Questionnaire Return 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.

Personalised versus standard text message prompts for increasing trial participant response to telephone follow-up: an embedded randomised controlled retention trial

BackgroundImproving retention within randomised controlled trials is important. The effectiveness of different strategies can be assessed using a Study Within A Trial (SWAT). Previous research has shown personalised text message reminders improve clinic attendance rates; however, the results are mixed on improving postal questionnaire return. This SWAT aims to assess whether personalised text message reminders improve completion rates for scheduled telephone follow-ups.MethodsThis SWAT is a two-arm, multi-centre randomised controlled trial with equal allocation. The host trial was the Melatonin for Anxiety prior to General anaesthesia In Children trial (ISRCTN 18296119), where the child’s caregiver was to answer a scheduled telephone follow-up 14 days post-surgery; participants for the SWAT were therefore the caregiver. Text messages were sent 24–48 h before the scheduled call and the personalised version contained the first name of the caregiver which was omitted in the non-personalised version. The primary outcome was questionnaire completion rate, defined as the proportion of caregivers successfully contacted, and completed any of the questionnaires, over the telephone within the follow-up window (day 14 + 7 days).ResultsThe SWAT included 100 of the 110 (91%) participants randomised into the host trial. Randomisation within the SWAT was equal between non-personalised (n = 50) and personalised (n = 50) interventions. The overall questionnaire response rate was 73% with a difference between the two interventions of 68% in the non-personalised text message arm and 78% in the personalised text message arm. The adjusted absolute risk difference was 7.1% (95% confidence interval = −10.2%, 24.4%). There was no difference in either the time to response or the number of contact attempts between the two interventions.ConclusionsThere is some evidence that personalised text messages could be effective at increasing response rates when data is collected via telephone and in a population of caregivers for paediatric trial participants. However, similar SWATs have shown mixed results. Given the low-cost and low risks associated with personalising text message reminders, this SWAT could be implemented easily in other RCTs scheduling telephone follow-up appointments.Trial RegistrationISRCTN 18296119, SWAT 35 (MRC Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Network).

Determinan Perilaku Disfungsional Auditor Dimoderasi Sifat Machivellian

Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of professional commitment, task complexity, and time budget pressure on auditors' dysfunctional behavior, considering Machiavellian traits as a moderating variable.Design/method/approach: Employing an associative quantitative approach, the research gathered data through the distribution of questionnaires to auditors in public accounting firms in the South Jakarta area. Probability sampling, utilizing the Slovin formula, was employed, resulting in 81 eligible respondents. Data analysis utilized the bootstrapping method, facilitated by SmartPLS version 4 software. Results/findings: The results reveal that professional commitment, task complexity, time budget pressure, and Machiavellian traits all exert a significant positive influence on auditors' dysfunctional behavior. Notably, Machiavellian traits only moderate the relationship between task complexity and auditors' dysfunctional behavior. In contrast, professional commitment and time budget pressure are not moderated by Machiavellian traits concerning auditors' dysfunctional behavior.Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that auditors' dysfunctional behavior is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors, supporting attribution theory.Practical contribution: The study offers insights for public accounting firms to focus on providing attention, supervision, and motivation to auditors, mitigating dysfunctional behavior and enhancing audit quality.LimitationsThis study’s limitations include its execution during peak season, leading to a predominance of junior and senior auditors responding to questionnaires, and a potential shortfall in questionnaire returns.

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.

Student nurses' views of participating in an intergenerational café with older people

BackgroundWithin the context of global ageing, older people will require health care during times in their later lives. As most nurses will care for older people across a variety of care settings, it is crucial that older people and nurses can work together in partnership. In preparation for this, it is important to develop intergenerational learning innovations for student nurses and older people. An online intergenerational discussion café was developed to provide an opportunity for older people and student nurses to meet and get to know each other. Objectives1) Evaluate the effectiveness of an intergenerational discussion café as a way of facilitating intergenerational learning, 2) Elicit participants' views on whether intergenerational learning had occurred. DesignEthically approved survey research. SettingsTertiary education institution. ParticipantsThird year student nurses (n = 50) across three BSc Nursing pre-registration degree programmes enrolled on a shared community care module. MethodsPost-café, student nurses were invited via email to voluntarily participate in the research and to complete an anonymous online survey. Questionnaire return implied consent. Fifty student nurses (n = 50) participated in the post café survey. Descriptive statistical analysis of Likert scale quantitative data and thematic analysis of open-ended questions was undertaken. ResultsParticipants reported that the intergenerational cafés were well organised, worked well and strongly agreed that the cafés were helpful in facilitating student nurses and older people to connect socially and share views. Results also showed that participants felt they got to know a lot about older people and that they were in many ways quite similar to older people. ConclusionsThis study provides valuable information on the use of intergenerational cafés as a means of facilitating intergenerational learning. Findings indicate that it was a positive learning experience for participants.

The impact person-organization fit on innovative work behavior: A mediation role of psychological empowerment

This research aims to examine the impact of person-organization fit on innovative work behavior and the mediating role of psychological empowerment on the impact of person-organization fit on innovative work behavior. The population of the research was all leaders of savings, loans, and consumer cooperatives in Kebumen regency. A total of 70 respondents were determined using a proportionate random sampling technique. This research tests the hypothesis using SmartPLS version 3. The results showed that person-organization fit did not affect innovative work behavior. However, person-organization fit has a positive and significant impact on psychological empowerment. Psychological empowerment also positively and significantly impacts innovative work behavior. In addition, psychological empowerment plays a full mediation role in the impact of person-organization fit on innovative work behavior. Limited respondents and less than optimal questionnaire returns are limitations in this study. So, future research is expected to increase respondents' ability to achieve ideal data and develop other independent variables, such as leadership and perceptions of organizational support.

Conditional versus non-conditional incentives to maximise return of participant completed questionnaires in clinical trials: a cluster randomised study within a trial

BackgroundHigh participant retention enhances the validity of clinical trials. A monetary incentive can increase retention, but it is not known if when it is provided and if it is conditional matters. We aimed to determine whether there was a difference in the number of follow-up trial questionnaires returned when a monetary (gift voucher) incentive was given to participants at recruitment (non-conditional), compared to informing participants at recruitment that the incentive would be given only once their 14-day daily diary (questionnaire) had been returned (conditional).MethodA cluster randomised study within a trial embedded within the Antivirals for influenza-Like Illness, An rCt of Clinical and Cost effectiveness in primary CarE (ALIC4E) Trial. Matched site pairs (GP practices) were randomised using computer-generated random numbers, to either a non-conditional or conditional monetary voucher incentive (only once their 14-day daily diary (questionnaire) had been returned. Sites were matched on previous recruitment levels and practice list size. Analyses were conducted according to randomised groups irrespective of compliance with a two-sided 5% level statistical significance level. The main analysis of the primary outcome (site proportion of diaries returned) was linear regression accounting for site pair (using cluster-robust variance). Additional weighted, paired and non-parametric sensitivity analyses were conducted. Secondary outcomes were the site average number of completed pages, time to return diary, and cost related to the incentive (administration and postage).ResultsOf the 42 randomised sites (21 for each intervention), only 28 recruited at least one participant with only 10 practice pairs recruiting participants at both constituent sites. Raw diaries return proportions were 0.58 (127/220) and 0.73 (91/125) for non-conditional and conditional incentive groups. Regression analysis adjusted for site pair showed no significant difference in returns, − 0.09, (95% CI, − 0.29, 0.10, p = 0.34); when weighted, there was still no clear difference: 0.15 (95% CI, − 0.02, 0.31, p = 0.07). There was no clear statistical evidence of a difference in time taken to return questionnaires, nor the proportion of pages completed, by the intervention group in the main analyses (all p > 0.05). The conditional incentive was approximately £23 cheaper per diary returned based upon observed data.ConclusionThere was no clear evidence of a statistically significant difference in the proportion of participant-completed diaries returned between conditional or non-conditional incentive groups. The time to questionnaire return and completeness of the returned questionnaires were similar in both groups. There was substantial statistical uncertainty in the findings. Some of the sensitivity analyses suggested that a meaningful benefit of a conditional incentive of a magnitude that would be meaningful was plausible. The conditional approach costs less in cash terms.

Factors affecting the communication mix of small businesses in the selected industry

The presented article focuses on the issue of communication mix in small businesses in the brewing industry in Czech Republic, this group is represented by microbreweries. The aim of the research was to analyze marketing mix in this group of companies. They have a very similar parameters and serve a similar market, but there are differences in their communication mixes. Based on a literary research, selected factors were determined, which were investigated as to whether or not they have an influence on the composition of the communication mix. Quantitative research method was used. The data obtained through an electronic questionnaire survey, where the return of questionnaires was 28%. Based on the cluster analysis of the obtained data, it was found that microbreweries can be divided into two groups according to the marketing communication tools used, thus two different communication mixes were identified. Furthermore, factors that influence the composition of the communication mix of microbreweries were identified, namely the year of establishment of the microbrewery and the existence of the microbreweries pub/restaurant.

Problematic online anime (animation) use: It's relationship with viewers' satisfaction with life, emotions, and emotion regulation

Although there are numerous studies on problematic technology use, such as problematic video game use and problematic smartphone use, little is known about problematic online anime use. However, problematic online anime use warrants further examination because of anime's popularity and commercial importance. Furthermore, how emotion strategies and emotions (such as pleasure and arousal) invoked upon watching the online anime are associated with problematic online anime use is not examined in previous studies. To bridge these literature gaps and to contribute to the fields of emotion regulation and media psychology, this study adopts the emotion regulation theory and considers the relationships among viewers' satisfaction with life, feelings of pleasure and arousal arising from watching a particular online anime, cognitive emotion regulation strategies activated because of anime viewing, and potential to exhibit problematic behavior related to online anime use, which is operationalized as viewers' inability to control or reduce watching online anime. Data was collected from viewers who have watched the popular romantic comedy anime Kaguya-sama: Love Is War online via a major online discussion board in Taiwan through the purposive sampling method. Data analysis on the 190 online questionnaire returns (mostly from males and students) through the partial least squares analysis reveals that the emotion regulation theory can be used to examine viewers' perceptions of anime. In the online anime context, the emotion regulation strategy most likely to be invoked is positive refocusing (mean value of 3.68, measured through a 5-point Likert scale) which is in line with how people typically watch anime for immersion and escapism. Satisfaction with life demonstrates its robustness and flexibility in invoking the positive refocusing (path coefficient = 0.17) and refocus on planning (path coefficient = 0.13) strategies. It also lowers the adoption of the maladaptive strategy of catastrophizing (path coefficient = −0.18). While catastrophizing strategy (path coefficient = 0.31) and arousal (path coefficient = 0.24) add to problematic online anime use, pleasure (path coefficient = −0.27) lowers problematic online anime use. Thus, when viewers keep magnifying the severity of a bad situation they are in while watching online anime, instead of making them better, could lead them to the undesirable outcome of problematic online anime use. Although this study has provided several interesting insights, this study has only considered Kaguya-sama: Love Is War and used survey respondents' perception of their extent of problematic online anime use. To increase generalization, future studies could consider other types of anime and alternative means to measure problematic use, such as frequency of online anime viewing.

The economic circularity of informality? Evidence from patterns of informal business innovation in Bandung

Urban (physical) and business informality and economic circularity may come together in cities of the global South. In this paper we explore the intersection of business and urban informality and circular economy outcomes in community-based clusters of informal businesses. These intersections are revealed in the relationship of businesses to the home, the localization of linkages (including the use of recycled materials) and the relationship of businesses to the local communities in which they are embedded. We draw on data from 203 questionnaire survey returns from five kampung-based footwear and clothing industry clusters in the Indonesian city of Bandung. The research confirms the ambiguity of the relationship between individual business dynamics and the communities in which they are embedded. Our findings suggest some points of policy leverage centred on business and community institutions, and lead on to avenues for research that might elaborate the ambiguous relationship between business and social innovation with respect to sustainable urban development.

SUPPORT AND TREATMENT AFTER JOINT REPLACEMENT (STAR): TRANSLATING TRIAL FINDINGS INTO NHS PRACTICE

AbstractIntroductionTotal knee replacement (TKR) aims to reduce pain and functional limitations. Despite a good outcome for many, 15–20% patients report chronic pain three months after TKR.The STAR Care Pathway is a clinically important and cost effective treatment to improve pain outcomes over 1 year for people with chronic pain at 3 months after total knee replacement surgery. The care pathway is delivered by specially trained Extended Scope Practitioners (ESPs).There is a gap between research findings and translation into practice. This work shows how the STAR trial findings were implemented into NHS practice at a single centre and the further work required to enable national implementation.MethodologyTrial findings were presented to NHS managers with a business case for an implementation pilot. Trial documentation was adapted for use in usual care using the COM-B model for behaviour change and evidence-based approaches to increase the return of postal questionnaires. Trial sites were contacted to understand their capacity to implement the intervention locally.ResultsThe STAR care pathway was successfully implemented into NHS practice with a screening response rate of 83%. It is now permanently part of usual care at North Bristol NHS Trust. Trial centres indicated that lack of availability of STAR trained ESPs as a barrier to implementation. The trial manual and training session were adapted for online delivery in partnership with Health Education England.ConclusionThe STAR care pathway has been successfully embedded into NHS care. A toolkit and online clinician training package enables national implementation.

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>

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.

Penyalahgunaan Aset: Perspektif Model Fraud Pentagon di Lembaga Keuangan Mikro

This study aims to obtain empirical evidence regarding the factors behind asset misappropriation in Micro Institutions. The purpose of this research will be achieved by using a quantitative approach and using primary data obtained through the distribution of questionnaires. The populations in this study were 247 employees who work in cooperatives within the Association of Indonesian BMT (PBMTI) Semarang Regency. This research is a census study where the entire population is used as a respondent. The collected data were processed by the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method, using the Smart PLS 3.2.9 analysis tool. The results showed that all elements of the Fraud Pentagon Theory had a significant positive effect on asset misappropriation. The implications of this study indicate that the higher opportunity, pressure, rationalization, competence, and arrogance will increase the potential of asset misappropriation; and the fewer opportunity, pressure, rationalization, competence, and arrogance will reduce the possibility of asset misappropriation in cooperatives within the Association of Indonesian BMT (PBMTI) Semarang Regency. Further research is suggested to add other methods such as interviews or direct observation so that information obtained through questionnaires can be confirmed. In addition, although the number of unit analysis in this study was sufficient, the further researcher is expected to coordinate directly with every employee at the branch office or use online questionnaires so the percentage of questionnaire returns can be better.

Provision of educational events and subsequent questionnaire response rates in a large-scale birth cohort study from Japan

ObjectivesWe examined whether providing educational events for participants in a birth cohort study would increase the response rates of study questionnaires.DesignBirth cohort study.SettingQuestionnaires were distributed and returned by post twice...

Association between Cumulative Airborne Dioxin Exposure and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk in a Nested Case-Control Study within the French E3N Cohort

Background: Dioxins are a family of lipophilic, bio-accumulative chemical compounds belonging to persistent organic pollutants groups. The TCDD (2, 3, 7, 8 tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin) which is the most toxic congener of dioxins is classified as carcinogen to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Airborne dioxins exposure is suspected to increase the risk of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in some studies. Although dioxins are bio-accumulative in the human body, no epidemiological study had assessed the relationship between cumulative airborne dioxin exposure and CLL/NHL risk. Objective: The relationship between cumulative airborne dioxin exposure and CLL or NHL risk was assessed in a case-control study nested within the French E3N cohort (cohort of 98 995 women covered by the health insurance provider of the national education system). Materials and methods: All incident cases of CLL/NHL diagnosed between 1990 and 2008 were selected. They were identified by self-administered questionnaires as well as through reports from family members and from the national cause of death registries. All cases were validated with medical reports. Subtypes of NHL were classified according to the International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium working group classification of lymphoid neoplasms for epidemiologic research. 368 incident cases of CLL and NHL were matched to 368 controls on age (± 1 year) and on the department of residence reported at inclusion in 1990. Cumulative exposure to airborne dioxins was estimated for each participant at the individual address level using a Geographic Information System (GIS) based exposure index including residence-to-source distance, wind direction, annual dioxin emission intensity, length of operation and meteorological parameters (1). Airborne dioxin exposure was summarized into a cumulative exposure index from the latest inclusion date (i.e., the date of return of the first questionnaire) of the case-control pair, to the index date (i.e., the date of diagnosis of the case). Multivariate conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The main model was adjusted on education level used as a proxy for socioeconomic status, place of residence, body mass index (kg/m2), physical activity (metabolic equivalent activity task-hour per week (MET-h/w)) and smoking status. Results: The mean follow-up time was 11.7 years ranging from 0.2 to 19.4 years and the cumulative exposure index averaged was 3.6 µg-TEQ/m2. The mean age of women at diagnosis of CLL/NHL was 63.3 years. The subtype distribution was 23% of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), 19% of Follicular Lymphoma (FL), 27% of CLL & small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), 11% of Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL) and 20% of other NHL. We observed a statistically significant positive association between the cumulative dioxin exposure index and the CLL/NHL risk (OR and 95% CI: 1.2 (1.0,1.4) for a 4.4 log µg-TEQ/m2 increase corresponding to a standard deviation). Analysis by subtypes showed a significant association between the CLL/SLL subtypes and the cumulative continuous exposure index (OR and 95% CI: 1.6 (1.1,2.3)) (Table 1). Discussion/Conclusion: The present study supports a positive significant association between cumulative airborne dioxin exposure and CLL/NHL risk, and, more specifically, a positive significant association for CLL & SLL. Our findings are consistent with publications that found positive associations between dioxin exposure and CLL/NHL risk. This is the first epidemiological study investigating the relationship between cumulative airborne dioxins exposure and CLL/NHL risk using a GIS-based cumulative exposure index and a multi-source approach. These findings contribute to justify the efforts to decrease the airborne exposition to dioxins. Additional studies evaluating the association between cumulative dioxin exposure and other hematologic malignancies are required. Reference 1. Coudon, T., Danjou, A.M.N., Faure, E. et al. Development and performance evaluation of a GIS-based metric to assess exposure to airborne pollutant emissions from industrial sources. Environ Health18, 8 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-019-0446-x Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal