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Purpose: While the expectancy–value theory recognizes the significance of cost as an essential component, it has garnered minimal attention in physical education. Utilizing two separate datasets, we explored the degree to which the inclusion of cost in an expectancy–value–cost model could augment its predictive capability. Method: Study 1 utilized a cross-sectional data set (N = 144) to investigate the predictive roles of expectancy belief, task value, and cost on behavioral and emotional engagement. Study 2 employed a longitudinal data set (N = 251) to assess how these variables influenced the hypothetical choice of attending physical education and cardiorespiratory fitness. Results: Cost played a significant role in explaining additional variance, surpassing what could be predicted through expectancy and value. Specifically, cost emerged as a crucial factor in predicting emotional engagement, hypothetical choice, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Conclusion: Incorporating cost as an independent construct can yield valuable supplementary insights into the determinants of students' learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specialize? Diversify? Do patients care? The authors investigate the demand-side effects of a hospital's portfolio strategy, which entails decisions about the depth and breadth of its service offerings. Positing that both depth (focus) and breadth (related focus) signal expertise, the authors use both archival and experimental evidence to examine these effects. The archival study is based on Florida's State Inpatient Databases for 2006–2015 and spans all major departments in health care delivery. The empirical analysis exploits plausible exogenous variation from other health care markets and reveals that patient choice is positively influenced by a hospital's depth (focus) and breadth (related focus) of expertise in a department. Complementing the archival evidence, the authors also conducted online experiments to examine the signaling effects of hospital portfolio strategy on patient choice behavior. The results provide support for the idea that hospital portfolio strategy influences patients' perceptions of hospital expertise in focal and related areas and, subsequently, their choice behavior. The authors also highlight potential synergistic effects between focus and related focus and heterogeneity in the effects across departments, payer types, and hospital profit status. These findings underscore the need for managers to adopt a targeted approach to portfolio decisions in health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment examined the effects of alcohol concentration on response rate, persistence, and preference for alcohol. Rats responded for alcohol in a multiple schedule that delivered a 15% solution of alcohol in one component and a 5% solution of alcohol in the other component. Persistence of alcohol seeking was evaluated in extinction, and preference for alcohol concentrations was evaluated in a concurrent schedule wherein both solutions were available. Response rates were not different between multiple-schedule components correlated with different alcohol concentrations, but persistence was higher in the component associated with the 15% alcohol solution. Alcohol concentration did not reliably affect preference for alcohol solutions. The results are consistent with Behavioral Momentum Theory, which states that response rate and persistence are distinct aspects of behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of detecting something everyone needs to accomplish and establishing a measurable action to reach that something is called Goal-setting skill. This study compares the goal-setting skills of bank managers working in different sectors in Kerala, which is comparatively a highly literate state in India. A multi-stage stratified random selection procedure was used to choose the sample bank managers from the whole list of Kerala bank managers. Based on the 350 responses gathered from the bank managers in the three distinct sectors from the state's three most prominent districts, the study shows that there is a significant disparity in the managers' capacity to develop acceptable goals for the firm. The variance in goal-setting ability was investigated using One-Way ANOVA, and the F value was determined to be statistically valid at a 1% level of significance. This illustrates how the bank managers selected for the study have quite different goal-setting abilities based on the area of the bank they work in. The ability to set goals is strongest among the old-generation private sector bank managers, as compared to the public sector and the new generation private sector bank managers. This research will help policymakers and scholars to understand how goal-setting skills affect the manager service's performance with respect to outcomes achieved within a short period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies that promote student voice have long been championed as effective ways to enhance student engagement and learning; however, little quantitative research has studied the relationship between student voice practices (SVPs) and student outcomes at the classroom level. Drawing on survey data with 1,751 middle and high school students from one urban district, this study examined how the SVP of seeking students' input and feedback related to their academic engagement, agency, attendance, and grades. Findings revealed strong associations between this SVP and student engagement. Additionally, results showed that having just one teacher who uses the SVP is associated with significantly greater agency, better math grades, higher grade point averages, and lower absent rates than having no teachers who do so. In models testing interaction effects with choice, responsiveness, and receptivity to student voice, teachers' receptivity was strongly associated with all outcomes. Few interaction effects were found. This study contributes compelling evidence of the impact of classroom SVPs and teacher receptivity to student voice on desired student outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article attends to the emotional resonances of 'stuckedness' and (in)voluntary return as experienced by Nicaraguan migrants stranded in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeling both figuratively and literally trapped in a context of cascading lockdowns, border closures, and travel restrictions, many viewed Spain's Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme as offering a choice to 'freely' depart Spain – a way to simultaneously leave their distressing circumstances behind while returning to the comfort of 'home' and family. Building on recent literature that challenges the basis for participation in such programmes as founded on free, voluntary, and individual decisions, this article contends that, for some, the act of 'choosing' to return generates a profound and unexpected emotional response. In the case of a Nicaraguan migrant woman explored in detail here, the execution of said return activates feelings of relief, euphoria, and hope, as well as a renewed sense of self. Nevertheless, her response is temporally and geographically contingent, as returning to Nicaragua via AVRR does not necessarily diminish her desire to remigrate or render her less 'stuck'. The empirical material that informs this paper was collected through digital ethnography and in-person encounters in both Spain and Nicaragua between 2020 and 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the motif of "The Choice of Hercules" in George Eliot's Middlemarch, focusing on the interplay between virtue and happiness. Scholars like Valerie Wainwright, Joseph Wiesenfarth, and Lesley Gordon have noted the connection to this mythic theme in the novel. Through a close reading of Middlemarch, the essay aims to bridge the debate on the relationship between virtue and happiness in Eliot's work, emphasizing the classical ideal of eudaimonia that harmonizes moral goodness with the vitality of life. [Extracted from the article]

This paper reports on an innovation of allowing higher education students to select their preferred mode of feedback. The aim was to investigate how a sample of 35 postgraduate students perceived and experienced self-selected feedback mode (audio, video or written) as part of an online research subject. Participants were invited to complete a pre-and-post occasion quantitative survey and a semi-structured interview or qualitative survey as part of a quasi-experimental case study. A MANOVA and T-tests were used to analyse the quantitative data. Thematic analyses were conducted on the qualitative data. The results showed that participants perceived their self-selected feedback mode to be significantly more valuable than their previous university feedback on measures of Affect, Feedforward, Clarity, Agency, and Diversity. The qualitative data afforded insights into participants' justifications, beliefs and experiences relating to the feedback processes experienced. This paper raises important implications for how student choice may elevate student-centred feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale & Objectives: A core symptom of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a progressively increased choice of alcohol over alternative rewards despite negative consequences. Here, we investigated choice between personalized alcohol vs. natural rewards in a laboratory setting, and compared this behavior between non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers and light social drinkers. Methods: 30 light social drinkers (15 men drinking < 15 drinks/week and 15 women drinking < 10 drinks/week) and 30 heavy, non-treatment-seeking drinkers (drinking more than these levels; 15 women). In the Concurrent Choice Alcohol Food (CCAF) task, participants chose between individually tailored images of alcohol and snack rewards and collected points towards the respective reward. To assess cost sensitivity, points associated to the images varied so that they favored alcohol or snack, or were equal, creating three relative point levels. Results: Choice preference for alcohol was strongly correlated with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scores, supporting the external validity of the choice procedure. Compared to light drinkers, heavy drinkers showed increased choice preference for alcohol, as indicated by a between-group difference in points of subjective equality, a metric that quantifies the relative point level at which alcohol and snacks were equally likely to be chosen. In both groups, choice preference strongly depended on the relative point level of alcohol compared to snacks, suggesting that responding for alcohol in heavy drinkers was sensitive to costs. Conclusions: Our results replicate previous findings of a relationship between self-reported alcohol use and choice preference for alcohol. We also found that choice behavior was strongly dependent on relative cost of alcohol in both groups, although price sensitivity was lower in heavy compared to light drinkers. An increased choice preference for alcohol in heavy drinkers suggests that they attribute a higher relative reinforcing value to alcohol compared to natural rewards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe prevailing paradigm has predominantly assumed that consumers make choice decisions with reason, and extant literature has mainly focused on reasoned choice. However, there are many instances in the global context where consumers choose products or services without reason, and literature has not addressed the concept of non-reasoned choice. In this article, we aim to shed more light on non-reasoned choices. First, we illustrate through six global choice scenarios that non-reasoned choice is common among consumers making a product or service choice. Second, we introduce a new driver called palate that is consistent with non-reasoned choice. Based on this driver, we develop four key characteristics and offer a conceptual model of non-reasoned choice. Third, we briefly review pertinent literature and discuss how choice strategies discussed in prior literature, such as impulsive buying, intrinsic, instinctive, and irrational behavior, gut feeling, emotion, and satisficing choice, relate to our concept of non-reasoned choice. Fourth, we recommend several marketing strategies particularly conducive to non-reasoned choice behavior. Because these recommended marketing strategies are non-intrusive and give consumers the space to be who they are, we call them subtle marketing strategies. Recent technological advances better facilitate the implementation of these subtle marketing strategies. Finally, we provide several directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animal agency—the ability of animals to make choices and exert control over their environment in a way that aligns with their needs and preferences—is a key part of animal welfare. Animal–computer interactions can enhance animal agency and improve welfare through enabling choice and control over environmental conditions and social interactions and providing cognitive challenge. Though there are some potential limitations, with careful design and implementation, animal–computer interaction can be an important contributor to improving animal welfare. Recent discussions in animal welfare have emphasised the importance of animal agency—the ability of animals to make choices and exert control over their environment in a way that aligns with their needs and preferences. In this paper, we discuss the importance of animal agency for welfare and examine how use of some types of animal–computer interaction can enable animals to exercise more agency in captive environments through increased choice and control, cognitive challenge, and social interactions; as well as considering some of the potential limitations of such efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associating sensory stimuli with behavioral significance induces substantial changes in stimulus representations. Recent studies suggest that primary sensory cortices not only adjust representations of task-relevant stimuli, but actively participate in encoding features of the decision-making process. We sought to determine whether this trait is innate in sensory cortices or if choice representation develops with time and experience. To trace choice representation development, we perform chronic two-photon calcium imaging in the primary auditory cortex of head-fixed mice while they gain experience in a tone detection task with a delayed decision window. Our results reveal a progressive increase in choice-dependent activity within a specific subpopulation of neurons, aligning with growing task familiarity and adapting to changing task rules. Furthermore, task experience correlates with heightened synchronized activity in these populations and the ability to differentiate between different types of behavioral decisions. Notably, the activity of this subpopulation accurately decodes the same action at different task phases. Our findings establish a dynamic restructuring of population activity in the auditory cortex to encode features of the decision-making process that develop over time and refines with experience. Synopsis: Tracking the activity in the auditory cortex as mice gain experience in a tone detection task with a delayed decision window reveals dynamic restructuring of population activity. This reorganization encodes decision-making features that evolve over time and become more refined with task experience. Task experience progressively increases choice-dependent activity, primarily in non-sensory cells of the auditory cortex, reflecting growing task familiarity. Motor signals representing behavioral choices in the auditory cortex are gated by their relevance to the auditory task during performance. Tracking the activity in the auditory cortex as mice gain experience in a tone detection task with a delayed decision window reveals dynamic restructuring of population activity. This reorganization encodes decision-making features that evolve over time and become more refined with task experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that the meaningfulness of life is dependent on and determined by the certain knowledge of a person’s life, intentional pursuit, and the fulfillment of purpose. This ultimately opens up challenges on the need to clarify the nature of the meaningfulness of life. The quest towards the understanding of life raises fundamental questions such as: What or who defines a person’s purpose and allocates purpose? Does purpose have an essential or existential trait? How are the concepts of existentialism and essentialism connected and what role(s) do both play in the exploration of the idea of meaningfulness of life? This paper adopts a critical-comparative analysis of two distinct characters from two different socio-political backgrounds and art genres: Ian Flemings’ James Bond 007 (a film) and Wole Soyinka’s King’s Horseman (Elesin Oba) (a play) to provide clarity and context to the roles known purpose, commitment and free choice play in the analysis and determination of meaningfulness (lessness) of life. The value of this discourse to knowledge is in the exploration of the contradicting but complementary contributions of existentialism and essentialism to the understanding of the meaningfulness of life as well as the roles free choice and commitment to purpose play [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Preclinical studies report that drug use and social contact mutually influence the reinforcing effects of one another. Most of these studies have used same-sex dyads exclusively, and the role of factors related to biological sex and hormonal fluctuations are not well understood. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the reinforcing effects of cocaine and social contact with an opposite-sex partner in male and female rats, and how these effects are modulated by ovarian hormones. Methods: Male and female rats were trained in a nonexclusive choice procedure in which cocaine and social contact with an opposite-sex partner were simultaneously available on concurrent progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement. To examine the effects of ovarian hormones related to estrous cycling, Experiment 1 used naturally cycling, gonadally intact females, whereas Experiment 2 used ovariectomized females, and estrus was artificially induced with exogenous hormones. Results: In both experiments, cocaine and social contact functioned as robust reinforcers, and there were no significant effects of biological sex or estrus status of the females. The positive reinforcing effects of both cocaine and social contact increased as a function of cocaine dose, indicating that contingent cocaine administration increases the reinforcing effects of social contact. Conclusions: These data suggest that cocaine use among opposite-sex partners may enhance factors that contribute to social bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leevan Tibaijuka,1,2 Lorna Atimango,1 Jonathan Kajjimu,1 Asiphas Owaraganise,3 Nixon Kamukama,4 Paul Kalyebara Kato,1 Godfrey Rwambuka Mugyenyi,1 Musa Kayondo,1 Adeline Adwoa Boatin,5 Joseph Ngonzi1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda; 3Clinical Division, Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda; 4Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; 5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USACorrespondence: Leevan Tibaijuka, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda, Tel +256776868084, Email ltibaijuka@must.ac.ugBackground: Understanding alumni satisfaction and the competencies gained during university training can guide improvements in education quality, particularly in higher education institutions. This study at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) explored the factors influencing alumni decisions, their residency experiences, and their levels of satisfaction. Additionally, it provided recommendations for improving graduate training programs.Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study from June to September 2022, employing an online survey and in-depth interviews (IDIs). The survey was distributed via Email and WhatsApp to MUST residency alumni, with 12 participants selected for IDIs. Descriptive summary statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.Results: Ninety-five MUST alumni (34.3% response rate) participated, predominantly males (80%), aged 31– 40 (69%), and Ugandans (72%). Most graduated after 2018 (83%) in surgical specialties such as obstetrics/gynecology (38%) and general surgery (19%). Factors influencing residency program choice included practice-oriented study programs (61%), fields of specialization (55%), university or departmental reputation (46%), and admission standards (32%). While 80% were satisfied with the learning and teaching, only 50% expressed satisfaction with the infrastructure. IDIs revealed satisfaction due to compassionate faculty and strong university partnerships but criticized limited study facilities, difficult adaptation for international students, insufficient hands-on training, human resource shortages, and limited technology. Recommendations included collaborative mentorship, increased hands-on training exposure, more partnerships, and enhanced infrastructure and technology support.Conclusion: Most alumni were satisfied with their residency training despite infrastructure dissatisfaction, finding it well-aligned with their work and beneficial for their careers. Our study highlights opportunities for implementing proposed improvements to enhance residency training. It suggests that similar universities should conduct post-graduate tracers to evaluate trainee experiences and inform future directions.Keywords: residency training, choice, perspectives, recommendations for improvement, MUST, graduates, tracer study, Uganda

Abstract The belief that we can exert an influence in our environment is dependent on distinct components of perceived control. Here, we investigate the neural representations that differentially code for self-efficacy (belief in successfully executing a behavior) and response-efficacy (belief that the behavior leads to an expected outcome) and how such signals may be integrated to inform decision-making. Participants provided confidence ratings related to executing a behavior (self-efficacy), and the potential for a rewarding outcome (response-efficacy). Computational modeling was used to measure the subjective weight of self-efficacy and response-efficacy while making decisions and to examine the neural mechanisms of perceived control computation. While participants factored in both self-efficacy and response-efficacy during decision-making, we observed that integration of these two components was dependent on neural responses within the vmPFC, OFC and striatum. Further, the dlPFC was observed to assign importance to self-efficacy and response-efficacy in specific trials, while dACC computed the trade-off between both components, taking into account individual differences. These findings highlight the contributions of perceived control components in decision-making, and identify key neural pathways involved in computing perceived control.

What motivates consumers to avoid unhealthy behaviors (e.g. consuming sugar, energy drinks, and fast food)? Traditional interventions and lay intuition suggest that to motivate themselves, consumers can consider the negative long-term health consequences of their decisions. Yet, consumers still struggle to avoid unhealthy behaviors. Seven experiments (N  =   4,021) offer a different approach. We find that considering short-term costs of unhealthy behaviors (e.g. irritability or indigestion after eating sugar) better curbs these behaviors than considering long-term costs or no costs. We theorize that short-term costs are more effective at reducing unhealthy behavior because they are more strongly associated with the act of consumption, both in terms of immediate timing and perceived likelihood of costs occurring. As such, short-term costs are better at undermining the reason for consuming unhealthily: anticipated enjoyment of the consumption experience. We test this process by (a) demonstrating mediation via increased association strength and subsequent decreased anticipated enjoyment, (b) manipulating the association strength between consumption and costs (i.e. same cost realized sooner vs. later), and (c) demonstrating moderation via consumers' goal for eating unhealthily. These results identify a powerful but underutilized self-regulation strategy—emphasizing short-term costs of unhealthy consumption—with implications for consumers and marketers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Spatial permeability is a distinctive characteristic of urban form. However, a definitive method for measuring it remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate factors affecting permeability within urban systems, with a focus on incorporating a theoretical framework to support a mathematical approach. Moreover, a method for testing reliability and consistency is suggested. The methodology comprised theoretical and empirical sections. The theoretical part explores the concept of permeability and the core variables that affect permeability in cities. The experimental section involved analyzing 52 zones in Erbil City, extracting their physical and spatial attributes to be utilized as input data for the model. Ultimately, it is evident that the permeability of the built environment is defined by factors such as depth, choice, block size, and spatial maneuverability. The proposed model shows how permeability stands out from other spatial indicators, offering important initial insights into the expanding field of urban form analysis.

This paper is a rejoinder to Block’s (2022) response to Wysocki’s (Wysocki, 2021) essay on Nozick’s challenge leveled at Austrian economics. Instead of merely reiterating Wysocki’s (Wysocki, 2021) position, we try to highlight that the Blockean account of indifference and preference entails the views which are otherwise unwelcome, given his unyielding commitment to Austrian economics at large. To wit, we argue that Block’s theory still fails to make sense of the law of diminishing marginal utility. Moreover, his extreme idea of choice, sadly, appears to jettison characteristically Austrian subjectivism and thus perilously verges on behaviourism. We conclude that, given all these predicaments the Blockean account is caught in, Block himself (qua Austrian) has a reason to embrace the Hoppean theory of preference and indifference.

Nozick (1977) formulated a challenge to Austrians related to the application of the Law of diminishing marginal utility in the context of notion of indifference. To be able to claim that the value or attributed utility of the subsequent units of goods decreases, we must compare comparables, even if deliberate choice means that we have chosen a particular as being value-different. This causes a logical paradox. One cannot be indifferent and demonstrate a particular preference at the same time. It is mutually exclusive. The paper discusses a critique of Wysocki (2021), who proposes a solution to the paradox in terms of a counterfactual perception of the Law. The critique points to the essence of why neo-Misesians cannot resolve the paradox, which lies in the interpretation of the origin of valuation within the particular value scale. The paper offers an alternative solution based on Hayek’s concept of mental order-ness with the implication of the general applicability of the Law to any order in reality.

Abstract Affective feelings exert a powerful influence on decision making, even when the source of those feelings is incidental, i.e., unrelated to the decision at hand. Research on the role of affect in decision making has typically focused on how incidental affect shapes evaluations of an individual target, and thus decisions about how to engage with that target. It is less clear, however, if and how individuals use their incidental affective feelings when evaluating and comparing multiple competing targets and deciding which one to choose. To investigate this, we modified the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) to include two competing targets, presented sequentially, that individuals needed to choose between. In two pre-registered studies (N = 196 and N = 214), participants were presented with pairs of landscape images (e.g., beaches, lakes) and asked to choose which image in the pair they liked more. Each landscape was preceded by an affective prime: a briefly flashed image of a face that was either smiling (a positive prime), scowling (a negative prime), or neutral (a neutral prime). We found that participants were significantly more likely to choose landscapes preceded by primes of more positive valence, and this effect was driven by trials on which the positive prime came second. Our studies demonstrate that decision makers use their incidental affective feelings when making choices among competing alternatives, and introduce a novel methodology for understanding the constructive role of affect in preference formation.

The study investigated factors influencing tertiary students’ choice of dining outlets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its concomitant challenges and restrictions in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was employed using a simple random sampling technique through a lottery to select 222 final-year students from Sunyani Technical University. A questionnaire was employed to gather data from respondents. The findings of the study conveyed that all the factors investigated are influential to students’ choice of dining outlets. The study further established that the gender of the students significantly influenced their choice of dining whilst age did not influence students’ choice of dining outlets. It is envisaged that the study would be beneficial to the government, hospitality operators, and hospitality educators as it contributes to providing a deeper insight into current factors that influence students’ choice of eatery during the heat of covid-19 pandemic. This study recommends that hospitality operators should focus more on the “cleanliness of serving wares equipment as well as all the areas examined to attract consumers in the study area. By complying with these recommendations, it is hoped that hospitality operators will become more competitive and will be able to meet the needs of their customers.

Personality-psychological aspects influencing an individual’s economic behavior have been studied. It has been analyzed how cognitive abilities and personality characteristics influence the decision-making process under uncertainty. Theoretical concepts and empirical studies proving the significance of subjective and unconscious factors, such as emotions, biases, and risk perception, when forming complex patterns of economic behavior have been considered. The information processing mechanisms and decision-making stages in the context of economic activity have been considered. It has been demonstrated that psychological factors play a key role in investment and consumer decisions. It has been emphasized that the process of making economic decisions, such as choosing a production object, pricing policy, use of technology, taxation system, consumer choice, and investment, has its own specifics. The importance of considering general psychological regularities, a manager’s personal characteristics, risk management, and a systematic approach application has been studied. Special attention has been paid to the importance of subjective and unconscious phenomena, such as prejudices and stereotypes, which predetermine complex behavioral patterns of the economic sphere subjects. The study of these factors presents a prospect for further research in the field of psychology and economics, contributing to a deeper understanding of decision-making mechanisms and effective strategies development in economic activity management.

This study aims to identify the factors and their level of influence on the choice of medical tourism destination at medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City. Based on a survey of 202 tourists, including domestic and foreign tourists, who have experienced one of the medical tourism services in Ho Chi Minh City. Through regression model analysis, the results show that there are three factors influencing the choice of Ho Chi Minh City as a medical tourism destination in descending order: Quality of medical services; Advertising and communication; Cost of medical services. Based on the research results, the similarities and differences with the results of previous studies were analyzed, drawing out the characteristics of medical tourism in Ho Chi Minh City. The study also points out proposals to develop the quality of medical services; enhance the promotion of medical services and other supporting solutions to develop medical tourism services in Ho Chi Minh City quickly and sustainably.

Objective (s): Leadership style is the leader's behavior to motivate and guide followers to achieve common goals. Choosing the right leadership style plays a significant role in achieving healthcare organizations’ goals and objectives. This study aimed to identify factors influencing leadership styles of healthcare managers. Methods: This was a study using interpretative phenomenology and semi-structured interviews with 42 managers and employees of health care organizations in Tehran, Iran, in 2023. The research samples were selected by purposeful and snowball sampling methods. Thematic analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: Twenty-five factors inside and outside the healthcare organizations influence managers’ leadership style. Factors inside the healthcare organizations were related to the manager (demographic characteristics, aptitude, personality and management model), employees (demographic characteristics, aptitude, personality and compliance style) and the organization (Goals, Tasks, structure, culture and resources). Political, economic, sociological, and technological factors outside the healthcare organizations also influence healthcare managers’ leadership styles. Conclusion: There is no superior leadership style. Managers should choose the right leadership style considering various factors inside and outside the healthcare organizations. Effective leadership depends on having the right leader for the right position.

Affective feelings exert a powerful influence on decision making, even when the source of those feelings is incidental, i.e., unrelated to the decision at hand. Research on the role of affect in decision making has typically focused on how incidental affect shapes evaluations of an individual target, and thus decisions about how to engage with that target. It is less clear, however, if and how individuals use their incidental affective feelings when evaluating and comparing multiple competing targets and deciding which one to choose. To investigate this, we modified the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) to include two competing targets, presented sequentially, that individuals needed to choose between. In two pre-registered studies (N = 196 and N = 214), participants were presented with pairs of landscape images (e.g., beaches, lakes) and asked to choose which image in the pair they liked more. Each landscape was preceded by an affective prime: a briefly flashed image of a face that was either smiling (a positive prime), scowling (a negative prime), or neutral (a neutral prime). We found that participants were significantly more likely to choose landscapes preceded by primes of more positive valence, and this effect was driven by trials on which the positive prime came second. Our studies demonstrate that decision makers use their incidental affective feelings when making choices among competing alternatives, and introduce a novel methodology for understanding the constructive role of affect in preference formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial permeability is a distinctive characteristic of urban form. However, a definitive method for measuring it remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate factors affecting permeability within urban systems, with a focus on incorporating a theoretical framework to support a mathematical approach. Moreover, a method for testing reliability and consistency is suggested. The methodology comprised theoretical and empirical sections. The theoretical part explores the concept of permeability and the core variables that affect permeability in cities. The experimental section involved analyzing 52 zones in Erbil City, extracting their physical and spatial attributes to be utilized as input data for the model. Ultimately, it is evident that the permeability of the built environment is defined by factors such as depth, choice, block size, and spatial maneuverability. The proposed model shows how permeability stands out from other spatial indicators, offering important initial insights into the expanding field of urban form analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and MethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTo gain knowledge of the early phase post-injury experiences related to choice and control for individuals living with acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury, as well as their caregivers.A qualitative study was conducted to understand the experiences of individuals with acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury and their caregivers in the early phase post-injury, focusing on the aspects of choice and control. Nine individuals with acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury and four of their caregivers participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis.Four themes emerged: (1) Passenger in the system, (2) Can’t do it alone, (3) I want to improve, and (4) A new normal. A sense of empowerment or vulnerability may be influenced by participants’ experiences of choice and control.The study offers insights for healthcare professionals aiming to enhance the sense of choice and control for individuals living with acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury. An approach involving shared control and promoting choice, agency, and empowerment may positively influence post-injury experiences for these individuals.While in rehabilitation, people with ABI or SCI may feel like a passenger in the system and the need to act passively.Regaining control assists people to feel calmer and more of a unique individual.Agency, control, and choice are central to experiences of empowerment or vulnerabilityRehabilitation staff who collaborate and share power and control may reduce psychological distress in their clients and promote a sense of agency.While in rehabilitation, people with ABI or SCI may feel like a passenger in the system and the need to act passively.Regaining control assists people to feel calmer and more of a unique individual.Agency, control, and choice are central to experiences of empowerment or vulnerabilityRehabilitation staff who collaborate and share power and control may reduce psychological distress in their clients and promote a sense of agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-determination enhances a person's quality of life and is a fundamental human right. According to self-determination theory, autonomy is one of three basic psychological needs that must be met to experience self-determination. The overarching aim of this exploratory study was to learn about autonomy from the perspective of autistic adults with intellectual disability, including what autonomy meant and how participants wanted to be supported to be autonomous. Participants (n = 8; median age = 24) engaged in a variety of participatory methods (e.g. discussions, arts and crafts, games) during weekly sessions. These sessions took place over 7–16 weeks and were each informed by a guiding question related to autonomy. Artifacts, video or audio recordings from each session, and reflexive journals were thematically analyzed. The results support an overarching meaning of autonomy as being able to be themselves. Participants identified (1) choice and control, (2) communicating their way, and (3) safe environments as important and showed us how they wanted to be supported in each of these three areas. We also identified having autistic facilitators as an overarching strategy. These results provide a foundation for implementing change to enhance autonomy for autistic adults with intellectual disabilities. Autistic young adults with intellectual disabilities want to be autonomous but are less autonomous than other people. However, they can be autonomous with appropriate support. We wanted to learn how we can support autistic adults with intellectual disabilities to be more autonomous. We designed our study with help from five autistic community partners to make sure the research was relevant to autistic people and would improve their lives. We talked with eight autistic young adults with intellectual disabilities about autonomy. We defined "talk" as verbal language, as well as non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, vocalizations, and laughter. We did art projects and played games while we talked. We met in small groups over multiple sessions. Our participants told us that being autonomous meant being able to be themselves. They told us three main ways to support their autonomy: (1) having choice and control, (2) being able to communicate in their own way, and (3) being in a safe environment. Families, support staff, and caregivers can use this information to help autistic young adults with intellectual disabilities to be autonomous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]