Prioritization Criteria Research Articles

Identifying WHO global priority endemic pathogens for vaccine research and development (R&D) using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): an objective of the Immunization Agenda 2030

To date, global priorities for new vaccine R&D have not been systematically identified for endemic pathogens. As part of Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030), we have systematically identified priority endemic pathogens for new vaccine R&D based on country and regional stakeholder values to address this need. MCDA surveys targeting policy makers and immunisation stakeholders in each World Health Organization (WHO) region were used to weight eight criteria for prioritisation. Applying those weights to regional pathogen data yielded regional top ten pathogen lists, which are intended to inform regional deliberations on R&D priorities. The regional top ten lists were combined into an IA2030 global priority list. To inform R&D, use cases for new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies were identified, then categorized in terms of the activities needed to accelerate progress. In five out of six WHO regions, Annual deaths in children under five and Contribution to antimicrobial resistance were the most heavily weighted criteria. How participants weighted the criteria was not associated with their region, biographical characteristics, or areas of expertise. Five pathogens were common priorities across all regions: M tuberculosis, HIV-1, K pneumoniae, S aureus, and Extra-intestinal pathogenic E coli. Six pathogens were priorities in single regions. Combining regional top ten lists provided a global list of 17 priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D. Thirty-four distinct use cases were identified for new products targeting these pathogens. While most are in the "Advance product development" category, ten are in the "Research" category and seven are in the "Prepare to implement" category. These priorities for new vaccine R&D will help stakeholders better respond to regional and country needs. The use cases will inform R&D and enable monitoring of R&D under IA2030. The work was funded by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to WHO (INV-005318).

Exploring Inventory Management System with Priority Sequencing

Effective inventory management is crucial for businesses to optimise their resources and meet customer demand. This abstract introduces an Inventory Management System (IMS) that utilises priority sequencing to enhance the control and organisation of inventory items. The system employs various prioritisation criteria, such as item demand, shelf life, or profitability, to determine the sequence in which items are received, stored, and dispatched. Prioritisation Criteria: The IMS allows businesses to set specific rules and criteria for prioritising inventory items. This includes factors like customer demand, product shelf life, or item profitability. Real-time Monitoring: The system provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, allowing businesses to make informed decisions on restocking, order processing, and inventory allocation. Automated Reordering: IMS can automatically generate reordering recommendations based on preset priorities, ensuring that essential items are always in stock. Cost Reduction: By efficiently managing inventory based on priority sequencing, businesses can minimise holding costs, reduce wastage, and optimise working capital. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Prioritising items based on customer demand ensures that popular products are readily available, leading to improved customer satisfaction and retention. Forecasting Capabilities: The system can use historical data to predict future demand trends and adjust prioritisation accordingly. Reporting and Analytics: IMS provides detailed reports and analytics to help businesses fine-tune their inventory management strategies.

The Financial Model for Water and Sanitation Services in Portugal: Lessons from Decades of Subsidies and Questionable Public Policies

Despite the billions of euros used as subsidies over recent decades, Portugal’s water sector continues to struggle, being characterized by significant inefficiencies and differences between high- and low-performing water and sanitation services (WSSs). Current subsidy policies lack transparency and are not linked to performance results, undermining efforts to promote efficiency and sustainability in both environmental and financial dimensions. To address these issues, this article highlights relevant aspects to be taken into account in the redefinition of funding allocation in the Portuguese WSS sector. By implementing performance-based criteria for subsidy allocation and prioritization, regardless of the identity of beneficiaries or providers, we aim to instigate accountability and efficiency in this process. The analysis draws on empirical data to highlight the shortcomings of existing practices and demonstrates the potential benefits of adopting the “user-pays” principle. This principle is able to improve the definition of tariffs aiming for full cost recovery, while still providing for disadvantaged and vulnerable customers through social tariffs or assistance programs. Key findings indicate that coordinated efforts among government agencies, regulators, public and private utilities, and municipalities are essential to develop and promote effective financing strategies. This stakeholder’s cooperation is essential for managing the urban water cycle sustainably and addressing the sector’s long-term challenges. This research implies that a strategic shift in subsidy allocation is required, to develop accountability, efficiency, and equity in the WSS sector. The allocation of financial resources must be better justified to enhance overall performance in the sector.

Automatic Scheduling Method for Customs Inspection Vehicle Relocation Based on Automotive Electronic Identification and Biometric Recognition

This study presents an innovative automatic scheduling method for the relocation of customs inspection vehicles, leveraging Vehicle Electronic Identification (EVI) and biometric recognition technologies. With the expansion of global trade, customs authorities face increasing pressure to enhance logistics efficiency. Traditional vehicle scheduling often relies on manual processes and simplistic algorithms, resulting in prolonged waiting times and inefficient resource allocation. This research addresses these challenges by integrating EVI and biometric systems into a comprehensive framework aimed at improving vehicle scheduling. The proposed method utilizes genetic algorithms and intelligent optimization techniques to dynamically allocate resources and prioritize vehicle movements based on real-time data. EVI technology facilitates rapid identification of vehicles entering customs facilities, while biometric recognition ensures that only authorized personnel can operate specific vehicles. This dual-layered approach enhances security and streamlines the inspection process, significantly reducing delays. A thorough analysis of the existing literature on customs vehicle scheduling identifies key limitations in current methodologies. The automatic scheduling algorithm is detailed, encompassing vehicle prioritization criteria, dynamic path planning, and real-time driver assignment. The genetic algorithm framework allows for adaptive responses to varying operational conditions. Extensive simulations using real-world data from customs operations validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Results indicate a significant reduction in vehicle waiting times—up to 30%—and an increase in resource utilization rates by approximately 25%. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating EVI and biometric technologies to transform customs logistics management. Additionally, a comparison against state-of-the-art scheduling algorithms, such as NSGA-II and MOEA/D, reveals superior efficiency and adaptability. This research not only addresses pressing challenges faced by customs authorities but also contributes to optimizing logistics operations more broadly. In conclusion, the automatic scheduling method presented represents a significant advancement in customs logistics, providing a robust solution for managing complex vehicle scheduling scenarios. Future research directions will focus on refining the algorithm to handle peak traffic periods and exploring predictive analytics for enhanced scheduling optimization. Advancements in the intersection of technology and logistics aim to support more efficient and secure customs operations globally.

Translating restrictive law into practice: An ethnographic exploration of the systemic processing of legally restricted health care access for asylum seekers in Germany

BackgroundAccess to health services for asylum seekers is legally restricted in Germany. The law is subject to interpretation, therefore the chance of receiving care is not equally distributed among asylum seekers. What services are provided to whom is ultimately decided by health professionals and government employees. The respective prioritization processes and criteria are not transparent. We sought to understand how legal restrictions are translated into daily practices and how this affects the health system. We aimed to outline the complex process of cost coverage for health services for asylum seekers and provide insights into common decision-making criteria.MethodsWe conducted an ethnographic exploration of routines in two outpatient clinics in two federal states over the course of three months, doing participant and non-participant observation. Additionally, we interviewed 21 professionals of health care and government organizations, and documented 110 applications for cost coverage of medical services and their outcome. In addition to qualitative data analysis and documentation, we apply a system-theoretical perspective to our findings.ResultsTo perform legal restrictions a cross-sectoral prioritization process of medical services has been implemented, involving health care and government institutions. This changes professional practices, responsibilities and (power) relations. Involved actors find themselves at the intersection of several, oftentimes conflicting priorities, since “doing it right” might be seen differently from a legal, medical, economic, or political perspective. The system-theoretical analysis reveals that while actors have to bring different rationales into workable arrangements this part of the medical system transforms, giving rise to a sub-system that incorporates migration political rationales.ConclusionsHealth care restrictions for asylum seekers are implemented through an organizational linking of care provision and government administration, resulting in a bureaucratization of practice. Power structures at this intersection of health and migration policy, that are uncommon in other parts of the health system are thereby normalized. Outpatient clinics provide low-threshold access to health services, but paradoxically they may unintentionally stabilize health inequities, if prioritization criteria and power dynamics are not made transparent. Health professionals should openly reflect on conflicting rationales. Training, research and professional associations need to empower them to stay true to professional ethical principles and international conventions.

Differentiation Strategies for Dojang Programs through Prioritization of Kukkiwon Promotion Evaluation Criteria : Focusing on Gwangju Metropolitan City

Differentiation Strategies for Dojang Programs through Prioritization of Kukkiwon Promotion Evaluation Criteria : Focusing on Gwangju Metropolitan City

BALANCED SCORECARD DESIGN AS A MODEL FOR MEASUREMENT OF PUSKESMAS PERFORMANCE IN EAST LOMBOK DISTRICT

The objective of this study is to develop a performance measuring model based on the balanced scorecard framework at the UPT Puskesmas Suela in East Lombok Regency, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. This research employed qualitative approaches. Data were gathered with a paired comparison questionnaire employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) scale. The performance evaluation of community health centers is conducted using four reference standards, including the financial perspective, community perspective, internal business process perspective, and development and learning perspective. Utilizing this technique for data processing is beneficial in making judgments based on many factors. The research findings indicate that the primary criterion of utmost importance for community health centers is finance, with a weight of 0.465450. The subsequent prioritization criterion is society, assigned a weight of 0.214555. Additionally, both the internal business process criteria and development and learning criteria hold equal significance, each with a weight of 0.112321. Related indicates that Puskesmas as a public sector agency focuses on improving performance on financial perspectives.

Influential criteria in domino accident analysis: An evaluation using the logarithm methodology of additive weights

Domino incidents in process industries entail cascading failures, demanding thorough analysis to uncover root causes and enhance safety measures. Standard criteria are crucial for systematically evaluating incident investigation techniques, ensuring informed decision-making and consistency. Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods offer a structured approach to technique selection. This study addresses the need for systematic evaluation and prioritization of criteria influencing domino accident analysis technique selection. Through a comprehensive literature review, 16 main criteria and 42 sub-criteria were identified and weighted using the Logarithm Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) method, incorporating expert opinions. Results indicate the significance of criteria like applicability, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. Conversely, criteria such as relevance, cost-effectiveness, and emergency response team consideration had lower weights but remained significant. Findings regarding sub-criteria highlight the importance of consistent application of investigation methods and understanding sequential incident progression. This study advances domino accident investigation practices, promoting safety in process industries.

Enhancing work commitment through workplace design: development and prioritization of evaluation criteria in South Korea

ABSTRACT Workplace design elements influence work commitment; however, previous studies broadly categorized these elements, lacking specific practical design information. This study aims to classify workplace design elements that influence work commitment into structural and decorative elements, then further categorize them into top-level factors and sub-items. Using two surveys with employees, this study derived evaluation criteria, resulting in 6 factors and 19 sub-items for structural elements, and 6 factors and 27 sub-items for decorative elements. Subsequently, an additional survey was conducted with employees to prioritize the derived workplace design elements for work commitment. The results indicated that workplaces designed for work commitment should be as follows: first, structural elements should be prioritized over decorative elements. Second, structural elements should be considered in the order of outdoor space perception, scale, functionality, circulation impact, visual impact and aesthetic characteristics. Third, decorative elements should be considered in the order of furniture, colour, material, interior landscaping, personal lighting devices and graphics. This study establishes criteria for workplace design to enhance work commitment and provides valuable insights for improving work commitment through design.

Identification and Assessment of Cost and Effort Criteria for Prioritisation during Root Cause Analysis

Purpose: This study sought to provide a matrix by which to prioritise hypotheses in an Ishikawa diagram while considering a combination of the hypotheses' relation to the problem and the cost and effort to investigate because potential failure causes in an Ishikawa diagram are often prioritised for investigation using subjective methods, and not concrete criteria. Methodology/Approach: A survey was sent to organisations seeking to determine three levels of prioritisation for effort in hours to investigate a problem and costs to investigate. The results were then entered into a matrix that listed three levels of relationship between the hypothesis and the problem as well as three levels of costs and effort. A scenario was given to study participants in the industry to determine if participants with the hypothesis prioritisation matrix could find the correct hypotheses to investigate first, more often than participants without the matrix. Findings: The survey resulted in criteria for prioritisation of hypotheses to investigate. A study with employees in the industry found that participants with a hypothesis prioritisation matrix identified the correct hypotheses to investigate first more often than participants without the matrix. Research Limitation/implication: This paper provides concrete criteria for prioritising hypotheses to investigate during a root cause analysis. Originality/Value of paper: This paper provides concrete criteria for prioritising hypotheses.

What does “urgency” mean when prioritizing cancer treatment? Results from a qualitative study with German oncologists and other experts during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeCancer care in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic was affected by resource scarcity and the necessity to prioritize medical measures. This study explores ethical criteria for prioritization and their application in cancer practices from the perspective of German oncologists and other experts.MethodsWe conducted fourteen semi-structured interviews with German oncologists between February and July 2021 and fed findings of interviews and additional data on prioritizing cancer care into four structured group discussions, in January and February 2022, with 22 experts from medicine, nursing, law, ethics, health services research and health insurance. Interviews and group discussions were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsNarratives of the participants focus on “urgency” as most acceptable criterion for prioritization in cancer care. Patients who are considered curable and those with a high level of suffering, were given a high degree of “urgency.” However, further analysis indicates that the “urgency” criterion needs to be further distinguished according to at least three different dimensions: “urgency” to (1) prevent imminent harm to life, (2) prevent future harm to life and (3) alleviate suffering. In addition, “urgency” is modulated by the “success,” which can be reached by means of an intervention, and the “likelihood” of reaching that success.ConclusionOur analysis indicates that while “urgency” is a well-established criterion, its operationalization in the context of oncology is challenging. We argue that combined conceptual and clinical analyses are necessary for a sound application of the “urgency” criterion to prioritization in cancer care.

Sustainable Structural System Selection Using Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Model Based on Seismic Performance

In the rapidly evolving field of sustainable construction, this study aims to address the critical need for advancement in the building industry, focusing on vital indicators like energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as well as improving occupant comfort. This research introduces a novel approach to support the choice of suitable structural systems for mass housing projects, with a case study on Iran’s national housing scheme. This methodology involves a four-phase process, beginning with compiling a database from existing studies to outline primary and secondary indicators affecting structural system selection. It utilizes the fuzzy AHP method for criteria prioritization and the fuzzy TOPSIS technique for alternatives (LSF, 3DP, ICF, TRC, and RCCF). The study identified the light steel framing (LSF) system as the optimal choice for Iran’s housing needs based on various criteria. Then, in the final phase, the study evaluates the seismic performance of cold-formed steel (CFS) frames with various sheathing panel types (OSB, DFP, CSP, and GWB) under monotonic loads, examining key seismic parameters across 38 frame setups. The findings reveal that LSF structures can effectively withstand seismic events within the elastic behavior range, suggesting that this construction approach is viable for enhancing mass housing production in Iran’s construction sector.

MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION- MAKING APPROACH IN SINGLE FACILITY LOCATION SELECTION: A PROPOSAL FOR AN INTEGRATED MODEL

Selecting the right single-plant facility is crucial to maximizing the use of limited resources and minimizing effort waste. This study aims to provide decision-makers with a practical and effective approach that is as far as possible from individual subjective judgments when deciding on a single-plant facility. It differs from some other studies in the literature that leave the prioritization and weighting of criteria in the background in that it proposes a model in which decision-makers can determine their criteria for the location selection of a single facility and determine the extent to which these criteria are present in their alternatives. The step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) methods were used with an integrated approach. The results revealed that the approach used in this study was highly successful in the selection of a community pharmacy facility as a single-plant organization.

[Translated article] Pharmaceutical care in respiratory diseases: Current situation and opportunities for hospital pharmacy in Spain

ObjectiveRespiratory diseases present a challenge for the healthcare system due to their prevalence and clinical impact. The aim of this study was to explore the current situation of hospital pharmacy in the field of respiratory diseases. MethodObservational, cross-sectional study, with a national scope, divided into 2 parts. In an initial phase, the activity and level of pharmaceutical care in respiratory diseases was evaluated through an online questionnaire using REDCap. The survey was addressed to department chiefs and consisted of 17 items, divided into 2 modules: general data and general activity. The second phase was open to hospital pharmacists, with the aim of exploring their opinion on care, training, and improvement needs. The number of items in this phase was 19, divided into 5 modules: general data, pharmaceutical care, competencies, training, and degree of satisfaction. ResultsIn the first phase, 23 hospitals were included. Most of them (n=20) had a pharmacist in charge of respiratory diseases. However, a large proportion of them dedicated less than 40% of their working day to this activity. The pharmacist's activity occurred at the level of external patients (n=21), hospitalised patients (n=16), and secondarily in management (n=8). Integration is greater in pathologies such as asthma, IPF, pulmonary hypertension, and bronchiectasis. Participation in committees was present in 15 hospitals, with variability in pathologies and degree of involvement. In the second phase, 164 pharmacists participated, who considered pharmaceutical care in cystic fibrosis, asthma, and lung transplant as a priority. 51% considered integration to be adequate and 91% considered it necessary to implement prioritisation criteria. Professional competencies ranged from 6.5 to 6.9 out of 10 points. Only 45% of participants had received specific training in the last 4 years, indicating greater priority for asthma, pulmonary hypertension, and IPF. ConclusionsMost centers have pharmacists specialised in respiratory diseases. However, there is room for improvement in terms of subspecialisation, participation in multidisciplinary committees, implementation of prioritisation criteria, diversification in pathologies treated, as well as greater specific training in this area.

Penggunaan Analytical Hierarchy Process dan Analytic Network Process dalam Menentukan Supplier Bahan Baku

Industry player, navigates the competitive convection business by strategically selecting raw material suppliers, with a focus on fabric. Employing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a decision analysis method by Thomas L. Saaty, the company evaluates criteria such as price, quality, delivery, service, and location. In parallel, the Analytic Network Process (ANP), a more intricate method by Saaty, is utilized to account for reciprocal relationships within decision-making hierarchies. The company evaluates three alternative fabric suppliers: Kumala Textile, PT Kaha Tex, and PT Ada Tex. AHP calculations assign priority values – Kumala Textile at 0.381187, PT Kaha Tex at 0.470966, and PT Ada Tex at 0.073924. Concurrently, ANP prioritizes alternatives differently: Kumala Textile at 0.315383, PT Kaha Tex at 0.565728, and PT Ada Tex at 0.118889. Considering the results, PT Kaha Tex emerges as the most optimal raw material supplier with a dual-method endorsement. Kumala Textile secures the second recommendation, while PT Ada Tex takes the third spot. Selection criteria for fabric raw material suppliers encompass price, quality, delivery, service, and location. Grounded in prioritization values and criterion relationships, the comprehensive recommendation is in favor of PT Kaha Tex as the most optimal fabric raw material supplier.

Supporting Ontario public health units to address adverse childhood experiences in pandemic recovery planning: A priority-setting exercise

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic exposures experienced during childhood, for example, neglect. There is growing evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related socioeconomic conditions contributed to an increased risk of ACEs. As public health programs/services are re-evaluated and restored following the state of emergency, it is important to plan using an ACEs-informed lens. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize initiatives or activities that Public Health Ontario (PHO) could undertake to support Ontario public health units’ work towards ACEs-informed pandemic recovery plans.MethodsThe Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method was adapted to conduct a priority-setting exercise (May–October 2022). Two online surveys were administered with members of the Healthy Growth and Development (HGD) Evidence Network, comprised of public health unit staff working in child and family health/HGD from Ontario’s 34 public health units. In the first survey, participants were asked to propose activities or initiatives that PHO could undertake to support Ontario public health units’ work towards ACEs-informed planning. In the second survey, participants were asked to score the final list of options against pre-determined prioritization criteria (for example, relevance). Responses were numerically coded and used to calculate prioritization scores, which were used to rank the options.ResultsIn all, 76% of public health units (n = 26) responded to the first survey to identify options. The 168 proposed ideas were consolidated into a final list of 13 options, which fall under PHO’s scientific and technical support mandate areas (data and surveillance, evidence synthesis, collaboration and networking, knowledge exchange and research). A total of 79% of public health units (n = 27) responded to the follow-up survey to prioritize options. Prioritization scores ranged from 76.4% to 88.6%. The top-ranked option was the establishment of a new provincial ACEs community of practice.ConclusionsOver three quarters of public health units contributed to identifying and ranking 13 options for PHO to support public health units in considering and addressing ACEs through pandemic recovery planning. In consultation with the ACEs and Resilience Community of Practice, recently formed on the basis of this exercise, PHO will continue to use the ranked list of options to inform work-planning activities/priorities.

Development, content validation and standardization of an adult patient prioritization tool for hospital clinical pharmacy services

BackgroundPatient prioritization is a effective strategy to identify high risk patients for targeted Clinical Pharmacy Service (CPS) in hospital pharmacy. However, there is a paucity of patient prioritization tool to use in clinical practice. ObjectivesDescribe the development, content validation and standardization of an adult patient prioritization tool for hospital CPS named, PrioFarClinH. MethodsThe tool was developed using a stepwise design multi: Scoping Review to identify prioritization criteria/sub-criteria; Delphi technique to obtain consensus under the identified criteria/sub-criteria; Survey with pharmacists evaluating applicability of the criteria/sub-criteria obtained from Delphi; Definition of criteria/sub-criteria to be included in PrioFarClinH attribution of scores. Content validation was performed by a panel of experts evaluating relevance, feasibility, clarity and adequacy of the score. Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated. Standardization occurred through a retrospective observational study carried out at 24 and 72 h and median of the patient's hospital stay. An intragroup norm was performed, determining percentile ranks of the instrument's total scores. Patients with a P90 score were classified with a high level of prioritization for CPS. ResultsPrioFarClinH is divided into three sections, with prioritization criteria for health issues; therapeutic classes; laboratory parameters. It comprises 51 criteria with specific scores with simple total calculation. None of the criteria presented CVI <0.78, maintaining the items from the initial version of PrioFarClinH. The scores were adjusted per suggestions from the panel of judges. Data were collected from 393 patients. The P90 percentile in the three hospitalization stages (24 h, 72 h, and median) was found, respectively, in the following scores: 18.0, 20.0, and 22.6. ConclusionsPrioFarClinH is a comprehensive tool to target and to prioritize adults patients most likely to benefit from CPS. Evidence for adequate content validity was provided. However, further validation of this tool is necessary to establish tool performance.

Prioritization criteria in policies and management of human resources for health: a proposal for a validated methodology.

To create and validate criteria for prioritizing problems related to policies and management of the health workforce. This methodological study was divided into three stages. First, the criteria were elaborated by means of a systematized literature review. Second, the criteria were evaluated online by a committee of judges comprised of eight specialists. In the third stage, an evaluation was carried out by the target audience in a hybrid workshop. The participants evaluated the material using the Suitability Assessment of Materials instrument, adapted for the research. Three prioritization criteria (relevance, window of opportunity and acceptability) and a scoring scale were developed based on the literature review. In the evaluation by the committee of judges, the approval percentage of the criteria and prioritization method was 84%. Modifications were made based on suggestions in relation to the material presented to the specialists. In the pre-test stage, the approval percentage varied by item, with six of them reaching a maximum approval of 100% (corresponding to approximately 46% of the items), four reaching 92% and three achieving 83% each, indicating positive results. The developed criteria were considered valid for use in the context of policies and management in the area of human resources for health.

The study on setting priorities of zoonotic agents for medical preparedness and allocation of research resources.

The aim of this study is to develop a scoring platform to be used as a reference for both medical preparedness and research resource allocation in the prioritization of zoonoses. Using a case-control design, a comprehensive analysis of 46 zoonoses was conducted to identify factors influencing disease prioritization. This analysis provides a basis for constructing models and calculating prioritization scores for different diseases. The case group (n = 23) includes diseases that require immediate notification to health authorities within 24 hours of diagnosis. The control group (n = 23) includes diseases that do not require such immediate notification. Two different models were developed for primary disease prioritization: one model incorporated the four most commonly used prioritization criteria identified through an extensive literature review. The second model used the results of multiple logistic regression analysis to identify significant factors (with p-value less than 0.1) associated with 24-hour reporting, allowing for objective determination of disease prioritization criteria. These different modeling approaches may result in different weights and positive or negative effects of relevant factors within each model. Our study results highlight the variability of zoonotic disease information across time and geographic regions. It provides an objective platform to rank zoonoses and highlights the critical need for regular updates in the prioritization process to ensure timely preparedness. This study successfully established an objective framework for assessing the importance of zoonotic diseases. From a government perspective, it advocates applying principles that consider disease characteristics and medical resource preparedness in prioritization. The results of this study also emphasize the need for dynamic prioritization to effectively improve preparedness to prevent and control disease.

A decision support system for localized planning of reclaimed water around wastewater treatment plants.

Exploding population, industrialization, and an increase in water pollution has led to acute shrinkage in freshwater availability. Numerous countries have started exploring municipal wastewater as a new potential source of water to bring a paradigm shift from linearity to obtaining circularity in human water cycle management. This study aims to develop a decision support system for integrated water and wastewater management (DSS_IWWM), targeted towards reuse-focused selection of appropriate wastewater treatment technology, and localized planning around STPs in terms of reclaimed water demand identification, estimation, allocation, and sustainable pricing. The developed DSS_IWWM comprises of a repository of fourteen reuse purposes, reuse quality criteria, and 25 wastewater treatment technologies (WWTTs) in 360 combinations. It is sensitive to local resource scenarios and applies a socioeconomic and technology-focused methodology for addressing the interests of the community and investing agencies and viably. To validate the application of the DSS_IWWM, it is first tested with data from three cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh (India)-Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Agra-and then extended to nine more Indian cities with varying influent quality characteristics, resource inputs, existing STP technologies, and same target quality and decision criteria prioritization, to present a comparison of appropriate WWTTs and associated average prices obtained in different scenarios. It is concluded that influent quality, existing technology, and target quality criteria play significant role in selection of appropriate WWTTs. The traditional technologies such as UASB and ASP are required to be augmented and supplemented with high-performing WWTTs, such as BIOFOR-F with (C + F + RSF) and SBT + WP to obtain desired effluent quality. High-performing advanced oxidation process (AOP)-based systems such as A2O, SBR, and BIOFOR-F require WWTTs with relatively lower average costs (such as SBT and OP). The developed DSS_IWWM may prove to be very useful and beneficial for policymakers, government officials, engineers, and scientific community as it will facilitate rational decision-making for efficient investment planning in reuse focused wastewater treatment towards achieving circular economy in sustainable water resource management.