Additional Knowledge (additional + knowledge)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Approximate knowledge modeling and classification in a frame-based language: The system CAIN

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, Issue 6 2001
Colette Faucher
In this article, we present an extension of the frame-based language Objlog+, called CAIN, which allows the homogeneous representation of approximate knowledge (fuzzy, uncertain, and default knowledge) by means of new facets. We developed elements to manage approximate knowledge: fuzzy operators, extension of the inheritance mechanisms, and weighting of structural links. Contrary to other works in the domain, our system is strongly based on a theoretical approach inspired from Zadeh's and Dubois' works. We also defined an original instance classification mechanism, which has the ability to take into account the notions of typicality and similarity as they are presented in the psychological literature. Our model proposes consideration of a particular semantics of default values to estimate the typicality between a class and the instance to classify (ITC). In that way, the possibilities of the typicality representation proposed by frame-based languages are exploited. To find the most appropriate solution we do not systematically choose the most specific class that matches the ITC but we retain the most typical solution. Approximate knowledge is used to make the matching used during the classification process more flexible. Taking into account additional knowledge concerning heuristics and elements of cognitive psychology leads to the enrichment of the classification mechanism. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source]


Criterion knowledge: A moderator of using the recognition heuristic?

JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING, Issue 5 2009
Benjamin E. Hilbig
Abstract The recognition heuristic (RH) claims that people base inferences on recognition only. This has been questioned by several studies which found that additional knowledge was influential. However, in some of these studies, participants' additional knowledge might have encompassed criterion knowledge thus rendering any inferential strategy superfluous. The present study was therefore designed to test the effect of criterion knowledge on use or non-use of the RH. Eighty-one participants made pair-wise comparisons with respect to the size of Belgian cities and also provided estimates of the cities' actual size. We found that relative criterion knowledge (i.e., knowledge about the relative position of an object on the criterion dimension) did indeed play some role, but its exclusion left the main critical findings intact, nonetheless. We thus conclude that previous studies conducted in the paradigm of natural recognition should not be generally refuted by the argument of participants possessing criterion knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Women's perceptions of chemotherapy-induced cognitive side affects on work ability: a focus group study

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 9-10 2010
Fehmidah Munir
Aims and objectives., To investigate women's awareness of chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes, their perception of cognitive limitations in carrying out daily tasks and subsequent return to work decisions and perceptions of work ability. Background., Evidence suggests that women diagnosed with breast cancer experience cognitive changes as a consequence of chemotherapy treatment. Although these changes tend to be subtle deficits in memory, concentration and the ability to organise information, there has been no published research identifying how they can impact patient's ability to work and subsequent employment decisions. Design., This was a qualitative study. Method., Data were collected from breast cancer survivors using semi-structured interviews with two focus groups (n = 6, n = 7). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using template analysis. Results., Data were categorised into four main themes: (1) awareness of cognitive changes during and following chemotherapy, (2) cognitive ability and confidence in return to work, (3) impact of cognitive changes on work ability and (4) information on the cognitive side effects of chemotherapy. Conclusions., The views and experiences of breast cancer survivors towards returning to work and subsequent work ability were affected by chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment. More specifically the appraisal of returning to work and ability to manage work were influenced by three interrelated factors: (1) actual cognitive ability following chemotherapy, (2) awareness of cognitive failures by the women and their families and (3) the subsequent impact on their confidence in carrying out daily tasks including work tasks. Relevance to clinical practice., More information and support is needed to help patients with cancer to manage chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairments in home and workplace. Nurses are increasingly asked about the impact of cancer and its treatment on work and are therefore well positioned to offer this advice. Subsequently, nurses require additional knowledge and guidance to provide this information and support. [source]


Antiretroviral genotypic resistance in plasma RNA and whole blood DNA in HIV-1 infected patients failing HAART,

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 10 2008
Annalisa Saracino
Abstract The extent to which HIV-1 proviral DNA mutations cause clinically relevant antiretroviral resistance is still controversial. Paired plasma HIV-1 RNA and whole blood DNA were compared in patients failing HAART to investigate if the additional knowledge of archived mutations could improve the selection of potentially active drugs. Seventy-three HIV-1-infected patients with first/second HAART failure were studied before starting a new regimen based on RNA genotyping. Follow-up data after a 12-week therapy were available. DNA genotyping was retrospectively performed on stored whole blood samples and mutational profiles were compared to those from RNA. The mean number of IAS pol mutations was significantly higher in RNA (4.45,±,2.76) than in DNA (2.88,±,2.47) (P,<,0.001). DNA genotyping provided a 6% increase in detection of resistance-associated mutations. Among 64/73 patients showing discordant DNA/RNA profiles, 54 (84%) also differed for predicted active drugs. 16/73 (22%) patients had ,1 mutation revealed by DNA genotyping alone, probably affecting therapy success in 2/16. However, neither RNA/DNA discordance nor detection of isolated DNA mutations were statistically associated with outcome. In conclusion, plasma RNA remains the elective choice for HIV genotyping in patients with therapy failure, even if the detection of proviral resistance-associated mutations, not simultaneously found in RNA, is a frequent event. Therefore, in some cases DNA plus RNA genotyping might assist in choosing more accurately subsequent antiretroviral regimens. J. Med. Virol. 80:1695,1706, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Knowledge sharing and decision making in the peace corps

KNOWLEDGE AND PROCESS MANAGEMENT: THE JOURNAL OF CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION, Issue 3 2010
Engels Gilbert
The Peace Corps has over 7,800 volunteers serving in 70 countries. These volunteers bring a broad array of skills and experiences to their posts and they acquire valuable additional knowledge on the job,knowledge that is often lost when a volunteer retires after the customary two years of service. While the Peace Corps is aware of the value of this knowledge and attempts to create conditions in which it can be shared, a case study conducted by one of the authors found that there currently is no formal strategy to manage the flow of information and knowledge between different members of the organization. This is unfortunate since the ability to effectively capture and share information and knowledge could significantly ease the jobs of volunteers, increase their productivity, and improve morale. We develop a framework for knowledge management in a volunteer organization such as the Peace Corps where quick personnel turnover hampers traditional approaches to knowledge management. We articulate a set of computer and non-computer-based mechanisms in terms of procedures, policies, and IT tools to capture, share and transform data and information into usable knowledge. We conclude by proposing a knowledge management system based on these prescriptions that could be used in the Peace Corps or other similar, largely volunteer, organizations with a rapid turnover of personnel. Disclaimer: The Peace Corps had no connection with this project. The views in this report reflect only the personal views of the authors, and do not in any way describe or reflect the official views or position of the Peace Corps. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Multiple spin-echo spectroscopic imaging for rapid quantitative assessment of N-acetylaspartate and lactate in acute stroke

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2004
Astrid Stengel
Abstract Monitoring the signal levels of lactate (Lac) and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) by chemical shift imaging can provide additional knowledge about tissue damage in acute stroke. Despite the need for this metabolic information, spectroscopic imaging (SI) has not been used routinely for acute stroke patients, mainly due to the long acquisition time required. The presented data demonstrate that the application of a fast multiple spin-echo (MSE) SI sequence can reduce the measurement time to 6 min (four spin echoes per echo train, 32 × 32 matrix). Quantification of Lac and NAA in terms of absolute concentrations (i.e., mmol/l) can be achieved by means of the phantom replacement approach, with correction terms for the longitudinal and transversal relaxation adapted to the multiple spin-echo sequence. In this pilot study of 10 stroke patients (symptom onset < 24 hr), metabolite concentrations obtained from MSE-SI add important information regarding tissue viability that is not provided by other sequences (e.g., diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)). Metabolic changes extended beyond the borders of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) lesion in nine of the 10 patients, showing a rise in Lac concentrations up to 18 mmol/l, while NAA levels sometimes dropped below the detection level. Considerable differences among the patients in terms of the Lac concentrations and the size of the SI-ADC mismatch were observed. Magn Reson Med 52:228,238, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]