Psychological processes in decision making: probabilities, risk and chance

2 pagesIn modern societies, many of the decisions ordinary people are expected to make are based on numerical information. As a reflection of this fact, the contributions in this issue treat decisions and judgments based on numerical information in different formats and in different contexts. Even though, we all want to use the information that is available to us in an optimal way when we make decisions, we are not always able to do so. This is particularly true for intuitive unaided decisions and therefore the set of six papers in this special issue section investigate some of these shortcomings and gives us some hints as how to overcome them. Decisions concern the future, and this means that outcomes and consequences of decisions will appear in the future. However, in most contexts what will happen in the future is not certain and different outcomes could follow a decision. Hence, many decisions have to be taken under risk and uncertainty, which is the main theme of the EGPROC1 papers of this issue. Because, the uncertainty of the future is often described by probabilities of different outcomes and consequences of a decision, much decision research including the papers in this issue have studied different aspects of probability. A methodological process perspective is another theme that also characterizes most of the contributions

Motivation, self-efficacy, and risk attitudes among entrepreneurs during transition to a market economy

a b s t r a c t In this research were investigated the three most frequently studied characteristics of entrepreneursmotivation, self-efficacy, and risk attitudes. We divided the sample of entrepreneurs into two subgroups: opportunity-driven vs. necessity-driven. In agreement with findings of research performed in countries with developed market economies, we found that the need for independence and the need for achievement were of higher importance to the entrepreneurs than to the non-entrepreneurs. However, this was only true of the opportunity-driven subgroup of entrepreneurs, while not of those categorized as necessity-driven. In contrast, the most important motive in the group of non-entrepreneurs and as well as the necessity-driven subgroup of entrepreneurs was job security. In accordance with Knight's claim, we found that opportunity-driven (but not necessity-driven) entrepreneurs revealed higher levels of selfconfidence than the group of employees. We did not find support for the claim that entrepreneurs are more risk-prone than wage earners. On the other hand, entrepreneurs (both opportunity-and necessitydriven) reported more everyday risky investment activities than wage earners did. We interpret this observation in terms of the necessity of entrepreneurs for risk-taking, rather than personal preference and liking

Metal responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) regulates zinc dependent cellular processes at the molecular level

Metal responsive transcription factor 1 (MTF-1) is a zinc dependent transcription factor which is involved in the regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. MTF-1 regulates the expression of two streams of genes functioning in metal homeostasis and anti-oxidative response. MTF-1 acts in the process of binding of toxic metal ions in the cell, due to the activation of the expression of metallothioneins (MTs). Additionally, MTF-1 regulates transcription of genes involved in the sequestration of zinc and its intracellular transport. Disruption of zinc and MT homeostasis has an indispensable influence on the development of several pathological states. Moreover, by increasing MT activity, MTF-1 can effectively protect cells from oxidative and hypoxic stresses. The mechanism of MTF-1 action in cells includes the regulation of the proper immune response through activation/repression of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines. MTF-1 function in immune response is related to nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity. Synthesis of insulin is also related to the activity of this transcription factor and zinc balance. Insulin transport also depends on zinc. In pancreatic β-cells, several types of the zinc transporters are found. Zinc transporters coordinated action is crucial for the synthesis and secretion of insulin. Disturbances in the regulation of signaling pathways connected with MTF-1 function can entail further alterations in zinc intracellular status and this growing imbalance can promote the pathophysiology of degenerative disorders

The role of zinc in the pathogenesis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. implications of zinc homeostasis for proper cns function

Zinc, the essential trace element, is known to play multiple biological functions in human organism. This metal is a component of many structural as well as regulatory and catalytic proteins. The precise regulation of zinc homeostasis is essential for central nervous system and for the whole organism. Zinc plays a significant role in the brain development and in the proper brain function at every stage of life. This article is a review of knowledge about the role of zinc in central nervous system (CNS) function. The influence of this biometal on etiopathogenesis, prevention and treatment of selected brain diseases and disorders was discussed. Zinc imbalance can result not only from insufficient dietary intake, but also from impaired activity of zinc transport proteins and zinc dependent regulation of metabolic pathways. It is known that some neurodegenerative processes are connected with zinc dyshomeostasis and it may influence the state of Alzheimerís disease, depression and ageing-connected loss of cognitive function. The exact role of zinc and zinc-binding proteins in CNS pathogenesis processes is being under intensive investigation. The appropriate zinc supplementation in brain diseases may help in the prevention as well as in the proper treatment of several brain dysfunctions

Problems with Probabilistic Thinking

The paper outlines the development of the idea of probabilistic thinking in western culture and the discovery and development of research on probability. It quotes studies, which show that there might be cultural differences in tendencies to probabilistic thinking. Eventually, it discusses problems that people might have with probabilistic thinking. As research shows, our common sense thinking is in principle deterministic