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• Proposed an extended dynamic two-stage DEA model for urban water supply utilities. • Analyzed 246 water utilities across 24 Chinese provinces from 2016 to 2018. • Found average water utilities efficiency of 0.643 and lower in water production. • Eastern provinces outperformed central and western regions. Urban water scarcity and severe consumption challenges are crucial for improving performance in the urban water supply industry. Urban Water Supply Utilities (UWSUs) perform the primary task of providing tap water to city residents, and regulators use benchmarks to monitor UWSU operations. To assess the efficiency of UWSUs in detail, this study introduces a dynamic two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model with shared inputs and shared carryover. This model decomposes UWSU operations into water production (WP) and water distribution (WD) subprocesses. By combining dynamic features with network DEA, the study extends the static network DEA to a more general case for evaluating UWSU efficiency. The study sample includes 246 UWSUs from 24 provinces in China over the period 2016–2018. The analysis covers overall efficiency, period efficiency, subprocess efficiency, and regional disparities among the sampled water utilities. The findings indicate that the average efficiency of the UWSUs was 0.643 during 2016–2018, with slightly lower efficiency in the WP subprocess. UWSUs in the eastern provinces outperformed those in the central and western provinces, which require significant improvements. To enhance the performance of China's water supply sector, accelerated market competition and infrastructure improvements are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addressed the quality assessment of photovoltaic (PV) panels by analyzing their efficiency and electrical power under varying environmental conditions. A sophisticated algorithm was developed to extract and analyze PV panel voltage and current data in a complex manner, allowing the identification of key parameters such as open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), and peak electrical power. These parameters were compared to the input power to accurately determine the panel efficiency. The novelty of this approach lies in its real-time implementation using a DC/DC (buck-boost) converter equipped with precise voltage and current sensors and running on a TMS320f379D board, linking theoretical knowledge with practical results. Experimental results demonstrated that temperature and irradiation significantly influence PV performance. With a 10°C increase in temperature, it resulted in a 5-10% decrease in output power, while a 100 W/m² increase in irradiation resulted in a 10-15% increase in output power. The study highlights the importance of considering both temperature and irradiation variations to optimize PV system design and operation, providing a robust method to assess PV panel quality in real-time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of advanced technologies such as cloud computing in the Industry 4.0 era has provided numerous advantages. Cloud computing is one of the most significant technologies of Industry 4.0 for sustainable development. Numerous providers have developed various new services, which have become a crucial ingredient of information systems in many organizations. One of the challenges for cloud computing customers is evaluating potential providers. To date, considerable research has been undertaken to solve the problem of evaluating the efficiency of cloud service providers (CSPs). However, no study addresses the efficiency of providers in the context of an entire supply chain, where multiple services interact to achieve a business objective or goal. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a powerful method for efficiency measurement problems. However, the current models ignore undesirable outputs, integer-valued, and stochastic data which can lead to inaccurate results. As such, the primary objective of this paper is to design a decision support system that accurately evaluates the efficiency of multiple CSPs in a supply chain. The current study incorporates undesirable outputs, integer-valued, and stochastic data in a network DEA model for the efficiency measurement of service providers. The results from a case study illustrate the applicability of our new system. The results also show how taking undesirable outputs, integer-valued, and stochastic data into account changes the efficiency of service providers. The system is also able to provide the optimal composition of CSPs to suit a customer's priorities and requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-tech industry plays an important role in promoting the upgrading of industrial structures. Its innovation activities show an obvious two-system structure. To promote co-development and improve industrial competitiveness, it is essential to examine the efficiency and measure the coupling coordination degree between two systems. With this regard, we first measure the relative efficiency using nonparametric technologies under different specifications of each system. Second, the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree between two systems have been calculated. Finally, comparative analyses of efficiency and coupling coordination degrees have been analysed from the perspective of the regional high-tech industry. Empirical results indicate the low overall technical efficiency in the regional high-tech industry is caused by low-scale efficiency under nonconvex. However, it is caused by low pure technical efficiency under convex. Moreover, the average efficiency of technology development in regional high-tech industry is higher than that of technology transformation for convex and nonconvex cases. Furthermore, the degree of coupling coordination of the two systems of the high-tech industry in all regions is moderate and above coordination. The empirical results can provide useful suggestions for policymakers to create an environment conducive to industrial development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) occupies 2.1% of China's territory but accounts for 1/4 of its GDP. Boosting efficiency of industrial water resources in YRD will drastically decrease water pollution and resource constraints. The current paper employed Network Super-SBM and the Global Malmquist-Luenberger index to evaluate industrial water use efficiency and wastewater treatment efficiency of YRD’ cities. Furthermore, digital inclusive finance and green innovation are introduced to investigate the mechanisms underlying their influence on the overall industrial water resources efficiency. The empirical findings posts that: (1) there is still room to improve the overall efficiency, especially the water treatment efficiency; (2) the MI value of each stages in most samples is greater than 1, indicating that the water treatment efficiency and water use efficiency are improving. It is mainly driven by the improvement of the efficiency of the management; (3) there are substantial differences in water resource efficiency among metropolitan areas, with Nanjing-metropolitan areas and Hefei-metropolitan areas having higher water use efficiency and water treatment efficiency for both stages, while Hangzhou-metropolitan areas and Shanghai-metropolitan areas have lower water treatment efficiency. As shown by the Kernel density Estimation, the degree of efficiency dispersion within same metropolitan area is reducing; and (4) digital inclusive finance will boost overall efficiency and water treatment efficiency, with green innovation as a mediating factor. The findings herein offer compelling evidence that financial development increases the effectiveness of water resources, introduce fresh perspectives for the government to put forward water-related policies, and provide ideas for high-quality economy.

Background The degree of aging in China is constantly deepening, and the demand for medical and nursing care services among residents is increasing day by day. Exploring how the integrated medical and nursing care services can develop efficiently with high quality is of great practical significance for actively responding to the aging population. Objective This study provided a reference for improving the service efficiency and optimizing resource allocation by analyzing the efficiency evaluation of the integrated medical and nursing care services in Beijing's nursing homes. Methods On-site survey of elderly care organisations in Beijing, May 2018. The output-oriented BCC model in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to evaluate the technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, scale efficiency of the integrated medical and nursing care services of 62 nursing homes in Beijing. Input indicators: number of institutional beds, number of medical staff, number of elderly caregivers (carers). Output indicators: number of totally disabled/severely impaired elderly, number of partially disabled/mildly impaired elderly, and number of self-care elderly. Results It is found that in the technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency of 62 nursing homes in Beijing, the proportion of DEA effective unit is 12.903%, 35.484% and 12.903% respectively. The average values of technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency are 0.599, 0.788 and 0.760 respectively. Among them, 12.903% of nursing homes are in the state of constant returns to scale, 70.968% are in the state of decreasing returns to scale, and 16.129% are in the state of increasing returns to scale. Conclusion The overall service efficiency of nursing homes in Beijing is low, and there are phenomena of resource waste and mismatch between supply and demand. It is suggested that nursing homes should scientifically locate the target group, provide accurate services, reasonably calculate the input capacity, and promote service cooperation between the hospital and the nursing home. The government should continue to implement the further implementation of relevant support policies.

In the realm of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), the assessment of relative efficiency has historically relied on deterministic variables. Yet, real-world data often presents diverse uncertainties, including a neutrosophic nature, which can significantly impact the accuracy and reliability of DEA outcomes. Therefore, the current paper proposes a new DEA model entirely to address this issue and in new DEA model designed to address this issue, preexisting approaches that fall short due to the inability to address neutrosophic uncertainty, which can be commonly found in actual data, to enhance efficiency evaluation precision. This paper introduces the new DEA model to show the potential to deal with the neutrosophic uncertainty in the input and output to decide whether the certain variable is deterministic or neutrosophic. In addition, they assure the flexibility of the model regarding the orientation and to embrace both the output-orientation and input-orientation as well as both constant and variable return on scale. In its simplest form, the model converts the neutrosophic constraints into their determinate forms, which makes the DEA issues feasible in the determinate domain. On this way, the current model enhances the drawbacks of conventional DEA methodologies, and the actual data reflected by neutrosophic indeterminacies. The research discusses that the proposed model holds a high capability and flexibility through theoretical examination and through the given cases. This particular methodology helps researchers and decision makers to be able to use all its functions in enhancing defensibility and precision in the assessment of efficiency thereby increasing the accuracy of the decision-making process in every aspect of its use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the efficiency of China’s seven emission trading schemes (ETS) piloted in 2013. We evaluate seven pilots’ overall technical and scale efficiencies and temporal dynamics during 2014–2023. We use a bootstrap correction data envelopment analysis (bootstrap-DEA), which guarantees a more accurate efficiency estimation than the traditional DEA model. The results show that the average overall (pure technical) efficiency of the seven pilot markets increased from 0.612 (0.844) in 2014 to 0.898 (0.990) in 2023. Furthermore, we document that seven ETS pilots differ remarkably in efficiency and transaction price, whilst all have shortages. Specifically, the small-scale market transaction is the main constraint effect on the average scale efficiency of the ETS. This study provides concrete recommendations for policy makers to consummate institutional designs to improve ETS efficiency.

A balanced spatial distribution of urban services is an essential indicator of social justice in the city. Any change in spatial justice has a direct impact on economic and social relations and income distribution in society. The present study aims to analyze the efficiency and inefficiency of the twenty-two districts of Tehran, Iran, in terms of healthcare services for COVID-19 pandemic based on spatial justice. This study is applied-developmental research and adopts a descriptive-analytical methodology. The data included 26 indexes. The data were analyzed using Shannon’s entropy, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and the cross-efficiency matrix in ArcGIS and DEA Solver. The twenty-two districts of Tehran were treated as decision-making units. The DEA used the Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes constant returns-to-scale ratio model with an output-oriented approach. Research findings show the residents of the central districts in Tehran had the best accessibility (in terms of distance) to healthcare services. The accessibility of such services reduces in districts far from the central districts. The poor healthcare services and a lack of public adherence to health protection protocols in Districts 19, 15, 3, 21, and 22 increased the rate of COVID-19 infection, while the minimum infection rate was found in Districts 11, 10, 12, 17 and 16 in light of good healthcare services. The results suggest an unfair distribution of healthcare services in Tehran. This arises from polar growth policies where all services are concentrated in one or more areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the current status of chronic disease management, management capabilities, and basic resource allocation in Zhuhai′s basic public health services, analyze and evaluate the efficiency of basic resource allocation and the constraints and needs for chronic disease prevention and control capacity building, and provide a basis for formulating relevant policies and prevention and control strategies for chronic disease prevention and control. Methods A total of 590 health technicians were surveyed from 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) and 29 primary healthcare institutions in Zhuhai. A field questionnaire survey was conducted in combination with qualitative interviews, and the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA model) was applied to analyze the input-output efficiency of resource allocation for chronic disease management in primary healthcare institutions at various towns and streets in Zhuhai. Results The average age of primary healthcare technicians involved in chronic disease prevention and control services in Zhuhai was (38.34±10.34) years old. Personnel with college degrees or lower accounted for 48.1%, those with junior titles or no titles accounted for 59. 5%, public health professionals accounted for only 29.5%, and non-permanent staff accounted for 55.1%. In 2021, the average comprehensive efficiency (TE) of 25 towns and streets in Zhuhai was 0.785, with TE of 6 towns and streets achieving DEA efficiency, while the rest had varying degrees of insufficient output. Conclusion To strengthen the responsibility of Zhuhai Municipal Government in chronic disease management, it can be improved the capacity building of chronic disease prevention and control by improving the basic configuration of chronic disease management, accelerating the informatization of chronic disease management, and adopting various forms of supervision and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old residential neighborhood regeneration is a crucial strategy for sustainable urban development. Based on the government's massive investment in financial, human resources, and time, old residential neighborhood regeneration is being conducted comprehensively in China. However, how efficient regeneration is remains unclear, as does whether the residents satisfied with the results. Existing studies do not address these issues. Residents' satisfaction is the ultimate pursuit of livelihood projects such as regenerating old residential neighborhoods. Therefore, this study uses the superefficiency BCC-DEA method to construct an evaluation model for regeneration efficiency and then constructs an evaluation index system based on residents' satisfaction output through the grounded theory. Taking the old residential neighborhoods in Xi'an as a case study, we found that the regeneration efficiency level is relatively good. However, the overall scale efficiency is decreasing, and significant room for improvement and optimization in regeneration efficiency remains. There is generally considerable redundancy in funding, staffing, and time investment in current regeneration projects, as well as insufficient output of residents' satisfaction with the regeneration of neighborhood environments, sustainable management mechanisms, and integrated community services. In subsequent regeneration projects, the government should appropriately downsize capital and staffing inputs in accordance with the characteristics and demands of the neighborhood, strengthen project management for more efficient implementation, adopt more flexible regeneration strategies to meet residents' diverse needs, pay more attention to sustainable development after regeneration, and optimize the regeneration efficiency of these neighborhoods by increasing the resource utilization rate and enhancing residents' satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the efficiency of China's seven emission trading schemes (ETS) piloted in 2013. We evaluate seven pilots' overall technical and scale efficiencies and temporal dynamics during 2014–2023. We use a bootstrap correction data envelopment analysis (bootstrap-DEA), which guarantees a more accurate efficiency estimation than the traditional DEA model. The results show that the average overall (pure technical) efficiency of the seven pilot markets increased from 0.612 (0.844) in 2014 to 0.898 (0.990) in 2023. Furthermore, we document that seven ETS pilots differ remarkably in efficiency and transaction price, whilst all have shortages. Specifically, the small-scale market transaction is the main constraint effect on the average scale efficiency of the ETS. This study provides concrete recommendations for policy makers to consummate institutional designs to improve ETS efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Water Conservancy Science & Techonlogy & Economy is the property of Water Conservancy Science & Technology & Economy Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study addresses the challenge of achieving a more rational allocation of medical resources at the regional level, using Guangxi Province, China, as a case study. A three-stage super-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model is employed to assess and analyze the effectiveness of resource allocation. The research methodology involves identifying input, output, and environmental variable indicators to construct a healthcare resource allocation index system. The indicator data are processed using Excel software. The three-stage super-efficiency DEA model is then applied to evaluate the healthcare system in Guangxi Province, focusing on Pure Technical Efficiency Change (PEC), Scale Efficiency Change (SEC), Efficiency Change (EC), Technological Change (TC), and Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Finally, the Malmquist index method is utilized to measure and dynamically analyze the efficiency of healthcare resource allocation. The study's results show that, from a static perspective, the average comprehensive efficiency is 1.067 before adjustment and 1.054 after adjustment, indicating relatively high overall efficiency in healthcare resource allocation in Guangxi Province. However, environmental factors and random errors have led to an overestimation of healthcare resource allocation efficiency, which the three-stage super-efficiency DEA model effectively corrects. Additionally, the average SEC and PEC values are 0.997 and 0.998, respectively, both below 1. This indicates that both scale efficiency and pure technical efficiency contribute to a decline in technical efficiency. Based on the results of the sensitivity analysis, the conclusions regarding the efficiency of healthcare resource allocation in Guangxi are deemed highly reliable. Despite the influence of uncertain factors, the model consistently provides stable and coherent assessment results in most scenarios. Therefore, special attention is needed to improve scale efficiency in healthcare resource allocation within the region, alongside enhancing management and technological capabilities in the healthcare sector. Overall, this study provides valuable reference and guidance for researchers and practitioners in related fields and offers scientific decision support for healthcare resource allocation.

AbstractObjective To investigate the value of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the therapeutic effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in adenomyosis ablation.Material and methods One hundred eighty-nine patients with adenomyosis were treated with HIFU. The ablation areas on T2WI and DWI sequences were classified into different types: type I, relatively ill-defined rim or unrecognizable; subtype IIa, well-defined rim with hyperintensity; subtype IIb, well-defined rim with hypointensity. The volume of ablation areas on T2WI (VT2WI) and DWI (VDWI) was measured and compared with the non-perfused volume (NPV), and linear regression was conducted to analyze their correlation with NPV.Results The VT2WI of type I and type II (subtype IIa and subtype IIb) were statistically different from the corresponding NPV (p = 0.004 and 0.024, respectively), while no significant difference was found between the VDWI of type I and type II with NPV (p = 0.478 and 0.561, respectively). In the linear regression analysis, both VT2WI and VDWI were positively correlated with NPV, with R2 reaching 0.96 and 0.97, respectively.Conclusions Both T2WI and DWI have the potential for efficient evaluation of HIFU treatment in adenomyosis, and DWI can be a replacement for CE-T1WI to some extent.

Industrial land status, encompassing quantity, distribution and efficiency, is pivotal in urban planning and sustainable development. However, obtaining detailed and up-to-date industrial land maps poses a significant challenge in many developing countries due to rapid urban expansion. Furthermore, the identification and efficiency assessment of industrial land at the parcel scale are rarely undertaken. To address these challenges, our study proposes an innovative approach to map industrial land, categorize its types and assess its efficiency at the parcel scale. We select Shenzhen, one of China’s largest industrial cities, as a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. Our results unveil several key findings: (1) Shenzhen’s urban area was meticulously segmented into 15,591 multi-size socio-economic parcels, of which 5,738 were identified as industrial parcels (IPs); (2) IPs were further categorized into three distinct types: office industrial parcels at 69.47%, manufacturing industrial parcels at (6.08%) and comprehensive industrial parcels at 24.45%; (3) Their efficiency was classified into four levels: low (20.30%), middle (35.73%), fine (35.97%) and high (8.00%). Efficient IPs were predominately concentrated in the southwest, whereas other IPs clustered in the northwest. Our findings can provide valuable insights into industrial land identification, classification and efficiency evaluation at parcel scale.

Abstract Background With Primary Health Care (PHC) being a cornerstone of accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare worldwide, its efficiency, especially in developing countries like China, is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This study evaluates the efficiency of PHC systems in a southwest China municipality post-healthcare reform, identifying factors influencing efficiency and proposing strategies for improvement. Methods Utilising a 10-year provincial panel dataset, this study employs an enhanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model integrating Slack-Based Measure (SBM) and Directional Distance Function (DDF) with the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index for efficiency evaluation. Tobit regression analysis identifies efficiency determinants within the context of China’s healthcare reforms, focusing on horizontal integration, fiscal spending, urbanisation rates, and workforce optimisation. Results The study reveals a slight decline in PHC system efficiency across the municipality from 2009 to 2018. However, the highest-performing county achieved a 2.36% increase in Total Factor Productivity (TFP), demonstrating the potential of horizontal integration reforms and strategic fiscal investments in enhancing PHC efficiency. However, an increase in nurse density per 1,000 population negatively correlated with efficiency, indicating the need for a balanced approach to workforce expansion. Conclusions Horizontal integration reforms, along with targeted fiscal inputs and urbanisation, are key to improving PHC efficiency in underdeveloped regions. The study underscores the importance of optimising workforce allocation and skillsets over mere expansion, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen PHC systems toward achieving UHC in China and similar contexts.

IntroductionAbout 30% of the annual losses of agricultural products are caused by pests, diseases, and weeds. Spraying is currently the most common method of their control. At present, various manual and tractor-mounted sprayers are used for spraying. Manual spraying has very low work efficiency and is damaging as the spray might be applied irregularly and consumed by the labor or the product at poisonous levels. Tractor-mounted sprayers are more efficient than manual sprayers and require less labor. However, their use is associated with issues such as compacting the soil or crushing the product. In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayers have been used to spray farms and orchards. UAV spraying can increase the spraying efficiency by more than 60% and reduce the volume of spray used by 20-30%. Based on the capabilities of the UAV sprayer and the limitations of other current spraying methods, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance of the UAV sprayer in controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and compare the results with a turbo liner sprayer.Materials and MethodsIn the present research, the UAV sprayer is studied as a new method of spraying to fight Brevicoryne brassicae (L.). The results were technically and economically evaluated and compared with the control group and that of the turbo liner sprayer (the conventional method of spraying canola in Iran). The experiment was triplicated with a completely randomized design and three treatments of UAV sprayer, turbo liner sprayer, and control (no spraying). Field tests were conducted on the canola crop at the stemming stage where at least 20% of the plants were infected. The measured parameters included drift, spraying quality, field capacity, field efficiency, energy consumption, and spraying efficiency.Results and DiscussionBased on the results, the spray volume consumed by UAV and turbo liner sprayers was equal to 11.1 and 187.6 liters per hectare, respectively. The particle drift in spraying with UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer were 53.3% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, the quality coefficient of UAV and turbo liner sprayers were 1.15 and 1.21, respectively. Therefore, the farm efficiency of the UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer was equal to 51.4% and 32.3%, respectively. Based on the results of the analysis of variance, immediately after spraying, there was no statistically significant difference between the average density of pests of the three treatments. However, three, seven, and 14 days after spraying, there was a significant difference between the control treatment and the spraying treatments. The density of pests in the plots sprayed with UAV and turbo liner sprayers was lowered to less than 100 pests per stem, whereas in the control treatment, the density varied between 250-700 pests per stem. A comparison of the average efficiency of the UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer with the t-test showed that both sprayers had managed to control the population of pests and 14 days after the spraying, the efficiency of the UAV sprayer was higher than that of the turbo liner sprayer.Conclusion- The spray volume consumed by the turbo liner sprayer was 17 times the UAV sprayer.- The spray drift was about 34% more in spraying with the turbo liner sprayer than the UAV sprayer.- The field efficiency of the UAV sprayer was 59.1% more than the turbo liner sprayer.- The energy consumption per hectare of the turbo liner sprayer was 7 times the energy consumption of the UAV sprayer.- UAV sprayer’s efficiency reached 92.7 % 14 days after spraying.- UAV sprayer is recommended for controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) due to its high efficiency, low drift, low spray volume and energy consumption, and superior spraying quality.- To improve the performance of the UAV sprayer for controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), a flight height of 1-1.5 meters from the top of the crop, a flight speed of less than 7 m s-1, and a maximum spraying speed of 4 m s-1 are recommended. Additionally, it is possible to prevent the spread of the pest in the stemming stage by spraying the field in an earlier stage.

The purpose of this study is to monitor various available methods for evaluating the efficiency of economic business projects, to determine their advantages and disadvantages, as well as to develop a number of recommendations for improving these methods. The objectives of the research are: to analyze the existing methods for evaluating the efficiency of economic projects; determination of the advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods; development of recommendations for improving the practice of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects. The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of evaluating the efficiency of business projects. The authors emphasize that the evaluation of efficiency of the project is an important stage in its development and implementation, as it allows you to determine the feasibility of its implementation and make optimal decisions on its financing and the functioning of the business as a whole. The practical aspects of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects are analyzed in detail. Efficiency evaluation is an important stage in the project life cycle, which involves a detailed consideration of the financial, economic and social aspects of its implementation. The authors also highlight the methods and tools that are used to conduct the evaluation, describe in detail the financial models that allow calculating efficiency indicators, such as NPV (net present value), IRR (internal rate of return) and some others. In the context of making informed decisions on the implementation of the project, it is emphasized that practical efficiency evaluation is becoming a key tool for management and investors. It provides specific numerical data and analytical information that serves as the basis for deciding whether to proceed with a project. In general, the evaluation of the efficiency of economic projects is an important tool for decision-making on the implementation of projects. Under martial law, this evaluation becomes even more relevant, as it is necessary to ensure the efficient use of limited resources and the compliance of projects with the needs of the population. To improve the practice of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects, it is necessary to develop new evaluation methods that take into account the time value of money, the ability to compare projects with different capital intensity and ease of use in practice. We believe that the implementation of the recommendations presented in the article will improve the quality of evaluating the efficiency of economic projects in Ukraine and will contribute to the effective use of limited resources for the country’s recovery.

An essential component of the nation's overall development is its infrastructure development. India is regarded as the centre of the service sector, where infrastructure development is crucial. The main issue is what contractors usually have when choosing the best equipment. Given the circumstances, a contractor's inquiry would likely focus heavily on machinery and plants' upkeep and operating costs. Due to the substantial capital required for the purchase, rental, lease, and operation of the plant and equipment, it must be managed to maximize return on investment, and productivity, and minimize operating, maintenance, and repair costs. Therefore, careful planning and selection are necessary to ensure that the project is completed successfully. The kind of apparatus chosen typically relies on the properties of the material to be worked with. Using tracks or wheeled equipment; power or dragline excavator use a shovel, among other common inquiries that should be responded to by the construction equipment planner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With Primary Health Care (PHC) being a cornerstone of accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare worldwide, its efficiency, especially in developing countries like China, is crucial for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This study evaluates the efficiency of PHC systems in a southwest China municipality post-healthcare reform, identifying factors influencing efficiency and proposing strategies for improvement. Methods: Utilising a 10-year provincial panel dataset, this study employs an enhanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model integrating Slack-Based Measure (SBM) and Directional Distance Function (DDF) with the Global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index for efficiency evaluation. Tobit regression analysis identifies efficiency determinants within the context of China's healthcare reforms, focusing on horizontal integration, fiscal spending, urbanisation rates, and workforce optimisation. Results: The study reveals a slight decline in PHC system efficiency across the municipality from 2009 to 2018. However, the highest-performing county achieved a 2.36% increase in Total Factor Productivity (TFP), demonstrating the potential of horizontal integration reforms and strategic fiscal investments in enhancing PHC efficiency. However, an increase in nurse density per 1,000 population negatively correlated with efficiency, indicating the need for a balanced approach to workforce expansion. Conclusions: Horizontal integration reforms, along with targeted fiscal inputs and urbanisation, are key to improving PHC efficiency in underdeveloped regions. The study underscores the importance of optimising workforce allocation and skillsets over mere expansion, providing valuable insights for policymakers aiming to strengthen PHC systems toward achieving UHC in China and similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction About 30% of the annual losses of agricultural products are caused by pests, diseases, and weeds. Spraying is currently the most common method of their control. At present, various manual and tractor-mounted sprayers are used for spraying. Manual spraying has very low work efficiency and is damaging as the spray might be applied irregularly and consumed by the labor or the product at poisonous levels. Tractor-mounted sprayers are more efficient than manual sprayers and require less labor. However, their use is associated with issues such as compacting the soil or crushing the product. In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) sprayers have been used to spray farms and orchards. UAV spraying can increase the spraying efficiency by more than 60% and reduce the volume of spray used by 20-30%. Based on the capabilities of the UAV sprayer and the limitations of other current spraying methods, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance of the UAV sprayer in controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) and compare the results with a turbo liner sprayer. Materials and Methods In the present research, the UAV sprayer is studied as a new method of spraying to fight Brevicoryne brassicae (L.). The results were technically and economically evaluated and compared with the control group and that of the turbo liner sprayer (the conventional method of spraying canola in Iran). The experiment was triplicated with a completely randomized design and three treatments of UAV sprayer, turbo liner sprayer, and control (no spraying). Field tests were conducted on the canola crop at the stemming stage where at least 20% of the plants were infected. The measured parameters included drift, spraying quality, field capacity, field efficiency, energy consumption, and spraying efficiency. Results and Discussion Based on the results, the spray volume consumed by UAV and turbo liner sprayers was equal to 11.1 and 187.6 liters per hectare, respectively. The particle drift in spraying with UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer were 53.3% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, the quality coefficient of UAV and turbo liner sprayers were 1.15 and 1.21, respectively. Therefore, the farm efficiency of the UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer was equal to 51.4% and 32.3%, respectively. Based on the results of the analysis of variance, immediately after spraying, there was no statistically significant difference between the average density of pests of the three treatments. However, three, seven, and 14 days after spraying, there was a significant difference between the control treatment and the spraying treatments. The density of pests in the plots sprayed with UAV and turbo liner sprayers was lowered to less than 100 pests per stem, whereas in the control treatment, the density varied between 250-700 pests per stem. A comparison of the average efficiency of the UAV sprayer and turbo liner sprayer with the t-test showed that both sprayers had managed to control the population of pests and 14 days after the spraying, the efficiency of the UAV sprayer was higher than that of the turbo liner sprayer. Conclusion - The spray volume consumed by the turbo liner sprayer was 17 times the UAV sprayer. - The spray drift was about 34% more in spraying with the turbo liner sprayer than the UAV sprayer. - The field efficiency of the UAV sprayer was 59.1% more than the turbo liner sprayer. - The energy consumption per hectare of the turbo liner sprayer was 7 times the energy consumption of the UAV sprayer. - UAV sprayer's efficiency reached 92.7 % 14 days after spraying. - UAV sprayer is recommended for controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) due to its high efficiency, low drift, low spray volume and energy consumption, and superior spraying quality. - To improve the performance of the UAV sprayer for controlling Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), a flight height of 1-1.5 meters from the top of the crop, a flight speed of less than 7 m s-1, and a maximum spraying speed of 4 m s-1 are recommended. Additionally, it is possible to prevent the spread of the pest in the stemming stage by spraying the field in an earlier stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Central China Normal University is the property of Huazhong Normal University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Efficient healthcare systems must provide quality care, ensuring equitable access and sustaining financial viability. This study employs Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of healthcare regions in Saudi Arabia over a five-year period (2017-2021). Departing from traditional hospital-centric assessments, the study takes a regional approach, offering a holistic view of the entire healthcare system. Inputs such as number of beds, physicians, and nurses, along with outputs like outpatients and inpatients, were considered. The study not only provides efficiency scores but also identifies reference health regions, benchmarks, and tangible targets for improvement. Notably, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare efficiency is analyzed, providing insights into adaptive strategies during crises. The findings contribute to the understanding of regional healthcare dynamics, offering actionable insights for policymakers, facilitating evidence-based resource allocation, and informing strategies for continuous improvement. Future research directions include a global benchmarking analysis and a qualitative exploration of policy implications. This study bridges the gap between academic research and practical policy considerations, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic has substantially impacted global development. Countries worldwide have weighed economic development and pandemic control and gradually formed two entirely different governance strategies: the elimination strategy with the goal of zero new cases and the suppression strategy with the goal of 'smoothing the pandemic curve'. Amid the popularity of vaccinations and mutation of the virus, how do countries implement changes in governance strategies? How effective is the response to the pandemic? This study constructed an indicator, based on economic and pandemic data from 34 countries, to identify each country's strategy choice. The modified Slack-based Measure model and two-way fixed-effect model were used to assess pandemic governance efficiency and analyse the impact of the elimination strategy, respectively. The results show that most countries that adopted the elimination strategy earlier have changed to select the suppression strategy. Nevertheless, the elimination strategy has a significant positive effect on improving governance efficiency, especially under conditions of low vaccination, scarce medical resources, and export-oriented and non-democratic countries. However, this effect gradually weakens with viral mutation. The results also showed that the elimination strategy was more conducive to civil liberties in the earlier period. Therefore, in addition to popularising vaccinations, local conditions should be considered when selecting a strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine fish culture industry in China, as the pillar industry of aquaculture, has contributed to the optimization of China's aquaculture. However, the development of this industry is limited by a wide range of environmental concerns, resulting from the ecological impacts of aquaculture inputs and resources. In order to achieve sustainable social-economic-environmental development under the Greater Food Approach, marine fish culture industry is promoting green development and industrial transformation and upgrading. Green development efficiency （GDE） is an important criterion for measuring the level of green development. It considers not only economic development efficiency but also environmental costs. Therefore, this study focused on the key scientific issue of the key factors affecting the GDE of marine fish culture industry. This paper established an evaluation index system and used the super-slack-based measure model （Super-SBM） to evaluate the GDE of marine fish culture industry. Tobit model was constructed to analyze the factors affecting the GDE of marine fish culture industry. The results showed that the GDE of marine fish culture industry was in an inefficient state with the GDE of 0. 8868, 0. 9687, 0. 7344 from 2017 to 2019. Trachinotus ovatus and Rachycentron canadum were the two culture species in an efficient state from 2017 to 2019, Larimichthys crocea was in an efficient state in 2018, and Scophthalmus maximus was in an efficient state in 2019. Other marine fish culture species were in an inefficient state from 2017 to 2019. With the Tobit model, the influence factors of the green technology level, the scale proportions of green modes and the market price had significant positive effects on the GDE, while the influence factor of the policy support had insignificant positive effects on the GDE. The results of this paper present suggestions to improve the GDE of marine fish culture industry in China and provide valuable insights for improving the GDE of marine fish culture industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a two-stage framework for analyzing the coupling mechanism between regional sustainable economic development and environmental protection subsystems. We propose a modified super-slack-based measure (SBM) model to evaluate efficiency and apply a coupled coordination model to measure the coordinated development levels of regional economies and environments. Subsequently, we assess the economic and environmental efficiency and coordination levels of 30 Chinese regions from 2011 to 2019. The findings indicate a strong synchronization between regional economic development and environmental protection, whereby regions with better economic development exhibit superior environmental protection measures. Regional technical inefficiency is primarily attributed to scale inefficiency, although the overall developmental trend is predominantly determined by pure technical advancement. While the synchronization between the economy and environment remains highly robust, over time, the coordination level gradually diminishes, transitioning from a state of well-coordinated and orderly development to dysfunctional and disorderly recession. Noticeable regional disparities in efficiency and coordination levels are apparent among the eastern, western, and central regions, with the central region demonstrating exemplary performance across all aspects. To promote sustainable high-quality coordinated development, regions with limited capacity should prioritize economic construction. Conversely, in other regions, the simultaneous promotion of economic development and environmental protection would be more appropriate to achieve a higher level of coordinated regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chongqing University of Technology (Natural Science) is the property of Chongqing University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The application of cloud computing and big data core technologies and concepts to medical informatization can improve its flexibility and efficiency, and achieve the overall deployment and intensive management of the system. In the era of big data, the use of information management platform can optimize and standardize clinical diagnosis and treatment process, improve the quality and efficiency of diagnosis and treatment services, and improve the quality and level of scientific research, which meets the requirements of medical reform for fine management of hospitals and precise medical treatment in the era of evidence-based medicine. This paper introduces the development and application of big data analysis in the field of information technology. Through the research on the supervision of hospital medical service behavior, the top-level design is used to standardize the content of medical behavior supervision, and the effectiveness of supervision is discussed to achieve the purpose of reducing clinical paperwork. Based on the needs, the medical service behavior supervision system is proposed and constructed. Strengthen hospital medical behavior supervision through hospital big data analysis and knowledge base system support. This system can provide management with an effective monitoring and management tool, enabling them to promptly identify and solve problems that arise in medical services. By analyzing a large amount of medical data, hospitals can help predict the trend of disease occurrence in advance, thereby taking preventive and control measures in advance, and reducing the occurrence and spread of diseases. Through deep learning and analysis of patient data, personalized treatment plans can be provided for each patient to improve treatment effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amid China's economic shift to high-quality development, addressing environmental challenges like greenhouse gas emissions and manufacturing pollution, there is a crucial demand for sustainable and eco-friendly development strategies. This study aims to investigate the impact of innovation efficiency in the high-tech industry on carbon emissions. It seeks to explore regional differences, mechanisms, and the influence of energy consumption structures in achieving sustainable development goals. Utilizing data from 30 provinces spanning 2009 to 2020, the study employs the DEA-Malmquist index model, spatial and temporal classification evaluation, and a panel measurement model to assess the efficiency of innovation and development in high-tech industries and their relationship with carbon emissions. The results indicate several key findings: (1) The overall operational efficiency of high-tech industry innovation and development in China is steadily increasing. However, there are distinct characteristics observed among provinces and cities, reflecting diverse input and output types. (2) High-tech industry innovation efficiency significantly contributes to carbon emission reduction, and there is regional heterogeneity in this impact. The central and western regions exhibit greater effects compared to other provinces and cities. (3) The optimization of the energy structure is identified as a mechanism through which high-tech industry innovation efficiency reduces carbon emissions. Moreover, different intervals of high-tech industry innovation efficiency yield varying effects on carbon emissions. This research underscores the importance of fostering high-tech industry innovation efficiency as a means to reduce carbon emissions. It also identifies key areas for future policy development and resource allocation, emphasizing the support needed for low-carbon technology research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of the dynamics of implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) projects in Ukraine, key problems have been identified and its priorities in financial support for the recovery of the native energy sector have been determined. It is appointed that PPP concession agreements are the main mechanisms for attracting investment in the global electric power industry. The expediency of using the concession model on BOT terms for the implementation of large projects in the energy sector is substantiated, which will contribute to the intensification of investment attraction and will allow to distribute risks between the state and business. Recommendations on the formation of an information platform for participants in the implementation of PPP projects on the basis of disclosure of information on the effectiveness of concession operations in accounting and financial statements have been developed. The tools for the formation of the financial mechanism of public-private partnership, where the priority is budget and venture financing, are substantiated. To make decisions on the implementation of PPP investment projects, an approach to assessing the financial support of project initiatives is recommended, the basis of which is the proposed criteria for compliance with financial security, the choice of funding sources, indicators of scenario analysis and efficiency. The proposed methodical approach to assessing the effectiveness of PPP allows us to assess the synergistic effect, which reflects the totality of economic, social and environmental effects. The formulated recommendations for improving the relationship between the state and business will contribute to the intensification of the attraction of private investment resources on the basis of PPPs for the restoration of the energy sector in Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have developed a description of an agent-based model for simulating the evacuation of crowds from complex physical spaces for escaping dangerous situations. The model describes a physical space containing a set of differently shaped fences, and obstacles, and an exit door. The pedestrians comprising the crowd and moving in this space in order to be evacuated are described as intelligent agents with supervised machine learning using perception-based data to perceive a particular environment differently. The description of this model is developed with the Python language where its execution represents its simulation. Before the simulation, the model can be validated using an animation written with the same language to fix possible problems in the model description. A model performance evaluation is presented using an analysis of simulation results, showing that these results are very encouraging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is devoted to the development of innovative technology for automation of the quality management system (QMS) of enterprises in Kazakhstan and its adaptation to the management system of enterprises. This article deals with quality, as an important strategic tool in business. System effectiveness evaluation of quality management enterprises is of great importance connected with the formation of rational decisions in the management of QMSs, including specificity of quality indicators, multi-level system, the necessity to choose the optimal number of performance indicators, and system status evaluation. The objective and relevance of this research are related to the need to (1) solve the problems of quality management in the digital economy, following from the relevant National programs of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which are important at this step of in-depth scientific research; (2) guarantee the competitiveness of domestic enterprises with high-quality requirements for products and services; (3) improve the efficiency of automated QMSs; (4) save resources (human and timing) in data processing. The method and model of automated enterprise quality management and intelligent automated system of quality management of enterprise integrated with ruling MICS (Management Information and Control System) subsystems are offered allowing to automate QMS implementation and support processes and increasing the validity, efficiency and effectiveness of management decisions by automating a number of functions of decision makers and personnel.

Objective. The paper defines the relevance of the task of increasing the efficiency of software, which in this case is understood as reducing the operating time of the designed software in the process of solving computationally complex problems. Method. As an example of such a task, the implementation of the singular value decomposition by the Jacobi method is used. This task finds its application in various fields from signal and image processing to artificial intelligence systems. Parallel computing systems equipped with GPU are chosen as the target computing architecture. The paper discusses methods for improving the efficiency of software for target computing architectures using CUDA. Result. The existing analytical models for evaluating the effectiveness of computer programs are described. The influence of various optimizations, such as optimization of data transfers, use of the unified memory system, the number of threads, memory access patterns, and a number of others on the efficiency of the resulting software is considered. The process of optimizing the SVD implementation program is described, the results of computational experiments are presented. Conclusion. As the number of threads increases, performance may increase more than the number of threads. Impact of memory access pattern: When the memory access sequence is optimal, performance improves noticeably. Adjusting the share of memory used for L1 cache and shared memory does not have a significant impact on performance

Abstract Railway transportation system is one of the most important components of the integrated transportation system. A functional and efficient railway transportation system can be conducive to sustainable development of society and economy, thus highlighting the importance of studies on railway transportation efficiency. Therefore, this research proposes the cross‐efficiency evaluation method based on the relative entropy evaluation method (CERE) to evaluate railway transportation efficiency in China. Firstly, the research constructs an evaluation indicators system for railway transportation efficiency from the perspective of input‐output. Secondly, the paper obtains cross‐efficiency matrix by using the cross‐efficiency evaluation method (CE). Then, the study takes the obtained the cross‐efficiency matrix as the decision matrix of multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem, and applies the relative entropy evaluation method to evaluate the efficiency of railway transportation. Finally, the empirical analysis of the efficiency evaluation results for 18 railway transportation companies shows that, in 2019, Taiyuan Railway Transportation Company has the highest efficiency score, owing probably to a greater coal railway transportation demand and an advanced railway heavy haul transportation technology; railway transportation companies in the Eastern China typically have the highest efficiency scores, owing probably to a greater regional railway transportation demand.

Abstract Background An international comparison of health system performance is a popular tool of health policy analysis. However, the efficiency evaluation of health systems is a practical example of an international comparison in which non-homogeneity is expected. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of health systems by models in which a degree of non-homogeneity among countries is considered. Methods We study the problem of non-homogeneity of health systems in the theoretical framework of the data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is a popular method of efficiency evaluation with hundreds of applications from various fields. DEA assume the homogeneity of production units and the homogeneity of the environment in which the production units operate. Hence, we compiled a summary of 14 recommendations on how to deal with the non-homogeneity in the DEA models. The analysed sample includes 38 OECD member countries. The data are from the year 2019. Results As an example, we evaluated the health system efficiency of the Czech Republic. We used the DEA models with the neighbourhood measure of distance and the constraint limiting the comparison of countries with different levels of economic development. The health system inputs were the numbers of physicians, nurses, and hospital beds. In the production of the intermediate outputs (doctor consultations, inpatient care discharges), the Czech Republic should look at Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In the production of health outcomes (life expectancy), the peer countries are France, Italy and Switzerland. Conclusions The results of the DEA analysis are only indicative because no single analytical method can determine whether a health system is better or worse than others. We need to combine different methods, and DEA is one of them. We consider DEA as an exploratory method, not a method providing definitive answers.

This paper deals with a quantitative assessment of the production efficiency of the forestry sector in EU countries, which is largely neglected in the literature. Only a few studies have been conducted so far, processing data mainly in the first half of the last decade. In contrast to these studies, in this article we focus on the period between 2016 and 2020. Therefore, the main objective of this paper is to compare the efficiency of the forest sector to fill the gap. The empirical results of this study show that the leaders in this sector are Germany, Finland, and the Czech Republic. These countries are fully efficient throughout the period under review. In contrast, Bulgaria lags far behind, with an efficiency score typically around 35%. The results of the cluster analysis show that although countries have similar characteristics, their efficiency scores are not necessarily at the same level.

The quantitative evaluation of the comprehensive efficiency of the equipment has important significance for making accurate maintenance and other decisions. From the perspective of equipment life cycle cost, this paper constructed the fixed cost function and dynamic cost function of power equipment and obtained the economic life model. The total cost of the whole life cycle of the optimal economic life was obtained by the derivation method. Then, a comprehensive performance evaluation index system including reliability, availability, maintainability and economy had been established. The comprehensive efficiency evaluation model based on economic life and the equipment maintenance optimization model based on comprehensive efficiency evaluation were designed. At last, taking 35 kV circuit breaker as an example, the economic life model and comprehensive efficiency evaluation model were analyzed and calculated. The results proved the correctness of the comprehensive efficiency evaluation model designed in this paper, which could provide technical guidance and support for the selection and maintenance of power equipment.

Objective: To investigate the value of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating the therapeutic effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in adenomyosis ablation. Material and methods: One hundred eighty-nine patients with adenomyosis were treated with HIFU. The ablation areas on T2WI and DWI sequences were classified into different types: type I, relatively ill-defined rim or unrecognizable; subtype IIa, well-defined rim with hyperintensity; subtype IIb, well-defined rim with hypointensity. The volume of ablation areas on T2WI (VT2WI) and DWI (VDWI) was measured and compared with the non-perfused volume (NPV), and linear regression was conducted to analyze their correlation with NPV. Results: The VT2WI of type I and type II (subtype IIa and subtype IIb) were statistically different from the corresponding NPV (p = 0.004 and 0.024, respectively), while no significant difference was found between the VDWI of type I and type II with NPV (p = 0.478 and 0.561, respectively). In the linear regression analysis, both VT2WI and VDWI were positively correlated with NPV, with R2 reaching 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Conclusions: Both T2WI and DWI have the potential for efficient evaluation of HIFU treatment in adenomyosis, and DWI can be a replacement for CE-T1WI to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the urban sprawl and the increasingly serious urban traffic problems caused by the sustained and rapid economic growth and fast development of urbanization, advocating the development of metro-led cities and intensive and compact development to form a green, transportation-oriented built environment has become a national strategic need. In order to promote the integrated development of stations and the city, and further enhance the vitality of the city, the concept of metro microcenter transportation was brought up in Beijing. A metro microcenter is a geographical space with full integration and interaction with metro stations, high accessibility, high degree of intensive land use, and multiple urban functions. Considering the characteristics of metro microcenters, the mechanism between passenger flow and the built environment in the general control and management area of a metro microcenter is worth studying. However, few previous studies have systematically and comprehensively carried out theoretical and empirical research on the relationship between the built environment and multimodal public transport passenger flow characteristics around metro station catchments. Based on the 500-m metro core station catchment, this study introduced the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, and a highly efficient and refined public travel efficiency assessment model (Bootstrap-Super-DEA) was proposed to evaluate the transit-oriented development (TOD) level of the existing metro core station catchment. Metro station passenger flow, bus station passenger flow, and shared-bicycle passenger flow were selected as output variables of this model. Network centrality, functional mix, and other building environment indicators were selected as input variables of this model. In addition, the derived indicators of passenger flow were extracted to reveal the relationship with efficiency from the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics. The model effectively distinguishes the distribution of metro core station catchments with efficient TOD. The study results can provide a reference for metro microcenter planning managers to grasp the core station catchment's development tone accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Railway transportation system is one of the most important components of the integrated transportation system. A functional and efficient railway transportation system can be conducive to sustainable development of society and economy, thus highlighting the importance of studies on railway transportation efficiency. Therefore, this research proposes the cross‐efficiency evaluation method based on the relative entropy evaluation method (CERE) to evaluate railway transportation efficiency in China. Firstly, the research constructs an evaluation indicators system for railway transportation efficiency from the perspective of input‐output. Secondly, the paper obtains cross‐efficiency matrix by using the cross‐efficiency evaluation method (CE). Then, the study takes the obtained the cross‐efficiency matrix as the decision matrix of multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) problem, and applies the relative entropy evaluation method to evaluate the efficiency of railway transportation. Finally, the empirical analysis of the efficiency evaluation results for 18 railway transportation companies shows that, in 2019, Taiyuan Railway Transportation Company has the highest efficiency score, owing probably to a greater coal railway transportation demand and an advanced railway heavy haul transportation technology; railway transportation companies in the Eastern China typically have the highest efficiency scores, owing probably to a greater regional railway transportation demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Wildland Fire Science is the property of Journal of Wildland Fire Science Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: An international comparison of health system performance is a popular tool of health policy analysis. However, the efficiency evaluation of health systems is a practical example of an international comparison in which non-homogeneity is expected. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of health systems by models in which a degree of non-homogeneity among countries is considered. Methods: We study the problem of non-homogeneity of health systems in the theoretical framework of the data envelopment analysis (DEA), which is a popular method of efficiency evaluation with hundreds of applications from various fields. DEA assume the homogeneity of production units and the homogeneity of the environment in which the production units operate. Hence, we compiled a summary of 14 recommendations on how to deal with the non-homogeneity in the DEA models. The analysed sample includes 38 OECD member countries. The data are from the year 2019. Results: As an example, we evaluated the health system efficiency of the Czech Republic. We used the DEA models with the neighbourhood measure of distance and the constraint limiting the comparison of countries with different levels of economic development. The health system inputs were the numbers of physicians, nurses, and hospital beds. In the production of the intermediate outputs (doctor consultations, inpatient care discharges), the Czech Republic should look at Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. In the production of health outcomes (life expectancy), the peer countries are France, Italy and Switzerland. Conclusions: The results of the DEA analysis are only indicative because no single analytical method can determine whether a health system is better or worse than others. We need to combine different methods, and DEA is one of them. We consider DEA as an exploratory method, not a method providing definitive answers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]