Termination of logic programs with imperfect information: applications and query procedure

A general logic programming framework allowing for the combination of several adjoint lattices of truth-values is presented. The language is sorted, enabling the combination of several reasoning forms in the same knowledge base. The contribution of the paper is two-fold: on the one hand, sufficient conditions guaranteeing termination of all queries for the fix-point semantics for a wide class of sorted multi-adjoint logic programs are presented and related to some well-known probability-based formalisms; in addition, we specify a general non-deterministic tabulation goal-oriented query procedure for sorted multi-adjoint logic programs over complete lattices. We prove its soundness and completeness as well as independence of the selection ordering. We apply the termination results to probabilistic and fuzzy logic programming languages, enabling the use of the tabulation proof procedure for query answering.     

An evaluation of in vivo desensitization and video modeling to increase compliance with dental procedures in persons with mental retardation

Fear of dental procedures deters many individuals with mental retardation from accepting dental treatment. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of two procedures, in vivo desensitization and video modeling, for increasing compliance with dental procedures in participants with severe or profound mental retardation. Desensitization increased compliance for all 5 participants, whereas video modeling increased compliance for only 1 of 3 participants.     

认知压力与建构主义数学教学的关系

与通常在消极意义上使用的“精神压力”概念不同,“认知压力”是学习环境促使学习者进行不同类型认知活动的积极力量。根据这种环境导致学习者使用一级还是二级程序性知识达成目标,可将认知压力分成一级认知压力和二级认知压力。本研究以325名小学高年级和初中一二年级学生为被试,采用问卷法考察了数学课堂上认知压力的现状及其与建构主义教学的关系。结果表明：（1）对于数学课堂而言,被试报告的一级和二级认知压力处于中等偏上水平,而且二级认知压力显著高于一级认知压力;（2）建构主义数学教学有助于产生认知压力,特别是二级认知压力;（3）修订后的认知压力问卷有良好的信度和效度。     

Ethics in Research

Summary

This article presents an overview of the history of efforts to protect human subjects in research. It discusses the establishment of international, national, organizational, and institutional procedures designed to protect human participants. The article provides a detailed summary of the principal ethical codes for research and their origins. It includes discussions of the most frequently encountered ethical issues ranging from the initial decision to undertake the project, through the selection and application of the various research procedures, to the analysis and interpretation of the data.     

Task interspersal for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders

This paper reviews recent studies on task interspersal (TI) for increasing skill acquisition in children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We highlight some limitations of these studies and provide specific recommendations for future research on TI procedures.     

Orchiectomy in transgender individuals: A motivation analysis and report of surgical outcomes

Abstract

Background: Different surgical procedures are available for transgender women wishing to undergo genital gender-affirming surgery.

Aim: To assess preoperative motivations, the frequency of orchiectomy procedures, and postoperative outcomes of orchiectomy in transgender individuals.

Methods: All transgender individuals who underwent orchiectomy in the period between January 2012 and January 2020 at our institution were retrospectively identified. A chart study was conducted, recording motivations, demographics, perioperative characteristics and surgical outcomes. The frequency of orchiectomy and vaginoplasty procedures during the study period were determined and compared.

Results: During the study period, an increase of performed orchiectomy procedures was observed. The orchiectomy/vaginoplasty ratio was 0.01–0.07 in the period 2012–2018 and 0.24 in 2019. A total of 43 transgender individuals were retrospectively identified. Sixteen (37%) initially wished to undergo a vaginoplasty, but did not meet institutional requirements (nonsmoker, BMI < 30kg/m²) or were not eligible for vaginoplasty surgery because of interfering somatic or mental health issues. Fourteen (33%) individuals who underwent orchiectomy regarded it as a preceding step to a future vaginoplasty procedure. Out of these fourteen, one person is now on the waiting list for vaginoplasty surgery. Thirteen (30%) others did not report a desire to pursue vaginoplasty in the future. This was mostly motivated by the absence of genital dysphoria or motivations related to their gender identity, with a desire to discontinue anti-testosterone treatment. The postoperative course was uncomplicated in 39 (91%) individuals.

Conclusion: In the Netherlands, especially in the last year, the frequency of orchiectomy procedures has increased. Reasons that people chose to undergo this procedure include: not being eligible for a vaginoplasty procedure, seeing it as a preceding step to a possible future vaginoplasty or other identity-related motivations (i.e., non-binary gender identification or absence of genital dysphoria).     

Personnel selection in the digital age: a review of validity and applicant reactions,and future research challenges

ABSTRACT

We present a targeted review of recent developments and advances in digital selection procedures (DSPs) with particular attention to advances in internet-based techniques. By reviewing the emergence of DSPs in selection research and practice, we highlight five main categories of methods (online applications, online psychometric testing, digital interviews, gamified assessment and social media). We discuss the evidence base for each of these DSP groups, focusing on construct and criterion validity, and applicant reactions to their use in organizations. Based on the findings of our review, we present a critique of the evidence base for DSPs in industrial, work and organizational psychology and set out an agenda for advancing research. We identify pressing gaps in our understanding of DSPs, and ten key questions to be answered. Given that DSPs are likely to depart further from traditional non-digital selection procedures in the future, a theme in this agenda is the need to establish a distinct and specific literature on DSPs, and to do so at a pace that reflects the speed of the underlying technological advancement. In concluding, we, therefore, issue a call to action for selection researchers in work and organizational psychology to commence a new and rigorous multidisciplinary programme of scientific study of DSPs.     

An application of visual interactive goal programming: a case in vendor selection decisions

This article presents the vendor selection problem of the hydraulic pump division of a US original equipment manufacturing company. The division wants to identify appropriate vendors and allocate purchase orders among them while minimizing product acquisition costs and maximizing total product quality and delivery reliability. Visual interactive goal programming is used as a multi‐criteria decision analysis tool. Interaction with decision makers during the model building and solution process, and implications are discussed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.