Service Index Research Articles

Comparison of Logistics Level Between China and ASEAN

As a dialogue partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China has engaged in economic and trade cooperation with ASEAN for over a decade. The process of trade liberalization and facilitation between China and ASEAN has significantly influenced logistics operations while also posing new demands. To meet the requirements of expanding trade, it is imperative to comprehensively elevate logistics capabilities. This paper undertakes a longitudinal and cross-sectional comparison of China's and ASEAN's logistics capabilities, focusing on three primary dimensions: logistics performance index, logistics infrastructure, and logistics service quality. It analyzes six specific indicators, including the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, transport frequency, customs efficiency and border management clearance, tracking and positioning capabilities, logistics service quality, and timeliness. The findings indicate that, in longitudinal terms, Singapore has emerged as a leading logistics power, China's logistics performance surpasses the average of the ten ASEAN member states, while the other nine ASEAN countries still have substantial room for improvement in their logistics capabilities. In cross-sectional terms, from 2016 to 2023, China's various logistics performance indicators have remained stable or seen only limited enhancements. To further elevate its logistics capabilities, China should adopt measures such as enhancing customs efficiency, promoting widespread adoption of logistics internet technologies to strengthen logistics intelligence, reducing logistics costs, expanding logistics infrastructure investments, and broadening avenues for cultivating specialized logistics talent.

The impact of smart elderly care service acceptance on elderly service usage behavior in Xi’an: An analysis of mediating effects based on the UTAUT model and the moderating role of digital literacy

As the aging trend intensifies, the Chinese government prioritizes technological innovation in smart elderly care services to enhance quality and efficiency, catering to the diverse needs of the elderly. This study examines the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services among elderly individuals in Xi’an, using a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model that includes digital literacy as a moderating variable. Data were collected via a survey of 299 elderly individuals aged 60 and above in Xi’an. The study aims to identify factors influencing the acceptance and usage behavior of smart elderly care services and to understand how digital literacy moderates the relationship between these factors and usage behavior. Regression analysis assessed the direct effects of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), and Facilitating Conditions (FC) on usage behavior. These dimensions were then integrated into a comprehensive index Service Acceptance to evaluate their overall impact on usage behavior, with behavioral intention examined as a potential mediating variable. Results indicate that EE and SI significantly impact the adoption of smart elderly care services, whereas PE and FC do not. Behavioral intention mediates the relationship between these variables and usage behavior. Additionally, gender, age, and digital literacy significantly moderate the impact of service acceptance on usage behavior. This study provides valuable theoretical and practical insights for designing and promoting smart elderly care services, emphasizing the importance of usability and social promotion to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Algorithm-Assisted Decision Making and Racial Disparities in Housing: A Study of the Allegheny Housing Assessment Tool

The demand for housing assistance across the United States far exceeds the supply, leaving housing providers the task of prioritizing clients for receipt of this limited resource. To be eligible for federal funding, local homelessness systems are required to implement assessment tools as part of their prioritization processes. The Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) is the most commonly used assessment tool nationwide. Recent studies have criticized the VI-SPDAT as exhibiting racial bias, which may lead to unwarranted racial disparities in housing provision. In response to these criticisms, some jurisdictions have developed alternative tools, such as the Allegheny Housing Assessment (AHA), which uses algorithms to assess clients' risk levels. Drawing on data from its deployment, we conduct descriptive and quantitative analyses to evaluate whether replacing the VI-SPDAT with the AHA affects racial disparities in housing allocation. We find that the VI-SPDAT tended to assign higher risk scores to white clients and lower risk scores to Black clients, and that white clients were served at a higher rates pre-AHA deployment. While post-deployment service decisions became better aligned with the AHA score, and the distribution of AHA scores is similar across racial groups, we do not find evidence of a corresponding decrease in disparities in service rates. We attribute the persistent disparity to the use of Alt-AHA, a survey-based tool that is used in cases of low data quality, as well as group differences in eligibility-related factors, such as chronic homelessness and veteran status. We discuss the implications for housing service systems seeking to reduce racial disparities in their service delivery.

Exploring the spatial relationship between soil quality index and soil ecosystem services driven by social-ecological factors: A peri-urban case study in central China

Exploring the spatial relationship between soil quality index and soil ecosystem services driven by social-ecological factors: A peri-urban case study in central China

The perceptions and experiences of community nurses and patients towards shared decision-making in the home setting: An integrative review.

To explore patients' and community nurses' perceptions and experiences of shared decision-making in the home. Integrative review. CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Psycinfo, Medline and Social Services Abstracts were searched for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods papers published between 1 December 2001 and 31 October 2023. A systematic search of electronic databases was undertaken using defined inclusion criteria. The included papers were appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. Relevant data were extracted and thematically analysed. Fourteen papers comprising 13 research studies were included. Patients attached great importance to their right to be involved in decision-making and noted feeling valued as a unique individual. Communication and trust between the patient and nurse were perceived as fundamental. However, shared decision-making does not always occur in practice. Nurses described tension in managing patients' involvement in decision-making. The findings demonstrate that although patients and community nurses appreciate participating in shared decision-making within the home, there are obstacles to achieving a collaborative process. This is especially relevant when there are fundamentally different perspectives on the decision being made. More research is needed to gain further understanding of how shared decision-making plays out in practice and to understand the tensions that patients and nurses may experience. This paper argues that shared decision-making is more than the development of a relationship where the patient can express their views (though of course, this is important). Shared decision-making requires acknowledgement that the patient has the right to full information and should be empowered to choose between options. Nurses should not assume that shared decision-making in community nursing is easy to facilitate and should recognize the tensions that might exist when true patient choice is enabled. This paper demonstrates how the idea of shared decision-making needs to be explored in the light of everyday practice so that challenges and barriers can be overcome. In particular, the tensions that arise when patients and nurses do not share the same perspective. This paper speaks to the potential of a gap surrounding shared decision-making in theory and how it plays out in practice. The reporting of this review was guided by the 2020 guidelines for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (Page et al., 2021). This review was carried out as part of a wider study for which service users have been consulted.

Habitat Suitability Analysis and Future Distribution Prediction of Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the Qinling Mountains, China

Climate change has triggered a series of global problems, posing a huge threat to the distribution of many plants and animals, especially endangered species such as the giant panda. Therefore, predicting the distribution of habitat quality under climate change conditions is of great significance for protecting these species. In this study, we examined the correlation between suitable habitat index and ecosystem services using 260 occurrence records and 13 environmental factors with giant pandas as the model species. The species distribution models can also be employed to predict and compare the potential geographical distribution of giant pandas at present and in the 2050s and 2090s in the Qinling Mountains of Shaanxi Province. The results show the following: (1) The relationship between suitable habitat index and ecosystem services of giant panda is not uniform. (2) From 2040 to 2100, the existing habitats may decrease by 47.8% to 98.5%. (3) The main direction of change in the center of the distribution of the giant panda’s habitat is to migrate first eastward and then northwestward. Our results regarding the potential distribution pattern of giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains and their response to climate change can provide important references for optimizing the conservation and habitat management of wild giant pandas in the Qinling Mountains.

Spatio-temporal patterns of heat index and heat-related Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Spatio-temporal patterns of heat index and heat-related Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for 3-year all-cause mortality risk among elderly patients undergoing surgery for osteoporotic fractures.

To develop and validate a comprehensive prognostic model for the mid-to-long term mortality risk among ≥50-year-old osteoporotic fracture (OPF) surgical patients. Our retrospective investigation included data from the Osteoporotic Fracture Registration System established by the Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, and involved 1,656 patients in the development set and 675 patients in the validation set. Subsequently, we employed a multivariable Cox regression model to establish a 3-year mortality predicting nomogram, and the model performance was further evaluated using C-index and calibration plots. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to assess feasibility of the clinical application of this model. Using six prognostic indexes, namely, patient age, gender, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), fracture site, and fracture liaison service (FLS), we generated a simple nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated satisfactory discrimination within the development (C-index = 0.8416) and validation (C-index = 0.8084) sets. Using calibration plots, we also revealed good calibration. The model successfully classified patients into different risk categories and the results were comparable in both the development and validation sets. Finally, a 1-70% probability threshold, according to DCA, suggested that the model has promise in clinical settings. Herein, we offer a robust tool to estimating the 3-year all-cause mortality risk among elderly OPF surgical patients. However, we recommend further assessments of the proposed model prior to widespread clinical implementation.

Examining the Role of Self-Harm in the Relationship between Emergency Department Service Utilization and Trauma-Induced Homelessness among Homeless Individuals in Texas.

Homelessness is a complex public health problem in the United States. Current or ongoing history of trauma among individuals adds to the complexity and challenges of homelessness. Our study assessed the moderating role of self-harm in the association between emergency department (ED) service utilization and trauma-induced homelessness (TIH) among adults in Texas. Homeless adults (N = 282) who completed their baseline Vulnerability Index Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Prescreen Tool survey between February 2021 and February 2022 at a Local Mental Health Authority in Texas were selected. The outcome variable, TIH, was assessed by current period of homelessness due to experiencing trauma or abuse. The main independent variable was ED utilization, while self-harm in the past year was assessed as the moderating variable. A multivariate logistic regression with a moderation analysis was conducted while adjusting for the covariates. Individuals who utilized ED services and engaged in self-harm and risky behaviors had greater odds of experiencing current period of TIH. Male respondents were less likely to experience TIH. Finally, engaging in self-harm significantly moderated the association between ED service use and TIH. This study may help inform efforts to develop tailored interventions and promote resilience-based approaches to improve health outcomes among individuals experiencing homelessness due to TIH.

Effects of integration of distributed generation on reliability in distribution system

The reliability of power supply to consumers is the main factor that is to be considered while designing, planning and operation of a distribution network. This problem can be solved by incorporating distributed generation (DG) at the consumer side itself. In order to enhance service availability, power quality, reliability, and loss reduction, DG is positioned optimally at the consumer end within the system. The optimal DG location and size is to be calculated in such a way that the total loss in the system should be minimal and cost savings should be maximal. In this study, for the investigation of effects of DG on reliability of distribution system, a practical 11 KV feeder with 41-bus, was employed. The selected practical feeder is modelled using the power world simulator (PWS) software and reliability of the system is verified by calculating various reliability indices such as system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI), system average interruption duration index (SAIDI), customer average interruption duration index (CAIDI), average system utility index (ASUI) and average service availability index (ASAI). After applying proposed loss sensitivity factor (LSF) method, the active and reactive power loss reduction are 41.30 % and 38.64 % respectively, least bus voltage is enhanced to 0.9405 pu from 0.8978 pu and the reliability indices are also improved.

Spatio-temporal epidemiology and associated indicators of COVID-19 (wave-I and II) in India

The spatio-temporal distribution of COVID-19 across India’s states and union territories is not uniform, and the reasons for the heterogeneous spread are unclear. Identifying the space–time trends and underlying indicators influencing COVID-19 epidemiology at micro-administrative units (districts) will help guide public health strategies. The district-wise daily COVID-19 data of cases and deaths from February 2020 to August 2021 (COVID-19 waves-I and II) for the entire country were downloaded and curated from public databases. The COVID-19 data normalized with the projected population (2020) and used for space–time trend analysis shows the states/districts in southern India are the worst hit. Coastal districts and districts adjoining large urban regions of Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Goa, and New Delhi experienced > 50,001 cases per million population. Negative binomial regression analysis with 21 independent variables (identified through multicollinearity analysis, with VIF < 10) covering demography, socio-economic status, environment, and health was carried out for wave-I, wave-II, and total (wave-I and wave-II) cases and deaths. It shows wealth index, derived from household amenities datasets, has a high positive risk ratio (RR) with COVID-19 cases (RR: 3.577; 95% CI: 2.062–6.205) and deaths (RR: 2.477; 95% CI: 1.361–4.506) across the districts. Furthermore, socio-economic factors such as literacy rate, health services, other workers’ rate, alcohol use in men, tobacco use in women, overweight/obese women, and rainfall have a positive RR and are significantly associated with COVID-19 cases/deaths at the district level. These positively associated variables are highly interconnected in COVID-19 hotspot districts. Among these, the wealth index, literacy rate, and health services, the key indices of socio-economic development within a state, are some of the significant indicators associated with COVID-19 epidemiology in India. The identification of district-level space–time trends and indicators associated with COVID-19 would help policymakers devise strategies and guidelines during public health emergencies.

Service Trade Liberalization, Trade Elasticities and Welfare

ABSTRACT This paper estimates the welfare effects of service trade liberalization at the country-sector level. We build a panel dataset combining information on service trade restriction index and bilateral service trade flows for 45 countries and estimate the service trade elasticity for cross-country heterogeneity at short horizons. Findings suggest that countries with smaller service trade share have greater the service trade cost elasticity, and the service trade elasticity ranges from 0.11 to 12.61. Then, we develop the CP mode to quantify the welfare effects from service trade liberalization. This study finds a significant positive relationship between service trade and welfare. During the 2014 –2018 period, service trade liberalization improved global welfare by 1.01%. The empirical results indicate that service trade liberalization mainly improves welfare through productivity effect and scale effect, with the former effect having a greater impact than the latter.

Third mortality follow-up of the Mallinckrodt uranium processing workers, 1942–2019

Introduction Mallinckrodt Chemical Works was a uranium processing facility during the Manhattan Project from 1942 to 1966. Thousands of workers were exposed to low-dose-rates of ionizing radiation from external and internal sources. This third follow-up of 2514 White male employees updates cancer and noncancer mortality potentially associated with radiation and silica dust. Materials and methods Individual, annualized organ doses were estimated from film badge records (n monitored = 2514), occupational chest x-rays (n = 2514), uranium urinalysis (n = 1868), radium intake through radon breath measurements (n = 487), and radon ambient measurements (n = 1356). Silica dust exposure from pitchblende processing was estimated (n = 1317). Vital status and cause of death determination through 2019 relied upon the National Death Index and Social Security Administration Epidemiological Vital Status Service. The analysis included standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), Cox proportional hazards, and Poisson regression models. Results Vital status was confirmed for 99.4% of workers (84.0% deceased). For a dose weighting factor of 1 for intakes of uranium, radium, and radon decay products, the mean and median lung doses were 65.6 and 29.9 mGy, respectively. SMRs indicated a difference in health outcomes between salaried and hourly workers, and more brain cancer deaths than expected [SMR: 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 2.70]. No association was seen between radiation and lung cancer [hazard ratio (HR) at 100 mGy: 0.93; 95%CI: 0.78, 1.11]. The relationship between radiation and kidney cancer observed in the previous follow-up was maintained (HR at 100 mGy: 2.07; 95%CI: 1.12, 3.79). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) also increased significantly with heart dose (HR at 100 mGy: 1.11; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.21). Exposures to dust ≥23.6 mg/m3-year were associated with nonmalignant kidney disease (NMKD) (HR: 3.02; 95%CI: 1.12, 8.16) and kidney cancer combined with NMKD (HR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.04, 5.81), though without evidence of a dose-response per 100 mg/m3-year. Conclusions This third follow-up of Mallinckrodt uranium processors reinforced the results of the previous studies. There was an excess of brain cancers compared with the US population, although no radiation dose-response was detected. The association between radiation and kidney cancer remained, though potentially due to few cases at higher doses. The association between levels of silica dust ≥23.6 mg/m3-year and NMKD also remained. No association was observed between radiation and lung cancer. A positive dose-response was observed between radiation and CVD; however, this association may be confounded by smoking, which was unmeasured. Future work will pool these data with other uranium processing worker cohorts within the Million Person Study.

Spatial pattern and driving factors of cropland ecosystem services in a major grain-producing region: A production-living-ecology perspective

Spatial pattern and driving factors of cropland ecosystem services in a major grain-producing region: A production-living-ecology perspective

Hourly Associations between Heat Index and Heat-Related Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Calls in Austin-Travis County, Texas.

This paper aims to investigate the following research questions: (1) what are the hourly patterns of heat index and heat-related emergency medical service (EMS) incidents during summertime?; and (2) how do the lagged effects of heat intensity and hourly excess heat (HEH) vary by heat-related symptoms? Using the hourly weather and heat-related EMS call data in Austin-Travis County, Texas, this paper reveals the relationship between heat index patterns on an hourly basis and heat-related health issues and evaluates the immediate health effects of extreme heat events by utilizing a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM). Delving into the heat index intensity and HEH, our findings suggest that higher heat intensity has immediate, short-term lagged effects on all causes of heat-related EMS incidents, including in cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and non-severe cases, while its relative risk (RR) varies by time. HEH also shows a short-term cumulative lagged effect within 5 h in all-cause, cardiovascular, and non-severe symptoms, while there are no statistically significant RRs found for respiratory and neurological cases in the short term. Our findings could be a reference for policymakers when devoting resources, developing extreme heat warning standards, and optimizing local EMS services, providing data-driven evidence for the effective deployment of ambulances.

The impact of Credit Suisse takeover on Indian banking and financial services sector stocks: an event study analysis

PurposeThe present study aims to comprehensively examine the impact of the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) takeover of Credit Suisse on the banking and financial services sector in the Indian stock market. To fully comprehend the impact of the event, the study separately investigates the response of private sector banks, public sector banks, overall banking companies and financial services companies to the takeover of the second-largest financial institution in Switzerland.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs event study methodology, using the market model, to analyze the event's impact on Indian banking and financial services sector stocks. The data consists of daily closing prices of companies included in the Nifty Private Bank Index, Nifty PSU Bank Index, Nifty Bank Index and Nifty Financial Services Index from the National Stock Exchange (NSE). Furthermore, cross-sectional regression analysis has been conducted to explore the factors that drive abnormal returns.FindingsThe empirical findings of the study suggest the event had a heterogeneous impact on the stock prices of Indian banks and financial services companies. While public sector banks experienced a significant negative impact on select days within the event window, the overall Indian banking sector and financial services companies also witnessed notable declines. In contrast, Indian private sector banks were relatively resilient, exhibiting minimal effects. However, the cumulative effect is found to be insignificant for all four categories across different event windows. The study also observed that the cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) were significantly influenced by certain variables during different event windows.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the earliest attempt that investigates the impact of the UBS takeover of Credit Suisse on the Indian banking and financial services sector using event study methodology and cross-sectional regression model.

The Role of Digital Technology in the Future of Insurance and Economic Development

Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the influence of the Digital Adoption Index (DAI), Insurance and Financial Services' percentage contribution to GDP, ICT Expenditure as a percentage of GDP, the Ease of Doing Business Index, and Gross National Income per capita on economic development in developing countries.&#x0D; &#x0D; Theoretical Framework: Drawing from the endogenous growth theory, the study hypothesizes that improvements in digital technology, insurance and financial services, and the business environment, alongside the level of national income, contribute positively to economic growth.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: A panel regression analysis was applied using the Fixed Effects model to analyze data collected from various developing countries. The study utilized both unit root and cointegration tests, with the Hausman test used for model selection.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The results demonstrated that all variables significantly influence GDP per capita. The most substantial impacts were found to come from the Insurance and Financial Services' percentage of GDP and the GNI per capita.&#x0D; &#x0D; Research, Practical &amp; Social implications: The findings underline the crucial role of digital technology, insurance and financial services, ICT expenditure, ease of doing business, and GNI per capita in enhancing economic growth. They provide insights for policy-makers in developing countries on the areas to prioritize for substantial economic development.&#x0D; &#x0D; Originality/Value: This study fills a research gap in exploring the interplay of digital technology, insurance, and economic growth, particularly in the context of developing countries. It provides a unique contribution by integrating various factors into a comprehensive model.

Using a Novel Green Index to Support Ecosystem Services in a Megacity

We present a novel and efficient approach that enables the evaluation of environmental quality in cities worldwide using high-resolution satellite imagery, based on a new green index (GI) through multivariate analysis, to compare the proportion of urban green spaces (UGSs) with built and impervious surfaces. High-resolution images were used to perform a supervised classification of 25 districts in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Only 11 districts showed higher urban forests, green spaces, green index, and green vs. built values, and impervious surface proportions with lower impervious and built spaces. On the other hand, the remaining districts had higher population densities and unfavorable conditions for urban ecosystem development. In some cases, urban green spaces were three-times smaller than the built and impervious surfaces, and none of the districts attained a high green quality index (0.75 to 1). Artificial intelligence techniques improved the precise identification of land cover, particularly vegetation, such as trees, shrubs, and grasses. The development of a novel green index, using multivariate statistical analysis, enhanced positive interactions among soil cover classes, emphasizing priority areas for enhancing environmental quality. Most of them should be prioritized by decision makers due to the low environmental quality, as identified by the low green index and worse ecosystem services, well-being, and health outcomes. The method can be employed in many other cities to enhance urban ecosystem quality, well-being, and health. The green index and supervised classification can characterize pastures, degraded forest fragments, and guide forest restoration techniques in diverse landscapes.

Poor dental service utilization in those with clinically severe obesity: A neglected issue with solutions needed.

Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dental service utilization with oral and general health, quality of life, wellbeing, and mental health are lacking. Adult patients with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey that collected data on dental utilization and visiting patterns, dental anxiety, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). General health data were obtained from participants' medical records. Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire, and 74 (91.3%) answered additional screening questions related to their general wellbeing and mental health. Of the participants, 50 (61.7%) reported that their last dental visit was more than 1 year ago, 43 (53.1%) visited only as needed and 22 (27.2%) participants reported favourable dental visiting patterns. Twenty-four (29.6%) participants reported high levels of dental anxiety, and low levels of OHRQoL compared with national data. Screening questions suggested low general wellbeing and poor mental health in this patient cohort. Within this group, BMI was not significantly correlated with any of the variables of dental service utilization, dental anxiety, OHRQoL, wellbeing, or mental health (p > .05). There was a negative correlation between dental anxiety and dental utilization (p < .05). Patients with clinically severe obesity reported poor dental utilization, low OHRQoL, and high levels of dental anxiety. This study highlighted the frequency of medical complications, lack of wellbeing, and poor mental health, which were evident in this cohort and may complicate dental management.

The impact of road infrastructure on regional development in South Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Good road network performance can make the economy of an area more developed. Likewise, South Labuhanbatu Regency, which was only formed in 2008, needs to measure the extent of the effectiveness of road infrastructure. This study aims to analyze the performance of road network connectivity and road network relationships in supporting the regional economy. This research was conducted by assessing the Road Infrastructure Index (RPI) and Minimum Service Standards (MSS) and analyzing the relationship with economic performance. The results of the analysis show that the RII value of South Labuhanbatu Regency until 2017 was worth 4.77, entering the medium category. Government spending on road sub-sectors does not have a consistent pattern but has resulted in an RII that has increased since 2013 and the value of GRDP per capita which has also increased every year. For road services, the Accessibility Index has met the MSS, the Mobility Index has not met the MSS, and the accident rate has reached 0.0012/100000km of roads. The government’s expenditure on the road sub-sector each year is insignificant but produces an increasing RII. The construction of road network infrastructure in South Labuhanbatu Regency shows a positive correlation with economic growth.