External Evaluation Research Articles

Beyond competence and retention: Developing a comprehensive evaluation framework for a rural primary care nurse practitioner residency program.

With the rise in nurse practitioner (NP) residency programs, evaluations have largely focused on retention and competency completion for residents. There is a need for expanded evaluation to ensure the sustainability of NP residency programs, to ensure timely adaptations to address resident satisfaction, and to solidify a long-term pathway of NPs well prepared for rural practice. We created a family nurse practitioner (FNP) residency program with a comprehensive evaluation framework to prepare residents for practice in rural settings. The evaluation framework was developed through collaborative engagement of an external evaluation team, program leadership, and clinical site representatives. The evaluation framework of the FNP residency program combined resident assessment and holistic program evaluation, using a rapid continuous quality improvement (QI) approach. The evaluation considered three distinct perspectives: the resident, the peer coach, and the clinical site. The rapid continuous QI approach allowed program leadership to respond swiftly to programmatic challenges, improve the residency program in response to residents' reported experiences, and emphasize sustainability for continued program impact, while assessing residents' learning and performance. The program's data-driven evaluation approach has demonstrated its success in meeting the goals of the Health Resources and Services Administration funding by increasing the number of primary care providers in rural settings. The program's expansion and continued success have further validated the efficacy of this evaluation framework in assessing, improving, and ensuring the sustainability of APRN residency programs. This article calls for the adoption of similar evaluation strategies in future residency programs to promote their long-term success and impact in rural health care settings.

Analisis SWOT Pemasaran Cabai pada Koperasi Primadona Situbondo

This research aims to find out what marketing strategies are used by the Primadona Cooperative. The informants in this research were 30 people consisting of chairman, deputy, secretary, staff, members and consumers of the prima donna cooperative. The formulation of alternative strategies was analyzed by creating an Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix, then continued with a grand strategy and SWOT analysis. SWOT analysis is an analysis used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses in the internal environment as well as the opportunities and threats in the company's external environment. From the results of the analysis, it was concluded that the competitive position of red chili agribusiness is in quadrant I (high market growth and strong competitive position).

Implementing Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring With Clinical Support: A Qualitative Study of Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Self-measured blood pressure monitoring (SMBP) with clinical support is effective at reducing blood pressure for people with hypertension. Although strengths and challenges around SMBP are well-documented, few studies describe the complexities of real-world implementation of SMBP with clinical support in the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting. Between 2019 and 2023, the Ohio Department of Health funded the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers to manage a multiyear quality improvement (QI) project with 21 FQHCs. The project aimed to improve the identification and management of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and prediabetes. This study focuses on the activities implemented to provide SMBP support to patients with hypertension. FQHCs implemented clinical SMBP support using multiple roles, approaches, and resources. FQHCs established a process to identify patients eligible for SMBP support, provide blood pressure monitors, train patients on SMBP, track blood pressure readings, follow up with patients, and connect patients to resources. External evaluators interviewed 13 staff members within seven FQHCs from the QI project. Interviewed FQHCs were located across Ohio and represented urban, rural, suburban, and Appalachian areas. Clinical activities to support SMBP, facilitators, and barriers were identified with thematic analysis. The National Association of Community Health Centers SMBP Implementation Toolkit was used as a framework to assess SMBP activities. Facilitators included team-based care, health information technology capacity, funding for blood pressure monitors and staff time, leadership and staff support, and external support. Barriers included technology challenges, staffing shortages, low patient engagement, sustainability, and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study demonstrates how FQHCs can use a variety of staff, processes, and resources to implement clinical SMBP support across a range of geographic regions. To facilitate this, FQHCs and patients may need more comprehensive insurance coverage of blood pressure monitors, reimbursement for staff time, and technology support.

In Silico Design and In Vitro Assessment of Bicyclic Trifluoromethylated Pyrroles as New Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents.

QSAR studies on the number of compounds tested as S. aureus inhibitors were performed using an interactive Online Chemical Database and Modeling Environment (OCHEM) web platform. The predictive ability of the developed consensus QSAR model was q2=0.79±0.02. The consensus prediction for the external evaluation set afforded high predictive power (q2=0.82±0.03). The models were applied to screen a virtual chemical library with anti-S. aureus activity. Six promising new bicyclic trifluoromethylated pyrroles were identified, synthesized and evaluated in vitro against S. aureus, E. coli, and A. baumannii for their antibacterial activity and against C. albicans, C. krusei and C. glabrata for their antifungal activity. The synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial activity assessment indicated that trifluoromethylated pyrroles 9 and 11 demonstrated the greatest antibacterial and antifungal effects against all the tested pathogens, especially against multidrug-resistant strains. The acute toxicity of the compounds to Daphnia magna ranged from 1.21 to 33.39 mg/L (moderately and slightly toxic). Based on the docking results, it can be suggested that the antibacterial and antifungal effects of the compounds can be explained by the inhibition of bacterial wall component synthesis.

Embryo-fetal developmental toxicity of carbamazepine administered orally in wistar rat

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of carbamazepine on prenatal development, including maternal-fetal, external, visceral, and skeletal toxicity. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the effects of orally administered Carbamazepine at a lower dose range in Wistar rats. Pregnant female rats were randomly distributed into control (G1) group administered with distilled water orally (n=8), low dose (G2) group administered at 25 mg/kg, intermediate dose (G3) group at 50 mg/kg, and high dose (G4) group at 100 mg/kg through oral gavage from gestation day (GD) 5–19. Pregnant female rats were scheduled to necropsy on gestation day (GD) 20. During the evaluation, the uterus was observed for number of live or viable fetuses, dead fetuses, early resorptions, late resorptions, number of corpora lutea and the sex ratio (m/f) per litter. Further, fetuses were subjected to materno-fetal examination which included observation for placenta, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord followed by external evaluation. Additionally, half of the fetuses were subjected to visceral, craniofacial evaluation and other half of the fetuses were subjected to skeletal evaluation by double staining method using Alcian Blue for cartilages and Alizarin Red S for bones. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in the rate of pregnancy in the intermediate dose (G3) group and in high dose (G4) group when compared with the control group. Moreover, treatment with the Carbamazepine caused significant increase in fetal malformations such as dilation of lateral and third ventricle in brain, in intermediate dose (G3) group and high dose (G4) group when compared with the control (G1) group, dilation of ureters in high dose (G4) group. Fetal skeletal malformations like bent and nodulated ribs were also observed in intermediate dose (G3) group. Existing research substantially supports the claim that carbamazepine can cause teratogenic effects and prenatal development toxicity even at a lower dose range.

Performance Power: Boosting Saudi Arabia’s Health System Disaster Readiness (2017–2023)

Introduction: The 2016 self-assessment based on joint external evaluation (JEE) identified certain gaps, which prompted the need for additional improvement. This study attempted to address an approach to enhance preparedness using the performance management system’s components focusing on related areas in the JEE tool by the International Health Regulations (IHR). Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study including all hospitals and regional health directorates within the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia. Entities preparedness was calculated using the JEE tool. Moreover, the implementation of the performance management system was also assessed for Saudi Arabia from the year 2017 to 2022. Additionally, the feedback was collected using the survey from the 11 National Preparedness Index (NPI) coordinators. Results: Total readiness was found to be 52% only, which was far less than the planned value of 75%. While regarding the implementation of the performance management system, it was noted that there was a progressive increase in the implementation from 10% in the year 2017 to 81.25% in the year 2022. Considering the feedback responses of NPI coordinators, it was found that 100% of coordinators agreed that the NPI has supported enhancing Health emergency preparedness and that the follow-up and support from the NPI team played an important role in NPI score improvement. Conclusion: The analysis indicated that while there are areas of progress, Saudi Arabia is still working on strengthening fundamental public health functions and emergency preparedness. This is evident when comparing a range of indicators with those of many countries under the purview of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Management strengthening strategies for transport cooperatives: a case study in Riobamba

Transport cooperatives face administrative challenges that affect their efficiency and competitiveness. This study focuses on the Interprovincial Transport Cooperative "Transvencedores" of Riobamba, Ecuador, with the objective of designing an administrative strengthening plan to improve its management and service. The research, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, used surveys and interviews with 25 staff members and 384 users, applying tools such as the SWOT matrix and the internal (EFI) and external factor evaluation (EFE) matrices to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The results revealed significant administrative problems, such as the lack of process automation, poor internal communication and the absence of a clear organizational philosophy. It was concluded that the cooperative requires ongoing staff training strategies, implementation of new technologies to control activities, and improved internal communication. These measures are essential to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, positioning the cooperative as a leader in interprovincial transportation in Riobamba.

Implementation of anterior segment ophthalmic telemedicine.

The growing push to integrate telemedicine into ophthalmic practices requires physicians to have a thorough understanding of ophthalmic telemedicine's applications, limitations, and recent advances in order to provide well tolerated and appropriate clinical care. This review aims to provide an overview of recent advancements in the use of ophthalmic telemedicine for anterior segment eye examinations. Virtual care for anterior segment evaluation relies on appropriate technology, novel workflows, and appropriate clinical case selection. Recent advances, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted the utility of home-based assessments for visual acuity, external evaluation, tonometry, and refraction. Additionally, innovative workflows incorporating office-based testing into virtual care, termed 'hybrid telemedicine', enable high-quality ophthalmic testing to inform clinical decision-making. Novel digital tools and workflows enable high-quality anterior segment evaluation and management for select ophthalmic concerns. This review highlights the clinical tools and workflows necessary to enable anterior segment telehealth.

Investigating the Link among Corruption, Corporate Governance and Corporate Performance in Family Businesses: A Future Research Agenda

Family businesses have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other firms. Researchers must meticulously analyze issues, with a specific focus on the interplay of family business dynamics, considering this factor. The main objective of this research was to provide insight into the adverse effects of family companies, particularly how the power dynamics inside these organizations might enable corruption or fraud and how corporate governance can help in mitigating these phenomena. Specifically, family businesses can be investigated by considering unique characteristics such as ownership and control, generational dynamics, and corporate governance. To address the study topic, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using the R statistical programming language and the bibliometric tools Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Data were obtained from the Scopus database and examined in documents. The lack of unbiased external evaluation, the ineffectiveness of internal audits, disputes between different generations, the dominance of family members, and the narrow extent of governance all contribute to the exacerbation of tensions that promote corruption inside family firms. Moreover, the findings indicate that CEO duality correlates with the occurrence of corruption and fraudulent activities, such as manipulating profits. Furthermore, the findings suggest a correlation between the qualities of the board and instances of corruption and bribery inside family firms. These factors also increase the probability of financial statement fraud.

Quantitative Integrative Survival Prediction in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated With Bortezomib-Based Induction, High-Dose Therapy and Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

Given the high heterogeneity in survival for patients with multiple myeloma, it would be clinically useful to quantitatively predict the individual survival instead of attributing patients to two to four risk groups as in current models, for example, revised International Staging System (R-ISS), R2-ISS, or Mayo-2022-score. Our aim was to develop a quantitative prediction tool for individual patient's 3-/5-year overall survival (OS) probability. We integrated established clinical and molecular risk factors into a comprehensive prognostic model and evaluated and validated its risk discrimination capabilities versus R-ISS, R2-ISS, and Mayo-2022-score. A nomogram for estimating OS probabilities was built on the basis of a Cox regression model. It allows one to translate the individual risk profile of a patient into 3-/5-year OS probabilities by attributing points to each prognostic factor and summing up all points. The nomogram was externally validated regarding discrimination and calibration. There was no obvious bias or overfitting of the prognostic index on the validation cohort. Resampling-based and external evaluation showed good calibration. The c-index of the model was similar on the training (0.76) and validation cohort (0.75) and significantly higher than for the R-ISS (P < .001) or R2-ISS (P < .01). In summary, we developed and validated individual quantitative nomogram-based OS prediction. Continuous risk assessment integrating molecular prognostic factors is superior to R-ISS, R2-ISS, or Mayo-2022-score alone.

External Evaluation of Population Pharmacokinetic Models of Piperacillin in Preterm and Term Patients from Neonatal Intensive Care.

Piperacillin/tazobactam is extensively used off-label to treat late-onset neonatal sepsis, but safety and pharmacokinetic data in this population are limited. Additionally, the organic immaturity of the newborns contributes to a high piperacillin pharmacokinetic variability. This affects the clinical efficacy of the antibiotic treatment and increases the probability of developing drug resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive performance of reported piperacillin population pharmacokinetic models for their application in a model-informed precision dosing strategy in preterm and term Mexican neonatal intensive care patients. Published population pharmacokinetic models for piperacillin which included neonates in their study population were identified. From the reference models, structured models, population pharmacokinetic parameters, and interindividual and residual variability data were extracted to be replicated in pharmacokinetic software (NONMEM® version 7.4). For the clinical study, a sampling schedule was designed, and 2-3 blood samples of 250 µL were taken from neonates who met the inclusion criteria. Piperacillin plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The clinical treatment data were collected, and piperacillin plasma concentrations were estimated using reference pharmacokinetic models for an a priori or Bayesian approach. Statistical methods were used in terms of bias and precision to evaluate the differences between observed and estimated neonatal piperacillin plasma concentrations with the different approaches and to identify the pharmacokinetic model that best fits the neonatal data. A total of 70 plasma samples were collected from 25 neonatal patients, of which 15 were preterm neonates. The overall median value (range) postnatal age, gestational age, body weight, and serum creatinine at the sampling collecting day were 12 (3-26) days, 34.2 (26-41.1) weeks, 1.78 (0.08-3.90) Kg, 0.47 (0.20-0.90) mg/dL, respectively. Three population pharmacokinetic models for piperacillin in infants up to 2months were identified, and their predictive performance in neonatal data was evaluated. No pharmacokinetic model was suitable for our population using an a priori approach. The model published by Cohen-Wolkowiez et al. in 2014 with a Bayesian approach showed the best performance of the pharmacokinetic models evaluated in our neonatal data. The procedure requires two blood samples (predose and postdose), and, when applied, it predicted 66.6% of the observations with a relative median absolute predicted error of less than 30%. The population pharmacokinetic model developed by Cohen-Wolkowiez et al. in 2014 demonstrated superior performance in predicting the plasma concentration of piperacillin in preterm and term Mexican neonatal intensive care patients. The Bayesian approach, including two different piperacillin plasma concentrations, was clinically acceptable regarding bias and precision. Its application for model-informed precision dosing can be an option to optimize the piperacillin dosage in our population.

Bologna process challenges from Soran University students’ perspective

This article attempts to identify the challenges that voices raised towards the Bologna Process by students of Soran University-Kurdistan as it entices each institution to become more effective as a result of more systematic formal external evaluation, but also more informal pressure by more mobile students. The population of the study comprises Soran University students and the sample consists of (102) randomly chosen students at Soran University from the faculties of (Education, Arts, and Science). The data have been collected using a questionnaire consisting of (24) items, the study has identified several impediments that Soran University students face during the process, including the fact that students had not participated in any courses or conferences related to the Bologna Process. It is also revealed that when technology is not provided as it needs to be, students will certainly face problems during the process of Bologna. Presenting tutorial courses for students with all the instructions and skills that students need, promoting academic mobility and facilitating the recognition of prior learning, for a better Bologna process the points that are mentioned need to be focused on

Challenges and The Future of Natural Batik Ciwaringin Industry, Cirebon: Case Study Analysis Using IFAS and EFAS Techniques

The Ciwaringin handwritten batik industry still faces many obstacles, including production process challenges and long production durations which can hinder cash flow turnover, marketing issues, and the limited skills and knowledge of the artisans, making it difficult for the Ciwaringin batik industry to grow. To foster the growth of the Ciwaringin batik industry, internal and external evaluations are necessary. This research aims to analyze the challenges and future of the Ciwaringin batik industry using SWOT analysis and calculations with IFAS and EFAS matrices. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach with Miles and Huberman's analysis techniques. The results indicate that the IFAS value (strength and weakness) is 2.92, identifying that the IFAS value is in quadrant V (Five), which represents an average score. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in the internal factors of the Ciwaringin batik industry. The EFAS value of the Ciwaringin batik industry is 2.65, which falls in the "medium" quadrant. This means that the level of opportunities available to the Ciwaringin batik industry is medium, as it competes not only with other batik industries but also with various other creative industries in the fashion sector. Hence, the Ciwaringin batik industry can leverage its unique characteristics to capitalize on these opportunities. Based on the IFAS and EFAS results, the quantitative assessment provided by the IFAS and EFAS can assist the local government in evaluating and developing programs for the Ciwaringin batik industry. The findings of this research can guide policy direction to be more effective and efficient.

Research on the Construction and Implementation Path of Curriculum Quality Evaluation System Under Blended Learning

Under the background of “Internet +” era, blended learning, as a new teaching method, has become one of the main ways of teaching at all levels of education. The current offline curriculum quality evaluation system based on summative evaluation is no longer applicable. Guided by the relevant requirements of the Ministry of Education, combined with the school-running orientation and characteristics of independent colleges, this paper constructs a combinative evaluation system of internal evaluation + external evaluation, formative evaluation + summative evaluation for course. It exams the effectiveness through 2-terms teaching experiments. This course quality evaluation system is an optimization and upgrade of the traditional offline course quality evaluation system. It aims to provide theoretical and practical reference for the construction of the course quality evaluation system under the new situation.

Comparative Analysis of a State University's Physical Plant and Facilities: Internal vs External Evaluations

In the landscape of higher education in the Philippines, institutions are subject to rigorous evaluations by accrediting bodies to ensure quality and adherence to standards. This study delves into the assessment of the physical plant and facilities of a state university, utilizing evaluations from both the university’s Internal Assessment Board (IAB) and the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) considered in this study as External Accrediting Body (EAB). Through a quantitative, comparative, and descriptive research design, document analysis was conducted on the ratings provided by the IAB and EAB across various parameters. The research instrument utilized was the AACCUP Accrediting Instrument, focusing on areas such as campus infrastructure, buildings, classrooms, and other essential facilities. Data were collected from the Institutional Development Office, encompassing two visits or evaluations across six academic programs. Statistical analysis such as mean, Mann-Whitney U Test, and one- way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to identify differences between the ratings of the IAB and EAB. Remarkably, no significant differences were found in the evaluation of campus infrastructure, offices, staff, and function rooms, assembly and athletic facilities, medical and dental clinic, and food services unit/canteen. To wit, there is no significant difference between the two separate visits of the IAB [F(8,9) = .963, p = .516, not significant], no significant difference between the two separate visits of the EAB [F(8,9) = .238, p = .972, not significant], and no significant difference between the evaluation of the IAB and the EAB [Z= -1.549, p= .121, not significant]. The research findings highlight the importance of continuous improvement and transparency in assessing and enhancing education quality and facilities.

Designing a Marketing Strategy for Bawis Habati Fish Chips Using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) Method

Habati fish chips is one of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the food industry in the city of Bontang. Habati MSME still applies simple promotion methods and does not target the teenage market to compete. This research aims to design a marketing strategy for Habati fish chips in Bontang city, targeting a new market segment, which is teenagers. The marketing strategy analysis is conducted in three stages: input stage, matching stage, and decision stage. In the input stage, Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) matrix is used with a score of 2.338, External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrix with a score of 2.764, and Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) to determine the position of Habati MSME compared to Pak Ucil and Abadi Rasa based on the perspective of potential consumers. The matching stage is then used to formulate marketing strategies using the Internal-External (IE) matrix and Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) matrix. Based on the overall methods used, the final stage is the decision stage. The decision stage utilizes the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to select prioritized alternative strategies that can be implemented by Habati MSME. The research results provide seven alternative strategies with one prioritized strategy having the highest Total Attractive Score (TAS), which is to increase product sales through online marketing, utilizing marketplaces, and promoting product advantages, with a TAS of 7.074.

High Income But Poor COVID-19 Outcomes: The Contrasting Results of The Pre-COVID 19 Joint External Evaluation Assessment Tool in Measuring Countries’ Global Health Security Preparedness and Response Capacities

High Income But Poor COVID-19 Outcomes: The Contrasting Results of The Pre-COVID 19 Joint External Evaluation Assessment Tool in Measuring Countries’ Global Health Security Preparedness and Response Capacities

Implementation of cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery at Lausanne University Hospital, our roadbook to certification.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach aimed at expediting recovery, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. Initially developed for colorectal surgery, ERAS principles have been successfully applied across various surgical specialties, including cardiac surgery. This study outlines the implementation and certification process of the ERAS program in a tertiary cardiac surgical centre within the Heart-Vessel Department at Lausanne University Hospital. The implementation involved forming a multidisciplinary team, including cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, a cardiologist, clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists. The ERAS nurse coordinator played a central role in organizing meetings, promoting the program, developing protocols, and collecting data. The certification process required adherence to ERAS guidelines, structured training and external evaluation. Key phases included pre-ERAS data collection, protocol dissemination, inclusion of the 1st patients, followed by analysis and full implementation. Achieving certification required maintaining a compliance rate of over 70% with established protocols. The process involved overcoming various barriers, such as inconsistent practices and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. In this paper, we provide some solutions to these challenges, including team education, regular meetings and continuous feedback loops. Preliminary data from the initial cohort showed improvements in early mobilization, opioid use, respiratory complications and shorter hospital stays. The successful implementation of the ERAS program at our institution demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of a structured, multidisciplinary approach in cardiac surgery. Continuous self-assessment and adherence to guidelines are essential for sustained improvement in patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Pandemic preparedness improves national-level SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality data completeness: a cross-country ecologic analysis

BackgroundHeterogeneity in national SARS-CoV-2 infection surveillance capabilities may compromise global enumeration and tracking of COVID-19 cases and deaths and bias analyses of the pandemic’s tolls. Taking account of heterogeneity in data completeness may thus help clarify analyses of the relationship between COVID-19 outcomes and standard preparedness measures.MethodsWe examined country-level associations of pandemic preparedness capacities inventories, from the Global Health Security (GHS) Index and Joint External Evaluation (JEE), on SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 death data completion rates adjusted for income. Analyses were stratified by 100, 100–300, 300–500, and 500–700 days after the first reported case in each country. We subsequently reevaluated the relationship of pandemic preparedness on SARS-CoV-2 infection and age-standardized COVID-19 death rates adjusted for cross-country differentials in data completeness during the pre-vaccine era.ResultsEvery 10% increase in the GHS Index was associated with a 14.9% (95% confidence interval 8.34–21.8%) increase in SARS-CoV-2 infection completion rate and a 10.6% (5.91–15.4%) increase in the death completion rate during the entire observation period. Disease prevention (infections: β = 1.08 [1.05–1.10], deaths: β = 1.05 [1.04–1.07]), detection (infections: β = 1.04 [1.01–1.06], deaths: β = 1.03 [1.01–1.05]), response (infections: β = 1.06 [1.00–1.13], deaths: β = 1.05 [1.00–1.10]), health system (infections: β = 1.06 [1.03–1.10], deaths: β = 1.05 [1.03–1.07]), and risk environment (infections: β = 1.27 [1.15–1.41], deaths: β = 1.15 [1.08–1.23]) were associated with both data completeness outcomes. Effect sizes of GHS Index on infection completion (Low income: β = 1.18 [1.04–1.34], Lower Middle income: β = 1.41 [1.16–1.71]) and death completion rates (Low income: β = 1.19 [1.09–1.31], Lower Middle income: β = 1.25 [1.10–1.43]) were largest in LMICs. After adjustment for cross-country differences in data completeness, each 10% increase in the GHS Index was associated with a 13.5% (4.80–21.4%) decrease in SARS-CoV-2 infection rate at 100 days and a 9.10 (1.07–16.5%) decrease at 300 days. For age-standardized COVID-19 death rates, each 10% increase in the GHS Index was with a 15.7% (5.19–25.0%) decrease at 100 days and a 10.3% (− 0.00–19.5%) decrease at 300 days.ConclusionsResults support the pre-pandemic hypothesis that countries with greater pandemic preparedness capacities have larger SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality data completeness rates and lower COVID-19 disease burdens. More high-quality data of COVID-19 impact based on direct measurement are needed.

Assessment and validation of the pet-owner relationship scale for Brazil.

This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics. The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare.