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Resurgence is defined as an increase in a previously extinguished target response (B1) resulting from the worsening of conditions for a more recently reinforced alternative response (B2). Worsening includes extinction or reductions in rate, amount, and immediacy of delivery of food or some other phylogenetically important event (PIE). In the first part of the article, we apply the laws of allocation, induction, and covariance to understand not only resurgence of operant activity previously covarying with the PIE (B1) but also a constellation of ontogenetic and phylogenetic activities both related to the PIE (B0) and unrelated to the PIE (BN). In the second part, we discuss how induction might be incorporated into and provide alternative processes within an existing matching‐based framework, resurgence as choice (RaC). We begin to identify how this range of activities could depend on changes in the relative competitive weight (V) of all available activities (B1, B2, B0, BN) in addition to only those receiving explicit training (B1, B2). Future empirical and theoretical research is needed within this framework to provide a more complete understanding of resurgence and behavior more generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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AbstractWaiting lists are a standard approach to managing excess demand in elective health care. While waiting times are an important policy issue, the ethical validity of the first come, first served (FCFS) principle as such is rarely questioned. Presenting a psychiatric day hospital where all eligible patients have roughly equal claims as a case study, we criticize the reflex use of FCFS for allocation of elective psychiatric care, consider conditions under which this may not be the optimal strategy, and discuss alternatives. We conclude that in our example prioritizing more recent referrals (last come, first served [LCFS]) makes more sense, clinically and ethically. Where several referrals arrive (near-)simultaneously under LCFS, we propose that a higher level of scrutiny be applied to detect possible good reasons for prioritizing one of them. We believe that our observations can be applied to other health care settings that share relevant characteristics with our case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Interactions between carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in terrestrial ecosystems are simulated in advanced vegetation models, yet methodologies vary widely, leading to divergent simulations of past land C balance trends. This underscores the need to reassess our understanding of ecosystem processes, given recent theoretical advancements and empirical data. We review current knowledge, emphasising evidence from experiments and trait data compilations for vegetation responses to CO2 and N input, alongside theoretical and ecological principles for modelling. N fertilisation increases leaf N content but inconsistently enhances leaf‐level photosynthetic capacity. Whole‐plant responses include increased leaf area and biomass, with reduced root allocation and increased aboveground biomass. Elevated atmospheric CO2 also boosts leaf area and biomass but intensifies belowground allocation, depleting soil N and likely reducing N losses. Global leaf traits data confirm these findings, indicating that soil N availability influences leaf N content more than photosynthetic capacity. A demonstration model based on the functional balance hypothesis accurately predicts responses to N and CO2 fertilisation on tissue allocation, growth and biomass, offering a path to reduce uncertainty in global C cycle projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms often ask consumers to either spend time to save money (e.g., Lyft's “Wait & Save”) or spend money to save time (e.g., Uber's “Priority Pickup”). Across six preregistered studies (N = 3631), including seven reported in Appendix S1 (N = 2930), we find that asking consumers to spend time to save money is perceived as fairer than asking them to spend money to save time (all else equal), with downstream consequences for word‐of‐mouth, purchase intentions, willingness‐to‐pay (WTP), and incentive‐compatible choice. This is because spend‐time‐to‐save‐money offers reduce concerns about firms' profit‐seeking motives, which consumers find aversive and unfair. The effect is thus mediated by inferences about profit‐seeking and attenuates when concerns about those motives are less salient (e.g., for non‐profits). At the same time, we find that spend‐money‐to‐save‐time offers (e.g., expedited shipping) are more common in the marketplace. This research reveals how normatively equivalent trade‐offs can nevertheless yield contradictory fairness judgments, with meaningful implications for marketing theory and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to analyze the effect of special allocation funds for thematic poverty reduction assignments in the fields of water, sanitation, and the field of settlement and housing on poverty in rural areas. The data collected by secondary data is number of poor people in rural areas is accessed through the BPS website, and special allocation funds for thematic poverty reduction assignments in the fields of water, sanitation, and settlement and housing are collected by accessing the Simtrada website (Information System Transfer to Regions and Village Funds) https://djpk.kemenkeu.go.id//simtrada/. The population of 34 provinces and the sample of 25 provinces in Indonesia that experienced a decrease in rural poverty were analyzed in this research. The data were analyzed by multiple regression analysis techniques. The results showed that special allocation funds for thematic poverty reduction assignments in the water sectors, and in the field of sanitation sector, did not significantly affect poverty reduction, (sig p-value 0.461>0.05 and sig p-value 0.751 > 0.05 respectively). The value of special allocation funds for thematic poverty reduction assignments in the field of the housing sector had a significant effect on reducing rural poverty (sig p-value (0.007< 0.05). This study recommends that poverty reduction funds in rural areas, especially in the field of housing, continue to be distributed and managed appropriately, so that poverty in rural areas is alleviated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanguard Russet, a fresh market potato developed by the Texas A&M Breeding Program, has been reported to be heat tolerant based on previous greenhouse and field studies. Until now, no studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms involved in its heat tolerance. We compared Vanguard Russet and the heat-sensitive potato variety Russet Burbank using contrasting conditions in growth chambers (normal, 25/15⁰C day/night vs. high-temperature, 25/15⁰C day/night for four weeks, followed by 35/25⁰C day/night). Differences in tuber initiation time, bulking, tuber number, plant height, leaf area, stem thickness, leaf angle, plant biomass, and photosynthetic parameters were sequentially documented at five-time points: 30, 45, 60, 75, and 100 days after planting. Although having slower above-ground plant growth under both conditions, Vanguard Russet initiated tuber formation significantly earlier (< 30 days) than Russet Burbank (30–45 days). This indicates its ability to quickly channel photoassimilates toward tubers, employing early tuberization as a possible heat escape strategy. Screening for early tuberization could be considered as an initial approach to identify varieties able to escape heat stress. In addition to early tuberization, heat-tolerant varieties must produce a high yield of marketable tubers with few internal and external defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2016, we initiated a quality improvement endeavor to increase pediatric heart offer acceptance. This study assessed the effect of these interventions at our center. We evaluted pre- and postimplementation cohorts (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2016 vs January 1, 2017-July 1, 2023) comparing donor heart utilization. Six interventions were iterated over time to increase offer acceptance ("extended criteria"): ABO-incompatible transplant, ex vivo perfusion for distanced donors, 3-dimensional total cardiac volume (TCV) assessment, acceptance of hepatitis-C or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infected donors, and institutional culture change favoring consideration of donors previously considered unacceptable. Outcomes studied included annual HT volume, median waitlist duration, sequence number at acceptance, and post-transplant clinical outcomes. During the study period, annual transplant volume increased from 16/year to 25/year pre- and postimplementation. Three hundred thirteen of 389 (80%) listed patients were transplanted. Waitlist duration shortened postimplementation (p = 0.01), as did the percentage of accepted heart offers utilizing at least 1 extended criterion (p < 0.001). Institutional culture change and TCV assessment had the largest impact on donor heart utilization (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001). There was no difference in post-HT intubation or intensive care unit days (p = 0.05-0.9), though post-transplant hospitalization duration (p < 0.001) increased. Post-transplant survival was unaffected by the use of extended criteria hearts (p = 0.3). We report a successful longitudinal, multifaceted effort to increase organ offer utilization, with institutional culture change and TCV assessments most impactful. The use of extended criteria hearts was not associated with inferior survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-organ transplantation involves the transplant of two or more organs from a single donor into a single recipient; in most cases, one of these organs is a kidney. Multi-organ transplantation is uncommon in pediatric transplantation but can be life-saving or significantly life-improving for children with rare diseases, including primary heart, liver, pancreas, or intestinal failure with secondary kidney failure, metabolic disorders, and genetic conditions causing multi-organ dysfunction. This manuscript reviews the current state of pediatric multi-organ transplantation that includes a kidney, with a focus on indications, evaluation, and key differences in management compared to kidney-alone transplantation. Guidelines and consensus statements for pediatric multi-organ transplantation are nonexistent; this review condenses reported statistics and peer-reviewed expert opinion while highlighting areas in need of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and differential allocation of reserve compounds is an important adaptive mechanism that enables species to resprout in fire-prone ecosystems. The analysis of compound allocation dynamics (differential accumulation of compounds between plant organs) provides insights into plant responses to disturbances. The aim was to quantify reserves in eight legume species from Cerrado open savannas with high fire frequency in order to investigate the patterns of allocation and distribution of compounds between leaves and underground organs, drawing ecophysiological inferences. The species were collected in 'campo sujo' areas of the Cerrado. Leaves and underground organs (xylopodium, taproot tubers) were subjected to physiological analyses. Overall, underground organs were characterised by greater deposits of carbohydrates, mainly soluble sugars, and also with the accumulation of proteins and amino acids. This suggests that nitrogen reserves, as well as carbohydrates, may have an ecophysiological function in response to fire, being allocated to the underground organs. Phenols were mainly evident in leaves, but a morphophysiological pattern was identified, where the two species with taproot tubers tended to concentrate more phenols in the underground portion compared to species with xylopodium, possibly due to functional differences between these organs. Such data allow inferring relevant ecophysiological dynamics in legumes from open savannas. In this paper, we explore the intricate world of savanna plant dynamics. Studying reserve allocation in these plants is crucial for understanding their response to disturbances. Our research quantifies reserves in savanna legumes, examining compound distribution between leaves and underground organs. Discoveries reveal the role of underground organs as carbohydrate depots and nitrogen reserves, shedding light on the diverse accumulation patterns across different organ types. These insights offer invaluable knowledge for understanding species survival in fire-prone savannas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to assess the current status and spatial distribution differences of elderly care service resources supply and demand in China. Methods: Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were utilized to gather participants' insights into the current demands for elderly care services, the status of resource allocation, and related indicators. The entropy weight method was employed to determine indicator weights, yielding objective demand and allocation indices for elderly care service resources. Kernel density estimation was used to illustrate the distribution characteristics of the demand and allocation indices. The coupling coordination degree model was applied to measure the coupling coordination level of China's elderly care service resource supply and demand system in 2020. Results: The demand index ranks highest in Beijing (0.3291), Shanghai (0.2941), and Tianjin (0.2563), while the lowest are found in Tibet (0.1673), Guangxi (0.1727), and Guizhou (0.1737). Kernel density estimation shows that the demand index is concentrated in the range of 0.1800 to 0.2000. The top three regions for allocation index are Shanghai (184.0007), Qinghai (129.8177), and Beijing (109.5941), with the lowest in Liaoning (34.8558), Hainan (35.3168), and Yunnan (36.6366). Kernel density estimation indicates that the allocation index is concentrated in the range of 25–75. Calculations of coupling coordination degree show that Shanghai has high coordination quality (0.9368), Beijing has good coordination (0.8392), while Hainan and Yunnan experience severe imbalances (0.1990, 0.1831). Conclusions: There is a significant lack of coordination between the demand for elderly care services and the allocation of resources in Hainan and Yunnan provinces in China. Most provinces, with the exception of Beijing and Shanghai, exhibit some degree of misalignment. The Chinese government should address the varying needs of the elderly population in different regions, pay timely attention to regional disparities, enhance regional cooperation, and dynamically allocate elderly care resources in a rational manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation (LT) in patients with alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) has rapidly increased following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the implementation of the Acuity Circle policy, raising questions of equity and utility. Waitlist mortality among high (≥37) Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease LT candidates with AH and post‐transplant survival were assessed with a semiparametric survival regression and a generalized linear mixed‐effect model with LT centre‐ and listing date‐level random intercepts. These models demonstrate a lower mortality for the candidates listed with AH (adjusted sub‐hazard ratio.58_.72_.90 and odds ratio.44_.66_.99) when compared to other diagnoses (autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease and primary biliary cholangitis). Post‐LT survival was comparable. This study highlights the limitations of current tools in characterizing the risk of mortality, and thus need for the modifications in prioritizing LT candidates with AH. Policy revision may be needed to ensure equivalent access to LT regardless of diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the conclusions of a workload-based assessment of patrol staffing needs conducted at a Canadian police force between 2012 and 2016, this article highlights the importance of capturing time spent on components of calls for service (CFS) that result in an incident report for police allocation and deployment analyses. Initial Computer-Aided Dispatch System (CAD) data analysis suggested that CFS that results in an incident report have a significantly higher completion time than other types of calls. In order to account for CFS handling phases that were not captured by CAD data, a survey was conducted to measure the time spent on the scene, the time spent by backup units on the call, the time spent with the person arrested or taken in charge and time spent on subsequent administrative duties. Research findings suggest that CFS that require the completion of an incident report generate most of the reactive workload of patrol officers, even if they frequently constitute a minority of calls. Results also reveal that the use of supplemental data to assess the workload generated by incidents reports may allow the use of a workload-based approach in police agencies that record less than 15 000 citizen-initiated calls for service per year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the reliability function of a weighted $k$ k -out-of- $n$ n system with multiple types of components. A weighted system with $M$ M different types of components is considered and two real-life scenarios for the operation of the system are defined. In the first one, it is assumed that the system operates if the accumulated weight of all active components is more than a predetermined threshold $k$ k , otherwise the system fails. In the second scenario, the system is assumed to operate if the total weight of the operating components of type $i$ i is more than or equal to the corresponding threshold ${k_i}$ k i , for at least $m$ m types of components, $m \le M$ m ≤ M. Our approaches in assessing the reliability function of the system lifetime rely on the notion of survival signature corresponding to multi-type weighted $k$ k -out-of- $n$ n system. The formulas for the proposed survival signature are presented and the corresponding computational algorithms are also given. To examine the theoretical results, the reliability function and other aging characteristics of a wind farm (system) consisting of three plants located in three different regions are assessed numerically and graphically. Finally, an allocation problem to determine the best choice for the distribution of each type in the weighted $k$ k -out-of- $n$ n systems is studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider one variant of stable assignment problems in a bipartite graph endowed with nonnegative capacities on the edges and quotas on the vertices. It can be viewed as a generalization of the stable allocation problem introduced by Baïou and Balinsky, which arises when strong linear orders of preferences on the vertices in the latter are replaced by weak ones. At the same time, our stability problem can be stated in the framework of a theory by Alkan and Gale on stable schedule matchings generated by choice functions of a wide scope. In our case, the choice functions are of a special, so-called mixed , type. The main content of this paper is devoted to a study of rotations in our mixed model, functions on the edges determining "elementary" transformations between close stable assignments. These look more sophisticated compared with rotations in the stable allocation problem (which are generated by simple cycles). We efficiently construct a poset of rotations and show that the stable assignments are in bijection with the so-called closed functions for this poset; this gives rise to a "compact" affine representation for the lattice of stable assignments and leads to an efficient method to find a stable assignment of minimum cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As coronavirus disease 2019 made its way across the world in 2019, health systems began to develop guidelines to allocate what was expected to be a scarcity of medical resources. Considerable attention was given to triaging intensive care resources such as ventilators. While there was general agreement among bioethicists and policymakers that it may be permissible to withhold life-sustaining interventions from patients with poor prognoses in order to make them available to patients with better prognoses, there was disagreement about the permissibility of withdrawing such interventions for this purpose. Some maintained that the doctrine of double effect (DDE) revealed the intrinsic wrongness of such acts of reallocation. This article argues that so long as there is transparency and effective ongoing communication, the DDE may permit the discontinuation of life-sustaining interventions from patients who may still benefit from them in order to make them available to patients with more favorable prognoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transplantation of the liver in combination with other organs is an increasingly performed procedure. Over the years, continuous improvement in survival could be realized through careful patient selection and refined organ preservation techniques, in spite of the challenges posed by aging recipients and donors, as well as the increased use of steatotic liver grafts. Herein, we revisit the epidemiology, allocation policies in different transplant zones, indications, and outcomes with regard to simultaneous organ transplants involving the liver, that is combined heart–liver, liver–lung, liver–kidney, and multivisceral transplantation. We address challenges surrounding combined organ transplantation such as equity, utility, and logistics of dual organ implantation, but also advantages that come along with combined transplantation, thereby focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying immunoprotection provided by the liver to the other allografts. In addition, the current standing and knowledge of machine perfusion in combined organ transplantation, mostly based on center experience, will be reviewed. Notwithstanding all the technical advances, shortage of organs, and the lack of universal eligibility criteria for certain multi-organ combinations are hurdles that need to be tackled in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies for preexposure prophylaxis (SMA-PrEP) offered patients who were immunocompromised another option for protection. However, SMA-PrEP posed administrative, operational, and ethical challenges for health care facilities, resulting in few patients receiving them. Although the first SMA-PrEP medication, tixagevimab and cilgavimab, had its authorization revoked due to compromised in vitro efficacy, new SMA-PrEP medications are currently completing clinical trials. This article provides an operational framework for administrative organization, patient identification and prioritization, equitable medication allocation, medication ordering and administration, and patient tracking. Methods A retrospective cohort study evaluating our hospital's SMA-PrEP administration strategy was performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with receipt of SMA-PrEP. Results Despite the barriers in administering this medication and the scarcity of resources, our hospital was able to administer at least 1 dose of SMA-PrEP to 1359 of 5902 (23.0%) eligible patients. Even with the steps taken to promote equitable allocation, multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that there were still differences by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. As compared with patients who identified as Black, patients who identified as White (odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.46–2.33), Asian (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.03–2.46), and Hispanic (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.02–2.44) were more likely to receive SMA-PrEP. When compared with patients with low socioeconomic status, patients with high socioeconomic status (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05–1.78) were more likely to be allocated SMA-PrEP. Conclusions Despite efforts to mitigate health care disparities, differences by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status still arose in patients receiving SMA-PrEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fiji could be the first country to eliminate tuberculosis. To inform this strategy, we aimed to identify how many GeneXpert® machines are required to enable over 90% of Fijians to be within one‐hour easy access. Methods: We used Geographic Information System (Quantum GIS; QGIS), OpenStreetMap and population data (Kontur) to map possible facilities in relation to QGIS generated 60‐min drive‐time isochrones, with correction for missing road data. For outer islands, we calculated a distance to nearest hub operation. Results: The solution comprised 24 GeneXpert® machines, allocating 7 GeneXpert® to Viti Levu, 6 GeneXpert® to Vanua Levu and 11 to other islands. This resulted in 827,810 people, 93.6% of Fiji's population, being within 1 h of a machine. Twenty‐one thousand four hundred seventy‐nine people on outer islands were an average of 43 km by water from the nearest facility. Conclusions: We conclude that over 90% of Fijians could be within an hour of a GeneXpert® machine with placement of 24 machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To maximize their fitness, plants have to adjust their allocation strategy according to their abiotic and biotic environments. Plants can use the ratio of red to far‐red light (R:FR) to sense neighbours, allowing them to modify their growth in response to aboveground competition.In this study, we used supplemental FR light to artificially lower the R:FR of the lower leaves of common sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) to examine how plants change their growth in response to the threat of neighbours. We combined this treatment with a nitrogen fertilization treatment to investigate how responses to neighbour‐detection interact with nitrogen limitation.Plants grown in low R:FR increased in height at the expense of root growth, resulting in nitrogen limitation that restricted leaf growth. However, we found that plants reduced their nitrogen investment into leaves in low R:FR. By weakening the nitrogen sink strength of these lower leaves before they experienced low photosynthetically active radiation, plants were able to preemptively allocate nitrogen to leaves higher in the canopy.Plants responded to the perception of neighbours by simultaneously diverting resources from root growth to stem elongation and from leaves threatened by neighbours to leaves that would pose a threat to neighbours. This whole‐plant response to neighbour‐detection enables plants to change their allocation in a way that simultaneously manages their limited nitrogen and prepares them for future light competition. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns and the Paris agreements have prompted intensive efforts towards greener and more sustainable transportation. Persistent expansion of electric vehicles (EV) in the transportation sector requires electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) to accommodate the increased demand. Offsetting demand and alleviating the resultant electrical grid stress necessitates establishing grid-integrated renewable energy sources (RESs) where these sustainable strategies are accompanied by variable-weather-related obstacles, such as voltage fluctuations, grid instability, and increased energy losses. Strategic positioning of EVCSs and RES as distributed generation (DG) units is crucial for addressing technical issues. While technical constraints have received considerable attention, there is still a gap in the literature with respect to incorporating the additional complex optimization problems and decision-making processes associated with economic viability, social acceptance, and environmental impact. A possible solution is the incorporation of an appropriate multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach for feasible trade-off solutions. Such methods offer promising possibilities that can ease decision-making and facilitate sustainable solutions. In this context, this paper presents a review of published approaches for optimizing the allocation of renewable energy DG units and EVCSs in active distribution networks (ADNs). Promising published optimization approaches for the strategic allocation of multiple DG units and EVCSs in ADNs have been analyzed and compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As visitation to parks and protected areas in the USA continues to increase, many federal land management agencies have implemented visitor use limits within their respective management areas to protect the environment while also providing for visitor enjoyment. The rationing of use has become a complex task, with managers having to balance system efficiency with equality and equity concerns on numerous levels. Rationing systems such as lotteries, reservations, first-come first-served and pricing mechanisms have all been used in different contexts, with trade-offs existing within each of these systems. In February 2023, Glacier National Park (Montana, USA) proposed to transition their online backcountry permitting system from a manually-administered lottery to a non-lottery reservation system. This study uses the theory of distributive justice to deductively code public comments related to the proposed transition in order to determine how a sample of the public perceives changes in rationing, and how their comments are distributed amongst competing social goals. Many of these comments contain nuance, adding to a wide array of sentiments that will provide managers with a public perspective on this multifaceted issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland eco-compensation, as a typical payment for ecosystem services scheme, aims to address trade-offs between environmental and developmental objectives. As indispensable eco-compensation supporters, the public's willingness to pay (WTP) for farmland eco-compensation and the allocation to farmers directly affect ecological safety and sustainable development for farmland. Therefore, this study links the public's WTP for the farmland eco-compensation to the financial subsidies received by farmers and presents a theoretical framework and research approach that connects stakeholders, applying improved choice experiments for empirical study in the black soil region of northeastern China. The results showed that the public has a positive WTP for the farmland eco-compensation program that improves the area, soil thickness, and organic content expeditiously. The public's WTP allocation for eco-compensation varies considerably, with the share allocated to farmers in their WTP averaging 46.96%, showing a benchmark for compensation standards. The results revealed the influential relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics of the public with WTP allocation and the preferences for farmland eco-compensation, such as the positive correlation between age with WTP allocation and females' greater preference for eco-compensation. These findings can provide new perspectives and approaches to exploring sustainable pathways for farmland eco-compensation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using monthly data from 1997 to 2023, we construct mean-variance optimized portfolios of common university endowment asset classes, including domestic equity, international equity, global bonds, hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and natural resources. We find substantial variation in optimal allocations to these asset classes across subperiods. Some asset classes are substantially more persistent in receiving allocations than others, while some asset classes rarely receive sizable allocations at all. Our results highlight the relevance of asset allocation in portfolio performance and may inform future decisions by institutional investors and endowment portfolio managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient allocation of agricultural scientific and technological talents (ASTTs) is crucial for agricultural innovation and economic development. This study aims to systematically evaluate ASTTs' allocation efficiency in provincial agricultural research institutions in China, aiding decision-making for local governments and research bodies. Utilizing data from 2009 to 2019 across 31 provinces, an output-oriented data envelopment analysis model measures ASTTs' allocation efficiency and analyzes its trends, regional differences, and spatial characteristics. Results show: (1) Provincial ASTTs' mean comprehensive technical efficiency (CTE) in China was 0.786, with room for improvement. (2) Enhanced CTE was driven by scale efficiency improvements, while pure technical efficiency declined, indicating a need for better management systems and technology applications. (3) Disparities in ASTTs' allocation efficiency among provinces decreased, with higher efficiencies in the East and Central-Southern China regions. At the provincial level, areas like Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan demonstrated relatively high ASTTs allocation efficiencies. (4) Spatial agglomeration of ASTTs' allocation efficiency was localized in a few major agricultural provinces without a significant overall effect. These findings advocate for further optimization of ASTTs' regional layout and management mechanisms in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional basis of tree growth is often evaluated based on trunk diameter even though diameter is only one dimension of growth that may not be an integrative measure of resource allocation.We tested the hypothesis that growth—functional trait relationships are stronger when key sources of variation in tree growth are also accounted for, namely tree height and DBH, as well as size‐related variation in wood density and seed production using data from 3881 trees of 24 species in a subtropical forest using ordinary least square regression and standard major axis regression.Wood density varied with tree size for 14 of 24 species, generally increasing with size. For 18 of 24 species, the correlations of leaf mass per area and an index of photosynthetic investment (PI) with biomass growth was stronger than with diameter growth rate. Juveniles did not show stronger relationships than adults but biomass growth adding up with seed production showed stronger relationships with PI than biomass growth alone for three of eight species.Synthesis. Thus, our study helps resolve a paradox of trait‐based ecology, that is, weak growth—trait relationships, as stronger relationships emerged when accounting for more sources of intraspecific, among‐tree variation in resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decision-making process regarding the allocation of professor positions is a recurring theme in higher education institutions. The study shows a model of allocation of teaching positions based on a hybrid methodology AHP-PROMETHEE, proposed for a higher education institution with distribution of vacancies in departments. Where, through the case study, it was possible to determine, through a scientific technique, the appropriate allocation of places, presenting as a result the department in which the vacancy will be allocated. For this purpose, the AHP was used to define the weights of the analyzed criteria and the PROMETHEE to select the department that will receive the teaching post. The work also compares the result presented by the proposed method with the solutions proposed by the model used by the analyzed institution and the MEC/Andifes model, in addition to demonstrating the advantages of using the AHP-PROMETHEE technique to solve the problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reliability and clarity of environmental assessments represent an important prerequisite for measures towards the sustainable transformation of our economic system. Studies examining the environmental performance of reusables are often used to derive arguments for and against their use. Accordingly, it is important to have clarity about the influence of methodological decisions on the results of such studies. This paper analyses possible approaches to the allocation of environmental impacts of transport processes to reusable shipping packaging in the context of parcel deliveries. A model was developed to conduct comparative analyses of carbon emissions (carbon footprint) from the use of single-use vs. reusable shipping packaging and was subsequently applied to two reusable shipping packaging systems currently available on the market. The results showed that using different allocation models led to significant variations in the results for the carbon footprint of the analysed packaging (single-use and reusable), while at the same time, the calculated environmental break-even point in the comparison between the single-use and reusable options remained rather stable. The results highlight the importance of a clear and standardized methodological framework for the communication of footprint information for reusable shipping packaging. Moreover, for determining the environmental break-even point, the results suggest that aspects like the comparison scenario (i.e., the selection of the single-use packaging) are more important than the methodological choice of the allocation model for transportation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Planetary Boundaries (PBs) pioneering approach defines environmental sustainability in terms of a Safe Operating Space (SOS) for human’s society to develop and thrive. The approach has found fertile ground in combination with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) - a standardised method for assessing the environmental impacts of product systems. In this article, we conduct a detailed review of existing approaches to embed PBs in LCA. We start by exploring the links between PBs control variables and LCA impact categories and then focus on reviewing three approaches (i) absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA), (ii) PBs-based normalisation and (iii) PBs-based weighting. We examine four key methodological aspects covering harmonisation of units (between PBs control variables and LCA indicators), definition and allocation of the SOS, regionalisation of boundaries and temporal aspects. We conclude the review with a discussion on applicability, limitations, policy implications and conclusions.

Abstract Background Long-term care services for older adults are characterised by increasing needs and scarce resources. Political strategies have led to the reorganisation of long-term care services, with an increased focus on “ageing in place” and efficient use of resources. There is currently limited research on the processes by which resource allocation decisions are made by service allocators of long-term care services for older adults. The aim of this study is to explore how three political principles for priority setting in long-term care, resource, severity and benefit, are expressed in service allocation to older adults. Methods This qualitative study uses data from semi-structured individual interviews, focus groups and observations of service allocators who assess needs and assign long-term care services to older adults in Norway. The data were supplemented with individual decision letters from the allocation office, granting or denying long-term care services. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The allocators drew on all three principles for priority setting when assessing older adults’ long-term care needs and allocating services. We found that the three principles pushed in different directions in the allocation process. We identified six themes related to service allocators’ expression of the principles: (1) lowest effective level of care as a criterion for service allocation (resource), (2) blanket allocation of low-cost care services (resource), (3) severity of medical and rehabilitation needs (severity), (4) severity of care needs (severity), (5) benefit of generous service allocation (benefit) and (6) benefit of avoiding services (benefit). Conclusions The expressions of the three political principles for priority setting in long-term care allocation are in accordance with broader political trends and discourses regarding “ageing in place”, active ageing, an investment ideology, and prioritising those who are “worse off”. Increasing attention to the rehabilitation potential of older adults and expectations that they will take care of themselves increase the risk of not meeting frail older adults’ care needs. Additionally, difficulties in defining the severity of older adults’ complex needs lead to debates regarding “worse off” versus potentiality in future long-term care services allocation. Trial registration Not applicable.

AbstractAlthough Zimbabwe opened its airwaves to private players in 2002, broadcasting spectrum frequency licensing has remained contentious with some stakeholders arguing the process lacks transparency and is deceptive to media reform. We therefore seek to answer two key questions in this article: What are the impediments encountered in liberating the broadcasting industry in Zimbabwe since independence? To what extent is Zimbabwe’s broadcasting frequency spectrum licensing regime transparent, open and participatory? The article analyses if the licensing regimen meets International Telecommunications Union (ITU), continental and regional benchmarks of transparency, openness, fairness and inclusivity in allocation and assignment of frequencies. It investigates and unpacks policies and principles concerning frequency spectrum allocation for broadcasting in Zimbabwe. Documentary analysis is employed in examining policy documents which outline terms of reference and requirements for frequency spectrum allocation. We also conducted in-depth interviews with broadcasting policy makers and industrial voices such as applicants who were denied licenses. Four stations (two awarded and two denied) licenses and were purposively sampled for in-depth interviews. Findings in this study reveal that the adjudication and scoring of the licensees is not transparent, neither is it open and bidders do not have a say in the licensing process. Whilst the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe and the Postal Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe admit that final adjudication is done by the authorities, they still claim that the Zimbabwean licensing model is open, transparent and participatory.

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Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie 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.)

Exploding population, industrialization, and an increase in water pollution has led to acute shrinkage in freshwater availability. Numerous countries have started exploring municipal wastewater as a new potential source of water to bring a paradigm shift from linearity to obtaining circularity in human water cycle management. This study aims to develop a decision support system for integrated water and wastewater management (DSS_IWWM), targeted towards reuse-focused selection of appropriate wastewater treatment technology, and localized planning around STPs in terms of reclaimed water demand identification, estimation, allocation, and sustainable pricing. The developed DSS_IWWM comprises of a repository of fourteen reuse purposes, reuse quality criteria, and 25 wastewater treatment technologies (WWTTs) in 360 combinations. It is sensitive to local resource scenarios and applies a socioeconomic and technology-focused methodology for addressing the interests of the community and investing agencies and viably. To validate the application of the DSS_IWWM, it is first tested with data from three cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh (India)—Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Agra—and then extended to nine more Indian cities with varying influent quality characteristics, resource inputs, existing STP technologies, and same target quality and decision criteria prioritization, to present a comparison of appropriate WWTTs and associated average prices obtained in different scenarios. It is concluded that influent quality, existing technology, and target quality criteria play significant role in selection of appropriate WWTTs. The traditional technologies such as UASB and ASP are required to be augmented and supplemented with high-performing WWTTs, such as BIOFOR-F with (C + F + RSF) and SBT + WP to obtain desired effluent quality. High-performing advanced oxidation process (AOP)-based systems such as A2O, SBR, and BIOFOR-F require WWTTs with relatively lower average costs (such as SBT and OP). The developed DSS_IWWM may prove to be very useful and beneficial for policymakers, government officials, engineers, and scientific community as it will facilitate rational decision-making for efficient investment planning in reuse focused wastewater treatment towards achieving circular economy in sustainable water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In order to reach a more circular economy, materials previously classified as waste can be upgraded and turned into valuable co-products, with associated environmental benefits. The generation of co-products raises many questions around the multifunctionality issue from a life cycle perspective. This article explores the attribution of Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts for an ironmaking process, HIsarna, which additionally produces two co-products: zinc-rich process dust and slag, suitable for the zinc and cement sectors, respectively. Methods: A wide range of LCA allocation methodologies are applied to attribute impacts between the main product, hot metal, and the two co-products. These include system expansion, physical allocation, economic allocation and zero burden allocation. Each method attributes a different GWP to each co-product. Additionally, different perspectives are explored to consider the most suitable methods according to the co-product user and the co-product producer. For instance, it might be in the co-product user's interest that the co-product GWP was minimised, and lower than other material inputs performing a similar function. Conversely, the co-product producer may be incentivised to lower its primary product's GWP by attributing the greatest possible burden to the co-products. Results and discussion: The GWP impacts for zinc-rich process dust range from 0 to 3.71 kg CO2 eq. per kg. At the higher end, the GWP of zinc-rich dust would be higher than that of primary zinc concentrate. A similarly wide range is applicable for slag, 0 to 1.27 kg CO2 eq. per kg. This impacts the final GWP applied to HIsarna hot metal, which has an initial GWP of 1.72 kg CO2 eq. per kg but could decrease to 1.17 kg CO2 eq. per kg depending on the allocation methods employed. This would be a substantial reduction of over 30%, larger than many decarbonisation options that are predicted to provide. This scenario would also heavily burden the co-products and could be in conflict with interests of a co-product user seeking to utilise low emissions feedstocks as part of a decarbonisation strategy. Conclusions: The reduction in GWP impact attributed to hot metal with the different approaches highlights the relevance of harmonizing the allocation methods used for co-products. The appropriateness of each of the approaches for attributing GWP impacts has been explored, offering insights as to how the benefits of such systems could be assessed and attributed in the future as circularity strategies and valuable co-products become more prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]