Questionnaire Return Rate Research Articles

The Influence of Skills, Experience and Gender on Audit Decisions (Empirical Study of Mr RI Representatives in Jambi)

This study aims to determine the impact of experience, expertise, and gender on audit judgment (an empirical investigation conducted at BPK RI representatives in Jambi). The study's population consisted of BPK RI Representatives from Jambi Province. The study's sample was a saturated sample, which is a sampling strategy that uses the entire population as a research sample, with 67 respondents and a questionnaire return rate of 61. This study technique makes use of quantitative methods. This study uses primary data from questionnaires given to respondents. The results of the study show that competence has a big influence on audit judgment. This indicates that an auditor's level of knowledge will improve audit judgment and that experience has a significant impact on audit judgment. This proves that the variable of gender has no appreciable effect on the audit judgment; the audit judgment increases with the auditor's experience. audit judgment

Gender Literacy as a Determinant of Decision-Making in National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Narok County, Kenya

Gender mainstreaming is a crucial consideration in project formulation, appraisal and implementation. However, gender disparities disadvantaging girls in education and training persist in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. Illiteracy is the main constriction to social, human and economic development; thus, women's participation in development may be stifled by their education levels. This study was carried out to establish the role of literacy on gender participation in decision-making in National Government Constituency Development Fund Projects in Narok County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed in which a census was carried out on 66 respondents comprising 6 Officials in charge of NG-CDF projects, 48 committee members, 8 Chairpersons of the projects and 4 government representatives. Data was collected using questionnaires where a questionnaire return rate of 93.9% was realized. The key findings of the study were: the gender distribution of participants involved in the management of NG-CDF projects did not reflect the gender distribution in the population of Narok County; there was an association between the gender and age of the respondents where there were more female than male participants among the younger respondents and more male than female participants among the older respondents; there was no association between education levels and the gender of respondents; and there was gender indifference and non-discrimination in decision making in NG-CDF projects in Narok Sub-County. The study, therefore, concluded that formal education among different genders is not necessarily the classical measure of successful participation in decision-making in projects.

Buildability Issues in Building Construction Projects in Nigeria

Buildability terminology is adopted for the effect of design on construction and as an essential professional input of a builder during the design stage in project execution. Thus, this research determined buildability issues on building projects. The objectives assessed the factors responsible for buildability issues and examined mitigation strategies on selected construction projects. Primary data were collected through the distribution of sixty questionnaires to construction professionals in fifteen ongoing construction projects handled by Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma; Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; Esan West Local Government and Esan Central Local Government purposively sampled. The return rate of questionnaires administered was 83.3%. The data obtained were analyzed using mean item score and relative importance index. Results revealed the prevalence of buildability issues in the study area; especially inadequate cash flow from client, poor information flow between designers and contractors and omitted drawing details. The most prominent factor responsible for buildability issues being improper planning and poor site layout (RII = 0.884) while the most predominant strategy to mitigate buildability issues was producing detailed working drawings (RUI = 0.904).

Neuropsychological follow-up of isoflurane sedated intensive care patients: a substudy of a randomized trial.

Inhaled sedation of intensive care unit (ICU) patients ventilated >24 hours may have long term effects. We hypothesized that isoflurane has a better neuropsychological outcome in a one-year follow-up compared to propofol sedation. All 66 patients included by the coordinating center of the ISOCONDA study (EudraCT#: 2016-004551-67) took part in this substudy (DRKS00020240). A delirium test (CAM-ICU) was performed 24 hours after end of sedation. Sedation-, ventilator-, ICU- and delirium-free days within 30 days were calculated. Patients were sent five questionnaires one, three and twelve months after ICU discharge: ICU-Memory-tool (ICU-MT), Short-Form-36-Health-survey (SF-36), Posttraumatic-Stress-Scale-14 (PTSS-14), WHO-Five-Well-Being-Index (WHO-5) and Hospital-Anxiety-Depression-Scale (HADS). CAM-ICU was positive in 17% of patients, however 68% showed signs of delirium during the ICU stay (no group differences). Mortality was lower after isoflurane (30-days: 1/33 versus 7/33, P=0.024; One-year: 9/33 versus 14/33, P=0.156). Isoflurane led to significantly more sedation- (median [IQR]: 28[25-29] versus 24[21-29], P=0.016), ventilator- (28[24-29] versus 22[4-28], P=0.011), ICU- (23[13-26] versus 11[0-25], P=0.044) and delirium-free days (25[21-29] versus 20[12-28], P=0.031). Return rate of questionnaires was high (87/128). In the ICU-MT, isoflurane patients recalled significantly more factual memories after one year. Generally, the psychological tests suggested a poor quality of life (SF-36), high rates of post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSS-14: 38%) and depression (WHO-5: 54%, HADS: 43%), without significant group differences. Isoflurane sedation leads to more delirium free days during the ICU treatment and more factual memories of the ICU stay one year after the ICU stay. However long-term outcome of ventilated ICU patients is poor, and there were no differences between isoflurane and propofol sedation.

Exploring the feasibility and acceptance of an optimised physiotherapy approach for lateral elbow tendinopathy: a qualitative investigation within the OPTimisE trial

ObjectivesTo explore the acceptability of an optimised physiotherapy (OPTimisE) intervention for people with lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) and feasibility of comparing it to usual care in a randomised controlled trial.DesignSemistructured...

Issues of risky behaviours in university students.

Risk behaviour is typical of adolescence and young adulthood, but the consequences can persist for the rest of life - in all domains - physical, psychological, and social. Challenging situations, stress, as well as feelings of a lack of stimulation in an individual's life are considered to be triggers for risky behaviours. Prevention therefore plays a crucial role. The aim of the study was to analyse the current situation in addictive and risky sexual behaviours in a group of university students. Between 2019 and 2022, students of universities in East Bohemia - University of Hradec Králové (UHK), Charles University (UK), University of Defence (UNOB), and University of Pardubice (UPCE) - were approached and asked to complete a questionnaire survey focused on addictive and risky sexual behaviours. Based on the search strategy, research hypotheses were constructed, which were subsequently developed into interview questions. The research hypotheses were tested using Pearson's test. The questionnaire return rate was 84%. After eliminating invalid responses, 157 participants were included in the survey - 64% female, 36% male, age range 19-32 years. In the area of addictive behaviours, the focus was on substance and non-substance addictions. In terms of addictive substances, a question addressed cigarette smoking, which was reported by 14.6% of the survey participants. This is 50% less than what we see in the general population of the same age (by general population we mean the group of people approached for the surveys conducted, chosen by stratified random sampling based on age). In contrast, significantly higher rates of university students reported the use of illicit substances - marijuana, sedatives/tranquilizers without a doctor's prescription, cocaine, or hallucinogens compared to the age-matched general population. In the area of risky sexual behaviours, a question was included about sexual intercourse with casual acquaintances. It was experienced by one in four respondents. In 83.3%, this behaviour was influenced by the use of an addictive substance. The survey pointed to the high rates of salutoprotective factors (e.g. interest in sports was reported by 87.9% of respondents). Perceived social support from friends (reported by 74.5% of respondents) or family (reported by 72.6% of respondents) is a preventive factor for risky behaviours. The aim of the survey was to determine the prevalence of high-risk addictive and sexual behaviours among university students and possible prevention measures. Salutoprotective factors during increased stress or awareness of social support seem to be of benefit. We assumed a protective effect of higher education, but this survey did not show it. On the contrary, the stress induced by university studies and the pressure on academic performance appeared to be a risk factor. The results of the survey provide insights into new approaches to the prevention to improve its effectiveness and point to major problems to be addressed in Czech university students.

Analisis Pengaruh TQM, Budaya Organisasi serta Sistem Penghargaan terhadap Kinerja Manajerial

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the influence of Total Quality Management (TQM), Organizational Culture, and Reward Systems on managerial performance in startup companies in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This research considered a population of leaders/managers of service companies, with a total of 2,229 startup companies in Indonesia in 2021. Convenience sampling was used. In this case, 25 leaders and managers of start-up companies in Indonesia were the sample subjects., who answered the research questionnaire. This study was quantitative and used primary data. The primary data were obtained through field studies using questionnaires. The structural model in this study was measured using the coefficient of determination (R²) and the path coefficient to measure the relationship between variables. We then test the hypothesis using the t-test to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Results: it is known that Total Quality Management (TQM) and Organizational Culture have a significant positive impact on managerial performance in start-up companies in Indonesia. However, the Reward System has not been proven to have an impact on managerial performance in the context of start-up companies in Indonesia, perhaps due to the company's limitations in creating an effective reward system as a motivation for employees. Limitations: Limitations in this research include the use of a survey method with a questionnaire without direct interviews with respondents. The sample was limited to 13 startup companies using a convenience sampling method due to time constraints and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the low return rate for questionnaires due to the lack of research permits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Contribution: This research is expected to provide a deeper understanding of the role of factors in research in facing the challenges faced by start-up companies in Indonesia today. Novelty: novelty in this research includes the use of new variables that have not been studied before and were carried out during the Covid-19 pandemic which provides a better picture from the worker's perspective.

Digital Literacy Skills and System Quality as Predictors of Learning Management Systems Use of Postgraduate Students in Ibadan Nigeria

<p class="Default"><span lang="EN-US">The use of learning management systems (LMS) was observed to be weak among students in Nigeria. Therefore, digital literacy skills and system quality were used as predictors to predict LMS use among postgraduate students in universities in Ibadan, Nigeria. A survey design of the correlational type was adopted. At the same time, the population of the study comprised all the 4,750 postgraduate students of two universities in Ibadan, Nigeria, and 328 postgraduate students were drawn using a multi-stage sampling technique. The instrument adopted for data collection was a questionnaire which had three sections. The questionnaire return rate was 316 copies, representing a 96.3% retrieval rate. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and multiple regression analysis were conducted to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. A significant relationship between digital literacy skills and the use of learning management (r =.319; p < 0.05) was found, while a significant relationship between system quality and the use of learning management systems (r =.501; p < 0.05) was equally established. There is a significant relationship between digital literacy skills and LMS system quality (r =.529; p < 0.05). Furthermore, a joint influence of digital literacy skills and system quality on the use of learning management systems of postgraduate students in universities in Ibadan, Nigeria (F =53.594; R=0.505; p < 0.05) was established. It was recommended that university management and lecturers should ensure the system quality of the LMS type to be adopted must support the convenience of use and have fewer technicalities in its use.</span></p>

T-Rex study: Quality of life assessment using novel CTCAE-PRO and FKSI-19 in first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma with tivozanib.

e16549 Background: The efficacy and safety of tivozanib (TIVO) have been evaluated in pivotal randomized, clinical trials in first-line treatment of mRCC. We previously reported on effectiveness of our real-world T-Rex study. Here, we assessed the quality of life of tivozanib in a real-world patient population in Germany using NCCN-FACT FKSI-19 (FKSI-19) and tailored PRO-CTCAE questionnaires. Methods: Patients with mRCC were treated with tivozanib according to routine care in this non-interventional study (registered at BfARM #7296). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed by CTCAE 4.03. Patient reported outcomes (PRO) were assessed by Functional Kidney Cancer Symptom Index (FKSI)-19 and tailored PRO-CTCAE questionnaires, which were scored according to corresponding guidelines. Patients who reported detriments on PRO scales at any time during treatment were counted as impaired. The study was performed in accordance with the declaration of Helsinki. Results: A total of N = 32 pts. (59.4% male) received at least one cycle of treatment and were analysed. The mean age was 75.4 years (61-89) and 17 pts. (53.1%) were ≥75 years old. 93.8% had ECOG 0-1. IMDC risk was favourable/intermediate/poor in 21.8/68.8/9.4%. The most common G1/2 AEs reported by physicians were: diarrhea 34.4%, nausea 21.9%, hypotension/hypertension 15.6%. The most common G3/4 AEs were diarrhea 6.3%, cardiac dysfunction 6.3% and other 15.6%. CTCAE PRO revealed dry mouth 91.3%, fatigue 82.6%, anorexia 82.6% and dry skin 82.6% as the most frequent symptoms. CTCAE PRO that patients reported to be severe were fatigue 43.5%, dry mouth 39.1%, anorexia 34.8%, dry skin 34.8% and dysphonia 34.8%. The most frequent CTCAE PRO that interfered with usual activities were fatigue 78.3%, dyspnea 69.6% and problems with concentration 69.6%. The return rate for FKSI-19 questionnaires was 71%. Longitudinal assessment of FKSI-19 items will be reported at the meeting. Functional/wellbeing subscale indicated that all patients (100%) reported impairment for their ability to work, to enjoy life or their quality of life. FKSI-19 disease related symptom scores reported lack of appetite, lack of energy and sleep disturbances among respondents in 92.3%, 92.3% and 88.5%, respectively. Shortness of breath and diarrhea were recognized in 61.5% and 69.2% of respondents, respectively. Haematuria was reported in 7.7% and no patient complaint of fever (0%). Detailed analysis will be shown at the meeting. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of PROs to assess patient’s condition and well-being. CTCAE-PRO and FKSI-19 were able to describe impairments, which were highly relevant to patients, but may not routinely reported by physicians. Each tool adds valuable information to the complex pattern of patient’s experience during treatment. However, some items had a very low response rate and should be reconsidered for their relevance. Clinical trial information: 7296 .

Use of cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with chronic postsurgical pain among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: follow-up of a randomized, clinical trial.

Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) worsens patients' mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. Cardiopulmonary bypass is mandatory for cardiac surgery, but it induces intense inflammation. The presence of inflammation is a crucial part of pain sensitization. An extreme inflammatory response due to cardiopulmonary bypass might cause a high prevalence of CPSP after cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that the prevalence and severity of CPSP are higher in patients after on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery than in those after off-pump CABG surgery. This prospective, observational study was performed on a cohort from a randomized trial (on-pump CABG: 81 patients, off-pump CABG: 86 patients). A questionnaire about the severity of surgical wound pain that evaluated pain with the numerical rating scale (NRS) was filled out by the patients. NRS responses for current pain, peak pain in the last 4weeks, and average pain in the last 4weeks were evaluated. The main outcomes were the severity of CPSP as evaluated using the NRS and the prevalence of CPSP. CPSP was defined as pain with an NRS score > 0. Differences in severity between groups were analyzed using multivariate ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex, and differences in prevalence between groups were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age and sex. The questionnaire return rate was 77.0%. During a median follow-up of 17years, 26 patients complained of CPSP (on-pump CABG: 20 patients, off-pump CABG: 6 patients). Ordinal logistic regression showed that the NRS response for current pain (odds ratio [OR] 2.34; 95% CI 1.12-4.92; P = 0.024) and the NRS response for peak pain in the last 4weeks (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.35-5.42; P = 0.005) were significantly higher in patients who underwent on-pump CABG surgery than in those who underwent off-pump CABG. Logistic regression showed that on-pump CABG surgery was an independent predictor of CPSP (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.06-6.31; P = 0.036). The prevalence and severity of CPSP are higher in patients with on-pump CABG surgery than in those with off-pump CABG surgery.

The Role of Training in Harmonizing Views Regarding Traditional Consumptive Uses of Wildlife among Students at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute

A two step study was conducted in October 2021 to determine views of pre-service and in-service students regarding consumptive wildlife utilization in Kenya. Pre-service respondents were fresh school leavers while in-service respondents were rangers employed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. A self-administered, closed ended, drop-and-collect questionnaire was used to obtain data on students’ views regarding traditional consumptive uses of wildlife just before and after their 18 month diploma in wildlife management program at the Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute. Respondents were required to indicate whether they supported or opposed t use of wildlife as (i) source of meat for human consumption, (ii) source of ceremonial wear, (iii) source of traditional medicine, (iv) source of ornaments, and (v) a sacrifice in religious ceremonies. A “not sure” option was provided for respondents who were undecided about an item. Questionnaire return rate was 100% for both studies with a respondent number of 30 for the first and 28 for the second study respectively. Before their training, pre-service students strongly supported consumptive wildlife use while in-service students strongly supported non-consumptive use. After their training however, both pre-service and in-service students were strongly supportive of non-consumptive wildlife use. The shift in views of pre-service students was associated with the knowledge, attitudes and values imparted in them during their training. More related studies are recommended. Keywords: attitude, consumptive use, Kenya, non-consumptive use, training, wildlife. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-6-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2023

An Assessment of Informal Sector’s Business Registration Patterns: Nature and Size among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Lusaka

The informal economy is an integral part of a larger economic landscape. Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) informality is attributed to government regulation, a lack of finance, and a lack of access to land, so they do not see the need to formalize. The primary goal of the study was to assess the informal sector’s business registration patterns: nature and size among MSMEs in Lusaka. The study’s objectives were: to describe the size and nature of businesses in the informal sector not registered with PACRA, to assess the efficacy of the policy framework designed by the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises to stir the growth of entrepreneurship in Zambia and to determine the business registration patterns and reason (s) why some of those MSME’s have registered their businesses. A descriptive study was conducted with a sample size of 153. The sampling techniques used were purposive and snowball methods. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data and the questionnaire return rate was 82%. The study findings were that out of the 125 respondents, 58% were registered with PACRA and only 42% were not. The high number of MSMEs’ reflect the size of informality. Most businesses that were not registered mainly operated in non-specialized wholesale and retail trade. The study findings also revealed that the Ministry of Medium and Small-Scale Enterprise Development had not completed the process of finalizing policy frameworks aimed at strengthening the growth of entrepreneurship in Zambia. The other study findings were that most MSME’s registered their businesses mainly because it was a legal requirement. This was attributed to increased public awareness as a result of the passage of the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014. Lastly, the study was also able to identify a significant trend in the registration pattern of MSME's in Lusaka. There has been an increase in the number of registrations in the transport sector, while the wholesale and retail trade, agriculture, fishing and construction continue to top the trends. MSME registration helps to access business support services, meeting legal requirements, and promoting business growth. The MCTI should use the findings of this study to map formally registered businesses, track their growth, and enroll them in business accelerator programs.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) Program

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol strategies can shorten the hospital stays and ICU stays of patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the long-term quality of life (QOL) and survival of patients undergoing the ERAS protocol.Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted between July 2015 and November 2016. A QOL assessment was applied in both groups after 3 years, and assessment scores were compared. QOL was measured by the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36). The mortality rate and the incidence of adverse events were analyzed statistically.Results: The questionnaire return rate after 3 years was 73.66%. There were no significant differences noted between the two groups with regard to preoperative risk factors on admission or the questionnaire return rate. No intergroup difference was observed in SF-36 scores at 3 years after discharge (p > 0.05). The incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events was lower in the ERAS group than in the control group 3 years after the surgery (p < 0.01).Conclusion: Our results showed that there was no significant difference in survival or quality of life between the two groups three years after surgery. Except the incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events, ERACS procedures have no effect on long-term outcomes.

Switzerland-wide Neospora caninum seroprevalence in female cattle and identification of risk factors for infection.

Neospora caninum is an important cause of abortion in cattle worldwide. Infection in cattle occurs horizontally by ingestion of oocysts shed by canids or vertically, from an infected dam to the fetus, and may result in abortion, stillbirth, or birth of seropositive offspring. The control of bovine neosporosis is difficult and costly. The objectives of this study were to estimate the current nationwide seroprevalence of N. caninum infections in Swiss cattle and to assess risk factors for infection with this parasite. We conducted a cross-sectional study with cattle farms randomly selected and stratified according to population size, resulting in a sample of 780 female cattle. The cattle originated from 161 farms distributed over all Switzerland. The serum samples were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using a commercial ELISA and if inconclusive, retested using an in-house immunoblot technique. To collect farm parameters relevant to N. caninum transmission and prevention, farm owners were mailed a questionnaire which addressed topics putatively related to N. caninum infection such as husbandry, history of abortion, and presence of dogs on farm. Univariate analysis by generalized linear mixed model (with animal seropositivity as outcome variable) and logistic regression modeling (with farm seropositivity as outcome variable) was conducted on farm parameters investigated in the questionnaire. By ELISA and immunoblot, 4.2% (33/780) of cattle sera yielded positive results. At the farm level, 16.2% (26/161) of the sampled farms had at least one seropositive animal. The return rate of the valid questionnaires was 54.0%. At the animal level, odds for farm seropositivity were 3.8 times higher when rodents had been recorded by the farmer as a problem on the farm. At the farm-level, two protective factors were identified: rearing of replacement heifers and feeding of concentrated feed. We recorded a low seroprevalence of N. caninum in a random sample of Swiss cattle representative for the years 2017-2018. Based on a questionnaire survey, we could identify risk and protective factors for infection with N. caninum, however their biological relevance needs to be confirmed in further studies.

Feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity of Physical Activity Routines After Stroke (PARAS): a multifaceted behaviour change intervention targeting free-living physical activity and sedentary behaviour in community-dwelling adult stroke survivors

BackgroundLow levels of habitual physical activity and high levels of sedentary behaviour are commonly observed post-stroke. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability and fidelity of a multifaceted, theory- and evidence-informed supported self-management intervention targeting physical activity and sedentary behaviour after stroke: Physical Activity Routines After Stroke (PARAS).MethodsAdult stroke survivors and healthcare professionals were recruited from North East England stroke services. Stroke survivor physical activity and sedentary behaviour were targeted by a self-management behavioural intervention supported by healthcare professionals trained in intervention delivery. The main outcomes were protocol and intervention acceptability and feasibility and fidelity of intervention delivery.ResultsEleven healthcare professionals (9 physiotherapists; 2 occupational therapists) participated in the study. Stroke survivor recruitment was lower than anticipated (19 versus target of up to 35). The healthcare professional training programme was feasible, with fidelity assessment of delivery supporting this finding. Data completeness was acceptable according to a priori criteria (>60%), except for stroke survivor questionnaire return rate (59%) and interview uptake (52%). No serious adverse events occurred. Healthcare professionals and stroke survivors perceived intervention delivery to be feasible and acceptable with minor modifications highlighted including the potential for earlier delivery in the stroke pathway.ConclusionsThe study protocol and intervention delivery were feasible and acceptable to stroke survivors and healthcare professionals with modifications required before large-scale evaluation.Trial registrationISRCTN35516780. Registered on October 24, 2018

Exploring the relationship between the Dark Triad personality traits and voice behaviour of hotel employees with the moderating effect of intention to leave

In this study, the relationship between the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) personality traits and voice behaviour of hotel employees, with the moderating effect of intention to leave, was investigated. A purposive sampling method was used with employees of five-star hotels in Taiwan. The total number of questionnaires distributed was 450, with 150 each in the northern, central, and southern regions of Taiwan. The number of valid questionnaires was 336, and the valid questionnaire return rate was 74.67 %. Analysis demonstrated that (1) Machiavellianism is positively related to voice behaviour; (2) psychopathy is negatively related to voice behaviour; (3) narcissism is positively related to voice behaviour; (4) intention to leave moderates the relationship between Machiavellianism and voice behaviour; and (5) intention to leave moderates the relationship between psychopathy and voice behaviour. Implications for management and recommendations for follow-up investigations are proposed based on the research results.

Developing a professional-practice-model-based nursing organizational informatics competency model

BackgroundThe development of nursing informatics started late in China. There is an urgent need to develop a clinical practice model that can guide nursing managers in constructing an organizational nursing informatics competency. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop a nursing organizational informatics competency model based on the Professional Practice Model (PPM) and to provide a reference for training in clinical nursing informatics in hospitals. MethodsA multidisciplinary team in the hospital was first formed as the working group, consisting of nurses trained with the TIGER (Technology Informatics Guiding Education Reform) Taiwan model and had practical experience in system development. We used an exploration map to help build the prototype of the hospital nursing informatics competency model. Then, a final model was constructed by experienced out-of-hospital experts using the Delphi method. The final model was determined according to the validity analysis. ResultsTen hospital stakeholders were invited to form the multidisciplinary working team to develop the prototype organizational PPM model. Two rounds of Delphi were conducted to twelve experienced nurses' informatics experts outside the hospital by e-mail. The results showed that the questionnaire return rate was 100 %, the expert authority coefficient was 0.84, the general validity of the two rounds of content was 92.46 % and 100 %, respectively, and the coefficient of variation of all items was < 0.3. The final model included five categories, including management strategy and leadership, organizational structure and operation, improvement of the environment for nursing information practice, cultivation of core competence in nursing information, and project management of the nursing information system, with 61 elements in total. ConclusionsWe propose this model to help hospital nursing managers to establish a plan of action to build up organizational clinical informatics competency.

Impact of Price Wars on Sales Performance of Carbonated Drinks Companies in Kenya: A Case of Highlands Drinks Limited.

Purpose: This study focused on examining the impact of price wars on sales performance of carbonated drinks companies in Kenya with reference to Highlands Drinks Limited.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design that gathered both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population comprised of 300 managers from different carbonated drinks companies that sell their products in Nyeri town. After employing stratified random sampling, the sample size was 90 respondents which was 30% of the target population. The study employed a questionnaire to obtain primary data whose reliability was tested through Cronbach’s alpha in which 0.789 value was obtained which was acceptable. The questionnaire return rate was 94.44%. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented as figures and tables for clarity. Qualitative data was used to supplement interpretation of quantitative data.&#x0D; Findings: The findings showed that the days of wild growth and huge profits for Kenya’s carbonated soft drink manufacturers could be over as price war continue to intensify due to competition pressures. It was evident that refraining from price cuts would cause sale volumes of the former duopoly (Coca-Cola and a Pepsi) to plunge even further than had been experienced, given the low per capita consumption of carbonated soft drinks in Kenya. Also, the study found out that even though price cuts are an advantage of consumers, it is a disadvantage to manufacturers as it affects their profitability, which also in turn reduces taxes to government.&#x0D; Conclusion: The main competing strategy employed by majority of carbonated drinks manufacturer was pricing. Pricing is one of the important decisions that need to be made by a firm and which affects its revenue and profitability.&#x0D; Recommendations: The study recommends the carbonated drinks manufacturers in Kenya to adopt non price competition strategies that can be employed by business owners and sales reps to avoid a price war. These strategies include price matching, evaluating competitors, product re-branding, increasing stockists, and creative advertising.

Stimulation of the tibial nerve-a randomised trial for urinary problems associated with Parkinson's-the STARTUP trial.

Backgroundnon-motor symptoms such as bladder dysfunction are common (80%) in people with Parkinson’s increasing the risk for falls with a negative impact on health-related costs and quality of life.We undertook STARTUP to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of using an adhesive electrode to stimulate the transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) to treat bladder dysfunction in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Study design, materials and methods: STARTUP was a parallel two-arm, multi-centre, pragmatic, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Each participant attended one clinic visit to complete consent, be randomised using a computer-generated system and to be shown how to use the device.The trial had two co-primary outcome measures: International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). These were completed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks. A bladder frequency chart and resource questionnaire were also completed.Resultstwo hundred forty two participants were randomised. About 59% of participants were male, the mean age was 69 years and mean time since diagnosis was 6 years. Questionnaire return rate was between 79 and 90%.There was a statistically significantly lower score in the active group at 6 weeks in the IPSS questionnaire (mean difference (Standard deviation, SD) 12.5 (6.5) vs 10.9 (5.5), effect size −1.49, 95% CI −2.72, −0.25). There was no statistically significant change in any other outcome.ConclusionTTNS was demonstrated to be safe with a high level of compliance. There was a significant change in one of the co-primary outcome measures at the end of the treatment period (i.e. 6 weeks), which could indicate a benefit. Further fully powered RCTs are required to determine effective treatments.

The Use of Antibacterial Drugs and Awareness About the Antibiotic Resistance Problem Among the Students of a Medical University

Background. The growth of antibiotic resistance is an urgent problem of modern medicine associated with the irrational use of antibacterial drugs. The solution to this problem requires a comprehensive analysis of the situation not only from the patients’ standpoint, but also from that of medical specialists. Aim. To establish the level of awareness about the problem of antibiotic resistance and to study the practice of antibacterial drug use among senior students of a medical university. Material and methods. A one-time sociological study was conducted in the format of an online survey of the 5th–6th year students of the medical and pediatric faculties of the Siberian State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Results. An invitation to the survey was sent to 406 5th–6th year students of the pediatric and medical faculties; 334 students voluntarily completed the questionnaire (return rate — 82.3%). Most students are aware of the problem of antibiotic resistance. 58.8% of the students took drugs as prescribed by a doctor, adhering to the prescribed duration of treatment. The most commonly used antibiotics were: amoxicillin/clavulanic acid — 57.6%, amoxicillin — 29%, azithromycin — 19.4%, ciprofloxacin — 13.4%, 3rd generation cephalosporins — 8.1%. It was found that 45.4% of students used antibiotics parenterally, of which half (50.4%) performed injections at home or in the dormitory. Up to 89.2% of respondents consider it necessary to use medications to restore the intestinal microflora against the back-ground of antibiotic therapy. Conclusions. Despite the high awareness of the problem of antibiotic resistance and adherence to medical recommendations regarding the use of antibiotics, it is necessary to increase the competence in the field of rational antibiotic therapy for both students and practitioners.