Influence Diagrams ( I D S ) are a graphic formal ism able to provide a compact representation of decision problems. IDs are based on the axioms of probabi l i ty and decision theory, and they define a normat ive framework to model decision mak ing . Unfor tunate ly , IDs require a large amount of in fo rmat ion that is not always available to the decision maker. Th is paper in troduces a new c...

We consider the problem of learning about and comparing the consequences of dynamic treatment strategies on the basis of observational data. We formulate this within a probabilistic decision-theoretic framework. Our approach is compared with related work by Robins and others: in particular, we show how Robins’s ‘G-computation’ algorithm arises naturally from this decision-theoretic perspective....

This research examines the effects of GSS and task type on informational and normative influence in small groups by analyzing group process. It extends Kaplan and Miller' s research on task type and informational and normative influence in small groups in an unsupported setting to a GSS setting. The two tasks used are an intellective task and a preference task, and the two support levels are un...

BACKGROUND Health impact assessment (HIA) has been widely recommended for future social policies and investment, such as housing improvement. However, concerns have been raised about the utility and predictive value of an HIA. Use of existing research data would add more weight to forecasts by an HIA. METHODS, RESULTS, and CONCLUSIONS A recent systematic review of housing intervention studies...

BACKGROUND Algal blooms of Karenia brevis, a harmful marine algae, occur almost annually off the west coast of Florida. At high concentrations, K. brevis blooms can cause harm through the release of potent toxins, known as brevetoxins, to the atmosphere. Epidemiologic studies suggest that aerosolized brevetoxins are linked to respiratory illnesses in humans. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized a relat...

With the rapid feature size reduction of modern semiconductor devices accurate description of hot-carrier phenomena is becoming very important. Frequently used carrier transport models are the traditional drift-diffusion model and energy-transport models which also consider the average carrier energy as an independent solution variable. Recent results show, however, that the average energy is i...