Advanced Services Research Articles

Competency development for pharmacy: adopting and adapting the FIP global advanced development framework.

Pharmacy education shifts toward competency-based training to meet healthcare demands. This study aims to develop and validate the Kuwait Advanced Competency Framework (KACF) for pharmacists. The study adopts the FIP Global Advanced Development Framework (GADF) to develop a country-specific framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global standards while adapting to local contexts. The developed framework builds upon the Kuwait Foundation Competency Framework to address the need for advanced pharmacy services. This is a mixed methods study that employed an "adopt and adapt" approach. The KACF was adopted from the FIP GADF and adapted following four phases. Phase one involved checking and validating the Arabic version of the FIP GADF. Phase two employed a series of focus groups to validate accuracy and relevancy of competency statements. Phase three utilized a workshop with different stakeholders as a final step of validation. Phase four involved a national survey to assess the national pharmacy workforce against the framework competencies. Qualitative feedback from focus groups and workshops informed competencies modifications. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA). The translation phase verified a bilingual framework that could be utilized by pharmacists in Kuwait. The initial and final validation phases identified 20 behavioral statements (out of 22 in the original document) that are relevant to pharmacy practice in Kuwait. The national survey, comprising 169 respondents, validated the KACF's applicability, revealing variations in career stage progression across competency clusters. Findings highlighted associations between career stages and practice settings, offering insights for tailored workforce development strategies. The KACF emerges as a pivotal tool for advancing pharmacy services in Kuwait, aligning with global trends toward competency-based education. Findings underscored the necessity for context-specific approaches in advancing pharmacy practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of competency progression and readiness for advanced roles.

APPS: Authentication-enabled privacy protection scheme for secure data transfer in Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging field that encompasses several heterogeneous devices and smart objects that are integrated with the network. In open platforms, these objects are deployed to present advanced services in numerous applications. Innumerable security-sensitive data is generated by the IoT device and therefore, the security of these devices is an important task. This work formulates a secure data transfer technique in IoT, named Authentication enabled Privacy Protection (APPS) scheme for resource-constrained IoT devices. The proposed scheme demonstrates resilience against various attacks; such as resisting reply attacks, device anonymity, untracebility, session key establishment, quantum attacks and resisting MITM attacks. For the privacy protection scheme, the secured data transfer is initiated between the entities, like IoT devices, servers, and registration centers, by using various phases, namely registration phase, key generation phase, data encryption, authentication, verification, and data retrieval phase. Here, a mathematical model is designed for protecting data privacy using hashing, encryption, secret keys, etc. Finally, performance of proposed APPS model is analyzed; wherein the outcomes reveal that the proposed APPS model attained the maximum detection rate of 0.85, minimal memory usage of 0.497MB, and minimal computational time of 112. 79 sec and minimal turnaround time 131.91 sec.

Structural change and employment growth in India: reinterpreting “Manufacturing as an Engine of Growth”

PurposeThe present paper aims to highlight how manufacturing expansions under conditions of increasing returns, which involve the growth of intermediate goods specializations, support advanced service employment. In addition, the increasing use of manufacturing products in services highlights additional, new service sector employment opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThis paper investigates (1) the manufacturing and service interactions and (2) the investment behaviour in manufacturing using Auto-Regressive Distributed lags (ARDL) and Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models. The models allow for different specifications to study whether investment behaviour in manufacturing supports dynamic manufacturing and service interactions.FindingsThe results underpin how Kaldorian manufacturing as an engine of growth is still relevant in Indian growth and is key to achieving higher advanced employment, export-orientation and services and manufacturing nexus outcomes. What matters, though, is that manufacturing investments are to be guided mainly by intermediate goods specializations. The slowdown of these specializations, explaining the slowdown of manufacturing investment, is therefore, a concern.Originality/valueA reinterpretation of manufacturing as an engine of growth in which primacy is given to investment behaviour in technical progress functions that can support the growth of specializations in manufacturing and such specialized service employment.

Towards interworking of matter and oneM2M: Design and implementation of a matter–oneM2M Interworking Proxy Entity

The new smart home protocol, Matter, has garnered worldwide attention for its ability to tackle the most significant obstacle to fully unlock the potential of smart homes: interoperability. The increasing support for Matter among numerous vendors in their products is having a noticeable impact on interoperability at the device level. This work expands the reach of Matter to the IoT platform level by integrating it with an open and standardized platform, oneM2M. One of the key strengths of oneM2M is its ability to provide an open, common, and flexible interface at the platform level, facilitating seamless interconnection across various domains. This integration pave the way to provide Matter’s smart homes user with advanced intelligence services, including AI/ML applications, and emerging concepts like the metaverse. The proposed Interworking Proxy Entity (IPE) for Matter has been successfully implemented, and multiple scenarios have been tested using both commercial and experimental Matter devices within the oneM2M ACME and Mobius platforms. The results demonstrate seamless integration of Matter devices into the oneM2M platform, enabling other applications to interact with them solely through oneM2M standard interfaces. Additionally, the IPE proves to be practical for real-world applications with negligible overhead, offering mutual benefits for both Matter and oneM2M ecosystems.

The primary health care environment and the performance of advanced antenatal care trained nurse-midwives in South Africa.

Transfer of learning in the workplace depends on various factors, one of which is the work environment. The aim of this study was to describe the interplay between the primary healthcare work environment, the performance of advanced antenatal care trained nurse-midwives, and birth outcomes. A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in two purposely selected districts in South Africa. Document analyses were also completed. Statistical Analysis Software version 9.4 was used for descriptive statistical data analysis. The participating clinics, in the TM and LJ districts, both achieved ideal clinic status. The scores for the management of low- and high-risk pregnancies ranged between 86-89% and 87%, respectively. Babies born had Apgar scores of between 7-9 and 8-10 in 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, respectively. Nurse-midwives scored low on interpreting assessment findings. Contrary to the Transfer of Learning Theory, nurse-midwives performed better in poorer work environments. The study suggests that the performance of advanced antenatal care trained nurse-midwives may not solely depend on a well-equipped work environment. Further studies should highlight the broader determinants of advanced antenatal care nurse-midwives services output.

The Influence of Leadership and Organizational Culture on the Performance of Health Personnel Mediated by Work Motivation (Study of Kendari City Hospital Health Workers)

The aim of this research is to determine the influence of leadership and organizational culture on health performance performance mediated by work motivation. This research was carried out on health workers at the Kendari City Regional Hospital, with the consideration that the Kendari City Regional Hospital is one of the advanced level health service facilities belonging to the Kendari City Government which has the task of providing health services to the community. The population of this study is health workers who have the status of State Civil Apparatus, have worked for more than 2 (two) years and serve in the Kendari City Regional Hospital, totaling 267 people. To determine the sample size using the Slovin formula, at a precision level of 5%, from a total population of 267 health workers, a sample size (n) of 160 respondents was obtained. The type of inferential statistics used in this research is the t-test which is used to determine whether groups of scores have significant differences in the level of choice probability. To determine the value of the research t-test statistic, this research data was analyzed using SmartPLS software version 3.0. The results of this study found that Leadership had a positive and insignificant effect on the performance of health workers, Organizational Culture had a positive and significant effect on the Performance of health workers, Work Motivation had a positive and significant effect on the Performance of health workers, Leadership had a positive and significant effect on Work Motivation, Organizational Culture had an effect positive and significant towards Work Motivation, Work Motivation plays a role in mediating the influence of Leadership on the Performance of health workers, and Work Motivation plays a role in mediating the influence of Organizational Culture on the Performance of health workers.

Cross-sectional description of hospital pharmacy services in Puerto Rico in 2022 using the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 Self-Assessment Tool.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) developed the Practice Advancement Initiative 2030 (PAI 2030) to support the continuous improvement of hospital pharmacy services in the United States. Puerto Rico (PR) hospitals' level of compliance with PAI 2030 recommendations is not currently known. The primary objective of this study was to describe the hospital pharmacy scenario in PR in the 5 areas addressed in PAI 2030 recommendations. Through a collaboration between the state affiliate, a school of pharmacy, and ASHP, completion of the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool was promoted among hospital pharmacy directors between August 2022 and March 2023. A total of 18 out of 66 hospitals completed the survey. The results were compared with national data provided by ASHP from 163 US hospitals. Areas where PR hospitals rated high were in PAI 2030 domain A (Pharmacy Technician Role, Education, and Training) and domain E (Pharmacist Leadership in Medication Use and Safety). PR hospitals rate their performance lower in domain A (Patient-Centered Care) and domain B (Pharmacist Role, Education, and Training). Specific focus areas for improvement by PR hospitals include pharmacist participation in medication reconciliation, 24/7 access to advanced clinical pharmacy services, expansion of the pharmacist's scope of practice, and training through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and residency programs. This study illustrates how the PAI 2030 Self-Assessment Tool can be used to benchmark pharmacy services at the state level. We suggest that changes are needed to close the gap between hospital pharmacies working towards optimizing the role of pharmacists in healthcare systems and those still struggling with dedicating staff to well-recognized pharmacist roles and responsibilities.

MultiSplit: An Efficient Algorithm for Packet Classification with Equivalent Priority

Packet classification is a core function of network devices for providing advanced services, with the key challenge being to optimize classification speed while maintaining low memory usage. So far, many have proposed software-based packet classification solutions, with most of them adopting a multi-classifier architectures to accommodate the distribution of rule sets. Unfortunately, the need to perform lookups on each classifier during the packet classification stage significantly increases overhead, severely limiting classification speed. To address this shortfall, an efficient packet classification framework based on decision tree algorithms named MultiSplit is proposed. By leveraging the relationships of coverage and priority within the rule set, a new attribute can be abstracted for each rule, termed equivalent priority. Through this preprocessing, MultiSplit significantly reduces redundant lookup overhead while supporting the multi-classifier framework. Additionally, MultiSplit introduces a novel decision tree algorithm that combines multiple splits and intra-level binary search, significantly improving rule separation efficiency. The experimental results show that MultiSplit reduces memory consumption by 49% and decreases memory access by 63%, on average, compared with state-of-the-art packet classification algorithms.

Development and assessment of an abbreviated medication regimen complexity index (the A-MRCI).

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Adaptation of the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) for automation in an electronic medical record has the potential to improve medication optimization and patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an abbreviated medication regimen complexity index (A-MRCI) and compare its associations with patient-level factors to those of the MRCI. The MRCI was modified via several rounds of review with an expert panel of clinical pharmacists and outcomes researchers. Medication data from 138 electronic health records were abstracted to calculate MRCI and A-MRCI scores for dosage form, dosing frequency, and additional directions. Comparison between indices was performed using inferential statistics for a 1-month sample of patients admitted to a cardiology or advanced heart failure service in 2017. A-MRCI scores were higher than MRCI scores (mean difference of 3.97, P < 0.0005; 95% CI, 2.21-5.71). A significant association was observed between the A-MRCI score and both length of stay (P = 0.0005) and polypharmacy (P < 0.0005), whereas an association between MRCI score and the patient-level factors examined was not demonstrated. On average, A-MRCI scores were higher and more likely to be associated with several patient-level factors. Internal analyses show the potential for integration into an electronic health record for automation. However, further exploration of the A-MRCI in a larger external validation sample is warranted.

Software-Defined Virtual Private Network for SD-WAN

Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WANs) are an emerging Software-Defined Network (SDN) technology to reinvent Wide Area Networks (WANs) for ubiquitous network interconnections in cloud computing, edge computing, and the Internet of Everything. The state-of-the-art overlay-based SD-WANs are simply conjunctions of Virtual Private Network (VPN) and SDN architecture to leverage the controllability and programmability of SDN, which are only applicable for specific platforms and do not comply with the extensibility of SDN. This paper motivates us to refactor traditional VPNs with SDN architecture by proposing an overlay-based SD-WAN solution named Software-Defined Virtual Private Network (SD-VPN). An SDN-based auto-constructed VPN model and its evaluating metrics are put forward to automatically construct overlay WANs by node placement and service orchestration of SD-VPN. Therefore, a joint placement algorithm of VPN nodes and algorithms for overlay WAN service loading and offloading are proposed for SD-VPN controllers. Finally, a three-layer SD-VPN system is implemented and deployed in actual network environments. Simulation experiments and system tests are conducted to prove the high-efficiency controllability, real-time programmability, and auto-constructed deployability of the proposed SD-VPN. Performance trade-off between SD-VPN control channels and data channels is evaluated, and SD-VPN controllers are proven to be extensible for other VPN protocols and advanced services.

Two-step data clustering for improved intrusion detection system using CICIoT2023 dataset

The issue of network security is an important and delicate issue when it comes to the privacy of organizations and individuals, especially when important and sensitive information is transmitted across these networks. The importance of intrusion detection systems, which is a very important component of protecting information and reducing the damage resulting from attacks and penetrations of network systems, has increased due to the adoption of the most recent regulations on advanced web services, whether government services, banking services, e-mail, or e-marketing. The goal of this paper is to construct an intrusion detection system using deep learning algorithms based on a new dataset named the CICIoT2023. The proposed intrusion detection model addresses challenges associated with intrusion detection datasets in terms of high dimensionality by adopting new methods to reduce their size and improve efficiency. A new clustering technique for intrusion detection datasets based on a new method combination between an optimization algorithm and static tools was proposed. The proposed model was evaluated to determine its efficiency using several evaluation measures. The results show that in comparison to earlier research conducted on the same datasets, the suggested model performs better in attack detection. As a result, the proposed model offers a high level of network security trust.

Innovative solutions: Design and implementation of an advanced national service training program (NSTP) portal for state universities and colleges in the Philippines

Technology is continually evolving, leading to unexpected breakthroughs, especially evident during the pandemic. The modern era has enhanced the quality of life for many people, and computer programs have transformed how individuals connect with each other and the world. This study aims to develop a National Service Training Program (NSTP) Portal System for the Department of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the region. The researcher used developmental research methodologies, which involve examining, describing, and assessing the product development process. The system's source code was written in PHP, JavaScript, and jQuery, following the Agile Process. MySQL was used to create the system's database, storing all data, records, and information. The study employed developmental research methods to analyze and describe the product development process and evaluate the final product. Additionally, a descriptive research approach was used to gather information through survey questionnaires to assess the system's validity in terms of its features. This evaluation was conducted using a survey instrument based on the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Quality Standards. Department heads, academics, and students were consulted during the data collection for the portal development. The system's creation was successful.

Iterative design of satellite structures and topology optimisation methods

Abstract Satellite launches are critical amid increasing demands for advanced services. Rising costs urge innovation in engineering. Enhancing satellite structural integrity during launches is crucial due to intense vibrations. Topology optimisation and additive manufacturing converge as promising solutions. Topology optimisation uses mathematical techniques to iteratively improve structures by reducing mass while enhancing attributes like load capacity. This field, active for about three decades, employs continuum and discrete algorithms to optimise structures. Recent trends show optimised structures through topology optimisation and additive manufacturing promise cost-effective and high-performance solutions. This study aims to extensively review topology optimisation methods, specifically focusing on satellite structures, to shape future developments within the years to come.

Enhancing Service Quality of On-Demand Transportation Systems Using a Hybrid Approach with Customized Heuristics

As customers’ expectations continue to rise, advanced on-demand transport services face the challenge of meeting new requirements. This study addresses a specific transportation issue belonging to dial-a-ride problems, including constraints aimed at fulfilling customer needs. In order to provide more efficient on-demand transportation solutions, we propose a new hybrid evolutionary computation method. This method combines customized heuristics including two exchanged mutation operators, a crossover, and a tabu search. These optimization techniques have been empirically proven to support advanced designs and reduce operational costs, while significantly enhancing service quality. A comparative analysis with an evolutionary local search method from the literature has demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach across small-to-large-scale problems. The main results show that service providers can optimize their scheduling operations, reduce travel costs, and ensure a high level of service quality from the customer’s perspective.

Booking and Reservation System: A Unified Application Using Location-Based Services for Sustainable Tourism Networks

The LakByahe Application offers a ground-breaking solution to revolutionize tourism in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, Philippines. It is a unified application aiming to address existing challenges by incorporating user-centric features. Through an advanced location-based services and streamlined booking processes, the application intends to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability in the tourism sector. By providing real-time tracking, efficient transit solutions, and a comprehensive directory of establishments, the LakByaheapp fills information gaps and fosters economic growth by connecting tourists with local businesses. The study adopts a mixed-method research approach, combining quantitative techniques with qualitative methods to comprehensively investigate and enhance the booking and reservation system. The software development life cycle for the application involves critical stages such as requirement analysis, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Suggestions and recommendations based on survey responses include incorporating augmented reality experiences, offering curated tour packages, creating community forums, and ensuring offline access to maps. The ongoing collaboration with local businesses and tourists, regular updates, user training sessions, and a well-crafted marketing strategy are recommended to amplify the app's impact. Overall, the LakByahe App presents a comprehensive solution to improve the province’s tourism industry, fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the region

A blockchain-based engineering design review service trading scheme for digital building permits

Engineering design review, which is a time-consuming task in the building permit process, faces challenges such as a scarcity of design review specialists, vulnerability to manipulation and corruption, and a lack of traceability and transparency. This paper explores the integration of blockchain and online service trading in addressing these challenges. This paper proposes a platform-based design review service trading scheme, engaging a distributed network of experts to overcome resource limitations and integrates blockchain technology to improve process traceability. The system model is presented, an access control model and a design version management method are proposed. A prototype system is developed, and a real-world project is used to illustrate the online design review process. Security, function, and performance evaluations show that the scheme is secure and efficient. This study highlights blockchain's potential in digital building permits. Future work can explore advanced service matching algorithms in online design review service trading platforms.

Follow up care for adults with diabetes treated for severe hypoglycemia by emergency medical Services, 2013–2019

AimsTo capture the types and content of healthcare encounters following severe hypoglycemia requiring emergency medical services (EMS) and to correlate their features with subsequent risk of severe hypoglycemia. MethodsA retrospective cohort was obtained by linking data from a multi-state health system and an advanced life support ambulance service. This identified 1977 EMS calls by 1028 adults with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia between 1/1/2013–12/31/2019. We evaluated the healthcare engagement over the following 7 days to identify rates of discussion of hypoglycemia, change of diabetes medications, glucagon prescribing, and referral for diabetes. ResultsRates of hypoglycemia discussion increased with escalating levels of care, from 11.5 % after EMS calls without emergency department (ED) transport or outpatient clinical encounters to 98 % among hospitalized patients with outpatient follow-up. EMS transport and outpatient follow-up were associated with significantly higher odds of discussion of hypoglycemia (OR 60 and OR 22.1, respectively). Interventions were not impacted by previous severe hypoglycemia within 30 days. Prescription of glucagon was rare among all patients. ConclusionsInterventions to prevent recurrent hypoglycemia increase with escalating levels of care but remain inadequate and inconsistent with clinical guidelines. Greater attention is needed to ensure timely diabetes-related follow-up and treatment modification for patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia.

Conceptualizing service ethics for the complexity of modern service interactions

ABSTRACT The emergence of digital service platforms enabled numerous interaction effects that remain largely unexplored, especially when it comes to the intended or unintended impacts on non-customers. This article conceptualises service ethics for modern interactions enabled by digital service platforms. The conceptual framework is illustrated through two narratives of non-customers intentionally and unintentionally exploited by customer interactions enabled by digital service platforms. By integrating theoretical insights with illustrative narratives, this article demonstrates the potential impact of digital service platforms on non-customer well-being, highlighting instances of exploitation and unintended consequences. This study advances service research by focusing on non-customers who might experience intentional or unintentional exploitation. Furthermore, this article outlines a future research agenda for exploring and advancing the understanding of service ethics along with implications for fostering ethical business practices and shaping ethical societal norms.

The student staffing advantage: Data Science Consulting Service at NC State University Libraries

AbstractThe primarily peer‐to‐peer, graduate student‐staffed Data Science Consulting Service at NC State University Libraries, within the Data &amp; Visualization Services (DVS) department and collaborating closely with the Data Science Academy (DSA), has established a sustainable service and staffing model focused on providing broad data science analytic support to researchers across the university community. The service addresses the needs of university researchers who possess domain knowledge in their fields of study but a skills gap in the data science competencies required for research. The literature shows that it has been difficult for libraries to cover these needs with existing staffing models. Few universities follow the model practiced at NC State University, so a scan of the current landscape of data science consulting at universities across the country was performed to establish context. The support model and its advantages are described, including partnership with the DSA, student success, model sustainability and future directions for the service. Through a summary of the DVS assessment and needs evaluation process, the service's advantages in staying ahead of patron needs are illustrated. This scalable, sustainable, student‐focused model could be implemented by similar research institutions to expand the capacity of their technical research services.

The spatial interlocking of commercial office real estate and advanced producer services: a central flow theory lens

ABSTRACT The paper extends geographical enquiry into the external urban relations described by central flow theory in an exploration of the roles of commercial office real estate (CORE) and advanced producer services (APS) as a conduit for inter-city flows of finance in corporate globalization. The analysis investigates and benchmarks the spatial overlap between these city-based service networks and uses this to consider how their respective servicing strategies influence international capital flows. We find that the networks are interlocked, as the connectivity in one network can significantly explain the connectivity in the other. Both CORE and APS services promote cross-border flows of finance. Cities providing multinational CORE and APS services are able to articulate direct as well as indirect inter-city capital flows and spillovers to non-service sectors.