Prioritize Resource Allocation Research Articles

Integrating Equity in Public Sector Data-Driven Decision Making: Exploring the Desired Futures of Underserved Stakeholders

Public sector agencies aim to innovate not just for efficiency but also to enhance equity. Despite the growing adoption of data-driven decision-making systems in the public sector, efforts to integrate equity as a primary goal often fall short. This typically arises from inadequate early-stage involvement of underserved stakeholders and prevalent misunderstandings concerning the authentic meaning of equity from these stakeholders' perspectives. Our research seeks to address this gap by actively involving undersevered stakeholders in the process of envisioning the integration of equity within public sector data-driven decisions, particularly in the context of a building department in a Northeastern mid-sized U.S. city. Applying a speed dating method with storyboards, we explore diverse equity-centric futures within the realm of local business development, a domain where small businesses, particularly women-and minority-owned businesses, historically confront inequitable distribution of public services. We explored three essential aspects of equity: monitoring equity, resource allocation prioritization, as well as information and equity. Our findings illuminate the complexities of integrating equity into data-driven decisions, offering nuanced insights about the needs of stakeholders. We found that attempts to monitor and incorporate equity goals into public sector decision-making can unexpectedly backfire, inadvertently sparking community apprehension and potentially exacerbating existing inequities. Small business owners, including those identifying as women-and minority-owned, advocated against the use of demographic-based data in equity-focused data-driven decision-making in the public sector, instead emphasizing factors such as community needs, application complexity, and uncertainties inherent in small businesses. Drawing from these insights, we propose design implications to assist designers of public sector data-driven decision-making systems to better accommodate equity considerations.

Burden of inflammatory bowel disease in Belgium, 2020

Abstract Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises digestive disorders resulting from non-infectious inflammation of the colon and gastrointestinal tract. With its global prevalence on the rise, IBD poses significant challenges to healthcare systems. There is a need for more accurate disease burden estimates to guide decision-making processes within the health sector. As a part of the Belgian national burden of disease study (BeBOD), this study aims to estimate the burden of IBD in Belgium based on locally available data. We estimated the Belgian IBD burden in 2020 in terms of mortality, prevalence, years of life lost (YLLs) due to premature death, years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). As there is no single comprehensive data source on prevalence of IBD in Belgium, a critical appraisal of existing local and national data sources was conducted. Prevalence data were combined with disability weights to yield YLDs. YLLs were calculated using the most recent Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 reference life table and the number of deaths caused by non-infective IBD (ICD-10 K50-52). Cause of death data were extracted from Statbel, the Belgian statistical office. The best available data source to estimate the IBD prevalence in Belgium was a widespread network of general practitioners. The prevalence of IBD was 1.5% in 2020. The prevalence-based YLD for IBD was 220 YLDs per 100 000, while the YLL rate was 11.5 per 100 000. We estimated 26 276 DALYs caused by IBD in 2020. Of the total DALYs caused by IBD, 5% were due to YLLs and 95% were due to YLDs. Our burden estimates for IBD in Belgium were however higher than those of the GBD study. IBD imposes a low fatal burden, whereas the burden of morbidity is more prominent. Our findings could be useful for policy makers to justify and prioritize resource allocation. Integrating the current research in BeBOD will allow monitoring the burden of IBD over time. Key messages • Inflammatory bowel disease is characterized by a substantial non-fatal burden due to chronic relapsing and persistent symptoms. • National inflammatory bowel disease burden estimates are useful to guide decision-making within the health sector.

Exploring the changing landscape of medical imaging: insights from highly cited studies before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To investigate whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed medical imaging trends by synthesizing the highly cited studies before and during the pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, we identified highly cited studies on medical imaging from the essential science indicators (ESI) database, categorizing them into two periods: before the pandemic (January 2016-December 2019) and during the pandemic (January 2020-December 2023). We conducted a global research landscape comparative analysis and utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to create knowledge maps for analyzing the co-occurrences of keywords and references in this field. A total of 2914 highly cited studies were included in this study, which revealed a notable 30.1% increase in medical imaging publications during the pandemic. Enhanced international cooperation has been observed, with European countries and the US leading the research efforts. Keyword analysis revealed that artificial intelligence (AI) has remained a dominant hotspot in medical imaging research before and during the pandemic. References analysis showed a shift in focus towards COVID-19-related studies, overshadowing some important areas including cancer imaging, cardiac imaging, and neuroimaging. Over the past four years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in the research output, international collaborations, and hotspots within highly cited medical imaging studies. Navigating the post-COVID era, it is imperative to continue fostering international collaboration, prioritize resource allocation to refocus on overlooked research areas, and develop long-term strategic plans to prepare for and mitigate the impact of future public health crises. Question Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed medical imaging trends and priorities, which is crucial for preparing against future public health crises, remains unclear. Findings The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increases in highly cited medical imaging studies, enhancements in international collaborations, and shifts in research hotspots. Clinical relevance This study provides a comprehensive overview of highly cited studies on medical imaging before and during the pandemic, highlighting the pivotal role of AI in the post-COVID era and emphasizing the need to refocus on potentially neglected research areas.

Assessing the frontline competency gap: Emergency care perceptions among nurses in Yemen's conflict zone.

Nursing competencies in armed conflict situations are critical for effective response and recovery. This study explores nurses' perceptions regarding their competencies in armed conflict zones to identify areas of proficiency and those requiring further emphasis in training. This cross-sectional descriptive study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines. It used a validated questionnaire examining 47 different competencies for nursing in armed conflict zones, which were subsequently ranked to identify those that were valued most and least. In total, 102 questionnaires were returned (85% response rate). The highest-ranked competencies focused on immediate life-saving interventions and personal safety. In contrast, competencies involving broader disaster management, such as understanding organizational disaster plans, post-death care, and risk identification, ranked lower. This observation may indicate a tendency to prioritize direct clinical care over strategic planning and long-term recovery in disaster nursing education. This study highlights the critical need to strengthen emergency care competencies among nurses working in armed conflict zones in Yemen. Its findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs, particularly in complex trauma management and psychological first aid, to address nurses' self-identified competency gaps. Policy implications include prioritizing resource allocation for emergency care infrastructure, implementing competency-based deployment strategies, and ensuring access to mental health support for nurses in working conflict zones. These actions are essential for building a resilient nursing workforce capable of providing quality care amidst the unique challenges of armed conflict.

Modelling Residential Fire Vulnerability of Denmark

AbstractThis study analyzes socio-economic demographics (including Geomatic conzoom® segmented demographic variables) as well as building and property registration information as risk factors in relation to the prevalence of residential building fires within 100 m × 100 m cells. The logistic regression model achieved a receiver operating curve (ROC) of 0.74 and a precision-recall curve of 0.12 on the testing dataset. The model identifies 19 significant variables related to the risk of residential fire. The top 5 highest performing variables in our model and their odds ratios are the following: number of people (OR 1.25), Multi/family residence-building type (OR 1.20), number of buildings (OR 1.18), conzoom® Type C—Country/Rural Communities (OR 0.85), construction year (OR 0.87). These results indicate that socio-economic factors play a large role in influencing fire vulnerability within residential areas and can help prioritize resource allocation to reduce fire vulnerability in the identified risk factor groups.

Analysis of The Professional Development Program of General Foundation Course Teachers In Higher Vocational Colleges in China:Basis for The Teacher Professional Development Framework

Higher vocational education in China plays a vital role in national economic development by preparing a skilled workforce. General Foundation Courses (GFC) are crucial in this system, providing essential skills in mathematics, language, and basic sciences, yet they often receive less attention and fewer resources compared to specialized courses. This disparity leads to outdated teaching methods and insufficient professional development for GFC teachers. Professional Development Programs (PDPs) aim to address these issues, but their effectiveness needs thorough evaluation. This study assesses the current state of PDPs for GFC teachers in China's higher vocational colleges, identifying challenges and proposing a comprehensive framework for improvement. Using qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with 12 GFC teachers and document analysis, the study highlights the importance of institutional support, relevance of training programs, and continuous professional development. Findings suggest that increased resources, customized PDPs, and ongoing professional growth opportunities are crucial for enhancing teaching practices and student outcomes. The study's implications underscore the need for policymakers and educational administrators to prioritize resource allocation, design tailored PDPs, and promote continuous learning to improve the quality of vocational education and contribute valuable insights to the literature on teacher professional development.

Digital shadows: analyzing factors influencing sentencing in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases

PurposeExhibiting an unprecedented rate of advancement, technology’s progression over the past two decades has regrettably led to a disturbing increase in the distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) online. Compounded by the emergence of an underground cryptocurrency market, which serves as a primary distribution channel for these materials, the investigation and sanctioning of CSAM present a complex and unique set of challenges. The purpose of this study is to accurately diagnose the CSAM sentencing landscape and build a more comprehensive, evidence-based legal framework in penology.Design/methodology/approachThe study collected and analyzed case details regarding CSAM sanctions in a database sourced from the US Department of Justice for 2020. Various factors were analyzed such as the victim’s age, offender typology and previous conviction, accompanied by an analysis of how these factors affect the sentence length.FindingsThe study found that the hierarchical agency-level interactions give insight into resource allocation prioritization, as well as confirming a close relationship between prior conviction history and sentence length, with the victim’s age inversely related to sentence length. Leveraging data-driven insights, the study paves the way for more targeted and effective sanctions, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of safeguarding children from online sexual exploitation.Originality/valueThe paper provides a critical analysis of the complex landscape surrounding CSAM distribution and judicial sentencing. By examining case details and leveraging data-driven insights, it offers valuable contributions to understanding the interplay between various factors such as victim age, offender typology and prior convictions on sentencing outcomes. This comprehensive approach not only sheds light on the dynamics of CSAM sanctions but also lays the groundwork for evidence-based legal frameworks in penology. Its originality lies in its nuanced examination of hierarchical agency interactions and its potential to inform more targeted interventions for safeguarding children from online exploitation.

Comparison of causes of stillbirth and child deaths as determined by verbal autopsy and minimally invasive tissue sampling.

In resource-limited settings where vital registration and medical death certificates are unavailable or incomplete, verbal autopsy (VA) is often used to attribute causes of death (CoD) and prioritize resource allocation and interventions. We aimed to determine the CoD concordance between InterVA and CHAMPS's method. The causes of death (CoDs) of children <5 were determined by two methods using data from seven low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) enrolled in the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network. The first CoD method was from the DeCoDe panel using data from Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS), whereas the second method used Verbal Autopsy (VA), which utilizes the InterVA software. This analysis evaluated the agreement between the two using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. The overall concordance of InterVA4 and DeCoDe in assigning causes of death across surveillance sites, age groups, and causes of death was poor (0.75 with 95% CI: 0.73-0.76) and lacked precision. We found substantial differences in agreement by surveillance site, with Mali showing the lowest and Mozambique and Ethiopia the highest concordance. The InterVA4 assigned CoD agrees poorly in assigning causes of death for U5s and stillbirths. Because VA methods are relatively easy to implement, such systems could be more useful if algorithms were improved to more accurately reflect causes of death, for example, by calibrating algorithms to information from programs that used detailed diagnostic testing to improve the accuracy of COD determination.

Could free-floating bikeshare weed out station-based bikeshare? Analyzing the relationship between two bikeshare systems from bivariate flow clustering

Against the backdrop of the strong market expansion of free-floating bikeshare systems (FFBS), the future of government-funded station-based bikeshare system (SBBS) is a matter of controversy. Merely relying on point density analysis proves to be inadequate in reflecting the flow characteristic, this paper employs a flow clustering analysis to investigate the relationship between SBBS and FFBS. To recognize both bikeshare flow clusters with inhomogeneous density and shape in less time, we propose a two-step network-constrained bivariate flow clustering method that organically combines multiplex-network community detection and bivariate flow clustering method. The performance and applicability of the method in flow clustering detection is exemplified by the SBBS and FFBS systems in Nanjing. The results indicate that though FFBS outnumbers SBBS in terms of bikes, there are still specific flow clusters where SBBS performs better. Spatiotemporal patterns of flow clusters reveal that about one-third of flow clusters dominated by FFBS move from the metro station to the business district during the morning peak, while more SBBS-dominated flow clusters (55.4%) move from the residence to the metro station. Conversely, during the evening peak, flow clusters are observed in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, if the difference in bike numbers is significant, SBBS will be at a disadvantage. It is necessary for SBBS to prioritize resource allocation towards target groups and advantageous areas to prevent decentralized development. Our findings contribute to a more profound comprehension of the interplay between SBBS and FFBS, thereby offering more informed recommendations for strategically aligning the functions of bikeshare systems.

Was priority setting considered in COVID-19 response planning? A global comparative analysis

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic forced governments across the world to consider how to prioritize resource allocation. Most countries produced pandemic preparedness plans that guide and coordinate healthcare, including how to allocate scarce resources such as ventilators, human resources, and therapeutics. The objective of this study was to compare and contrast the extent to which established parameters for effective priority setting (PS) were incorporated into COVID-19 pandemic response planning in several countries around the world. MethodsWe used the Kapriri and Martin framework for effective priority setting and performed a quantitative descriptive analysis to explore whether and how countries’ type of health system, political, and economic contexts impacted the inclusion of those parameters in their COVID-19 pandemic plans. We analyzed 86 country plans across six regions of the World Health Organization. ResultsThe countries sampled represent 40% of nations in AFRO, 54.5% of EMRO, 45% of EURO, 46% of PAHO, 64% of SEARO, and 41% of WPRO. They also represent 39% of all HICs in the world, 39% of Upper-Middle, 54% of Lower-Middle, and 48% of LICs. No pattern in attention to parameters of PS emerged by WHO region or country income levels. The parameters: evidence of political will, stakeholder participation, and use of scientific evidence/ adoption of WHO recommendations were each found in over 80% of plans. We identified a description of a specific PS process in 7% of the plans; explicit criteria for PS in 36.5%; inclusion of publicity strategies in 65%; mention of mechanisms for appealing decisions or implementing procedures to improve internal accountability and reduce corruption in 20%; explicit reference to public values in 15%; and a description of means for enhancing compliance with the decisions in 5%. ConclusionThe findings provide a basis for policymakers to reflect on their prioritization plans and identify areas that need to be strengthened. Overall, there is little consideration for explicit prioritization processes and tools and restricted attention to equity considerations; this may be a starting point for policymakers interested in improving future preparedness and response planning. Although the study focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, priority setting remains one of the policymakers’ most prominent challenges. Policymakers should consider integrating systematic priority setting in their routine decision-making processes.

Spatial Access to Continuous Maternal and Perinatal Health Care Services in Low-Resource Settings: Cross-Sectional Study.

Maternal and perinatal health are fundamental to human development. However, in low-resource settings such as sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), significant challenges persist in reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality. To achieve the targets of the sustainable development goal 3 (SDG3) and universal health coverage (UHC), improving access to continuous maternal and perinatal health care services (CMPHS) has been addressed as a critical strategy. This study aims to provide a widely applicable procedure to illuminate the current challenges in ensuring access to CMPHS for women of reproductive age. The findings are intended to inform targeted recommendations for prioritizing resource allocation and policy making in low-resource settings. In accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines and existing literature, and taking into account the local context of CMPHS delivery to women of reproductive age in Mozambique, we first proposed the identification of CMPHS as the continuum of 3 independent service packages, namely antenatal care (ANC), institutional delivery (ID), and postnatal care (PNC). Then, we used the nearest-neighbor method (NNM) to assess spatial access to each of the 3 service packages. Lastly, we carried out an overlap analysis to identify 8 types of resource-shortage zones. The median shortest travel times for women of reproductive age to access ANC, ID, and PNC were 2.38 (IQR 1.38-3.89) hours, 3.69 (IQR 1.87-5.82) hours, and 4.16 (IQR 2.48-6.67) hours, respectively. Spatial barriers for women of reproductive age accessing ANC, ID, and PNC demonstrated large variations both among and within regions. Maputo City showed the shortest travel time and the best equity within the regions (0.46, IQR 0.26-0.69 hours; 0.74, IQR 0.47-1.04 hours; and 1.34, IQR 0.83-1.85 hours, respectively), while the provinces of Niassa (4.07, IQR 2.41-6.63 hours; 18.20, IQR 11.67-24.65 hours; and 7.69, IQR 4.74-13.05 hours, respectively) and Inhambane (2.69, IQR 1.49-3.91 hours; 4.43, IQR 2.37-7.16 hours; and 10.76, IQR 7.73-13.66 hours, respectively) lagged behind significantly in both aspects. In general, more than 51% of the women of reproductive age, residing in 83.25% of Mozambique's land area, were unable to access any service package of CMPHS in time (within 2 hours), while only about 21%, living in 2.69% of Mozambique's land area, including Maputo, could access timely CMPHS. The spatial accessibility and equity of CMPHS in Mozambique present significant challenges in achieving SDG3 and UHC, especially in the Inhambane and Niassa regions. For Inhambane, policy makers should prioritize the implementation of a decentralization allocation strategy to increase coverage and equity through upgrading existing health care facilities. For Niassa, the cultivation of well-trained midwives who can provide door-to-door ANC and PNC at home should be prioritized, with an emphasis on strengthening communities' engagement. The proposed 2-step procedure should be implemented in other low-resource settings to promote the achievement of SDG3.

Family physicians provide maternity care in and around the maternity care shortage areas, particularly rural.

This study examined demographic, practice, and area-level characteristics associated with family physicians' (FP) provision of maternity care. Using the American Board of Family Medicine Certification examination application survey data, we investigated the relationship between FPs' maternity care service provision and (1) demographic (gender, years in practice, race/ethnicity), (2) practice characteristics (size, ownership, rurality), and (3) county-level factors (percentage of reproductive-age women, the number of obstetrician-gynecologists (OBGYNs) and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) per 100,000 reproductive-age women). We performed summary statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Of the 59,903 FPs in the sample, 7.5% provided maternity care. FPs practicing in rural were 2.5 times more likely to provide maternity care than those practicing in urban areas. FPs in academic (odds ratio [OR] 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.1-5.1) and safety-net settings (OR 1.9, 1.7-2.1) had greater odds of providing maternity care. FPs in the bottom quintile with no or fewer OBGYNs and CNMs had a higher likelihood of maternity care provision (OR 2.1, 1.8-2.3) than those in the top quintile, with more OBGYNs and CNMs. FPs in high-needs areas, such as rural and safety net settings, and areas with fewer CNMs or OBGYNs are more likely to provide maternity care, demonstrating the importance of FPs in meeting the needs of women with limited maternity care access. Our study findings highlight the importance of considering the contributions of FPs to maternity care as the organizations prioritize resource allocation to areas of highest need.

Incorporating environmental factors is critical for determining conservation baselines for relative abundance of sharks on coral reefs

Populations of sharks, including those inhabiting coral reefs, have experienced dramatic global declines. Setting appropriate targets for restoring reef shark populations requires estimates of expected relative abundances in the absence of intense fishing. It is therefore important to identify factors that drive the carrying capacity of sharks in relatively intact reef systems and to determine whether expected shark abundance varies according to easy to assess variables. These variables could then be used by managers for setting restoration targets, or prioritizing resource allocation, for particular areas in the absence of detailed data. French Polynesia, the world’s largest shark sanctuary, provides a model system for addressing this question. We used baited remote underwater video surveys to assess relative abundance of sharks on 35 reefs across the broad geographic range of French Polynesia. Boosted regression tree models revealed that relative abundance of sharks varied significantly with island geomorphology. Overall, relative shark abundances at high islands were nearly 3 times lower than on atolls, and among atoll geomorphology types, open atolls had abundances nearly 20% higher than closed atolls. Island group, temperature, and net primary productivity had more limited effects. Human pressure (measured as market gravity) was not a significant factor. Although species-specific patterns varied, our findings suggest that environmental factors, particularly island geomorphology, should be taken into account when setting shark abundance recovery targets. Using this easy to assess factor can facilitate the allocation of conservation effort and improve assessments of species recovery efforts for islands in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defining plastic pollution hotspots

Plastic pollution in the natural environment poses a growing threat to ecosystems and human health, prompting urgent needs for monitoring, prevention and clean-up measures, and new policies. To effectively prioritize resource allocation and mitigation strategies, it is key to identify and define plastic hotspots. UNEP's draft global agreement on plastic pollution mandates prioritizing hotspots, suggesting a potential need for a defined term. Yet, the delineation of hotspots varies considerably across plastic pollution studies, and a definition is often lacking or inconsistent without a clear purpose and boundaries of the term. In this paper, we applied four common definitions of hotspot locations to plastic pollution datasets ranging from urban areas to a global scale. Our findings reveal that these hotspot definitions encompass between 0.8 % to 93.3 % of the total plastic pollution, covering <0.1 % to 50.3 % of the total locations. Given this wide range of results and the possibility of temporal inconsistency in hotspots, we emphasize the need for fit-for-purpose criteria and a unified approach to defining plastic hotspots. Therefore, we designed a step-wise framework to define hotspots by determining the purpose, units, spatial scale, temporal scale, and threshold values. Incorporating these steps in research and policymaking yields a harmonized definition of hotspots, facilitating the development of effective plastic pollution prevention and reduction measures.

A cost-benefit analysis of mass prostate cancer screening

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) causes a substantial health and financial burden worldwide, underscoring the need for efficient mass screening approaches. This study attempts to evaluate the Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) of PCa screening in Iran to offer insights for informed decision-making and resource allocation.MethodThe Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI) was calculated for four age groups (40 years and above) using a decision-analysis model. Two screening strategies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) solely and PSA with Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), were evaluated from the health system perspective. A retrospective assessment of 1402 prostate cancer (PCa) patients’ profiles were conducted, and direct medical and non-medical costs were calculated based on the 2021 official tariff rates, patient records, and interviews. The monetary value of mass screening was determined through Willingness to Pay (WTP) assessments, which served as a measure for the benefit aspect.ResultThe combined PSA and DRE strategy of screening is cost-effective, yields up to $3 saving in costs per case and emerges as the dominant strategy over PSA alone. Screening for men aged 70 and above does not meet economic justification, indicated by a negative Net Cost-Benefit Index (NCBI). The 40–49 age group exhibits the highest net benefit, $13.81 based on basic information and $13.54 based on comprehensive information. Sensitivity analysis strongly supports the cost-effectiveness of the combined screening approach.ConclusionThis study advocates prostate cancer screening with PSA and DRE, is economically justified for men aged 40–69. The results of the study recommend that policymakers prioritize resource allocation for PCa screening programs based on age and budget constraints. Men’s willingness to pay, especially for the 40–49 age group which had the highest net benefit, leverages their financial participation in screening services. Additionally, screening services for other age groups, such as 50–54 or 55–59, can be provided either for free or at a reduced cost.

Geographic origin shapes the adaptive divergences of Rotaria rotatoria (Rotifera, Bdelloidea) to thermal stress: Insights from ecology and transcriptomics.

Global warming has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on aquatic biosafety and health. To illuminate the adaptive mechanisms of bdelloid rotifers in response to global warming, the ecological and transcriptomic characteristics of two strains (HX and ZJ) of Rotaria rotatoria were investigated at 25°C and 35°C. Our results showed an obvious genetic divergence between the two geographic populations. Thermal stress significantly reduced the average lifespan of R. rotatoria in both strains, but increased the offspring production in the ZJ strain. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes Hsp70 were significantly upregulated in the HX strain, while GSTo1 and Cu/Zn-SOD were on the contrary. In the ZJ strain, the expression levels of genes Hsp70, CAT2, and GSTo1 were upregulated under thermal stress. Conversely, a significant decrease in the expression level of the Mn-SOD gene was observed in the ZJ strain under thermal stress. Transcriptomic profiling analysis revealed a total of 105 and 5288 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the HX and ZJ strains under thermal stress, respectively. The PCA results showed clear differences in gene expression pattern between HX and ZJ strains under thermal stress. Interestingly, compared to the HX strain, numerous downregulated DEGs in the ZJ strain were enriched into pathways related to metabolism under thermal stress, suggesting that rotifers from the ZJ strain prioritize resource allocation to reproduction by suppressing costly metabolic processes. This finding is consistent with the life table results. This study provides new insights into the adaptive evolution of aquatic animals in the context of global climate change.

Optimization of Resource Allocation of University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education Based on Collaborative Filtering Algorithm

Entrepreneurship education resource allocation involves the strategic distribution of resources to support programs and initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindset among students. These resources can include funding, faculty support, curriculum development, mentorship opportunities, and access to networks and facilities. Effective resource allocation ensures that entrepreneurship education programs are adequately equipped to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. By prioritizing resource allocation to areas such as experiential learning, incubation spaces, and networking events, institutions can create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures innovation and encourages entrepreneurial ventures. This paper presents an innovative approach to optimizing the resource allocation of university innovation and entrepreneurship education through the application of a collaborative filtering algorithm, enhanced by Flemingo Optimized Collaborative Filtering Classification (FOCFC). The study aims to address the challenge of efficiently allocating resources such as funding, mentorship, and infrastructure to support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives within universities. Through simulated experiments and empirical validations, the effectiveness of the FOCFC-enhanced collaborative filtering algorithm is evaluated in recommending resource allocations tailored to the unique needs and preferences of students and entrepreneurial ventures. Results demonstrate significant improvements in accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional methods, with the FOCFC model achieving a precision rate of 95% in recommending resource allocations. Additionally, the model provides valuable insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, enabling universities to adapt their resource allocation strategies proactively. These findings highlight the potential of collaborative filtering algorithms with FOCFC in optimizing resource allocation for university innovation and entrepreneurship education, fostering a supportive and conducive environment for entrepreneurial success.

The Nexus between Institutional Environment and Academic Performance of Public Secondary Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya

The institutional environment, including staff competence, resource use, and school culture, significantly contributes to student failure, as these factors are major macro-environmental factors. The institutional environment can therefore play a positive role in students' academic performance and improvement. This study examined the complex relationship between core competencies, institutional culture, resource utilization, and academic performance in the field of education. The independent variables consisted of core competencies such as teacher experience, in-service training, and teaching methods; institutional culture, which included rules and regulations, mission and vision, and school routines; and resource utilization, which encompassed instructional materials, infrastructure, and compensation. The dependent variable was academic performance, assessed through student academic scores, transition rates, and completion rates. A qualitative approach was utilized, employing desktop analysis of secondary data. The results revealed significant correlations between core competencies, institutional culture, resource utilization, and academic performance. Educators with extensive experience and relevant training, operating within a supportive institutional culture characterized by clear rules and regulations and a compelling mission and vision, were associated with improved student academic scores, higher transition rates, and increased completion rates. Furthermore, proper allocation of resources, including high-quality instructional materials, robust infrastructure, and competitive compensation for educators, positively influenced academic performance outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of investing in teacher development, cultivating a positive institutional culture, and optimizing resource allocation to enhance academic performance and promote student success. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve core competencies among educators, foster a supportive institutional environment, and prioritize resource allocation to support effective teaching and learning practices. By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions can create an environment conducive to academic excellence and enhance positive student outcomes.

The nonlinear impact of cycling environment on bicycle distance: A perspective combining objective and perceptual dimensions

Extending cycling distances is crucial for sustainable urban transport development and plays a role in encouraging the shift from motorized vehicles to public transport. However, there is a lack of research examining the combined impacts of both objective and perceived aspects of the cycling environment on cycling distance, and the existence of threshold effects remains unclear. This study uses 2019 cycling data from Shenzhen, China, employing the XGBoost algorithm to uncover the relative importance and thresholds of objective and perceived factors in the cycling environment. The results indicate that population density (24.8%), road network density (15.2%), the proportion of recreational facilities (9.1%), perceived accessibility (8.0%), and comfort (8.6%) hold high relative importance in predicting cycling distance. Also, maintaining road network density between 3 to 6 km/km2 and increasing the population density to exceed 22,000 people/km2 proves effective in extending cycling distances. Land use demonstrates a threshold effect, with cycling distances increasing when the recreational facilities share exceeds 8%, transport facilities share remains below 25%, and commercial facilities share stays below 30%. Perceived metrics exhibit a clear threshold effect. The study identifies that perceived safety indicates a psychological bottleneck in increasing cycling distance. Perceived accessibility is positively correlated with cycling distance when accessibility is at a low level, while comfort shows a positive correlation with cycling distance when comfort is at a high level. These findings can contribute to refining land planning and prioritizing resource allocation for organizations aiming to promote non-motorized travel and design bicycle-friendly environments.

Seismic vulnerability assessment of buried water supply and sanitation pipelines using the analytic hierarchy process: a methodology and application

The evaluation of seismic vulnerability in buried pipelines within water supply and sanitation networks stands as a critical endeavor in safeguarding infrastructure against the impacts of earthquakes. In response, this study introduces a systematic methodology rooted in the Vulnerability Index (VI), leveraging the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to allocate weights to factors influencing pipeline seismic behavior. Through the derivation of an expression for calculating the VI based on these weighted factors, our objective is to furnish a comprehensive pipeline classification system, thereby providing a strategic overview of the networks' seismic resilience. This method's practical utility will be exemplified through the examination of concrete cases involving drinking water pipelines (DWP). Furthermore, the scope will extend to encompass sanitation pipelines, thereby validating the methodology's effectiveness across both domains. By systematically assessing the seismic vulnerability of these crucial infrastructures, we aim to fortify their resilience against seismic events, ensuring the continued provision of essential services even in the face of natural disasters. This study's significance lies not only in its contribution to the field of infrastructure resilience but also in its practical implications for urban planning and disaster management. By elucidating the factors influencing pipeline vulnerability and providing a robust framework for assessment, decision-makers can better prioritize resource allocation and mitigation efforts, ultimately enhancing community safety and well-being. Furthermore, the methodology's adaptability and scalability render it applicable to diverse contexts, facilitating its integration into broader risk management strategies. As such, this study serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, engineers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the resilience of water supply and sanitation networks in earthquake-prone regions. Through informed decision-making and proactive measures, we can build more resilient communities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by seismic hazards.