Background: While global efforts have led to a decline in maternal and neonatal mortality, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face disproportionately high rates, remaining far above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)...Background: While global efforts have led to a decline in maternal and neonatal mortality, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face disproportionately high rates, remaining far above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. In Kenya, as the 2030 SDG deadline approaches, the gap in maternal, neonatal, and child health services remains significant. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes. Objective: This study explores how integration of digital health innovations into the MNCH chain of service delivery affects the quality of MNCH care within the selected PHC settings in Kajiado, Kisii and Migori Counties in Kenya. Methodology: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted 1-year post-intervention targeting a total of 482 pregnant women from intervention and control sites in Kisii, Kajiado and Migori Counties, Kenya. Data was analysed using Chi-Square test comparing frequencies between intervention and control groups when both variables are categorical. Results: Pre-intervention data revealed an increase in first ANC coverage within first trimester, from 167 to 278 post-intervention (p Linda mama social health insurance registrations increased from 1008 to 1135. At the intervention sites, 938 pregnant women got screened by midwives using portable mobile Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (OPOCUS) technology compared to the 27 cases that accessed ultrasound services in the noncontiguous control sites. The pilot sites midwives earned themselves an incentive income totaling Ksh 400,000 while the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who created demand for OPOCUS earned an incentive income totaling Ksh 327,195 from their IGAs that were project supported. There was a significant increase in mobile health application usage and e-resources access for health information in the intervention group (p services and improved adherence to referrals. Conclusion: The success of digital health interventions in improving health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and service uptake highlights the potential of such innovations to strengthen health systems and achieve universal health coverage. We recommend the intervention for a scale-up in other PHC settings in Kenya.展开更多
Performance-based warranties(PBWs)are widely used in industry and manufacturing.Given that PBW can impose financial burdens on manufacturers,rational maintenance decisions are essential for expanding profit margins.Th...Performance-based warranties(PBWs)are widely used in industry and manufacturing.Given that PBW can impose financial burdens on manufacturers,rational maintenance decisions are essential for expanding profit margins.This paper proposes an optimization model for PBW decisions for systems affected by Gamma degradation processes,incorporating periodic inspection.A system performance degradation model is established.Preventive maintenance probability and corrective renewal probability models are developed to calculate expected warranty costs and system availability.A benefits function,which includes incentives,is constructed to optimize the initial and subsequent inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds,thereby maximizing warranty profit.An improved sparrow search algorithm is developed to optimize the model,with a case study on large steam turbine rotor shafts.The results suggest the optimal PBW strategy involves an initial inspection interval of approximately 20 months,with subsequent intervals of about four months,and a preventive maintenance threshold of approximately 37.39 mm wear.When compared to common cost-minimization-based condition maintenance strategies and PBW strategies that do not differentiate between initial and subsequent inspection intervals,the proposed PBW strategy increases the manufacturer’s profit by 1%and 18%,respectively.Sensitivity analyses provide managerial recommendations for PBW implementation.The PBW strategy proposed in this study significantly increases manufacturers’profits by optimizing inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds,and manufacturers should focus on technological improvement in preventive maintenance and cost control to further enhance earnings.展开更多
Overviewing the air pollution situation in Hong Kong,energy generation and transportation are part of the contribution to the carbon emissions.Electric vehicles do not have engines and no air pollutants emissions.The ...Overviewing the air pollution situation in Hong Kong,energy generation and transportation are part of the contribution to the carbon emissions.Electric vehicles do not have engines and no air pollutants emissions.The promotion of electric vehicles serves as an important strategy to Hong Kong's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.This paper illustrated the financial incentives the Hong Kong Government has launched,including First Registration Tax concessions,profits tax deduction,One-for-One Scheme,lower license fee,subsidy support for e-buses and e-taxis,free charging services at government car parks,EV-charging at home Subsidy Scheme,etc.By comparing the cost of purchasing and owning vehicles with the cost of purchasing and owning electric vehicles as well as the market performance of electric vehicles to examine whether the financial incentives in Hong Kong can promote electric vehicles and serve as a prerequisite to low carbon transition.The results show that under government support and promotion associated with preferential policy,electric vehicles will become the future trend in Hong Kong with the advantage of lower emissions,energy saving,and environmental protection.展开更多
This essay evaluates the behavioural dynamics generated by profit incentives and compares them with those in government-owned and charitable enterprises.Drawing on neoclassical microeconomics,agency theory,and institu...This essay evaluates the behavioural dynamics generated by profit incentives and compares them with those in government-owned and charitable enterprises.Drawing on neoclassical microeconomics,agency theory,and institutional economics,it shows how the profit motive drives cost minimization,allocative efficiency,innovation,and consumer responsiveness.Profit expectations,formalized in endogenous growth models,act as catalysts for technological progress and dynamic efficiency,while agency-theoretic governance mechanisms align managerial incentives with shareholder interests.In contrast,government-owned enterprises operate under multi-objective welfare functions,often constrained by soft budget expectations,political interference,and X-inefficiencies that dilute efficiency.Charitable organizations,structured by the non-distribution constraint,emphasize social trust,equity,and mission fulfilment,supported by warm-glow altruism but constrained by free-rider problems and underfunding.A comparative evaluation suggests that profit-driven firms outperform in competitive markets producing private goods,whereas government and charitable forms play essential roles in addressing market failures and providing public or credence goods.The analysis affirms the institutionalist principle that ownership and governance structures must be aligned with the nature of the goods or services delivered.展开更多
Considering the widening of the peak-valley difference in the power grid and the difficulty of the existing fixed time-of-use electricity price mechanism in meeting the energy demand of heterogeneous users at various ...Considering the widening of the peak-valley difference in the power grid and the difficulty of the existing fixed time-of-use electricity price mechanism in meeting the energy demand of heterogeneous users at various moments or motivating users,the design of a reasonable dynamic pricing mechanism to actively engage users in demand response becomes imperative for power grid companies.For this purpose,a power grid-flexible load bilevel model is constructed based on dynamic pricing,where the leader is the dispatching center and the lower-level flexible load acts as the follower.Initially,an upper-level day-ahead dispatching model for the power grid is established,considering the lowest power grid dispatching cost as the objective function and incorporating the power grid-side constraints.Then,the lower level comprehensively considers the load characteristics of industrial load,energy storage,and data centers,and then establishes a lower-level flexible load operation model with the lowest user power-consuming cost as the objective function.Finally,the proposed method is validated using the IEEE-118 system,and the findings indicate that the dynamic pricing mechanism for peaking shaving and valley filling can effectively guide users to respond actively,thereby reducing the peak-valley difference and decreasing users’purchasing costs.展开更多
As the information sensing and processing capabilities of IoT devices increase,a large amount of data is being generated at the edge of Industrial IoT(IIoT),which has become a strong foundation for distributed Artific...As the information sensing and processing capabilities of IoT devices increase,a large amount of data is being generated at the edge of Industrial IoT(IIoT),which has become a strong foundation for distributed Artificial Intelligence(AI)applications.However,most users are reluctant to disclose their data due to network bandwidth limitations,device energy consumption,and privacy requirements.To address this issue,this paper introduces an Edge-assisted Federated Learning(EFL)framework,along with an incentive mechanism for lightweight industrial data sharing.In order to reduce the information asymmetry between data owners and users,an EFL model-sharing incentive mechanism based on contract theory is designed.In addition,a weight dispersion evaluation scheme based on Wasserstein distance is proposed.This study models an optimization problem of node selection and sharing incentives to maximize the EFL model consumers'profit and ensure the quality of training services.An incentive-based EFL algorithm with individual rationality and incentive compatibility constraints is proposed.Finally,the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of positive incentives for contract design and performance analysis of EFL systems.展开更多
This article explores the construction and optimization of incentive mechanisms in higher education management.It analyzes the current status of incentive mechanisms for teachers and students,pointing out existing pro...This article explores the construction and optimization of incentive mechanisms in higher education management.It analyzes the current status of incentive mechanisms for teachers and students,pointing out existing problems.The incentive mechanism is constructed from multiple dimensions such as salary and career development,and optimized through the establishment of a scientific assessment and evaluation system,strengthening information construction,and creating a good cultural atmosphere.The aim is to improve the quality of higher education and cultivate outstanding talents.展开更多
With the rapid development of medical data sharing,issues of privacy and ownership have become prominent,which have limited the scale of data sharing.To address the above challenges,we propose a blockchainbased data-s...With the rapid development of medical data sharing,issues of privacy and ownership have become prominent,which have limited the scale of data sharing.To address the above challenges,we propose a blockchainbased data-sharing framework to ensure data security and encourage data owners to actively participate in sharing.We introduce a reliable attribute-based searchable encryption scheme that enables fine-grained access control of encrypted data and ensures secure and efficient data sharing.The revenue distribution model is constructed based on Shapley value to motivate participants.Additionally,by integrating the smart contract technology of blockchain,the search operation and incentive mechanism are automatically executed.Through revenue distribution analysis,the incentive effect and rationality of the proposed scheme are verified.Performance evaluation shows that,compared with traditional data-sharing models,our proposed framework not only meets data security requirements but also incentivizes more participants to actively participate in data sharing.展开更多
BACKGROUND Patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery frequently encounter challenges in their self-care abilities,disease knowledge,and emotional well-being postoperatively.Effective nursing interventions are critical...BACKGROUND Patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery frequently encounter challenges in their self-care abilities,disease knowledge,and emotional well-being postoperatively.Effective nursing interventions are critical for improving the quality of life and minimizing complications.This study explored the clinical implications of integrating health education guided by problem management with positive incentive nursing to address these challenges.AIM To evaluate the effect of this combined nursing model on postoperative self-care ability,disease knowledge,mood state,and complication rates in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.METHODS Eighty patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery between October 2021 and August 2024 were allocated into reference(routine care)and experimental(problem management-guided health education combined with positive incentive nursing)groups.The outcomes included exercise of self-care agency scale,disease knowledge(hospital-specific questionnaire),mood state(profile of mood states),and complication rates.RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in self-care ability(P<0.05),with higher scores for health knowledge,self-concept,self-care skills,and self-care responsibility than the reference group.Disease knowledge scores also improved markedly in the experimental group(P<0.05).Mood state scores showed a significant decrease in the negative dimensions(e.g.,anxiety and depression)and an increase in energy vitality(P<0.05).Additionally,the experimental group exhibited a lower complication rate than the reference group(7.5%vs 27.5%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The integration of problem management-guided health education with positive incentive nursing significantly enhanced postoperative self-care abilities,disease knowledge,and emotional well-being while reducing complication rates.This model demonstrated potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice by offering a structured approach to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.展开更多
Objective:To explore the effect of implementing a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.Methods:Seventy-eight patient...Objective:To explore the effect of implementing a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure admitted from January 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a computer-based random drawing method.The control group(39 patients)received routine nursing,while the observation group(39 patients)received a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing.Lung function and adverse emotional states were compared between the two groups.Results:After 2 weeks of nursing,the lung function of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the adverse emotional states of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementing a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure can improve lung function and emotional state.展开更多
This paper presents a performance-based methodology for the assessment of seismic vulnerability and capacity of buildings. The vulnerability assessment methodology is based on the HAZUS methodology and the improved ca...This paper presents a performance-based methodology for the assessment of seismic vulnerability and capacity of buildings. The vulnerability assessment methodology is based on the HAZUS methodology and the improved capacity- demand-diagram method. The spectral displacement (Sd) of performance points on a capacity curve is used to estimate the damage level of a building. The relationship between Sd and peak ground acceleration (PGA) is established, and then a new vulnerability function is expressed in terms of PGA. Furthermore, the expected value of the seismic capacity index (SCev) is provided to estimate the seismic capacity of buildings based on the probability distribution of damage levels and the corresponding seismic capacity index. The results indicate that the proposed vulnerability methodology is able to assess seismic damage of a large number of building stock directly and quickly following an earthquake. The SCev provides an effective index to measure the seismic capacity of buildings and illustrate the relationship between the seismic capacity of buildings and seismic action. The estimated result is compared with damage surveys of the cities of Dujiangyan and Jiangyou in the M8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, revealing that the methodology is acceptable for seismic risk assessment and decision making. The primary reasons for discrepancies between the estimated results and the damage surveys are discussed.展开更多
With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components ...With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components of a building achieve a continuous or immediate occupancy performance level after a seismic event,failure of architectural,mechanical or electrical components can lower the performance level of the entire building system. This reduction in performance caused by the vulnerability of nonstructural components has been observed during recent earthquakes worldwide. Moreover,nonstructural damage has limited the functionality of critical facilities,such as hospitals,following major seismic events. The investment in nonstructural components and building contents is far greater than that of structural components and framing. Therefore,it is not surprising that in many past earthquakes,losses from damage to nonstructural components have exceeded losses from structural damage. Furthermore,the failure of nonstructural components can become a safety hazard or can hamper the safe movement of occupants evacuating buildings,or of rescue workers entering buildings. In comparison to structural components and systems,there is relatively limited information on the seismic design of nonstructural components. Basic research work in this area has been sparse,and the available codes and guidelines are usually,for the most part,based on past experiences,engineering judgment and intuition,rather than on objective experimental and analytical results. Often,design engineers are forced to start almost from square one after each earthquake event: to observe what went wrong and to try to prevent repetitions. This is a consequence of the empirical nature of current seismic regulations and guidelines for nonstructural components. This review paper summarizes current knowledge on the seismic design and analysis of nonstructural building components,identifying major knowledge gaps that will need to be filled by future research. Furthermore,considering recent trends in earthquake engineering,the paper explores how performance-based seismic design might be conceived for nonstructural components,drawing on recent developments made in the field of seismic design and hinting at the specific considerations required for nonstructural components.展开更多
AIM:To study the acceptability of incentives for behavior changes in individuals with diabetes,comparing financial incentives to self-rewards and non-financial incentives.METHODS:A national online survey of United Sta...AIM:To study the acceptability of incentives for behavior changes in individuals with diabetes,comparing financial incentives to self-rewards and non-financial incentives.METHODS:A national online survey of United States adults with diabetes was conducted in March 2013(n = 153).This survey was designed for this study,with iterative testing and modifications in a pilot population.We measured the demographics of individuals,their interest in incentives,as well as the perceived challenge of diabetes self-management tasks,and expectations of incentives to improve diabetes self-management(financial,non-financial and self-rewards).Using an ordered logistic regression model,we assessed the association between a 32-point score of the perceived challenge of the self-management tasks and the three types of rewards.RESULTS:Ninety-six percent of individuals were interested in financial incentives,60% in non-financial incentives and 72% in self-rewards.Patients were less likely to use financial incentives when they perceived the behavior to be more challenging(odds ratio of using financial incentives of 0.82(95%CI:0.72-0.93) for each point of the behavior score).While the effectiveness of incentives may vary according to the perceived level of challenge of each behavior,participants did not expect to need large amounts to motivate them to modify their behavior.The expected average amounts needed to motivate a 5 lb weight loss in our population and to maintain this weight change for a year was $258(interquartile range of $10-100) and $713(interquartile range of $25-250) for a 15 lb weight loss.The difference in mean amount estimates for 5 lb and 15 lb weight loss was significant(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Individuals with diabetes are willing to consider financial incentives to improve diabetes selfmanagement.Future studies are needed to explore incentive programs and their effectiveness for diabetes.展开更多
This paper presents the theory,method,and application of performance-based pavement needs assessment at a state level,using the Pennsylvania Interstate System as an example.First,a general framework is presented for t...This paper presents the theory,method,and application of performance-based pavement needs assessment at a state level,using the Pennsylvania Interstate System as an example.First,a general framework is presented for the pavement asset management and a general optimization model is established for the pavement maintenance and rehabilitation needs assessment.Also,the bundling of pavement segments for the project implementation is discussed.Using the examples of Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan and Long Range Transportation Plan for Pennsylvania Interstate System,the application of performance-based pavement needs assessment is demonstrated.It is shown that unconstrained analysis can help decision-makers investigate the real maintenance and rehabilitation needs;financially-constrained analysis can help decision-makers select projects for implementation and examine the corresponding future pavement conditions.Trade-off analysis can help decision-makers investigate the outcomes of different investment levels on pavement maintenance and rehabilitation and make the final decision on the investment level.The proposed case study provides a good example of performance-based pavement needs assessment for developing countries.展开更多
The BOF-key is the performance-based research funding system that is used in Flanders, Belgium. In this paper we describe the historical background of the system, its current design and organization, as well as its ef...The BOF-key is the performance-based research funding system that is used in Flanders, Belgium. In this paper we describe the historical background of the system, its current design and organization, as well as its effects on the Flemish higher education landscape. The BOFkey in its current form relies on three bibliometric parameters: publications in Web of Science, citations in Web of Science, and publications in a comprehensive regional database for SSH publications. Taken together, the BOF-key forms a unique variant of the Norwegian model: while the system to a large extent relies on a commercial database, it avoids the problem of inadequate coverage of the SSH. Because the bibliometric parameters of the BOF-key are reused in other funding allocation schemes, their overall importance to the Flemish universities is substantial.展开更多
Performance-based design in earthquake engineering is a structural optimization problem that has, as the objective, the determination of design parameters for the minimization of total costs, while at the same time sa...Performance-based design in earthquake engineering is a structural optimization problem that has, as the objective, the determination of design parameters for the minimization of total costs, while at the same time satisfying minimum reliability levels for the specifi ed performance criteria. Total costs include those for construction and structural damage repairs, those associated with non-structural components and the social costs of economic losses, injuries and fatalities. This paper presents a general framework to approach this problem, using a numerical optimization strategy and incorporating the use of neural networks for the evaluation of dynamic responses and the reliability levels achieved for a given set of design parameters. The strategy is applied to an example of a three-story offi ce building. The results show the importance of considering the social costs, and the optimum failure probabilities when minimum reliability constraints are not taken into account.展开更多
Purpose: This study aims to present the key systemic changes in the Polish book evaluation model to focus on the publisher list, as inspired by the Norwegian Model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we recons...Purpose: This study aims to present the key systemic changes in the Polish book evaluation model to focus on the publisher list, as inspired by the Norwegian Model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we reconstruct the framework of the 2010 and 2018 models of book evaluation in Poland within the performance-based research funding system. Findings: For almost 20 years the book evaluation system in Poland has been based on the verification of various technical criteria(e.g. length of the book). The new 2018 model is based on the principle of prestige inheritance(a book is worth as much as its publisher is) and is inspired by the publisher list used in the Norwegian Model. In this paper, we argue that this solution may be a more balanced policy instrument than the previous 2010 model in which neither the quality of the publisher nor the quality of the book played any role in the evaluation.Research limitations: We work from the framework of the 2018 model of book evaluation specified in the law on higher education and science from 20 July 2018, as implementation acts are not available yet. Practical implications: This study may provide a valuable point of reference on how structural reforms in the research evaluation model were implemented on a country level. The results of this study may be interesting to policy makers, stakeholders and researchers focused on science policy. Originality/value: This is the very first study that presents the new framework of the Polish research evaluation model and policy instruments for scholarly book evaluation. We describe what motivated policy makers to change the book evaluation model, and what arguments were explicitly raised to argue for the new solution.展开更多
When evaluating the seismic safety and reliability of complex engineering structures,it is a critical problem to reasonably consider the randomness and multi-dimensional nature of ground motions.To this end,a proposed...When evaluating the seismic safety and reliability of complex engineering structures,it is a critical problem to reasonably consider the randomness and multi-dimensional nature of ground motions.To this end,a proposed modeling strategy of multi-dimensional stochastic earthquakes is addressed in this study.This improved seismic model has several merits that enable it to better provide seismic analyses of structures.Specifically,at first,the ground motion model is compatible with the design response spectrum.Secondly,the evolutionary power spectrum involved in the model and the design response spectrum are constructed accordingly with sufficient consideration of the correlation between different seismic components.Thirdly,the random function-based dimension-reduction representation is applied,by which seismic modeling is established,with three elementary random variables.Numerical simulations of multi-dimensional stochastic ground motions in a specific design scenario indicate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling strategy.Moreover,the multi-dimensional seismic response and the global reliability of a high-rise frame-core tube structure is discussed in detail to further illustrate the engineering applicability of the proposed method.The analytical investigations demonstrate that the suggested stochastic model of multi-dimensional ground motion is available for accurate seismic response analysis and dynamic reliability assessment of complex engineering structures for performance-based seismic resistance design.展开更多
Objectives: While the value of glycemic control to minimize adverse health outcomes among patients with diabetes is clear, achieving hemoglobin A1c (A1c) goals remain a challenge. We evaluated the use of financial inc...Objectives: While the value of glycemic control to minimize adverse health outcomes among patients with diabetes is clear, achieving hemoglobin A1c (A1c) goals remain a challenge. We evaluated the use of financial incentives to increase enrollment and improve glycemic control among patients invited to participate in a monthly diabetes group appointment (DGA) as part of their enrollment in DaVita HealthCare Partners, a large southern California managed care organization. Methods: Adult diabetes patients (≥18 years) with a currently uncontrolled hemoglobin A1c level (>8.0% if 9.0% if ≥ 65 years) were randomized to 1) no DGA, 2) DGA with no financial incentives (non-incentive DGA) or 3) DGA with financial incentives (incentive DGA). Results: Nine sites among four regions of the greater Los Angeles area participated. Each site offered one non-incentive DGA and one incentive DGA. Over 1500 patients were identified for recruitment and at the peak of enrollment, 299 patients were enrolled in 18 DGAs. On average, hemoglobin A1c values dropped more for patients participating in the incentive DGA (9.9% to 8.7%, -1.2%) versus non-incentive DGA (9.7% to 9.0%, -0.7%) versus no DGA group (9.1% to 8.7%, -0.4%). Several unexpected implementation challenges arose which complicated evaluation but provide important learning lessons. Conclusions: Management of chronic diseases like diabetes is challenging for patients and the primary care system alike. Continuing to implement and evaluate programs under “real-world” conditions can provide further insight into how best to support patients with diabetes and their primary care teams in order to achieve glycemic control and avoid preventable complications.展开更多
文摘Background: While global efforts have led to a decline in maternal and neonatal mortality, Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face disproportionately high rates, remaining far above the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. In Kenya, as the 2030 SDG deadline approaches, the gap in maternal, neonatal, and child health services remains significant. Addressing these challenges is critical to improving Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes. Objective: This study explores how integration of digital health innovations into the MNCH chain of service delivery affects the quality of MNCH care within the selected PHC settings in Kajiado, Kisii and Migori Counties in Kenya. Methodology: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted 1-year post-intervention targeting a total of 482 pregnant women from intervention and control sites in Kisii, Kajiado and Migori Counties, Kenya. Data was analysed using Chi-Square test comparing frequencies between intervention and control groups when both variables are categorical. Results: Pre-intervention data revealed an increase in first ANC coverage within first trimester, from 167 to 278 post-intervention (p Linda mama social health insurance registrations increased from 1008 to 1135. At the intervention sites, 938 pregnant women got screened by midwives using portable mobile Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (OPOCUS) technology compared to the 27 cases that accessed ultrasound services in the noncontiguous control sites. The pilot sites midwives earned themselves an incentive income totaling Ksh 400,000 while the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who created demand for OPOCUS earned an incentive income totaling Ksh 327,195 from their IGAs that were project supported. There was a significant increase in mobile health application usage and e-resources access for health information in the intervention group (p services and improved adherence to referrals. Conclusion: The success of digital health interventions in improving health-seeking behaviour, knowledge, and service uptake highlights the potential of such innovations to strengthen health systems and achieve universal health coverage. We recommend the intervention for a scale-up in other PHC settings in Kenya.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71871219).
文摘Performance-based warranties(PBWs)are widely used in industry and manufacturing.Given that PBW can impose financial burdens on manufacturers,rational maintenance decisions are essential for expanding profit margins.This paper proposes an optimization model for PBW decisions for systems affected by Gamma degradation processes,incorporating periodic inspection.A system performance degradation model is established.Preventive maintenance probability and corrective renewal probability models are developed to calculate expected warranty costs and system availability.A benefits function,which includes incentives,is constructed to optimize the initial and subsequent inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds,thereby maximizing warranty profit.An improved sparrow search algorithm is developed to optimize the model,with a case study on large steam turbine rotor shafts.The results suggest the optimal PBW strategy involves an initial inspection interval of approximately 20 months,with subsequent intervals of about four months,and a preventive maintenance threshold of approximately 37.39 mm wear.When compared to common cost-minimization-based condition maintenance strategies and PBW strategies that do not differentiate between initial and subsequent inspection intervals,the proposed PBW strategy increases the manufacturer’s profit by 1%and 18%,respectively.Sensitivity analyses provide managerial recommendations for PBW implementation.The PBW strategy proposed in this study significantly increases manufacturers’profits by optimizing inspection intervals and preventive maintenance thresholds,and manufacturers should focus on technological improvement in preventive maintenance and cost control to further enhance earnings.
文摘Overviewing the air pollution situation in Hong Kong,energy generation and transportation are part of the contribution to the carbon emissions.Electric vehicles do not have engines and no air pollutants emissions.The promotion of electric vehicles serves as an important strategy to Hong Kong's goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.This paper illustrated the financial incentives the Hong Kong Government has launched,including First Registration Tax concessions,profits tax deduction,One-for-One Scheme,lower license fee,subsidy support for e-buses and e-taxis,free charging services at government car parks,EV-charging at home Subsidy Scheme,etc.By comparing the cost of purchasing and owning vehicles with the cost of purchasing and owning electric vehicles as well as the market performance of electric vehicles to examine whether the financial incentives in Hong Kong can promote electric vehicles and serve as a prerequisite to low carbon transition.The results show that under government support and promotion associated with preferential policy,electric vehicles will become the future trend in Hong Kong with the advantage of lower emissions,energy saving,and environmental protection.
文摘This essay evaluates the behavioural dynamics generated by profit incentives and compares them with those in government-owned and charitable enterprises.Drawing on neoclassical microeconomics,agency theory,and institutional economics,it shows how the profit motive drives cost minimization,allocative efficiency,innovation,and consumer responsiveness.Profit expectations,formalized in endogenous growth models,act as catalysts for technological progress and dynamic efficiency,while agency-theoretic governance mechanisms align managerial incentives with shareholder interests.In contrast,government-owned enterprises operate under multi-objective welfare functions,often constrained by soft budget expectations,political interference,and X-inefficiencies that dilute efficiency.Charitable organizations,structured by the non-distribution constraint,emphasize social trust,equity,and mission fulfilment,supported by warm-glow altruism but constrained by free-rider problems and underfunding.A comparative evaluation suggests that profit-driven firms outperform in competitive markets producing private goods,whereas government and charitable forms play essential roles in addressing market failures and providing public or credence goods.The analysis affirms the institutionalist principle that ownership and governance structures must be aligned with the nature of the goods or services delivered.
基金supported in part by Technology Project of State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co.,Ltd.,China,under Grant J2022011.
文摘Considering the widening of the peak-valley difference in the power grid and the difficulty of the existing fixed time-of-use electricity price mechanism in meeting the energy demand of heterogeneous users at various moments or motivating users,the design of a reasonable dynamic pricing mechanism to actively engage users in demand response becomes imperative for power grid companies.For this purpose,a power grid-flexible load bilevel model is constructed based on dynamic pricing,where the leader is the dispatching center and the lower-level flexible load acts as the follower.Initially,an upper-level day-ahead dispatching model for the power grid is established,considering the lowest power grid dispatching cost as the objective function and incorporating the power grid-side constraints.Then,the lower level comprehensively considers the load characteristics of industrial load,energy storage,and data centers,and then establishes a lower-level flexible load operation model with the lowest user power-consuming cost as the objective function.Finally,the proposed method is validated using the IEEE-118 system,and the findings indicate that the dynamic pricing mechanism for peaking shaving and valley filling can effectively guide users to respond actively,thereby reducing the peak-valley difference and decreasing users’purchasing costs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.62071070)Major science and technology special project of Science and Technology Department of Yunnan Province (202002AB080001-8)BUPT innovation&entrepreneurship support program (2023-YC-T031)。
文摘As the information sensing and processing capabilities of IoT devices increase,a large amount of data is being generated at the edge of Industrial IoT(IIoT),which has become a strong foundation for distributed Artificial Intelligence(AI)applications.However,most users are reluctant to disclose their data due to network bandwidth limitations,device energy consumption,and privacy requirements.To address this issue,this paper introduces an Edge-assisted Federated Learning(EFL)framework,along with an incentive mechanism for lightweight industrial data sharing.In order to reduce the information asymmetry between data owners and users,an EFL model-sharing incentive mechanism based on contract theory is designed.In addition,a weight dispersion evaluation scheme based on Wasserstein distance is proposed.This study models an optimization problem of node selection and sharing incentives to maximize the EFL model consumers'profit and ensure the quality of training services.An incentive-based EFL algorithm with individual rationality and incentive compatibility constraints is proposed.Finally,the experimental results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in terms of positive incentives for contract design and performance analysis of EFL systems.
文摘This article explores the construction and optimization of incentive mechanisms in higher education management.It analyzes the current status of incentive mechanisms for teachers and students,pointing out existing problems.The incentive mechanism is constructed from multiple dimensions such as salary and career development,and optimized through the establishment of a scientific assessment and evaluation system,strengthening information construction,and creating a good cultural atmosphere.The aim is to improve the quality of higher education and cultivate outstanding talents.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province of China(F2021201052).
文摘With the rapid development of medical data sharing,issues of privacy and ownership have become prominent,which have limited the scale of data sharing.To address the above challenges,we propose a blockchainbased data-sharing framework to ensure data security and encourage data owners to actively participate in sharing.We introduce a reliable attribute-based searchable encryption scheme that enables fine-grained access control of encrypted data and ensures secure and efficient data sharing.The revenue distribution model is constructed based on Shapley value to motivate participants.Additionally,by integrating the smart contract technology of blockchain,the search operation and incentive mechanism are automatically executed.Through revenue distribution analysis,the incentive effect and rationality of the proposed scheme are verified.Performance evaluation shows that,compared with traditional data-sharing models,our proposed framework not only meets data security requirements but also incentivizes more participants to actively participate in data sharing.
文摘BACKGROUND Patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery frequently encounter challenges in their self-care abilities,disease knowledge,and emotional well-being postoperatively.Effective nursing interventions are critical for improving the quality of life and minimizing complications.This study explored the clinical implications of integrating health education guided by problem management with positive incentive nursing to address these challenges.AIM To evaluate the effect of this combined nursing model on postoperative self-care ability,disease knowledge,mood state,and complication rates in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.METHODS Eighty patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery between October 2021 and August 2024 were allocated into reference(routine care)and experimental(problem management-guided health education combined with positive incentive nursing)groups.The outcomes included exercise of self-care agency scale,disease knowledge(hospital-specific questionnaire),mood state(profile of mood states),and complication rates.RESULTS The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in self-care ability(P<0.05),with higher scores for health knowledge,self-concept,self-care skills,and self-care responsibility than the reference group.Disease knowledge scores also improved markedly in the experimental group(P<0.05).Mood state scores showed a significant decrease in the negative dimensions(e.g.,anxiety and depression)and an increase in energy vitality(P<0.05).Additionally,the experimental group exhibited a lower complication rate than the reference group(7.5%vs 27.5%,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The integration of problem management-guided health education with positive incentive nursing significantly enhanced postoperative self-care abilities,disease knowledge,and emotional well-being while reducing complication rates.This model demonstrated potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice by offering a structured approach to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
文摘Objective:To explore the effect of implementing a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure.Methods:Seventy-eight patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure admitted from January 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a computer-based random drawing method.The control group(39 patients)received routine nursing,while the observation group(39 patients)received a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing.Lung function and adverse emotional states were compared between the two groups.Results:After 2 weeks of nursing,the lung function of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the adverse emotional states of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementing a time-sensitive incentive model combined with specialized rehabilitation nursing in patients with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure can improve lung function and emotional state.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China Under Grant No.50908216Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China Under Grant No.20070420878
文摘This paper presents a performance-based methodology for the assessment of seismic vulnerability and capacity of buildings. The vulnerability assessment methodology is based on the HAZUS methodology and the improved capacity- demand-diagram method. The spectral displacement (Sd) of performance points on a capacity curve is used to estimate the damage level of a building. The relationship between Sd and peak ground acceleration (PGA) is established, and then a new vulnerability function is expressed in terms of PGA. Furthermore, the expected value of the seismic capacity index (SCev) is provided to estimate the seismic capacity of buildings based on the probability distribution of damage levels and the corresponding seismic capacity index. The results indicate that the proposed vulnerability methodology is able to assess seismic damage of a large number of building stock directly and quickly following an earthquake. The SCev provides an effective index to measure the seismic capacity of buildings and illustrate the relationship between the seismic capacity of buildings and seismic action. The estimated result is compared with damage surveys of the cities of Dujiangyan and Jiangyou in the M8.0 Wenchuan earthquake, revealing that the methodology is acceptable for seismic risk assessment and decision making. The primary reasons for discrepancies between the estimated results and the damage surveys are discussed.
文摘With the development and implementation of performance-based earthquake engineering,harmonization of performance levels between structural and nonstructural components becomes vital. Even if the structural components of a building achieve a continuous or immediate occupancy performance level after a seismic event,failure of architectural,mechanical or electrical components can lower the performance level of the entire building system. This reduction in performance caused by the vulnerability of nonstructural components has been observed during recent earthquakes worldwide. Moreover,nonstructural damage has limited the functionality of critical facilities,such as hospitals,following major seismic events. The investment in nonstructural components and building contents is far greater than that of structural components and framing. Therefore,it is not surprising that in many past earthquakes,losses from damage to nonstructural components have exceeded losses from structural damage. Furthermore,the failure of nonstructural components can become a safety hazard or can hamper the safe movement of occupants evacuating buildings,or of rescue workers entering buildings. In comparison to structural components and systems,there is relatively limited information on the seismic design of nonstructural components. Basic research work in this area has been sparse,and the available codes and guidelines are usually,for the most part,based on past experiences,engineering judgment and intuition,rather than on objective experimental and analytical results. Often,design engineers are forced to start almost from square one after each earthquake event: to observe what went wrong and to try to prevent repetitions. This is a consequence of the empirical nature of current seismic regulations and guidelines for nonstructural components. This review paper summarizes current knowledge on the seismic design and analysis of nonstructural building components,identifying major knowledge gaps that will need to be filled by future research. Furthermore,considering recent trends in earthquake engineering,the paper explores how performance-based seismic design might be conceived for nonstructural components,drawing on recent developments made in the field of seismic design and hinting at the specific considerations required for nonstructural components.
文摘AIM:To study the acceptability of incentives for behavior changes in individuals with diabetes,comparing financial incentives to self-rewards and non-financial incentives.METHODS:A national online survey of United States adults with diabetes was conducted in March 2013(n = 153).This survey was designed for this study,with iterative testing and modifications in a pilot population.We measured the demographics of individuals,their interest in incentives,as well as the perceived challenge of diabetes self-management tasks,and expectations of incentives to improve diabetes self-management(financial,non-financial and self-rewards).Using an ordered logistic regression model,we assessed the association between a 32-point score of the perceived challenge of the self-management tasks and the three types of rewards.RESULTS:Ninety-six percent of individuals were interested in financial incentives,60% in non-financial incentives and 72% in self-rewards.Patients were less likely to use financial incentives when they perceived the behavior to be more challenging(odds ratio of using financial incentives of 0.82(95%CI:0.72-0.93) for each point of the behavior score).While the effectiveness of incentives may vary according to the perceived level of challenge of each behavior,participants did not expect to need large amounts to motivate them to modify their behavior.The expected average amounts needed to motivate a 5 lb weight loss in our population and to maintain this weight change for a year was $258(interquartile range of $10-100) and $713(interquartile range of $25-250) for a 15 lb weight loss.The difference in mean amount estimates for 5 lb and 15 lb weight loss was significant(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:Individuals with diabetes are willing to consider financial incentives to improve diabetes selfmanagement.Future studies are needed to explore incentive programs and their effectiveness for diabetes.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2018YFB1601202)the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province(No.2019JM-228)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51308335)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Chang’an University(No.300102218401)
文摘This paper presents the theory,method,and application of performance-based pavement needs assessment at a state level,using the Pennsylvania Interstate System as an example.First,a general framework is presented for the pavement asset management and a general optimization model is established for the pavement maintenance and rehabilitation needs assessment.Also,the bundling of pavement segments for the project implementation is discussed.Using the examples of Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan and Long Range Transportation Plan for Pennsylvania Interstate System,the application of performance-based pavement needs assessment is demonstrated.It is shown that unconstrained analysis can help decision-makers investigate the real maintenance and rehabilitation needs;financially-constrained analysis can help decision-makers select projects for implementation and examine the corresponding future pavement conditions.Trade-off analysis can help decision-makers investigate the outcomes of different investment levels on pavement maintenance and rehabilitation and make the final decision on the investment level.The proposed case study provides a good example of performance-based pavement needs assessment for developing countries.
文摘The BOF-key is the performance-based research funding system that is used in Flanders, Belgium. In this paper we describe the historical background of the system, its current design and organization, as well as its effects on the Flemish higher education landscape. The BOFkey in its current form relies on three bibliometric parameters: publications in Web of Science, citations in Web of Science, and publications in a comprehensive regional database for SSH publications. Taken together, the BOF-key forms a unique variant of the Norwegian model: while the system to a large extent relies on a commercial database, it avoids the problem of inadequate coverage of the SSH. Because the bibliometric parameters of the BOF-key are reused in other funding allocation schemes, their overall importance to the Flemish universities is substantial.
文摘Performance-based design in earthquake engineering is a structural optimization problem that has, as the objective, the determination of design parameters for the minimization of total costs, while at the same time satisfying minimum reliability levels for the specifi ed performance criteria. Total costs include those for construction and structural damage repairs, those associated with non-structural components and the social costs of economic losses, injuries and fatalities. This paper presents a general framework to approach this problem, using a numerical optimization strategy and incorporating the use of neural networks for the evaluation of dynamic responses and the reliability levels achieved for a given set of design parameters. The strategy is applied to an example of a three-story offi ce building. The results show the importance of considering the social costs, and the optimum failure probabilities when minimum reliability constraints are not taken into account.
基金supported by the DIALOG Program[grant name“Research into Excellence Patterns in Science and Art”]financed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Poland
文摘Purpose: This study aims to present the key systemic changes in the Polish book evaluation model to focus on the publisher list, as inspired by the Norwegian Model. Design/methodology/approach: In this study we reconstruct the framework of the 2010 and 2018 models of book evaluation in Poland within the performance-based research funding system. Findings: For almost 20 years the book evaluation system in Poland has been based on the verification of various technical criteria(e.g. length of the book). The new 2018 model is based on the principle of prestige inheritance(a book is worth as much as its publisher is) and is inspired by the publisher list used in the Norwegian Model. In this paper, we argue that this solution may be a more balanced policy instrument than the previous 2010 model in which neither the quality of the publisher nor the quality of the book played any role in the evaluation.Research limitations: We work from the framework of the 2018 model of book evaluation specified in the law on higher education and science from 20 July 2018, as implementation acts are not available yet. Practical implications: This study may provide a valuable point of reference on how structural reforms in the research evaluation model were implemented on a country level. The results of this study may be interesting to policy makers, stakeholders and researchers focused on science policy. Originality/value: This is the very first study that presents the new framework of the Polish research evaluation model and policy instruments for scholarly book evaluation. We describe what motivated policy makers to change the book evaluation model, and what arguments were explicitly raised to argue for the new solution.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos.51978543,52108444,and 51778343Plan of Outstanding Young and Middle-aged Scientific and Technological Innovation Team in the Universities of Hubei Province with Project No.T2020010Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province under Grant No.E2021512001。
文摘When evaluating the seismic safety and reliability of complex engineering structures,it is a critical problem to reasonably consider the randomness and multi-dimensional nature of ground motions.To this end,a proposed modeling strategy of multi-dimensional stochastic earthquakes is addressed in this study.This improved seismic model has several merits that enable it to better provide seismic analyses of structures.Specifically,at first,the ground motion model is compatible with the design response spectrum.Secondly,the evolutionary power spectrum involved in the model and the design response spectrum are constructed accordingly with sufficient consideration of the correlation between different seismic components.Thirdly,the random function-based dimension-reduction representation is applied,by which seismic modeling is established,with three elementary random variables.Numerical simulations of multi-dimensional stochastic ground motions in a specific design scenario indicate the effectiveness of the proposed modeling strategy.Moreover,the multi-dimensional seismic response and the global reliability of a high-rise frame-core tube structure is discussed in detail to further illustrate the engineering applicability of the proposed method.The analytical investigations demonstrate that the suggested stochastic model of multi-dimensional ground motion is available for accurate seismic response analysis and dynamic reliability assessment of complex engineering structures for performance-based seismic resistance design.
文摘Objectives: While the value of glycemic control to minimize adverse health outcomes among patients with diabetes is clear, achieving hemoglobin A1c (A1c) goals remain a challenge. We evaluated the use of financial incentives to increase enrollment and improve glycemic control among patients invited to participate in a monthly diabetes group appointment (DGA) as part of their enrollment in DaVita HealthCare Partners, a large southern California managed care organization. Methods: Adult diabetes patients (≥18 years) with a currently uncontrolled hemoglobin A1c level (>8.0% if 9.0% if ≥ 65 years) were randomized to 1) no DGA, 2) DGA with no financial incentives (non-incentive DGA) or 3) DGA with financial incentives (incentive DGA). Results: Nine sites among four regions of the greater Los Angeles area participated. Each site offered one non-incentive DGA and one incentive DGA. Over 1500 patients were identified for recruitment and at the peak of enrollment, 299 patients were enrolled in 18 DGAs. On average, hemoglobin A1c values dropped more for patients participating in the incentive DGA (9.9% to 8.7%, -1.2%) versus non-incentive DGA (9.7% to 9.0%, -0.7%) versus no DGA group (9.1% to 8.7%, -0.4%). Several unexpected implementation challenges arose which complicated evaluation but provide important learning lessons. Conclusions: Management of chronic diseases like diabetes is challenging for patients and the primary care system alike. Continuing to implement and evaluate programs under “real-world” conditions can provide further insight into how best to support patients with diabetes and their primary care teams in order to achieve glycemic control and avoid preventable complications.
