Successful Decision Research Articles

Understanding risk and informed decision-making

Being informed and involved in decision-making can give people control over their health and their overall prognosis. Although many treatments are associated with a degree of harm, any adverse effects from a procedure or medication need to be weighed against the evidence of benefit for each individual. Are patients armed with sufficient information to make decisions on their treatment? Are health professionals adequately trained in risk communication? Why do some people ignore professional advice in the face of clear evidence of benefit? This article explores these questions by discussing various methods of communicating risk, and the influences of emotion, age and gender on making decisions. The importance of mutual respect, honesty and trust between health professionals and patients is needed for successful shared decision-making to be achieved.

A rapid detection method of earthquake infrasonic wave based on decision-making tree and the BP neural network

In this paper, we propose a rapid automatic detection method based on decision-making tree combined with BP neural network for the earthquake infrasonic wave. Three factors of frequency (F), duration period (P) and amplitude (A) of seismic infrasonic waves were selected as the network input parameters in the three-layered BP neural network. A total of 30 different infrasonic waves were tested in this model. The results indicate that the successful decision rates can reach 0.8 with input parameters F, P and A. When using proper thresholds for the input parameters, such as F = 0.005 Hz, P = 500 s and A = 5 Pa, the detection results are very closed to the true input signals, and the infrasonic sources as well as their main characteristics can be effectively recognised and classified rapidly. This new method could provide clues and thoughts for the short-term earthquake infrasonic wave detection.

Optimization Study of Line Planning for High Speed Railway Based on an Improved Multi-Objective Differential Evolution Algorithm

The combination optimization of the train operation plan is an ongoing challenge: while computing power has improved, it is difficult to obtain a complete train operation plan system. With the aim of generating system-optimal operation strategies, a new collaborative optimization method is proposed for line planning problem. Through a set of constraints, the problem is formulated as a two-objective model with the objectives of economic benefits and market effects. An optimization approach with adaptive improvement of control parameters based on the multi-objective differential evolution (MODE) algorithm is proposed to solve the model, and a heuristic algorithm is designed to get a better initial solution. Finally, computational results on benchmark multi-objective problems show that the improvements of the strategies are positive and the optimization result of the improved algorithm has better stability. Meanwhile, based on a numerical example of a practical case study involving a 397-kilometer railway corridor to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and solution. As the basis of successive decisions, this method can adjust the number of trains according to the passenger flow demand, which greatly saves operating costs.

A rapid detection method of earthquake infrasonic wave based on decision-making tree and the BP neural network

In this paper, we propose a rapid automatic detection method based on decision-making tree combined with BP neural network for the earthquake infrasonic wave. Three factors of frequency (F), duration period (P) and amplitude (A) of seismic infrasonic waves were selected as the network input parameters in the three-layered BP neural network. A total of 30 different infrasonic waves were tested in this model. The results indicate that the successful decision rates can reach 0.8 with input parameters F, P and A. When using proper thresholds for the input parameters, such as F = 0.005 Hz, P = 500 s and A = 5 Pa, the detection results are very closed to the true input signals, and the infrasonic sources as well as their main characteristics can be effectively recognised and classified rapidly. This new method could provide clues and thoughts for the short-term earthquake infrasonic wave detection.

Land-use influence on the soil hydrology: An approach in upper Grande River basin, Southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Brazil is a large country that depends on the hydroelectricity generation hydropower dams. The Upper Grande River Basin (UGRB) is one of the most important Brazilian hydrological regions in terms of water availability and electric energy production. Therefore, studies of water availability are indispensable for a better and more successful decision making in water resources management in the region. This study objective to approach the land-use influence on the soil hydrology in the Upper Grande River Basin, a strategic headwater basin of southeastern Brazil. This study uses hydrological indicators (baseflow/runoff (BF/R) and overland flow/runoff (OF/R)) extracted from eight watersheds, varying the size and localization in the region, to support the results found. Soil saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ko) was determined in situ using a constant flow permeameter, totaling 224 sampled points. Five machine learning algorithms were compared in their performance to predict Ko (Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Gradient Boosting, Linear Regression, Regularization) using terrain attributes as covariates. The tested methods for predicting Ko resulted in a relatively low coefficient of determination (R2) due to the high spatial variability of this soil hydrologic attribute. The hydrological indicator BF/R was sensitive to land-use changes in the watersheds. The greatest Ko values were associated with native forest and the least values area associated with pasture and rupestrian field.

On Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s Playwriting in the Play The Light that Is in You (Candle in the Wind)

This article is a poetic analysis of The Light that Is in You ( Candle in the Wind ), a play by A. I. Solzhenitsyn. At the same time, the main emphasis is placed on the author’s dramatic technique and the peculiarities of his dramatic thinking. It is well known that the writer himself gave his plays a secondary status in relation to prose. Most researchers believe that his drama experiments are interesting artistically only as a problem-themed propaedeutic of his later epic works (primarily, the novel In the First Circle ) and their artistic value is relatively insignificant. However, more and more recent articles refute this opinion. Specific analysis of the above-mentioned play allows us to see both the advantages and disadvantages of Solzhenitsyn’s dramatic art. The former are a wide problem-thematic range of the Candle , raising a set of spiritual and moral issues that are central for the writer’s creative work, such as the definition of a system of values by humans and the inevitability of payback for the choices they make, the responsibility of scientists for their scientific discoveries, the beneficence of loneliness and/or life for the sake of another. The leading markers in solving these problems are the concepts of suffering, conscience, and guilt. The author of the article highlights such successful decisions the writer makes as the musical component of the composition of the play, the inclusion of a dystopian perspective in the structure of the dramatic text, the complex system of interacting symbolic series within the work, etc. The article notes, on the other hand, the genre ambiguity of the work, the excessive use of the sideline plots, the incompatibility of the situation and the remarks made, which in many ways, according to the author of the article, is a consequence of the features of the writer’s own artistic thinking In the First Circle and Cancer Ward , its didacticism and its focus on the epic universal description of things.

Improving administrative decisions through expert systems: empirical analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce and identify the basic components, tasks and application areas of expert systems (ESs) as a decision support system that has been increasingly used in the business world lately and explore its potential for improving the effectiveness of administrative decisions in the public sector. Empirically, the paper explains the role of ESs in fostering decision-making processes at the Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation (MIIC) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach The design of this research is descriptive in the theoretical section and quantitative in the empirical one. Theoretically, the study adopted both the analytical approach and systems approach to demonstrate main concepts and relationships, while it conducted an empirical study to investigate the correlations in practice. Findings The research concluded that the usage of ESs is deemed to be on the top of the technical solutions that might help public organizations develop their management quality and maintain competitive strength. In addition, the results proved that ESs contribute to administrative decisions at MIIC. Practical implications The paper provides profitable findings and recommendations which can be applied by Egyptian public executives, in an attempt to ensure high quality and successful decisions using modern technology. Originality/value This study has valuable implications for theory and practice together, as it offers numerous contributions to literature in the area of concern.

Indian Doctoral Researches in Neuroscience: A Scientometric Study

Neuroscience is a mix up of research outputs emanated from various disciplines like medicine, biotechnology, biochemistry, psychology, pharmacology, computer science, linguistics etc. Even experts in management also started thinking about the underlying neurological facts behind successful decision making in business and Management. This paper explains the contribution of universities towards Indian neuroscience in the form of theses. Here we can see the interdisciplinary contribution to the field. The source of data was “Shodhganga” maintained by Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre. The initiatives of different states, universities and guides are given detailed. The subjects in which active research is going on in Indian universities are identified. The findings of the study are useful for those who keenly examine India’s productivity on neuroscience.

Executive ethical decisions initiating organizational culture and values

PurposeEthical decisions determine which individuals and/or groups benefit, and which suffer. Such decisions by executives impact front-line providers directly and customers indirectly; they are important because repercussions in service interactions feel personal. The purpose of this paper is to fill an important gap in the service literature by exploring how high-level executives make ethical decisions, creating values and culture within an organization; the results include testable propositions.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a grounded theory approach, wherein high-level executives in successful service organizations responded through in-depth interviews. Complete interview transcripts were analyzed using standard qualitative methodology, including open coding to better understand and categorize the data, axial coding to seek out crucial relationships between concepts, and selective coding to develop research propositions.FindingsData analysis revealed two groups of interviewees, one more outcome-oriented in decision making and the other more process-oriented. The organizations led by more outcome-oriented executives have strong family-like (or paternalistic) cultures, whereas the organizations led by more process-oriented executives value adaptability and diversity.Research limitations/implicationsThe executives interviewed are quite successful; therefore, it is not possible to make inferences about unsuccessful executives or those leading poorly performing organizations. Propositions developed relate that process-oriented executives use both analytical measures and intuition in decision making, whereas outcome-oriented respondents rely more heavily on analytical measures.Practical implicationsService executives apparently make ethical decisions while focusing either on processes or on outcomes; members of these two groups use different evaluative criteria to identify a successful decision. Decisions relating to people within the organization are perceived by the executives to be especially salient, apparently owing to interpersonal interaction in services.Social implicationsThere are inherent social implications when ethical decisions are made, because these decisions determine which individuals or groups benefit, and which suffer.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to interview high-level service executives about their ethical decision making when their choices define culture and values within their organizations. Findings offer a new look at how differences between executives that focus on processes and those that focus on outcomes may shape organizational cultures and lead to consideration of different criteria in making and evaluating decisions.

Impact of biomass burning and its control on particulate matter over a city in mainland Southeast Asia during a smog episode

Cities in mainland Southeast Asia have long faced smog problems. Developing effective control strategies for smog reduction has been a challenge for academics and policy makers. In this study, emission control measures were assessed using both the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) modeling systems during a smog episode between 1st and 31st of March 2012. The study found that there was a strong impact from biomass burning outside of the city on PM concentrations within the city, with contributions of approximately 85% and 89% for PM10 and PM2.5 respectively. Control of biomass burning in the city significantly affects local PM concentrations. This study investigated the success of biomass burning control inside the city when no biomass is burned outside of the city. The control scenarios focused on specific reduction levels in biomass burning emissions, which included 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. The results yielded the following rates: the mean PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 0.70% per %decrease of biomass burning emission; the maximum daily average PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 0.84% per %decrease of biomass burning emission; and the average percentage of PM2.5 concentrations that exceeded the NAAQS decreased by 1.05% per %decrease of biomass burning emission. This information provide good guidelines for successful decision-making at each control level to solve the problems related to of smog in cities. However, smog problems cannot only be solved by emission control measures in the city; biomass burning must also be reduced on a regional scale.

THE TOOLING IN UKRAINE OF MODEL TESTS OF OBJECTS OF ENERGY, AVIATION AND SPACE-ROCKET ENGINEERING ON RESISTIBILITY TO ACTION OF PULSED CURRENT OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHTNING

Purpose. Presentation and analysis of the modern state of the tooling in Ukraine of model tests of objects of energy, aviation and space-rocket engineering on resistibility to the action of pulsed current of artificial lightning. Methodology. Electrophysics bases of technique of high-voltage and high pulsed currents, theoretical bases of electrical engineering, engineering of high electric and magnetic fields. Scientific methods of analysis of research and technical information. Results. Information regarding the modern consisting of Ukraine of high-voltage high-current pulsed engineering intended for the leadthrough of model tests of aircrafts and power objects on resistibility to the direct or indirect action on them of pulsed current of artificial lightning in accordance with the requirements of normative documents of the USA SAE ARP 5412: 2013, SAE ARP 5416: 2013 and International Standard IEC 62305-1: 2010. Basic technical descriptions are presented of developed and created in Ukraine for the aims of model tests of the technical objects marked higher on resistibility to lightning of two powerful high-voltage generators of current of lightning (GCL) of type of UITOM-1 and GTM-10/350, playback on the tested objects the pulses of current of artificial lightning with the rationed peak-temporal parameters in obedience to the indicated normatively-technical documents. Examples are resulted and the results of model tests are indicated on described domestic GCL of some elements and devices of the tested technical objects on resistibility to direct action on them of pulsed current of artificial lightning. It is shown that technical descriptions indicated domestic powerful GCL conform to the high requirements of operating in the leading countries of the world of normative documents to on resistibility to lightning objects of industrial energy, aviation and space-rocket engineering. Originality. First in the summarizing concentrated kind possibilities are shown developed and created domestic scientists and specialists of unique high-voltage high-current electrophysics equipment for the aims of leadthrough of integration model tests on resistibility and fire safety of aircrafts and power objects at lightning strike. Practical value. Application in practice of model tests of objects of industrial energy, aviation and space-rocket engineering on complex resistibility and fire safety to the striking action on them of pulsed current of artificial lightning, generated in discharge circuits of two described powerful domestic GCL, will be instrumental in the successful decision of global in the world problem of protecting from lightning of air and surface technical objects and being in them personnel.

Exploring facilitators and barriers associated with adhering to ART among HIV positive men who have sex with men (MSM) living in Nigeria: A qualitative study

Successful decision-making for environmental management requires evidence of the performance and efficacy of proposed conservation interventions. Projecting the future impacts of prospective conservation policies and programs is challenging due to a range of complex ecological, economic, social and ethical factors, and in particular the need to extrapolate models to novel contexts. Yet many extrapolation techniques currently employed are limited by unfounded assumptions of causality and a reliance on potentially biased inferences drawn from limited data. We show how these restrictions can be overcome by established and emerging techniques from causal inference, scenario analysis, systematic review, expert elicitation, and global sensitivity analysis. These technical advances provide avenues to untangle cause from correlation, evaluate and transfer models between contexts, characterize uncertainty, and address imperfect data. With more rigorous projections of prospective performance of interventions, scientists can deliver policy and program advice that is more scientifically credible.

The impact of information technology in decision making process of companies in Kosovo

Before the decision makers set much higher requirements in the decision-making than ever before due to the environment of decision-makers subject to change under the influence of progress and development of new technologies, networking individual or organization inside and the outside environment, and modern means of communication enabling continuous inflow, flow and sharing of data and information. In these modern conditions the process of collecting, analyzing, selecting data and information to make informed decisions in the context of possible restrictions and the available options, and ultimately making decisions as the basis for future business or behavior, is not simplified. The use of new technologies in the decision-making process provided numerous opportunities to facilitate decisions selection. However, the decision maker should still be able to differentiate which knowledge should be used to serve in decision making, and which models, methods, tools, systems, and procedures to be used in certain situations, with the purpose of successful decision selection. In this paper, we will examine the decision making process during the business process of the companies in Kosovo.

Ânimo persecutório do magistrado: a quebra do dever de imparcialidade e sucessivas decisões contrárias ao direito à prova defensiva

O tema do presente artigo é o ânimo persecutório do magistrado em desfavor do acusado. O objeto de análise do trabalho é a verificação da quebra do dever de imparcialidade do magistrado quando da análise dos autos, mediante a aplicação de sucessivos entendimentos contrários aos interesses do acusado. O objetivo de pesquisa é a verificação da existência ou não de um dever de imparcialidade do magistrado diante de decisões motivadas, proferidas no exercício independente da atividade jurisdicional e impugnáveis por recurso ou ação autônoma, com nítido caráter persecutório. O método de abordagem será o dedutivo, adotando-se como procedimento o bibliográfico. Destarte, em primeiro, propõe, o presente artigo, uma leitura sobre a imparcialidade e o protagonismo do magistrado de modo a indicar como a literatura contemporânea vem enxergando a postura do juiz frente ao acusado, para, depois, analisar-se a questão da quebra do dever de imparcialidade diante de sucessivas decisões que se traduzem em uma atuação persecutória do juiz.

Gestión de la información para tener éxito en la toma de decisiones en marketing

In a globalized world in continuous change, companies that want to achieve sustainable competitive advantages should be aware that the information is the most valuable strategic resource of the company, as it is the core of decision-making. This review article presents a comparative analysis between the concepts that have a significant impact in the decision-making process for the management of marketing, in current organizations: information system, business intelligence, research market and technological surveillance.For this a search, organization and analysis of documents was carried out that allowed compiling conceptual information through a comparative chart, which summarizes the basic terms and how complement each other to achieve decision-making successful in marketing management by individuals and companies interested therein, with minimal knowledge and little experience in these areas of learning. Throughout the article each of the concepts, following a same thread are described in depth: what is in itself, why it is important in marketing and how to apply it. The most outstanding item product of the article is building a conceptual comparison chart, which aims to differentiate each term and clearly establish the "synergistic" relationship between them for a successful decision making process.

POWER DESCRIPTIONS OF A STORM CLOUD OF TROPOSPHERE OF EARTH: FEATURES OF THEIR CALCULATION AND APPLIED UTILIZATION

Purpose. Implementation of calculation estimation of such basic power descriptions of the system is a «storm cloud - earth», as total charge of q Σ , electric potential of φ r , electric energy of W 0 and amplitude-temporal parameters (ATP) of pulse current i L ( t ) in the channel of a long air spark discharge of cloud on earth. Methodology. Electrophysics bases of technique of high voltages and large currents, theoretical bases of the electrical engineering, theoretical electrophysics, theory of the electromagnetic field and technique of the strong electric and magnetic fields. Results. The results of calculation estimation of basic power descriptions are resulted in the overhigh voltage electrophysics calculation system a «storm cloud – earth». To such descriptions of a storm cloud behave: total electric charge of q Σ , concentrated in a storm cloud of spherical form of the set volume with the shallow dispersible negatively charged including as particulate dielectric matters the set by an middle closeness; electric potential of φ r is in the spherical volume of a storm cloud of the set size; electric energy of W 0 , accumulated in the spherical volume of a storm cloud of the set radius of R 0 ; PTP (amplitude of I mL and duration of τ p at level 0.5I mL ) of aperiodic impulse of current i L ( t ) of linear lightning in the plasma channel of a long air spark digit of a storm cloud on earth. The ground of possibility of the use is given in close practical calculations in place of the real storm cloud of the simplified calculation model of a storm cloud, containing the spherical volume of V 0 by the radius of R 0 is shown that at R 0 ≈985 m and accordingly V 0 ≈4∙10 9 m 3 in the examined model of a storm cloud his indicated power descriptions arrive at the followings numeral values: charge of q Σ ≈−55.6 C, potential on the outward surface of cloud of φ R ≈−506 MV, electric energy of W 0 ≈14.1 GJ in a cloud and amplitude of aperiodic impulse of current of I mL ≈− 262.1 кА at duration of his flowing τ p ≈142.4 μs in the plasma channel of a long air spark digit of cloud on earth. This calculation information well correlates with the known experimental information, characteristic for the short shots of lightning in surface objects. The receive results will be instrumental in possibility of prognostication of a sticky storm wicket specialists at presence of only minimum initial information about a storm cloud in earthly troposphere. Originality. First at the analysis of a storm situation in troposphere of Earth offered approach, related to bringing the real storm cloud over the volume of V 0 to an equivalent on volume spherical storm cloud by the radius of R 0 , for which will apply the physical and mathematical vehicle of analysis of flowings in him electrophysics processes developed an author. Practical value. Application of the in practice calculation findings will allow to deepen scientific and technical knowledge in area of nature of atmospheric electricity, will be instrumental in further development of physics of linear lightning and successful decision of global problem of protecting from lightning of surface objects and auxiliary them personnel.

Fighting talk: Organisational discourses of the conflict over raptors and grouse moor management in Scotland

Conflict is currently one of the greatest challenges facing wildlife conservation. Whilst conflicts may first appear to concern wildlife, they are often embedded within wider debates surrounding land use, land ownership, and the governance of natural resources. Disputes over the impacts or management of a species therefore become symbols for conflicts that are fundamentally between the divergent interests and values of the people involved. NGOs representing the interests of local stakeholders can become actors within the conflict, often utilising publicly available platforms such as websites and social media in an attempt to influence over others and gain a dominant foothold in the debate.Here, we examined discourses of organisations in relation to a contentious and high-profile case of conflict in Scotland, that occurs between interests of raptor conservation and grouse moor management. News articles sourced from the websites of six organisations – identified as key voices in the debate – were subjected to discourse analysis. 36 storylines were drawn from common phrases and statements within the text. Storylines demonstrated a clear divide in the discourse; organisations differed not only in their portrayal of central issues, but also in their representation of other actors. Discourses were strategic; organisations interpreted the situation in ways that either supported their own interests and agendas, or damaged the image of opposing parties. We argue that discursive contestation at this level could be damaging to mitigation efforts – widening barriers between stakeholders and risking already fragile relationships. This in turn reduces the likelihood of consensus and impacts on successful decision-making and policy implementation. We conclude that conflict managers should be aware of the contestation between high-profile actors, and the ramifications this may have for conflict mitigation processes. An understanding of what constitutes these discourses should therefore be used as a foundation to improve dialogue and collaborative management.

Satisfacción estudiantil en la valoración de la calidad educativa universitaria

Assessing student satisfaction contributes to successful decision-making when it comes to managing the quality of university education. The aim of this study was to identify the satisfaction of undergraduate students in two academic areas: Administration and Economics and Engineering and Architecture at a public university in the south of Mexico regarding elements of educational quality. These include the teaching-learning process, students´ perception of the treatment they receive from those who they must interact with during their studies, university infrastructure, and students´ self-realization. Based on non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational method of research, the study took a quantitative approach with a probabilistic sampling of a population of 7676 students. Using a questionnaire with a Likert scale, the confidence level was evaluated by means of the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient, which reports a value of .840, and was validated with a factorial confirmation through the SPSS-AMOS program. This research made it possible to identify areas of opportunity to increase student satisfaction with infrastructure and noted positive feedback on the respectful treatment students receive from their tutors. It also highlighted the opportunities for personal development the institution offers to students and statistically specified significant satisfaction differences between age groups, campuses, study programs and marital status.

The relationship between conflict awareness and behavioral and oscillatory signatures of immediate and delayed cognitive control

Cognitive control over conflict, mediated by the prefrontal cortex, is an important skill for successful decision-making. Although it has been shown that cognitive control may operate unconsciously, it has recently been proposed that control operations may be driven by the metacognitive awareness of conflict, e.g. arising from the feeling of task difficulty or the ease of action selection, and therefore crucially depends on conflict awareness. Behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data are presented from 64 subjects performing a masked priming paradigm to test this hypothesis. Although the subjective experience of conflict elicited behavioral adaptation, this was also the case when conflict was present, but not experienced. In EEG, typical oscillatory markers of conflict processing in the theta-, alpha- and beta-band were observed (relative broadband), but these were differentially modulated by conflict experience. This demonstrates that conflict adaptation does not depend on conflict experience, but that conflict experience is associated with increased cognitive control.

ABOUT DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL SYSTEM OF LEGAL EDUCATION IN THE FIELD OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The article is devoted to research of the state of the national system of legal education in the field of intellectual property. The stages of national strategy forming of study of intellectual property and right of intellectual ownership are certain in higher educational establishments. The problem aspects of the legislative adjusting are exposed in this sphere. Directions of further development of the national system of legal education are offered in the field of intellectual property, in particular, by introduction for a study students «Master’s degree» of educational discipline «Commercialization of intellectual ownership rights». It is grounded, that legal education must provide preparation of specialists, capable at high professional level to apply knowledges and abilities, necessary for development of innovative model of development of modern economy, effective realization and defence of rights on the objects of intellectual property in practice. It is grounded, that the system of education must provide the deep study of different aspects of realization and defence of intellectual ownership rights. Actual for speciality «Jurisprudence» and other specialities becomes a deep study along with a base course «Right of intellectual ownership», «Intellectual property» for students «Bachelor’s degree», also and separate educational discipline «Commercialization of intellectual ownership rights» for students «Master’s degree». The study of this discipline will allow graduating students to be ready to the successful decision of tasks in the field of intellectual property, which are put before every producer in the conditions of innovative economy, based on the effective use and defence of intellectual ownership rights. The purpose of study of course of commercialization of intellectual ownership rights is forming of jurisdictions, necessary for understanding of theoretical knowledges students about the legal adjusting of commercialization of intellectual ownership rights, methods and legal forms of commercialization of intellectual ownership rights, receipts of practical skills and abilities in relation to the features of realization of rights on the objects of intellectual property, mechanism of defence of these rights.