Combating Information Attacks in the Age of the Internet: New Challenges for Cognitive Engineering

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 1081-1094 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mica R. Endsley
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Cognitive Biases ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cognitive Engineering ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Cognitive Mechanisms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Network Propagation ◽  
Basic Facts ◽  
Public Policy Decisions

Objective: This article provides an overview of the characteristics of misinformation and information attack and their effects on the perceptions of the public, with the objective of outlining potential solutions and needed research for countering this growing problem. Background: Society is facing a significant challenge from the spread of misinformation through websites and social media that has driven a divergence in people’s perceptions and understanding of basic facts associated with many issues relevant to public policy decisions, including the economy, taxation, and the deficit; climate change and the environment; and vaccinations and public health and safety. A number of factors are driving this fracture, including information presentation challenges that lead to poor information understanding, deliberate information attacks, social network propagation, poor assessments of information reliability, and cognitive biases that lead to a rejection of information that conflicts with preexisting beliefs. Results: A framework for understanding information attack is provided, including common sources, features, avenues, cognitive mechanisms, and major challenges in overcoming information attacks. Conclusion and Application: Potential solutions and research needs are presented for improving people’s understanding of online information associated with a wide range of issues affecting public policy.

Risk Assessment—Risk Perception: Who Shall Decide?

1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin E. Winder
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Public Policy ◽  
Risk Control ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Fundamental Question ◽  
Control Information ◽  
The People ◽  
The World ◽  
Public Policy Decisions ◽  
Balanced Solution

Since the Chernobyl disaster, the people of the world have become concerned with environmental pollution and its effect on their health and safety. This article addresses a fundamental question arising from that concern, namely, how safe is safe enough and who should make this decision? The controversy arising from this question is between the private stakeholders and the technicians who assess risk, control information and influence public policy and both the public's perception of risk and their desire to participate directly in public policy decisions affecting their health and safety. This article proposes a solution to this controversy that is relevant to all people, since all people are stakeholders in a fair and balanced solution.

scholarly journals Community Conversations: deliberative democracy, education provision and divided societies

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Bates ◽  
Una O’Connor Bones
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Deliberative Democracy ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Policy Decisions ◽  
Divided Societies ◽  
Democracy Education ◽  
Constructive Dialogue ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Divided Society ◽  
Public Policy Decisions

AbstractHow can Community Conversations be used to give communities a voice in policy decisions? This paper is a response to the challenge of engaging citizens in inclusive, meaningful dialogue and deliberation on potentially sensitive policy topics that affect their lives and to create a bridge between individual, community and policy perspectives. This dual aim therefore is to give individuals and communities a stronger voice in key decisions affecting them and to provide stakeholders involved in public policy and decision-making a genuine evidence base which they can use to inform their work. This challenge is even greater in divided societies where consensus building can be difficult. The paper focuses on a Community Conversation methodology and the innovative Community Conversation Toolkit developed by the authors as a mechanism for deliberative democracy through citizen engagement in important public policy decisions. Particular attention is given to the application of the Community Conversation methodology in relation to educational change and sustainability in Northern Ireland, a divided society. The methodology and context are aligned with a socio-ecological perspective which provides a conceptual lens to better understand the complex interplay that spans individual (micro) to policy (macro) levels. In addition to providing a theoretical foundation for the methodology, its application in a specific educational context is presented and discussed. It is therefore intended that the paper provides a rubric for the adaptation and application of the Community Conversation approach in a wide range of policy settings and contexts in order to evoke change. The value of the approach in enabling constructive dialogue on sensitive topics in a divided society is explored throughout the paper. Using an exemplar where divergent community views on school provision were shared, we synthesise the Community Conversation methodology with the socio-ecological approach to illustrate how our approach is particularly suited to closing the gap between parents/communities and policy stakeholders and enabling change.

Occupational and Environmental Health

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Environmental Sciences ◽  
Wide Range

This thoroughly updated seventh edition is a comprehensive, clearly written, and practical textbook that includes information on both occupational health and environmental health, providing the necessary foundation for recognizing and preventing work-related and environmentally induced diseases and injuries. National and international experts share their knowledge and practical experience in addressing a wide range of issues and evolving challenges in their fields. A multidisciplinary approach makes this an ideal textbook for students and practitioners in public health, occupational and environmental medicine, occupational health nursing, epidemiology, toxicology, occupational and environmental hygiene, safety, ergonomics, environmental sciences, and other fields. Comprehensive coverage provides a clear understanding of occupational and environmental health and its relationships to public health, environmental sciences, and government policy. Practical case studies demonstrate how to apply the basic principles of occupational and environmental health to real-world challenges. Numerous tables, graphs, and photographs reinforce key concepts. Annotated Further Reading sections at the end of chapters provide avenues for obtaining further infomation. This new edition of the book is thoroughly updated and also contains new chapters on climate change, children’s environmental health, liver disorders, kidney disorders, and a global perspective on occupational health and safety.

The Relevance of Trust

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inmaculada de Melo-Martín ◽  
Kristen Intemann
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Policy Decisions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Epistemic Trust ◽  
Proper Role ◽  
Scientific Institutions ◽  
Public Policy Decisions ◽  
Scientific Phenomena

This chapter offers a brief overview of the importance of epistemic trust and the relevance that scientific institutions and practices have in promoting or undermining warranted public trust. Epistemic trust is crucial for the production of scientific knowledge, the ability of the public to make sense of scientific phenomena, and the development of public policy. Normatively inappropriate dissent is more likely to take hold and erroneously affect people’s beliefs and actions in a context where the trustworthiness of scientists is called into question and where there is an excessive reliance on scientific information when it comes to assessing policy decisions. Thus, finding ways to facilitate and sustain warranted epistemic trust, as well as increasing understanding of the proper role of science in public policy decisions can help mitigate the negative impact of dissenting views.

In-cash Transfers: from Passive to Empowered Beneficiaries in the Global South

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Katarina Pitasse Fragoso
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Poverty Alleviation ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Cash Transfers ◽  
Cash Transfer ◽  
Main Argument ◽  
The Public ◽  
Local Public Services ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Public Policy Decisions

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in discussions advocating in-cash programmes as a way to alleviate poverty. Indeed, this represents a leap forward in comparison to in-kind programmes. However, little progress, at least in developing countries, has been achieved in answering the question of how the state should transfer the means of redressing deprivation to those who are living in poverty. This article addresses this issue by challenging anti-poverty programmes through a social-egalitarian framework. My main argument starts from the perspective that in-cash transfers are a necessary but not sufficient mechanism for poverty alleviation. I acknowledge that cash alone does not guarantee the poor an equally active role in influencing the public-policy decisions that affect their lives. I then suggest a participatory device to complement the cash-transfer proposal in order to give institutional opportunities to the poor to decide, together with practitioners, what should be done at the level of local public services.

scholarly journals Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Sensors for Priority Pollutants

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2406
Author(s):  
Mashaalah Zarejousheghani ◽  
Parvaneh Rahimi ◽  
Helko Borsdorf ◽  
Stefan Zimmermann ◽  
Yvonne Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Selective Adsorption ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Priority Pollutants ◽  
Molecularly Imprinted ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Wide Range

Globally, there is growing concern about the health risks of water and air pollution. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a list of priority pollutants containing 129 different chemical compounds. All of these chemicals are of significant interest due to their serious health and safety issues. Permanent exposure to some concentrations of these chemicals can cause severe and irrecoverable health effects, which can be easily prevented by their early identification. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer great potential for selective adsorption of chemicals from water and air samples. These selective artificial bio(mimetic) receptors are promising candidates for modification of sensors, especially disposable sensors, due to their low-cost, long-term stability, ease of engineering, simplicity of production and their applicability for a wide range of targets. Herein, innovative strategies used to develop MIP-based sensors for EPA priority pollutants will be reviewed.

Is Marriage Counseling Perceived as Scientific? Examining the Views of U.S. Adults

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 239-246
Author(s):  
Lisa F. Platt ◽  
Christopher P. Scheitle
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
General Public ◽  
General Social Survey ◽  
Marriage Counseling ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Social Survey ◽  
Utilization Of Services ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Public Policy Decisions

Whether marriage counseling is perceived by the general public to be scientific or not has a number of implications for utilization of services, treatment outcomes, and public policy decisions. The current study used a nationally representative sample ( N = 1,026) from the 2012 General Social Survey to examine two research questions. First, how scientific is marriage counseling viewed by the general public? Second, what demographic variables predict how scientific marriage counseling is perceived by the general public? The analyses indicate that marriage counseling is generally not viewed as scientific, with only 7% rating it as “very scientific” and 40% rating it as “not scientific at all.” These ratings are similar to those given for salesmanship and financial counseling. This opinion was consistent across all demographic groups measured with the notable exception of those individuals who attend religious services more frequently, who were more likely to rate marriage counseling as scientific. There was also a finding indicating the possibility of those who are currently married but previously divorced rate marriage counseling as more scientific than those who are currently married and never divorced. The implications for the field of marriage counseling in regard to health promotion, public policy, and client utilization are discussed. Future directions, including more in-depth inquiry about these opinions, are also presented.

scholarly journals Management of workplace health & safety risks in new disability care arrangements

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Stavropoulos
Keyword(s):  
Support Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Training Models ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Direct Guidance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Types Of Information

The NDIS introduces changes to the level of control, choice and flexibility that persons with a disability can exercise over the services they require to support their individual needs. One of the main stays of NDIS is the ability for persons with a disability to utilise allocated funding how and with whom they choose to create a package of supports. Coinciding with the move towards the NDIS has been the introduction of the NSW WHS Act 2011. This Act introduces and broader new definitions relating to persons with responsibilities for ensuring health and safety at work. In some circumstances the individual person with a disability will be a direct employer, or an “other” in the workplace, and will take on responsibilities for health and safety for persons working in their home. For government organisations making funding decisions and allocating funds for the purchase of support services, there continues to be an obligation to ensure that services are conducted safely with risks to health adequately managed. NSW FACS can not “contract” out of their obligations. Instead we must work in partnership with all stakeholders to manage WHS risks as far as is reasonably practicable. Our role in government means we have the resources, experience, and must respond to the community expectation that we will support persons with a disability to understand and discharge their WHS obligations as far as is reasonably practicable. This is a way of operating presents the following questions: Do persons with disability understand the WHS obligations and risks associated with their care and supports? How to individuals with disability obtain sound advice and information on WHS risks that may be associated with their care arrangements? Can WHS information and resources that organisations like NSW Department of Family and Community Services (Ageing Disability and Home Care) have established be leverages to share with our “clients”? As Government partners in NDIS are we obligated to share our knowledge and information? What is the best way to bridge the gap in understanding and what types of information, tools and training can be made available on WHS for persons with a disability.A Joint WHS project currently underway within NSW FACS seeks to address the information and resources gap for all clients who participate in self directed funding arrangements (including NDIS). Our project will demonstrate how products and advice developed for internal staff use can be “reframed” and made accessible to persons with disability, their carers and individual service providers. The approach being applied within NSW FACS will potentially reduce costs in persons with disability being required to engage additional services to seek and develop WHS direct guidance and tools. The project being undertaken will deliver face to face training models, e-learning components and online information and tools to assist stakeholders in the NDIS and other Direct Funding Arrangements within NSW, to make informed decisions regarding WHS risk in the provision of care and support services. Guidance and information is provided on key risk areas utilising tested tools & WHS resources within the disability sector. E-learning solutions are made available to inform and train stakeholders of WHS obligations and potential risk management approaches. NSW FACS works with NGO stakeholders to ensure consistent advice and assistance is provided in the area of WHS obligations and performance expectations.

PATTERNS OF GROWTH IN HEIGHT AND WEIGHT FROM BIRTH TO EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1959 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 904-921
Author(s):  
Robert B. Reed ◽  
Harold C. Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Growth Curves ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Growth Spurt ◽  
Adolescent Growth Spurt ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Basic Facts ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Rates Of Growth ◽  
Mature Size

In this report is displayed the range of variation observed in the growth curves of height and weight in a series of 134 children observed from birth to 18 years. For purposes of simplification the individuals have been classified on the basis of their rates of growth during three successive 6-year intervals. Even in terms of this crude classification several basic facts about individual growth patterns of height and weight are apparent. The wide range of differences between individuals applies not only to facts about size at specific ages but also to the pattern of change followed from age period to age period. The rate of growth during early childhood, i.e. before 6 years of age, is associated with, but not specifically predictive of, size at maturity and timing of the adolescent growth spurt. Individuals with rapid growth before 6 years of age tend to have large mature size and early adolescent growth spurt. It will be the objective of future reports from this research project to determine the manner in which the individual differences in growth demonstrated and classified here are related to aspects of physical development, to environmental influences such as dietary intake and to the level of health of the child.

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