Purposeful Selection Method Research Articles

The development of an indicator model for administrative management of faculty of physical education Thailand national sport university the road to a sport learning organization in ASEAN

This research aimed to examine the congruence of an indicator model for administrative management of Faculty of Physical Education Thailand National Sports University, the road to a sports learning organization in ASEAN with the empirical data. The research was implemented in 3 phases. The phase 1 aimed to study an administrative management indicator of Faculty of Physical Education, Thailand National Sports University, the road to a sports learning organization in ASEAN. An in-depth interview was used with 5 key informants selected by a purposive selection method. The instruments used were an in-depth interview and analytic induction. The phase 2 aimed to make indicators of administrative management of Faculty of Physical Education, Thailand National Sports University, the road to a sports learning organization in ASEAN. Key informants included 17 experts selected by a purposive selection method. The instrument used was a rating scale questionnaire to conclude the findings and determine administrative management indicators for Faculty of Physical Education, Thailand National Sports University, the road to a sports learning organization in ASEAN for the benefits of harmony and accuracy. The phase 3 aimed to examine the congruence of administrative management indicators for Faculty of Physical Education, Thailand National Sports University, the road to a sports learning organization in ASEAN. The sample comprised instructors, students of Faculty of Education and stakeholders, 490 persons in total. The instruments used in this phase were a rating scale questionnaire and confirmatory factor analysis. The research results indicated that 1) there were 5 aspects of the competency-based learning management indicator for professional education teacher students as follow: 1. Factors of administrative management mechanism, 10 indicators, 2. Factors of instructor quality, 6 indicators, 3. Factors of learning management, 17 indicators, 4. Factors of student capability enhancement, 9 indicators, 5. Factors of athlete capability enhancement to excellence, 7 indicators, 49 indicators in total. All of them were consistent, 2) the factor measurement model was consistent with the empirical data. It was found that the model was well congruent with the empirical data, considered from the relative Chi-square that was 0.487(well consistent), GFI (Goodness of Fit Index) was 0.674 (well consistent), AGFI (Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index) was 0.482 (fairly consistent), and RMSEA was 0.05 (fairly consistent). Therefore, the null hypothesis stating that the research model was congruent with the empirical data.

Analisis Bibliometrik: Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Wajib Pajak Menggunakan Jasa Konsutan Pajak

This research uses a purposive selection method with five independent variables: taxpayer knowledge, taxpayer motivation, severity of tax sanctions, quality of tax services, and perception of tax consultants. The aim of this research is to determine the factors that influence business taxpayers' decisions to use tax consultants.

Behaviour Concerns in Preschool Cardiac Surgery Survivors

BackgroundBehaviour concerns (BC) are reported in survivors of complex cardiac surgery (CCSx) with inconsistent evidence about health and demographic variables that impact outcomes. MethodsA prospective inception-cohort study of infants (without known chromosomal abnormalities) after CCSx from 2001 to 2017 determined Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC-II/III) parent rating scales at 4.5 years. T scores ≥60 for externalizing, internalizing, and the Behavioural Symptoms Index and ≤40 for adaptive behaviour defined BC. Potential predictive variables included demographic, acute care, and health factors after initial CCSx. Multiple logistic regression using the purposeful selection method gave odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). ResultsSurvivors (n = 585; 61% boys, 40% single ventricle) were assessed at a median age of 55 months (interquartile range: 53, 57 months). Independent predictors were noncardiac hospitalizations (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.19; P = 0.015) for externalizing; noncardiac hospitalizations (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.24; P = 0.003), female sex (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.52; P = 0.031), and single ventricle (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.17; P = 0.035) for internalizing; noncardiac hospitalizations (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.19; P = 0.017), socioeconomic status (SES) (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.10; P = 0.031), and years of maternal schooling (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.10; P = 0.04) for adaptive; and extracorporeal life-saving support (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.96; P = 0.041) for the Behavioural Symptoms Index, indicating more pervasive behaviours. ConclusionsThe number of noncardiac hospitalizations predicted increased odds of BC and requires further attention. Improving inpatient trauma-informed care experiences and optimizing access to primary care to prevent noncardiac hospitalization may be modifiable.

Epidemiology and treatment outcomes of recurrent tuberculosis in Tanzania from 2018 to 2021 using the National TB dataset.

Patients with recurrent TB have an increased risk of higher mortality, lower success rate, and a relatively feeble likelihood of treatment completion than those with new-onset TB. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of recurrent TB in Tanzania; specifically, we aim to determine the prevalence of TB recurrence and factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcomes among patients with recurrent TB in Tanzania from 2018 to 2021. In this cross-sectional study, we utilized Tanzania's routinely collected national TB program data. The study involved a cohort of TB patients over a fixed treatment period registered in the TB and Leprosy case-based District Health Information System (DHIS2-ETL) database from 2018 to 2021 in Tanzania. We included patients' sociodemographic and clinical factors, facility characteristics, and TB treatment outcomes. We conducted bivariate analysis and multivariable multi-level mixed effects logistic regression of factors associated with TB recurrence and TB treatment outcomes to account for the correlations at the facility level. A purposeful selection method was used; the multivariable model included apriori selected variables (Age, Sex, and HIV status) and variables with a p-value <0.2 on bivariate analysis. The adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were recorded, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 319,717 participants were included in the study; the majority were adults aged 25-49 (44.2%, n = 141,193) and above 50 years (31.6%, n = 101,039). About two-thirds were male (60.4%, n = 192,986), and more than one-fifth of participants (22.8%, n = 72,396) were HIV positive. Nearly two in every hundred TB patients had a recurrent TB episode (2.0%, n = 6,723). About 10% of patients with recurrent TB had unfavourable treatment outcomes (9.6%, n = 519). The odds of poor treatment outcomes were two-fold higher for participants receiving treatment at the central (aOR = 2.24; 95% CI 1.33-3.78) and coastal zones (aOR = 2.20; 95% CI 1.40-3.47) than the northern zone. HIV-positive participants had 62% extra odds of unfavourable treatment outcomes compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.25-2.11). Bacteriological TB diagnosis (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI 1.02-1.90) was associated with a 39% additional risk of unfavourable treatment outcomes as compared to clinical TB diagnosis. Compared to community-based DOT, patients who received DOT at the facility had 1.39 times the odds of poor treatment outcomes (aOR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.04-1.85). TB recurrence in Tanzania accounts for 2% of all TB cases, and it is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Unfavourable treatment outcomes were recorded in 10% of patients with recurrent TB. Poor TB treatment outcome was associated with HIV-positive status, facility-based DOT, bacteriologically confirmed TB and receiving treatment at the hospital level, differing among regions. We recommend post-treatment follow-up for patients with recurrent TB, especially those coinfected with HIV. We also propose close follow-up for patients treated at the hospital facility level and strengthening primary health facilities in TB detection and management to facilitate early treatment initiation.

Identifying factors affecting the selection of heads of city health centers in Iran: A phenomenological study.

Managers in the health care sector have the responsibility of accomplishing objectives and guaranteeing the excellence of services. To be chosen as a manager in a health organization, individuals must possess specific qualities and skills. Examining the process of selecting and appointing managers at the highest level of service provision might offer policymakers valuable insights into the importance of considering competences when choosing and appointing leaders of health centers. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the characteristics that influence the selection process of heads of city health centers in Iran. The present study employed a qualitative and phenomenological approach, utilizing interviews performed in the year 2023. The study sample consisted of health deputy from medical sciences universities, local health network managers, and heads of city health center. The participants were selected using a purposive selection method. A total of 16 male participants were interviewed, and the interviews were then analyzed using MAXQDA-10 software using the usual content analysis method. In this study, the factors affecting the selection of the heads of health care centers were classified into two general topics: individual factors and environmental factors, and eight sub-topics, including health literacy, experience, individual characteristics, communication skills, mental characteristics, legal issues, political factors, and cultural factors. The development of health literacy, specialized knowledge, and communication skills to coordinate and resolve organizational problems helps train competent managers. Top health system managers, who select health center managers, must understand political and cultural variables and regulate and steer their influence to select effective managers.

Comparative analysis of the purchasing behaviour of young consumers in Poland and Belarus on the organic food market

ObjectivesThe organic food market is growing rapidly. More and more consumers are becoming aware of the impact of the food production methods used on health and the environment, which translates into a dynamically growing interest in organic products. The main aim of this publication is to present, analyse and evaluate the behaviour of buyers in the organic market during the process of selection and purchase of products.Material and methodsThe research was conducted on a group of 566 respondents, including 330 young buyers coming from Poland and 236 from Belarus. A purposive selection method was used in the research. The research was comparative and enabled the identification and analysis of differences in the market behaviour of individual groups of buyers coming from Poland and Belarus. The buyers' behaviours were studied and analysed in relation to the decision-making process concerning the purchase of organic products, taking into account: product selection criteria and the place and frequency of purchase in different types of retail unitsResultsOn the basis of the research and analysis carried out, it can be observed that there are differences in the purchasing behaviour of buyers from Poland and Belarus. These are due, among other things, to differences in consumer awareness and perception of the benefits of consuming organic products. Factors related to the availability of organic food in organisational as well as economic terms are also important.ConclusionsThe obtained results and analyzes may contribute to understanding consumer behavior on the organic food market and be used for further in-depth research or help shape market strategies by sellers.

Hubungan Pemeriksaan Triple Eliminasi terhadap Pencegahan Penyakit Menular Seksual pada Ibu Hamil

The risk of vertical transmission of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis from mother to child is significant. The likelihood of HIV/AIDS being transmitted vertically from mother to kid varies between 20% and 45%, for syphilis it ranges from 69% to 80%, and for Hepatitis B it surpasses 90%. Every expectant mother has triple screening for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn. As to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (2019), it is obligatory for pregnant women to undergo triple elimination screening to mitigate the transmission of HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Triple Elimination Examination in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted illnesses among pregnant women in Mojongapit Village, Jombang.&#x0D; This study is a retrospective cohort investigation that specifically examines mothers who had their babies in Mojongapit Village. Carry out study from June to August 2023. The study's independent variable is the triple elimination examination, whereas the dependent variable is the incidence of diseases transmitted from mother to newborn. A purposeful selection method was used to choose twenty-eight mothers who had previously given birth, and their history of triple elimination examination was observed. Performing analysis using the Spearman rank correlation approach.&#x0D; The research revealed that 96.2% of the 25 mothers who were not infected with sexually transmitted illnesses had triple elimination examinations in the first trimester. The Spearman Rank statistical test resulted in a p value of 0.000, demonstrating a strong correlation between the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections and the implementation of triple elimination examinations in Mojongapit Village, Jombang.&#x0D; The implementation of the triple elimination initiative, which includes screening, treatment, and is characterized by its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, has shown its effectiveness in avoiding the transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B from mother to child.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT UNDERPRICING DURING THE INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING ON IDX

This study intends to examine the impact of ownership retention, company age, company size, and board commissioner independence on the degree of underpricing during an initial public offering (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2019–2021. Quantitative information from the company's financial records and the prospectus it published before an initial public offering (IPO) is used in this study. 143 businesses, chosen using the purposive selection method, made up the sample for this study. Application SPSS version 26 is used for the test. According to the study's findings, the ownership retention variable significantly and negatively affects IPO underpricing. On the other hand, IPO underpricing is positively and considerably impacted by firm size. On the other hand, IPO underpricing is positively and considerably impacted by firm size. A significant impact was not seen in this analysis for the factors board commissioner size, board independence, or company age.

Development of Integrated Marketing Communication Model for Health Tourism Entrepreneurs to Accommodate Elderly Tourists in the World Heritage City for Elderly Tourists (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District)

The goals of this article are to 1) examine the integrated marketing communication situation of health tourism entrepreneurs to accommodate elderly tourists in the World Heritage City for elderly tourists (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District); 2) examine the integrated marketing communication of medical tourism entrepreneurs to accommodate elderly tourists in the World Heritage City for elderly tourists (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District); and 3) examine health tourism entrepreneurs to accommodate elder tourists (Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District). The research design is mixed-methods research with participatory action research (PAR). In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and policy meetings are all used in the qualitative research model, and employ the Snowball Sampling method of random sampling by referring people and experts, analyzing the data using content analysis, and composing a descriptive narrative. 400 senior tourists were sampled using the purposive selection method for the quantitative research method. Then, descriptive statistics and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) were used to analyze the data. The study's findings indicate that the "SILVER D Model," which consists of the seven strategies under the models S-Standard, I-Integrated, L-Lifestyle, V-Value Proposition, E-Entrepreneurial, R-Responsibility, and D-Digital Marketing, is the integrated marketing communication model employed by health tourism entrepreneurs to accommodate elderly tourists in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, a World Heritage Site. 3. The "SILVER D Model," a participatory action research (PAR) framework and strategies falling under the aforementioned 7 strategies The information gained from this study can be used to create an integrated marketing communication strategy for health tourism business owners to assist senior tourists in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, a World Heritage City for elderly tourists, for the benefit of the stakeholders involved in both economics and policy.

Ukuran Perusahaan, Pergantian Manajemen dan Pergantian Auditor pada Sektor Industri Dasar &amp; Kimia

The impartiality of the auditor is critical to the fairness evaluation of the audited financial accounts. The association of a company with a public accounting firm for a long time can affect the auditor's independence so as to allow for a certain relationship between the auditing company and the public accounting agency, but if it is too frequent, changing the independent auditor will increase the company's audit fees and indicate that the public accounting firm is not professional. There were 10 basic and chemical industry companies that changed their auditors more than once during the 2017–2021 period. Examining and analyzing the impact of company size and management shifts on auditor switching was the goal of this research. Chemical industry from 2017 to 2021, businesses will be listed on the IDX. This study used a quantitative approach, A sample size of 37 businesses, or 185 records, was obtained over the course of five years using the purposive selection method. With SPSS version 25, logistic regression is the data processing method used. Based on the findings of this study, (1) company size has no impact on changing auditors, and (2) managerial changes have no impact on changing auditors.Keywords: Company Size, Management Change, Auditor Switching

The Application of End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) to Analyze the Satisfaction of MyPertamina User

This study measures how satisfied users are with the application system in order to ascertain both the degree of users' satisfaction and the variables affecting users' contentment. Content, accuracy, format, usability, and timeliness are the five characteristics that make up the End User Computing Satisfaction (EUCS) research model, which is used in this study's quantitative methodology. A purposive selection method was employed to choose the sample for this study, which included 200 respondents. SmartPLS 3.0 software is utilized for the data analysis procedure. One of the five investigated hypotheses was ruled out. Thus, content, correctness, usability, and timeliness are the aspects that can influence application user satisfaction. While the format variable has no impact on program user pleasure. So that the findings of this study can be recommended to companies as authorities to pay more attention to the aspects that affect application user happiness as described.

FAKTOR-FAKTOR PENENTU DALAM HARGA SAHAM PERUSAHAAN PROPERTI

The goal of this research was to determine if ROA, NPM, and DER play a role in the stock price formation process in the real estate industry from 2017-2021. Inductive, quantitative, and descriptive features all play a role in the research technique. Thirty firms listed in IDX's property sector match the requirements for inclusion in the sample, which was selected using a purposive selection method. Using a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model for data analysis on a Structural Equation Model (SEM). SmartPLS 3.0 was utilized to perform the PLS analysis. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that ROA and NPM have a positive and negative influence on stock prices, respectively, but DER has no effect on stock prices. Rate of return, net profit margin, and dividend yield all have a role in determining stock prices. The corrected R2 value shows that this component explains 15.7% of the variance, while the remaining 84.3% is accounted for by independent variables.

Innovation Factors of Engineers in Thailand's Construction Industry

The construction industry is important to Thailand's economy. However, due to the competition in the fast-changing world, entrepreneurs must adjust their business practices to seek opportunities to benefit from competitive advantages. Additionally, modern technology is applied to all the processes of the construction industry to increase efficiency. The objectives of this research were to 1) analyze the opinions of engineers on the construction business innovation factors, and 2) analyze how engineers with different occupations, types of construction work, training, work experience, and professional fields influenced the construction business innovation factors. This research is quantitative. The target group was engineers working in the construction industry in Bangkok and its vicinity, Chonburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, which all together are the economic center of Thailand. There were 80 samples. The questionnaire was validated by three experts before the data collection began. The sampling was not random; a purposive selection method was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with frequency, percentage, and the F test. The results of the analysis showed that the overall level of business innovation factors in the construction industry was moderate, with an average of 4.40. When considering the level of innovation factors in each aspect, it was found that paradigm innovation, product innovation, position innovation, and process innovation had an average of 4.65, 4.40, 4.38, and 4.20, respectively. It was also found that personal factors differing in occupation, types of construction work, training, work experience, and professional fields related to business in the construction industry did not have a statistically significant effect on product innovation, process innovation, position innovation, and paradigm innovation. Therefore, the research results will be useful in seeking business opportunities in the construction business for further development into building a construction industry business network that would increase sales and profits. Additionally, engineers pay attention to innovation as a factor that affects the efficiency of the construction industry. However, construction organizations must plan for employee training, experience building, and work plans to achieve better performance, and construction industry business has brought in modern technology to help in the construction process to improve the efficiency of the construction work by using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to track the use of construction resources and uses drones for on-site inspections better and more accurately. Keywords: innovation factors, construction industry, engineers, Thailand. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55463/hkjss.issn.1021-3619.60.72

Comparative Study of the effect of time duration of marijuana and heroin abuse on concept formation

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of time duration of heroin and marijuana abuse on concept formation in a comparative manner which based on a sample of 90 people from three different groups. This group represents the involvement of heroin and marijuana abuse in a different time periods that was 2 years, 4 years and 6 years. Purposive selection method was taken for allotment the subjects. . The responses of the subjects are measured and tabulated by standardized tests. The analysis of variance was used in the present study. The purpose of the study was to find out the causal relationship along with the difference between the time duration of heroin and marijuana abuse on concept formation and the results indicates that there was significant difference at 0.01level.

Were the Higher Education Institutions Prepared for the Challenge of Online Learning? Students’ Satisfaction Survey in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak

The main purpose of the paper is to evaluate the online teaching process at universities, and detect shortages and gaps in online learning in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The research results are the initial steps leading to the development of a guide and online open access tools supporting academic teachers in the efficient use of an online didactic process, which will be used broadly. The specific objectives are to identify differences in the assessment of online learning among students from different EU countries, to identify differences between face-to-face and online learning among students from the countries surveyed, to assess the attractiveness of online teaching to students in selected EU countries, and to determine the assessment of the preparation of university teachers for online teaching in the countries surveyed. Using a purposive selection method, five EU countries, i.e., Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, were selected for the study. The study is based on questionnaires. The survey was conducted among 809 student respondents representing the five countries. The study was carried out in 2021 and the research period was 2020–2021 (before and after pandemic restrictions). It was found that students evaluate online courses much better in countries/universities with a long tradition in online teaching and usage of interactive platforms, than in those without them. Students generally evaluated in-person learning better than online learning, and their evaluation depended on their previous experience of online learning. The degree of preparation for the online courses is strongly correlated with the overall evaluation of these courses. The attractiveness of the online courses is strongly conditioned by the content of engaging, involving and stimulating elements. There is the need for the development of interactive tools and training for teachers, which will increase the attractiveness of online classes for students.

Experience of academic staff in mentoring programs

Abstract Mentoring programs developed at universities are an effective method of supporting student development. The participation in these programs brings them many benefits. These benefits include increased prestige in the community, gaining new experiences and achieving defined goals in the case of universities. It is essential to improve the mentoring programs implemented at universities. This article presents the results of research carried out within the framework of the BEGIN project implemented and funded under the Erasmusplus program. The aim of the research was to identify academic staff's experiences of participating in formal and informal mentoring programs. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted with respondents from Italy, Poland and Germany. A purposive selection method was used. The research provided clues with a practical dimension on how to implement mentoring programs, usefulness from the student's point of view, effectiveness and efficiency, and how to measure the impact of the program on students.

Changes in Energy Consumption and Energy Intensity in EU Countries as a Result of the COVID-19 Pandemic by Sector and Area Economy

Energy is vital for the proper functioning of the various sectors of the economy and social life. During the pandemic, there have been some changes in these aspects that need to be investigated. The main objective of this article is to identify the direction of change caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in energy consumption and energy intensity in sectors and economic areas in EU countries. The specific objectives are to identify the importance of energy consumption in sectors and areas of the economy in individual EU countries; to determine the dynamics of change and variability during the pandemic in energy consumption in individual sectors and areas of the economy in EU countries, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic; to determine the changes in energy intensity of individual economic sectors and the differences in energy intensity between individual EU countries, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a purposive selection method, all 27 EU Member States were selected for the study on 31 December 2020. The analysed period covered the years 2005–2020. The sources of material were literature and data from Eurostat. Descriptive, tabular and graphical methods, dynamic indicators with a fixed base and variable base, Gini coefficient, coefficient of variation, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient, and multi-criteria analysis were used for analysis and presentation. It was found that the structure of energy consumption had remained unchanged for several years, with transport, industry and households dominating. There were no significant differences between countries. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced energy consumption in all sectors of the economy, the largest in transport and services and the smaller in industry. At the same time, household energy consumption increased. As a result of the pandemic, there was an increase in energy intensity in all sectors of the economy, the largest in industry. Western European countries had a lower energy intensity of the economy than Central and Eastern European countries. There was little change over several years. Countries generally maintained their ranking. The pandemic did not change anything in this respect, meaning that it had a similar impact on individual EU countries.

Novice mentors versus mentees: Mentoring experiences in mathematics at General Education and Training phase

In the South African educational system, student teachers are deployed to schools for practical experience, where they are monitored by lecturers from their universities. Student teachers are also mentored by teachers allocated to them by the school principal. Some of these mentoring teachers are themselves newly qualified and may have little or no teaching experience. This study analysed the relationship between these various role players during the teaching of mathematics in General Education and Training (GET) phase, at secondary schools in the Western Cape. The theoretical framework for the study was provided by Lave and Wenger’s Communities of Practice. An ethnographic qualitative research design was used for collecting data from classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The selected participants comprised four novice mathematics teachers, four mathematics student teachers in the GET phase, two lecturers and one school principal. The purposive selection method was used to select these participants. The findings revealed that novice mentor teachers were challenged by facing (1) no or little communication and collaboration between themselves and lecturers, (2) limited cooperation between mentor and mentee in the teaching of mathematics in GET phase, (3) limited mathematics content knowledge by student teachers and (4) limited mentoring skills of novice mentors. It is recommended that universities create a sound educational partnership with mentor teachers. Universities should also consider the voices of novice mentor teachers in their mentoring of student teachers.

First-line pembrolizumab in advanced urothelial carcinoma: Clinical parameters associated with efficacy in the phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 and phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 trials.

521 Background: First-line treatment with pembrolizumab (pembro) monotherapy has shown durable clinical activity in selected patients (pts) with advanced/unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). In a pooled population of pts with advanced UC from the single-arm phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 (NCT02335424) and the randomized, open-label, phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305) studies, this exploratory analysis evaluated the relationship between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of first-line pembro monotherapy. Methods: Cisplatin-ineligible pts with advanced UC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-052 and chemotherapy-naive pts with advanced UC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-361. For analysis of predictive factors for ORR and OS in pembro-treated pts, the purposeful selection method was used to build the multivariable logistic regression model (ORR) and multivariable Cox model (OS), beginning with a univariable analysis of each independent variable. Any variable in the univariate model with P &lt; 0.10 was a candidate for the multivariate model. The stepwise selection method was used to select the variables in the final model. Significance of the final model was set at P &lt; 0.05. Data cutoff dates were September 26, 2020 (KEYNOTE-052) and April 29, 2020 (KEYNOTE-361). Results: This pooled analysis included 681 pts treated with pembro monotherapy (KEYNOTE-052, N = 374; KEYNOTE-361, N = 307 [170 were cisplatin ineligible]). Median follow-up was 51.9 mo (range, 22.0-65.3). ORR was 29.4% (95% CI, 26.0-32.9; 69 CRs, 131 PRs), and median DOR was 33.2 mo (range, 1.4+ to 60.7+). Median OS was 12.5 mo (95% CI, 11.0-14.6). By multivariate analysis, independent factors significantly associated with higher ORR were PD-L1 status (combined positive score [CPS] ≥10 vs CPS &lt; 10; odds ratio [OR], 1.90 [95% CI, 1.33-2.71]; P = 0.0004), site of metastasis (lymph node only vs visceral disease; OR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.06-2.59]; P = 0.0265), liver involvement (absent vs present; OR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.06-2.89]; P = 0.0294), and baseline hemoglobin level ≥10 vs &lt; 10 g/dL; OR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.09-4.31]; P = 0.0276). Multivariate analysis of OS is displayed in the Table. Conclusions: This exploratory multivariate analysis identified numerous factors, including PD-L1–positive status (CPS ≥10), lymph node only metastasis, and lower ECOG PS score, associated with improved clinical outcomes in pts with advanced UC treated with first-line pembro monotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02335424 and NCT02853305. [Table: see text]

An Assessment of Covid-19 Factors which Influence Non-Compliance of Payments in Respect of Social Security Contributions in Ghana

COVID-19 has been wreaking havoc on the business world for nearly two years, with most industries experiencing a significant decline in revenue. The major statutory agency in charge of regulating employee pension schemes in Ghana, the Social Security National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) Ghana, has also seen a drop in monthly contributions. As a result, the goal of the study was to see how the COVID-19 epidemic is affecting non-compliance with Ghana’s Social Security Monthly Contribution Payments. The study used a random sampling methodology to select 6 out of 19 decentralized governance structures in Accra, after which a purposive selection method was used to select 50 small and medium business enterprises for their perspectives on the study’s goals. The major research tool was the questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to analyze the data collected in the field. COVID-19 appears to be taking a toll on the finances of small and medium-sized businesses that have made deals with SSNIT authorities to reschedule obligations related to default contributions, according to the findings. Although new projects have been placed on hold due to diminishing inflows, SSNIT’s commitment to employees and payment of pensions to elderly residents remains unaffected. In light of the a fore mentioned challenges posed by the pandemic, the study suggested that the Government of Ghana should seek concessionary loans from world-class lenders such as the World Bank to strengthen its local stabilization fund and inject a significant amount of funds to assist struggling SMEs in resuming operations.