ consumption decision making were determined. Results: Education level, family income, consumption view and sociocultural factors are the main factors affecting the consumption decision of rural residents. In addition, personal cognition and attitude are also important factors affecting rural residents’ consumption decisions. In addition, social influence also has a certain positive impact on consumer decisions. Conclusion: The key factors affecting rural residents’ consumption decision making are external factors, including education level and sociocultural factors, and internal factors, namely family income and family consumption concept. At the same time, personal cognition and attitude also play an important role in consumption decisions. The purpose of this study is to provide objective suggestions for improving and expanding the rural consumption market at the policy level, so as to promote the upgrading of rural consumption in China. The influence of rural residents’ consumption decisions on local economic stability was investigated. The economic stability of farmers’ consumption can be understood by analyzing their consumption tendency and consumption pattern.

Wnt/β-Catenin-Signaling Modulates Megakaryopoiesis at the Megakaryocyte-Erythrocyte Progenitor Stage in the Hematopoietic System.

The bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic system (HS) gives rise to blood cells originating from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), including megakaryocytes (MKs) and red blood cells (erythrocytes; RBCs). Many steps of the cell-fate decision remain to be elucidated, being important for cancer treatment. To explore the role of Wnt/β-catenin for MK and RBC differentiation, we activated β-catenin signaling in platelet-derived growth factor b (Pdgfb)-expressing cells of the HS using a Cre-lox approach (Ctnnb1BM-GOF). FACS analysis revealed that Pdgfb is mainly expressed by megakaryocytic progenitors (MKPs), MKs and platelets. Recombination resulted in a lethal phenotype in mutants (Ctnnb1BM-GOFwt/fl, Ctnnb1BM-GOFfl/fl) 3 weeks after tamoxifen injection, showing an increase in MKs in the BM and spleen, but no pronounced anemia despite reduced erythrocyte counts. BM transplantation (BMT) of Ctnnb1BM-GOF BM into lethally irradiated wildtype recipients (BMT-Ctnnb1BM-GOF) confirmed the megakaryocytic, but not the lethal phenotype. CFU-MK assays in vitro with BM cells of Ctnnb1BM-GOF mice supported MK skewing at the expense of erythroid colonies. Molecularly, the runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) mRNA, known to suppress erythropoiesis, was upregulated in Ctnnb1BM-GOF BM cells. In conclusion, β-catenin activation plays a key role in cell-fate decision favoring MK development at the expense of erythroid production.

Women’s autonomy in healthcare decision making: a systematic review

ObjectivesAlthough there are calls for women’s empowerment and gender equity globally, there are still large disparities regarding women’s autonomy in healthcare decision making. The autonomy of women is believed to be crucial in improving their health-related outcomes. This review discusses factors that influence autonomy among women in healthcare decision making.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesPubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from 2017–2022.Eligibility criteriaThe inclusion criteria include original articles, case studies and reports that has been written in the English Language, while manuscripts with no full article, reviews, newspaper reports, grey literatures, and articles that did not answer the review objectives were excluded.Data extraction and synthesisWe carried out data extraction using a standardized data extraction form, that has been organized using Microsoft Excel. A narrative synthesis was carried out to combine the findings of all included articles.ResultsA total of 70 records were identified and 18 were reviewed, yielding eight articles to be included in the accepted list of studies. All studies were conducted in developing countries and most of the studies were cross sectional. Factors that were associated with women’s autonomy in healthcare decision making were age, women’s education and occupation, husbands’/partners’ education and occupation, residential location or region of residence, household wealth index as well as culture and religion.ConclusionsIdentification of these factors may help stakeholders in improving women’s autonomy in healthcare decision making. Policymakers play a crucial role in healthcare decision making by enacting laws and policies that protect women's rights, promoting gender-sensitive healthcare services, ensuring access to comprehensive information, promoting health education, and supporting vulnerable populations. These efforts ensure women's autonomy including able to access to unbiased and effective healthcare services.

Morality of vaccination: the influence of moral conviction on vaccination decisions

ABSTRACT Vaccine hesitancy persists despite vaccination’s important role in global health. As many vaccines provide social benefits through herd immunity, vaccination decisions can raise moral concerns. Two studies explored the role of moral convictions in vaccination decisions. Study 1 (N = 485) revealed higher vaccination intentions when individuals thought about vaccination in moral terms. Emotions and moral piggybacking positively predicted moral convictions. In Study 2 (N = 1,111), we evaluated the effects of emotional, moral, and scientific pro-vaccination arguments on moral convictions, support for mandatory vaccination, and tolerance of dissenting views. While no group differences were observed, moral convictions were correlated with increased support for mandatory vaccination but also with a reduced tolerance of dissenting opinions. Overall, moral convictions play a small but significant role in vaccination-related decisions. While moral convictions have beneficial effects on compliance, it is crucial not to overlook the adverse consequences, which may lead to a growing societal divide.

Reducing gender bias in the evaluation and selection of future leaders: The role of decision-makers' mindsets about the universality of leadership potential.

Extensive research has documented organizational decision-makers' preference for men over women when they evaluate and select candidates for leadership positions. We conceptualize a novel construct-mindsets about the universality of leadership potential-that can help reduce this bias. People can believe either that only some individuals have high leadership potential (i.e., a nonuniversal mindset) or that most individuals have high leadership potential (i.e., a universal mindset). Five studies investigated the relationship between these mindsets and decision-makers' gender biases in leader evaluation and selection decisions. The more senior government officials in China held a universal mindset, the less they showed gender bias when rating their subordinates' leadership capability (Study 1). Working adults in the United Kingdom who held a more universal mindset exhibited less gender bias when evaluating and selecting job candidates for a leadership position (Study 2). In an experiment, Singaporean students exposed to a universal mindset exhibited less gender bias when evaluating and selecting candidates than those exposed to a nonuniversal mindset (Study 3). Another experiment with working adults in China replicated this pattern and added a control condition to confirm the directionality of the effect (Study 4). Last, Study 5 showed that a more universal mindset was associated with less gender bias particularly among decision-makers with stronger gender stereotypes in the domain of leadership. This research demonstrates that, although they are seemingly unrelated to gender, mindsets about the universality of leadership potential can influence the extent to which people express gender bias in the leadership context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Building the U.S. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness program: Past successes and future directions

COVID-19 vaccines were originally authorized in the United States in December 2020 on the basis of safety, immunogenicity, and clinical efficacy data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) data are necessary to provide information on how the vaccines work in populations not included in the RCTs (e.g., nursing home residents), against new SARS-CoV-2 variants, with increasing time since vaccination, and in populations with increasing levels of prior infection. The goal of CDC’s COVID-19 VE program is to provide timely and robust data to support ongoing policy decisions and implementation of vaccination and includes VE platforms to study the spectrum of illness, from infection to critical illness. Challenges to estimating VE include accurate ascertainment of vaccination history, outcome status, changing rates of prior infection, emergence of new variants, and appropriate interpretation of absolute and relative VE measures. CDC COVID-19 VE platforms have played a pivotal role in numerous vaccine policy decisions since 2021 and will continue to play a key role in future decisions as the vaccine program moves from an emergency response to a routine schedule.

MT43 Does Real-World Evidence Play a Role in Decision-Making by HTA Bodies for Medical Technologies?

MT43 Does Real-World Evidence Play a Role in Decision-Making by HTA Bodies for Medical Technologies?

The use of projected autonomy in antenatal shared decision-making for periviable neonates: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn this study, we assessed the communication strategies used by neonatologists in antenatal consultations which may influence decision-making when determining whether to provide resuscitation or comfort measures only in the care of periviable neonates.MethodsThis study employed a qualitative study design using inductive thematic discourse analysis of ‘naturally occurring data’ in the form of antenatal conversations around resuscitation decisions at the grey zone of viability. The study occurred between February 2017 and June 2018 on a labor and delivery unit within a large Midwestern tertiary care hospital. Participants included 25 mothers who were admitted to the study hospital with anticipated delivery in the grey zone of viability and practicing neonatologists or neonatology fellows who partnered in antenatal consultation. We used a two-stage inductive analytic process to focus on how neonatologists’ discourses constructed SDM in antenatal consultations. First, we used a thematic discourse analysis to interpret the recurring patterns of meaning within the transcribed antenatal consultations, and second, we theorized the subsequent effects of these discourses on shaping the context of SDM in antenatal encounters.ResultsIn this qualitative study, that included discourse analysis of real-time audio conversations in 25 antenatal consults, neonatologists used language that creates projected autonomy through (i) descriptions of fetal physiology (ii) development of the fetus’s presence, and (iii) fetal role in decision-making.ConclusionDiscourse analysis of real-time audio conversations in antenatal consultations was revelatory of how various discursive patterns brought the fetus into decision-making, thus changing who is considered the key actor in SDM.

Management strategies for intracranial progression in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world cohort study.

ALK-positive NSCLC patients exhibit a particularly high propensity for the development of brain metastases. Current guidelines suggest transit to next-line therapy (SysTx) or local radiotherapy (RadTx) including whole-brain radiotherapy and radiosurgery. However, the clinical impact of these two strategies remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective analysis focusing on patients with stage IV ALK-positive NSCLC who underwent first-line ALK TKI treatment. Patients with intracranial progression may receive two different treatment strategies: SysTx and RadTx. Our objective was to investigate the outcomes associated with these two distinct treatment pathways. A total 20 patients of ALK-positive NSCLC who received first-line ALK TKI therapy and subsequently developed intracranial progression were enrolled. About 55% of patients had brain metastasis initially. Nine patients (45%) were treated with crizotinib at first. Patients treated with crizotinib demonstrated a significantly shorter intracranial PFS1 (crizotinib: 8.27 months vs. others: 27.0 months, p = 0.006). Following intracranial progression, approximately 60% of patients transitioned to the next line of systemic treatment (SysTx), while the remaining 40% opted for local cranial radiotherapy (RadTx). Intriguingly, our analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in intracranial progression-free survival (PFS2) between these two distinct treatment strategies. (SysTx: 20.87 months vs. RadTx: 28.23 months, p = 0.461). The intracranial progression-free survival showed no difference between the two strategies suggesting that both local radiotherapy and systemic therapy may be valid options. Individualized strategy, molecular analysis, and multidisciplinary conferences may all play a pivotal role in decision-making.

Cognitive Screening Beliefs and Behaviors Among Older US Adults: Results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging

AbstractBackgroundFewer than half of people with dementia have been formally diagnosed by a clinician. Consequently, the US National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has prioritized early disease detection. A critical first step to early detection is primary care‐based screening for cognitive decline. Greater understanding of public perceptions and use of cognitive screening is needed to optimize early detection of AD among older adults.MethodWe analyzed data from the March 2023 fielding of the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, a nationally representative web and telephone survey of community‐dwelling US adults aged 50‐80 using the NORC AmeriSpeak panel. Respondents for this analysis were aged 65‐80 without AD or dementia. Our primary outcome was self‐reported history of cognitive screening (never versus ever had screening). Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between respondent characteristics (i.e., sociodemographic factors, health factors, beliefs about cognitive screening) and self‐report of cognitive screening, and to examine whether primary care provider status moderates the association between screening beliefs and self‐report of screening.ResultOf 1,242 respondents, 42% reported having ever undergone cognitive screening (21% within the past year). In adjusted analyses, sociodemographic factors (i.e., older age, higher level of education), insurance status (Medicare Advantage vs. traditional Medicare) and poorer physical health were associated with greater likelihood of cognitive screening (all p<0.05). Respondents with positive versus negative beliefs about cognitive screening were 45% more likely to report screening (adjusted risk ratio: 1.45, p<0.001). The probability of cognitive screening did not vary overall by provider status; however, among respondents with negative beliefs about screening, having a provider was associated with greater probability of having undergone screening (35% versus 11%, p<0.05).ConclusionWe identified a range of factors associated with older adults’ self‐report of cognitive screening including age, health, and beliefs about the pros and cons of screening. Primary care providers may play an important role in cognitive screening decisions, particularly among patients with negative beliefs about screening. Providers can play an active role in initiating conversations about cognition with older adult patients on the advantages and disadvantages of screening to help patients make informed decisions.

Behavioral Biases in Investment Decision-Making

This study delves into the profound impact of behavioral biases on investment decisions and provides valuable insights into methods for counteracting or surmounting these biases. Specifically, it focuses on four prevalent behavioral biases: loss aversion, endowment bias, framing bias, and overconfidence bias, examining how these biases can lead to potential investment mistakes or risks. To mitigate the influence of behavioral biases, the study proposes several strategies. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of sourcing information from multiple perspectives and cross-referencing data to avoid reliance on biased or limited sources. Objective evaluation of one's skills and knowledge is also highlighted as a crucial step in reducing biases. Leveraging professional advice or feedback can provide an external perspective and help investors make more rational decisions. Furthermore, the study suggests that regular portfolio review and adjustments are essential to address biases and adapt to changing market conditions. Additionally, proactive visualization of potential outcomes can aid in mitigating biases by promoting a more realistic assessment of risk and reward. The study concludes that behavioral biases play a pivotal role in investment decisions. To bolster investment performance and satisfaction, investors are encouraged to comprehend and rectify these biases.

Analisa Penerapan Interoperabilitas, Transparansi Informasi, Bantuan Teknis dan Pengambilan Keputusan terhadap Peningkatan Kualitas SDM yang Berorientasi ke Industrialisasi 4.0 Pada UMKM

This research aims to determine the quality of human resources by using supporting variables such as the role of interoperability, information transparency, technical assistance and decision making. Current developments certainly require higher quality human resources to support better industrial sectors. With the help of supporting technology, sufficient information, technical assistance provided and appropriate decision making, it is hoped that it will be able to become a supporting factor in improving the quality of human resources. This research is a type of research using design. The research method used is a quantitative approach with associative methods. The Associative Method aims to determine the influence or relationship between two or more variables. The type of data used is primary data obtained using questionnaire techniques, interviews, observations and in-depth interviews. The sampling technique is probability sampling. With data analysis SPSS is used for quantitative data, the data analysis steps used in this research are validity and reliability analysis, descriptive analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, classical assumption test, coefficient of determination test and hypothesis testing. The results of the research show that the variables Implementation of Interoperability, Information Transparency, Technical Assistance, and Decision Making together show a positive and significant influence on the HR Quality Improvement variable.

Exploration of the tumorigenic, metabolic, and cognitive consequences of tau protein removal

AbstractBackgroundTau accumulation causes tauopathies and drives cellular senescence, which can lead to inflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive impairment. The association between intracellular tau deposition and pathogenesis has prompted therapeutic strategies that reduce tau expression. However, tau is also critical in microtubule stabilization, synaptic plasticity, and maintaining DNA integrity. We investigated the impact of tau removal on brain cell senescence and associated neurocognitive behaviors in aged tau knockout (Mapt0/0) and wild type control (Mapt+/+) mice. We also assessed physical, metabolic, histological, and biochemical outcomes in Mapt0/0 and Mapt+/+ mice and in response to high fat diet (HFD), a stressor that drives DNA damage.Method20‐month‐old female Mapt0/0 and Mapt+/+ mice were subjected to the Elevated Plus Maze to assess anxiety‐like behavior. Mice were then fed control (CTL) or HFD (60% kcal fat) for 9 weeks. Behavioral and physical measures were then assessed, and brain tissue was further analyzed via gene expression, biochemistry, and histological assays.ResultTau knockout and HFD, separately and additively, caused weight gain and insulin resistance. Removing tau primed cells to proliferate, as Mapt0/0 mice had increased body size, organ size, and tumor burden compared to Mapt+/+. We observed no difference in senescence between genotypes on CTL diet. The HFD increased senescence only in Mapt+/+ mice, whereas Mapt0/0 mice displayed increased tumor burden. Mapt0/0 mice displayed anxiety‐ and depressive‐like behaviors on both diets. Transcriptomic and protein expression data revealed that several molecules responded similarly to tau removal and HFD exposure, but Mapt+/+ and Mapt0/0 mice responded differently to HFD. Genotype differences in DNA damage and cell cycle dysregulation were also observed.ConclusionMapt0/0 mice did not accumulate senescent cells but demonstrated anxiety‐like behaviors in the presence of elevated DNA damage; thus tau knockout may drive neuropsychiatric phenotypes which can be dissociated from obesity and senescence. Mapt0/0 mice also developed tumors, suggesting that tau plays a critical role in cell fate decisions, including senescence versus cancer. Overall, we found that tau removal prevents senescent cell accumulation with the tradeoff of tumorigenic, metabolic, and cognitive consequences. We caution against removing tau until a better understanding of its physiological roles are defined.