High Level Of Compliance Research Articles

Unmasking the truth: Experimental evidence of facemask compliance in Bangladesh, Kenya, and Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High levels of compliance with public health measures are critical to ensure a successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other public health emergencies. However, most data on compliance are self-reported and the tendency to overreport due to social desirability could yield biased estimates of actual compliance. A list experiment is a widely used method to estimate social desirability bias in self-reported estimates of sensitive behaviours. We estimate rates of compliance with facemask mandates in Kenya, Nigeria, and Bangladesh using data from phone surveys conducted in March-April 2021. Data on compliance were collected from two different survey modules: a self-reported compliance module (stated) and a list experiment (elicited). We find large gaps between stated and elicited rates of facemask wearing for different groups depending on specific country contexts and high levels of overreporting of facemask compliance in self-reported surveys: there was an almost 40 percentage point gap in Kenya, 30 percentage points in Nigeria, and 20 percentage points in Bangladesh. We also observe differences in rates of self-reported facemask wearing among key groups but not using the elicited responses from the list experiment, which suggest that social desirability bias may vary by demographics. Data collected from self-reported surveys may not be reliable to monitor ongoing compliance with public health measures. Moreover, elicited compliance rates indicate levels of mask wearing are likely much lower than those estimated using self-reported data.

COVID-19 Recovered Cases: Analysis of Patients’ Compliance with Precautionary Measures and Communication Protocol Application

Introduction: COVID-19-recovered cases’ compliance with precautionary measures employed by the health authorities is critical for prevention of virus spread and to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the following amid COVID-19-recovered cases: (1) precautions’ compliance during and after the infection, (2) sources of information regarding precautions, and (3) Saudi MoH communication protocol with the infected cases. Methods: A descriptive phone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on a national sample of COVID-19-recovered cases. Study participants were selected randomly from the National Saudi Health Electronic Surveillance Network (HESN) database. The study questionnaire included (1) sociodemographic, (2) questions that assessed compliance and source of knowledge about COVID-19 precautionary measures, (3) questions about the MoH communication protocol. Results: Of the 484 participants, there were 363 (75%) males and 89.7% were Saudis. Most respondents (85.3%) went for COVID-19 testing because they had symptoms either with or without confirmed case contact. About 70% of respondents adhered to quarantine from being tested positive for COVID-19. Cases commitment to precautionary measures did not change after recovery among 44.8%, while nearly 40% their commitment was increased compared to time before infection. The MoH communication protocol was conducted with satisfactory levels in relation to time of first contact, frequency, asking about list of contacts, and advising to download Tetamman application and its regular update. Females had lower levels of commitment to the precautionary measures after recovery and lower use of the MoH 937 call centre services during infection compared to males with p values of 0.036–0.014, respectively. Conclusion: A high level of compliance with COVID-19 precautionary measures was exhibited by COVID-19-recovered cases during and after recovery with moderate use of the MoH 937 call centre services and low-level awareness about MoH online guide.

Do your tax problems make tax evasion seem more justifiable? Evidence from a survey experiment

Taxpayers often view tax rules and filing processes as complicated. I study whether the perceived tax uncertainty among peers makes tax evasion more acceptable among the general public. I find strong supportive evidence for this hypothesis using a survey experiment and a large representative sample of the German population. Providing randomized information that others are uncertain about how to file their taxable income decreases individual support for tax compliance. This suggests that subjects judge tax evasion less harshly in response to this peer information. Studying related heterogeneous treatment effects, I find that both older and left-wing subjects are more responsive to tax uncertainty of others. Less harsh views on evasion are persistent for very high compliance levels in a follow-up survey.

Implementing interventions to promote spectacle wearing among children with refractive errors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To investigate the level of compliance of children with refractive errors who are provided free spectacles, and to identify the reasons for non-compliance. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from the time these databases were established to April 2022, including studies published in English. The search terms were "randomized controlled trial" [Publication Type] OR "randomized" [Title/Abstract], OR "placebo" [Title/Abstract]) AND (("Refractive Errors"[MeSH Terms] OR ("error refractive" [Title/Abstract] OR "errors refractive" [Title/Abstract] OR "refractive error" [Title/Abstract] OR "refractive disorders" [Title/Abstract] OR "disorder refractive" [Title/Abstract] OR "disorders refractive" [Title/Abstract] OR "refractive disorder" [Title/Abstract] OR "Ametropia" [Title/Abstract] OR "Ametropias" [Title/Abstract])) AND ("Eyeglasses" [MeSH Terms] OR ("Spectacles" [Title/Abstract] OR "Glasses"[Title/Abstract]) AND ("Adolescent" [MeSH Terms] OR ("Adolescents" [Title/Abstract] OR "Adolescence"[Title/Abstract]) OR "Child"[MeSH Terms] OR "Children"[Title/Abstract])). We only selected studies that were randomized controlled trials. Two researchers independently searched the databases, and 64 articles were retrieved after the initial screening. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the collected data. Fourteen articles were eligible for inclusion, and 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall compliance with spectacle use was 53.11%. There was a statistically significant effect of free spectacles on compliance among children (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.39-4.30). In the subgroup analysis, longer follow-up time was associated with significantly lower reported ORs (6-12 vs. <6 months, OR = 2.30 vs. 3.18). Most studies concluded that sociomorphic factors, RE severity, and other factors contributed to children not wearing glasses at the end of the follow-up. The combination of providing free spectacles along with educational interventions can lead to high levels of compliance among the study participants. Based on this study's findings, we recommend implementing policies that integrate the provision of free spectacles with educational interventions and other measures. In addition, a combination of additional health promotion strategies may be needed to improve the acceptability of refractive services and to encourage the consistent use of eyewear. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=338507, identifier: CRD42022338507.

Why trust? A mixed-method investigation of the origins and meaning of trust during the COVID-19 lockdown in Denmark.

Trust is highlighted as central to effective disease management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Denmark seemed to embody this understanding. Characterizing the Danish response were high levels of public compliance with government regulations and restrictions coupled with high trust in the government and other members of society. In this article, we first revisit prior claims about the importance of trust in securing compliant citizen behaviour based on a weekly time-use survey that we conducted during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic (2 April-18 May 2020). Analysis of activity episodes, rather than merely self-reported compliance, both reconfirms the importance of institutional trust and nuances prior suggestions of detrimental effects of trust in other citizens. These survey-based results are further augmented through thematic analysis of 21 in-depth interviews with respondents sampled from the survey participants. The qualitative analysis reveals two themes, the first focusing on trust in others in Danish society and the second on the history of trust in Denmark. Both themes are based on narratives layered in cultural, institutional and inter-personal levels and further underline that institutional and social trust are complementary and not countervailing. We conclude by discussing how our analysis suggests pathways towards an increased social contract between governments, institutions and individuals that might be of use during future global emergencies and to the overall functioning of democracies.

Abstract P6-04-13: Centralized adequacy assessment of ductal carcinoma in situ samples for the COMET study (AFT-25)

Abstract Introduction COMET (Comparing an Operation to Monitoring, with or without Endocrine Therapy) is a phase III clinical trial randomizing patients diagnosed with low-intermediate grade DCIS to either active monitoring or surgery. The study has a planned accrual goal of 1200 patients and is enrolling until 12/31/22. The protocol requires agreement between two pathologists (who do not need to be at the same institution) that a case fulfills COMET eligibility criteria. If there is disagreement, a third pathology review is required. As per protocol, tissue blocks or unstained slides of biopsies containing DCIS from enrolled patients are sent to a designated central location. While central pathology review is not a pre-requisite of the study, a retrospective review of received materials was performed to determine adequacy for correlative molecular and spatial profiling studies. Methods Sites submit either a tissue block or twenty (20) sequentially numbered, unstained, serial five-micron tissue sections from a diagnostic biopsy of DCIS to the Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) central biorepository, a CAP-accredited biobank. All submitted biospecimens are de-identified (coded) and investigators are blinded to arm assignment and primary study outcomes. To evaluate the adequacy of specimens for subsequent correlative science studies, one unstained slide from each submitted slide set was stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin by the biobank, scanned at 40X magnification with an Aperio scanner, and provided to one of two expert breast pathologists for adequacy review. Slides were rated as “DCIS present”, “DCIS absent”, or “possible DCIS.” To conserve tissue, submitted tissue blocks are held in abeyance pending future correlative science planning. Results As of May 2022, tissue has been submitted from 789 of 856 eligible patients enrolled in the trial, demonstrating a very high level (92%) of case submission compliance. Despite the limiting size of such lesions and general clinical center hesitancy to release blocks for clinical trial research, tissue blocks were received from 376 of 789 (48%) of cases. Among 359 cases involving slide-only submissions that have been retrospectively reviewed to date, 294 were definite DCIS (82%), 25 (7%) were classified as possible DCIS, and 40 cases (11%) were classified as no DCIS present in the section reviewed. In no case was high grade DCIS or invasive breast cancer observed. Of the cases considered possible DCIS, atypical cells were present, but the lesions were too small or incomplete to confirm DCIS. The small percentage of cases that lacked DCIS or definite DCIS could be attributed to the receipt of a different block or subsequent (deeper) section from the same block used for the initial diagnosis. These cases were previously known to the submitting institutions. Conclusion Interim analysis at 71% accrual demonstrates both the feasibility of obtaining diagnostic biopsy material of limited size and the adequacy of these samples for subsequent correlative science studies that aim to improve pathology diagnostics and patient management. Citation Format: Rachel Factor, Stuart Schnitt, Robert West, Terry Hyslop, Thomas Lynch, Deborah Collyar, Desiree Basila, Lars Grimm, Lorraine King, Jeffrey Marks, Sunil Badve, Mark Watson, Marc Ryser, Anna Weiss, Anna Rapperport, Linda McCall, H. T. Carisa Le-Petross, Ann Partridge, E Shelley Hwang, Alastair M. Thompson. Centralized adequacy assessment of ductal carcinoma in situ samples for the COMET study (AFT-25) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-04-13.

TINGKAT KEPATUHAN PEDAGANG BESAR PASAR ANTASARI DAN PASAR HARUMANIS ATAS PAJAK PENGHASILAN (PPh) PASAL 21 PADA KOTA BANJARMASIN TAHUN 2022

&lt;p align="justify"&gt;The problem raised in this study is the level of corporate taxpayer compliance with the tax law regarding income tax article 21. This research uses a descriptive comparative research type, namely research that aims to provide an overview of the comparison of compliance of wholesalers in Antasari market and Harum Manis market Banjarmasin on Income Tax (PPh) article 21. The test results were carried out using the separated variance t-test (independent sample test). The results showed that the level of tax compliance for wholesalers of the Antasari market in the category of tax compliance levels for wholesalers of the Harum Manis market had a high level of tax compliance. The tax compliance of the wholesalers of the Antasari market and the Harum Manis market has a significant difference, where the level of tax compliance on income tax for the traders of the Harum Manis market has a higher level of compliance than the level of compliance held by the wholesalers of the Antasari market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords:&lt;/strong&gt; Income Tax, Tax Compliance&lt;/p&gt;

Antimicrobial Consumption in the Livestock Sector in Bhutan: Volumes, Values, Rates, and Trends for the Period 2017–2021

Data on the use of antimicrobials in humans and livestock may provide evidence to guide policy changes to mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there is limited information available about antimicrobial use in livestock in low- and middle-income countries, even though these nations are most vulnerable to the impact of AMR. This study aimed to assess the consumption of veterinary antimicrobials in Bhutan and identify areas for improvement to reduce the use of antimicrobials in livestock. National data on livestock numbers and annual procurement of veterinary antimicrobials over five years (2017-2021) were used to calculate rates of antimicrobial consumption and annual national expenditure on veterinary antimicrobials in Bhutan. The rate of antimicrobial consumption in Bhutan was 3.83 mg per population correction unit, which is lower than most countries in Europe, comparable with the rates of consumption in Iceland and Norway, and approximately 120-fold lower than published rates of antimicrobial consumption in South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan. The low rates of antimicrobial consumption by the animal health sector in Bhutan could be attributable to stronger governance of antimicrobial use in Bhutan, higher levels of compliance with regulation, and better adherence to standard guidelines for antimicrobial treatment of livestock.

Optimal control of the coronavirus pandemic with both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions

Coronaviruses are types of viruses that are widely spread in humans, birds, and other mammals, leading to hepatic, respiratory, neurologic, and enteric diseases. The disease is presently a pandemic with great medical, economical, and political impacts, and it is mostly spread through physical contact. To extinct the virus, keeping physical distance and taking vaccine are key. In this study, a dynamical transmission compartment model for coronavirus (COVID-19) is designed and rigorously analyzed using Routh–Hurwitz condition for the stability analysis. A global dynamics of mathematical formulation was investigated with the help of a constructed Lyapunov function. We further examined parameter sensitivities (local and global) to identify terms with greater impact or influence on the dynamics of the disease. Our approach is data driven to test the efficacy of the proposed model. The formulation was incorporated with available confirmed cases from January 22, 2020, to December 20, 2021, and parameterized using real-time series data that were collected on a daily basis for the first 705 days for fourteen countries, out of which the model was simulated using four selected countries: USA, Italy, South Africa, and Nigeria. A least square technique was adopted for the estimation of parameters. The simulated solutions of the model were analyzed using MAPLE-18 with Runge–Kutta–Felberg method (RKF45 solver). The model entrenched parameters analysis revealed that there are both disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. The solutions depicted that the free equilibrium point for COVID-19 is asymptotic locally stable, when the epidemiological reproduction number condition (R_{0}<1). The simulation results unveiled that the pandemic can be controlled if other control measures, such as face mask wearing in public areas and washing of hands, are combined with high level of compliance to physical distancing. Furthermore, an autonomous derivative equation for the five-dimensional deterministic was done with two control terms and constant rates for the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies. The Lagrangian and Hamilton were formulated to study the model optimal control existence, using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle describing the optimal control terms. The designed objective functional reduced the intervention costs and infections. We concluded that the COVID-19 curve can be flattened through strict compliance to both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical strategies. The more the compliance level to physical distance and taking of vaccine, the earlier the curve is flattened and the earlier the economy will be bounce-back.

How to optimize Audit&Feedback: experience from the EASY-NET programme

This is the second of a series of papers dedicated to the EASY-NET research programme (NET-2016-02364191). The rationale, structure and methodologies are described in the previous contribution. Scientific literature demonstrated that Audit & Feedback (A&F) is an effective strategy for continuous quality improvement and its effectiveness varies considerably according to factors that are currently little known.Some recent publication pointed out, with the contribution of an international group of experts, 15 suggestions to optimize A&F and developed a tool to evaluate their application.This tool, called REFLECT-52, includes 52 items related to the 15 suggestions and organized into four categories relating to the "Nature of the desired action", to the "Nature of the data available for feedback", to the "Feedback Display" and to the "Intervention delivery".Then, the aim of this work was to evaluate the level of adherence of A&F interventions tested in EASY-NET to suggestions from the literature by using a slightly adapted version of the REFLECT-52 tool, in its original language. In EASY-NET, 14 A&F interventions with different characteristics and in different clinical and organizational contexts were tested in seven Italian regions, each of these was evaluated by the respective research groups. Overall, the level of adherence was high in three of the four categories analysed, with some difficulties reported regarding the nature of the data available for feedback. In fact, contrary to what the literature suggests, it was not possible to send repeated feedback for some interventions and, in some cases, the data available for feedback presented a delay longer than one year. In summary, this analysis has confirmed a high level of compliance of the interventions tested with the suggestions from the literature, but it has also allowed researchers to identify critical aspects that need to be addressed for the future development of these strategies.

Integration of preconception care into the bachelor of nursing curriculum: An exploratory qualitative study

BackgroundThe significance of ensuring high quality of care has become apparent in nursing and midwifery education worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This has led to upgrades of the nursing curriculum to include several aspects of care that have been overlooked with recent evidence-based care. ObjectivesTo explore the integration of preconception care (PCC) into the Bachelor of nursing curriculum in South Africa. DesignAn exploratory qualitative study. Setting and participantsThis study was conducted in a higher education institution in South Africa that has recently revised its Bachelor of nursing curriculum. Data sources were Bachelor educators and program documents. MethodsIndividual in-depth interviews were conducted among ten nurse educators. Interviews were complemented with an analysis of the curriculum documents for the Bachelor of nursing program using the BEKA (benchmarking, evidencing, knowing, and applying) model of curriculum analysis and evaluation. FindingsBenchmarking and evidencing of the Bachelor of nursing curriculum reveals a high level of compliance with the externally set standards. Both data sources pointed to some degree of incorporating the preconception care concept into the curriculum. The educators perceived that for full integration to occur, preconception care should be taught as a standalone topic. Lack of focus and poor perception was further reported as barriers to introducing the concept. Most preconception care components and services were taught to students throughout the four hundred levels of the nursing program, especially in the sexual and reproductive health module. Gaps were noted in female genital mutilation, mental health, environmental health, preconception vaccination, and other aspects where preconception care needs emphasis. ConclusionsThere has been a high level of integration of preconception care competency in the Bachelor of nursing curriculum. Especially in the sexual and reproductive health module, most preconception care components are taught to students. However, there is a need to emphasise the preconception nursing management of women with certain conditions. To ensure nurses’ role in providing health for all, safeguarding reproductive health, and maintaining the health continuum is enhanced.

Non-continuous mobile electrocardiogram monitoring for post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement delayed conduction disorders put to the test.

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM-I) remains nowadays the most important drawback of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure and the optimal strategy of delayed conduction disturbances (CDs) in these patients is unclear. The study aimed to validate an ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring through a 30 s spot ambulatory digital mobile ECG (AeECG), by using KardiaMobile-6L device in a 30-day period after TAVR procedure. Between March 2021 and February 2022, we consecutively enrolled all patients undergoing TAVR procedure, except pacemaker (PM) carriers. At discharge, all patients were provided of a KardiaMobile-6L device and a spot digital ECG (eECG) recording 1 month schedule. Clinical and follow-up data were collected, and eECG schedule compliance and recording quality were explored. Among 151 patients without pre-existing PM, 23 were excluded for pre-discharge PPM-I, 18 failed the KardiaMobile-6L training phase, and 10 refused the device. Delayed CDs with a Class I/IIa indication for PPM-I occurred in eight patients (median 6 days). Delayed PPM-I vs. non-delayed PPM-I patients were more likely to have longer PR and QRS intervals at discharge. PR interval at discharge was the only independent predictor for delayed PPM-I at multivariate analysis. The overall eECG schedule compliance was 96.5%. None clinical adverse events CDs related were documented using this new AeECG monitoring modality. A strategy of 30 s spot AeECG is safe and efficacious in delayed CDs monitoring after TAVR procedure with a very high eECG schedule level of compliance.

A qualitative study exploring experiences, attitudes, and wellbeing of university students of a period of restricted movement and self-testing during COVID-19 “Incoming Student Wellbeing and Benefits of Serial COVID-19 testing (ISWAB)” study

Background: As part of Ireland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, travellers to Ireland were required to restrict movements on arrival. Worldwide compliance with measures such as quarantine and testing vary and are influenced by factors including an individual’s knowledge of trust in, and attitudes towards these measures. The aim of this study was to explore student experiences of restricted movements after entering Ireland from abroad and to assess the acceptability and feasibility of self-administered SARS-CoV-2 tests. Methods: The Incoming Student Wellbeing and the Acceptability and Benefits of serial COVID-19 testing (ISWAB) study recruited university students who travelled into Ireland and were required by national public health guidance to restrict their movements. As part of the study, students were provided with SARS-CoV-2 self-test kits. This qualitative study explored the students’ attitudes to self-testing and restricted movements using focus groups and interviews. Ethical approval was obtained. Interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. Results: Of 41 ISWAB participants, 32 agreed to participate in a follow-up qualitative study providing written consent. One focus group, two group interviews and three individual interviews were conducted in August 2021, on Microsoft Teams. Among the 11 (seven male, four female) students interviewed, self-testing was considered feasible and acceptable. Facilitators of adherence to restrictions included: support with grocery shopping and study periods coinciding with quarantine. Barriers to well-being included: living alone, being an individual who leads a social lifestyle, and the number of days of quarantine completed. Conclusions: This qualitative study demonstrated high levels of compliance with restriction of movement guidelines and self-testing, with limited impact on general well-being. Self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 was found to be practical and achievable for at home use by participants in this study. The findings of this study may inform future self-testing initiatives.

ЗНАЧИМОСТЬ СТЕПЕНИ КОМПЛАЕНСА КАК СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ ПАЦИЕНТА В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ ЕГО ОТНОШЕНИЯ К ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ, ОКАЗЫВАЕМОЙ В АМБУЛАТОРНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

Until now, the degree of compliance or adherence to treatment has been considered only in the context of determining and correcting a clinical approach to the patient or, in a few studies, as a determinant of public health. Another, unrelated at first glance, to this is the problem of assessing performance quality of medical organizations. The prevailing practice in such assessment is the correlation of certain elements of performance of a medical organization and the performance standard, as a rule, outlined in regulatory documents. In this case, there is an approach to consider the patient as a passive object, rather than an active object of relations between them and medical organizations. However, if we are to consider the patient as an active object, then a more positive attitude of the patient, in accordance with the presented logic, should be expressed in higher performance evaluation of the medical organization and healthcare system in general. A more positive attitude of the patient can manifest itself in the degree of their compliance or adherence to treatment. The available literature shows that significance of compliance as a social characteristic of the patient for developing an attitude to the organization of medical care delivery is hardly covered. The purpose of the study was: to analyze significance of the degree of compliance as a social characteristic of the patients in the formation of their attitudes towards the organization of medical care provided in outpatient settings. Material and methods. The primary data were obtained through interviewing 502 patients of medical organizations in Moscow that provide medical care in outpatient settings. The first (main) group included patients with a high level of compliance – 197 patients. The second group (the first control group) included patients with a low level of compliance – 131 patients. The third group (unspecified compliance level) included 171 patients. Results. With a high degree of compliance, the patients are more loyal to the activities of the medical organization and the city (district) administration related to the organization of medical care compared to patients with a low degree of compliance. They differentiate the performance of a medical organization and more critically evaluate the work of the administration rather than the medical organization. Patients with a low degree of compliance do not carry out such a differentiation and give equally low ratings to the performance of both the medical organization and state and municipal authorities (administration). A decrease in the degree of patient compliance is combined with more frequent complaints about the organization of work of narrow specialists, the registry and management of the medical organization. More compliant patients had fewer complaints about work organization of all departments in the polyclinic. Most often such claims were related to work organization of narrow specialists and management of the polyclinic. Conclusion. With a high degree of compliance, patients are more loyal to the work of the medical organization and city (district) administration in terms of medical care organization rather than patients with a low degree of compliance. They differentiate performance of medical organizations and evaluate the work of the administration more critically rather than a medical organization. Patients with a low degree of compliance do not carry out such differentiation and give equally low ratings to the work of both the medical organization and state or municipal authorities (administration).

A Six Sigma and DEA approach for learning outcomes assessment at industrial engineering programs

This research assesses the performance of 89 industrial engineering degrees in Colombia. The proposed approach articulates the Six Sigma concept of quality with the efficiency assessment from data envelopment analysis. The data used correspond to the standardised test taken by university students in Colombia in their last year of training (SABER_PRO). The input variables used for the Six Sigma metrics are quantitative reasoning, critical reading, citizen competencies, English and written communication. The output variable is the learning outcome, 'formulation and evaluation of projects'. The study's findings show that universities with institutional quality accreditation have a higher level of compliance than non-accredited universities. Also, private universities have a higher level of compliance than public universities. Regarding the data envelopment analysis model results, the average level of efficiency of the universities determined by the CRS, VRS, and performance to scale models is 93%, 90%, and 92%, respectively.

Age, Gender, and Disease as Determinants of Social Distancing: Germany as a Case Study.

A mix of guidance and mandated regulations during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic served to reduce the number of social contacts, to ensure distancing in public spaces, and to maintain the isolation of infected individuals. Individual variation in compliance to social distancing in Germany, relating to age, gender, or the presence of pre-existing health conditions, was examined using results from a total of 39 375 respondents to a web-based behavioral survey.Older people and females were more willing to engage in social distancing. Those with chronic conditions showed overall higher levels of compliance, but those with cystic fibrosis, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), and epilepsy showed less adherence to general social distancing measures but were significantly more likely to isolate in their homes. Behavioral differences partly lie in the nature of each condition, especially with those conditions likely to be exacerbated by COVID-19. Compliance differences for age and gender are largely in line with previous studies.

Analysing sustainability report using GRI index for fundamental labour rights and corporate governance

Based on their sustainability reports (SR), this study investigates Indonesian stated-owned companies’ compliance with fundamental labour rights and corporate governance (CG). Empirical and content analysis was carried out based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standard index published by 41 state-owned companies from 12 clusters in Indonesia. The study also compared the disclosure performance of several industrial-sector clusters by measuring each cluster’s total compliance rate. This study also analyses whether the high corporate governance disclosure will lead to a high level of fundamental labour rights reports. Using content analysis and multivariate analysis of WarpPLS, this study finds that companies tend to disclose clearly basic requirements on fundamental labour rights, such as information about new hires and employee turnover and essential information on corporate governance structure and composition (Martin et al., 2016; Sikka, 2008). In contrast, companies tend to hide information about reasonable notice of significant operational changes and critical concerns in companies. Based on the industrial sectors, the company in the energy, oil, and gas cluster have the highest level of compliance concerning corporate governance and labour disclosure. Then, this study also discovers that companies with high compliance levels on corporate governance disclosure tend to inform more in labour rights activities.

Estudio piloto de seguimiento en pacientes con enfermedad renal diabética mediante la aplicación NORA

IntroductionDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), conditioning these patients to a worse renal prognosis and higher cardiovascular mortality and/or requirement for renal replacement therapy. The use of novel information and communication technologies (ICTs) focused on the field of health, may facilitates a better quality of life and disease control in these patients. Our objective is to evaluate the effect of monitoring DKD patients using NORA-app. Material and methodsProspective feasibility/validation study of NORA-app in patients with DKD stage G3bA3 or higher, followed in outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital. NORA-app is an application for smartphones designed to control risk factors, share educational medical information, communicate via chat with health professionals, increase treatment compliance (Morisky-Green), and collect patient reported outcomes such as anxiety and depression using HADs scale. Clinical-laboratory variables were collected at 3 months and compared to control patients who declined using NORA-app. ResultsFrom 01/01/2021 to 03/03/2022 the use of NORA-app was offered to 118 patients, 82 accepted and 36 declined (controls). After a mean follow-up period of 6.04 months and at the time of data extraction 71 (86.6%) NORA-app patients remain active users, 2 have completed the follow-up at one year and 9 are inactive (3 due to death and 6 due to non-locatable). There were no differences in baseline characteristics including creatinine [2.1 (1.6–2.4) vs. 1.9 (1.5–2.5)] mg/dL and alb/creat [962 (475–1784) vs. 1036 (560–2183)] mg/g between Nora and control patients, respectively. The therapeutic compliance rate in the NORA-app group was 77%, improving at 90 days to 91%. Patients in the NORA-group showed significantly lower levels of alb/creat than controls (768 (411–1971) mg/g vs. 2039 (974–3214), p = 0.047) at 90-day follow-up. ConclusionsIn patients with DKD the use of NORA-app was maintained in the long-term, leading to high levels of treatment compliance, and achieving a better disease control. Our study suggests that the generalized use of ICTs may help in the personalized monitoring of these patients to delay the progression of kidney disease.

Hand Hygiene Compliance Decreases as Workload Increases

According to this study: Hand hygiene compliance decreased significantly in the ICU setting when the number of hand hygiene opportunities exceeded 30 per hour.Adequate staffing during higher workload periods is needed to ensure that health care providers maintain a high level of hand hygiene compliance.

Healthy transparency: Dynamic interrelations between credibility, transparency, and trust in the context of Danish public authorities’ COVID-19 communication

As responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have indicated, and recent studies confirmed, the effect of transparency on credibility and trust is more complex than previously expected. To better understand and explain this complexity, the present study examines the interactions between credibility, transparency, and trust through a critical case of the Danish Health Authority’s COVID-19 communication in the spring of 2021. We work with a pooled representative sample of the Danish population (N = 2340), surveyed during a 1-month period. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), we study the dynamic effects of transparency on credibility and trust as all three concepts relate to citizens’ compliance with health authorities’ rules and recommendations. The findings demonstrate that source credibility is positively associated with both compliance and trust, but also that transparent communication does not have a significant effect on the trust levels nor the behavior of the survey participants who consistently report high levels of compliance with COVID-19 advice and restrictions. Accordingly, the study offers two contributions. First, it suggests that transparency in and of itself does not lead to higher levels of trust and compliance, but that interactions between these three factors are dynamic and depend on existing high levels of trust. Second, it advances research on public relations (especially in crisis situations) by emphasizing the importance of establishing credibility prior to crises and discussing the potential long-term benefits of transparency in this regard.