Sampling Method Research Articles

APPAREL USAGE AND DISPOSAL BEHAVIOUR OF WOMEN MILLENNILAS AND POST-MILLENNILAS

The study - Apparel usage and disposal behaviour of women millennial and post-millennial aims at analysing the consumer behaviour in usage and disposing of clothes. The two main generations taken into consideration are Millennial and Gen z (People who born during 1981-1996 belong to millennial generation and women who born during 1997-2012 are categorised as post-millennial generation). The study compares the apparel usage and disposal behaviour of millennials and Gen z and also examine the factors moderating the intention to dispose and disposal behaviours. The base theory considered is Theory of planned Behaviour. Convenience sampling method is used for data collection. The population size was unknown and the sample size is 274 women respondents. A Structured questionnaire has been designed and used to collect the needed primary data. Data collected through questionnaire are analysed using various analysis like cross tabulation, weighted average and chi-square analysis. The comparison secured desired results. It is proved that there is a huge difference between millennial and Generation Z. Millennial are using and disposing their clothes in a proper way comparing to post-millennials. Lack of awareness about proper disposal of clothes is one of the major factors for improper disposal and people doesn’t have enough provisions to dispose their clothes properly. Some Women are throwing their clothes in garbage can this leads to landfills and can cause huge damage to environment. Generation z prefers to trade their used clothes in online portal and millennials prefer to resell their garments for money.

Patiromer Does Not Alter Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics in Kidney Transplant Recipients When Administered Three Hours Post–Tacrolimus

Background. Hyperkalemia is common in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. Patiromer, a potassium-binding polymer used to treat acute and chronic hyperkalemia, has the potential to bind charged particles in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby potentially affect the absorption of coadministered drugs. The immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus (Tac) has a narrow therapeutic window, is susceptible to drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and a potential gastrointestinal interaction with patiromer could elevate the risk of allograft rejection. We aimed to investigate the potential DDI between patiromer and Tac pharmacokinetics in KTx with hyperkalemia by sampling capillary blood using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS). Methods. Thirteen KTx recipients on Tac twice daily (BID) with plasma potassium levels of >4.6 mmol/L were included. Two 12 h Tac pharmacokinetic investigations were performed with and without 8.4 mg patiromer/d for 1 wk. Oral Tac dose remained unchanged and patiromer was administered 3 h after Tac dose. Tac sampling was self-conducted using VAMS after mastering the technique. Results. Ten patients provided 2 evaluable pharmacokinetic profiles. The Tac area under the curve (AUC)0–12 ratio (AUCTac+patiromer/AUCTac) was 0.99 (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-1.14), and the Cmax ratio was 1.01 (90% CI, 0.86-1.19). Tac C0 and C12 fulfilled the bioequivalence criteria with a ratio of 0.98 (90% CI, 0.90-1.07) and 0.93 (90% CI, 0.83-1.04), respectively. Conclusions. When administered 3 h after the Tac morning dose, patiromer has no clinically relevant impact on Tac pharmacokinetics. We demonstrate that VAMS is a well-suited sampling method to simplify the execution of DDI studies.

Postnatal cord care practices and associated factors in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia

Background Cord care is one component of essential newborn care that reduces newborn morbidity and mortality. Poor cord care practice leads to a large amount of neonatal death due to infection. In Ethiopia, many women give birth at home, where neonates are exposed to unclean cord care practices or application of different traditional substances. Despite the severity of the problem, studies related to postnatal cord care practice are scarce. Hence, this study is aimed to assess umbilical cord care practices and associated factors in the postnatal period in Arba Minch town. Objective To assess postnatal cord care practices and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last six months in Arba Minch Town, southern Ethiopia, 2019. Methods Cross-sectional study design was conducted and using simple random sampling method 423 mothers who gave birth with in the last six months in Arba Minch town from November 11 to December 02, 2019, were selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaire administered by the interviewer. EpiData version 4.4 was used for data entry and SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in bivarible logistic regressions were considered as potential candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis to control confounders. Adjusted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was applied in multivariable logistic regression models, to identify variable, which has significant association. Results The overall proportion of women who had good postnatal cord care was 67.1%. The maternal age group of 25 to 29 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.35–4.68), maternal educational status of secondary school and above (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI: 2.05–8.54), mothers with good knowledge of cord care (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.03–3.05), and health facility delivery (AOR = 2.60; 95%CI: 1.05–6.41) were independent factors associated with good cord care. Conclusions The proportion of good cord-care practice reported in this study was relatively worthy. Maternal age group of 25–29 years, maternal educational status of secondary school and above, having good knowledge of cord care, and delivering at health facility were factors that increased good postnatal cord care practice. Therefore, investing in improving these factors would positively affect maternal postnatal cord care practice. In order to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality, routine counseling of cord care practice to mothers would attain good knowledge about postnatal cord care practices. Community health education would also increase awareness and practice of postnatal cord care.

Performance of cash transfer program on farmers’ livelihood: evidence from PM-KISAN scheme of India

IntroductionResearch into various aspects of vulnerability and poverty has played a key role in shaping cash transfer systems. Cash-based direct benefit transfers (DBT) are frequently discussed, as they help reduce corruption and limit intermediary involvement, which often impedes policy implementation in countries like India. Small and marginal farmers (SMFs), constituting 86% of India’s farming population, are essential for sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring food and nutrition security. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides Rs.6000 annually to the farmer families via DBT mechanism. Despite reports and information from various government sources, significant concerns remain regarding the performance of PM-KISAN scheme in improving living conditions of SMFs.MethodsFor having the highest number of SMFs, a research study was conducted in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Two cluster of villages from each of these two states were chosen by simple random sampling (SRS) method. An ex post facto research design was used; data was gathered from 240 SMFs, with 120 beneficiaries and 120 non-beneficiaries, using a stratified disproportionate simple random sampling technique. The study used 18 indicators related to livelihood assets—human capital, social capital, natural capital, physical capital, and financial capital—to generate a Livelihood Index (LI) through Principal Component Analysis (PCA).ResultsThe beneficiaries of the scheme had an average LI score of 0.396, while non-beneficiaries had a score of 0.366. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was employed to compare the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in order to determine the impact of the scheme. In the Livelihood Index of beneficiaries, in comparison to non-beneficiaries, there was a significant improvement of 3.34 to 4.13 percentage points, according to the analysis, which utilized a variety of matching algorithms.DiscussionImplications from the study suggests that PM-KISAN should be integrated into a broader rural development strategy to maximize multiplier effects. By combining cash transfers with complementary initiatives like modern technology adoption and high-yield seeds, farmers can make productive investments that could enhance their livelihood status.

Adoption of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana by Farmers in Bikaner District of Rajasthan, India

India's diverse heritage and rich culture are well-known throughout the world. When time passed and the population suddenly increased, farmers were obliged to utilise various agro-chemicals to feed the large population, even though they had previously grown a variety of crops without the use of these pesticides. In Bikaner district of Rajasthan state, coarse cereals are mostly grown without using any chemicals because Bikaner is a water scarce area and prone to crop failure hence farmer generally does not spend so much money on chemicals like fertilizers, insecticide-pesticides, herbicides etc. Looking to the virginity of land, the Rajasthan government has launched the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) in this district. As a result, the greatest numbers of clusters under PKVY were developed during 2015-18. Thus, the study was carried out in the purposely chosen Bikaner District of Rajasthan state in order to gauge the respondents' level of adoption of PKVY. There are eight tehsils in the Bikaner district; three tehsils, Nokha, Sridungarhgarh, and Bikaner, were specifically chosen for the current study due to the maximum number of clusters formed under PKVY. A total of 180 respondents, out of which 90 beneficiary who were registered in PKVY selected by using proportionate random sampling method and to constitute the other half of sample size same number of farmers i.e. 90 were also selected randomly from the same villages who have not registered in PKVY and they were called as non-beneficiary respondents included in the current investigation. The results of the study concluded that majority of the respondents had medium level of extent of adoption of PKVY in the study area. They had highest extent of adoption on the aspect of “nutrient management” and least extent of adoption of “technical knowledge”. There was significant association found between education, mass media exposure, information seeking behaviour, information sharing behaviour and knowledge of respondents about PKVY.

Abstract B006: Qualitative research study on the use of minimal residual disease as an intermediate endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently considered minimal residual disease (MRD) as an acceptable accelerated approval endpoint in multiple myeloma (MM). Meta-analysis studies have shown the clinical benefit of MRD negativity in certain hematological cancers such as MM. Objectives: This qualitative research study, with a unique focus on the Saudi context, aims to assess the opinions and experiences of hematology and oncology specialists and consultants in Saudi Arabia. The study is particularly interested in their views on the use of MRD as an intermediate endpoint in early-phase clinical trials for fast-track drug approval by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in the context of multiple myeloma. This includes assessing the use of MRD in both newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM. The secondary objective is to gather information about the feasibility and availability of sensitive MRD detection methods in real-world medical practice and clinical trials in Saudi Arabia. Study Design: The study will involve interviewing 30 registered male or female physicians specialized in hematology and oncology in Saudi Arabia. The physicians will be included in the study using purposive sampling methods. The study will collect the physicians’ opinions and experiences about MRD. The interviews will be conducted through a single focus group and several face-to- face interviews or performed online, using ZOOM. Participants should have more than one year of experience post-residency or post-fellowship training. The predetermined set of semi- structured questions will cover topics such as the definition of MRD, its clinical and research significance, MRD detection thresholds, duration of MRD negativity, and its correlation with other clinical endpoints, such as progression-free survival and overall survival. The interviews will be conducted by scientific oncology and hematology evaluation experts at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, who play a crucial role in this study. The study will consist of 5–10 semi- structured one-to-one interviews and focused group discussions of as few as four participants. Before starting any interview, participants will complete consent forms, including the study’s goals and who will conduct the study. Qualitative data will be prepared and analyzed by an expert in data analysis, ensuring the highest research standards. The results will be presented using descriptive and interpretive methods. Citation Format: Albandari A Alnasser, Tariq H Alqurayshah. Qualitative research study on the use of minimal residual disease as an intermediate endpoint in multiple myeloma clinical trials in Saudi Arabia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B006.

Prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional survey in Nanjing, China

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) presents a significant public health challenge due to its hazards and increasingly severe trends. Addressing this challenge requires targeted investigation into the prevalence and identification of risk factors for KOA across different regions, especially in populous and vast China. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Nanjing, China, with the aim of investigating the prevalence and risk factors of KOA among individuals aged 50 and above.MethodA total of 1,045 subjects were selected using the stratified random sampling method and diagnosed with KOA based on the diagnostic criteria established by the Chinese Medical Association. Data on 14 potential risk factors were collected through a self-designed questionnaire and standardized on-site tests. The association between KOA and these risk factors was explored using t-tests, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of KOA among the subjects was 23.64%. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the risk of KOA was significantly higher among women (OR: 5.34, 95% CI: 3.13–9.11), subjects aged 60–69 (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.25–2.69) and over 70 (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.80–4.59), individuals with high school education and above (OR:2.22, 95% CI: 1.37–3.60), those with flatfoot (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.10–2.74), and subjects classified as overweight (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21–3.04) and obese (OR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.18–9.85) based on their BMI status. Additionally, the models identified weight (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.08), 30-s chair stand performance (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.97), and single-leg stand performance (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99) as independent risk factors for KOA.ConclusionThe prevalence of KOA is remarkable in Nanjing city. The risk factors for KOA include women, older age, higher education, flatfoot, increased weight and BMI, as well as poor performance in 30-s chair stand and single-leg stand tests.

An Assessment Study on Consumer Knowledge and Purchasing Behavior Regarding Food Safety

Economic and technological developments affect consumers’ purchasing behaviors along with their lifestyles. Understanding consumer characteristics and purchasing behaviors is of great importance for companies in determining target markets and preparing marketing programs. The aim of this study is to determine consumers’ level of knowledge about food safety and their purchasing behavior regarding food products. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 400 consumers selected using the Simple Random Probability Sampling method. About 76% of the consumers participating in the study have heard of the concept of food safety. It was found that consumers primarily consider health safety, the expiry date, and the cleanliness of the place of purchase when buying food products. They prefer the products they consume to be fresh and mostly shop at supermarkets and hypermarkets. It was also determined that 53.8% of consumers pay partial attention to human health conditions in the places where food is produced, and 69% are willing to pay more for packaged foods. The level of food safety knowledge among consumers will provide important feedback for food producers and policymakers, guiding the creation of more effective and safer food systems that address consumer needs.

TRANSACTIONAL LEADERSHIP IN MODERATING INFLUENCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT AND WORKFORCE AGILITY ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE

This study aims to investigate the role of transactional leadership in moderating the influence of psychological empowerment and workforce agility on employee performance at the Transportation Agency of Indragiri Hulu Regency. A sample of 108 employees was selected using a saturated sampling method. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS. The results of the study show that psychological empowerment and workforce agility influence employee performance. Furthermore, transactional leadership moderate the influence of psychological empowerment and workforce agility on employee performance. These results suggest that improving employee performance can achieve through the application of transactional leadership practices. The results of the study strengthen the dynamic capabilities theory where organizations can develop competencies to face a changing environment.

Analysis of Underlying Factors in Financial Neglect and Abuse in Older Adults: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Objectives: To analyze underlying factors in financial neglect and abuse to enhance understanding and inform interventions that can protect the financial well-being of older adults. Design: A qualitative content analysis approach. Setting(s): Borujen, Shahrekord, Iran. Participants: A sample of 15 older adults (8 females and 7 males) aged 60 and above was selected through a purposeful sampling method from healthcare centres in Borujen, based on specific inclusion criteria. Outcome measures: Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth individual face-to-face interviews. Results: The findings displayed one overarching category, which is lost property, along with four subcategories, including forced reluctance to pursue the recovery of lent money, deprivation of financial independence, distress due to an inability to recover lent money, and children’s financial evasions in repaying the lent money. Collectively, these factors contributed to older adults perceiving their property as lost. Conclusions: Addressing the burden imposed by financial neglect and abuse necessitates coordinated efforts from authorities, ensuring that policymakers and planners in the fields of health and aging implement concrete measures to raise awareness among families, older adults, and service providers regarding elder abuse. Ultimately, these efforts should aim to improve the quality of life for older adults.

The influence of policy advocacy and education on medical staff’s adaptation to diagnosis related groups payment reform in China: an analysis of the mediating effect of policy cognition

IntroductionIn recent years, China has been carrying out the Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) payment reform, which has an impact not only on payment methods and medical expenses, but also on the behaviors of medical staff. Some of these behaviors are unexpected by policymakers, such as turning away critically ill patients, disaggregating hospitalization costs, setting up disease groups with higher points, and so on. This phenomenon attracted the attention of some scholars, who put forward a few positive intervention measures, mainly including policy advocacy and system improvement. The scholars believed that the former was more feasible. However, there is a lack of research on the effects and influencing processes of these interventions. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influence of policy advocacy and education on medical staff’s adaptation to DRGs payment reform in China and the role of policy cognition in this process, in order to provide experiences for the smooth implementation and sustainable development of DRGs payment system.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among 650 medical staff in five large general hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, to understand their participation and feedback on policy advocacy and education, their adaptation to the current DRGs payment reform, and their cognition of relevant policies. After descriptive statistical analysis, partial correlation analysis, multiple linear regression models and bias correction Bootstrap sampling method were used to analyze the mediating effect of policy cognition factors.ResultsAll respondents had participated in organized collective policy advocacy and education activities in the past year, but the degree of satisfaction and recognition was not very high. 59.5 percent said their adaptation to the DRGs payment reform was average. Nearly half did not regularly pay attention to and participate in the management of the medical costs of patients with DRGs through compliance. And they had a low understanding of the specific rules of DRGs payment and did not form a high policy identity. The mediating effect values of policy cognition were 0.148, 0.152, 0.108, and 0.057, respectively, when the frequency and quality of policy advocacy and education influenced medical staff’s adaptive perception and adaptive behaviors.DiscussionThe organized collective policy advocacy and education can promote medical staff’s adaptation to DRGs payment reform by improving their policy cognition, and the action paths are diverse. Policymakers and hospital managers need pay attention to this phenomenon, and formulate demand-centered, value-oriented whole-process advocacy and education strategies while constantly improving the DRGs payment system. All of these provided a basis for further research and practice of positive intervention in DRGs payment reform.

Performance of Basilan State College faculty: Metrics on commit, Knowledge, Teaching Prowess, and learning management

This study examined the teaching performance of faculty at Basilan State College, focusing on commitment, subject matter expertise, fostering independent learning, and managing the learning process. The study involved 147 faculty members, both permanent and non-permanent, during the 2008-2009 academic year, from four campuses: Isabela City, Sta. Clara, Lamitan, and Maluso. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 107 teachers, which included 44 permanent and 63 non-permanent staff. A survey was conducted to collect socio-demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, education, teaching experience, subject area, and employment type. Faculty performance in the specified areas was assessed using the NBC-461 Standard Performance Rating Form. Results indicated that faculty performance was rated as Outstanding by teachers, peers, and supervisors, while students rated it as Very Satisfactory. Notable differences were found in ratings from various evaluators, with teachers generally rating themselves higher than their peers, supervisors, and students. The study showed that performance levels remained consistent across age, gender, employment type, or subject area, but were significantly influenced by educational qualifications and teaching experience, with higher levels of both leading to better performance. These insights suggest that focused strategies at both the departmental and institutional levels could improve teaching effectiveness and support the achievement of educational objectives.

Nutrition Training in Medical Education Among Family Medicine Residents in North Carolina

Background This study surveyed family medicine residents in North Carolina regarding the state of nutrition education in their residency training. In addition, the survey explored comfort levels with, and attitudes about, discussing nutrition with patients. Methods We administered an online questionnaire to family medicine residents in North Carolina (n = 384) asking about their history of nutrition training and their current attitudes about nutrition. The 24-item survey included both Yes and No and Likert-scale responses. Results All but one resident had received formal or informal nutrition training during their medical education. Residents overwhelmingly considered nutrition to be an important component of health care, although a majority felt physicians are inadequately trained in nutrition. Feeling comfortable discussing nutrition with patients regarding specific health conditions varied from 45% (gastrointestinal concerns) to 94% (cardiovascular disease) or 95% (diabetes) among residents. Limitations The volunteer sampling method used in the study may limit generalizability of the study findings to a broader population of family medicine residents. In addition, precisely defining “formal” and “informal” nutrition training on the survey questionnaire would help to clarify the role of nutrition education in shaping resident attitudes and practices. Conclusion This study shows that family medicine residents recognize the importance of nutrition education but do not feel adequately trained to provide it to patients. Given the abundance of evidence linking nutrition and health as well as an apparent interest among family medicine residents in nutrition education, this study supports the integration of nutrition training in medical education. Suggestions for how to accomplish this objective are provided.

Optimisation of the sampling method for skin microbiome studies in healthy children: a pilot cohort study

IntroductionRecent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the skin microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological conditions. However, skin microbiome analysis is challenging due to relatively low numbers of skin microorganisms compared to mucosal sites, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Microbiome results are heavily influenced by sampling methods. Previous sampling methods include that of cotton swabs, tape stripping, patch sampling and punch biopsies. It is essential to have a standardised sampling method for microbiome studies to have comparable results between studies. Two non-invasive methods of sampling the skin microbiome; a skin scraping versus a flocked swab were chosen as methodologies likely to be efficient, effective, and easy to access for future skin microbiome studies in children. Here we compare the two sampling methods to describe the composition of the skin microbiome in healthy children.MethodSamples were collected from six healthy children aged three to nine years from the skin overlying the cubital fossa, cheek and axilla using (i) flocked swabs and (ii) skin scrapings with a glass slide. Samples were collected from the left and right sides of the body at two separate time points, one week apart. Quantitative PCR of the gene encoding 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) was performed to compare the bacterial load collected by each sampling method. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to compare the relationship of sampling method and time with the diversity and ecology of bacteria between different body sites.ResultsFrom six children, 78 flocked swabs and 78 skin scraping samples were collected, along with details of their overall health and skin care practices. qPCR results indicated higher total bacterial load from flocked swabs compared with skin scrapings. Flocked swabs and skin scraping methods had very similar bacterial compositional profiles. The skin microbiome was diverse between individuals and remained relatively stable within individuals over time.DiscussionOverall, results were similar between sample types, however bacterial DNA yield was higher for flocked swab samples (compared to skin scraping methods) and with a simpler protocol is the preferred sampling method for future studies.

The Relationship Between Picky Eater and The Nutrional Status of Preschool Children at Gotong Royong Kindergarden in Surabaya, Indonesia

One of the eating behavior disorders in preschool children is picky eater, a behavior that is picky about food so that children experience limited consumption of a variety of foods. This impacts the nutritional status of children, which can affect their health. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between children's eating behavior disorders (picky eaters) and the nutritional status of preschool children at Kindergarten Gotong Royong Surabaya, Indonesia. This was an observational analytical research with a cross-sectional research design. The sampling method used purposive sampling technique. Data were collected by filling out the CEBQ (Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire) questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of body weight and height, as well as measuring nutritional status using the indicators BB/TB (0-6 months) and BMI/U (>60 months). All data were processed using IBM SPSS v25.0 software with the Spearman rank correlation test. The results of the study showed that 53.6% of preschool children at KB-TK Gotong Royong Surabaya had eating behavior disorders (picky eaters), 46.4% of the children were non-picky eaters, 41.0% had poor nutritional status, and 43.6% had normal nutrition who were mostly non-picky eaters. The bivariate analysis results of the correlation test obtained a p-value of 0.001 (α>0.05). These data showed a relationship between picky eating disorders and the nutritional status of preschool children at Kindergarten Gotong Royong Surabaya.

Dynamic distribution of systemically administered antibiotics in orthopeadically relevant target tissues and settings

This review aimed to summarize the current literature on antibiotic distribution in orthopedically relevant tissues and settings where dynamic sampling methods have been used. PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched. English‐published studies between 2004 and 2024 involving systemic antibiotic administration in orthopedically relevant tissues and settings based on dynamic measurements were included. In total, 5385 titles were identified. After title and abstract screening, 97 eligible studies (43 different antibiotic drugs) were included. The studies covered both preclinical (42%) and clinical studies including healthy and infected tissues (21%) and prophylactic and steady‐state situations (35%). Microdialysis emerged as the predominant sampling method in 98% of the studies. Most of the presented antibiotics (80%) were only assessed once or twice. Among the most extensively studied antibiotics were cefuroxime (18 studies), linezolid (9 studies) and vancomycin (9 studies). This review presents valuable insights into the microenvironmental distribution of antibiotics in orthopedically relevant target tissues and settings and seeks to provide a basis for improving dosing recommendations and treatment outcomes. However, it is important to acknowledge that our findings are limited to the specific drug, dosing regimens, administration method and target tissue, and are crucially linked to the selected PK/PD target.

FACTORS INFLUENCING INVESTMENT DECISION-MAKING IN GENERATION Z

This study aims to provide empirical evidence about the factors that affect investment decision-making in generation Z. The sampling method used is a non-probability purposive sampling method with generation Z students as a research sample. The age range included in the category of generation Z students is those aged 18-26 years. The analysis method used is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of the study show that financial literacy, attitude towards investment, and risk perception have a significant influence on investment decision-making among Generation Z students. Financial literacy and attitude towards investment have a positive effect, while risk perception has a negative effect on investment decisions. Although herding does not have a direct effect on investment decision-making, it does affect attitudes towards investment, which then influences investment decisions. This shows that the investment trends and investment decisions of others can shape students' investment attitudes, which ultimately influences their decision to invest. Technological advances and broad access to information, particularly through social media, seem to reduce the direct influence of herding but increase the role of influencers in shaping investment attitudes.

Effectiveness of an intervention to improve pharmacovigilance among selected government hospitals in a district of Sri Lanka

Introduction: Issues related to doctors' pharmacovigilance exist due to their lack of knowledge and the challenges of a rapidly changing society. In addition, issues exist with the subject's existing systems. Proper intervention with a comprehensive system of pharmacovigilance can resolve these problems.Objective: This research is intended to assess the knowledge, perception, and practices of pharmacovigilance among medical officers in a district of Sri Lanka with surveillance systems through interventions.Methodology: A pre-and post-intervention design research study was conducted among 237 doctors in the curative sector in the Hambanthota district. All the doctors in these hospitals were considered the study population, and no sampling method was employed. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data using active and passive surveillance data systems and workshops.Results: The results indicated that most of the doctors were from the 31-40 age category (55.3%), females (53.59%), preliminary and grade 2 medical officers (67.1%, 37.6%) who are working in the base hospitals (64.1%) of the area with a basic medical degree (90.8%). A large proportion of them (67.5%) had training in this area as undergraduates (25%). The overall knowledge of pharmacovigilance was poor (69.7%). The overall perception was positive (53.2%). Overall, practices were poor. Knowledge and perception have improved with the intervention.Conclusion and recommendations: This research revealed poor general knowledge, practices, and a positive perception regarding pharmacovigilance, which improved through an intervention. Substantial consideration should be paid to including those topics in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. Continuous professional development and in-service training programmes should be arranged for doctors with a comprehensive system of surveillance.

Kawí Tamiruyé: a permanent research forest plot in the Sierra Tarahumara

This study characterizes the dasometric and structural parameters of a permanent research plot in northern Mexico. From a total census, 2165 trees (n) were recorded in an area of 1.4 ha-1 and, through the application of various sampling schemes, dasometric variables, and diversity indices were estimated for comparison with the census of a reference plot. We calculated the following dasometric measurements, Quadratic Mean Diameter (QMD)= 12.16 cm, Crown Area (CA)= 61.6%, Reineke's Stand Density Index (SDI)= 668 individuals, Basal Area (BA)= 25.16 m2, Total Volume (Vol)= 158.83 m3 ha-1, aboveground biomass (AGB= 142.78 Mg ha-1) and Carbon (C= 71.39 Mg ha-1). Ecologically, the species with the highest importance value index (IVI) were P. engelmannii and J. deppeana (50.8% and 35%, respectively). The Simpson's dominance index (δ)= 0.39 and diversity (λ)= 0.61 were low, as was the Shannon-Weaver index of diversity (H'= 1.3), which is in agreement with the Margalef index (DMg= 1.04). The value of Pielou's evenness (J'= 0.53) confirmed low abundance. Equidistant systematic sampling at 40 m was closer to the reference census, presenting lower values in the mean and variance estimators compared to the other sampling methods. The results can be included in management portfolios to improve decision-making. Although further studies on site size, inclusion of additive indices, and operational costs are required.

Efektivitas Penggunaan Media Video Animasi Terhadap Hasil Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Kelas VIII SMP Negeri 3 Pariaman

Student learning outcomes are still low, especially in science subject grade VIII at SMP Negeri 3 Pariaman. This is because the media used by teachers in the learning process is still less varied, teachers use media in the form of printed books in which there are pictures that are difficult for students to understand. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effectiveness of the use of animated video media on student learning outcomes in science subject grade VIII at SMP Negeri 3 Pariaman. This type of research is quantitative research with an experimental approach in the form of a quasi experiment. The sample selected was class VIII.3 as a control class with 31 people and class VIII.5 as an experimental class with 31 people. This research was conducted on science subjects with human respiratory system material. The data processing used was a normality test, a homogeneity test, and a hypothesis test using the independent test method of t-test samples, with a significant level of ∝<0.05. The results showed that there was a difference in learning outcomes, the experimental class with an average score of 70.48, compared to the control class with an average score of 60.38. Based on the results of the t-test calculation, t count = 2.987 while t table with a significant level ∝0.05 = 2.0003. When compared, the t calculation > t table is 2.987 > 2.0003. Which means that H1 is accepted, so that the effective animation video media is significantly applied to the learning outcomes of grade VIII students in science subjects at SMP Negeri 3 Pariaman