Articles tagged with Decision Making
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers discovered 'event cells' in the hippocampus that represent sequences of events, facilitating episodic memory. The study found that the brain's theta cycle phase precession plays a crucial role in organizing these event sequences.
A study by UAlberta researchers found that 70% of home blood pressure monitor readings are unacceptably inaccurate, which could lead to serious implications for people relying on them. The team advises comparing measurements with clinical readings and taking multiple readings.
A study by Morel et al. found that physical effort in movements is not solely determined by force resistance but also by the duration of the movement. Additionally, the researchers identified common optimization principles in decision-making and motor control, suggesting a shared mechanism for both.
Researchers found that framing choices as a sequence of events increases imagination and its role in decision-making, leading to increased patience. This approach may be particularly useful when circumstances are less than ideal, such as when multitasking or stressed.
Researchers found that neurons initially rely on many neurons for good prediction of a macaque monkey's decision, but eventually each neuron is maximally predictive as the decision point approaches.
A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.
A study found that black men are more concerned about the impact of treatment on their daily lives, recovery time, and cost, while white men prioritize quality of life and cancer cure. These differences in perceptions may contribute to racial disparities in prostate cancer treatment.
A study found that coroners are unable to agree on cause of death or whether an inquest is needed, even with same information. This inconsistency can lead to delayed prevention of future deaths.
A team of researchers discovered that C. elegans makes decisions by calculating mathematical integration of environmental information via calcium ion concentration changes in nerve cells. This process is similar to the human brain's integration of information for decision-making, suggesting a possible genetic link between the two.
A new Penn study found that ICU doctors are better at predicting patients' survival rates than their cognitive function, with confidence levels improving accuracy. Nurses' predictions were less accurate but still informative for guiding family decisions.
Researchers found that the brain separates predictable and unpredictable components of action timing, with distinct regions processing each. The medial prefrontal cortex tracks ideal waiting time based on experience, while the secondary motor cortex adds variability to render decisions unpredictable.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.
Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.
A new study of commuter marriages reveals a surprising emphasis on interdependence among married couples living apart due to their careers. The study found that many respondents described themselves as highly interconnected despite the distance, with communication technologies playing a key role in task sharing.
A study conducted by Ohio State University researchers found that over half of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy lack necessary medical knowledge to make informed decisions about reconstructive surgery. Only 43% of patients demonstrated adequate understanding of reconstruction facts and made choices aligned with their prefer...
A new study published in Nature finds that the thalamus strengthens connections within the prefrontal cortex, enabling it to focus attention and make decisions. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive deficits in diseases such as schizophrenia and improving cognition by adjusting thalamic function.
A third party is needed to represent various interests in corporate decision-making, according to Iowa State University professor David King. This oversight can prevent companies from acting solely in their own self-interests, reducing the risk of problems like Wells Fargo's fraudulent account creation.
Caltech researchers discovered that the amygdala has distinct neurons that judge the intensity and ambiguity of facial expressions, providing insights into autism and anxiety. The study found two groups of neurons: one for detecting emotion intensity and another for coding emotional ambiguity.
Research finds that low-income individuals who trust their communities make better long-term financial decisions by relying on friends and neighbors for support. Building strong communities is crucial for addressing poverty cycles, and targeted policies can help increase community trust.
A new study found that language barriers, information overload, and cultural differences disadvantage some Latina breast cancer patients. However, no significant inequities were recorded in how doctors provide information. The research highlights the need for providers to be more culturally sensitive and patient-centered.
A new study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that nearly 90% of teens with ASD obtain their intermediate driver's license within two years of becoming eligible. Most teens with ASD receive their license in their 17th year, suggesting families make the decision to drive before their teen gets behind the wheel.
The study evaluates forecast accuracy for extreme events, revealing the problem of limited data subsets and biased inferential procedures. By adopting probability distributions, forecasts can be evaluated using standardized tools to address this critical issue.
A small study reveals a significant variation in coroner decision-making processes, which can affect the prevention of future deaths. The findings highlight the need for a national coroner consensus to achieve a shared inference from available evidence.
Researchers at Florida State University discovered that adopting a 'code of the street' culture can increase arrest and conviction rates. They found that individuals who adhere to this code are disproportionately more likely to be arrested and convicted, even after controlling for factors like poverty and unemployment.
A survey of over 2,000 people in the UK and USA found that one in six support life-sustaining interventions, while more than twice as many prefer measures to enable peaceful death. The study highlights challenges faced by healthcare providers and legislators regarding end-of-life care.
A new study found that surgeons' recommendations against contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) did not increase the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion or receiving surgery from a different surgeon. In fact, many patients were satisfied with their treatment despite no discussion about CPM. The study surveyed 1,140 pat...
The US Air Force and Walt Disney Company have been recognized for their pioneering use of operations research (O.R.) to improve decision-making processes. The organizations have effectively integrated O.R. into their daily operations, resulting in enhanced efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.
A new study reveals that both medical terminology and prior experience can impact surrogates' feelings after making life-prolonging treatment decisions. Surrogates who received 'Allow Natural Death' terminology perceived their decision as good and were more likely to sign the document.
The study highlights the importance of civil society organizations in Laos' REDD+ and FLEGT programs, emphasizing their potential to bring valuable local insight and enhance fairness and transparency. However, limitations pose a challenge, including a restricted political system that hinders independent civic society.
A new study found that well-informed patients who decide on their own orthopaedic treatment have better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. Patients with a good understanding of their condition are more likely to make informed, patient-centered decisions and experience improved quality of life.
A group of researchers recommends increased transparency at the FDA, including disclosure of regulatory information, analysis, and study data. This would enhance understanding of existing therapies, pharmaceutical pipelines, and innovative product development.
Eight student teams from around the world competed in the inaugural INFORMS O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition, tasked with solving a challenging problem using an O.R. and analytics approach. The finalists were selected based on their use of the full analytics process, from framing the problem to quantitative analysis.
DeepStack, a computer program developed by the University of Alberta's Computer Poker Research Group, has defeated professional poker players in heads-up no-limit Texas hold'em poker. The program uses a technique called continual re-solving to determine the correct strategy for each situation, allowing it to play at human speed.
Researchers found that 83.7% of colic surgery patients returned to their previous activity level, with 78.5% regaining pre-surgical performance. Owners were highly satisfied with veterinary care (96.3%) and recovery (98.5%).
A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that overnight market activity provides insight into investor sentiment at the firm level. Short-term price persistence was observed, with high and low overnight returns outperforming over the long term.
A new UT Dallas study derived optimal policies and data-driven techniques for firms to learn about demand and adjust capacity. The study's main finding is that production managers need to maintain a careful balance between observing the demand and changing the capacity.
Shari Diamond, a renowned expert on jury process and legal decision-making, will discuss the importance of involving scientists in the legal system. Her presentation highlights insights from an American Academy of Arts and Sciences study that examines the barriers to effective engagement between science and law.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that consulting stakeholders is crucial for environmental scholars to impact policy. The study found that stakeholder engagement improves policymakers' perception of scientific knowledge and makes research more legitimate.
A study published in the Journal of Patient Safety found that video testimonials improve physicians' agreement on patients' treatment choices. The addition of a video testimonial led to statistically significant changes in responses, with doctors more likely to choose full aggressive treatment in five scenarios.
A study from University of British Columbia found that international students' concepts of 'home' significantly impact their post-graduation plans. Four ways of thinking about home were identified: host, ancestral, cosmopolitan, and nebulous. Students who thought of their host home as 'home' planned to stay, while those who saw it as a...
Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.
A new model, aggregate-label learning, proposes that neurons serve as reliable clue detectors to their host by matching spike output to the magnitude of a cue. This approach outperforms existing models in processing continuous streams of sensory information.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research have found that viruses make decisions about their actions in host bacteria, similar to human decision-making. The study's findings could lead to the development of more effective phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases.
Researchers discovered two distinct neural networks controlling the balance between speed and accuracy when making decisions. The subthalamic nucleus region plays a key role in this process, with one network requiring more information for accurate decisions and another lowering the threshold for quick choices.
A University of Pittsburgh researcher used in-game data from the past 7 NFL seasons to predict the winner of Super Bowl 51 and analyze coaching decisions. The analysis found key factors such as turnover differential and penalty yardage correlate with winning probability, giving the Atlanta Falcons a 54% chance of prevailing.
The Hastings Center Report explores the disagreement between physicians and surrogates on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and palliative sedation. The articles examine policy adopted by Massachusetts General Hospital to support doctors who judged CPR would not benefit a patient, and discuss limitations of surrogate decision-making author...
A team of researchers from the University of Washington found that male fruit flies exhibit transitive decision-making when selecting a mate, processing information from visual and chemical cues. The study showed that males prioritize females with higher reproductive capacity, suggesting a rational choice mechanism.
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering introduced an interactive design for financial products to help investors make smarter investment choices. The interactive labels improved understanding and decision-making among both novice and expert investors.
Researchers found that male fruit flies consistently choose the female mate that would produce the most offspring, even when impaired senses were removed. The cognitive process of making rational choices is a unique human trait, but this study provides evidence that fruit flies can also make such decisions.
The Gerontological Society of America has released a new publication to help healthcare professionals overcome common heuristics and cognitive biases that can lead to poor decision making. Awareness of these biases is key to making informed decisions, according to the report.
A new study published in the Journal of Urology found that men with prostate cancer who experience high levels of emotional distress are more likely to choose aggressive treatment options, such as surgery and radiation therapy. The researchers suggest that providing clearer information about prognosis and strategies for dealing with an...
A review of NHS electronic record implementation found limited progress made in the past 25 years, with challenges including confusion over policy funding and complex IT system integration. The study calls for more guidance on IT implementation to help hospitals make informed decisions about digitizing patient records.
The American College of Cardiology has published a new document to manage patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who need surgery. The guideline provides guidance on temporarily stopping anticoagulation medications, choosing alternative treatments, and restarting blood thinners after surgery.
A study found that patients with kidney failure were less likely to have advance directives than those with other serious illnesses, but those who did had better end-of-life care. The presence of treatment-limiting directives and surrogate decision makers reduced hospitalizations, intensive procedures, and inpatient deaths.
A study found that surgeons' recommendations play a crucial role in determining the rate of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) in breast cancer patients. Among patients without clinical indications, CPM use was substantial when patients did not receive a recommendation against it, but low when they did.
Recent sea level rise estimates suggest a two-meter increase by 2100, posing challenges for policymakers and scientists. The Princeton-PSU team recommends combining research priorities with policy needs to make informed decisions.
Mindful consumption training can lead to improved financial well-being, reduced materialism and enhanced quality time with family. The study also highlights its benefits for environmental and societal well-being.
A new Yale-led study finds that changes in brain anatomy, specifically the posterior parietal cortex, are more closely related to risk avoidance in older adults than aging itself. The research team used MRI scans and risk-choice experiments to analyze the phenomenon.
A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder suggests that empowering local governments with forestry decisions can significantly reduce deforestation. By engaging local users in the decision-making process, policymakers can develop more effective and sustainable forest governance strategies.