Service Systems Research Articles

A Review of Vessel Traffic Services Systems Operating in Poland in Terms of Their Compliance with International Legislation

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) systems are complex systems facilitating decision-making processes and integrating technical infrastructure, aiming to ensure the safety of ship traffic and marine environment protection in indicated water areas. Such services are offered in Poland in selected regions. These systems operate based on guidelines established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Parliament; therefore, they should be constantly developed and adjusted to current regulations. The aim of this article is to review and assess the adjustment of VTS systems operating in Poland to current selected regulations introduced by the IMO and European Parliament. A comparative analysis and evaluation of three VTS systems operated in Poland was carried out. In addition, the impact of VTS systems on the development of the trans-European transport network was examined. It was stated that the investigated VTS systems’ current adjustment to analyzed regulations is different depending on the systems’ configuration and possessed infrastructure, parameters of fairways, traffic regulations and other criteria. Based on the achieved research results, recommendations to improve the VTS systems in Poland were proposed. The research outcomes may be interesting for the managers of maritime administrations, ports’ authorities, and other decision-makers responsible for safe navigation and traffic management.

Social Determinants, Mental Well-Being, and Disrupted Life Transitions Among Young Adults with Disabling Mental Health Conditions.

This study sought to understand how young adults (age 18-25) with histories of mental health disorders are coping with disrupted transitions to adulthood during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional web survey was conducted in March-June 2021 of 967 US young adults with pre-pandemic psychiatric disability to assess their current psychiatric status, interrupted transitions, and associations with social determinants including income, community participation, and social context. Mental health was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Social determinants were identified with the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory. Interrupted transitions were measured with the Young Adult Disrupted Transitions Assessment. Multivariable logistic regression models predicted four types of transition disruptions and associations with current mental health, social determinants, and demographic factors. Disruptions were reported by 81.1% including interrupted education completion (38.3%), employment careers (37.6%), residential independence (27.7%), and intimate partner relationships (22.9%). Many screened positive for major depressive disorder (81.7%), PTSD (85.5%), or GAD (58.6%). Disruption in establishing intimate partner relationships was associated with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Interrupted residential independence was associated with anxiety. Interrupted education completion was associated with PTSD. Interrupted employment was associated with anxiety. Social determinants significant in these models included social connections, community participation, income, and racial/ethnic identification. Results illuminate ways that current mental health and social determinants affect transition interruptions during the pandemic. Findings suggest the need for interdisciplinary approaches, integrated models of care, and assistance accessing treatment, rehabilitation, and community support services from adult service systems.

Effectiveness of Multilevel Implementation Strategies for Autism Interventions: Outcomes of Two Linked Implementation Trials.

This study tests the effectiveness of leader and provider-level implementation strategies to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in two of the service systems caring for autistic children. The TEAMS Leadership Institute (TLI) targets implementation leadership and climate, and TEAMS Individualized Provider Strategy (TIPS) targets provider motivation and engagement. A cluster randomized hybrid type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial tested the effects of the implementations strategies when paired with AIM HI (An Individualized Mental Health Intervention for Autism) in mental health programs (Study 1) and CPRT (Classroom Pivotal Response Teaching) in classrooms (Study 2). The combined sample included 65 programs/districts across four training cohorts (2018-2019 to 2020-2021). Organizations were randomized to receive a leader-level strategy, provider strategy, both strategies, or neither strategy (EBI provider training only). Leader and provider participants were recruited from enrolled programs/districts and child participants were recruited from providers' caseloads or classrooms. Data from a total of 387 providers (mean age = 36.39 years; 91% female participants; 30% Latino/a/x participants) and 385 children (mean age = 9.13 years; 84% male participants; 60% Latino/a/x participants) were analyzed/ Outcomes were assessed over 6 months. Provider outcome measures included provider EBI certification and observed EBI fidelity. Clinical outcome measures included the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) (Study 1) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory (PDD-BI) (Study 2). Outcomes were analyzed using intent-to-treat models. There was no significant effect of TLI on EBI Certification. TLI was associated with significantly higher EBI fidelity compared to non-TLI (B=.37, p=.04). Moreover, a statistically significant TLIXTime interaction was found for child outcome T-scores (B=-10.47, p=.03), with a significant reduction in T-scores across time only for those in the TLI condition. There were no significant effects of TIPS on any outcomes. Findings support the effectiveness of leader focused strategies to promote implementation and clinical outcomes of autism EBIs in multiple public service systems and for multiple EBIs.

Smart product service systems for remote patient monitoring under uncertainty: A hierarchical framework from a healthcare provider perspective

Smart product service systems for remote patient monitoring under uncertainty: A hierarchical framework from a healthcare provider perspective

The rewards and challenges of self-managing National Disability Insurance Scheme: Exploration of parental perspectives.

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), participants can self-manage their funding. This management style largely deviates from previous Australian service systems. The self-management option provides NDIS participants flexibility and choice in accessing any services; however, it generates an administrative burden. In 2019, parents of children with disability had the highest percentage of using the self-management option. Parents of children commonly have high child-care responsibilities and experience health issues. Given the administrative burden associated with the self-management option, the experiences of these parents should be documented. This study aimed to explore the experiences of parents of children with disability as they fully or partly self-manage their children's NDIS funding. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 16 parents. The transcribed data were analysed, using reflexive thematic analysis. No service user was involved in this study. Four themes were generated: (1) Feeling empowered by having control and choice for my child's needs; (2) it is time-consuming, and overwhelming, but glad to have chosen this option; (3) need to be responsible because you run a business with public funding; and (4) professional background and disability networks help self-management. The research provides insight into how parents navigate the complexity of NDIS as they self-manage to benefit their children. While self-management is overwhelming, it provides choice and control to parents, fostering parenting self-efficacy. The research highlights the importance of a support network, diverse skills, and knowledge to efficiently self-manage NDIS funding, which should be considered as occupational therapists support parents of children with disability.

Stakeholder experiences collaborating with My Place: a service supporting pregnant and young parents in the child welfare system in metropolitan Adelaide

ABSTRACT My Place is a therapeutic and health service for high-risk, vulnerable children and youth (12–25 years), connected with the child protection system, who are pregnant or parents whose infants are at risk of removal. Qualitative interpretive phenomenology guided the focus group interviews with staff, stakeholders and health consumers (n = 30). My Place was reported to be trauma-responsive, culturally-sensitive model of care and was viewed as responsible for the development of trust, empowerment, and self-determination among young people due to therapeutic interventions, case management, health information and support with service system navigation. Contributing to practice-based evidence, stakeholders considered the programme delivered kind, gentle, and healing care to young people and developed collegial, trusting, and collaborative relationships with workers across service systems. Stakeholders reported that My Place improved their own trauma-responsive practices. My Place is an early intervention for young, at-risk cohorts, providing a foundation for trauma-informed child welfare systems across metropolitan Adelaide.

Research on Pharmaceutical Tax Management Issues in the Digital Economy

In the era of the digital economy, the deep integration of information technology with the pharmaceutical industry has become a new engine for innovation and development in the pharmaceutical sector. However, the integration of the pharmaceutical industry faces a series of challenges, such as difficulties in the identification of tax elements, asymmetry of tax-related information, low levels of informatization in pharmaceutical enterprises, insufficient information technology capabilities in tax authorities, and incomplete policies and regulations in the pharmaceutical industry, which constrain the healthy development of pharmaceutical companies. Against the backdrop of modern tax governance reform, the pharmaceutical industry urgently needs to strengthen tax management to adapt to new changes. Firstly, tax authorities need to leverage information technology to innovate and transform the systems of tax law enforcement, services, and regulation. Secondly, pharmaceutical companies need to use information technology to solidify their management foundations and enhance their capabilities and skills. Lastly, tax laws and policies related to the pharmaceutical industry need to be adjusted and improved in a timely manner to meet the new requirements of the digital transformation in the pharmaceutical sector. With the joint efforts of all parties, support and protection can be provided for the healthy development of the pharmaceutical industry. 在数字经济时代，信息技术与医药产业的深度融合，已成为推动医药行业创新和发展的新引擎。然而，医药产业融合发展过程中面临一系列挑战，税收要素认定困难、涉税信息不对称、医药企业信息化水平不高、税收部门信息化征管能力不足、医药行业政策法规不健全等，制约医药企业健康发展。在税收治理现代化改革背景下，医药行业亟需加强税收管理以适应新变化。首先税务机关需要利用信息技术，实现税务执法、服务、监管制度的创新和变革。其次医药企业需要运用信息化手段，夯实管理基础，提升能力与本领。最后医药税收法规政策需要与时俱进的调整与完善，以适应医药行业数字化转型的新要求。在多方共同努力之下，为医药行业的健康发展提供支持和保障。

Quality Evaluation of Ticketing Management System Using ISO/IEC25010:2023 Standards and AHP Method

Purpose: Information Technology plays a crucial role in supporting education service systems. When system-related issues arise, a Ticket Management System (TMS) becomes essential to address various software and hardware problems. Evaluating the performance and quality of TMS applications is necessary to ensure their effectiveness. This study assesses the quality of a TMS application developed by University of Amikom Yogyakarta, using ISO/IEC 25010:2023. Methods/Study design/approach: The Analytic Hierarchy Process method is employed to prioritize three key ISO/IEC 25010 characteristics by engaging TMS application users. Following the ranking, the study conducts quality measurements using questionnaires and black box testing. The questionnaire results are assessed using a Likert scale to determine scores for the TMS application based on the sub-characteristics of the three selected ISO/IEC 25010:2023 characteristics and the AHP-derived rankings. Result/Findings: The findings indicate that the TMS application achieved a quality score of 4.354. This shows that the TMS application is in the good category. Novelty/Originality/Value: The study highlights the need for performance efficiency improvements, specifically in the Time Behavior sub-characteristic, to enhance the overall quality of the TMS application.

Comparison of Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Prevention and Control Policies: A Systematic Review

mwymwAbstract:Tuberculosis, is a contagious respiratory condition caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With the rapid prevalence of COVID-19, the multifaceted public health interventions, including non-pharmaceutical measures have been conducted. Results showed that the public health policies implemented by China during the COVID-19 outbreak have had a positive impact on controlling the development of tuberculosis. This paper explores the interplay between tuberculosis (TB) control and the public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. It highlights how non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as travel restrictions, social distancing, mask-wearing, and early case detection, initially designed to contain COVID-19, also contributed to reducing TB transmission. Additionally, the rapid development of China’s public health infrastructure and the use of digital technologies during the pandemic enhanced TB surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment adherence. Key interventions included electronic patient service systems, digital adherence technologies (DATs), and integrated digital platforms that improved treatment outcomes. However, challenges such as reduced TB notifications during COVID-19 and financial constraints in TB management were identified. The paper emphasizes the importance of policy adaptations, technological innovations, and sustainable healthcare reforms to address TB in a post-pandemic world. China’s experience provides valuable insights for future infectious disease control, demonstrating how coordinated public health strategies can effectively manage multiple health challenges simultaneously.

Mitigating AI bias in financial decision-making: A DEI perspective

The growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial decision-making offers significant potential for increased efficiency and innovation but also raises critical concerns about perpetuating existing inequities. As financial services adopt AI for tasks like credit scoring, loan approvals, and investment analysis, the risk of algorithmic bias impacting marginalized groups has garnered significant attention. Biases in training data, model design, and deployment processes can lead to discriminatory outcomes, undermining efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive framework for aligning AI systems with DEI principles. This study analyses the risks of AI reinforcing systemic inequities in financial decision-making and identifies key strategies for mitigating these biases. Transparent algorithmic processes are essential to enable stakeholders to understand decision-making logic and detect potential biases. Accountability mechanisms, such as regular audits and independent evaluations, ensure that AI systems comply with ethical standards and DEI objectives. Inclusivity must be prioritized in both data collection and model design, ensuring diverse representation to reduce inherent biases. By implementing these strategies, financial institutions can leverage AI to drive equitable decision-making, fostering trust among stakeholders while addressing regulatory and societal demands. This paper proposes a roadmap for developing and deploying bias-mitigating AI systems in financial services, with a focus on creating fair, inclusive, and accountable models. Through case studies and best practices, it highlights actionable solutions to bridge the gap between technological innovation and ethical imperatives, ensuring AI serves as a tool for equity and inclusion rather than a perpetuator of inequality.

Informal financial savings practices to facilitate formal financial inclusion

This review continues the exploration of the role of informal savings mechanisms, such as the group-based savings system called Ajo or Esusu in the south-west of Nigeria, in promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria, and particularly among women. Ajo/Esusu, which is a traditional form of cooperative savings and lending, is deeply rooted in many African communities and has proven effective in providing a sense of belonging and financial access to individuals excluded from the formal banking sector [31]. According to [1], these informal savings mechanisms have the potential to bridge the financial inclusion gap by offering an accessible, tested, trusted, and community-based platform for saving and borrowing. Despite significant efforts to enhance financial access, a substantial gender gap persists, with approximately 30% of adult women excluded from formal financial systems [36]. This study highlights the importance of informal savings as a viable alternative for fostering economic empowerment within communities of trust amongst marginalized groups, even in developed economies. Thus, the discourse on integrating traditional group-based savings practices with formal financial services can create a transformative pathway for increased participation in formal financial services systems. The study also assesses the impact of Ajo/ Esusu on women’s financial behavior, access to formal banking services, and their economic livelihood based on their adopting a group-based micro savings culture. It provides insights into how informal savings systems drive financial inclusion and seeks to inform policy recommendations that harness the potential of informal financial practices for the benefit of low-income women and broader economic development objectives.

Model for Joint Operation of Multi-Energy Systems in Energy and Frequency Regulation Ancillary Service Markets Considering Uncertainty

Model for Joint Operation of Multi-Energy Systems in Energy and Frequency Regulation Ancillary Service Markets Considering Uncertainty

Developing standards for the implementation of stepped care in child and youth mental health service settings: protocol for a multi-method, delphi-based study

IntroductionCanadian youth mental health (YMH) systems have the potential to urgently tackle the mental health treatment gap currently impacting young people, and stepped care (SC) is one model that can...

Research on the Current Status and Development Trends of AI in Customer Service Systems

The application of artificial intelligence technology in customer service systems is rapidly developing, involving various aspects such as natural language processing and machine learning, greatly improving service efficiency and user satisfaction. However, with the widespread application of these technologies, issues such as data protection, service quality, and humanization have gradually surfaced. This article aims to analyze the current application status of artificial intelligence in the field of customer service, deeply study the various challenges it faces, and propose a series of improvement measures and future development directions to promote the efficient application of artificial intelligence technology in customer service, and provide more excellent service experience for enterprises and consumers.

Factors influencing customer satisfaction and loyalty in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven food delivery systems during and post COVID-19

The research aims to determine how various factors influence customer satisfaction and loyalty (CS&L) in AI-driven food delivery systems during and after COVID-19. Two hundred ninety-four participants were given a 32-item questionnaire, and the data were analysed using multiple regression analysis and quantitative research methods. Numerous factors were examined in this inquiry, such as price reduction, promotion benefits, information quality, hedonic motivation, safety packaging, and perceived severity. The research illustrates how the pandemic affected consumer behaviour, with an adjusted R² value of 0.715 during the pandemic and 0.489 in the post-pandemic period. It also concludes that hedonic motivation and information quality are two essential elements influencing consumer satisfaction and loyalty. The research seeks to enhance the post-pandemic delivery of AI-supported services and help provide recommendations for developing AI systems for food delivery services with a better understanding of consumer motivation for AI-based food delivery services.

Facilitators and inhibitors of attitude and word-of-mouth intention toward adoption of digital municipal service systems: A stimulus-organism-response approach.

Increased technology adoption has significantly transformed how governments interact with citizens. Today, e-government services and tools are integral to modern public administration. Factors affecting users' adoption of e-government services have been studied in the past. However, this study focuses on citizens' acceptance and resistance to such services, which have not been thoroughly explored. This study addresses the gap by examining the facilitators and inhibitors affecting users' perceptions of the Digital Municipal Service System (DMSS). An integrated research model was developed based on the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) framework. Using Smart-PLS, the study validated 353 respondents' data collected from Bangladesh. The study revealed that platform quality, convenience, social, and inclusiveness values significantly influenced attitudes toward DMSS adoption. On the other hand, tradition and usage barriers significantly negatively impacted attitudes toward DMSS adoption. These findings offer important insights for policymakers involved in developing and implementing e-government services in emerging economies such as Bangladesh. The study also provides a foundation for further research on technology adoption.

Developing a model of physical education teachers’ health service competence in China: based on the grounded theory technical approach

BackgroundIn recent years, public health emergencies have become increasingly frequent, threatening human health. Accordingly, countries worldwide have attached great importance to optimizing their public health service systems. In China, physical education teachers are responsible for conducting health education in schools and improving students’ health; however, China’s health service supply is unbalanced and insufficiently developed. Therefore, this study constructed a health service competence model of Chinese physical education teachers to assess their contribution to the improvement of China’s national public health system.MethodsThe qualitative data were primarily gathered through semi-structured interviews. Physical education teachers and researchers of physical education teachers from diverse regions of China (N = 48) were selected as participants using purposive sampling techniques. Grounded theory technical approach was employed to analyze the data through NVivo 11.0 software.ResultsThe physical education teachers’ health service competence model contained three dimensions: health service beliefs, basic health knowledge, and health service skills. Health service beliefs contained two categories: health service awareness and health service cognition. Basic health knowledge contained two categories: life health knowledge and sports health knowledge. Health service skills contained seven categories: health education skills, management skills, research skills, advocacy skills, emergency skills, organization skills, and alert skills.ConclusionThis study’s model provides a theoretical foundation for Chinese physical education teachers to transition to physical education and health teachers. Utilizing this model in teacher education can contribute to enhancing China’s national public health service system.

Supporting Libraries to Serve the Holistic Needs of the Community: Insights from Fathers Served by Social Service Systems

Supporting Libraries to Serve the Holistic Needs of the Community: Insights from Fathers Served by Social Service Systems

Analysis of Queueing Systems in Fast Food Restaurants Using the M/M/c Model: A Case Study during Peak Hours

This study evaluates the queueing system of a fast-food restaurant using the M/M/c model to optimize the number of service counters (servers) for reducing customer waiting times during peak hours. The analysis involved simulating different configurations with 1, 2, and 3 servers, considering a customer arrival rate of 20 customers per minute and a service rate of 25 customers per minute. Results demonstrate a clear relationship between the number of servers and system performance. A single-server system resulted in an average total time of 12 seconds per customer in the system, highlighting significant delays during peak times. Introducing a second server reduced the average waiting time in the system to 4.44 seconds, striking an effective balance between service efficiency and resource utilization. However, adding a third server showed minimal improvement, as the system's utility ratio declined significantly, suggesting underutilized resources. Based on these findings, a two-server configuration is identified as the optimal solution, efficiently managing the customer arrival rate while maintaining a balanced utility ratio. This study emphasizes the practical value of combining queueing models and simulations to improve operational efficiency in fast-food service systems. The insights can guide decision-making processes for restaurant managers aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and optimize resource allocation during high-demand periods.

Cyber Security in Smart Cities: Role of 5G Technologies the Indian Perspective

The UN-Habitat World Cities Report 2022 published in June 2022 states that, population in urban areas of India is estimated to reach at 675 million and will be 43.2 percent of its total population by 2035. It will be the second highest figure, behind China’s one billion. In last two decades, India and China experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. As a result, number of people living in poverty reduced [1]. The Government of India launched “The Smart Cities Mission (SCM)” on 25 June 2015[2]. The aim is to spearhead development and quality of life in urban areas with the help of IT and IT enabled services. The smart cities in India though growing in numbers are more of an up-gradation of the old legacy township where the basic amenities and infrastructure are being given a fresh look with implementation of the modern tools and development techniques. Presently many legacy manual systems for essential services like power, water, communication, transport and many public distribution systems lack the resources and capacity to meet the growing demand and aspirations of people. Most smart cities are seeing uncontrolled and uncoordinated developments with various agencies working in their comfort zones and SILOS have failed to adequately address the role of cyber security that comes as potential risk with such modern IT enabled services. Adherence to standards and protocols for cyber security in the smart city sector are mostly missing or being adopted in an adhocmanner.Since the concept of changing urban life style in the Smart Cities is in a very nascent stage, it throws lot of challenges for the administration to deal with issues of cyber attacks. This research is aimed at identification and analysisof potential cyber security risks and challenges of smart cities. The focus will be to understand the entire ecosystem of smart city challenges and desired security standards, various security regulatory frameworks in world &India and how they can be adopted to the Indian scenario. Further the latent capabilities and advantages of using 5G technology has been touched upon in conjunction with how its adoption id developing the Smart Cities can help. This research finally proposes a way ahead to an integrated approach to smart city development, exploiting the available technologies.