Research File Research Articles

Reflections on Kenya - A Prison Notebook: Intergenerational Inheritance of Social Struggles in Kenya

“June 9th 1982 After refusing to sign a written confession statement, I was given back my clothes, blindfolded, handcuffed and taken to the CID headquarters where I was physically abused, photographed, fingerprinted and charged with possession of a seditious publications entitled Moi’s Divisive Tactics Exposed, a document the Police had planted in one of my research files.” —Prof. Maina Wa Kinyatti

Considerations and Consequences when using First Nations Identifiers in Administrative Data Research.

ObjectivesLack of consistent and relevant Indigenous identifiers in Canadian data sources leads to misclassification and under-recognition of the health and social issues impacting Indigenous Peoples, further perpetuating the harms of colonization. We are evaluating and optimizing our approach for identifying First Nations (FN) individuals in administrative data in Manitoba. MethodsIn partnership between the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba and the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, we sought to evaluate to what extent four distinct Manitoba datasets derived from surveillance and social programs were able to identify FN individuals among a cohort of children in low-income Winnipeg neighbourhoods between 2005-2016. In choosing data sources to identify FNs, the population and research question were considered. We then compared the number of FNs identified in each dataset to the First Nations population research file, considered gold standard, but cognizant of its roots in colonial systems of registration. ResultsThe total cohort comprised N=78,864; among these, n=27,347 children were identified as FN in either the FN registry or at least one of the datasets. The FN registry was the most sensitive dataset and identified 85.7% of these individuals. The two program datasets identified 58.2% and 46.2%, and the surveillance-based datasets each identified less than 10%. The First Nations Registry is critical to accurately identify FN individuals. Our analyses demonstrated that without it we would miss 23.5% of those identified as FN in at least one other dataset. However, using it alone could potentially cause us to miss 15% of FN individuals identified in other datasets. The proportions of FN individuals that would be missed by excluding any of the other datasets were smaller (<6%). ConclusionWe found inconsistent FN identification across the datasets evaluated. Among the issues is that some datasets rely on self-identification. In Manitoba, no single administrative dataset can reliably and comprehensively identify FN individuals, and linking multiple datasets together is currently our best approach.

Documenting First Nations Access to COVID Vaccines: A whole-population linked administrative data study.

ObjectivesFirst Nations (FN) organizations worked with public health and governments to improve FN access to COVID-19 vaccines by prioritizing FN communities in vaccination initiatives. FN researchers and data scientists partnered to test whether these efforts were associated with increased access to COVID-19 vaccines among FN compared with all other Manitobans. ApproachThis retrospective cohort study linked whole-population administrative data from (i) the First Nations research file, (ii) COVID testing and vaccination data, and (iii) health and social services for sociodemographic data and information on potential confounders. Several public health policies were created to improve access to COVID vaccines among FN; we tested whether FN received their 1st and 2nd vaccines sooner than all other Manitobans (AOM) using restricted mean survival time models. We adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, and whether FN lived on- or off-reserve. We conducted sex-specific and effect modification analyses to test whether associations differed by sex. ResultsPrioritizing FN to receive vaccines was associated with increased vaccine uptake compared with AOM. After adjusting for various confounders, FN received their first dose 15.5 (95% CI 14.9 – 16.0) days sooner than AOM and their second dose 13.9 (13.3 – 14.5) days sooner than AOM. Sex-stratified and subsequent effect modification analyses using interaction terms, found that differences were greater for males than for females: FN males received their first dose 18.1 (17.3 – 18.8) days sooner than AOM males and FN females received their first dose 12.9 (12.2 – 13.7) days sooner than AOM females. This pattern held for second doses as well. FN with comorbidities also received vaccines sooner than AOM with similar comorbidity levels 20.9 days (23.1 – 18.8) among those with 3+ comorbidities. ConclusionPartnerships between public health entities and FN organizations that respect FN community sovereignty were instrumental in supporting FN health and well-being during COVID-19. Policies and programs that prioritized FN people for vaccines improved uptake saving lives. This partnership-based COVID-19 response can provide a framework for future public health efforts.

Supporting health and well-being among infants born to First Nations parents experiencing incarceration: a partnership-based whole-population administrative data study.

ObjectivesGenerations of racist and colonial policies have resulted in First Nations (FN) people being systematically over-represented in Canada’s legal system. FN researchers partnered with data scientists at the University of Manitoba to document the birth outcomes associated with experiences of prenatal incarceration among FN families. ApproachThis retrospective cohort study linked whole-population administrative data from (i) Manitoba’s legal system to identify infants born to people incarcerated while pregnant, (ii) the First Nations research file to identify FN families, (iii) hospital records for birth outcomes, (iii) health and social services data for measured confounders. All Manitoba residents with a live birth (Jan 2004 - Dec 2017), and their infants, were eligible. Generalized linear models tested for differences in birth outcomes associated with experiencing incarceration while pregnant. Propensity score weights adjusted for measured confounders. Effect modification analyses tested whether associations differed between FN and all other Manitobans (AOM). ResultsFN people were more likely to experience incarceration while pregnant (n=1449) than AOM (n=278). Before propensity score adjustment, incarcerated pregnant people differed on important sociodemographic confounding characteristics from pregnant people who were not incarcerated – e.g., lower socioeconomic status, higher prevalence of pre-existing mental disorders, higher prevalence of having a previous child taken into care of family services, more likely to live in an urban setting. After propensity score adjustment, confounding characteristics were balanced between exposure groups. After adjustment, infants born to people incarcerated while pregnant were more likely to be low birth weight at term (aRR 1.76; 95% CI 1.41-2.18), be born preterm (aRR 1.44; 1.33-1.56), be small for gestational age (aRR 1.40; 1.28-1.54). Associations did not differ between FN and AOM families. ConclusionIncarceration of pregnant people compromises their infant’s birth outcomes and perpetuates intergenerational systems of oppression that exacerbate health inequities. To improve the health and well-being of FN people, we must implement Calls to Action outlined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to redress these harms experienced by FN people.

Donor and Recipient Hepatitis C Status Does Not Affect Rejection in Thoracic Transplantation

BackgroundDonors with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have expanded the donor pool for heart and lung transplantation, but concerns have arisen about rejection. We examined the incidence of rejection after heart and lung transplantation in recipients of HCV-positive donors as well as HCV-positive recipients. MethodsAdults undergoing heart and lung transplantation from March 31, 2015 to December 31, 2019 were identified in the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ Transplantation and Procurement Network Standard Transplant Analysis and Research file. Patients were stratified as donor–recipient HCV negative, donor positive, and recipient positive. Comparative statistics and a multilevel logistic regression model were used. ResultsMeeting the criteria were 10 624 heart transplant recipients. Donor-positive recipients were significantly associated with older age, blood group O, and shorter waitlist time. No significant differences existed with regards to treatment for rejection in the first year (negative, 19.5%; donor positive, 22.3%; recipient positive, 19.5%; P = .45) or other outcomes. On regression analysis HCV status was not associated with treated rejection; however center variability was significantly associated with treated rejection (median odds ratio, 2.18). Similarly, 9917 lung transplant recipients were identified. Donor-positive recipients were more commonly White and had obstructive disease and lower lung allocation scores. Both unadjusted (negative, 22.1%; donor positive, 23.0%; recipient positive, 18.6%; P = .43) and adjusted analyses failed to demonstrate a significant association between HCV status and treatment for rejection, whereas center variability remained significantly associated with treatment for rejection (median odds ratio, 2.41). ConclusionsUse of HCV donors has expanded the donor pool for heart and lung transplantation. HCV donor status was not associated with treatment for rejection in the first year, but center variability played a role in the incidence and treatment of rejection.

From Medieval Romance to Contemporary Opera: Philosophy, Allegory, Eros

From Medieval Romance to Contemporary Opera: Philosophy, Allegory, Eros

THE INFLUENCE OF BRAND TRUST AND PRICES ON PRENDJAK TEA BAG PURCHASE DECISION (Case Study of Liza Department Store Bangkinang City)

This study aims to determine the effect of Brand Trust and price on purchasing decisions, the analysis used in this study is multiple linear analysis. The population in this study is all consumers, totaling 96 people at Liza Toserba Bangkinang City. unknown population. Data collection techniques used are questionnaires, research files and interviews. Hypothesis testing was carried out with the F test and t test. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that simultaneously Brand Trust and Price affect purchasing decisions, while the partial test of Brand Trust has an effect on purchasing decisions, the close relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable is very strong with the contribution the independent variable to the dependent variable is 63.5%. The results of this analysis indicate that Brand Trust and Price have a significant simultaneous and partial effect on purchasing decisions for The Celup Prendjak Case Study of Liza Department Store Bangkinang City.

EFFECT OF SKILLS AND WORK COMMITMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT PT. KAMPAR TUNGGAL AGRINDO KAMPAR DISTRICT

This reserch aims to determine the effect of skills and work commitment on the performance of PKS employees at PT. Kampar Tunggal Agrindo, Kampar Regency. The population in this study were all PKS employees at PT. Kampar Tunggal Agrindo by using the slovin technique by determining the sample to be 57 employees. Data collection techniques used are questionnaires and research files. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis with a significant level (α) of 0.05. The results of this study conclude that skills and work commitment affect the performance of PKS PT. Kampar Tunggal Agrindo with a significant value less than 0.05. The results of the study using a partial test that work commitment has more influence on employee performance. There is a strong relationship between the variables of skills and work commitment to employee performance at PKS PT. Kampar Tunggal Agrindo.

Total artificial heart implantation as a bridge to transplantation in the United States

ObjectivesAlthough the SynCardia total artificial heart (SynCardia Systems, LLC) was approved for use as a bridge to transplantation in 2004 in the United States, most centers do not adopt the total artificial heart as a standard bridging strategy for patients with biventricular failure. This study was designed to characterize the current use and outcomes of patients placed on total artificial heart support. MethodsThe United Network of Organ Sharing Standard Transplant Research File was queried to identify total artificial heart implantation in the United States between 2005 and 2018. Multivariable Cox regression models were used for risk prediction. ResultsA total of 471 patients (mean age, 49 years; standard deviation, 13 years; 88% were male) underwent total artificial heart implantation. Of 161 transplant centers, 11 centers had cumulative volume of 10 or more implants. The 6-month cumulative incidence of mortality on the total artificial heart was 24.6%. The 6-month cumulative incidence of transplant was 49.0%. The 1-year mortality post-transplantation was 20.0%. Cumulative center volume less than 10 implants was predictive of both mortality on the total artificial heart (hazard ratio, 2.2, 95% confidence interval, 1.5-3.1, P < .001) and post-transplant mortality after a total artificial heart bridge (hazard ratio, 1.5, 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.2, P = .039). ConclusionsTotal artificial heart use is low, but the total artificial heart can be an option for biventricular bridge to transplant with acceptable bridge to transplant and post-transplant survival, especially in higher-volume centers. The observation of inferior outcomes in lower-volume centers raises questions as to whether targeted training, center certifications, and minimum volume requirements could improve outcomes for patients requiring the total artificial heart.

Outcomes of lung transplantation at a Canadian center using donors declined in the United States

ObjectivesDonor lungs from the United States can be offered by US organ procurement organizations to Canada if no American centers accept them. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing transplant at a single center in Canada using declined lungs from the United States and to compare these outcomes to patients receiving lungs from Canadian donors. MethodsA single-center retrospective review of recipients receiving lung transplantation between January 2009 and October 2019 was performed. An Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network standard transplant analysis and research-limited dataset as of August 17, 2021, was provided by the United Network for Organ Sharing. De-identified patient-level data were extracted from the standard transplant analysis and research file to identify lung offers made by US organ procurement organizations, declined by US lung centers, and transplanted by the University Health Network within the study time frame. We divided the analysis into 2 groups: recipients receiving donor lungs from Canada and recipients receiving donor lungs from the United States. Donor and recipient characteristics between the 2 groups were compared. Primary end point was proportional survival over a 10-year period. Secondary end points included 30-day mortality, intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, severe primary graft dysfunction, and incidence of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. ResultsDuring the study period, 1424 lung transplants were performed at our center. Of these, 124 (8.7%) were performed using donors from the United States. The incidence of transplants using US donors increased from 5% (5 out of 102) in 2009 to 15% (30 out of 200) in 2018. US donors were younger (aged 41 vs 47 years; P = .004), less likely to be from donors after cardiac death (9.6% vs 20%; P = .008), had higher use of ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP, 46% vs 27%; P = .0002), and higher incidence of positive nucleic acid test for hepatitis C (16% vs 0.7%; P = .0001). Although the incidence of EVLP utilization was higher in the US lungs versus Canada lungs, more than half of US lungs (54%) proceeded directly to transplantation. Similar short- and long-term outcomes were observed between the 2 groups, including overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.85-1.47; P = .40) ConclusionsLung transplantation using donor lungs declined by multiple centers in the United States resulted in similar short- and long-term outcomes compared with donor lungs offered in Canada.

Explanatory factors of dynamic balance impairment in myotonic dystrophy type 1.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disease affecting many systems and for which muscle weakness is one of the cardinal symptoms. People with DM1 also present with balance-related impairments and high fall risk. The aim of this study was to explore explanatory factors of dynamic balance impairment in the DM1 population. A secondary analysis of data collected as part of a larger study was performed. The Mini Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) was used to assess dynamic balance. Age, sex, and CTG repeat length in blood were retrieved from medical records and research files. The maximal isometric muscle strength of five lower limb muscle groups (hip flexors and extensors, knee flexors and extensors, and ankle dorsiflexors) was quantitatively assessed as well as fatigue. Standard multiple regression analysis was used. Fifty-two individuals (31 men) aged between 24 and 81 years were included. The final model explains 65.9% of the balance score; ankle dorsiflexor muscle strength was the strongest explanatory factor, followed by CTG repeat length, age and fatigue to a lesser extent. Dynamic balance is impaired in people with DM1. Results of this study suggest that rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving strength of the ankle dorsiflexors and managing fatigue could help to improve dynamic balance in this specific population.

One-Year Mortality Is Not a Reliable Indicator of Lung Transplant Center Performance

BackgroundIn the United States, the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network (OPTN) uses 1-year mortality as the primary measure of transplant center quality. We sought to evaluate the reliability of mortality outcomes in lung transplantation and to compare statistical methods of program performance evaluation. MethodsWe used the Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files from the United Network for Organ Sharing to identify lung transplant recipients from 2013 to 2018 in the United States. We stratified hospitals on the basis of 30-day, 1-year, and 5-year survival by risk adjustment, reliability adjustment with empirical Bayes technique, and hierarchical bayesian mixed effects models currently used by the OPTN. We measured variation in mortality rates and identification of performance outliers between techniques. ResultsWe identified 12,769 recipients in 69 centers. Reliability adjustment reduced variation in hospital outcomes and had a large impact on hospital mortality rankings. For example, with 1-year mortality, 28% (5 hospitals) of the “best” hospitals (top 25%) and 18% (3 hospitals) of the “worst” hospitals (bottom 25%) were reclassified after reliability adjustment. The overall reliability of 1-year mortality was low at 0.42. Compared with the bayesian method used by the OPTN, reliability adjustment identified fewer outliers. The 5-year survival reached a higher reliability plateau with a lower volume of cases required. ConclusionsThe reliability of 1-year mortality in lung transplantation is low, whereas 5-year survival estimates may be more reliable at lower case volumes. Reliability adjustment yielded more conservative measures of center performance and fewer outliers compared with current bayesian methods.

Caza de brujas en las aulas: La censura española en la Escuela Oficial de Cinematografía

This article analyses the relation between the Escuela Oficial de Cinematografía (EOC), censorship and the Spanish filmmaking industry during the Franco dictatorship. Founded in 1947, the EOC was an oasis in which students saw, were taught and made films that could never be shown on Spanish screens at the time. Nevertheless, in the last years of the dictatorship, the students of the school were subject to harassment that ended up curtailing their careers. Based on archival research (files about the censorship and scripts, as well as interviews), this article offers a historical analysis of censorship and the EOC that has not been previously explored.

Center variations in patient selection for simultaneous heart-kidney transplantation.

Using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Standard Transplant Analysis and Research (STAR) file, we examined practice trends and variations in patient selection for SHK at the center level between January 1, 2004 and March 31, 2019. Overall, SHK is becoming more common with most centers performing heart transplants also performing SHK. Among patients who underwent heart transplant who were receiving dialysis, the rate of SHK varied from 22% to 86% at the center level. Among patients not on dialysis, the median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of patients receiving SHK varied between 19 and 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 . When adjusting for other factors, the odds of SHK varied 57-fold between the highest and lowest SHK performing centers. Variation in SHK at the center level suggests the need for national guidelines around the selection of patients for SHK.

THE EFFECT OF PRODUCT QUALITY, PRICE AND DISTRIBUTION ON THE PURCHASE DECISION OF AVIATOR BRAND BIKE (Survey of Bike Shops in Bangkinang City)

This study aims to determine the effect of product quality, price and distribution simultaneously and partially on the purchasing decision of bike aviator (Survey at a bicycle shop in Bangkinang city). The types and sources of data used in this study are primary data and secondary data, while the data collection technique is using questionnaires, research files, observations, the analysis used in this study is multiple linear analysis with a sample of 100 people. The sample collection technique is by using accidental sampling technique. Based on the results of simultaneous tests, product quality, price and distribution variables have a joint effect on purchasing decisions for aviator brand bicycles (a survey at bicycle shops in Bangkinang Kota), while based on a partial test, product quality, price and distribution variables have been shown to have a significant effect on their own. -self to the decision to purchase an aviator brand bicycle (a survey at a bicycle shop in Bangkinang City, the closeness of the relationship that occurs between the variables of product quality, price and distribution on purchasing decisions is very strong. Meanwhile, the contribution of the independent variable to the dependent variable is 78.90%

EFFECT OF WORK EXPERIENCE AND WORK ACHIEVEMENT ON EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION AT PT. VIRAJAYA RIAU PUTRA

This study aims to determine work experience and work performance On the job satisfaction of the employees of PT.Virajaya riauputra, the analysis used in this study is multiple linear analysis. The population in this research is all 60 employees at pt. Virajaya riauputra, This sampling technique is called the census technique. Data collection techniques used are observation methods, questionnaires and research files. Hypothesis testing was carried out with the F test and t test. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that simultaneously work experience and work performance on employee job satisfaction, while the partial test of work experience and work performance on employee job satisfaction, the close relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable. which is very strong with the contribution of the independent variable to the dependent variable of 63.9%. The results of this analysis indicate that work experience and work performance have a significant and partial effect on job satisfaction of Pt. Virajaya riauputra.

THE EFFECT OF PRODUCTS, PROMOTION AND DISTRIBUTION ON PURCHASING DECISIONS OF SCARLETT COSMETICS (A SURVEY OF RETAIL STORES IN BANGKINANG KOTA)

This study aims to determine the effect of product, promotion and distribution on purchasing decisions of Scarlett cosmetics (a survey of retail stores in Bangkinang Kota). The types and data sourcesu used in this study are primary and secondary data, while the data collection technique is using questionnaires, research files, observations. in this study, the researcher used multiple linear analysis with a sample of 100 people as the data analysis. The sample collection technique is using accidental sampling technique. Based on the results of the simultaneous variables test, product, promotion and distribution have an effect on for Scarlett cosmetics purchasing decisions (a survey of retail stores in Bangkinang Kota), while based on a partial variables test, product, promotion and distribution have shown to have a significant effect individually on Scarlett cosmetic purchasing decisions (survey on retail stores in Bangkinang Kota), The closeness relationship occurs between product variable, promotion and distribution on purchasing decisions is very strong Meanwhile, the independent variable contributions to the dependent variable is 59.9%,.

The The Effect of Leadership and Compensation on Employee Performance with Motivation as Moderating Variables at the Pangeran Hotel Pekanbaru

Purpose: Employees are always required to give good performance to the company where they work, as well as employees at Hotel Prince Pekanbaru. This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect effect of the leadership variable on performance and the direct and indirect influence of the compensation variable on employee performance and the influence of motivation on performance.&#x0D; Design/methodology/approach: Data analysis was carried out using the SEM model using the Smart PLS version 3.00 program.&#x0D; Findings: The results of this study conclude that leadership has a significant effect on performance, leadership is mediated by motivation on performance, compensation has a significant effect on performance and compensation has an indirect effect on performance, and motivation has a significant effect on employee performance at Hotel Pangeran Pekanbaru.&#x0D; Research limitations/implications: The sample used was 87 employees, and the data used were primary and secondary data obtained through questionnaires and research files.&#x0D; Originality/value: This paper is original&#x0D; Paper type: Literature review

PENGARUH KOMPETENSI DAN PELATIHAN TERHADAP TINGKAT KELULUSAN SERTIFIKASI GURU DAN DAMPAKNYA PADA KINERJA GURU PADA SMA NEGERI DI BANGKINANG KOTA

This study aims to determine the effect of competence and training on the passing rate of teacher certification and its impact on teacher performance at SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota. The population in this study were all teachers of SMAN 1 Bangkinang Kota and teachers of SMAN 2 Bangkinang Kota which were known to be 112 teachers. In this study, the entire population was sampled, so the number of samples in this study amounted to 112 respondents, the sampling technique was called the saturated census technique. The types and sources of data used in this study are primary data and secondary data. Data collection techniques in this study used a questionnaire, research files and interviews and data analysis techniques used in this study used descriptive analysis, questionnaire feasibility test and structural equation analysis with data analysis using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that competence had an effect on the passing rate of teacher certification at SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota, training had an effect on the passing rate for teacher certification at SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota, competence had an effect on teacher performance at SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota, training had an effect on teacher performance in SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota and the passing rate of teacher certification have an effect on teacher performance at SMA Negeri in Bangkinang Kota.

Funkcjonowanie instytucji separacji w świetle analizy danych statystycznych dotyczących orzecznictwa sądowego

The subject of considerations contained in the article is the functioning of the institution of separation, introduced to the Family and Guardianship Code by the amendment of 1999. The analysis uses the results of empirical research (files) published in the literature on the adjudication of separation and its abolition – in the practice of Polish courts – and, above all, data statistics on the institution in question, published by the Central Statistical Office in the years 2000–2020. The considerations contained in the article allow for the formulation of several conclusions. Statistical data clearly show that the number of adjudicated separations is successively decreasing, while the number of divorces is increasing. More and more couples are therefore choosing divorce rather than separation as a way of resolving difficulties in marital life. However, the process described above applies primarily to couples of short duration. This group of married couples is not interested in the effort to maintain the marriage, rather they strive to end it quickly and “put their lives in order” again. The institution of separation, especially according to this group, is only a temporary solution, which ultimately leads to the dissatisfaction of the spouses with the legal situation between them. Based on the analysis made in the article, it can be concluded that there is a certain category of marriages for which the discussed institution meets the assumptions adopted by the legislator when it was adopted. This is evidenced by the practice of abolition of separation. Despite the decrease in the number of adjudicated separations, the number of abolished separations has remained at a similar level for years. The discussed institution will probably continue to evolve and “look for its proper place” in changing social contexts, implementing the legislator’s intention and related functions, including, in particular, helping married couples in crisis. In this context, according to the authors of the article, it would be worth considering various possibilities of institutional support for separated married couples, who are currently left to their own devices. Perhaps this is where the reasons for the process of decreasing the attractiveness of the separation institution, according to the opinion of the spouses, should be sought.