Contingency Tables Research Articles

Patient Consent for Medical Student Pelvic Exams under Anesthesia: An Exploratory Retrospective Chart Review.

We conducted an exploratory retrospective chart review of electronic consent forms at a single academic medical center using contingency tables, logistic regression, and nonparametric tests to explore relationships between patient and physician characteristics and consent. We identified and downloaded electronic consent forms for a census of 4,000 patients undergoing gynecologic surgery from September 2020 through calendar year 2022. Forms were linked to anonymized medical record information. Of the 4,000 patients, 142 (3.6%) were removed from analysis because consent forms were incomplete. Of 3,858 patients, 308 (8.0%) were asked for EUA consent more than once, 46 of whom were not consistent. Overall, 3,308 (85.7%) patients consented every time asked, and 550 (14.2%) refused or limited EUA consent at least once. Nine patients limited their consent to female students, and two patients refused medical student participation at all. We performed exploratory multiple logistic regression analyses exploring differences in rates of consent across patient and physician demographic groups. We find that some patients are more likely than others to refuse a pelvic EUA, magnifying the dignitary harm from a nonconsensual invasion of intimate bodily integrity and perpetuating historic wrongs visited upon vulnerable people of color and religious minorities. Patients' rights to respect and control over their bodies require that physicians take seriously the ethical obligation to inform their patients and ask them for permission.

The impact of COVID-19 on resident doctors as the frontline in health services

As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 increases, the workload due to the pandemic can affect health workers and increase the risk of psychological stress. Psychological factors such as anxiety can cause various physiological responses, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. The persistent symptoms of GERD can reduce the patient's quality of life. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in October 2021 at the Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital, Banda Aceh. A total of 91 Specialist Medical Education Program responded to the study. Data from respondents were collected through the generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), GERD-Q, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The statistical analysis used was the contingency coefficient test. The results showed that 9.9% of respondents experienced suggestive GERD, minimal anxiety (92%), and good quality of life (51.6%). There was a significant relationship between anxiety levels and quality of life and the GERD prevalence of Specialist Doctor Education Program Participants during the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.05). Most Specialist Medical Education Program participants did not suffer from GERD with minimal anxiety, followed by mild and moderate anxiety. The majority had a good and moderate quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Calibrated Bayesian Hypothesis Test for Directional Hypotheses of the Odds Ratio in $$2\times 2$$ Contingency Tables

AbstractThe $$\chi ^{2}$$ χ 2 test is among the most widely used statistical hypothesis tests in medical research. Often, the statistical analysis deals with the test of row-column independence in a $$2\times 2$$ 2 × 2 contingency table, and the statistical parameter of interest is the odds ratio. A novel Bayesian analogue to the frequentist $$\chi ^{2}$$ χ 2 test is introduced. The test is based on a Dirichlet-multinomial model under a joint sampling scheme and works with balanced and unbalanced randomization. The test focusses on the quantity of interest in a variety of medical research, the odds ratio in a $$2\times 2$$ 2 × 2 contingency table. A computational implementation of the test is developed and R code is provided to apply the test. To meet the demands of regulatory agencies, a calibration of the Bayesian test is introduced which allows to calibrate the false-positive rate and power. The latter provides a Bayes-frequentist compromise which ensures control over the long-term error rates of the test. Illustrative examples using clinical trial data and simulations show how to use the test in practice. In contrast to existing Bayesian tests for $$2\times 2$$ 2 × 2 tables, calibration of the acceptance threshold for the hypothesis of interest allows to achieve a bound on the false-positive rate and minimum power for a prespecified odds ratio of interest. The novel Bayesian test provides an attractive choice for Bayesian biostatisticians who face the demands of regulatory agencies which usually require formal control over false-positive errors and power under the alternative. As such, it constitutes an easy-to-apply addition to the arsenal of already existing Bayesian tests.

#2120 Impact on CKD classification and comorbidities using GFR estimated by European Kidney Function Consortium equation in kidney transplant recipients

Abstract Background and Aims In 2020, European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) proposed a new equation that estimates glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in European population. Few studies have compared EKFC with CKDEPI, particularly in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) classification by KDIGO is used not only by nephrologists who evaluate more parameters of kidney function, but also by every other specialist who are going to be guided mainly by this stage. Our objective is to compare EKFC equation and CKDEPI in classifying CKD in KT patients and its relationship with associated comorbidities. Method We conduct a retrospective observational study including all KT performed at our centre from 1993 to 2022 with survival greater than one year. We collect creatinine, haemoglobin (Hb), phosphorus (P−), potassium (K+), and bicarbonate (Bic) values at three months and one-year post-transplant. We define anaemia as Hb < 11 g/dl, hyperphosphataemia as serum P− > 4.5 mg/dl, hyperkalaemia as serum K+ > 5 mEq/ml, and acidosis as Bic < 22 mEq/L. We calculate estimated GFR (eGFR) using CKDEPI and EKFC equations, classify CKD stage according to KDIGO, and compare both results in terms of correlation and differences. We use Kappa Coefficient and Chi-Square by contingency tables, and ROC curves with homogeneity test for prediction of these comorbidities. We use SPSS and MedCalc as statistics programs. Results We include 968 KT, with median age at the time of transplant 52.75 year [41.25-61.27]. 294 KT (30.4%) are in women. Comorbidity frequencies are depicted in Table 1. ROC analysis shows no significant differences in predicting acidosis at one year, hyperphosphataemia at any time, hyperkalaemia at 3rd month, anaemia at any time, and composite event at any time. We find significant differences in favour to CKDEPI for acidosis at 3rd month (ΔAUC 0.00575 95% CI [0.00182-0.00969]; p = 0.0042) and for hyperkalaemia at one year (ΔAUC = 0.00853 [0.00161-0.0154]; p = 0.0157). Through contingency tables we compare classification into stages, finding very good agreement based on the Kappa coefficient (κ) but significant differences by Chi-Square. With κ = 0.905, EKFC reclassifies 70 patients, 7.23% overall, but not significantly down nor upstaging (31 vs 39). It reclassifies more men than women: 8.46% vs 4.42%. In 10-year age groups, the largest reclassification occurs in the 70-80 years group, a 17.07% with κ = 0.774, all cases upstaged. At one-year eGFR, contingency tables also show a very good agreement based on κ but significant differences by Chi-Square. EKFC reclassifies 83 KT (κ = 0.887), 8.57% overall. It reclassifies 7.48% women and 9.05% men. In 10-year age groups, the largest reclassification occurs in 20-30 years group with 17.24% (κ = 0.767) and 14.81% in 70-80 years (κ = 0.796). All patients in these groups were upstaged. We resume graphically the reclassification of the groups in Fig. 1, observing how EKFC upstages CKD (worsen CKD stage) in high eGFR stages, and downstages CKD in low eGFR stages. Conclusion Estimation of GFR in KT recipients using the new EKFC equation yields similar results to CKDEPI, showing very good agreement for CKD classification although there is a non-negligible percentage of reclassification, which may be clinically relevant in terms of treatment indications and diagnostic tests. It is to a worse CKD stage in high eGFR and to a better stage in low eGFR, and when EKFC reclassification percentage is greater—in the extreme ages of our cohort—it is always by upstaging. Except for minimal differences which we consider clinically inconsequential, we find no significant differences between both equations in discriminating presence of hyperphosphatemia, hyperkalaemia, anaemia or acidosis.

Patterns and short term neurosurgical treatment outcomes of neonates with neural tube defects admitted to Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BackgroundNeural tube defects (NTDs) account for the largest proportion of congenital anomalies of the central nervous system and result from failure of the neural tube to close spontaneously between the 3rd and 4th weeks of in utero development. Prognosis and treatment outcome depends on the nature and the pattern of the defect. The nature of treatment outcomes and its pattern associated with grave prognosis is not well known in the study area.ObjectiveThe aim of study was to determine the patterns and short term neurosurgical management outcomes of newborns with neural tube defects admitted at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital.MethodsInstitutional based retrospective cross-sectional study among neonates, who were admitted at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital with neural tube defects from January 1st to December, 30th, 2018 was conducted. All Charts of Neonates with confirmed diagnosis of neural tube defects were included as part of the study. Trained data collectors (medical interns) supervised by trained supervisors (general practitioners) collected the data using a pretested data extraction format. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Frequency and cross tabulations were used to summarize descriptive statistics of data, and tables and graphs were used for data presentation.ResultAbout 109 patients had complete documentation and imaging confirmed neural tube defects. Myelomeningocele was the commonest pattern 70 (64.2%). Thoracolumbar spine was the commonest site of presentation 49(45%). The most common associated impairment was hydrocephalus 37(33.9%). Forty-five (41.1%) had multiple complications. The mortality rate was 7.3%, 44% were discharged with sequalae and 36.7% were discharged without impairment. The significant causes of death were infection 66.7% and Chiari crisis 33.3%.ConclusionMyelomeningocele was the most frequent clinical pattern of neural tube defect and thoracolumbar spine was the commonest site. Isolated neural tube defect was the commonest finding. There were multiple complications after surgery accompanied with meningitis and hydrocephalus. The mortality rate among neonates with neural tube defects was considerably high. The commonest causes of death were infection and Chiari crisis.

Expiratory flow limitation during mechanical ventilation: real-time detection and physiological subtypes

BackgroundTidal expiratory flow limitation (EFLT) complicates the delivery of mechanical ventilation but is only diagnosed by performing specific manoeuvres. Instantaneous analysis of expiratory resistance (Rex) can be an alternative way to detect EFLT without changing ventilatory settings. This study aimed to determine the agreement of EFLT detection by Rex analysis and the PEEP reduction manoeuvre using contingency table and agreement coefficient. The patterns of Rex were explored.MethodsMedical patients ≥ 15-year-old receiving mechanical ventilation underwent a PEEP reduction manoeuvre from 5 cmH2O to zero for EFLT detection. Waveforms were recorded and analyzed off-line. The instantaneous Rex was calculated and was plotted against the volume axis, overlapped by the flow-volume loop for inspection. Lung mechanics, characteristics of the patients, and clinical outcomes were collected. The result of the Rex method was validated using a separate independent dataset.Results339 patients initially enrolled and underwent a PEEP reduction. The prevalence of EFLT was 16.5%. EFLT patients had higher adjusted hospital mortality than non-EFLT cases. The Rex method showed 20% prevalence of EFLT and the result was 90.3% in agreement with PEEP reduction manoeuvre. In the validation dataset, the Rex method had resulted in 91.4% agreement. Three patterns of Rex were identified: no EFLT, early EFLT, associated with airway disease, and late EFLT, associated with non-airway diseases, including obesity. In early EFLT, external PEEP was less likely to eliminate EFLT.ConclusionsThe Rex method shows an excellent agreement with the PEEP reduction manoeuvre and allows real-time detection of EFLT. Two subtypes of EFLT are identified by Rex analysis.Trial registration: Clinical trial registered with www.thaiclinicaltrials.org (TCTR20190318003). The registration date was on 18 March 2019, and the first subject enrollment was performed on 26 March 2019.

Profiles of Dementia Caregivers according to Psychosocial and Resource Variables. Importance of Kinship.

The present study aims to analyze the existence of different profiles in family caregivers of people with dementia according to psychosocial and resource variables. In addition, it aims to study whether there is a greater representation of each kinship group in each of the profiles and if there are differences in emotional distress among such profiles considering the kinship with the care-recipient. Participants were 288 family dementia caregivers, divided into four kinship groups (wives, husbands, sons and daughters). Psychosocial (familism, dysfunctional thoughts and experiential avoidance), resource (leisure activities and social support) and outcomes (depressive, anxious and guilt symptomatology) variables were collected. A hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward's method, an exploratory factor analysis of two fixed factors and contingency tables were performed. Five clusters were obtained: Low psychosocial vulnerability-High resources, Low psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources, Mixed, High psychosocial vulnerability-High resources, and High psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources. Results suggested that clusters associated with lower distress were the Low psychosocial vulnerability-High resources and the High psychosocial vulnerability-High resources. Clusters associated with higher distress were the Low psychosocial vulnerability-Low resources and Mixed. High levels of dysfunctional thoughts, familism and experiential avoidance do not always have a maladaptive function. This could depend on sociocultural and resource variables such as the kinship with the caregiver or perceived social support. The identification of profiles of family caregivers potentially needing protection and vulnerable to psychological distress could help to increase the effectiveness of interventions aimed at this population.

Continuous glucose monitoring and recreational scuba diving in type 1 diabetes: head-to-head comparison between Free Style Libre 3 and Dexcom G7 performance.

Background Scuba diving was previously excluded because of hypoglycemic risks for type 1 diabetic patients (T1DM). Specific eligibility criteria and a safety protocol have been defined, while continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have enhanced diabetes management. This study aims to assess the feasibility and accuracy of CGM Dexcom G7 (DG7) and Free Style Libre 3 (FSL3) in a setting of repetitive scuba diving in T1DM, exploring the possibility of non-adjunctive use. Material and methods The study was conducted during an event of Diabete Sommerso® association in November 2023. Participants followed a safety protocol, with capillary glucose as reference standard (Beurer GL50Evo). Sensors accuracy was evaluated through Median and Mean Absolute Relative Difference (MeARD and MARD) and Surveillance Error Grid (SEG) Analysis. Sub-analyses were performed by glycemic range, timing, gender. Data distribution and correlation was estimated by Spearman test and Bland-Altman plots. The ability of sensors to identify hypoglycaemia was assessed by contingency tables. Participants completed a satisfation questionnaire. Results Data from 202 dives of 13 patients were collected. The overall MARD was 31% for DG7 and 14.2% for FSL3, MeARD 19.7% and 11.6% respectively. FSL3 exhibited better accuracy in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic ranges. SEG analysis showed 82.1% (DG7) and 97.4% (FSL3) data on no-risk zone. FSL3 better performed on hypoglycemia identification (diagnostic odds ratio of 254.10 vs 58.95). Neither of sensors reached the MARD for non-adjunctive use. Patient satisfaction favored FSL3 for size and minimal bulk, while DG7 received positive feedback for versatility. Conclusions The study reveals FSL3 superior accuracy compared to DG7 in a setting of repetitive scuba diving in T1DM, except for hypoglycemic range. Both sensors fails to achieve accuracy for non-adjunctive use. Capillary tests remain crucial for safe dive planning, and sensor data should be interpreted cautiously. We suggest exploring additional factors potentially influencing sensor performance.

Complications after Heller myotomy in children: a national multicenter study on the impact of prior endoscopic dilatation and identification of risk factors.

Although esophageal achalasia has been historically treated by Heller myotomy, endoscopic esophageal dilatations are nowadays often the first-line treatment in children. The aim was to assess whether performing an endoscopic dilatation before a Heller myotomy is associated with higher risks of esophageal perforation in children. A retrospective multicentric study was performed, including children that underwent a Heller myotomy (2000-2022, 10 centers). Two groups were compared based on the history of previous dilatation before myotomy. Outcomes esophageal perforation (intra-operative or secondary) and post-operative complications requiring surgery (Clavien-Dindo III). Statistics Comparisons using contingency tables or Kruskal-Wallis when appropriate. Statistical significance: p-value < 0.05. A Heller myotomy was performed in 77 children (median age: 11.8 years), with prior endoscopic dilatation in 53% (n = 41). A laparoscopic approach was used in 90%, with associated fundoplication in 95%. Esophageal perforation occurred in 19% of children (n = 15), including 12 patients with intra-operative mucosal tear and 3 with post-operative complications related to an unnoticed esophageal perforation. Previous endoscopic dilatation did not increase the risk of esophageal perforation (22% vs 17%, OR: 1.4, 95%CI: 0.43-4.69). Post-operative complications occurred in 8% (n = 6), with similar rates regardless of prior endoscopic dilatation. Intra-operative mucosal tear was the only risk factor for post-operative complications, increasing the risk of complications from 5 to 25% (OR: 6.89, 95%CI: 1.38-31.87). Prior endoscopic dilatations did not increase the risk of esophageal perforation or postoperative complications of Heller myotomy in this cohort of children with achalasia. Mucosal tear was identified as a risk factor for post-operative complications.

Evaluation of PVD exposure and its influence on visual fatigue in the administrative staff of a public hospital in Riobamba - Ecuador in 2023

Widespread use of data display terminals (DUTs) in a work environment could represent a risk for developing ocular pathologies and dangers. One way to determine the presence and severity of these symptoms is through the CVSS17 questionnaire. In this study, visual symptoms were evaluated in the administrative staff of an Ecuadorian public hospital. The results indicate no association between visual symptoms and gender (contingency coefficient 0.085, p=0.83). A moderate but not statistically significant association was found between symptom intensity and age (contingency coefficient of 0.344, p=0.347). However, there is a statistically significant positive association between symptom intensity and type of contract (contingency coefficient 0.40, p=0.049, Cramer's Test V 0.3, p=0.049). Symptom severity is mild in 38% (95% CI 24.0% - 51.9%), followed by 34% of moderate symptoms (95% CI 20.4% - 47.6%), according to the percentages obtained in the CVSS17 questionnaire. It is suggested that visual hygiene be improved, the work environment optimized, and regular visual stimulation breaks established to prevent visual symptoms. These measures, assessed by the CVSS17 questionnaire, provide a healthier working environment.

A comparison of two user-friendly methods to identify and support correction of misspelled medications

ObjectiveTo identify and support correction of misspelled medication names recorded as free text, we compared the relative effectiveness of two user-friendly methods, used without reliance on clinical knowledge. MethodsLeveraging the SAS® COMPGED function, fuzzy string search programs examined 1.8 million medication records from 183,600 World Trade Center General Responder Cohort monitoring visits conducted in New York and New Jersey between 7/16/2002 and 3/31/2021, producing replicable generalized edit distance scores between the reported and correct spelling. Scores < 120 were selected as optimal and compared to Stedman’s 2020 Plus Medical/Pharmaceutical Spell Checker first suggested word, used as the comparative standard because it employs both spelling and phonetic similarities to suggest matching words. We coded each methods’ results as identifying or not identifying the medications within each visit. ResultsMost types of medications (94.4 % anxiety, 98.4 % asthma and 94.6 % ulcer/gastroesophageal reflux disease) were correctly spelled. Cross tabulations assessed the agreement (anxiety 99.9 %, asthma 99.6 % and 98.4 % ulcer/ gastroesophageal reflux disease), false positive (respectively 0.02 %, 0.03 % and 2.0 %) and false negative (respectively 1.9 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 %) values. Scores < 120 occasionally correctly identified medications missed by the spell checker. We observed no difference in medication misspellings across socio-economically and culturally diverse patient characteristics. ConclusionsBoth methods efficiently identified most misspelled medications, greatly minimizing the review and rectification needed. The fuzzy method is more universally applicable for condition-specific medications identification, but requires more programming skills. The spell checker is inexpensive, but benefits from modest programming skills and is only available in some languages.

Labour market segmentation and the gender wage gap in Spain

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyse the gender wage gap (GWG) in Spain adopting a labour market segmentation approach. Once we obtain the different labour segments (or idiosyncratic labour markets), we are able to decompose the GWG into its observed and unobserved heterogeneity components.Design/methodology/approachWe use the data from the Continuous Sample of Working Lives for the year 2021 (matched employer–employee [EE] data). Contingency tables and clustering techniques are applied to employment data to identify idiosyncratic labour markets where men and/or women of different ages tend to match/associate with different sectors of activity and occupation groups. Once this “heatmap” of labour associations is known, we can analyse its hottest areas (the idiosyncratic labour markets) from the perspective of wage discrimination by gender (Oaxaca-Blinder model).FindingsIn Spain, in general, men are paid more than women, and this is not always justified by their respective attributes. Among our results, the fact stands out that women tend to move to those idiosyncratic markets (biclusters) where the GWG (in favour of men) is smaller.Research limitations/implicationsIt has not been possible to obtain remuneration data by job-placement, but an annual EE relationship is used. Future research should attempt to analyse the GWG across the wage distribution in the different idiosyncratic markets.Practical implicationsOur combination of methodologies can be adapted to other economies and variables and provides detailed information on the labour-matching process and gender wage discrimination in segmented labour markets.Social implicationsOur contribution is very important for labour market policies, trying to reduce unfair inequalities.Originality/valueThe study of the GWG from a novel labour segmentation perspective can be interesting for other researchers, institutions and policy makers.

Industry sector’s influence on the narratives in environmental disclosures in the opinion of reports preparers. Evidence from Poland

The narrative phenomenon in accounting concerns, i.e., the disclosure of environmental information and the impression management of stakeholders. The study examines and assesses the dependence between the company’s industry of activity and the narration perception adopted by the preparers of environmental reports, in particular, the impression management techniques used. To achieve the purpose of the article, an in-depth survey was conducted covering a non-random sample of the employees of Polish enterprises involved in the preparation and reporting of environmental information. Contingency tables and association measures for categorical variables were used in the statistical analysis of the survey data. The analysis results of the collected empirical data confirmed that the company’s industry of activity impacts the way report preparers evaluate the scope and apply narrative strategies, especially impression management techniques. The research expands knowledge on the perception of the importance of environmental disclosures and the issue of environmental narrative practices from an enterprise perspective. The results of the analysis indicated a level of pro-environmental awareness and confirmed the knowledge of narrative strategies and techniques. This study contributes to the discussion on the effects of environmental narrative in accounting, offering yet another element of the current practice diagnosis in this area in Poland.

Variations in the coherence and engagement in students’ experience of blended learning

We report a study which examines coherence of engagement of 344 first year engineering students’ blended learning experience. Using self-report and observational data sources, we demonstrate that student perceptions of the blended learning environment, academic learning outcomes, and engagement with the online learning activities are logically related at the variable level as shown by correlation analyses; and at the level of student groupings of similar learning experience and behaviors, as revealed by cluster, ANOVA, and 2 x 2 contingency analyses. Using self-report data, we found that when students perceived the learning activities in the f2f and online environments were integrated, they were more likely to be engaged with the online learning and to perform relatively higher on the assessment tasks than students who perceived disintegration between f2f and online learning. Using the observational data, students who were more engaged with the online learning tended to perceive that the online learning was well integrated with the f2f learning, that the online contributions were valuable for the whole learning experience, and achieved relatively higher than less engaged students. A 2 x 2 contingency table revealed a logical relationship between the groupings of students based on the selfreport and observational data: moderate and positive association was found between students with coherent perceptions and more engagement; and between students with fragmented perceptions and less engagement. The use of multiple data sources and methods enabled triangulation, strengthened analysis power, and offered a more comprehensive picture of students’ blended learning experience.

Recruiting the next generation of project managers: Student interests, industry needs, and marketing messages

Businesses need well-trained project managers but recruiting students to this field is a challenge. This three-part study examines motivational factors that influence students to pursue a project management degree, industry requirements for project management careers, and graduate program marketing messages. The purpose of the study is to determine the degree of alignment among these three variables and make recommendations for graduate program marketing stakeholders and industry leaders to improve recruitment strategies for these programs. Study 1 seeks to understand prospective student opinions and trigger factors when applying to a graduate program using a survey with regression and cross tabulation statistical analysis. Study 2 analyzes the relationship between project management certifications and work experience and salary using regression analysis. Study 3 is a content analysis that examines how graduate programs market their project management programs to prospective students. Study findings indicate industry leaders and higher education stakeholders need to use informational marketing campaigns to bridge the knowledge gap between market demand and student perceptions. Higher education leaders need to design curriculum that includes industry certifications and practical skill courses if they want to increase enrollment and career placement for project management students.

Assessing concordance between Campylobacter prevalence in broilers and human cases before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lower Saxony, Germany, considering fresh chicken meat consumption patterns.

As the most common foodborne disease, number of campylobacteriosis decreased in Germany with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. As the consumption of fresh chicken meat is a major risk factor for human infection, this study investigated the relationship between Campylobacter contamination levels on chicken carcasses and human cases in Lower Saxony, Germany and observed fresh chicken meat consumption patterns between 2018 and 2021 including the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Campylobacter levels in broilers and human cases were classified based on the median and descriptively analysed per week using contingency tables. Before the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 and 2019), high Campylobacter contamination levels on neck samples and many human cases were more present, whereas with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 and 2021), low contamination levels on chicken carcasses and few human cases were more present. Lowest concordance between both parameters was shown in 2018 (Cohen's cappa coefficient: 0.37) and 2020 (0.38). The highest concordance was examined in 2021 (0.69). The private consumption of fresh chicken meat in Lower Saxony increased significantly with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by 63.9 tonnes compared to 2019 to an average of 453.5 tonnes per week. Public health measures and a reduced number of medical treatments have undoubtedly had an impact on less reported human cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, number of human cases remained at a low level in Germany in 2023 while chicken meat consumption increased. Thus, further risk assessments regarding the risk of campyloabcteriosis due to chicken meat consumption should include the country of origin, as the level of contamination of chicken carcasses varies between European countries.

How to evaluate perfusion imaging in post-treatment glioma: a comparison of three different analysis methods.

Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion weighted (PW)-MRI can aid in differentiating treatment related abnormalities (TRA) from tumor progression (TP) in post-treatment glioma patients. Common methods, like the 'hot spot', or visual approach suffer from oversimplification and subjectivity. Using perfusion of the complete lesion potentially offers an objective and accurate alternative. This study aims to compare the diagnostic value and assess the subjectivity of these techniques. 50 Glioma patients with enhancing lesions post-surgery and chemo-radiotherapy were retrospectively included. Outcome was determined by clinical/radiological follow-up or biopsy. Imaging analysis used the 'hot spot', volume of interest (VOI) and visual approach. Diagnostic accuracy was compared using receiving operator characteristics (ROC) curves for the VOI and 'hot spot' approach, visual assessment was analysed with contingency tables. Inter-operator agreement was determined with Cohens kappa and intra-class coefficient (ICC). 29 Patients suffered from TP, 21 had TRA. The visual assessment showed poor to substantial inter-operator agreement (κ = -0.72 - 0.68). Reliability of the 'hot spot' placement was excellent (ICC = 0.89), while reference placement was variable (ICC = 0.54). The area under the ROC (AUROC) of the mean- and maximum relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) (VOI-analysis) were 0.82 and 0.72, while the rCBV-ratio ('hot spot' analysis) was 0.69. The VOI-analysis had a more balanced sensitivity and specificity compared to visual assessment. VOI analysis of DSC PW-MRI data holds greater diagnostic accuracy in single-moment differentiation of TP and TRA than 'hot spot' or visual analysis. This study underlines the subjectivity of visual placement and assessment.

Online food delivery services: cross-sectional study of consumers’ attitude in Malaysia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysian consumers were more likely to purchase food online and have it delivered to their doorstep. To stay afloat, many restaurants were pushed to provide online food delivery services (OFDS), and this sector has grown tremendously. However, will the trend persist after the pandemic? This study aims to look into how consumers’ perceptions of OFDS affect their attitude towards them. It investigates the relationship between convenience motivation, perceived ease of use, time-saving orientation and price-saving orientation in terms of future intent to use OFDS. Method Primary data was collected from 307 respondents in Malaysia using convenience sampling method through an online survey. Respondents’ demographic background was presented statistically in cross tabulation tables to study the ratio comparison implicitly. Consistent Partial Least Square approach and bootstrapping techniques with 5,000 subsamples was employed, with the aid of SmartPLS.V3 software, to identify the significant factors influencing consumers’ continuance intention after the pandemic. Result Perceived ease of use does not contribute significantly to continuance intention as most consumers have prior online purchase experience. Nevertheless, time-saving orientation has a positive correlation with perceived ease of use due to the simplicity of placing an order with just a click. It is also found that price-saving orientation is related to convenience motivation, particularly when prices can be compared on the websites or online ordering platforms. Consumers’ intention to continue using OFDS even after the COVID-19 pandemic is positively influenced by all the parameters studied, except for perceived ease of use. Conclusion Limited work has been done on the continuance intention to use OFDS beyond the pandemic. This study provides insight for food retailers on how to enhance their business and retain their customers with the support of technology, even after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Customer Satisfaction towards Online Shopping with reference to Ujjain City

A fundamental understanding of factors causing customer satisfaction in online shopping has gained greater prominence with companies replacing their traditional retail outlets with the online interface. Online retailing helps retailers to serve their customers quickly and more efficiently by delivering superior customer value. It is in this regard a fundamental understanding of factors causing customer satisfaction in online shopping has attained greater prominence. The paper aims to apply the modified SERVQUAL model in the context of online shopping to describe how customers perceive online shopping quality. This empirical study mainly focuses on examining the major factors influencing online customer satisfaction. A survey research questionnaire of 24 items has been applied and the data of 200 respondents were collected from customers using online shopping service in Ujain city. A convenient sampling technique was used for selecting the respondents. Statistical tools such as factor analysis cross tabulation and frequency tables were applied to interpret the data. To achieve the objective reliability test was conducted. The reliability analysis shows that all dimensions are reliable. First, the study identified Ease of use, service reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and security are the major determinants of customer satisfaction with reference to online Shopping. The study primarily focuses on exploring the factors that influence online customer’s satisfaction. The study not also helps in assessing the significance of these factors in the context of online shopping but also provides an insight for retailers on the factors affecting customer satisfaction. Keywords – prominence, Online retailing, convenient sampling technique, reliability analysis, assessing.

Performance of modified colistin broth disc elution vis-a-vis broth microdilution method for susceptibility testing of Enterobacterales

Performance of modified colistin broth disc elution vis-a-vis broth microdilution method for susceptibility testing of <i>Enterobacterales</i>