Investigating the complexity of interactions between attributions and beliefs: evidence from a novel task

This thesis presents our work investigating the nature of and interactions between processes underlying causal attributions and the formation and updating of beliefs. The two research directions that constitute the main inspiration for our work - research in psychiatry and computational accounts of decisionmaking - have traditionally been separate; however there has recently been a growing effort to bridge the gap by bringing computational tools to bear on fundamental research questions in psychiatry. We contribute to this effort by designing a quantitative framework for phrasing, exploring and testing hypotheses associated with the attribution-self-representation cycle theory. We developed a novel task, in which attributions and beliefs about the self are measured repeatedly, producing the time series data necessary to investigate interactions between these two variables on a trial-by-trial basis. Importantly, subjects’ beliefs and causal attributions are probed with regard to real outcomes, experienced in the context of learning a skill task, and in the absence of any manipulation targeting their content. We present evidence of effects consistent with the cycle postulated by the theory, namely trial-level effects of attributions on beliefs about skill and effects of beliefs about skill on attributions, neither of which can be reduced to the effect of objective performance. The richness of the task enabled the revelation of substantial behavioural complexity, suggesting testable hypotheses for future work. Of note among these are questions about the modulation of attribution-belief interactions by outcome valence, and the factors governing differential processing of various task features. In sum, our work proposed and implemented a novel framework for investigations into the dynamics of beliefs and causal attributions, and completed the first steps towards a precise formalisation and testing of the theoretical proposal in this framework, while providing novel evidence in support of the theory

Intrinsic Incentives for Online Business Reviews: Driving Knowledge Transfer Across Businesses

The present paper aims to analyze business-to-business feedback, where managers and customers provide reviews for partners or client organizations, as this practice has become increasingly common in the present business environment. However, the intrinsic motivations that drive managers and individuals to engage in this practice are not yet fully understood. Previous research has highlighted potential reasons for issuing feedback, but our study highlights some new perspectives on the significance of online reviews, the reasons why individuals issue them, and their potential impact on the decision-making process of consumers and business partners. Our findings suggest that improving customer service and interactions is essential for encouraging positive reviews. Our data also indicate that age might play a crucial role in attitudes toward leaving online reviews. Older individuals appear to perceive their reviews to be more objective and fairer, while younger individuals are more easily convinced by the opinions of others. The frequency of leaving reviews can also vary a lot depending on the age of the individual, possibly due to a lack of time or belief that their opinion may not have any valuable impact on other people's lives or decisions. One of the most significant factors that encourage individuals to offer feedback is good interaction with a company representative, highlighting the importance of customer service. The possibility of obtaining a discount and the quality of services and products offered were also important factors in the business-to-business review exchange. Although the data collected is based on a relatively small sample size and may not be representative of the wider population, this study provides valuable insights into the behavior of those who issue online reviews and can contribute to future research directions in this area

Intrinsic Incentives for Online Business Reviews: Driving Knowledge Transfer Across Businesses

The present paper aims to analyze business-to-business feedback, where managers and customers provide reviews for partners or client organizations, as this practice has become increasingly common in the present business environment. However, the intrinsic motivations that drive managers and individuals to engage in this practice are not yet fully understood. Previous research has highlighted potential reasons for issuing feedback, but our study highlights some new perspectives on the significance of online reviews, the reasons why individuals issue them, and their potential impact on the decision-making process of consumers and business partners. Our findings suggest that improving customer service and interactions is essential for encouraging positive reviews. Our data also indicate that age might play a crucial role in attitudes toward leaving online reviews. Older individuals appear to perceive their reviews to be more objective and fairer, while younger individuals are more easily convinced by the opinions of others. The frequency of leaving reviews can also vary a lot depending on the age of the individual, possibly due to a lack of time or belief that their opinion may not have any valuable impact on other people's lives or decisions. One of the most significant factors that encourage individuals to offer feedback is good interaction with a company representative, highlighting the importance of customer service. The possibility of obtaining a discount and the quality of services and products offered were also important factors in the business-to-business review exchange. Although the data collected is based on a relatively small sample size and may not be representative of the wider population, this study provides valuable insights into the behavior of those who issue online reviews and can contribute to future research directions in this area

Impact of Thyroid Disease on Heart Failure

The modern vision concerning the physiological actions and pathological relevance of endocrine cardiac system is a very complex one. Decreased or increased action of thyroid hormone (hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism) on different cellular and molecular pathways in the heart plays an important role in the development and progression of myocardial remodelling and heart failure. Cardiovascular signs and symptoms that accompany both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are presented, highlighting that correction of thyroid dysfunction most often reverses the abnormal cardiovascular hemodynamics

Delving into Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Efficient Transition to the Circular Economy

The importance of knowledge management in facilitating a successful transition to a circular economy through the creation of a circular business model, as a substitute for the conventional linear economic approach, has not been extensively explored. The capacity of a company to coordinate, generate, and disseminate knowledge plays a crucial role in developing environmentally friendly industries and creating new employment opportunities. This article employs a literature review methodology to establish the connection between knowledge management and the shift towards a circular economy. The findings reveal that a company's eco-innovation process relies heavily on strategic knowledge management. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the system and self-motivated creativity are crucial components of expertise in creating sustainable circular business models. Hence, companies must consistently enhance their knowledge base to improve business processes, eco-efficiency, and eco-innovation. </p

Studies on some still wines obtained by the blanc de noirs method

Consumer interest in innovative wines has increased in recent years in Romania, in correlation with the development of the wine sector. Nowadays, the winemaking technique proposed by Dom Perignon (blanc de noirs) with applicability to sparkling wines is increasingly used to obtain still wines. This research aimed to identify the most suitable technology for obtaining white wines from Fetească neagră and Busuioacă de Bohotin grapes. The resulting wines were analysed from physical-chemical and chromatic points of view, and their sensory properties and volatile compounds content were also registered. The obtained samples had characteristics usually found in wines obtained from white grape varieties. Although frequently used in the production of base wine for sparkling wines, this technique can give original results in obtaining still wines as well. The use of activated carbon has led to the production of wines with a higher commercial value (improved colour characteristics). Given that red wines are significantly less consumed compared to white ones, this technique allows the use of black grape varieties and the production of innovative white wines

STUDIES ON SOME STILL WINES OBTAINED BY THE BLANC DE NOIRS METHOD

Consumer interest in innovative wines has increased in recent years in Romania, in correlation with the development of the wine sector. Nowadays, the winemaking technique proposed by Dom Perignon (blanc de noirs) with applicability to sparkling wines is increasingly used to obtain still wines. This research aimed to identify the most suitable technology for obtaining white wines from Fetească neagră and Busuioacă de Bohotin grapes. The resulting wines were analysed from physical-chemical and chromatic points of view, and their sensory properties and volatile compounds content were also registered. The obtained samples had characteristics usually found in wines obtained from white grape varieties. Although frequently used in the production of base wine for sparkling wines, this technique can give original results in obtaining still wines as well. The use of activated carbon has led to the production of wines with a higher commercial value (improved colour characteristics). Given that red wines are significantly less consumed compared to white ones, this technique allows the use of black grape varieties and the production of innovative white wines

Influenţa dioxidului de sulf şi a dimetil dicarbonatului asupra calităţii vinurilor albe

Beinga complex system in continuousevolution, wine needs different stabilization and conditioning treatments.Sulphur dioxide and dimethyl dicarbonate areone of the most used in winemaking because they havean important role in wine protection and stabilization.For this study, nine wine variants were obtained from a blend of FeteascăRegală and Muscat Ottonelvarieties. All samples were treated with6 % SO2solution anddimethyl dicarbonateliquid solution, in various concentrations. Theaim of this experimentwas to follow the evolution ofphysical-chemical and chromatic parametersof wines, depending on treatments used and the analyzes period. The analyzes were repeated and compared atthree months difference.Both treatments, SO2and dimethyl dicarbonateshowed significant influence on the physical-chemical and chromatic characteristics of wines, dependingon added substances concentration and the analysis periods, representing a good alternative for modern winemakin

Degenerative bony changes in the temporal component of the temporomandibular joint – review of the literature

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) changes are quite frequent in adults, but not all changes are degenerative. A high prevalence of bone alterations in the TMJs was reported by different research groups. Disturbed remodeling of bony articulating structures occurs because of overloading masticatory forces or because the mechanical loading in the area out-weighs the adaptive capacity of the TMJ structures. Although most of the degenerative TMJ alterations are identified at the level of the condylar process, a complete evaluation of the degenerative modifications encountered in the temporal TMJ region should not be forgotten as they are important for a comprehensive assessment and further management of the clinical situation. Several research groups have described osseous remodeling in the temporal component of the TMJ. Evidence is scarce for degenerative modifications at the level of the articular eminence and thickening of the roof of the glenoid fossa has been associated with osteoarthritis.publishedVersio