Innovation in Science and Technology

MELD and PELD Scores: Predict Models for the Survival in Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease

Haradhan Kumar Mohajan — 2026-01-23

The liver is the largest essential internal organ of the body. At present, liver disease has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and patients with advanced liver disease may die within months to years. The model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) is an objective measure incorporating three quantitative values, such as serum creatinine, international normalized ratio (INR), and serum bilirubin that is used to prioritize and allocate adult patients of minimum age 12 years, with liver cirrhosis waiting for a liver transplantation (LT). The five factors are used in the pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score, such as serum albumin, patient’s age at listing, international normalization ratio (INR), total bilirubin, and growth failure, whose age is less than 12 years. At present the PELD score is successfully applied as a strong predictor of death on the waiting list in pediatric LT hospitals. The PELD score and the MELD score have been used as predictors of mortality among the listed liver failure patients that have only option of LT for survival. Both models provide more accurate measures of liver disease severity and predict that the patients are at risk of dying on the waiting list of LT.

Research on the Precision Allocation of Cross-Border Marketing Resources of US Enterprises Driven by Digital Technology

Chunzi Wang — 2026-01-23

Against the backdrop of global digital transformation, the cross-border marketing resource investment of US enterprises has maintained an average annual growth rate of 15.6%, yet resource misallocation losses have reached 19.4%, and the application conversion rate of digital technologies is only 37%. Based on Resource Dependence Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, and Market Segmentation Theory, this study constructs an integrated model of “digital technology – resource adaptation – marketing performance”. Taking 360 panel data observations from 45 US multinational enterprises during 2020-2023 as samples, this paper employs methods such as PLS-SEM and DEA model to explore the driving mechanism of digital technology on the allocation of multi-dimensional marketing resources. The results indicate that digital technology has a significant positive impact on resource adaptation degree, which plays a complete mediating role, and target market type exerts a significant moderating effect.

Integrated Optimization of Location, Delivery Mode, and Information in Cross-Border Last-Mile Logistics

Xiaoying Nie — 2026-01-23

This study addresses the industry pain points of high last-mile delivery costs, unstable delivery times, and lack of transparency in North American cross-border e-commerce logistics. It also considers the inadequacy of existing delivery network optimization models in adapting to the unique characteristics of cross-border scenarios. A hierarchical last-mile delivery network optimization model integrating “location - mode - information” has been developed. This model improves the traditional K-means clustering algorithm by incorporating customs clearance convenience into the overseas warehouse location index system. It dynamically matches delivery modes based on order timeliness, value, and weight attributes and builds a cross-border delivery information collaboration system using blockchain technology. Comparative analysis of operational data before and after model optimization in the northeastern region of a leading North American cross-border e-commerce platform reveals a 30.5% reduction in per-order delivery costs, a decrease in standard delivery time from 72 to 48 hours, and an increase in next-day delivery fulfillment rate to 92%. Customer experience-related indicators have also significantly improved. Expansion tests demonstrate the model’s adaptability to the Canadian and Mexican markets.

Construction of Technical Standards and Cost Estimation Model for K12 Education Information Technology Equipment Upgrade

Weiwei Xu — 2026-01-23

Currently, K12 education information technology (IT) equipment in China has entered a “peak period of renewal and replacement”. However, due to the lack of unified technical standards and a scientific cost estimation model, schools face blind purchasing and significant waste of funds. This study focuses on balancing the “effect of equipment upgrade and funding”. Through literature review, field research (covering 100 K12 schools in 10 provinces across the eastern, central, and western regions), statistical analysis, and case validation, this study conducts research on the formulation of technical standards and the construction of cost estimation models. For the first time, this study establishes differentiated technical standards for “basic equipment” and “smart equipment”, specifying parameters, safety, and compatibility requirements for basic equipment (e.g., resolution of interactive intelligent blackboards ≥ 4K) and smart equipment (e.g., AI grading accuracy ≥ 98%). Based on a three-dimensional framework of “equipment type, school size, and regional economic level”, a cost estimation model is constructed using multiple regression analysis, with a verified error rate of ≤ 5%. Ultimately, a “standard + model + toolkit” implementation plan is formed. Practice has shown that this plan can increase equipment utilization to over 80% and achieve a funding savings rate of 25%.