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Results for “Utility Theory”

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PubMed1990

[A theoretical study on conflict].

Today according to the radical change of society, the development of the scientific technology and the differentiation of profession the organization of hospital is going to be changed into the multi-structure, therefore, the role of nurses who work at the organization of the hospital tend to be corrective and complexive because of the various expectation and the role of nurses with having difficulties in doing the performance of role inviting the conflict. Conflict is endemic to all human interaction. Opportunities for conflict abound in any forms of organizations. Conflict is a vital and intergreating aspect of human association. In fact, an organization without conflict would be complacent, stagnant, and devoid at dynamism that frequently arises from disagreement and dissonance. Now our domestic notion about conflict is that conflict should reinforce the results of the organization and is worthy of the existence of organization surely. But all conflict is not good for the organization. Sometimes it may be an interfering factor to the results of duty and the satisfaction of constituent when conflict is controlled inappropriately. Therefore we have to notice that it may be a positive factor or a negative factor to the result of duty according to the degree of administration and try to be managed in the direction of increasing the efficiency of organization. In this study, I present the positive analysis and the plans of administration with attaching importance to the administration of conflict. But this study have need of positive analysis in regard to the theory of conflict to utilize actually the organization of nursing department. I hope more concrete, prafical strategy will be presented through this study of positive analysis.

Conflict, Psychological↗

PubMed1977

Advances in the study of diffusion of innovation in health care organizations.

Federal government programs of the 1960s to rapidly diffuse technologies have been displaced on the '70s by efforts to constrain costly technological growth. As a guide to action, the understanding of reasons for adoption of innovation is essential; but the utility of available diffusion theory is limited by its focus on the speed of diffusion rather than any reasons for its adoption by organizations. In a practical sense, more is known about the administrator as decision maker than about those increasing situatiions in which physicians play a more central part. Until coherent, empirically grounded theories of organizational innovation are available, large-scale "tests" are premature and wasteful.

Creativity↗

PubMed1980

Borderline personality organization, structural diagnosis and the structural interview. A pilot study of interview analysis.

Kernberg has related the level of integration of the personality to the level of integration (and "structuring") of internalized object relations. He has designated three levels of personality organization: neurotic, borderline, and psychotic, and has developed a specially focused clinical interview designed to reveal intrapsychic structural characteristics--a "structural interview"--as a diagnostic instrument to differentiate the three types of personality organization. This study presents a method of analysis of the structural interview. Interviews of ten hospitalized psychiatric patients were studied to determine whether indicators could be retrieved from the typescripts of the interviews consonant with the diagnoses made by clinicians utilizing Kernberg's structural theory. Results indicate that scores generated from the typescripts are consistent with the hypothesis that the interviews did contain the indicators called for by structural theory and differentiate borderline from psychotic structures better than chance. In addition, this method of analysis of contingencies of interaction in the interview may have broader application to the study of psychotherapy and psychoanalysis.

Adult↗

PubMed1980

[Mathematical model of the electrical field in ischemic hearts].

The distribution of injury potentials on the cardiac and thoracic surface has been simulated by means of a simple, two-dimensional mathematical model utilizing the solid angle theory. The endocardial, epicardial and thoracic surfaces were represented by three concentric circumferences with radius of 2, 3 and 8 cm; the calculations have been performed with a digital computer (PDP 11/40). Five groups of ischemias have been considered according to their geometrical characteristics: three groups of ischemias affecting the entire ventricular wall, one group of subepicardial and one of subendocardial ischemias. The distribution of epicardial potentials clearly indicated the axis of symmetry and the epicardial border of all the ischemias where such a border existed. Conversely, visual inspection of the curves depicting the distribution of precordial potentials enabled little or no insight to be gained into the location and geometry of the ischemic areas; however, the epicardial or endocardial borders of the ischemic region could be easily determined from precordial data by using the mathematical model. In conclusion, detailed mapping of precordial injury potentials make it possible to obtain significant information on the location and geometry of myocardial ischemias, provided a suitable mathematical model is available.

Coronary Disease↗

PubMed1995

Reproductive and contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive self-efficacy, and contraceptive behavior among teenage women.

This research utilizes a social learning theory perspective to investigate the relationships among teenage women's Contraceptive Self-Efficacy (CSE), reproductive and contraceptive knowledge (RCK), and contraceptive behavior. It was posited that CSE might influence the way knowledge translates into behavior because individuals who feel they can and should use contraceptives may be more receptive to information. A secondary line of analysis examined the individual responses on the RCK to ascertain common knowledge and myths. The 521 respondents were from two diverse samples of teenage women attending family planning clinics. Although no significant relationships were found between RCK and behavior, the four-factor model of CSE explained 12% and 28% of the variance in RCK in the two samples. Results on the RCK items revealed sample differences and common areas of misinformation that are critical to effective contraceptive and prophylactic use. The findings are used to identify measurement issues that may account for the inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between RCK and behavior, and to recommend content for educational interventions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Effects of the relative fee structure on the use of surgical operations.

OBJECTIVE: The goal is to develop a theoretical and empirical framework for investigating how the demand for an operation may be affected by the fee for the operation (the own-price) and by fees for other services provided by surgeons in the same specialty (the cross-price). The theory suggests an empirical test of whether surgeons create demand for surgery. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING: The study examines the use of 11 frequently performed surgical operations by elderly Medicare enrollees in a cross-section of 316 U.S. metropolitan areas. Medicare physician claims and enrollment files for 1986 are the principal sources of data. STUDY DESIGN: Using econometric methods, a structural demand equation modified to include the own-price and the cross-price is estimated for each study operation. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The theory suggests that the utilization response to changes in fees may differ among operations depending on whether demand creation occurs and on the interplay of distinct own-price and cross-price effects. However, the results of the empirical analyses are inconclusive regarding the most appropriate economic model of surgical utilization. Both neoclassical behavior and demand creation are observed, but technical limitations of the analyses, including the cross-sectional design of the study, preclude definitive inferences. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of definitive empirical results, the study has several implications for future research regarding the effect of changes in fees on surgical utilization. In particular, future studies should consider the roles of distinct own-price and cross-price effects, examine the importance of the supply-demand balance in physician services markets, and assess whether typologies of operations that are based on the strictness of their clinical indications predict the appropriate economic model of utilization.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Alterations of remnant liver carnitine and serum carnitine concentrations after partial hepatectomy in rats.

The role of carnitine in the early phase of liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy has been a controversial issue. The purpose for this study was to evaluate the alterations of remnant liver carnitine and serum carnitine concentrations in partial-hepatectomized rats. Partial hepatectomy, with resection of the median and left lateral lobes (67%), was done in 40 male Wistar rats weighing about 200 g. Another group of 40 rats underwent a sham-operation for comparison. All the rats underwent fasting for 4 hours before surgical procedure and 2 hours after surgery. They were killed at 6, 24, 48 or 72h after the operation, ten rats for each time. The serum carnitine concentration, remnant liver carnitine content, serum free fatty acid (FFA), acetoacetate (AA) and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BB) concentrations were measured. It was found that: (1) the serum carnitine concentration increased in the early posthepatectomized stage; (2) the carnitine content in the remnant liver increased in the early posthepatectomized stage; and (3) the serum FFA and its metabolites markedly increased with a depressed ketone body ratio noted in the early post-hepatectomized stage. These results supported the theory that regenerating liver utilized free fatty acids as an immediate main substrate. The utilization then decreased. Because of a marked increase of the carnitine concentration in the remnant liver and serum, it is suggested that the carnitine contents were sufficient for liver regeneration. There must be other reasons for the decreased utilization of free fatty acids.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prospective validation of an optimal sparse plasma-sampling strategy for estimating ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics.

Data obtained from 23 critically ill patients treated with intravenous ciprofloxacin in two clinical trials were used to validate prospectively a previously developed maximum a posteriori (MAP)-Bayesian estimator and optimal plasma-sampling strategy (OSS). Dosages ranged from 200 mg every 12 hours to 400 mg every 8 hours. Each patient had 8-16 samples taken, either as large gold standard sampling sets or as a mix of gold standard sets and OSSs. The MAP-Bayesian estimator used a two-compartment model and identified apparent volumes of distribution of the central and peripheral compartments, distributional clearance, and the slope and intercept of the relationship between creatinine clearance and total body clearance. Fit parameters were used to derive the apparent volume of distribution at steady state and the 24-hour area under the curve. All parameters derived from the OSS using the MAP-Bayesian estimates matched up almost identically to those obtained from modeling the gold standard sets. There was no systematic bias, and good precision was seen among all the parameters. These data demonstrate the usefulness and validity of the current OSS and MAP-Bayesian estimator, and provide further evidence of the utility of optimal sampling theory.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Implementing an immunization program in the neonatal intensive care unit.

The immunization of children less than two years old is a priority with several organizations involved in health care. The infants in the intensive care nursery and their parents provide a ready population with whom to implement immunization programs. This article reviews the importance of immunizations for the newborn and their appropriateness in the intensive care setting. Suggestions are also made for implementing this concept in the normal new-born nursery, utilizing Lewin's change theory.

Humans↗

PubMed1976

Losing a symptom through keeping it. A review of paradoxical treatment techniques and rationale.

The therapeutic technique of symptom prescription has been used by practitioners from a variety of clinical schools. This article reviews techniques based on learning theory, symptom redefinition, paradoxical intention, and directive therapy, among other approaches. A conceptual framework for understanding these various approaches is offered, utilizing data from psychoanalysis, learning theory, and interpersonal communication theory.

Acting Out↗

PubMed2005

Multi/infinite dimensional neural networks, multi/infinite dimensional logic theory.

A mathematical model of an arbitrary multi-dimensional neural network is developed and a convergence theorem for an arbitrary multi-dimensional neural network represented by a fully symmetric tensor is stated and proved. The input and output signal states of a multi-dimensional neural network/logic gate are related through an energy function, defined over the fully symmetric tensor (representing the connection structure of a multi-dimensional neural network). The inputs and outputs are related such that the minimum/maximum energy states correspond to the output states of the logic gate/neural network realizing a logic function. Similarly, a logic circuit consisting of the interconnection of logic gates, represented by a block symmetric tensor, is associated with a quadratic/higher degree energy function. Infinite dimensional logic theory is discussed through the utilization of infinite dimension/order tensors.

Algorithms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Generation of monoclonal antibodies utilizing the host anti-idiotypic network.

In accordance with Jerne's idiotypic network theory, it was attempted to generate antibodies utilizing the host's anti-idiotypic reactions. A murine anti-tumour monoclonal antibody was administered to rats; we examined the possibility of whether the animals would develop anti-idiotypic antibodies, the paratope of which would be the "internal image" of the tumour associated antigen that the original murine monoclonal antibody recognizes. These anti-idiotypic antibodies would generate a second generation of anti-idiotypic antibodies, which would have the same specificity as the immunogen murine antibody. It was found that, while all rats had no anti-tumour response prior to immunization with the anti-tumour murine monoclonal antibody, they all developed antitumour antibodies following administration. The latter observation came as a consequence of the development of anti-mouse immunoglobulin and anti-idiotypic antibodies. The animals were sacrificed and their spleen cells were fused with myeloma cells for the production of monoclonal rat anti-tumour antibodies. Finally, a monoclonal antibody was selected which appeared to recognize the same tumour-associated antigen as the originally administered murine antibody, as shown by cell-binding and competition assays, as well as immunohistochemistry. This new approach allows for "replication" of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies without the need of the antigen and it may also serve as an immunotherapy strategy for the augmentation of the antitumour immune response of patients receiving monoclonal antibody treatment.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

The evaluation of the 'stages of change' model for use in counselling client's undergoing predictive testing for Huntington's disease.

Nurses are increasingly working in new and novel situations which may be outside the realms of traditional nursing practice. Therefore when evaluating theories and models that may be utilized in these situations it may be necessary to look beyond established nursing theories and concepts. This paper therefore attempts to evaluate Prochaska & DiClemente's (1983) stages of change model for its goodness of fit when counselling people as part of the predictive testing programme for Huntington's disease. The model demonstrates that in order to provide effective communication it is important to recognize the particular stage a client is at in his/her decision-making process concerning predictive testing. The relevance of the model to generic genetic counselling in nursing practice is discussed and the importance of stage-matched nursing interventions is emphasized. The model's non-reliance on the medical model or the concept of illness means that it may also be a useful model when applied to other nursing situations.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1993

Confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory: two approaches for exploring measurement invariance.

This study investigated the utility of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT) models for testing the comparability of psychological measurements. Both procedures were used to investigate whether mood ratings collected in Minnesota and China were comparable. Several issues were addressed. The first issue was that of establishing a common measurement scale across groups, which involves full or partial measurement invariance of trait indicators. It is shown that using CFA or IRT models, test items that function differentially as trait indicators across groups need not interfere with comparing examinees on the same trait dimension. Second, the issue of model fit was addressed. It is proposed that person-fit statistics be used to judge the practical fit of IRT models. Finally, topics for future research are suggested.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Close relationships research: a resource for couple and family therapists.

This article describes the relatively new field of close relationships research, offering a representative list of topics studied by relationship researchers. Some of the common interests shared by both close relationships researchers and couple and family therapists are described, with the shared emphasis on relationships as an anchor for both fields. Some representative love theories are discussed, and Love Styles theory and research are presented in considerable detail. A clinical case example indicates how love styles research may be employed to advantage by couple therapists, and the utility of other close relationships theories and measures for therapy is briefly discussed.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

PubMed2006

The role of self-efficacy in predicting rule-following behaviors in shelters for homeless youth: a test of the theory of planned behavior.

Through a prospective study of 70 youths staying at homeless-youth shelters, the authors tested the utility of I. Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behavior (TPB), by comparing the constructs of self-efficacy with perceived behavioral control (PBC), in predicting people's rule-following behavior during shelter stays. They performed the 1st wave of data collection through a questionnaire assessing the standard TPB components of attitudes, subjective norms, PBC, and behavioral intentions in relation to following the set rules at youth shelters. Further, they distinguished between items assessing PBC (or perceived control) and those reflecting self-efficacy (or perceived difficulty). At the completion of each youth's stay at the shelter, shelter staff rated the rule adherence for that participant. Regression analyses revealed some support for the TPB in that subjective norm was a significant predictor of intentions. However, self-efficacy emerged as the strongest predictor of intentions and was the only significant predictor of rule-following behavior. Thus, the results of the present study indicate the possibility that self-efficacy is integral to predicting rule adherence within this context and reaffirm the importance of incorporating notions of people's perceived ease or difficulty in performing actions in models of attitude-behavior prediction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

The Role of Aspiration Level in Risky Choice: A Comparison of Cumulative Prospect Theory and SP/A Theory.

In recent years, descriptive models of risky choice have incorporated features that reflect the importance of particular outcome values in choice. Cumulative prospect theory (CPT) does this by inserting a reference point in the utility function. SP/A (security-potential/aspiration) theory uses aspiration level as a second criterion in the choice process. Experiment 1 compares the ability of the CPT and SP/A models to account for the same within-subjects data set and finds in favor of SP/A. Experiment 2 replicates the main finding of Experiment 1 in a between-subjects design. The final discussion brackets the SP/A result by showing the impact on fit of both decreasing and increasing the number of free parameters. We also suggest how the SP/A approach might be useful in modeling investment decision making in a descriptively more valid way and conclude with comments on the relation between descriptive and normative theories of risky choice. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

Sampling theory for cytonuclear disequilibria.

We examine the statistical properties of cytonuclear disequilibria within a system including one diploid nuclear locus and one haploid cytoplasmic locus, each with two alleles. The results provide practical guidelines for the design and interpretation of cytonuclear surveys seeking to utilize the novel evolutionary information recorded in the observed pattern of cytonuclear associations. Important applications include population studies of nuclear allozymes in conjunction with genes from mitochondria, chloroplasts, or cytoplasmically inherited microorganisms. Our attention focuses on the allelic and genotypic disequilibria, which respectively measure the nonrandom associations between the cytotypes and the nuclear alleles and genotypes. We first derive the maximum likelihood estimators and their approximate large sample variances for each disequilibrium measure. These are each in turn used to set up an asymptotic test of the null hypothesis of no disequilibrium. We then calculate the minimum sample sizes required to detect the disequilibria under specified alternate hypotheses. The work also incorporates the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium at the nuclear locus, which can significantly affect the results. The practical utility of this new sampling theory is illustrated through applications to two nuclear-mitochondrial data sets.

Alleles↗