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Results for “Utility Theory”

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PubMed1995

A computational theory for movement pattern recognition based on optimal movement pattern generation.

We have previously proposed an optimal trajectory and control theory for continuous movements, such as reaching or cursive handwriting. According to Marr's three-level description of brain function, our theory can be summarized as follows: (1) The computational theory is the minimum torque-change model; (2) the intermediate representation of a pattern is given as a set of via-points extracted from an example pattern; and (3) algorithm and hardware are provided by FIRM, a neural network that can generate and control minimum torque-change trajectories. In this paper, we propose a computational theory for movement pattern recognition that is based on our theory for optimal movement pattern generation. The three levels of the description of brain function in the recognition theory are tightly coupled with those for pattern generation. In recognition, the generation process and the recognition process are actually two flows of information in opposite directions within a single functional unit. In our theory, if the input movement trajectory data are identical to the optimal movement pattern reconstructed from an intermediate representation of some symbol, the input data are recognized as that symbol. If an error exists between the movement trajectory data and the generated trajectory, the putative symbol is corrected, and the generation is repeated. In particular, we present concrete computational procedures for the recognition of connected cursive handwritten characters, as well as for the estimation of phonemic timing in natural speech. Our most important contribution is to demonstrate the computational realizability for the 'motor theory of movement pattern perception': the movement-pattern recognition process can be realized by actively recruiting the movement-pattern formation process. The way in which the formation process is utilized in pattern recognition in our theory suggests a duality between movement pattern formation and movement pattern perception.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1988

Computer-assisted retention prediction system for oligonucleotides in gradient anion-exchange chromatography.

A technique is presented for the retention prediction of single-stranded homo-oligonucleotides under gradient elution conditions in anion-exchange chromatography. The prediction system is based on the theory proposed by Jandera and Churacek. In the present system, the theory was modified by the extrapolation method, utilizing the linear relationship between the log of the capacity factor and the number of nucleotides. The modified theory allowed the prediction of retention times for high-molecular-weight oligonucleotides, which could not be calculated from the original theory. Oligoadenylate was used as a standard oligonucleotide to demonstrate the accuracy of the prediction system. By use of this system, the retention times of oligoadenylates up to 25-35 bases in chain length were predicted within 8% errors under both binary-linear and binary-convex gradient shapes.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

PubMed1993

[Health promotion. Evaluation of breast cancer detection beliefs using a decision model].

This paper presents how behavioral theory can be used to evaluate a group of women's decisions related to the early detection of breast cancer. While the emphasis of this presentation is breast cancer detection, it is important to remember that behavioral theory can be applied to a variety of health behaviors. The incidence rate for breast cancer among American women has risen steadily over the last several decades. According to current estimates, one of eight women can expect to get breast cancer in her lifetime. Despite great advances in medical technology, the current state of knowledge limits the ability of health care providers to 'cure' advanced malignancy; and although an association between breast cancer and some lifestyle factors is suspected, there are still no guaranteed methods of preventing the disease from occurring. A growing body of evidence indicates that the mortality rate from breast cancer can be decreased through women's participation in breast cancer screening techniques (mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination) in order to detect the disease at an early stage before it becomes invasive. Despite the evidence supporting BSE as a detection technique, the majority of women do not perform it on a regular basis. Health care professionals must develop educational programs to encourage women to perform BSE. Effective educational programs require an understanding of the attitudes and beliefs that affect the performance of th health behaviors. In an attempt to understand the relationship between attitudes and BSE behavior, this paper used the multiattribute utility model based on value expectancy theory. This paper includes careful description of methodology using multiattribute utility model and some implications of the results in developing an effective educational program for BSE.

Breast Neoplasms↗

PubMed2002

King's theory as foundation for an advance directive decision-making model.

This article discusses the utilization of King's conceptual system, transaction process model, and theory of goal attainment as foundations for an advance directive decision-making model. Research has shown nurses may be educationally unprepared, experience conflicts between beliefs and actions, or resist the responsibility to address advance directives and end-of-life issues. Nurses, especially nurse practitioners providing primary care, are in positions to facilitate the process. By understanding and incorporating this model into practice, both the nurse and the client may achieve mutual goal attainment resulting in both increased client autonomy and Patient Self-Determination Act compliance.

Advance Directive Adherence↗

PubMed1996

[Grounded theory as an approach to interpretive research].

Interpretative research comprehends studies on qualitative methodology and inductive research. According to Lowenberg's classification (1994), grounded theory is a type of interpretative research situated as a variant of symbolic interaction. The purpose of the present study was to discuss grounded theory as a methodological reference, presenting it and indicating its method. The following stages were presented: collection of empirical data, proceedings of data codification or analysis; open coding, axial coding or concept modification and integration and theory delimitation. The studies of CALIRI (1994) and CASSIANI (1994) exemplified the utilization of this methodological reference. Finally, authors visualized grounded theory as an useful reference of analysis, providing means and orienting, through its stages, the researcher aiming at using it.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

PubMed2002

A framework for the dissemination and utilization of research for health-care policy and practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to construct a comprehensive framework of research dissemination and utilization that is useful for both health policy and clinical decision-making. ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT: The framework illustrates that the process of the adoption of research evidence into health-care decision-making is influenced by a variety of characteristics related to the individual, organization, environment and innovation. The framework also demonstrates the complex inter-relationships among these characteristics as progression through the five stages of innovation namely, knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation occurs. Finally, the framework integrates the concepts of research dissemination, evidence-based decision-making and research utilization within the diffusion of innovations theory. METHODS: During the discussion of each stage of the innovation adoption process, relevant literature from the management field (i.e., diffusion of innovations, organizational management and decision-making) and health-care sector (i.e., research dissemination and utilization and evidence-based practice) is summarized. Studies providing empirical data contributing to the development of the framework were assessed for methodological quality. CONCLUSIONS: The process of research dissemination and utilization is complex and determined by numerous intervening variables related to the innovation (research evidence), organization, environment and individual.

Clinical Nursing Research↗

PubMed1980

How does HeO2 increase maximum expiratory flow in human lungs?

We used the retrograde catheter technique to investigate the effect of HeO2 on resistance to maximum expiratory flow (Vmax) in airways subsegments between alveoli and the equal pressure point (EPP), and between EPP and the flow-limiting segment (FLS). FLS were found at the same airway site in sublobar bronchi (i.d., 0.54 +/- 0.13 cm) on both air and HeO2 in the six human excised lungs studied. Static elastic recoil pressure (5 +/- 1 cm H2O) and the lateral pressure at FLS (critical transmural airway pressure -6 +/- 3 cm H2O) were not different on the two gases. delta Vmax averaged 37 +/- 8.9% and was similar to the value found in healthy subjects of similar age (66 +/- 10 yr). EPP were located on HeO2 in peripheral airways (i.d., 0.33 +/- 0.03 cm), and EPP on air were located more downstream. Resistance between EPP and FLS was highly density dependent. Resistance between alveoli and EPP behaved as if it were density independent, due in part to Poiseuille flow in the peripheral airways and in part to the consequent narrowing of peripheral airways on HeO2. This density-independent behavior in peripheral airways reduced delta Vmax on HeO2 from its predicted maximal amount of 62%. Assuming that FLS is the "choke point" these findings are consistent with wave-speed theory of flow limitation modified to include functionally density-independent pressure losses in peripheral airways. These results and conclusions are similar to those found in living dogs. They question previous interpretation of delta Vmax as an index of peripheral airway obstruction, and demonstrate the utility of the wave-speed theory in explaining complicated mechanisms of expiratory flow limitation.

Aged↗

PubMed1975

The first dream as the chief complaint of the unconscious, and its utilization by the primary physician.

Based on the theory that the dream represents an important conflict of wishes essentially occurring between the id and superego, with some participation by the adaptive ego, the first dream reported by the patient is considered to be the chief complaint of the unconscious. Eighteen first dreams, chosen at random, were tentatively interpreted in re the unconscious conflicts. These tentative interpretations were amplified by a battery of projective tests. It is proposed that the primary physician with a talent for understanding the nature of inner conflicts, revealed by the frist or early dreams, may slowly venture into the area of psychotherapy by including in the history of the patient a study of inner conflicts indicated by the dream material. In this way, the conscious chief complaint may be utilized by the physician with ability to impart to the patient his understanding of the inner fears of the patient. In general, it may be assumed that improved somatic therapy results when the patient realized that the physician is trying to treat not just the pathological organ, but the patient as a whole, including subtle processes within the psyche itself.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

Theory-comparison and multiple-behavior research: common themes advancing health behavior research.

Research that seeks to compare and contrast theories of behavior change and assess the utility of a particular theoretical model for changing two or more health-related behaviors is critical to advancing health behavior research. Theory-comparison can help us learn more about the processes by which people change and maintain health behaviors than does study of any single theory alone and thus has the potential to better guide the development of intervention. Multiple-behavior interventions promise to have much greater impact on public health than single-behavior interventions. However, theory-comparison and multiple-behavior research presents several emerging challenges. These include finding new ways to enhance recruitment and retention, especially among diverse populations; improving treatment fidelity; developing common metrics across behaviors that can be used to advance the measurement and assessment of behavioral change; and expanding the reach and translation of intervention approaches that have demonstrated efficacy. This paper discusses the rationale for conducting theory-comparison and multiple-behavior research and presents several common themes that have emerged from the work of the National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium (BCC). The activities of each BCC workgroup and the potential contribution of each to these common themes to advance health behavior research are also described.

Health Behavior↗

PubMed2003

An evaluation of Woodard's theory of perceptually oriented hypnosis.

This article evaluates Woodard's theory of Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis, a welcome addition to theories of hypnosis that emphasize the centrality of subjective experiences in understanding and studying hypnosis. With a focus on subjective experience. Woodard's account of perceptually oriented hypnosis is based on elements of humanistic, client-centered, and perceptual psychology. However, we contend that improvements in the operational clarity and coverage of the theory are necessary to optimize its utility and heuristic value. We also argue that it is important for Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis to address hypnotic phenomena, e.g., individual differences in suggestibility, involuntary responding to suggestions, stability of responding over time, widely recognized as essential to understanding hypnotic experience and responding. With these refinements, we believe that Woodard's theory would have a greater potential to enrich our understanding of both the unique experiences of individuals who undergo hypnosis and of hypnosis in general.

Humans↗

PubMed2006

Beyond statistical inference: a decision theory for science.

Traditional null hypothesis significance testing does not yield the probability of the null or its alternative and, therefore, cannot logically ground scientific decisions. The decision theory proposed here calculates the expected utility of an effect on the basis of (1) the probability of replicating it and (2) a utility function on its size. It takes significance tests--which place all value on the replicability of an effect and none on its magnitude--as a special case, one in which the cost of a false positive is revealed to be an order of magnitude greater than the value of a true positive. More realistic utility functions credit both replicability and effect size, integrating them for a single index of merit. The analysis incorporates opportunity cost and is consistent with alternate measures of effect size, such as r2 and information transmission, and with Bayesian model selection criteria. An alternate formulation is functionally equivalent to the formal theory, transparent, and easy to compute.

Data Interpretation, Statistical↗

PubMed1999

Direct observation of the self-association of dilute proteins in the presence of inert macromolecules at high concentration via tracer sedimentation equilibrium: theory, experiment, and biological significance.

The technique of tracer sedimentation equilibrium [Rivas, G., et al. (1994) Biochemistry, 2341-2348 (1); Rivas, G., et al. (1996) J. Mol. Recognit. 9, 31-38 (2)] is utilized, together with an extension of the theory of sedimentation equilibrium of highly nonideal solutions [Chatelier and Minton, (1987) Biopolymers 26, 1097-1113 (3)], to characterize the thermodynamic activity and/or the state of association of a dilute, labeled macromolecular solute in the presence of an arbitary concentration of a second, unlabeled macromolecular solute. Experiments are performed on solutions of labeled fibrinogen (0.25-1 g/L) in bovine serum albumin (0-100 g/L) in the presence and absence of divalent cations (Ca(2+), Mg(2+)), and on solutions of labeled tubulin (0.2-0.6 g/L) in dextran (0-100 g/L). It is found that in the absence of the divalent cations, the large dependence of the thermodynamic activity of fibrinogen on BSA concentration is well accounted for by a simple model for steric repulsion. In the presence of the cations and sufficiently large concentrations of BSA (>30 g/L), fibrinogen appears to self-associate to a weight-average molar mass approximately twice that of monomeric fibrinogen. Tubulin appears to self-associate to an extent that increases monotonically with increasing dextran concentration, reaching a weight-average molar mass almost 3 times that of the alphabeta dimer in the presence of 100 g/L dextran. Possible biological ramifications are discussed.

Buffers↗

PubMed2005

Biological sensitivity to context: II. Empirical explorations of an evolutionary-developmental theory.

In two studies comprising 249 children and their families, the authors utilized secondary, exploratory data analyses to examine Boyce and Ellis' (this issue) evolutionary-developmental theory of biological sensitivity to context. The theory proposes that individual differences in stress reactivity constitute variation in susceptibility to environmental influence, both positive and negative, and that early childhood exposures to either highly protective or acutely stressful environments result in heightened reactivity. In Study 1, 127 3- to 5-year old children were concurrently assessed on levels of support/adversity in home and preschool environments and on cardiovascular reactivity to laboratory challenges. In Study 2, 122 children were prospectively assessed on familial stress in both infancy and preschool and on autonomic and adrenocortical reactivity to laboratory challenges at age 7. In both studies, a disproportionate number of children in supportive, low stress environments displayed high autonomic reactivity. Conversely, in Study 2, a relatively high proportion of children in very stressful environments showed evidence of heightened sympathetic and adrenocortical reactivity. Consistent with the evolutionary-developmental theory, the exploratory analyses also generated the testable hypothesis that relations between levels of childhood support/adversity and the magnitude of stress reactivity are curvilinear, with children from moderately stressful environments displaying the lowest reactivity levels in both studies.

Biological Evolution↗

PubMed1987

A model to guide development and application of multiple nursing theories.

Over the past decade there has been an explosion of interest and activity in the nursing profession directed toward the development of a theory base for nursing education and practice. Although we support the overall thrust of nursing theory development, we have concerns about its utility, scope and stated purposes. We are especially sensitive to the plight of the practising nurse who might attempt to use the current nursing theories to guide and explain choices made in daily practice. In this paper we examine current use of the word 'theory' and describe problems inherent in nursing's efforts to apply educationally derived conceptual frameworks to nursing practice. We identify a need for the development and use of many theories for nursing and argue that there is a logical need for a 'meta-model' which will guide the use of multiple theories in practice. A model is presented which allows the practising nurse to examine the various theories in terms of their applicability to a given client situation. We believe the model is also useful to nurse educators and researchers who may be attempting to use nursing theories for educational purposes or develop nursing's knowledge base through empirical work.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

The Triandis model for the study of health and illness behavior: a social behavior theory with sensitivity to diversity.

The Triandis model of social behavior offers exceptional promise to nurse researchers whose goal is to achieve cultural sensitivity in their research investigations. The model includes six components: consequential beliefs, affect, social influences, previous behavioral habits, physiologic arousal, and facilitating environmental resources. A directed methodology to include culture-relevant items in the measurement of each of these model components allows researchers to capture the diverse explanations of health and illness behavior that might pertain in diverse populations. Researchers utilizing the model can achieve theory-based explanations of differences they observe by gender, race/ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation. The Triandis model can provide studies to target variables for future intervention studies, as well as highlight areas for needed political action to equalize access to and delivery of nursing care.

Culture↗

PubMed2004

Hadamard transform capillary electrophoresis combined with absorption spectrometry.

A novel injection device for applying absorption spectrometry to Hadamard transform (HT) capillary electrophoresis is described. A small hole, at the center part of the capillary, functions as an inlet port for the sample. The hole is immersed in a sample solution and the end of the capillary that is usually employed for sample introduction is immersed in a buffer solution. An ultraviolet absorption detector is placed between the sample injection port and the other end of the capillary filled with a buffer solution. A high potential is continuously applied between the injection port and the end of the capillary, which allows the sample solution to be introduced into the separation capillary. By application of a higher potential modulated according to a Hadamard code between both ends of the capillary, the buffer solution is injected into the separation capillary. In some preliminary experiments, this injection device was utilized to introduce a single sample segment into a capillary. As expected, a single peak was observed in the electropherogram for a sample containing a single component. This device was then employed for multiple sample injection in HT capillary electrophoresis. An 8-fold improvement in the S/N ratio was observed when the HT technique was used, in which a 255-order of a Hadamard matrix was used, as expected from theory. The present approach was also utilized for the sensitive detection of a sample comprised of multiple components.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Using program theory to develop key performance indicators for child and adolescent mental health services.

Key Performance Indicators are used increasingly by health services, but their relevance and utility may be questionable. In this article, Program Theory is used to model the irreducible stages in the system of clinical care in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, define the major program operations in each of these stages, and specify the intermediate outcomes of each stage and the final outcomes sought. National and State policy standards are used, with practice experience, to identify key program operations and intermediate outcomes sought. Systematic criteria are then applied to select KPIs that are measurable, reliable, valid for our program theory, utilitarian, and relevant to clinicians, clients and managers.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

A multidimensional analysis of the epistemic origins of nursing theories, models, and frameworks.

The purpose of this article is to introduce our notion of epistemic space and to demonstrate its utility for understanding the origins and trajectories of nursing theory in the 20th century using multidimensional scaling (MDS). A literature review was conducted on primary and secondary sources written by and about 20 nurse theorists to investigate whether or not they cited 129 different scholars in the fields of anthropology, biology, nursing, philosophy, psychology, and sociology. Seventy-four scholars were identified as having been cited by at least two nurse theorists (319 citations total). Proximity scores, quantifying the similarity among nurse theorists based on proportions of shared citations, were calculated and analyzed using MDS. The emergent model of epistemic space that accommodated these similarities among nurse theorists revealed the systematic influence of scholars from various fields, notably psychology, biology, and philosophy. We believe that this schema and resulting taxonomy will prove useful for furthering our understanding of the relationships among nursing theories and theories in other fields of science.

Anthropology, Cultural↗