Search Results (135)

Background: Pneumococcal vaccination rates in the United States (US) remain suboptimal, especially for adults aged 19 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions. Community-pharmacy-based immunization services increase vaccine access, particularly in rural areas. This study describes the provision of pneumococcal immunization services, assesses the processes used to identify and confirm patient eligibility, and determines barriers to immunization services in rural community pharmacies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was emailed to members of the Rural Research Alliance of Community Pharmacies, located in the southeastern US. The survey assessed which pneumococcal vaccines were offered, age groups, prescription requirements, and how patient eligibility was determined. In addition, participants were asked to rate a series of patient-related and organizational barriers to pneumococcal vaccination. Results: Ninety-four pharmacies completed the survey, with most (96.8%) offering pneumococcal vaccines, most commonly PCV20 (95.6%). Most pharmacies vaccinated patients upon request (98.9%) or when patients presented with a prescription (82.4%), but few proactively contacted patients to schedule the vaccination (17.6%). Pharmacists most often administered pneumococcal vaccines to patients aged 65 and older and used patient age and immunization information systems to identify eligible patients. The most common patient-related barrier was the patient’s belief that they do not need the vaccine. The most common organizational barriers were inadequate reimbursements for vaccine administration and vaccine products. Conclusions: Pneumococcal vaccinations are commonly offered in rural community pharmacies, which play an important role in immunization access. With recent guideline changes to the age-based recommendation, there is an opportunity to optimize strategies to increase vaccine uptake. Full article

In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the need to cultivate innovation-ready, globally competent talent has become a strategic imperative. This study critically investigates how sustainable open innovation strategies—particularly within non-profit organizations and university alliances—can serve as a catalyst for global talent development. Responding to the growing demand for interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral collaboration, the research employs a robust mixed-methods approach, integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to evaluate and prioritize key strategic factors. The findings reveal that initiatives such as international internship programs, operational funding mechanisms, joint research ventures, and technology transfer are essential drivers in creating environments that nurture and scale global talent. Building on these insights, this study introduces a structured, sustainable innovation model that categorizes strategies into three tiers—collaborative, interactive, and foundational service-oriented actions—providing a practical roadmap for resource optimization and strategic planning. More than a theoretical exercise, this research offers actionable guidance for non-profit leaders, academic administrators, and corporate partners. It highlights the reciprocal value of multi-sector collaboration and contributes to a broader understanding of how mission-driven innovation ecosystems can foster resilient, future-ready workforces. By positioning non-profit–academic partnerships at the center of global talent strategies, the study sets a foundation for rethinking how institutions can co-create value in addressing pressing global challenges. Full article

The global energy transition is accelerating, bringing new challenges to power systems. A high penetration of renewable energy increases grid volatility. Virtual power plants (VPPs) address this by dynamically responding to market signals. They integrate renewables, energy storage, and flexible loads. Additionally, they participate in multi-tier markets, including energy, ancillary services, and capacity trading. This study proposes a load factor-based VPP pre-dispatch model for optimal resource allocation. It incorporates the coupling effects of electricity–carbon markets. A Nash negotiation strategy is developed for multi-VPP cooperation. The model uses an accelerated adaptive alternating-direction multiplier method (AA-ADMM) for efficient demand response. The approach balances computational efficiency with privacy protection. Revenue is allocated fairly based on individual contributions. The study uses data from a VPP dispatch center in Shanxi Province. Shanxi has abundant wind and solar resources, necessitating advanced scheduling methods. Cooperative operation boosts profits for three VPPs by CNY 1101, 260, and 823, respectively. The alliance’s total profit rises by CNY 2184. Carbon emissions drop by 31.3% to 8.113 tons, with a CNY 926 gain over independent operation. Post-cooperation, VPP1 and VPP2 see slight emission increases, while VPP3 achieves major reductions. This leads to significant low-carbon benefits. This method proves effective in cutting costs and emissions. It also balances economic and environmental gains while ensuring fair profit distribution. Full article

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) presents emerging economies with an invaluable opportunity to reshape their market standings and reach a competitive advantage. Nonetheless, the acquisition and development of IoT technologies poses significant challenges for businesses in these areas. This study explores the factors affecting IoT technology acquisition and advancement by smart mobility businesses in this market. Through a review of literature and case studies, the research identifies key strategies and their characteristics. We focus on critical factors such as infrastructure constraints, technology acquisition, regulatory frameworks, business structures, and strategic alliances by analyzing related startups engaged in IoT products and services, each with distinct features. Additionally, this research utilizes the Capability Maturity Model to evaluate and enhance technological capabilities and business processes according to their readiness levels. Based on the results obtained, we emphasize the necessity of approaches tailored to specific needs and obstacles. Employing a mixed-methods approach, including conceptual studies, thematic analysis, interviews, questionnaires, and advanced machine learning techniques, the study sheds light on the strategic decisions, technological trends, and achievements of IoT-focused businesses. Therefore, it underscores the importance of recognizing technological trends and the pivotal role of data-driven analytics in strategic decision-making for technology adoption. Full article

Unitised integration is a management model used to address the fragmentation of multiple management entities in complex environments. Small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) safety alliances play an important role in centralised management and cost reduction in the safety management of SMEs, which are large in number, widely distributed, and small in volume. On the basis of the investigation and analysis of the current situation of SMEs’ own safety management and external supervision, as well as the market situation of safety service institutions, this paper explores the fragmentation problem of SMEs’ safety management. An idealised framework for the unitised integration of safety management in SMEs is proposed theoretically, and the model is tested and its limitations are discussed through a field investigation of the operational mechanism and problems of the SME Safety Alliance in Pukou District, Nanjing City, China, taking the SME safety alliance as a case study, with a view to proposing policy recommendations for the optimisation and promotion of the model. The unitised integration of safety management can help promote the adaptation of safety service supply and demand, thereby reducing the cost of safety management for SMEs, promoting the effective implementation of the main responsibility for safety, alleviating the pressure of production safety supervision, and ultimately promoting the further improvement of safety supervision and management systems for SMEs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Comprehensive cancer centers (CCCs) remain at the forefront of cancer control efforts. Limited clarity and variation exist around the models, scope, characteristics, and impacts of CCCs around the globe. This scoping review systematically searched and synthesized the international literature, describing core attributes and anticipated and realized impacts of CCCs, detailing changes over time. Methods: Searches for English language sources were conducted across PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Epistemonikos, and the gray literature from January 2002 to April 2024. Data were extracted and appraised by two authors. Results were narratively synthesized. Results: Of 3895 database records and 843 gray literature sources screened, 81 sources were included. Papers were predominantly opinion-based, from the USA and Europe, and published between 2011 and 2020. Internationally, the interconnected attributes of CCCs included (1) clinical service provision; (2) research, data, and innovation; (3) education and clinical support; (4) networks and leadership; (5) health equity and inclusiveness; and (6) accountability and governance. Largely anticipated impacts were synergistic and included delivery of optimal, person-centered, complex care; development of a highly qualified cancer workforce; greater research activity and funding; effective, strategic alliances; and reduction in cancer-related inequalities. Limited evidence was found demonstrating measurable broad outcomes of CCCs. The early literature highlighted the establishment, development, and accreditation of CCCs. The ongoing literature has reflected the evolution of cancer care, key areas for growth, and limitations of CCCs. Recently, the CCC literature has increased exponentially and focused on the need for CCCs to drive networks and leadership to address health equity and inclusiveness. Conclusions: Results suggest that CCCs are yet to reach their full potential, with future efforts ideally focusing on accountability, effective networking, and health equity at a local, national, and international level. CCCs must generate evidence of impact, and continue to evolve in line with contemporary healthcare, to fulfil their role in cancer control efforts. Full article

Aiming at solving the problem of new energy and load uncertainty leading to a steep increase in the demand for flexible reserve resources by integrated energy service providers (IESPs), a coordinated and optimized scheduling method for multi-region integrated energy service providers considering flexible reserve resources is proposed. First, for the uncertainty of new energy and load, Latin hypercube sampling is used to generate scenarios, and the scenarios are reduced by a K-means clustering algorithm. Second, based on the interaction relationship between the active distribution network (ADN) and multi-region IESPs, a mixed game model of the ADN and IESP alliance is established. ADN guides IESPs to optimize their operation by setting prices for electricity and reserves, and IESPs fully tap their own flexible reserve resources according to the prices set by ADN and achieve power interoperability through the interaction of IESPs in multiple regions to synergistically cope with the uncertainties of new energy and load. Finally, the example results show that the model proposed in this paper is able to realize the allocation of flexibility resources in a wider range, reduce the reserve pressure on the superior grid, and improve the profitability of IESPs. Full article

With the rapid development of e-commerce, the traditional trade mode of forest products has undergone significant changes. Logistics as a key factor to support e-commerce trade is particularly important to build a reasonable e-commerce logistics model of forest products. In the logistics service industry, the issue of cooperative profit allocation of logistics alliance has been crucial and prevalent. However, logistics alliances often face the problem of incomplete information, such as the ambiguity of transportation cost and driving distance, which makes it difficult to effectively apply many classical cooperative game solutions. Therefore, this paper introduces an improved Shapley value for cooperative games in fuzzy situations regarding unclear profit allocation in e-commerce logistics alliance of forest products. This value maximizes the satisfaction of the players by minimizing the contribution excess, according to which the trapezoidal fuzzy number least square contribution is calculated. Based on this, we replace the marginal contribution of the classical Shapley value with this least square contribution, thus creating the improved Shapley value with trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. Through the verification of actual cases, this method not only has theoretical value, but also provides effective guidance for the actual profit allocation of e-commerce logistics alliance of forest products, which helps to promote the stability and sustainable development of alliance. Full article

Despite the significant increase in studies on AI applications in many aspects of life, its applications in mental health services still require further studies. This study aimed to test a proposed structural model of the relationships between AI use, therapeutic alliance, and job engagement by PLS-SEM. The descriptive method was applied. The sample consisted of (382) mental health service providers in Saudi Arabia, including 178 men and 204 women between 25 and 50 (36.32 ± 6.43) years old. The Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire, the Therapeutic Alliance Scale, and the Job Engagement Scale were applied in this study. The results showed the structural model’s predictability for using AI and the therapeutic alliance in predicting job engagement and explaining the causal relationships between them compared to the indicator average and linear models. The study also found a strong positive overall statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the use of AI on therapeutic alliance (0.941) and job engagement (0.930) and a positive overall average statistically significant effect (p < 0.05) of the therapeutic alliance on job engagement (0.694). These findings indicated the importance of integrating AI applications and therapeutic alliance skills into training and professional development plans. Full article

Evaluating digital mental health services across racial and ethnic identities is crucial to ensuring health equity. We examined how People of Color (POC) and White adults were using and benefiting from an employer-sponsored digital mental health platform. A sample of 947 adults (42% POC) consented to an observational study and completed surveys on their identities and mental health outcomes at baseline and three-month follow-up. We examined care preferences, utilization, therapeutic alliance with mental health providers, and changes in outcomes among POC and White adults. At baseline, there were no race or ethnicity differences in preferred topics of focus (p = 0.36), rates of depression, anxiety, or loneliness (ps > 0.35), or self-reported well-being or stress (ps > 0.07). POC adults were more likely to prefer one-on-one care than White adults (p = 0.02). After 3 months of care utilization, there were no differences in therapeutic alliance (p = 0.52), use of therapy, coaching, or self-guided digital resources (ps > 0.47), or in the likelihood of improving, recovering, or maintaining clinical symptoms or psychosocial factors (ps > 0.07). Utilization, satisfaction, and clinical effectiveness were similar between POC and White adults, indicating the platform may offer comparable experiences. Evaluating utilization and outcomes among POC communities is necessary to inform consumers and help developers assess if innovations are fostering health equity. Full article

In service alliances, where multiple service providers collaborate to complete service transactions, the equitable allocation of profits based on their respective contributions and risk-bearing capacities is paramount. This paper introduces an optimized profit allocation game model that integrates risk considerations into the Nash bargaining framework. Initially, the study established a service alliance transaction model that considered the interactions among multiple participants, providing a robust theoretical foundation for cooperation. Subsequently, the concept of marginal risk was introduced, and a unique calculation method based on the Shapley value was devised to quantify risk contributions. Finally, an improved Nash bargaining model was proposed, which introduced a risk adjustment factor, explicitly addressing the impact of each participant’s risk on profit allocation. Through computational cases and result analyses, this model demonstrated its ability to balance profit and risk and to optimize outcomes for all participants, and it validated the fairness and rationality of the proposed allocation method. Full article

Background/Objectives: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disabling condition prevalent worldwide, requiring rehabilitation services from injury through community living. This study, conducted by representatives of the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA), aims to identify strategies for strengthening SCI rehabilitation services globally, with particular attention to settings where resources are limited. Methods: Three focus groups were held between 2023 and 2024 with WRA representatives specializing in SCI rehabilitation. Discussions focused on four key areas: workforce and education, health policy and systems research, primary care, and emergency response. Perspectives were developed taking into account frameworks from the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Key insights into SCI rehabilitation services emphasize workforce and education as critical areas, underscoring the importance of specialized training, certification, and ongoing support to build capacity. In health systems and policy research, significant gaps in evidence-based practices were highlighted, emphasizing the need for comprehensive data collection and national registries to guide policy and align SCI care with global standards. The integration into primary care systems is recommended to improve access and address common complications in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). For emergency response, this study stresses the importance of preparedness and establishing multi-disciplinary teams capable of managing SCI cases in resource-limited settings, reducing preventable complications, and improving patient outcomes. Conclusions: SCI rehabilitation services are essential to global health, with a need for workforce development, research, national registries, and integration into primary and emergency care. Such efforts should improve accessibility and align with global best practices, ensuring comprehensive and accessible rehabilitation for all. Full article

Community pharmacists continue to deliver a growing number of services, with an increased need for collaborative work between local teams in community settings. In South East London, the Integrated Care Board and Pharmacy Alliance have invested in the development of community pharmacy neighbourhood leads (CPNLs), who represent community pharmacies in a locality and provided a tailored five-session leadership course that ran between November 2023 and March 2024, covering theory and implementation. This study aimed to evaluate the experiences of the CPNLs and other colleagues who participated in the leadership development programme. Participants were asked to complete an evaluation survey after each session, along with individual interviews taking place with those who volunteered. Ethical approval was received. There was a total of 37 participants at the sessions, and 7 participated in an interview. Overall confidence increased throughout the course, with males statistically more confident than females. Relationships with new stakeholders also increased throughout the course. The proposed actions after each session echoed the topics covered, with planning meetings being prioritised. The interviews highlighted new opportunities identified and being acted on, a greater understanding of the role, and an increase in confidence and key relationships. Barriers in the role included time for meetings. Overall, investment in the CPNL role showed that learning from the programme was applied in practice, with an increase in confidence and understanding of the role and improved local relationships. The findings from this study can be used by others to support community pharmacy transformation and integration. Full article

The digital transformation age introduces cybersecurity threats into the hospitality industry by increasing the exposure and vulnerability of hospitality firms’ data and systems to hackers. The hospitality industry is a diverse segment of the service sector dedicated to the provision of services in areas such as accommodation, food and beverage, travel and tourism, and recreation, including hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, and theme parks. Cybersecurity risks in the hospitality industry affect the data and systems of businesses such as accommodation, food, travel, and entertainment, primarily enabled by the industry’s increasing digitization. This study aims to map the principal cybersecurity risks to the main stakeholders by proposing a novel Picture Fuzzy Sets (PFSs)-based Matrix of Alliances and Conflicts: Tactics, Objectives, and Recommendations (MACTOR) approach. The purpose here is to examine each stakeholder’s position towards handling cybersecurity attacks and estimate the uncertain nature of personal judgments of industry representatives when stating their point of view. The research aimed to extract the triggering positions of the defined cybercrime risks to reach the root cause of these risks, as the point to try to mitigate first. Thus, this paper contributes to the literature in both theoretical and practical ways by proposing a new approach and by providing real industry officials’ perspectives to solve the challenges. A hospitality practitioner can easily understand their position in this service network and take action to prevent such cybercrimes. Full article

In the e-commerce last-mile delivery process, the asset operators (logistics service providers who own parcel locker facilities) support their delivery service with parcel lockers, while the non-asset operators (logistics service providers without parcel lockers) perform door-to-door delivery. Due to demand fluctuation, asset operators’ parcel-locker slots may be left vacant, while non-asset operators are stuck with the high-cost door-to-door service. The exclusiveness of parcel-locker usage reduces resource utilization and service efficiency in last-mile delivery. Therefore, this paper proposes a parcel-locker-sharing model in which these two parties share the parcel-locker capacity in last-mile delivery. The asset operator rents the unused parcel lockers to the non-asset operator by charging a rental fee,while the non-asset operator rents the parcel lockers for delivery to save logistics costs. The motivation of this alliance is to increase the profits of both parties and that of the total supply chain. This study establishes the supply-chain profit model for the parcel-locker-sharing framework and finds that the profit or loss depends on the comparison of the operation cost savings and delivery-cost savings. A numerical analysis is conducted to validate the final result. The research further suggests the optimal rental quantity and price interval. This paper is the first to study the operational mechanism of sharing the parcel locker between two distinct types of logistics service providers and to offer recommendations for industrial application. Full article