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The main goal of this study was to develop a hybrid decision‐making support model regarding the feasibility of financing the development of tourism infrastructure of regions for V4 countries, based on the predicted assessment of the level of tourist movement in relation to the infrastructure and accessibility of the studied regions, expert opinions regarding the level of quality of tourist services and tourism development, as well as opinions of experts regarding the prospects of rapid growth of tourist movement in the region. For the first time, a hybrid fuzzy model for assessing the level of tourism quality in the region was developed, using the opinions of experts regarding the level of quality of tourist services and tourism development. For the first time, a five‐layer neuro‐fuzzy model was developed to derive a quantitative and linguistic assessment of the level of feasibility of financing the development of tourist infrastructure based on the experience, knowledge, and competences of experts regarding the prospects of rapid growth of tourist movement in the studied region. The research results were tested, and the developed model was verified on real data for 43 regions of the V4 countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adultcentrism is the tendency of adults to view children from a biased perspective, hindering the recognition of children's competence and agency. It presents a challenge for parents, potentially influencing parenting practices and children's participation in decision‐making. Adultcentrism has received increasing attention in the literature, and with its recent operationalization, a new focus has emerged. However, adultcentrism has remained unexplored in Hungary. Using the Adultcentrism Scale, we aimed to conceptualize adultcentrism in this sociocultural context and validate the instrument in a different language, both for the first time. A cross‐sectional sample of 422 parents was surveyed online to analyse adultcentrism in Hungary and identify whether adult‐centric thinking is associated with less‐positive parenting behaviour. Our findings showed that extreme adult‐centric biases are rare among Hungarian parents and indicated that adult‐centric thinking has two major dimensions in our context. Firstly—and dominantly—adults tend to think about children as 'becoming' rather than 'being'. Secondly, they tend to underestimate children's agency. The present conceptualization challenged the role of seeing children as incompetent in the construct. Adultcentrism indicated a weak positive association with parental perceptions of children's participation in decision‐making and positive parenting behaviours. However, it was not associated with negative behaviours, except for physical control. Our findings support the latest research that emphasizes that a certain level of adultcentrism is natural and presents thought‐provoking dilemmas regarding the understanding and measurement of adultcentrism in the Hungarian context. The study has implications for researchers analysing and theorizing this evolving construct and practitioners who want to improve the adult–child relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fear of spending time alone (isolation) may be closely related to dysfunction in decision‐making. This study tested the prediction that people who strongly fear isolation have a reduced ability to think about social issues. The authors polled Japanese respondents via an online survey (N = 824). The results revealed that fear of isolation, measured by self‐report, was negatively correlated with the ability to detect inappropriate agendas, inconsistent with a meeting's purpose. Additionally, fear of isolation was negatively correlated with a capacity to detect less relevant propositions addressing the causes of social issues and their solutions. These results showed that the more people feared isolation, the lower their ability to think about social issues. Based on these findings, the authors argue that fear of isolation is a good predictor of a lower ability for contemplating social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistence on a task is both beneficial and costly, so it is important to understand how children learn to effectively balance between perseverance and seeking alternatives to reach a goal by monitoring their performance and tracking their progress over time ("adaptive persistence"). Typically developing children (N = 136) ages 3–7 years in the Midwest United States were invited to catch pretend fish at 7 ordered ponds with increasing numbers of fish. Unbeknownst to children, however, the probability of catching fish decreased across successive ponds, making it most rational to briefly "explore" new ponds to learn the payoff structure and then to "exploit" the earlier ponds before their chances ended. A latent class analysis of children's choices suggested three distinct patterns: (a) Explorers (55%), who repeatedly explored novel ponds, despite their lower rewards, (b) Exploiters (24%), who rapidly returned to earlier, more lucrative ponds, and (c) Balancers (21%), who began by exploring novel ponds but later returned to exploit the earlier, more lucrative ponds. Older children showed a greater probability of being classified as Exploiters or Balancers over Explorers. Controlling for age, children with higher executive function and metacognition tended to be classified as Balancers or Exploiters rather than Explorers. These findings suggest that self‐regulation is a potential target for interventions aiming to support children's effective and fulfilling decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fear of spending time alone (isolation) may be closely related to dysfunction in decision‐making. This study tested the prediction that people who strongly fear isolation have a reduced ability to think about social issues. The authors polled Japanese respondents via an online survey (N = 824). The results revealed that fear of isolation, measured by self‐report, was negatively correlated with the ability to detect inappropriate agendas, inconsistent with a meeting's purpose. Additionally, fear of isolation was negatively correlated with a capacity to detect less relevant propositions addressing the causes of social issues and their solutions. These results showed that the more people feared isolation, the lower their ability to think about social issues. Based on these findings, the authors argue that fear of isolation is a good predictor of a lower ability for contemplating social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1997, a number of articles were co‐authored and published in leading process safety journals (e.g., Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Process Safety Progress, and Process Safety and Environmental Protection) by a young and enthusiastic scientist, Faisal Khan—motivated by a drive to improve the safety practices of the time after the 1984 Bhopal Disaster—and a well‐known Professor and Scientist from the Centre for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering at Pondicherry University, Dr. Shahid Abbas Abbasi. It began a new horizon in the process safety domain, as this young scientist continued to excel in this field and shed light with numerous inventions and by training several hundreds of next‐generation safety professionals as a Professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Tasmania, and Texas A&M University. This article is written in honour of Dr. Faisal Khan. Capturing the fullness of Dr. Khan briefly is an arduous task; however, the authors of the current article have attempted to describe his personality, background, and contributions based on their professional interactions with him. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The domain of decision‐making theory has made significant progress, especially within the industrial and management fields. Diverse decision‐making challenges such as multicriteria decision‐making (MCDM), multiattribute decision‐making (MADM), and multiattribute group decision‐making (MAGDM) have been thoroughly examined, equipping decision‐makers with effective strategies for tackling these issues. In the context of the automotive industry, a specific hurdle emerges when identifying the most suitable site for establishing a warehouse to store goods destined for multiple destinations. This article addresses a scenario amid uncertainty, leveraging substantial data. Neutrosophic sets (NSs) emerge as a comprehensive tool for effectively managing the imprecision inherent in such data. Among these sets, single‐valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) stand out due to their adeptness in handling inconsistent or incomplete data. The octagonal single‐valued neutrosophic numbers (OSVNNs) has a new tool for representing the uncertainty information in a simplified manner. Octagonal structure allows for representing different distinctions of truth, neutrality, and falsity of any complex situation and it is an efficient tool to compare different options based on their level of ambiguity. They have a wide range of applications in various fields, becoming increasingly important in addressing many difficult and uncertain issues. The article aims to propose a new ranking function for OSVNNs to convert the OSVNN data into precise values, drawing from the existing mean interval method (MIM). The conventional decision‐making approaches such as weighted sum model (WSM), weighted product model (WPM), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), and VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) are employed to obtain the optimal warehouse location using OSVN application. Furthermore, it demonstrates the application along with the proposed ranking function using the software MATLAB to determine the most favorable alternatives. Finally, sensitivity analyses are performed to assess how different scenarios could impact the optimal location selection for automotive logistics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Background Method Results Conclusion We aim to describe power distributions in polygynous households and consider how these matter for the production and allocation of food‐generating resources in western Burkina Faso, where there is a high prevalence of polygyny.Recent studies on polygyny focus on its likely negative consequences and mechanisms for explaining these outcomes using data from large multitopic surveys. These approaches fail to consider the underlying dynamics in polygynous households.As part of a 5‐year mixed‐methods evaluation of a nutrition‐ and gender‐sensitive poultry value chain intervention in western Burkina Faso, we conducted a thematic analysis of 24 gender‐disaggregated focus group discussions (265 individuals) and 24 semi‐structured interviews in six communities. They focused on gender and power dynamics, food production, and food allocation with a specific focus on polygyny.Relationships among co‐wives are often cooperative, though not necessarily warm, and typically hierarchical. Monogamous and polygynous marriage may support women's empowerment in different domains. Polygynous co‐wives may be able to divide care work, but first wives often control how labor is divided. In monogamous marriages, wives often make decisions jointly with their husbands, while in polygynous marriages, most co‐wives are left out of decisions. In polygynous households, women are better able to maintain control over their earnings.We discuss these findings in terms of their implications for studying polygynous households in quantitative surveys and in terms of how to better design and target interventions for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Action‐oriented conservation sciences are crippled by 3 false assumptions. First, although it is recognized in theory that natural and anthropic components of ecosystems are tightly intertwined, in practice, many conservation policies and actions are still based on the assumption that human and nonhuman stakes should be dealt with in deeply different ways. Second, although the anchorage of environmental sciences in values is amply demonstrated, many conservation scientists still assume they will lose their scientific credentials if they actively participate in decision‐making. Finally, although there is much scientific evidence of the permeability—to both protected entities and threats—of static geographic frontiers delimiting protected areas, many conservation policies are still based on the assumption that these frontiers in themselves produce relevant protections. To overcome these false assumptions, it is useful to articulate them in terms of frontiers based on 2 ideas associated with the term. As a synonym of border, frontier materializes a limit whose crossing can have high stakes. As used in phrases such as frontiers of knowledge, the term also refers to the ever‐moving horizon of what should be overcome. These 2 ideas capture the reasons current attempts at overcoming the 3 assumptions remain unsatisfactory. They are also useful for elaborating a new vision of conservation to simultaneously break from the 3 assumptions. Instead of taking fixed geographic frontiers of protected areas for granted, conservation scientists should participate, along with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples, in the collective identification of the conservation problems that need to be addressed. For these problems, decision committees that include representatives of concerned humans and representatives of concerned nonhumans should be formed to determine the temporal and spatial scope of relevant conservation actions. The result would be multidimensional protected areas dynamically fine‐tuned to the conservation issues they address and to changing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision‐making has been suggested as an endophenotype candidate for obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). However, few studies have examined whether decision‐making under ambiguity is an endophenotype of OCD. This study aimed to investigate decision‐making under ambiguity, as assessed by the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), in patients with OCD and unaffected first‐degree relatives (UFDR). Forty‐seven non‐medicated, non‐co‐morbid patients with OCD, 30 UFDR, and 47 healthy controls (HC) were compared in terms of decision‐making using the IGT. The correlation between obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and IGT performance was also investigated. Patients with OCD and UFDR performed worse than HC on the IGT. No correlation was found between obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and IGT performance. A deficit in decision‐making under ambiguity may be a trait and an endophenotype candidate for OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusion Surgical risk calculators are not often routinely used in Urology Multidisciplinary Meetings (MDM), and little is known about their impact on clinical decision‐making. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) risk calculator for decision‐making in the Urology MDM setting, with particular consideration given to decisions about surgical candidacy.We analysed all adult patients discussed in our Urology MDM with urological conditions whose management plan could potentially include major surgery. During a MDM, a consensus management decision was made prior to the NSQIP score being revealed to blinded team members. Any change in decision after revealing the score was documented, including rationale.Sixty‐three out of 64 eligible cancer cases being discussed at MDM warranted NSQIP scores being revealed to the MDM post initial consensus. 95.2% (n = 60) did not have a change in the MDM management plan after reveal of NSQIP score. The NSQIP score led to a change in the MDM management decision in three cases: two renal cancer cases where management changed to biopsy with view to microwave ablation if positive, and one prostate cancer case, where management changed to recommend against radical prostatectomy.The NSQIP risk calculator was a useful tool and adjunct in the MDM setting. It served as a safety net where surgical risk was not initially properly estimated by team members, and reinforced decisions where there was concordance between NSQIP score and clinical judgement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Design Setting Population Methods Main Outcome Measures Results Conclusions To study experiences of women who gave birth in maternity units that have implemented a ‘care bundle’ quality improvement initiative to reduce obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and associated morbidity.Postnatal electronic questionnaire.Twenty‐nine maternity units across England, Scotland and Wales.Women with live vaginal births.Descriptive statistics for quantitative results. Analysis of free‐text responses informed by framework method.Experience with components of the care bundle: information provision, manual perineal protection (MPP) and post‐birth rectal examination.In this study, 1208 women completed the survey: 684 (56.6%) said they received antenatal information about perineal health, 377 (31.2%) recalled MPP, and 664 (55.0%) recalled rectal examination. Of the 684 women who said they received antenatal information, 595 (87.0%) agreed that the information was easy to understand, and 423 (61.8%) agreed that it helped them to make their own choices to reduce their OASI risk. One hundred and fifty‐four (22.5%) agreed that the information made them fearful about giving birth vaginally. Of the 377 women who recalled MPP, 203 (53.9%) felt it provided them with support, and another 97 (25.7%) did not mind the sensation. Of the 664 women who recalled rectal examination, 281 (42.3%) did not mind the exam, and another 335 (50.5%) felt it was uncomfortable but understood its importance. Free‐text responses aligned with quantitative results.Many women did not recall MPP or rectal examination. The reported experiences for those who recalled these components do not support concerns that the OASI care bundle has negative effects on women's experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This empirical study in the jurisdiction of New South Wales, Australia, explores the complex and unenviable processes legal actors undertake when making decisions about removing infants from their birth parents. Professionals from legal, statutory child protection and health contexts were interviewed regarding their experiences and perspectives about legal decision‐making practices when placing infants in out‐of‐home care (OOHC). Informed by vulnerability theory, analysis of the interview data found that government apparatuses designed to protect vulnerable infants can sometimes have the paradoxical effect of increasing overall infant vulnerability. Findings suggest a need for wider‐ranging research regarding how international and domestic law might be improved to better recognize the unique developmental status and vulnerabilities of infants in the child protection system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common difficulties across industries are discovered in data management, where handling the volume, variety, and quality of data is crucial for informed decisions in uncertain environments. In this context, rail management must navigate complex decision‐making to ensure safety, service continuity, and cost‐effectiveness. The 2020 Stonehaven derailment is an example of the increasing vulnerability of rail infrastructure to environmental factors and systemic failures. It emphasizes the need for resilient systems, proficient at preventative maintenance and adaptable to escalating challenges. These matters further accentuate the need for context‐dependent strategies that bridge theoretical insights and practical applications. This scoping review explores strategies for decision‐making under uncertainty across sectors such as civil infrastructure, agriculture, water management, and emergency response. It unfolds a selection of procedures addressing the impacts of extreme weather and other unexpected disruptions. It also sets a foundation for future research to support rail infrastructure adaptation to climate change by advocating the use of cybernetic principles and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance decision‐making processes. Cybernetics enables collaborative human‐AI methods, improving adaptability and resilience. However, balancing and incorporating diverse stakeholder viewpoints into decision chains remains difficult. While promising, substantial research and system improvements are needed to fully harness the potential of AI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "digital twin" is becoming increasingly prevalent in both research and politics with regard to infrastructure structures. Industry is making significant advancements in the fields of automation and autonomy. While numerous definitions are in circulation, some of which are identical, many are similar in nature. This work examines the digital twin from its original industry perspective and considers its relevance to the constructional engineering sector. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the current approaches in the Industry 4.0 and constructional engineering industry, examining the associated technical opportunities and challenges. The study compares the definitions, requirements and projects executed in this field. The technologies under examination are contrasted on the basis of their position within the data model. The preliminary findings suggest that some solutions for Industry 4.0 have already been developed for the construction engineering sector. However, it must be acknowledged that some solutions have yet to be fully validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies into cosmetic dermatology offers new avenues for enhancing patient engagement, satisfaction, and decision‐making. These immersive tools allow patients to better visualize the outcomes of procedures before treatment, improving communication with physicians and increasing confidence in cosmetic interventions. Despite the promise these technologies hold, there remain concerns regarding their accessibility, technical limitations, ethical challenges, and the potential for algorithmic bias. This commentary aims to explore the psychosocial implications of AR and VR in cosmetic consultations, focusing on their benefits and potential drawbacks. Methods: This commentary is based on a comprehensive review of literature on AR and VR applications in cosmetic procedures. The focus is on the psychosocial impact of these technologies, highlighting their influence on patient expectations, satisfaction, and decision‐making. Studies that evaluate the integration of AR and VR into cosmetic consultations were analyzed to assess the benefits and challenges associated with these tools. Results: The analysis revealed that AR and VR significantly enhance patient involvement by allowing real‐time visualization of treatment outcomes, which improves both understanding and satisfaction. Patients reported feeling more informed and confident in their decisions when using these tools during consultations. Furthermore, these technologies allow physicians to offer more personalized and detailed consultations, thus improving communication and alignment of expectations. However, several challenges remain: AR and VR technologies are expensive, their use can lead to discomfort (cybersickness), and algorithmic bias may skew patient perceptions, particularly in underrepresented demographic groups. There are also ethical concerns about data security and transparency of the algorithms used in these systems. Conclusion: AR and VR hold tremendous potential to revolutionize patient care in cosmetic dermatology by enhancing engagement, improving decision‐making, and increasing overall patient satisfaction. Nonetheless, the full realization of these benefits will require addressing technical and ethical challenges through ongoing research, regulatory oversight, and collaboration between medical professionals and technology developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greater women's bargaining power and decision‐making within a household have been shown to increase investments in human capital. This study links women's participation in decision‐making in dairy production with household investment in girls and boys in health, nutrition, and education. We survey households in the urbanizing region of Bangalore, India. We utilize a multinomial treatment effects model to analyze the individual and household factors that are associated with women's participation in sole or joint decision‐making. We then assess how the type of decision‐making influences a household's investments. The results first show that female decision‐making households are more disadvantaged on average than other types of decision‐making households. Second, we observe that female decision‐makers for dairy production are more likely to have more children and earn a higher income than their husbands. Third, the main findings show that households in which women engage in joint decision‐making have higher levels of investment across all categories for girls. Conversely, investments decrease in education and nutrition for both girls and boys when the wife is the sole decision‐maker. Lastly, investments are enhanced further for girls when households can sell milk at a higher price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study explores prospective adoptive parents' conceptions by testing hypotheses based on a decision‐making model proposed by Willis Hepp and colleagues grounded in symbolic interaction. Background: Multiple factors inform decisions to adopt. However, little is known about the decision‐making process as prospective adoptive parents consider this option. Method: Seventeen prospective adoptive parents were recruited using purposive sampling. An advanced concurrent mixed‐methods design was used to integrate findings from semistructured interviews and a survey using the FACES IV to generate more complete conclusions regarding the model. Results: Ten themes emerged related to prospective parents' conceptions of self and generalized others, including internalization of adoption as part of one's self, referencing families of origin in family formation thinking, and personal histories informing future visions. Pronatal, biological social pressures echo in families of origin that, combined with religious and other social experiences, impact decision‐making. Family cohesion, flexibility, and communication vary based on where they fall along a spectrum of decision‐making. Conclusion: Conceptions of self and others inform decision‐making, where some choose, and others wait or opt out of, adoptive parenthood. Implications: It behooves practitioners to differentiate supports for individuals thinking about transition to adoptive parenthood based on their conceptions of self and generalized others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Judgments of character traits tend to be overcorrelated, a bias known as the halo effect. We conducted two studies to test an explanation of the effect based on shared lexical context and connotation. Study 1 tested whether the context similarity of trait names could explain 39 participants' ratings of the probability that two traits would co‐occur. Over 126 trait pairs, cosine similarity between the word2vec vectors of the two words was a reliable predictor of the human judgments of trait co‐occurrence probability (cross‐validated r2 =.19, p <.001). Two measures related to word similarity increased the variation accounted for in the human judgments to 45%, cross‐validated (p <.001). In Experiment 2, 40 different participants judged similarity of word meaning within the pairs, confirming that the word pairs were not simply synonymous (Average [SD] = 40.8/100 [13.1/100]). Shared lexical context and word connotation play a role in shaping the halo effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although caring is a core principle of the nursing profession, students often lack the knowledge, comprehension and ability to integrate care into all aspects of nursing practice. Students may have few opportunities to practise caring behaviours on patients who create the impression of providing care and elicit a feeling of receiving care. Studies of strategies to enhance caring behaviours in nursing education are limited. Aim: This experimental study aimed to examine the effect of nursing caring behaviours course based on interactive learning strategies on the caring behaviours and decision‐making abilities of nursing students. Methods: A purposive sample of 50 undergraduate students was recruited from a faculty of nursing. Students in the intervention group (n = 24) received 2 h of training per week for 14 weeks in accordance with caring behaviours course based on interactive learning strategies including discussion, brainstorming, concept mapping, reflection and simulation training. Nursing students in the control group (n = 26) received training according to other elective courses in the curriculum. Data were measured at the baseline time point, 7th week and 14th week with the Caring Behaviours Inventory and Nursing Decision‐Making Instrument. Chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Friedman test and mixed repeated measures ANOVA were used to assess the data. Results: No significant difference was determined in terms of baseline caring behaviours and decision‐making scores between the intervention and control groups (p > 0.05). A significant difference in caring behaviours between the two groups and time effect was not found (p > 0.05). However, there was a significant interaction between time and groups (F = 3.484, p = 0.047). There was a significant increase in the decision‐making in intervention groups over time (F = 9.372, p < 0.001) and interaction between time and groups (F = 4.160, p = 0.019). Conclusions: A deliberate strategy to raise students' awareness of caring behaviours and incorporate interactive learning methods into education enhances both caring behaviours and clinical decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many challenges during pregnancy can disrupt fetal development and have varying consequences on the subsequent psychological development of infants. Notably, exposure to infectious pathogens during fetal development, such as those encountered in viral pandemics, has been associated with persistent developmental consequences on infants' brains and behavior. However, the underlying mechanisms and the degree to which neural plasticity over infancy may accommodate fetal insults remain unclear. To address this gap, we investigated the interaction between affective processing and decision‐making in a cohort of rhesus monkey juveniles exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) during fetal development, a pathogen known to profoundly disrupt central nervous system development. Ten juveniles exposed to ZIKV during their fetal development and nine procedure‐matched controls (CONs) completed a judgment bias task with and without a negative mood induction. Although ZIKV exposure did not impact the monkeys' decision‐making processes during the task or the magnitude of their behavioral responses to the mood induction procedure, it did alter the influence of mood induction on decision‐making. Although CON monkeys exhibited significantly more conservative decision‐making following negative mood induction, the decision‐making of Zika‐exposed monkeys remained consistent among conditions. These findings suggest that fetal exposure to ZIKV impacts the neural systems involved in integrating affective and cognitive information, with potential long‐term implications for learning, memory, and emotion regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer interest in cosmetic surgery has grown tremendously in recent years. However, despite the long‐lasting implications of cosmetic surgery decisions on consumer well‐being, existing insights on these decisions remain limited and scattered across various fields. Through an interdisciplinary bibliometric review, we identify that previous research has primarily focused on five aspects shaping consumers' decisions in cosmetic surgery: (1) differing perspectives, (2) social drivers, (3) individual drivers, (4) online media content, and (5) influences relevant to labiaplasty. These investigations stem from the fields of psychology, sociology, communication, and healthcare and aim to understand especially consumer intentions to undergo surgery at the pre‐consumption stage. In this research, we delineate how marketing researchers can advance insights along the entire consumer surgery journey (i.e., pre‐consumption, consumption, and post‐consumption stage) through a better understanding of (i) the phenomenon and its different treatments, (ii) the role of identity, (iii) stakeholder interactions, and (iv) how social media and technology shape cosmetic surgery decisions. Finally, we highlight how studying these topics can contribute to marketing theory through novel insights on the self and identity, the body's meaning in consumption, and self‐enhancement practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccines can be seen as one of the greatest successes in modern medicine. Good examples are the vaccines against smallpox, polio, and measles. Unfortunately, vaccines can have side effects, but the risks are considered by the health authorities and experts to be small compared to their benefits. Nevertheless, there are many who are skeptical of vaccination, something which has been very clearly demonstrated in relation to the COVID‐19 disease. Risk is the key concept when evaluating a vaccine, in relation to both its ability to protect against the disease and its side effects. However, risk is a challenging concept to measure, which makes communication about vaccines' performance and side effects difficult. The present article aims at providing new insights into vaccine risks—the understanding, perception, communication, and handling of them—by adopting what is here referred to as a contemporary risk science perspective. This perspective clarifies the relationships between the risk concept and terms like uncertainty, knowledge, and probability. The skepticism toward vaccines is multifaceted, and influenced by concerns that extend beyond the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines. However, by clarifying the relationships between key concepts of risk, particularly how uncertainty affects risk and its characterization, we can improve our understanding of this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving genuine sustainability progress depends on translating strategic goals into actionable steps. This is particularly crucial for hybrid organisations, where managers must integrate socio‐environmental impact information into daily practices. This study explores how managers use impact information for internal (company control and decision‐making) and external (dissemination) purposes. Furthermore, it examines whether there are differences in the usage patterns depending on corporate characteristics. Using sample data produced by an online questionnaire administered to European B Corps, the results show somewhat limited integration of this socio‐environmental information into management decision‐making. However, companies with better alignment between economic and social objectives, alongside highly innovative firms, showcase a more extensive use of this information. This research contributes to the literature by identifying specific organisational characteristics that are linked to the observed variations in the use of impact information. It points out which characteristics are associated with companies that exhibit a more comprehensive integration of this information into management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) present with various symptoms, such as aortic aneurysm/dissection, tall stature, and lens deviation. Among them, acute aortic dissection is a complication that leads to sudden death. Some individuals with MFS are reluctant to see a cardiologist and discontinue regular checkups until they develop life‐threatening complications. We conducted a grounded theory study to investigate how individuals with MFS decided whether to adhere to healthcare recommendations, specifically to attend cardiology appointments. The study recruited individuals with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of MFS from a Japanese university hospital and individuals from a support group. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 consenting participants. In this study, we identified the decision‐making processes of individuals with MFS concerning their cardiology visits. We extracted "perception of the gap between their health status and medical recommendations" as the central category. This decision‐making process consisted of three parts: (A) the process by which an individual with MFS sees a cardiologist for the first time, (B) the process by which an individual with MFS keeps up with cardiology checkups, and (C) the process by which parents bring their children with MFS to the cardiologist. Individuals who learned of the possibility of MFS decided whether to adhere to medical recommendations depending on how they perceived the gap between their health status and the medical recommendations. In addition to medical information and treatment experience, adaptation to MFS, which changed through interactions with others, influenced the perception of the gap. This study suggests the role of genetic counseling and molecular genetic diagnosis as factors that may facilitate adaptation to MFS. The involvement of genetic counselors is important for helping individuals with MFS keep up with regular checkups while affirming their own experiences. These results provide insight into adherence to medical recommendations for individuals with MFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Methods Results Conclusion Recent studies have demonstrated that early rhythm control for first‐line treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) improved cardiovascular outcomes. However, there is limited data regarding the long‐term outcome of patients who failed antiarrhythmic drugs and who refuse radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).Patients with AF who were refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs and had refused further rhythm control attempts via RFCA were retrospectively identified and propensity‐score (PS) matched with those who had been treated with RFCA. The primary outcome of interest was all‐cause mortality or ischemic stroke.A total of 169 patients who refused rhythm control with RFCA and PS matched 169 patients who had been treated with RFCA were included for analysis. During a mean follow‐up of 4.3 (2.3;6.9) years, maintenance of sinus rhythm was more achieved in RFCA group (7 [4.1%] in Refuse group vs. 133 [78.7%] in RFCA group, p < 0.001). The incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly higher in patients who refused RFCA compared with patients who underwent RFCA (2.96 per 100 person‐years in the Refused group vs. 0.74 per 100 person‐years in the RFCA group, log‐rank p < 0.001), but all‐cause mortality was not significantly different (log‐rank p = 0.8). Refusal of attempted rhythm control via RFCA was an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke on multivariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–8.53, p = 0.02).In patients with antiarrhythmic drug‐refractory AF, the risk of stroke was significantly higher in patients who refused rhythm control via RFCA compared with that of those treated with RFCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Local policy documents play a key role in the provision of social services in decentralised welfare systems. Previous Swedish research shows great municipal variation in local policies for delegation, which determines social workers' legal rights to make decisions about the welfare service given to older people. In this paper, we examine the association between local conditions and the variation of restrictiveness in local policies on delegation for elder care services, by combining data on political rule and economic, demographic, and geographic characteristics of all Swedish municipalities (n = 290), with data on delegation policy. Based on logistic regression models, the results indicate that population density, political rule and average income are correlated with the probability of restrictiveness in delegation. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding local conditions while allocating the responsibility for the provision of welfare in decentralised states with varying local prerequisites. They further highlight the need for studies investigating the consequences of varying local political policies on the outcome of the elder care services provided to older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we used think‐aloud protocols to compare how 44 fingerprint examiners and 44 novices analysed prints. Through this qualitative approach, we discovered several notable differences. Experts focused on local ridge characteristics and minute details of each print, while novices concentrated more on global features. Additionally, experts demonstrated adaptability in dynamically planning their systematic approach and integrated specialised knowledge of causal factors affecting prints. In contrast, the novices relied more on general intuition. Furthermore, experts consistently displayed critical thinking and metacognition, carefully weighing the reliability of each identifying feature before making conclusions. However, there was variation in the precise evaluation approaches and conclusion thresholds among experts. Overall, these findings reveal the substantial complexity, adaptability and domain knowledge enhancing expert performance in fingerprint analysis. We discuss implications including balancing training of intuitive and analytical reasoning, implementing more detailed documentation, incorporating falsification practices and driving statistical advancements to strengthen evidence evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision‐making by families and professionals about how to support children's development is an integral aspect of home visits. This study investigated home visit decision‐making in a US program for families experiencing poverty, Early Head Start (EHS), through the following questions: What types of decisions do home visitors and families make about children's development during EHS home visits? How and to what extent do home visitors and families participate during these decisions? A convergent mixed methods research design was implemented to investigate participation through frequency counts and discourse analysis of home visit transcripts. Home visitor participants were four women, three white and one Black. Twelve families participated (12 mothers, 2 fathers). Parents identified as white (n = 8), Black (n = 3), and multiracial (n = 3; Black and white). One parent was a bilingual Arabic and English speaker. A total of 66 decisions about children's development were identified, with 49 decisions initiated by home visitors and 17 initiated by families. Although families talked more and took on active roles when they initiated (i.e., opened) decisions, home visitors predominantly controlled decision‐making. Quantitative and qualitative participation differed only in the beginning of family‐opened decisions, and home visitors gradually took more control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Methods Results Conclusions Queer asylum‐seekers should be given an opportunity to have their claim evaluated in a fair and unbiased manner. Despite this, research shows they risk having their claims rejected based on stereotypes about sexual minorities. In the present study, we investigated how the Finnish Immigration Service evaluated credibility in asylum claims lodged by sexual minorities.We analysed 68 negative asylum decisions to assess the arguments made to reject the asylum claim. To do this, we developed a detailed coding scheme to investigate the specific themes and credibility indicators cited in the asylum decisions.We found that the asylum claims were most often rejected because the applicant's account of their sexual orientation was not found to be sufficiently detailed, consistent, or plausible. Officials appeared to hold assumptions around sexual identity development and interpersonal relationships that are partially unsupported by established psychological science.Assessments of SOGI claims would benefit from a greater consideration of the factors affecting queer asylum applicants' ability to describe their claims, including cross‐cultural differences in understandings of sexuality, variability in human behaviour, and practical barriers within the asylum procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most children who are removed from their homes by social services have siblings. Yet, siblinghood is an unnoticed and understudied field of interest. Professionals lack a framework for addressing this common issue in out‐of‐home placement decision‐making and caregiving. The current study examined how professionals in family group homes in Israel perceive and approach sibling bonds, as well as the main barriers and benefits they identify regarding siblinghood among children in out‐of‐home placements. Five focus groups were held with 34 professionals, and a thematic analysis was conducted. The participants identified siblings as a source of support, comfort and security to one another. On the other hand, they worried about the sibling bond inhibiting a child's development. They also revealed two approaches regarding the role of out‐of‐home placements: a space for individual development versus a transition station in the child's and family's life journey. They also referred to the uniqueness of every sibling group and, hence, the significant weight of professional intuition in decision‐making processes. The discussion addresses the challenges of intuitive decision‐making in cases of siblings in out‐of‐home placements and stresses the need for more informed decision‐making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child and family social workers routinely make professional judgements involving significant legal and moral questions (e.g. whether a child has been abused) and more 'everyday' issues (e.g. will the child be re‐referred again if we close the case now?) Yet the world is capricious, and we rarely know with certainty what is going to happen in future or the likely impact of our different choices. Given the consequences of their judgements and decisions, it is imperative that social workers are provided with the best possible support. This paper reports a proof‐of‐concept study of a set of interventions to improve the judgemental accuracy of social workers: (i) a survey to identify respondents with above‐average existing abilities, (ii) training sessions on cognitive debiasing and (iii) structured group working and (iv) three methods for aggregating individual judgements. Findings indicate that it is possible to measure the accuracy of social work judgements in relation to case‐study materials and retrospective questions, while the feedback about the training was largely positive. Any future studies should aim to recruit a more diverse set of respondents, test judgemental accuracy in relation to prospective judgements and explore what types of questions would be most helpful for real‐world decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimizing harm from antimicrobials requires use of the narrowest spectrum drug, at an effective dose for the minimum effective duration. Many prescribers are not currently following these guidelines. To address suboptimal antimicrobial use, the underlying reasons must be understood. Objectives: To identify factors influencing choices of antimicrobial drug, dose, and duration for companion animals. Subjects: Twenty‐two veterinarians treating companion animals in Australia. Diversity of participants was deliberately sought. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted online. Two case studies were discussed, and then a range of broader questions was posed. Transcripts were analyzed thematically, using an inductive approach. Results: Few participants chose guideline‐concordant management for the case studies. Prescribing choices were influenced by a complex array of factors associated with the clinical case, pet owner, drug, veterinarian, veterinary colleagues, and external factors. Key factors driving broad‐spectrum antimicrobial use included a sense of safety, habit, ease of administering the drug (especially in cats), pharmaceutical marketing, and the self‐perpetuating dispensary cycle. Many participants were concerned about antimicrobial resistance, but insufficiently informed about how to minimize this risk. Several participants believed that longer duration of treatment and ensuring patients finish a predetermined course would decrease the risk of antimicrobial resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Veterinarians are engaged with the concept of antimicrobial stewardship, but face numerous practical barriers and require more information. In particular, improved education is needed on enhancing patient safety by minimizing both spectrum of activity and duration of treatment, and dispelling myths about "finishing the course." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the day, humans show natural fluctuations in arousal that impact cognitive function. To study the behavioural dynamics of cognitive control during high and low arousal states, healthy participants performed an auditory conflict task during high‐intensity physical exercise (N = 39) or drowsiness (N = 33). In line with the pre‐registered hypotheses, conflict and conflict adaptation effects were preserved during both altered arousal states. Overall task performance was markedly poorer during low arousal, but not for high arousal. Modelling behavioural dynamics with drift diffusion analysis revealed evidence accumulation and non‐decision time decelerated, and decisional boundaries became wider during low arousal, whereas high arousal was unexpectedly associated with a decrease in the interference of task‐irrelevant information processing. These findings show how arousal differentially modulates cognitive control at both sides of normal alertness, and further validate drowsiness and physical exercise as key experimental models to disentangle the interaction between physiological fluctuations on cognitive dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment and reporting has been recognised as one of the key drivers for sustainability in organisations; however, most organisations' reports fall short of sustainability guidelines and the available sustainability assessment and reporting (SAR) frameworks have been limited by several issues. The aim of this paper is to develop and test a rapid sustainability in organisations framework that includes all the sustainability dimensions and their interactions using a manageable number of indicators. A survey was developed to investigate the impacts and contribution of organisations to sustainability, where 224 full responses were obtained. The responses were analysed using descriptive analysis, Friedman tests, analyses of variance, ratio analyses, and correlations. The results show that organisations still address sustainability through compartmentalisation and skewed to the social dimension of sustainability. The results also show that the understanding of SAR in practice in organisations is more advanced regarding sustainability interrelations than the available frameworks and theoretical discourses. The ratio analyses provide a more complete understanding than a ranking analysis. Easier and faster SAR can help better address the dimensions of sustainability and their interrelations, as well as the positive and negative contributions, in order to avoid reinforcing limited and incomplete sustainability efforts. The proposed framework (Tool for Rapid Assessment of Sustainability in Organisations [TRASO]) can serve as a first step for organisations to detect strong and weak points in their sustainability efforts by providing a rapid, balanced and holistic assessment of sustainability issues, which can, in turn, help in the decision‐making process in becoming more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The global construction industry is experiencing significant growth, driving the demand for building floor area. However, this expansion comes with substantial environmental consequences, including high‐energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, together with economic and social impacts. To address these challenges, this research aims at providing designers and decisions‐makers with an approach that will aid the quantification of those impacts relevant for the sustainability performance of flooring systems. A holistic sustainability assessment was performed considering economic, environmental, and social aspects using the Integrated Value Model for Sustainability Evaluations. This study focused on various flooring typologies, including reinforced concrete (RC) and fiber‐RC (FRC) slabs with solid and waffle (for RC solution) configurations. The most representative criteria and indicators of sustainability for concrete column‐supported slabs were identified, measured, and weighted—aggregated in a decision‐making tree—in order to obtain a representative a sustainability index (SI) for each alternative. The results of the analysis evidence that the RC solid slab has a higher overall SI than the other alternatives, the FRC alternatives performing with similar SI of that quantified for the RC solid slab solution and the RC waffle slab being that with the lower sustainability performance among those flooring systems considered in this study. The results of a sensitivity analysis showed that those alternatives using FRC have potential for improving the overall sustainability performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Prostate and breast cancer screening are prevalent among older adults, even among those unlikely to benefit. We aimed to evaluate why older adults stop cancer screening, including the role of physician recommendations.We used nationally representative data from the 2019 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS). We included women aged 76 and older without a history of breast cancer and men aged 71 and older without a history of prostate cancer. The primary outcome was reason for discontinuing screening, categorized as follows: (1) physician recommendation against screening; (2) absence of a recommendation to screen; and (3) patient‐driven reason, such as patient preferences or beliefs. We evaluated reasons for screening discontinuation by health status and educational attainment using age‐stratified multinomial logistic regression.The sample included 7350 participants representing a weighted population of 22,498,715. Overall, 53% of women underwent screening mammography in the past year or intended to continue screening. Among those who stopped screening, 5% reported a recommendation to stop screening from their doctor, 48% reported no recommendation, and 32% reported a patient‐driven reason for cessation. Findings did not differ by educational attainment or health status, including among the oldest patients. For men, 61% were screened with PSA in the past year or intended to continue. Among those who stopped, 3% reported a recommendation against screening, 54% reported no recommendation, and 27% reported a patient‐driven reason for cessation. Men with higher educational attainment were more likely to report that their physician recommended against screening (4% vs. 1%, p = 0.01) and that their doctor did not recommend screening (58% vs. 47%, p = 0.01). Reasons for screening cessation did not differ by health status, including among the oldest patients.Cancer screening remains common, even among those with limited potential for benefit, but discussions around screening cessation are rare. Improving communication between patients and physicians may improve screening decision quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regularly measuring family satisfaction with intensive care unit (ICU) experience is crucial for ensuring high‐quality care and identifying areas for improvement. This study aimed to evaluate family satisfaction with the ICU in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among 248 family members of patients admitted to various ICUs. The survey assessed family satisfaction via a validated questionnaire, the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS), which includes five subscales: assurance, information, comfort, proximity, and support. Demographic data were also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Results: The demographic distribution revealed that a majority of the participants were female (70.97%, n = 176), with the relationships with the patients predominantly being parents (41.94%, n = 104) or offspring (33.87%, n = 84). The overall satisfaction score was 3.79 ± 1.26, with 66.13% of the participants reporting high satisfaction, 20.97% reporting intermediate satisfaction, and 12.90% reporting low satisfaction. The mean subscale scores were as follows: assurance (3.82 ± 1.2), information (3.83 ± 1.25), comfort (3.81 ± 1.27), proximity (3.72 ± 1.28), and support (3.78 ± 1.28). The highest satisfaction scores were observed for sharing in decisions, noise levels, and staff honesty, whereas the lowest scores were for visiting hours flexibility, transfer preparation, and staff responsiveness. Males reported significantly greater satisfaction (4.24 ± 1.20) than females did (3.61 ± 1.11, p = 0.007). Conclusions: This study revealed moderate to high levels of family satisfaction with the ICU, with significant differences based on sex. The findings highlight the importance of effective communication, family involvement in decision‐making, and supportive ICU policies. ICUs should regularly assess family satisfaction and use the results to guide quality improvement efforts, with a focus on areas with lower satisfaction scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Clinical decision‐making in oncology is a complex process, with the primary goal of identifying the most effective treatment tailored to individual cancer patients. Many factors influence the treatment decision: disease‐ and patient‐specific criteria, the increasingly complex treatment landscape, market authorization and drug availability, financial aspects, and personal treatment expertise. In the domain of genitourinary cancers, particularly prostate cancer, decision‐making is challenging. Despite the prevalence of this malignancy, there are few in‐depth explorations of these factors within real‐world scenarios. Understanding and refining this intricate decision‐making process is essential for future successful clinical decisions and the integration of computerized decision support into clinicians' workflows. Aim: The objective of this study is to improve the current knowledge base and evidence of the factors that influence treatment decision‐making for patients with genitourinary cancers. Methods: Assessment of how routine treatment decisions are made for genitourinary cancers was performed by a mixed‐methods study, encompassing field observations and focus group discussions. Results: In total, we identified 59 factors that influence clinical decision‐making in oncology, specifically for genitourinary and prostate cancer. Of these, 23 criteria can be classified as decision‐maker‐related criteria encompassing personal, cognitive, and emotional attributes and factors of both, healthcare professionals and patients. Moreover, 20 decision‐specific criteria have been identified that refer to clinical and disease‐related factors, followed by 16 contextual decision factors that describe the relevant criteria introduced by the specific circumstances and environment in which the treatment decision is made. Conclusion: By presenting an exhaustive set of decision factors and providing specific examples for genitourinary cancers, this observational study establishes a possible framework for a better understanding of decision‐making. Moreover, we specify and expand the set of decision factors, while emphasizing the importance of cognitive, emotional, and human factors, as well as the quality and accessibility of decision‐relevant information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The incidence rates of dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and cancer increase with age, posing challenges to affected individuals and their families. However, there are currently no clear cancer screening guidelines for individuals with cognitive impairment. This study analyzed the impact of carer health literacy on screening behaviors in this population. Methods: We conducted a postal follow‐up survey, associated with the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology—Life STORIES of People with Dementia, that targeted primary carers to assess their reports regarding patient attendance at regular cancer screenings recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, over the preceding 2 years. Screening rates were compared between the memory clinic cohort and the national average, and the influence of carer health literacy level on screening was analyzed. Results: Among the 826 total individuals analyzed, the memory clinic cohort exhibited lower breast cancer screening rates, at 11% among female patients aged 65–74 years versus the national average of 32%. Higher health literacy among carers was significantly associated with increased screening. For female patients, carers with high levels of communicative health literacy were more likely to ensure that patients attended screenings for gastric (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–3.04), colorectal (AOR, 1.70, 95% CI 1.08–2.70), and breast cancers (AOR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.40–6.76). Among the male patients, high communicative health literacy was associated with increased lung cancer screening attendance (AOR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.11–2.99). Conclusions: Our research highlights a notable gap in cancer screening attendance between individuals with cognitive impairment and the general population, potentially arising from the intricate nature of screening procedures and the extensive burden on carers. More informed decisions and increased screening rates can be achieved through patient‐centric communication strategies that accommodate the cognitive abilities of patients, ensuring the comprehensibility and accessibility of health‐related information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black patients with cancer are less likely to receive precision cancer treatments than White patients and are underrepresented in clinical trials. To address these disparities, the study aimed to develop and pilot‐test a digital intervention to improve Black patients' knowledge about precision oncology and clinical trials, empower patients to increase relevant discussion, and promote informed decision‐making. Methods: A community‐engaged approach, including a Community Advisory Board and two rounds of key informant interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers (n = 48) was used to develop and refine the multimedia digital intervention. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. The intervention was then pilot‐tested with 30 Black patients with cancer to assess feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, knowledge, decision self‐efficacy, and patient empowerment; Wilcoxon matched pairs signed‐rank test was used to analyze quantitative data. Results: The digital tool was found to be feasible, acceptable, and culturally appropriate. Key informants shared their preferences and recommendations for the digital intervention and helped improve cultural appropriateness through user and usability testing. In the pilot test, appreciable improvement was found in participants' knowledge about precision oncology (z = –2.04, p =.052), knowledge about clinical trials (z = –3.14, p =.001), and decisional self‐efficacy for targeted/immune therapy (z = –1.96, p =.0495). Conclusions: The digital intervention could be a promising interactive decision‐support tool for increasing Black patients' participation in clinical trials and receipt of precision treatments, including immunotherapy. Its use in clinical practice may reduce disparities in oncology care and research. Plain Language Summary: We developed a digital interactive decision support tool for Black patients with cancer by convening a Community Advisory Board and conducting interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers.We then pilot‐tested the intervention with newly diagnosed Black patients with cancer and found appreciable improvement in participants' knowledge about precision oncology, knowledge about clinical trials, and confidence in making decisions for targeted/immune therapy.Our digital tool has great potential to be an affordable and scalable solution for empowering and educating Black patients with cancer to help them make informed decisions about precision oncology and clinical trials and ultimately reducing racial disparities. We developed and pilot‐tested a digital intervention to promote informed decision‐making regarding precision oncology and clinical trial participation among Black patients with cancer. Key informant interviews and pilot‐testing suggest that the intervention could be a promising interactive decision‐support tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions To determine how the treatment decision‐making process and posttreatment health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) are related to regret about treatment choice for prostate cancer patients in Japan.We invited a total of 614 patients who were treated with radiation therapy (RT), radical prostatectomy (RP), or active surveillance/watchful waiting (AS/WW) from April 2007 to March 2021. Posttreatment regret was evaluated by the Decision Regret Scale. HRQOL was evaluated by the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and the 12‐item Short Form Survey. The decision‐making process was assessed by patient evaluation of the decision‐making process. We compared the decision regret scale scores across treatment types, HRQOL, and decision‐making processes.Data from 371 patients were analyzed (RT: 202, RP: 149, AS/WW: 20). The median length of time since treatment was 64 (IQR: 43–93) months. The decision regret scale scores were not significantly different among the treatment groups but were significantly greater (strong regret) in patients with poor urinary summary scores, bowel summary scores, and hormonal summary scores. The decision regret scale scores were significantly lower (less regret) for patients who reported being adequately informed at the time of the treatment decision and who had adequately communicated their questions and concerns to physicians than for patients who reported less adequate communication. This result was also observed among patients who reported low HRQOL scores.These findings underline the important influence of posttreatment HRQOL and decision‐making as an interactive process between physicians and their patients on posttreatment regret in prostate cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can we support young citizens facing chaotic climate futures? This question is urgent, particularly for Indigenous communities who face disproportionate risks and impacts of climate change. For the past three decades, climate‐related education has focused largely on the acquisition of scientific knowledge in instrumental ways, while encouraging individual behaviour change. This approach centres the problem rather than human capabilities to generate solutions, which is especially misaligned with the increasing practice and significance of Indigenous communities’ regenerating self‐determining capabilities. This article reports on a pilot study that uses intergenerational storytelling methods or pūrākau to support leadership capabilities among Indigenous Māori and Pacific young people aged 10 to 14 years in communities at high risk of flooding in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Aotearoa/New Zealand. The study showed how storytelling locates and scaffolds Indigenous young people into positions of individual and collective responsibility for grappling with “wicked problems” such as climate and injustice and climate‐related challenges as part of the future they will inherit and shape. within a broader intergenerational journey of resilience and reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the significance of software architecture in large-scale projects, particularly focusing on the decision-making process. A survey study involving 101 practitioners was conducted to gain insights into their experiences, challenges, and factors influencing architectural decisions. The study revealed that dealing with decisions with significant business impact is the most challenging aspect, with areas for improvement identified as information sharing and decision tracking. The findings underscore the importance of documentation, team-based decision-making, and factors like costs, quality attributes, and user requirements in architectural decisions, while also suggesting future research directions for enhancing decision-making processes. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Having a lower extremity amputation is a life‐changing decision for people living with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer. Although previous research has described both positive and negative lifestyle and function outcomes of diabetes‐related amputations, limited research has been conducted on the decision‐making processes leading up to the amputation. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of persons, healthcare practitioners and experts (including academics and specialists) on decision‐making for people with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer who may require a non‐emergency amputation. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study using semi‐structured interviews enabled people to share their thought processes when making decisions for amputation. Twenty‐six participants were interviewed, including nine people with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer or amputation, nine health practitioners and eight experts located across five countries. There were 13 female and 13 male participants. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. Results: Four themes described the decision‐making considerations for amputation: 'Balancing the evidence in decision‐making', 'Trust, respect and timing of conversations inform decision‐making', 'Tailoring decisions for individual circumstance' and 'Reaching the tipping point in decisions for the future'. Work commitments, functional and lifestyle impacts of amputation, the presence of support networks and clinical wound features formed the evidence for a decision for amputation. Conclusion: Understanding quality of life needs ensured that decisions for amputation addressed expectations and lifestyle needs. Living with a diabetes‐related foot ulcer presented daily challenges that pushed people to a tipping point, at which amputation was considered to overcome these hardships and enable them to move on to the next chapter of their life. Further research is required to understand how person‐centred factors can be better incorporated alongside objective clinical assessments in decisions for amputation. Patient or Public Contribution: People with diabetes‐related foot ulcers, health practitioners and experts shared their perspectives on the decision‐making process for amputation through one‐to‐one interviews. Consideration of the person in the context of their life, environment and personal needs alongside the pathological factors is warranted. Practitioner Points: The decision for amputation incorporates a balance between health concerns, health practitioner assessments and the quality of life expectations and lifestyle needs of the person with DFU.Open discussions about living situation and future goals can determine readiness for amputation and initiate consideration of amputation as a possible option.'Leaving the door open' for people with DFU to have ongoing conversations about amputation supports people to feel in control of their decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Improved access to rehabilitation is highlighted as a key pathway to achieving the World Health Organisation's (WHO) goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well‐being for all (Sustainable Development Goal 3). This article is the second in a two‐part series outlining the findings from the Rehabilitation Choices study, which aimed to identify how health professionals and consumers in Australia are informed to make decisions about rehabilitation, and their experience with barriers and enablers to accessing that rehabilitation. In this study, we present the perspectives of consumers with different health conditions and a range of experiences with rehabilitation services. Methods: This was a qualitative study using focus groups and semi‐structured interviews. People with self‐reported lived experience of rehabilitation and carers were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Thematic analysis of data was conducted using an inductive approach. Results: Fifty‐six consumers with diverse lived experiences of rehabilitation (19–80 years, 49 patients, 7 carers) participated in focus groups and interviews to discuss how they sourced information about rehabilitation and their experiences of what made it hard or easy to access rehabilitative care to meet their needs. Four themes were produced from the data: (1) service‐centricity of options limits access, (2) access is the patient's responsibility, (3) enabling decision‐making about rehabilitation with appropriate information and (4) provision of a psychologically safe environment. Conclusions: Any planned (re)design of services to improve consumer access to rehabilitation should consider the themes identified in this study. This will ensure that consumers are provided with rehabilitation options that suit their holistic and unique needs beyond consideration of their medical diagnoses, and are actively supported to navigate this access, provided with information to help them make informed choices and provided a psychologically safe environment to engage effectively with rehabilitation. Patient or Public Contribution: Three consumer research partners with lived experience of rehabilitation as patients or carers were core team members. They were involved in the design and implementation of the recruitment and communications strategies, design of the interview approach and discussion guide, contributed to the interpretation and contextualisation of findings and writing of this manuscript and are included as co‐authors (A. O., T. W. and S. W.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Aims: The present paper aimed at discussing how the process of decision‐making should be taken care of in healthcare services. Methods: This is a position paper based on a review of the relevant literature about meaning‐making processes in medical encounters and psychotherapy. Discussion: Authors argued that choice options could be perceived as meaningful by patients if their uncertainties were taken into account and grounded on mutual understanding and reciprocal trust. To this end, any decision‐making process should satisfy the patient's legitimate expectations by making choices and habits compatible. Conclusion: In depht analysis of meaning‐making processes is crucial for better refining good practices of shared decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The importance of holidays, traditions, and family celebrations to human culture and occupational engagement has been neglected. The aim of this study was to explore how older adults experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: A secondary analysis was made on data from the At‐Risk Study. Seventeen community‐living adults (11 women and 6 men) aged 71–87 years, from Sweden participated. They were interviewed remotely four times during the first year of the pandemic. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. No consumer/community involvement occurred. Findings: Three categories on how the participants hoped for, planned, decided, adapted, avoided, and experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing included expectations and preparations in unpredictable times; the constant need for re‐evaluation; and almost everything turned out differently. Conclusions: The desire to celebrate despite pandemic restrictions shows the importance and meaning holidays hold for older adults. Celebrations can be disrupted for many reasons, not only as extreme as the ongoing pandemic. For wellbeing in later life health care, social care, and society need to understand the inherent components and acknowledge ways of supporting participation in occasional events such as holidays, traditions, and family celebrations. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Research on the importance of engaging in holidays, traditions, and family celebrations has been limited. Clinical occupational therapists and occupational science researchers tend to focus more on activities of daily living than on activities of life. This study investigated how older adults experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We revisited data from a previous study called the At‐Risk Study. Seventeen community‐living older adults living in Sweden, ranging from 71 to 87 years old, took part. They were interviewed remotely four times during the first year of the pandemic. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. We identified three main themes on how the participants hoped for, planned, decided, adapted, avoided, and experienced holidays and celebrations with social and physical distancing. They were expectations and preparations in unpredictable times; the constant need for re‐evaluation; and almost everything turned out differently. This study shows the broad variety in reasoning and acting in relation to holidays, traditions, and family celebrations under social and physical distancing. However, the desire to celebrate despite pandemic restrictions shows the importance and meaning holidays hold for older adults. Celebrations can be disrupted for many reasons (including health issues) and not all barriers will be as extreme as an ongoing pandemic. To promote wellbeing in later life society, health care, and occupational therapists need to recognise the inherent components and acknowledge ways of supporting participation also in occasional events such as holidays, traditions, and family celebrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence‐based management (EBM) is a useful framework to assist managers in making organizational decisions based on the best available evidence. EBM use is nevertheless marginal among managers, and little is known about the enablers that can facilitate and effectively increase its use. We use two experimental studies to examine the effect of cognitive reflection, learning goals, and social norms in predicting EBM usage. We also propose an objective assessment task to measure the collection and use of evidence in the context of EBM. Results from both studies provide support for the importance of cognitive reflection and social norms to enable EBM. Surprisingly, learning goals were not associated with EBM use. This research increases our understanding of EBM, provides indications of how to increase its usage, and presents a methodology to investigate evidence collection and use objectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]