High-quality Services Research Articles

A Study on Emotional Intelligence among the Employees of Banking Sector with Special Reference to Kannur District

Numerous obstacles confront the Indian banking sector, including community-focused banking and changing a traditional culture that traditionally placed a premium on operational efficiency in favour of winning that fosters teamwork, creativity, and high-quality, efficient processes. It is therefore crucial that banks concentrate on providing high-quality services. Service quality is meeting the needs and expectations of the client. When expectations are fulfilled, customers are satisfied. High service quality can be attributed to a number of human factors. Among these is Emotional Intelligence. Because of the fierce competition in today's world, Indian banks have begun to think about improving the quality of their services. These days, emotions and behaviour play a much larger role in effective and qualitative performances in service-oriented fields like banking. So, this is to investigate the Emotional Intelligence of employees of banking sector in Kannur District and how it will affect their performance. The main objective of the study is to find out the level of Emotional Intelligence of employees, to know how Emotional Intelligence affect the work performance of employees and to suggest necessary guidelines to improve the Emotional Intelligence of bank employees. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature. A sample of 100 employees who carrying out clerical and administrative work of various branches of public sector banks in Kannur District are selected through convenience sampling method. The primary data are analysed and interpreted with the help of tables and graphs and other statistical tools like Percentage analysis, Chi Square test and Weighted Average Mean. The study can be concluded with the main findings that the Emotional Intelligence of employees of banking sector are moderate level.

Health workers’ motivation was significantly higher in private hospitals than public hospitals influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors in Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundMotivation of health workers is crucial for providing high-quality healthcare services and improving the performance of health facilities. However, less attention has been given to this aspect of workplace climate in hospital settings, and there is scant evidence on the level of health workers’ motivation on healthcare delivery. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the motivation of health workers and its determinants at public and private hospitals in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from November 3rd to December 4th, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 472 study participants. Motivational status was measured using the mean of 14 items on a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were computed to present results using tables and figures. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with motivational status. Strength of association was measured using adjusted odds ratios with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals and statistical significance was declared at p-values less than 0.05.ResultsA total of 458 health workers participated in our study the health workers’ motivational status was found to be 56.3% (95% CI: 52–60.7%). A significant difference in motivational status was observed between private (62.3%) and public hospitals (50.4%) (χ2 = 6.532, p = 0.011). Working in private hospitals (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.03–2.23), good collegial relationships (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.1–2.32), job satisfaction (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02–2.20), a favorable work environment (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.06–2.30), and educational status (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.17–0.94) were significantly associated with higher health workers’ motivational status.ConclusionThe motivational status of health workers was significantly higher in private hospitals than in public hospitals. The proportion of motivated health workers was low, which poses challenges in maintaining a regulated health workforce within the health system. Working in private hospitals, job satisfaction, working environment, higher educational status, and collegial relationships were predictors of motivational status. Therefore, public hospitals should promptly implement both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational strategies.

Intelligent book recommendation system for libraries supported by gray wolf optimization algorithm

This paper presents a library book recommendation system designed to improve effectiveness, utilizing the GWO algorithm. The system architecture consists of three distinct layers: the foundational data layer, the data processing layer, and the intelligent service. The improved CGWO-KM algorithm is used to cluster project attributes, and the search and update mechanism of the gray wolf population is applied to find better initial clustering centers. Missing rating data is then filled in, and user similarity is calculated. A harmonized weighting factor is used to eliminate the correlation between ratings from different users. The weighted rating mechanism comprehensively considers both user ratings and the influence of neighboring users. The improved Pearson correlation coefficient combines the weighting factors with user similarity to obtain the final recommendation score, completing the intelligent book recommendation process for the library’s books. The results show that at the 5th month time snapshot, the predicted data (6) for the library’s historical borrowing dataset closely matches the actual value (3.7). The method proposed in this paper demonstrates an IGD mean close to the true optimal solution across various library datasets for literature, science popularization, history, art, and novels, with values of 0.0012, 0.0023, 0.0014, 0.0021, and 0.0020, respectively. The optimal non-dominated solutions in the three-dimensional space for resource utilization, recommendation diversity, and user engagement are close to the ideal value of 1. Moreover, the book recommendation system has a short processing time, and the recommendation accuracy ranges from 0.882 to 0.993, providing personalized, high-quality book recommendation services for readers.

Measurement of customers' satisfaction on logistics service quality at Dong Nai port service joint stock company

In this context, many logistics service businesses were competing to provide high-quality logistics services to reduce costs. In addition to service price, the level of customer satisfaction has become a key factor in determining their choice of logistics service provider. Therefore, the research objective is to measure customer satisfaction with the quality of logistics services at Dong Nai Port Service Joint Stock Company. Based on this, the authors recommend that management improve logistics service quality. The research was conducted using qualitative methods, including consultations with 7 logistics business managers and discussions to explore the indicators of logistics service quality. The quantitative phase involved a sample of 450 customers using logistics services, from which 430 valid responses were collected.. The author analyzed multivariable linear regression analysis and identified five factors affecting customer satisfaction with logistics service quality at the 5% significance level.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO DETERMINING THE ESSENCE OF THE CONCEPT OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT OF AN ENTERPRISE

The article explores theoretical and methodological approaches to defining the essence of the concept of enterprise quality management. It is analyzed that in the conditions of a dynamic scientific and technical environment and the growing complexity of production processes, the implementation of modern quality management methods plays a key role in achieving success for an enterprise. A structured approach to quality is defined as a means capable of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and standards, which is an important component of the activities of any company. It is proven that the formation of theoretical foundations of enterprise quality management is characterized by a significant degree of uncertainty and a large number of scientific and methodological approaches. Conventional division into the main stages systematizes the evolutionary stages of the development of quality theory at an enterprise: quality control, statistical quality management, quality assurance, total quality management, quality management based on standards and digital transformation of quality management. Each of these stages is presented as an evolution of the development of the theory of quality at enterprises, reflecting the change in scientific approaches and methods of quality management from conventional control and detection of defects in finished products to the digital transformation of quality management, which includes automation of quality control processes, analysis of large volumes of data, rapid decision-making and integration of the entire organization into a single quality management system. A generalization of scientific approaches of modern Ukrainian scientists to the interpretation of the concept of «quality management» at the enterprise is made. The most representative and modern approaches to understanding the concept of «quality management» at the enterprise are identified and characterized according to various criteria: production approach; strategic approach; consumer approach; from the perspective of personnel management; innovative approach. The author's interpretation of the concept of "enterprise quality management" is proposed as a management system aimed at ensuring stable and high quality of products or services, meeting consumer requirements, continuous improvement and optimization of all processes of the enterprise, its competitiveness and sustainable development. It is proven that the enterprise quality management system includes production management processes, personnel selection and training, implementation of innovative development strategies, adaptation to changes in the macro environment to ensure continuous and increased levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.

The effect of supply chain risks management practices on operational performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Analytical cross-sectional study.

The efficient movement of pharmaceuticals through various stakeholders to reach customers in the appropriate quantity and at the right time is achieved through supply chain management. However, the intricate nature of supply chain processes poses tremendous supply chain risks and jeopardizing pharmaceutical manufacturing company's ability. Failure to address these risks can hinder the provision of high-quality health services. However, effective supply chain risk management can foster more resilient and efficient global supply chains. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of pharmaceutical supply chain risks management practices on operational performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Analytical cross-sectional study complemented with qualitative method was conducted at pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Addis Ababa between May-August 2023. One hundred seventy two staffs working in four manufacturing companies included in the study. For quantitative part, pretested a self-administered five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used and analyzed using SPSS® -version 26. Assumptions of linear multivariate regression were checked and the level of significance determined at a 95% CI and p-value <0.05. Nine face to face in-depth interviews with key informants were conducted to gather the qualitative data, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique. The study included 172 employees from four manufacturing companies, with a response rate of 97%. The regression analysis revealed that demand (β=-0.191, t = -4.162, p < 0.05) and supply side risks (β=-0.131, t = -2.015, p < 0.05) have a negative effect on the operational performance of manufacturing companies. Holding other variables constant, a one-unit increase in demand and supply side risks results in 19.1% and 13.1% lead to decrease in operational performance of manufacturing companies, respectively. Increasing costs of freight, shortage and fluctuating foreign exchange rate for currency, lack of logistics expertise and organized risks mitigation team were the major challenges for manufacturing company's operational performance. Demand and supply side risks affected the supply chain performance of the manufacturing companies. Furthermore, the increasing costs of freight, shortage of foreign currency, lack of logistics expertise and organized risk mitigation team were the main bottleneck for pharmaceutical manufacturing company's performance. The study result suggests demand and supply side risks, increasing costs of freight; shortage foreign currency exchange rate and lack of logistics expertise in companies should be given attention by stakeholders to improve operational performance. Furthermore, understanding these risk factors can improve the operational performance of the pharmaceutical industry by influencing policy and industry practices in the larger framework of global supply chain risk management not only one country.

Transformational Trends Shaping the Future of the Telecom Industry

The fast adoption of cutting-edge technology is transforming the telecom business. This article examines the telecom industry's future, emphasizing the importance of new technology. 5G connection offers unparalleled speeds and low latency, supporting innovative applications and services across industries. AI and ML are improving network performance, consumer experiences, and operational automation. The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting more gadgets, making cities smarter and factories more efficient. Edge computing also reduces latency and improves real-time data processing, which is crucial for autonomous cars and AR. Blockchain technology improves telecom transaction security and transparency, reducing fraud and data leaks. Quantum computing may deliver extraordinary computational power and secure communication routes. Cloud computing is vital for managing data traffic and developing novel services as the industry prepares for 6G technology, which promises faster speeds and more dependable connections. This article examines these technical changes and their effects on the telecom sector in various countries. It creates a picture of a dynamic and fast changing world where the customer requirements are growing day and by day and how companies aim to retain their customers by providing high quality of services. The analysis also emphasizes how the governments’ policies and investments initiated certain developments in each region in the telecom industry.

Traditional and individual care pathways in gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and gender-diverse individuals - results from the ENIGI follow-up study.

Treatment requests in transgender healthcare are heterogenous and not all transgender and gender-diverse individuals want to undergo the various transition-related medical interventions offered. This study aims to explore demographic and treatment-related predictors associated with different transgender care pathways in a multicenter, multinational clinical setting. In this follow-up study, 539 adult participants from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands took part and were categorized as following a 'traditional' care pathway (i.e., undergoing all transition-related interventions), an 'individual' care pathway (i.e. any course of treatment deviating from the traditional pathway), or 'no care' pathway (i.e. not seeking transition-related medical interventions.). We analyzed differences in demographic (e.g., gender identity) and clinical variables (e.g., treatment satisfaction), conducting logistic regression analysis and descriptive subgroup analysis. Participants with a non-binary gender were 6.7 times more likely to follow an individual care pathway, while participants with higher treatment satisfaction were less likely to follow an individual care pathway (Odds Ratio: 0.6). We identified four patterns of individual transgender care pathways, some as a function of the sex assigned at birth. The present study provides valuable insights into demographic and treatment-related predictors associated with different transgender care pathways. Healthcare providers should be aware of individual transgender care pathways and the association with (non)-binary genders to provide tailored transgender healthcare and ensure individualized, high-quality service provision.

THE INTERPLAY OF CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT AND E-SERVICE QUALITY IN SHAPING E-BANKING LOYALTY: EVIDENCE FROM NORTH INDIA

This study investigates the combined influence of customer engagement and e-service quality on customer loyalty in the e-banking sector, focusing on users across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. Utilizing a structured questionnaire and a sample of 600 valid respondents, the research employs advanced statistical techniques-including Exploratory Factor Analysis and MANOVA-to analyze the interplay of demographic and socio-economic variables with customer perceptions. The findings reveal that while state, gender, age, and locality do not significantly affect engagement or loyalty, occupation, education, and income are notable differentiators. Business professionals and highly educated individuals exhibit greater engagement and loyalty, while higher-income customers report stronger satisfaction with e-banking services. The study identifies nine key factors -Efficiency, System Availability, Fulfilment, Customer Support, Reliability, E-Satisfaction, E-Trust, Customer Retention, and Technical Issues-that collectively explain over 80% of the variance in customer perceptions. These results underscore the importance of fostering both engagement and high-quality digital service experiences to build enduring customer loyalty in the evolving landscape of Indian e-banking.

A Cross-sectional descriptive study on Stress Coping Mechanisms Among Healthcare Professionals: a single center study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Health care professionals can experience extreme occupational stress due to the rigorous requirements of their work. Professionals such as doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and physiotherapists frequently encounter high levels of stress in their daily routines. They are facing different kinds of stress during their working hours and also during non-working hours. They are facing working hour stress, organisational stress, family related stress etc. The aim of the study is to assess the factors causing stress and coping strategies used by health professional to deal with stress. Methodology: A descriptive approach was employed to gather insights from healthcare professionals working in multi-specialty hospitals. The study explored stressors across personal, organizational, and social dimensions to propose effective coping strategies. Outcomes: The findings underscore the need for targeted stress management programs to enhance the quality of life for professionals, improve organizational efficiency, and ensure superior patient care. Effective coping mechanisms can lead to reduced absenteeism, improved employee satisfaction, and better organizational reputation. Conclusion: Stress management is a vital component of maintaining high service quality and organizational growth in healthcare settings. By addressing the unique stressors faced by professionals, hospitals can foster a supportive and productive work environment. Keywords: stress, coping mechanism, health, healthcare, professionals

The Impact of Prenatal Care on the Prevention of Neonatal Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Health Interventions.

Neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and neonatal mortality, pose significant global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Prenatal care has emerged as a critical intervention in mitigating these risks through medical, nutritional, and psychosocial support. This study aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness of prenatal care interventions in preventing neonatal outcomes across diverse settings. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, with the protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024601066). Fourteen peer-reviewed studies were included following a comprehensive search across five major databases. Eligible studies reported quantitative neonatal outcomes associated with prenatal care interventions, including nutritional supplementation, mental health services, telehealth, and routine antenatal care. Random-effects models were used for meta-analysis, and the risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Nutritional interventions, especially folic acid and iron supplementation, significantly reduced neonatal mortality by up to 40% (RR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.54-0.68). High-quality prenatal care was associated with a 41% reduction in neonatal mortality. Psychosocial support reduced the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth, while telehealth interventions lowered NICU admissions in low-risk populations (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.75-1.03). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 70%), and publication bias was suggested. Comprehensive prenatal care, integrating medical, nutritional, and mental health interventions, significantly improves neonatal outcomes. The global implementation of accessible, high-quality prenatal services is essential, particularly in underserved populations, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Concept Paper on Internal Marketing Practices on Internal Service Quality of Licensed Special Banks in Sri Lanka

In the highly competitive banking industry, maintaining high service quality is crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and long-term success. Internal marketing plays a pivotal role in shaping employees’ perceptions of service quality, directly impacting their performance and engagement. This paper explores the influence of internal marketing practices on Internal Service Quality (ISQ) within Licensed Special Banks in Sri Lanka. Internal marketing involves strategies aimed at enhancing employee motivation, satisfaction, and performance. Key internal marketing practices include rewards and motivation, internal communication, employee training and development, employee selection and recruitment, and healthy working environment. The ISQ includes tangibility, reliability, empathy, responsiveness and assurance. These practices collectively contribute to improved service quality, ultimately benefiting both employees and customers. Despite the significance of internal marketing in the banking sector, limited research has been conducted on its specific impact on ISQ within Sri Lanka’s Licensed Special Banks. This study aims to provide an empirical review of previous research in this area and analyze the remaining literature related to this field. It examines the connection between internal marketing practices and ISQ, offering valuable insights for banking institutions. By leveraging effective internal marketing strategies, banks can: Strengthen employee engagement and job satisfaction, improve service delivery efficiency, Enhance overall customer satisfaction and loyalty. As competition in Sri Lanka’s banking sector intensifies, prioritizing internal marketing strategies is essential for sustaining high service quality. This study seeks to bridge the research gap by providing practical recommendations for banks to refine their internal marketing approaches and improve service performance.

Accessibility of Childcare Services for Children With Disabilities Aged 0 to 5 Years: A Scoping Review of Promising Solutions.

Article 23 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children with disabilities must have access to education. This includes ensuring access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive childcare services that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of young children with disabilities. However, little is known about the factors that enhance the accessibility of childcare services for these children. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify solutions that promote this accessibility as well as the outcome variables collected among children following the implementation of these promising solutions. To map available knowledge, a scoping review was conducted. A search strategy developed in collaboration with a research librarian was applied in seven databases: Medline, CINAHL, ERIC, Web of Science, PSYCInfo, Academic Search Premier and Education Source. Two reviewers independently screened the studies identified through the database search. Data were extracted by a single member of the research team and validated by another one. Promising solutions and documented outcome variables in the selected studies were categorised according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth. Sixty-five studies were retained. The solutions most often documented in the scientific literature to improve the accessibility of childcare services for young children with disabilities involve various forms of support and relationships, mainly addressing the social and communication skills of children with autism. These promising solutions are generally child-centred. The literature makes little reference to changes in the physical environment. This study not only provides a list of solutions that have demonstrated substantial benefits for children with disabilities attending a childcare service but also highlights the need for documentation or development of new solutions. The findings will provide essential evidence that can inform the development of standards for high-quality and inclusive childcare services.

"A Patient-Centred Care of Dentist Scale: Perceptions of Dentists' in Thai Community Hospitals: A Multi-Group Analysis".

"A Patient-Centred Care of Dentist Scale: Perceptions of Dentists' in Thai Community Hospitals: A Multi-Group Analysis".

The Anatomic Pathology Hospitalist Model : A Novel Approach to Frozen Section Practice in a Tertiary Care Center.

Challenges to staffing a high-quality frozen section service include consolidation of health systems and pathology practices, off-campus relocation of some pathology offices, growing numbers of stand-alone surgery centers, and subspecialization among pathologists and surgeons. To address these challenges, we developed a novel anatomic pathology hospitalist model with explicit emphasis in frozen section. To evaluate our anatomic pathology hospitalist program's impact on (1) frozen section staffing, (2) frozen-permanent diagnostic concordance, and (3) turnaround time. Frozen section staffing and performance data were collected for the 28-month period spanning July 1, 2021, to October 31, 2023. Outcomes were compared between hospitalists, nonhospitalists, and fellows. Hospitalists performed more frozen sections per month than nonhospitalists (median, 87 versus 17, respectively; P = .002). After implementation, nonhospitalists' average frozen section staffing obligation fell from 3.7 (30%) of 12.3 total service days per month to 2.8 (22%) of 12.6 total service days per month (P = .005), compared with hospitalists' average of 9.5 frozen section days (69%) of 13.7 total service days per month. Frozen-permanent concordance was marginally but significantly higher for hospitalists (4701 of 4744 blocks, 99.1%) than nonhospitalists (7259 of 7362 blocks, 98.6%; P = .02). Concordance did not correlate with pathologists' academic rank or subspecialization. Turnaround times were comparable for hospitalists, nonhospitalists, and fellows across multiple metrics. Our anatomic pathology hospitalists significantly reduced the frozen section obligations of nonhospitalist faculty, with a small but significant increase in frozen-permanent concordance and no substantial change in turnaround time.

SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE FOOD &amp; BEVERAGE DEPARTMENT AT GRAND PRINCE HOTEL OSAKA BAY: CASE STUDY FROM AN OJT STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the factors of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats faced by the Food &amp; Beverage (F&amp;B) Department at the Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay. This analysis is based on the On-the-Job Training (OJT) experience of students of the Tourism Study Program at Garut University. Data were collected through direct observation and six months of work experience at the hotel. The results of this study indicate that the F&amp;B Department has advantages in high-quality service, menu diversity, and a good internal communication system. However, several obstacles were found such as lack of manpower during peak times, difficulty in adapting for foreign workers, and relatively high menu prices for customers. Based on the SWOT analysis, this study provides strategic recommendations to improve the operational efficiency of the F&amp;B Department at the Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay.

Analisis Tingkat Kepuasan Nasabah Terhadap Kualitas Pelayanan Pada Bank BRI Cabang Kahu

This study aims to analyze the level of customer satisfaction regarding the quality of services provided by the BRI Bank Kahu Branch. High-quality banking services are essential for building customer loyalty and enhancing the institution's image amid increasingly competitive banking industry conditions. The research method employed is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings indicate that most customers are satisfied with the services received, particularly in terms of staff friendliness, service speed, and ease of access. However, several issues remain, such as long queues during peak hours and insufficient service promotion to communities outside the Palattae area. Strategies implemented by the BRI Kahu Branch to improve customer satisfaction include enhancing staff competence through training, increasing the number of tellers during busy periods, and utilizing digital services such as mobile banking. The study concludes that service quality significantly influences customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement is necessary to meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers.

Improving Diet Quality of People Living With Obesity by Building Effective Dietetic Service Delivery Using Technology in a Primary Health Care Setting: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Almost a third of Australian adults are living with obesity, yet most cannot access medical nutrition therapy from dietitians, that is, the health professionals trained in dietary weight management services. Across the health system, primary care doctors readily identify people who may benefit from weight management services, but there are limited referral options in the community. Dietitians are trained to provide evidence-informed dietary treatment of overweight and obesity but are underutilized and underresourced. The chat2 (Connecting Health and Technology 2) trial will test combining new technologies for dietary assessment with behavior change techniques to improve outcomes for people living with obesity. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a 1-year digital dietary intervention, with standard care on body weight reduction and improved diet quality, in adults living with obesity delivered by dietitians in a primary care setting. This randomized controlled trial will compare a 1-year, digitally tailored, feedback dietary intervention with a control group in 430 adults living with obesity (BMI≥30 to ≤45 kg/m2). Participants will be recruited by letters sent to individuals randomly selected from the electoral roll and supplemented by hospital site posters, newsletters, and unaddressed mailbox delivery postcards sent to residential street points. The primary outcome is change in body weight, measured face-to-face at a baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. A 4-day, image-based dietary assessment tool (mobile Food Record) will be used to measure diet quality score. Secondary outcomes include diet quality score; dual-energy absorptiometry body composition; and total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, glycated hemoglobin, and fasting glucose levels. The intervention group will receive 8 video counseling sessions with a trained dietitian delivered over 12 months to support dietary behavior change and relapse prevention. The trial is unblinded. Both groups will receive feedback on their clinical chemistry and dual-energy absorptiometry scans at each time point. Participant recruitment commenced in July 2023 and ended in August 2024. Data analysis will commence in 2025, with the anticipated publication of results in 2026. If found to be effective, the results of this randomized controlled trial will support the delivery of effective, evidence-based weight management advice using new technologies. Improving community access to high-quality dietetic services will ensure more effective use of the dietetic workforce to improve outcomes for people living with obesity. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12622000803796; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=383838. DERR1-10.2196/64735.

Implementation of the laboratory strategic framework to strengthen health laboratory services in Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2016-2023.

Laboratories and diagnostics services are critical to universal health coverage and public health response. We assessed the extent of the implementation and functionality of the 2016-2023 Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) laboratory strategic framework. Documents and reports from World Health Organization country offices were examined between September 2022 and November 2022, supplemented by stakeholder-provided documents, to enhance data collection and reporting across the framework's five goals. An intervention using a performance evaluation scorecard assessed the progress of EMR Member States (MSs) towards strengthening health laboratory services, with findings validated during the December 2022 regional public health laboratory directors' meeting in Egypt. We analysed results from 21 of 22 MSs. Three (14%) MSs, all high income, had the capacity to implement all indicators, while only one of five low-income (20%) MSs could not demonstrate any capacity across all five goals evaluated. Irrespective of income category, the least implemented domains were: (1) availability of either or both fully implemented laboratory policy, and (2) a fully implemented integrated national laboratory strategic plan, both of which were implemented in only 50% of MSs. Addressing the identified gaps requires concerted efforts, collaboration, and sustained investment to ensure the delivery of high-quality laboratory services and advance public health outcomes across the EMR. Implementation of laboratory strategies should be coordinated through the specific laboratory department or unit at the Ministry of Health level, above the central public health laboratories and with the support of a national laboratory technical working group. This study revealed substantial gaps in implementing laboratory policies and strategic plans in the EMR, with full implementation achieved by only 50% of MSs. It underscores the necessity for coordinated efforts and sustained investment to enhance laboratory services and promote effective laboratory practices in EMR.

Energy Efficiency Optimization in Vehicle Communication Network Using Hybrid‐Genetic Algorithm

ABSTRACTIn the current world of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), Vehicle Communication Networks (VCNs) have a critical function of facilitating the communication of various ITS entities in vehicles, their environment, and other interconnected entities. Unfortunately, the dynamic and resource‐constrained nature of VCNs creates major issues in the energy efficiency area, which is extremely important in extending the usable life of the network in those applications that incorporate battery‐operated devices and/or mobile nodes. In this paper, a novel heuristic solution for the enhancement of the energy efficiency of VCNs is proposed and implemented using a Hybrid‐Genetic Algorithm (HGA). The proposed algorithm combines the advantage of the normal Genetic Algorithms (GA) of a large search space while using local search to fine‐tune results and result in fast convergence towards the optimum routing path. The goal is to reduce the overall energy expended in transmitting data, receiving data, and then processing this data while meeting reliability, delay, and throughput measures of Quality of Service (QoS). The proposed HGA achieved a 21% reduction in energy consumption compared to the Standard GA and a 13.6% reduction compared to Simulated Annealing, while maintaining high QoS standards. Simulation results are presented, which show the proposed algorithm incorporates balance between exploitative and explorative approaches such that routing paths in dynamic, challenging, and vehicular environments are achieved optimally. This research benefits the creation of sustainable VCNs that aid in the other objectives regarding efficiency in energy use and durability in ITS.