Worst Option Research Articles

Low Rectal Cancer Not Qualifying for Watch and Wait: Is Sphincter-Saving Surgery Really the Worse Option?

Low Rectal Cancer Not Qualifying for Watch and Wait: Is Sphincter-Saving Surgery Really the Worse Option?

Time history analysis of multi- storey building with basement story accounting for soil–structure interaction

Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) is the effects of the soil (underlying and surrounding the structure) on the response of the structure. This study is a contribution in the soil structure interaction (SSI) field, as this interaction affects the seismic behavior of structures. Two series of Time History data were used in the analysis of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame building consisting of 9 stories with embedded basement storey building. The two approaches of SSI modeling that are substructure approach and direct approaches were compared with each other. Generally, and within the limits of this study, it was found that the responses of Substructure approach were identical with that of the direct approach in the two cases for all stories except for the Ground storey. It seems that SSI affects the higher stories rather than the lower stoerys. The dynamic analysis results comparison between the two approaches of modeling soil structure interaction, favored the substructure approach on the direct approach as the direct approach is time consuming. Also, the study found out that modeling the structure with only vertical spring led to doubtable results, which reflect present that is choosing this method represents the worst option. On the other hand, and according to the analysis results, study suggested that keeping use the fixed approach in design buildings (with embedded portion) does not represent the better choice. It is concluded that, the responses of Substructure approach is identical with that of the Direct approach in all cases for all stories except for the Ground storey. It seems that SSI affects the higher stories rather than the lower storey.

The Tyranny of the Ribbon: The Effects of Prioritizing New Infrastructure over Maintenance

In the allocation of resources toward public infrastructure, spending on maintenance is typically neglected. Using a heterogeneous agent model, we find that reallocating funding away from new infrastructure investment and toward maintenance raises the effectiveness of existing public infrastructure and thus yields gains in GDP and in aggregate welfare. Richer households experience larger welfare gains than poorer households. A reallocation that takes funding away from maintenance is found to have adverse effects on GDP and aggregate welfare. Raising new funding with taxation yields larger positive benefits if this additional spending is divided between maintenance expenditures and investment in new infrastructure. Giving in to the “Tyranny of the Ribbon” by policymakers, that is, raising new funding to be spent only on new infrastructure, is shown to be the worse option.

Disgust in the mating context – choosing the best and the least bad self-presentation option in a date simulation game

In order to achieve interpersonal goals, people manipulate their self-image: they manifest their most favourable traits and avoid exhibiting the most aversive ones. Disgust is one of the most powerful turn-offs in a mating context. Here, we explored which disgust domain −pathogen, sexual, or moral − is considered the most damaging for self-image. We also revisited the importance of various positive traits in a potential partner. The participants (N = 1,017) played a date-simulation game. They chose which one of five positive characteristics, and which one of three disgust norm transgressions they want to manifest. We analysed the influence of one’s biological sex, sexual orientation, and culture on self-presentation during a date.Women more often manifested morally disgusting behaviours and artistic abilities than men, while men more often manifested pathogenically disgusting behaviours and kindness. Homosexual orientation predicted lower frequency of admitting to moral disgust transgressions, and higher frequency of exhibiting artistic abilities.

Strategic dilemmas when managing cyber attacks

Cyber attacks have a significant business impact, with the potential to escalate into crises if poorly managed. A recurring pattern is strategic dilemmas that cannot be resolved satisfactorily. Some dilemmas are more pronounced, others less so, and therefore often catch decision-makers unprepared, leaving only bad options for decision-making. Something that all dilemmas have in common is that the associated decisions can have a lasting impact on relationships with stakeholders. This paper introduces four recurring dilemmas; shows the typical considerations; lists options for mitigating these dilemmas; and describes the basic requirements for implementing mitigations. The dilemmas and options, in turn, are rooted in the organisation-specific design of: cyber security incident management and response; IT service continuity and disaster recovery management; business continuity management; and crisis management and communication.

Environmental and economic assessment of hydrogen-powered ferries for inland transportation

This paper investigates the environmental and economic impacts of hydrogen-powered ferries in inland passenger and car transportation using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). Three types of electrolysers and two types of fuel cells, focusing on their manufacturing locations, are compared with two Marine Diesel Oils (MDOs) with various sulphur percentages. In addition, this study utilises the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to weigh and rank the environmental impacts of all power options based on expert opinions. As a result of the combination of LCA and AHP analysis, the most environmentally friendly power option is found to be the Solid Oxide Electrolyser-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell system for the case study, while the worst option is the Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyser- Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell system. Moreover, MDOs are the most cost-effective power options in all carbon-tax scenarios.

The origin and nationality of general manager successors in local-market-seeking MNE subsidiaries

The extant literature suggests that it is sensible to deploy a host-country national (HCN) general manager (GM) successor in the local-market-seeking subsidiaries of multinational enterprises. However, limited attention has been paid to whether subsidiary GMs come from outside or inside an organization. By simultaneously considering the nationality and origin of subsidiary GM successors, our case-based study provides a sharper theory of succession decision-making in the context of local-market-seeking subsidiaries. We demonstrated that the use of HCN GMs is not always the best strategy, and can even be the worst option because ex post opportunism may arise for HCN GM successors promoted from within the subsidiary. Using HCNs from outside the subsidiary can limit ex post opportunism but may entail a new bounded reliability issue resulting from identity-based discordance. Our interview data revealed a managerial safeguard, which we term ex ante socialization, to address this issue.

Prioritizing sustainable renewable energy systems in Tunisia: An integrated approach using hybrid multi-criteria decision analysis

In recent years, renewable energy technologies (RETs) have become increasingly popular worldwide to achieve energy sufficiency, reduce reliance on conventional fuels, and mitigate their devastating environmental impact. Nonetheless, more appears to have stayed the same in emerging economies, such as Tunisia, as various barriers hampered the implementation of these technologies. Hence, the prime objective of this article is to conduct a thoughtful assessment of four prominent renewable energy options for electricity generation and explore the most potential barriers hindering their development in Tunisia. To do so, a two-stage approach was applied. First, CRiteria Importance Through Inter-Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution (EDAS) were used to evaluate the considered alternatives, namely solar PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), onshore wind, and biomass. Then, an integrated step-wise assessment ratio analysis and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach (SWARA-DEMATEL) was developed to identify the most relevant barriers. The related criteria and barriers were determined based on an exhaustive literature review and experts’ feedback. The obtained results indicated that solar PV and wind were the most promising renewable technologies, while biomass was the worst option. To validate the outcome and demonstrate the effect of changing input data on the final results, a sensitivity analysis has been carried out. As for the key obstacles, political instability, high upfront costs, and market access mechanisms were the most influential barriers. Hence, prioritizing different RETs and analyzing the inherent barriers to their utilization would offer insightful guidance to policymakers, enabling them to establish efficient strategies for overcoming these obstacles, and accelerating the deployment of these technologies in the country.

Biochar from agricultural wastes: Environmental sustainability, economic viability and the potential as a negative emissions technology in Malaysia

Biochar used for soil amendment is considered a viable negative emissions technology as it can be produced easily from a wide range of biomass feedstocks, while offering numerous potential agricultural benefits. This research is the first to present a comprehensive sustainability assessment of large-scale biochar production and application in Malaysia. The five feedstocks considered comprise the country's most abundant agricultural wastes from palm oil (empty fruit bunches, fibres, palm fronds and shells) and rice (straw) plantations. Combined with process simulation, life cycle assessment and life cycle costing are used to assess the sustainability of biochar production via slow pyrolysis at different temperatures (300–600 °C), considering two functional units: i) production and application of 1 t of biochar; and ii) removal of 1 t of CO2from the atmosphere. The cradle-to-grave system boundary comprises all life cycle stages from biomass acquisition to biochar use for soil amendment. The positive impacts of the latter, such as carbon sequestration, fertiliser avoidance and reduction in soil N2O emissions, are also included. The global warming potential (GWP) is net-negative in all scenarios, ranging from −436 to −2,085 kg CO2 eq./t biochar and −660 to −933 kg CO2 eq./t CO2 removed. Per t of biochar, the systems with shells have the lowest GWP and those with straw the highest, all showing better performance if produced at higher pyrolysis temperatures. However, the temperature trend is opposite for all other 17 impacts considered, with fibres being the best option and fronds the worst for most categories. Per t CO2 removed, fronds have the highest impact in eight categories, including GWP, and shells the lowest in most categories. All impacts are lower for biochar production at higher temperatures. The main hotspot is the pyrolysis process, influencing the majority of impact categories and contributing 66–75 % to the life cycle costs. The costs range from US$116–197/t biochar and US$60–204/t CO2 removed. The least expensive systems per t biochar are those with straws and per t CO2 removed those with shells, while fronds are the worst option economically for both functional units. Utilising all available feedstocks could remove 6–12.4 Mt of CO2 annually, reducing the national emissions from the agricultural sector by up to 54 % and saving US$36.05 M annually on fertilisers imports. These results will be of interest to policy makers in Malaysia and other regions with abundant agricultural wastes.

Knowledge collection in aircraft passenger seat assembly: insight for a conceptual design method development

In the field of aircraft system engineering, this research work aims to bridge the gap between conceptual design and quantitative analysis, with a specific focus on the installation of aircraft passenger seats. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive analysis of seat installation process for commercial aircraft was carried out to identify and describe criticalities associated with this manufacturing phase. Different means were used to gather information, starting from the analysis of technical documents, and conducting interviews with industry experts. The research methodology employs a unique translation mechanism, harnessing the power of scoring matrices which are based on a graduated scale ranging from 1 (best option) to 5 (worst option). The scoring matrix serves as a tool for quantifying and translating the qualitative data gathered from the experts into quantitative analysis reflecting the installation process workload. By quantifying the qualitative information provided by the experts, this approach enables a systematic evaluation of seat installation and aids in decision-making within the aircraft assembly domain. In essence, this research contributes a structured and rigorous framework for assessing the ease of installing aircraft components, with a specific emphasis on seats, resulting in an improved assembly process of aircraft.

A comparative LCA of external wall assemblies in context of Iranian market: considering embodied and operational energy through BIM application.

Building envelopes have a critical role in the sustainability of the construction sector. The goals of the current research are assessing the environmental impacts of typical exterior wall assemblies and presenting the best Iranian market option through taking account of both embodied and operational energy. Autodesk Green Building Studio (GBS) is used to determine the operating loads of each wall. Simapro, a life cycle assessment software, is applied for managing data on environmental impacts. The derived results demonstrate that human health is the most severe damage category for all the analyzed walls. Also, the end-of-life stage's environmental impact is insignificant compared to the production and use stages. Reducing carbon emissions has the highest priority, such that replacing 1 m2 of masonry brick wall (the worst option) with prefabricated extruded polystyrene (XPS) drywall (the best option) can result in saving 1257.85 kgCO2eq. The operational phase of the studied walls has a wide range of environmental impacts. Prefabricated Knauf drywall as well as prefabricated XPS drywall consumes less energy for the operating phase mainly due to providing sufficient quantity of isolations that leads to the better total environmental performance. In conclusion, it should be noted that the thermal performance of building materials should be given more attention.

Interaction between weeding, outplanting date and site in open oak woodland plantations

In this paper we explore ways of improving the field performance of oak plantations for the regeneration of open woodlands in Mediterranean environments. Using the evergreen, sclerophyllous holm oak species (Quercus ilex L. subsp. ballota (Desf.) Samp.), we analyzed the effects of the outplanting date (October vs. February), vegetation competition (weeding vs. untreated), the environmental conditions imposed by the outplanting site, and the interactions between all these factors. For test purposes, 3 blocks of 200 one-year-old holm oak nursery-grown seedlings were set up in four sites in SE Spain (Becerra, Mágina, Jarosa and Hinojosa). Half of each block (plot) was weeded to prevent competition from other vegetation. In each plot (weeded or not) half of the seedlings were outplanted in October 2019 and the other half in February 2020. In total, 2400 holm oak seedlings were planted to be monitored over the course of two growing seasons. Survival and growth-related parameters such as height, root collar diameter, number of leaves and total and fractional aerial biomass were recorded. Weeding was shown to be the most important factor affecting both survival and seedling growth, especially in sites with a milder autumn and winter, and a long, intense summer, such as Jarosa and Hinojosa. In colder locations, however, October outplanting was more advantageous, especially if accompanied by weeding (Becerra and Mágina). In cases where competition from native species is not controlled, it would be advisable to plant in October, in terms of both survival and development of the seedlings, especially in colder sites. In general terms, the best option was outplanting in October plus weeding, while the worst option was outplanting in February with no weeding. This study provides new tested recommendations on how to improve the success of oak plantations in different Mediterranean environments.

So bad it's good: When and why consumers prefer bad options

AbstractThe assumption that consumers prefer better quality options over worse ones seems almost definitional. However, a variety of marketplace examples suggest that consumers sometimes choose content that is “so bad it's good,” such as Tommy Wiseau's The Room or Rebecca Black's “Friday,” over apparently better alternatives (e.g., those of mediocre quality). In 12 preregistered studies (N = 5393) across several content domains (e.g., jokes, talent show auditions), we provide the first controlled, empirical demonstration of consumer preferences for badness (i.e., choosing options because consumers expect them to be bad). We provide initial evidence that these preferences are rooted in expectations of entertainment value from the worst available option. Preferences for these options emerge more frequently when their deviations from quality standards are perceived as benign (i.e., inconsequential). Accordingly, such preferences are less prevalent when consumption is consequential, and involves utilitarian goals or monetary costs. We conclude by exploring the extent to which dimensions such as humor, absurdity, esthetic quality, and utilitarian value underlie so‐bad‐it's‐good perceptions, and highlight several open questions to spark future research.

Расчет параметров мобильного механизированного комплекса, выполняющего монтаж воздушной линии, находящейся под влиянием контактной сети переменного тока

Purpose: To calculate the parameters of a mobile mechanized complex (MMC) that performs the installation of an overhead line of longitudinal power supply under the influence of an AC contact network. The asymmetry of electrical parameters in overhead lines (OL) caused by the electromagnetic influence of the contact network leads to a decrease in the quality of electricity for consumers. This contributes to a decrease in the stability of the OL. The worst option may be the ignition of a dwelling, which is powered by the specified OL. A new type of transposition solves the problem of asymmetry, which consists in twisting the wires by 60 ° each span of the supports. With this method of installation, the distance between the wires will be constantly uniform. The problem of asymmetry of electrical parameters is solved, since the mutual movement of phase wires will contribute to the same effect of the electromagnetic field on all three wires. Accordingly, the levels of induced voltages of both components — electric and magnetic — will be leveled. Methods: The analysis of existing methods of installation of OL, profile pipes for the torsion machine, the calculation of the profile for MMC, mass-dimensional characteristics, types of wires and drums for which MMC is designed was carried out. Results: In the article, the parameters of the torsion machine, which consists of movable and fixed parts, were calculated. The brands of wires for OL, drums for installation were selected and their parameters were calculated. The dependence of the loads on the frame of the torsion machine on the length of the profile pipe at the time of maximum loading was constructed. The dimensions of the profile pipe for the frame of the torsion machine and the steel grade were selected, and the simulation of the most loaded support beam of the wire drum attachment was carried out to predict loads and deflection. Practical significance: The necessity of using MMC for OL installation is shown, since only it is able to perform installation with increased symmetry of linear parameters. MMC is a twisting machine with wire drums, a manipulator for mounting wires, a device for fixing and tensioning wires, a control system and a base on which the MMC is mounted. The advantages of using automation in MMC are substantiated.

DEVELOPMENT OF MACHINE UNIT FOR RESOURCE-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES OF SOIL PROCESSING

Water and wind erosion are possible on crop rotation fields. By using various agrotechnical techniques, it is possible to minimize soil erosion. One of these techniques is the creation of shafts about 10 m wide and 80-100 cm high at a certain distance. Effective agrotechnical anti-erosion techniques are slitting, special porous and comb plowing, organization of soil-protective crop rotations, strip placement of winter and spring crops, grain and row crops, creation of buffer strips of grasses, liming of washed lands and drains. In the steppes or areas where the topography of arable land has a slope, it is recommended to use various technologies of minimal tillage to counteract wind and water erosion. Surface treatment of the land ensures the accumulation of plant residues in the surface layer of the soil. This increases the amount of organic matter in the upper layers, which, in turn, improves the strength of the aggregates and the resistance of the soil to the action of raindrops and wind gusts. When plowing sloping fields, contour plowing is a useful method of reducing the risk of erosion. It uses the topography of the field to absorb water, preventing it from running down the rows. Crop residue remaining on the surface is also a factor in which minimal tillage protects the land from erosion. In general, both plants and their remains on the surface effectively slow down the speed of movement of both water on the surface of the soil and air above it. From a physical point of view, plant cover growing on the surface, as well as plant residues, effectively protects the ground, for example, from the impact of raindrops. If we talk about traditional crops, it should be noted that perennial grasses provide the best protection, and cereals can moderately resist erosion. When growing row crops, such as sugar beet or corn, most of the land remains uncovered, meaning that these crops provide less protection. The worst option from the point of view of erosion is steam without growing any crops and without preserving the harvest residues on the surface. Analysis of existing machines for soil protection against wind and water erosion was carried out. The proposed design of the machine for plowless tillage.

The issue of determining the child’s place of residence after the parents’ divorce during martial law

Marriage is a family union of a woman and a man, registered in the state registry of civil status acts. Persons who have reached marriageable age have the right to marry. Marriage is based on the free consent of a woman and a man.
 A marriage is terminated as a result of its dissolution by a joint application of the spouses or one of them. A marriage is terminated as a result of its dissolution by a joint application of the spouses on the basis of a court decision. A marriage is terminated as a result of its dissolution at the request of one of the spouses on the basis of a court decision in accordance with the Family Code of Ukraine.
 A lawsuit for divorce can be filed by one of the spouses.
 A couple with children has the right to file a divorce petition with the court together with a written agreement about which of them the children will live with, what participation in ensuring their living conditions will be taken by the parent who will live separately, as well as about the conditions for his exercise of the right to personal upbringing of children.
 Termination of marital relations is a difficult process, which is greatly complicated if the spouses have joint minor children. The best option is when determining the child’s place of residence after the divorce takes place peacefully. That is, the mother and father agree among themselves who will live with the offspring. At the same time, the other parent takes a direct part in raising and caring for the son or daughter.
 However, more often there are situations when the partners are unable to agree to sign a settlement agreement, according to Art. 160 of the Family Code. The time is coming for the worst option — solving the issue in court.
 With the beginning of the full-scale invasion in Ukraine, the number of family disputes regarding the determination of the child’s place of residence increased significantly.
 The forced migration of the population, which is one of the consequences of the war, and the stress experienced are destroying families. There are situations when parents cannot agree on the child’s place of residence.
 Cases when one parent chooses a child are not unique. In this regard, the Human Rights Commissioner of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine calls on parents to act primarily in the interests of children, taking into account the equal rights and responsibilities of the mother and father in relation to the child, and to resolve the issue of the child’s residence in accordance with the norms of current legislation.

Talent Selectıon in Sport With Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods: TOPSIS and VIKOR Comparison

Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods refer to a successful system used in various fields. Developed to facilitate the decision-maker's task, this system employs qualitative and quantitative methods by weighting criteria in a setting with a large number of alternatives. Similarly, the talent selection process in sports is based on making a decision by interpreting the different skills of many athletes in accordance with the appropriate discipline. However, during this process, errors can occur in preferences due to overlooked minor details or when athletes cannot have the opportunity to present themselves. MCDM methods provide an opportunity in this regard by blending athletes' quantitative data with their qualitative values in order to minimize errors. Thus, in this study, TOPSIS and VIKOR among MCDM methods were applied to the same athletes’ data by using common criteria weights, and athletes were ranked from the best to the worst option. While TOPSIS method ranking has the score distribution between 0.731 and 0.116, VIKOR method has the score distribution between 0.091 (closest to 0) and 0.488 (closest to 1). While there was a 10% exact match between the two methods, it was observed that three alternatives (B, G, and F) changed places (B,G,F) by 3 ranks and other three alternatives (C, D, and J) by 2 ranks. The results of the ranking revealed differences in the rankings of the two methods, but the most significant discrepancies were observed in the middle ranges.

A psychoanalyst’s experience of working in wartime: On choosing between bad options.

A psychoanalyst’s experience of working in wartime: On choosing between bad options.

Comparative safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the safety profile of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) approved for use as monotherapy or combination therapy for the first-line treatment of adult patients with metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods: A systematic review with frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of: cabozantinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, tivozanib, cabozantinib + nivolumab, lenvatinib + pembrolizumab, axitinib + avelumab, and axitinib + pembrolizumab in previously untreated adult patients with metastatic clear cell RCC. Eligible studies were identified by two reviewers in MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The risk of bias for RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. The P score was used to determine the treatment ranking. The mean probability of an event along with the relative measures of the NMA was considered with the treatment rankings. Results: A total of 13 RCTs were included in the systematic review and NMA. Sorafenib and tivozanib used as monotherapy were the best treatment options. Sorafenib achieved the highest P score for treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs), fatigue, nausea, vomiting of any grade, and hypertension of any grade or grade ≥3. Tivozanib achieved the highest P score for AEs, grade ≥3 AEs, dose modifications due to AEs, and grade ≥3 diarrhea. Sunitinib was the best treatment option in terms of diarrhea and dysphonia of any grade, while cabozantinib, pazopanib, and axitinib + pembrolizumab-in terms of grade ≥3 fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. TKIs used in combination were shown to have a poorer safety profile than those used as monotherapy. Lenvatinib + pembrolizumab was considered the worst option in terms of any AEs, grade ≥3 AEs, treatment discontinuation due to AEs, dose modifications due to AEs, fatigue of any grade, nausea, vomiting, and grade ≥3 nausea. Axitinib + avelumab was the worst treatment option in terms of dysphonia, grade ≥3 diarrhea, and hypertension, while cabozantinib + nivolumab was the worst option in terms of grade ≥3 vomiting. Interestingly, among the other safety endpoints, cabozantinib monotherapy had the lowest P score for diarrhea and hypertension of any grade. Conclusion: The general safety profile, including common AEs, is better when TKIs are used as monotherapy vs. in combination with immunological agents. To confirm these findings, further research is needed, including large RCTs.

Microalgal cultivation in open and closed systems under a tropical climate: A life cycle comparison

Microalgae can grow in different cultivation media, including domestic sewage, and have been used in several applications, including as biofertilizer in agriculture. Since microalgae have a cellular mechanism capable of using solar energy to synthesize bio-based compounds, the geographical location and appropriate climate conditions, such as radiation intensity and high temperature, increase the productivity and performance of cultivation systems. However, there are still few studies on microalgal cultivation in tropical areas, mainly to recover nutrients from domestic sewage for agricultural reuse of the biomass generated as biofertilizers. Aiming to overcome this lack of studies and to identify more environmentally sustainable solutions, life cycle assessment (LCA) method was employed to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of these microalgae cultivation systems. In this context, the aim of this study was to compare the potential environmental impacts of two systems: i) a raceway pond and ii) a flat panel photobioreactor on a pilot scale. Both systems were designed for microalgae cultivation under tropical climate conditions using domestic sewage anaerobically treated. The results indicated that the microalgae cultivation scenario in raceway pond was the worst option for the assessed impact categories. Sensitivity analysis showed that electricity consumption had a large influence on environmental impact while the use of inoculum did not significantly influence. Thus, electricity consumption increased the environmental impacts in most of the evaluated categories, however, the tropical climate conditions favored a decrease in the use of this input, helping to reduce the environmental impacts of the studied systems.