Quantitative Data Research Articles

“Connect Local”: protocol for the evaluation of a codesigned whole of community approach to promote social connection in older adults

BackgroundThere is wide acknowledgement in the literature that social connection is protective against loneliness and depression. More robust research, however, is needed to evaluate interventions that promote social connection. This protocol paper outlines the evaluation of a community-wide social connection program, Connect Local, in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia to support people 65 years and older to increase access to local community services/activities; and to ascertain impact on social connection, loneliness, depressive symptoms, physical and mental wellbeing, and use of health services.MethodsA Type 1 Hybrid design, including program effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and implementation evaluation of the Connect Local program, will be undertaken. Eighty-eight participants aged ≥65 years with one or more chronic health condition, who are also either experiencing or at risk of loneliness, social isolation and depressive symptoms will be invited to participate in the evaluation. Outcomes, measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, include loneliness, social isolation, depressive symptoms, social anxiety, goal attainment, wellbeing, quality of life and health care utilisation. A gender and age matched comparator group of 88 individuals will be recruited from outside the intervention local government area. Impact of the intervention on community service providers in the target region will be evaluated using mixed methods, where triangulation will be used to combine the qualitative and quantitative data using a deductive-simultaneous design. Changes in wellbeing and quality of life of community volunteers will also be measured. All groups will be interviewed to ascertain their experience and perceptions of the program. The economic evaluation will use a Social Return on Investment (SROI) approach, to include outcomes at the individual, community, and system levels. Implementation outcomes will consider Reach, Adoption, Feasibility, Acceptability, Appropriateness, Fidelity, and Sustainability of the intervention.DiscussionThis study will provide a better understanding of the impacts of a community-wide social connection approach in older adults, the community and broader system.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=385192; Identifier ACTRN12623000968673.

Does COVID-19 Influence the Urban Household’s Food Security in Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia?

Household food insecurity is an important variable for understanding the nutritional status of children and women in low-income countries. This study was therefore initiated to determine household food insecurity status and to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on household food security in a selected number of households in the Horo Guduru Wollega Region of Ethiopia. Multistage sampling methods were used in this study. First, 4 were randomly selected from 12 found in the Horo Guduru Wollega area. The population/size ratio is then used to select households in each city. Finally, the eligible households for the study were randomly selected. Accordingly, 360 sample data were collected from 5,710 poor households in four urbans in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone. Both qualitative (in-depth interview) and quantitative data (structured questionnaires) were included in this study. The data collected were analysed using the propensity score matching model. The result of the concordant estimation of the propensity score showed supportive indications for improving the food security standard of living. All consistent test methods used for analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the assessment of dietary diversity between safe and unsafe foods. This study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting household food security in the study area. Therefore, all concerned bodies are responsible to overcome the problem of food insecurity that occurred due to the COVID-19 in the region and nationally. The data analysed to know impact COVID-19 on food security in the study area. The propensity score matching estimation result has shown supportive evidence about the improvements of the living standard of food security. All of the matching test methods employed for the analysis showed that there was statistically significant dietary diversity scores difference between food secure and insecure. In general, this study revealed that COVID-19 pandemic affects household food insecurity status in study area.

Patient preference and acceptability of self-sampling for cervical screening in colposcopy clinic attenders: A cross-sectional semi-structured survey.

Low vaginal self-sampling has been pioneered as an important development to improve uptake of cervical screening globally. Limited research is available in specific patient groups in the UK exploring views around self-sampling to detect high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA. Therefore, we explored patient views to support development of a novel point-of-care self-sampling cervical cancer screening device, by undertaking a cross-sectional semi-structured questionnaire survey to explore preferences, acceptability, barriers and facilitators around self-sampling. Patients attending a colposcopy clinic, 25-64 years old, were invited to participate after having carried out a low vaginal self-sample using a regular flocked swab. Participants self-completed an anonymous 12-point questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed in MS Excel and Graphpad Prism, and qualitative data with Nvivo. We recruited 274 patients with a questionnaire response rate of 76%. Acceptability of self-sampling was high (95%, n = 187/197; Cronbachs-α = 0.778). Participants were asked their choice of future screening method: a) low vaginal self-sampling, b) healthcare professional collected vaginal swab, c) cervical brush sample with healthcare professional speculum examination, or d) no preference. Preferences were: a) 37% (n = 74/198), b) 19% (n = 37/198); c) 9% (n = 17/198), and d) 35% (n = 70/198), showing no single option as a strong preference. Key motivators were: Test simplicity (90%, n = 170/190), speed (81%, n = 153/190) and less pain (65%, n = 123/190). Barriers included lack of confidence taking the sample (53%, n = 10/19), resulting in preference for a healthcare professional sample (47%, n = 9/19). Whilst self-sampling showed high acceptability, lack of strong preference for screening method may reflect that respondents attending colposcopy are already engaged with screening and have differing perception of cervical cancer risk. This group appear less likely to 'switch' to self-sampling, and it may be better targeted within primary and community care, focusing on under-screened populations. Any shift in this paradigm in the UK requires comprehensive education and support for patients and providers.

Financial Analysis of Establishing Cicendo Eye Center in Garut

Engaging in business inevitably involves encountering many barriers and limits, such as the Shisendo Eye Clinic. While the primary focus of this project is eye health, it is crucial to do a comprehensive business feasibility analysis to prevent failures and mitigate any hazards in the future. This study aims to elucidate the business viability assessment for establishing the Cicendo Eye Clinic in the city of Garut, focusing on internal areas of the organization, including marketing, technical operations, management, and human resources. In this instance, the emphasis is primarily on the financial aspect. The employed techniques are both descriptive and analytical. Data collection methods encompass observation, interviews, document analysis, and literature review. Data analysis methods employ both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data is essential for non-financial sectors, while quantitative data is necessary for financial and commercial sectors. The use of statistical techniques and the Microsoft Excel software program facilitates the analysis of quantitative data. According to the statistics and analysis of the establishment of the Garut Main Clinic of Centro Oftalmológico Sisendo, the clinic was able to recoup all investment expenses within three years of operation. The internal rate of return (IRR) is the discount rate at which the net present value of an investment becomes zero. A potential investment is considered viable if the internal rate of return (IRR) surpasses the anticipated rate. The internal rate of return (IRR) for the new clinic project at the 5-year Break Event Point (BEP) is 21.5% annually. Hence, this project is feasible and can be further pursued.

Clinical Utility and Usability of the Digital Box and Block Test: Mixed Methods Study.

The Box and Block Test (BBT) is a clinical tool used to measure hand dexterity, which is often used for tracking disease progression or the effectiveness of therapy, particularly benefiting older adults and those with neurological conditions. Digitizing the measurement of hand function may enhance the quality of data collection. We have developed and validated a prototype that digitizes this test, known as the digital BBT (dBBT), which automatically measures time and determines and displays the test result. This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility and usability of the newly developed dBBT and to collect suggestions for future improvements. A total of 4 occupational therapists participated in our study. To evaluate the clinical utility, we compared the dBBT to the BBT across dimensions such as acceptance, portability, energy and effort, time, and costs. We observed therapists using the dBBT as a dexterity measurement tool and conducted a quantitative usability questionnaire using the System Usability Scale (SUS), along with a focus group. Evaluative, structured, and qualitative content analysis was used for the qualitative data, whereas quantitative analysis was applied to questionnaire data. The qualitative and quantitative data were merged and analyzed using a convergent mixed methods approach. Overall, the results of the evaluative content analysis suggested that the dBBT had a better clinical utility than the original BBT, with ratings of all collected participant statements for the dBBT being 45% (45/99) equal to, 48% (48/99) better than, and 6% (6/99) lesser than the BBT. Particularly in the subcategories "acceptance," "time required for evaluation," and "purchase costs," the dBBT was rated as being better than the original BBT. The dBBT achieved a mean SUS score of 83 (95% CI 76-96). Additionally, several suggested changes to the system were identified. The study demonstrated an overall positive evaluation of the clinical utility and usability of the dBBT. Valuable insights were gathered for future system iterations. These pioneering results highlight the potential of digitizing hand dexterity assessments.

#1185 Cardiovascular, renal and mortality risk by the KDIGO risk classification: the first observational study in Japan

Abstract Background and Aims The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing, affecting 850 million people worldwide and 13 million individuals in Japan. CKD is a risk factor for cardiovascular complications including heart failure, and dialysis. KDIGO risk classification is widely used for the management of people with CKD in Japan; however, risk of clinical outcomes by the KDIGO classification in Japanese population is unclear. The aim of this study is to describe the risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) and renal outcomes according to the KDIGO classification in Japanese clinical practice. Method This study was a cohort study using data collated from the RWD database which includes electronic medical records and claims data from approximately 200 medical institutions across Japan since 2000. Subjects aged ≥18 years with two or more consecutive results of eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at least 90 days apart within a 360-day period were included, and those received renal replacement therapy (RRT; dialysis or renal transplantation) before the index date was excluded. The index date was defined as the date of the second eGFR measurement <90 mL/min/1.73 m2 between January 2004 and December 2020. Patients were categorized into KDIGO classification G2-G5 based on their eGFR values and A1-A3 based on urine protein test (quantitative test and urine dipstick) results and into `no urine protein data` if no urine protein test was available. The primary endpoint was MACE that was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and in-hospital death. The secondary endpoint was renal outcomes defined as a composite of RRT, eGFR decline >50%, eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2, diagnosis of CKD stage 5, and in-hospital death, and was analyzed in the group excluding patients with eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or with diagnosis of stage 5 CKD on or before the index date. The risk of MACE and renal outcomes were evaluated using the cox proportional hazards model with G2A1 as a reference. Sensitivity analyses were performed for the population excluding those without urine protein data and for the population with quantitative urine protein test results. Results This study included 543,606 patients who met the criteria. Mean age was 61.6 ± 15.3 years, and 50.1% was male. Of those, 222,246 (40.9%) had no urine protein data. Tables 1 and 2 show hazard ratio (HR) for MACE and renal outcomes, respectively. HR (95% confidence interval) for MACE was 1.17 (1.12-1.21) in G2A2 and 1.16 (1.12-1.20) in G3aA1, showing significantly increased risk in early stages of CKD, and continued to increase as disease advances to 2.83 (2.54-3.15) in G5A3. HR for renal outcomes was similarly significantly increased in early stages of CKD, and further increased to 19.96 (18.62-21.40) in G4A3. Results of two sensitivity analyses, excluding subjects with no urine protein data (n = 321,360, 59.1% of overall population) shown in Table 3 and 4, and excluding patients with no quantitative data (n = 36,615, 6.7% of overall population) showed similar trends, supporting the robustness of primary findings. Conclusion This study is the first to demonstrate the applicability of the KDIGO risk classification in assessing the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart failure, and renal outcomes in Japan. Risk of events was increased from early stages of CKD (G3aA1 and G2A2), suggesting the importance of early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention through appropriate testing. These findings may contribute to better management of people with CKD.

The Adaptation of a Postpartum Depression Prevention Evidence-Based Intervention in Family Homeless Shelters

AbstractEvidence-based interventions (EBIs) are considered the gold standard but it is unclear if they are effective across settings. Reach Out and Stay Strong, Essentials for new Mothers (ROSE) has been shown to prevent postpartum depression in clinical settings, but has not been implemented or tested in homeless populations. We used the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) model overlaid with the Dynamic Adaptation Process (DAP) to adapt ROSE for implementation in a homeless shelter system in a large U.S. city, using feedback from both the organization and community. The adapted intervention was called Strong in Shelter (SIS). In this paper, we present 4 DAPS (April, 2018- December, 2020); the EPIS stages within each DAP are described. The Exploration Stage is centered around early and ongoing engagement with shelter providers and residents. The Preparation Stage includes adaptations based on learnings from the Exploration and the Implementation Stages from previous DAPs. The Implementation Stage highlights what we learned from implementation and both quantitative and qualitative feedback from shelter staff and residents. Following the DAP cycles, we created scalable plans in the Sustainment Stage. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns within qualitative data, and descriptive analyses were conducted with quantitative data. Participant engagement and satisfaction were high and facilitators reported implementing SIS with fidelity to ROSE’s core components. By engaging staff and the participants early and continually, and utilizing an iterative and flexible adaptation process, EBIs such as ROSE can be adapted and implemented with fidelity in new settings.

The Contribution of English Reading Materials to Improving Students' English Performance in Lower Secondary Schools in the Shyira Sector of Nyabihu District, Rwanda

This research aimed to examine the relationship between the use of English reading materials and the improvement of students' English language performance in Lower Secondary Schools in the Shyira sector. Based on the Simple View of Reading (SVR) and the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), the descriptive research design with a mixed approach was employed. Two selected schools were studied: one with a well-equipped library containing English reading materials and the other with a poorly equipped library lacking English reading materials. The study population consisted of 106 individuals, including 92 lower secondary students, 10 teachers, and 4 Deputy Head teacher in charge of studies /teachers, selected randomly from a population of 145. Primary data and secondary data were collected through questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively by use of excel and the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) while qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. The findings reveal the use of various reading materials, such as newspapers, textbooks, handouts, dictionaries, expert opinions, poetry, online readings, and adventure stories in Lower Secondary Schools in the Shyira sector. It was observed that the lack of English reading materials and libraries in lower secondary schools leads to poor English performance among students. The study suggests strategies to improve learners' English skills, including promoting the use of English reading materials, fostering a culture of reading, and motivating students to utilize libraries. Additionally, teachers should serve as English role models and actively encourage reading to enhance students' motivation.

Influence of Small-Scale Irrigation on Livelihoods of Rural Farm Households in the Case of Legehida District, Ethiopia

Irrigation development, particularly small-scale irrigation, is one of the most important projects for improving agricultural productivity in a country’s rural communities. The extent to which small-scale irrigation has improved household livelihoods in Ethiopia’s rural areas is not widely recognized. As a result, research on the influence of small-scale irrigation on farmers’ livelihoods in the Legehida district will be sought. The study took a “with” and “without” strategy, comparing farmers who used irrigation against those who did not. For analysis, both quantitative and qualitative data were employed. The survey’s respondents were chosen using a random sample approach from both irrigation users and nonuser households. Quantitative data for the study were collected from randomly selected 241 farm households, of which 113 were users and 128 were nonusers, using a semistructured questionnaire. Accordingly, the propensity score matching model was employed to examine the impacts of small-scale irrigation on farmers’ livelihoods. The logit model result indicates that cultivated land size, off-farm income, education level, family size, dependency ratio, total livestock unit, and distance to the nearest agricultural extension office/FTC are determinant factors in determining whether to practice irrigation when other factors remain constant. The impact of irrigation on a household’s income and food security (in terms of daily calorie intake) was evaluated using a propensity score matching model. The result shows that a positive and significant impact on farmers who use small-scale irrigation has increased the daily calorie intake and annual income of households by 244.162 kilocalories and 5234.258 ETB, respectively, as compared to nonirrigation users. This shows that households that participate in small-scale irrigation activities have a higher annual income and food security status than comparable groups. In general, the study recommends that to reduce food insecurity and the socioeconomic problems of rural households, irrigation farming is one of the viable solutions; therefore, the government and nongovernmental organizations should extensively focus on the enhancement of small-scale irrigation infrastructure, policies, strategies, and extension services to increase productivity, income, and livelihood improvement in rural households.

Morphological changes and color development during cookie baking-Kinetic, heat, and mass transfer considerations.

Color and shape are important quality attributes in baked goods, particularly cookies. Composition and processing conditions determine and influence color development and morphological changes in these baked goods. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the evolution of color and shape during baking to determine useful correlations that can be implemented during the assessment and modeling of the baking process. Cookies (AACC-I standard protocol 10-53.01) were baked at 185, 205, and 225°C. Moisture content, water activity, surface temperature, characteristic dimensions (radius and thickness), and color indexes (lightness, redness, blueness, and browning index [BI]) were monitored at different locations on the cookie surface and baking times. Relationships among the tested conditions were explored using correlation analysis. The cookies' dimensions and color indexes were strongly correlated with changes in moisture content over time, and those relationships were characterized using empirical models. The temperature dependence of the kinetic parameters of the changes in lightness and BI was also described and deemed independent of the location on the cookie surface. This study provides insights into the influence of heat and mass transfer on the physical and physicochemical changes of cookies during baking. The kinetic and secondary models developed in this study can serve as important components for establishing a comprehensive approach for coupling heat transfer, mass transfer, and reaction kinetics to estimate and optimize cookie-baking processes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The findings from this study provide valuable information for better understanding the morphological changes and color developments during the cookie-baking process. The quantitative data and models generated in this study will allow identifying baking conditions for better quality development.

Co-created augmented reality app and its impact on the effectiveness of learning a foreign language and on cultural knowledge

This paper addresses the limited exploration of the impact of virtual and augmented reality on the learning process, particularly within the context of foreign language learning among young learners. Motivated by this research gap, the EULALIA, conducted from 2019 to 2023 (2019-1-IT02-KA203-063228), sought to evaluate the efficacy of integrating technology in language education. Specifically, the study investigates the influence of virtual and augmented reality on foreign language learning, examining its effects on subjectively assessed cultural knowledge, and workflow during classes, as perceived by educators. Involving 239 learners, the study employed a pre/post survey methodology, wherein participants provided feedback before and after working with the EULALIA application or traditional learning methods. The quantitative analysis of survey data was complemented by semi-structured interviews with participating teachers, providing additional insights. The results indicate a statistically significant increase in cultural knowledge among the group utilizing augmented reality. The findings suggest a positive impact on students’ learning progression, and workflow during classes. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of integrating virtual and augmented reality in language education, offering a foundation for future pedagogical advancements.

Extreme heat & public perception in Portland, Oregon: Evidence of a compounding vulnerability effect for climate hazards

Extreme heat events are a global public health threat, and the frequency of these events are projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Responding to extreme heat requires that municipalities communicate with public audiences. Generally speaking, risk communication and public engagement efforts are more effective when they are responsive to current risk perception trends. This social scientific study examines extreme heat risk perceptions, emergency response needs, and level of trust in first responders among residents of the Portland (OR) Metro Area. Using quantitative survey data, it demonstrates the compounding influence of three previously identified vulnerability indicators–poverty, disability, and race–on public perception surrounding extreme heat and environmental emergencies. Results show these vulnerability indicators have a significant compounding effect on public perception, such that an increased number of vulnerability indicators is associated with greater anticipated harm from extreme heat, higher anticipated need in the event of an environmental emergency, and lower trust in first responders. Firefighters and medical providers were the most trusted first responders across all vulnerability groups. Guidelines for public engagement and recommendations for future social scientific research are discussed.

Effectiveness of the Use of Quizizz Media on Students' Learning Interest

This quantitative research examined the efficacy of Quizizz, an educational game-based learning platform, in fostering students' interest in learning within Vocational High Schools. The objectives included the assessment of the impact of Quizizz on student engagement, attitudes towards learning, perceptions of assessments, and the role of game characteristics in fostering the learning interest. A sample of 100 students from two Vocational High Schools in Bengkulu City, Indonesia, was randomly selected, and an interactive learning assessment tool using Quizizz, was employed for the evaluation. Pre- and post-implementation surveys, observations, and interviews were conducted in order to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, reliability tests, and normality tests, were employed to analyse the obtained data. Comparing pre- and post-implementation surveys, substantial enhancements across various indicators of learning interest, including happiness, involvement, interest, and attention were observed. The results indicated a significant improvement in students' learning interest following the implementation of Quizizz. The pre-implementation surveys revealed insufficient levels of interest, while the post-implementation surveys showed substantial enhancements across all indicators, including happiness, involvement, interest, and attention. Statistical tests confirmed the effectiveness of Quizizz in enhancing students' learning interest, with a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores. The reliability of the instrument used for data collection was established through Cronbach's Alpha test, ensuring consistency and reliability of results. The findings underscored the importance of innovative learning media like Quizizz in stimulating student engagement and interest in learning. By incorporating game elements and interactive features, the Quizizz provides an engaging and effective learning experience, positively impacting students' attitudes towards learning. This study contributed to the literature on educational technology by demonstrating the effectiveness of Quizizz as a learning tool in Vocational High Schools, highlighting its potential of enhancing student learning interest and educational outcomes improvement.

Empirical Study on Procurement Planning Practices and Procurement Performance of Centenary Bank, Uganda

Purpose: Commercial banks have over time had procurement performance challenges owing from the poor procurement planning as reported in different procurement management literature. This study was carried out to examine the relationship between procurement planning and procurement performance of Centenary Bank Mapeera (CBM). Materials and Methods: Cross sectional survey research design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from centenary bank team leaders, tender committee members, procurement officers, legal officers, procurement and disposal unit staff, credit officers, branch management officers and from prequalified suppliers and provider’s FY 2022/23. From a total population of 190 employees, a sample size of 129 was determined using Slovin’s (1965) formula. Specific random and none random sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide and was analyzed using correlation and thematic analysis techniques. Findings: The findings displayed in the correlation analysis results for CBM (r = 0.653, p<.01) show a significant positive relationship between the predictor variable and the outcome variable. Specifically, budgeting and procurement performance at CBM were positive and significant (r =0.532, p<.01); needs assessment and procurement performance were significant and positive (r =0.484, p<.01); however, for contract administration and procurement performance the relationship was positive but none significant (r =0.613, p>.05). The likely explanation here could have been the fact that entities are geared towards cost reduction at the cost of quality improvement which would be possible through procurement planning. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: From this study it is envisaged that commercial banks which institute systematic procurement planning systems would realize improvement in procurement performance. Keywords: Procurement, Performance, Central Bank, Uganda, Planning JEL Classification Codes: H32; H57; J18; L91; M21;

Research on the Effect of Design Thinking on Enterprise Sustainable Innovation Ability and Team Performance

Design thinking is an interdisciplinary problem-solving approach that combines user-centered focus, challenge framing, visual thinking, experimental methods, and cross-functional collaboration. It has always been regarded as an important means to improve corporate sustainable innovation capabilities and team performance. However, its effectiveness is a controversial topic, with some proponents praising its ability to solve systemic problems while others question its applicability within traditional business processes and its impact on sustainable innovation success. Because of its exploratory nature, there is currently a lack of quantitative empirical research on its impact. Therefore, this study takes Huawei’s electric vehicle R&D sustainable innovation project as an example to explore the impact of design thinking on corporate sustainable innovation capabilities and team performance by analyzing the relationship between design thinking and team empowerment. The study included hypotheses, semi-structured qualitative interviews, quantitative questionnaire data, and structured equation model analysis. This study reveals the mechanism by which design thinking operates in industrial enterprises. There is a positive correlation between design thinking practice and team performance in sustainable innovation projects. Moreover, through the regulation of design thinking, team performance can be strengthened. However, the applicability of design thinking in highly sustainable innovation environments needs further research. In summary, this study provides fundamental insights into the complex relationships between design thinking, corporate sustainable innovation, and team performance, and provides direction for future research.

Oxford Spine Buddies: an acceptability and feasibility project for peer-to-peer support in a spine sarcoma service.

Primary bone and soft tissue sarcoma of the spine are rare and account for less than 0.2% of all neoplasm incidences. Following a patient and public involvement event, the need to explore patient support pathways was identified, which initiated this service evaluation project. To determine the acceptability and feasibility of a peer-to-peer support project among people using the spine sarcoma service. Users were paired and introduced via Microsoft Teams. Quantitative and qualitative data both pre- and post-introduction of a buddy were collected. Service users felt that, although they would have preferred having a buddy at the time of their diagnosis, being allocated a buddy made them feel reassured and better supported. The project was well received and preliminary data are encouraging. Therefore, due to early findings from the first participants, the service is continuing to roll out the buddy programme.

Effect of Procurement Planning on Public Institutions Performance: A Case of Rwanda Development Board

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of procurement planning on public institutions performance. The Rwandan Development Board (RDB) has included state agencies in the creation of procurement strategies, but their efforts have been fruitless so far. An everyday scenario would be an organization's signed contracts with its contractors seeing a rise in the amounts due to the unexpectedly high pricing on global marketplaces. In conducting this research, three objectives were laid out to assess the effects of procurement needs identification and specifications on performance of Rwanda Development Board, to find out the effect of procurement budgeting on performance of Rwanda Development Board and to examine the effect of procurement risk management on the performance of Rwanda Development Board. To accomplish these goals, we first conducted a literature study that centered on the resource-based perspective, stakeholder theory, and relationship management theory; then, we used a census sample approach to choose 156 RDB workers from whom we gathered data. Methods for gathering information included an interview guide, documentation, and a questionnaire. We used quantitative and qualitative data to examine the data. The results show that, with all procurement planning set to zero, the performance of RDB will be 147.4 percent; there will be a 36.8 percent boost in RDB performance with an increase of one unit in the use of procurement needs identification and specifications; a 63.2% boost in RDB performance with an increase of one percent in the use of procurement budgeting; and a 68.4 percent boost in RDB performance with an increase of one percentage point in the use of procurement risk management planning. From a high level of analysis, it was found that procurement risk management planning, procurement budgeting, and procurement requirements identification and specifications were the three factors that had the most impact on the performance of public institutions at RDB. Procurement requirements identification and specifications, procurement budgeting, and procurement risk management planning all had 0.011, 0.018, and 0.31 levels of significance, respectively, at a 5% level of significance and a 95% level of confidence. With p<0.05, all of the factors were considerably different. Also, the Rwanda Development Board's procurement plans and the performance of public institutions are significantly different (p=.000), according to the ANOVA test. Public sector organizations' efficiency and effectiveness are both improved by procurement planning, according to the research. Procurement planning allows the government agency to save money by consolidating comparable needs under a single contract and by dividing more complicated needs into smaller, more manageable packages. The researcher concluded that RDB could benefit from identifying possible product issues before purchase through procurement needs identification and specifications; as a result, the researcher advised that RDB and suppliers typically enter into a transactional relationship. It is recommended to collaborate with suppliers when acquiring commodities that have a greater supply risk.

The Influence of Employer Branding and Employee Value Proposition on Employee Retention with Employee Engagement as Mediation

Human resources are the most important aspect in carrying out management activities. In order to realize this, an employee retention level is needed in an organization. This research aims to test and analyze whether, Employee Value Proposition, and Employee Engagement have a significant effect on Employee Retention, as well as whether Employee Engagement can mediate the influence between Employer Branding and Employee Value Proposition on Employee Retention. The total population in this study was 47 respondents with a total sample taken using saturated sampling of 42 respondents, because there were several employees who were continuing their education. The respondents in the sample were employees of the Bank Indonesia Jember Regional Representative Office with permanent employee status. The type of data used is quantitative qualitative data. The data source used is primary data, where this data is obtained from the results of respondents' direct answers through research questionnaires and interviews. The data analysis method used in this research is Path Analysis with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. The results of this research show that Employer Branding, Employee Value Proposition, and Employee Engagement have a significant effect on Employee Retention, and Employee Engagement can mediate the influence between Employer Branding and Employee Value Proposition on Employee Retention.

Enhancing Menstrual Management Behavioral Change Through Awareness Training: Insights from the Jalodari Project in Assam, India

This study examines the impact of menstrual management awareness training among beneficiaries of the Jalodari Project in Assam, India, covering three tea estates. Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from 175 participants using various methods. The success of this project can be attributed to the successful implementation and monitoring of key performance indicators. The four-part training, covering menstrual basics and reproductive health, aims to empower participants to effectively manage their menstrual health. The study concludes that menstrual management training is a fundamental component of healthcare of women and that home visits can significantly enhance the effectiveness of awareness training.

Factors of Social Networking Influencing Tourists' Destination Selection in Ho Chi Minh City

Objective: The overarching objective of this study is to identify the salient factors within social networks, specifically Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and their impact on tourists' decision-making processes in selecting Ho Chi Minh City as a destination. Subsequently, we offer managerial recommendations aimed at aiding tourism enterprises in Vietnam to enhance their understanding of the social network components that positively influence tourists' choices to visit. Furthermore, we suggest potential avenues for performance enhancement to optimize advertising effectiveness across social media platforms, including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Theoretical Framework: To date, numerous international research endeavors have scrutinized the determinants within social networks that shape tourists' intentions and decision-making processes regarding travel destination selection. However, within the Vietnamese context, scholarly investigations have predominantly centered on factors such as pricing, destination imagery, quality, and allure, while neglecting to explore the influence of social network factors on tourists' decisions regarding destination selection in Ho Chi Minh City. Consequently, the thematic focus on "Factors of Social Networks Influencing Tourists' Destination Selection Decisions in Ho Chi Minh City" represents an evolutionary progression from antecedent research studies, albeit purposefully tailored and refined by the researcher to align with their specific research aims. Method: The quantitative data gathered aimed to systematically examine and comprehend tourists' behaviors in their decision-making processes regarding destination selections facilitated by social media platforms. Employing an online survey hosted on Google Forms facilitated the data collection endeavor. The survey instrument featured a Likert scale spanning from 1 to 5, encompassing response categories delineated as follows: (1) Strongly Disagree, (2) Disagree, (3) Neutral, (4) Agree, and (5) Strongly Agree. Results and Discussion: Following the regression model analysis conducted on a dataset comprising 307 survey samples, the researcher observed the rejection of one initial research hypothesis, denoted as H1, while five subsequent hypotheses, namely H2, H3, H4, H5, and H6, were accepted. This determination was made based on the statistical significance values (Sig.) obtained from the t-test results presented in Table 4.19. Notably, factors with Sig. > 0.05 were deemed lacking in statistical significance, indicating a negligible influence on the dependent variable. Specifically, hypothesis H1, which pertained to the subjective norm factor, was rejected due to its Sig. value exceeding 0.05 (Sig. = 0.651). Conversely, the five accepted hypotheses (H2, H3, H4, H5) all demonstrated Sig. values below 0.05 (Sig. = 0.000). In summary, the study effectively achieves its predetermined objectives by identifying and analyzing five social media factors influencing tourists' destination selection decisions in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the research assesses the magnitude of their impact and examines disparities in research outcomes across different customer segments in Ho Chi Minh City concerning travel destination decisions. Based on these findings, the researcher proposes managerial implications to support tourism businesses in Vietnam intending to utilize social media platforms for advertising. These implications aim to furnish essential insights for selecting and prioritizing key factors when designing advertising campaigns on social media, thereby enhancing brand effectiveness.