A Contract Service Provider Model for Virtual Assets

With the recent rise in the cost of transactions on blockchain platforms, there is a need to explore other service models that may provide a more predictable cost to customers and end-users. We discuss the Contract Service Provider (CSP) model as a counterpart of the successful Internet Service Provider (ISP) model. Similar to the ISP business model based on peered routing-networks, the CSP business model is based on multiple CSP entities forming a CSP Community or group offering a contract service for specific types of virtual assets. We discuss the contract domain construct which encapsulates well-defined smart contract primitives, policies and contract-ledger. We offer a number of design principles borrowed from the design principles of the Internet architecture.

Model-Centric Fulfillment Operations and Maintenance Automation

As networks have evolved, there has been an evolution in how they are managed as well. This evolution has seen a move from manual configuration via command line interface (CLI) to script-based automation and eventually to a template-based approach with workflow to coordinate multiple templates and scripts. The next step in this evolution is the introduction of models to provide a more dynamic capability than is in place today. This chapter will discuss three major layers of modelling that should be considered during implementation of this approach: device models focused on the configuration of the hardware itself; service models focused on the customer or network facing services that leverage the hardware level configuration; and operational models focused on people, processes, and tools involved in application of device and service models. This includes the orchestration of activities with other tools, such as operational support systems (OSS) and business support systems (BSS).

Circular Business Models for Remanufacturing in the Electric Bicycle Industry

The rising popularity and strong increase in the number of electric bicycles make it necessary to consider the built-in resources as well as possible treatments after the use phase. The time lag between the purchase and the occurrence of relevant defects suggests significant increases in defective components. Especially the great dynamics of the market due to regular innovations, product renewals, and the lack of spare parts availability for older models make the long-term use by customers much more difficult than for conventional bicycles. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze circular business models for the electric bicycle market. In this way, the required structures for a sustainable electric bicycle industry can be created so that valuable materials do not go into disposal but undergo a new use phase. Based on the results of “AddRE-Mo–Value Preservation Scenarios for Urban Electromobility of Persons and Loads through Additive Manufacturing and Remanufacturing,” a research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, this paper addresses four circular business models, two sales models, and two service models. The guiding research interest of this paper is the combination of remanufacturing and additive manufacturing from a business model perspective, analyzing the extent to which additive remanufacturing can be considered a solution for electric bicycles' circularity. After describing the approach and methods used to develop these four circular business models the business models are described and analyzed using the Business Model Canvas. Based on this analysis, it is shown that the combination of remanufacturing and additive manufacturing can be applied to the electric bicycle market and be integrated into both sales and service models. The description of these business models will help managers design viable business models in the context of sustainable electric bicycles. It also shows that the individual partners within the value chain must collaborate more closely. In the electric bicycle industry, a single company will probably not be able to close the product cycle completely. Further research is needed to develop concepts of the business models and examine their practical feasibility in technical and organizational operations to achieve a circular economy.

What's the 'Big' Deal with Shared Micromobility? Evolution, Curb Policy, and Potential Developments in North America

Shared micromobility – or short-term access to shared bikes and scooters – provides a flexible alternative for households living in urban areas, individuals seeking first- and last-mile connections to public transportation, and those without access to a private vehicle trying to reach jobs and essential services. In this paper, the authors discuss the history, growth, and evolution of bike and scooter sharing in North America; summarize the demographics and impacts of shared micromobility; and explore shared micromobility policies and practices for managing devices and operations such as: device caps, service area limitations, designated parking areas, fees, equipment/operational requirements, and enforcement. In the future, enhancements in device automation, battery range, charging times, and weight are likely to contribute to the evolution and development of additional devices and service models, which could allow improved range and e-hail for shared micromobility devices.

Crisis stabilisation services for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities sometimes engage in challenging behaviours. When behaviours escalate to the point where they pose imminent risk to the safety of people and environments, a crisis occurs that jeopardises community living and participation. In these situations, timely access to crisis stabilisation services is required. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to synthesise evidence on effective crisis stabilisation service models for challenging behaviours. A total of 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. The literature describes a spectrum of crisis stabilisation services of varying intensities including: outreach, outpatient, inpatient, respite, and capacity building through education and training. However, there is limited guidance on how to best structure service models. This review highlights the need for comprehensive and person-centred programme evaluations.

“Student Needs are Academic Needs” and the Theological Library

Trends in the Association of Theological Schools and at the presenters’ seminary indicate increasing diversity of backgrounds and shifting student needs. A 2019 study by ITHAKA S+R of community college students, a population with substantial diversity, indicates a wider variety of student needs than what have traditionally been considered “academic needs.” It makes the case that all student needs are academic needs, many of which can be supported by the library. This aligns with the presenters’ view of their students’ needs and the library’s potential role. A discussion followed of the ways libraries can contribute with “service models” that respond to changing student needs.

Service as Theatre: The Customer Service Behaviour of Librarians in a Market Driven World

<p>The purpose of this research is to explore the attitude of librarians to service. Previous studies showed that although many librarians identified service as their most important value, librarians were still perceived by many customers as unfriendly and unhelpful. Using Goffman's theory of dramaturgy the study looks at the relationship between the library service ethic and the market driven service ethic attributed to retail, and whether there is conflict between these two models, and if so what affect this is having on the attitudes and behaviour of librarians. This qualitative study uses focus groups to gather data. Focus group participants were all practicing librarians from the Wellington area. The research concludes that there is a conflict between the two service models which is directly affecting the attitude and thus the behaviour of librarians. The marketing model is perceived as a threat to the core functions of libraries because of its 'one size fits all' approach to service. Participants felt this model was a threat to genuine authentic service and personal autonomy.</p>

Service as Theatre: The Customer Service Behaviour of Librarians in a Market Driven World

<p>The purpose of this research is to explore the attitude of librarians to service. Previous studies showed that although many librarians identified service as their most important value, librarians were still perceived by many customers as unfriendly and unhelpful. Using Goffman's theory of dramaturgy the study looks at the relationship between the library service ethic and the market driven service ethic attributed to retail, and whether there is conflict between these two models, and if so what affect this is having on the attitudes and behaviour of librarians. This qualitative study uses focus groups to gather data. Focus group participants were all practicing librarians from the Wellington area. The research concludes that there is a conflict between the two service models which is directly affecting the attitude and thus the behaviour of librarians. The marketing model is perceived as a threat to the core functions of libraries because of its 'one size fits all' approach to service. Participants felt this model was a threat to genuine authentic service and personal autonomy.</p>

Accessing needed sexual health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: a survey of sexual health service clients

ObjectivesWe assessed COVID-19 pandemic impacts on accessing needed sexual health services, and acceptability of alternative service delivery models, among sexual health service clients in British Columbia (BC), Canada.MethodsWe administered an online survey on 21 July–4 August 2020 to clients using a provincial STI clinic or internet-based testing service, GetCheckedOnline, in the year prior to March 2020. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with having unmet sexual health needs (ie, not accessing needed services) during March–July 2020 and the likelihood of using various alternative service models, if available.ResultsOf 1198 survey respondents, 706 (59%) reported needing any sexual health service since March 2020; of these 706, 365 (52%) did not access needed services and 458 (66%) had avoided or delayed accessing services. GetCheckedOnline users (univariate OR (uOR)=0.62; 95% CI 0.43 to 0.88) or clients with more urgent needs (eg, treatment for new STI, uOR 0.40 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.7)) had lower odds of unmet sexual health needs. The most common factors reported for avoiding or delaying access were public messaging against seeking non-urgent healthcare (234/662, 35%), concern about getting COVID-19 while at (214/662, 32%) or travelling to (147/662, 22%) a clinic or lab and closure of usual place of accessing services (178/662, 27%). All factors were positively associated with having unmet sexual health needs, with public messaging showing the strongest effect (adjusted OR=4.27 (95% CI 2.88 to 6.42)). Likelihood of using alternative sexual health service models was high overall, with the most appealing options being home self-collection kits (634/706, 90%), receiving test kits or antibiotics at home (592/700, 85%) and express testing (565/706, 80%).ConclusionsOf BC sexual health service clients needing services during March–July 2020, many had unmet needs. Offering alternative service delivery methods may help to improve access during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.