A modified Delphi and cross-sectional survey to facilitate selection of optimal outcomes and measures for a systematic review on geriatrician-led care models

Abstract. Applicant job pursuit intentions impact the composition of an organization’s applicant pool, thereby influencing selection outcomes. An example is the self-selection of women and men into gender-congruent jobs. Such self-selection contributes to a lack of gender diversity across a variety of occupations. We use person-job fit and the role congruity perspective of social role theory to explore job pursuit intentions. We present research from two cross-sectional survey studies (520 students, 174 working adults) indicating that at different points in their careers women and men choose to pursue gender-congruent jobs. For students, the choice was mediated by value placed on the job’s associated gender-congruent outcomes, but for working adults it was not. We offer suggestions for practitioners and researchers.

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Dryland Farmers on Climate Resilient Practices – An Adoption Study at an Industrialized Taluk of Tamil Nadu

Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology ◽

10.9734/ajaees/2020/v38i1230512 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 169-177

Author(s):

D. Alagu Niranjan ◽

Dipak Kumar Bose

Keyword(s):

Correlation Analysis ◽

Tamil Nadu ◽

Survey Design ◽

Conservation Tillage ◽

Primary Data ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adoption Study ◽

Planting Materials ◽

Selection Of

Aims: To study the adoption of climate resilient practices by the farmers in the dryland region. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design was used for the present descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad (Prayagraj) during the year of 2018 and for the period of 6 months. Methodology: The study used direct interview method with the subjects using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule for primary data collection in the sampled area which is an industrialized taluk of Tamil Nadu. The selection of area was purposeful, whereas, selection of villages was random and 15 respondents form each village was convenient. The collected data was tabulated and interpreted using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: The results of the study suggest that there is a poor adoption level of climate resilient practices existing among the dryland farmers. While, some of the practices like incorporation of residues in to soil instead of burning, brown and green manuring, conservation tillage, temperature tolerant varieties, farm machinery custom hiring centre, location specific intercropping systems, crop rotation, usage of better planting materials, prophylaxis, custom hiring centre and weather based insurance were adopted to some extent. Though there was no specific intervention to sensitize on these practices, adoption of above mentioned practices were found which could be due to the passive adaptation by the farmers of the locality over years. And the results of correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between adoption of climate resilient practices and variables like the respondents’ education, exposure to mass media exposure, contacts with extension agents, innovativeness level, risk orientation and scientific orientation at 0.01% level of significance. Conclusion: The results of the study will definitely help in evaluating government projects (as baseline) like National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture, and strengthening programme planning and implementation in climate change.

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Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.18005.2 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 221 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Assem M. Khamis ◽

Lara A. Kahale ◽

Hector Pardo-Hernandez ◽

Holger J. Schünemann ◽

Elie A. Akl

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Systematic Review Methodology ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

Over Time

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

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Influence of selection criteria on clients’ satisfaction with construction consultancy services in Nigeria

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology ◽

10.1108/jedt-02-2021-0081 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Chukwuemeka Patrick Ogbu ◽

Monday Omogiate Imafidon

Keyword(s):

Selection Criteria ◽

Client Satisfaction ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Firm Reputation ◽

Content Type ◽

Importance Index ◽

Tender Evaluation ◽

To Receive ◽

Selection Of

Purpose To receive a satisfactory consultancy service, a construction client must first select suitable consultants. While numerous criteria for the selection of construction consultants have been suggested in the literature, their influence on client satisfaction has hardly been statistically established. This study aimed to reduce the criteria for the selection of construction consultants into a more manageable set of fewer factors and ascertain the influence of the factors on client satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach Data were gathered through a purposively administered cross-sectional survey of public sector clients in Nigeria. Analyzes were done using relative importance index, factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings The results proved that the criteria for the selection of consultants can, in the order of decreasing influence on client satisfaction, be grouped into service delivery approach (SDA), relationship with the client, the caliber of personnel, firm reputation and firm certification. However, SDA is more influential on client satisfaction. All the factors were found to have significant statistical effects on clients’ overall satisfaction with consultancy services. Originality/value The study demonstrates the extent to which construction consultant selection criteria are relevant to client satisfaction. It shows that SDA is the most important predictor of clients’ satisfaction with consultancy services. The results are helpful for grouping consultant selection criteria in future studies, and in guiding clients on the weights to assign to consultant selection criteria during tender evaluation.

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Knowledge, attitude and practice towards tuberculosis in Gambia: a nation-wide cross-sectional survey

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-020-09685-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Adedapo Olufemi Bashorun ◽

Christopher Linda ◽

Semeeh Omoleke ◽

Lindsay Kendall ◽

Simon D. Donkor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Care Seeking ◽

Health Seeking ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tb Control ◽

Care Cascade ◽

Attitude And Practice ◽

Knowledge Attitude And Practice ◽

Selection Of ◽

Structured Questionnaire

Abstract Background Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) are the mainstay of global and national TB control efforts. However, the gap between expected and reported cases persists for various reasons attributable to the TB services and care-seeking sides of the TB care cascade. Understanding individual and collective perspectives of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and other social circumstances around TB can inform an evidence-based approach in engaging communities and enhance their participation in TB case detection and treatment. Methods The study was conducted during the Gambian survey of TB prevalence. This was a nationwide cross-sectional multistage cluster survey with 43,100 participants aged ≥15 years in 80 clusters. The study sample, a random selection of 10% of the survey population within each cluster responded to a semi-structured questionnaire administered by trained fieldworkers to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice of the participants towards TB. Overall knowledge, attitude and practice scores were dichotomised using the computed mean scores and analysed using descriptive, univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results All targeted participants (4309) were interviewed. Majority were females 2553 (59.2%), married 2614 (60.7%), had some form of education 2457 (57%), and were unemployed 2368 (55%). Although 3617 (83.9%) of the participants had heard about TB, only 2883 (66.9%) were considered to have good knowledge of TB. Overall 3320 (77%) had unfavourable attitudes towards TB, including 1896 (44%) who indicated a preference for staying away from persons with TB rather than helping them. However, 3607(83.7%) appeared to have the appropriate health-seeking behaviours with regard to TB as 4157 (96.5%) of them were willing to go to the health facility if they had symptoms suggestive of TB. Conclusions About 3 in 10 Gambians had poor knowledge on TB, and significant stigma towards TB and persons with TB persists. Interventions to improve TB knowledge and address stigma are required as part of efforts to reduce the burden of undiagnosed TB in the country.

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The Choice of Bread: The Association between Consumers’ Awareness of Dietary Fiber and Declared Intentions to Eat

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020360 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 360

Author(s):

Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz ◽

Maria Królak

Keyword(s):

Dietary Fiber ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Fiber Content ◽

Purchase Decision ◽

Sunflower Seeds ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Fiber ◽

Low Incomes ◽

Selection Of

The objective of the study was to find whether consumers declare an intention to eat bread enriched with fiber in the situation of availability of a plain bread and plain bread with grains, and how these intentions are related to their awareness of fiber in bread. The data were collected in a cross-sectional survey among 1014 Polish adults. Based on three pictures of rolls: plain wheat roll (CR), roll enriched with 12% fiber (RF), and roll topped with sunflower seeds (RSS), the participants’ perception regarding fiber content and its impact on intentions to eat were assessed. The respondents were not informed about the differences in composition of the rolls. Although RSS contained only slightly more fiber (0.98 g) than CR (0.81 g), and much less than RF (3.08 g), most of the respondents indicated RSS as containing the most fiber (50.8%) and declared their intention to eat it (39.0%). Respondents who pointed out the importance of fiber, and grains or wholemeal flour addition when making purchase decision, were more likely to declare an intention to eat RSS compared with CR. The low interest in fiber content in a diet increased the chances of declaring an intention to eat CR and RF. People less educated and with low incomes were more likely to declare an intention to eat CR rather than RSS. While people from rural areas were more likely to choose RSS compared with CR and RF. In conclusion, there is interest in bread enriched with fiber, but consumers experience difficulties in recognizing it. Declared intentions to eat each rolls were determined to the greatest extent by the perception of the roll as source of fiber. Thus, educational activities should be focused on consumers’ perception of fiber-rich products and their skills related to the selection of high-fiber foods.

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Sport-Related Structural Brain Injury and Return to Play: Systematic Review and Expert Insight

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/neuros/nyab041 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Scott L Zuckerman ◽

Aaron M Yengo-Kahn ◽

Alan R Tang ◽

Julian E Bailes ◽

Kathryn Beauchamp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Brain Injury ◽

Case Reports ◽

Operative Management ◽

Return To Play ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Expert Opinions ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Structural Brain

Abstract BACKGROUND Sport-related structural brain injury (SRSBI) is intracranial pathology incurred during sport. Management mirrors that of non-sport-related brain injury. An empirical vacuum exists regarding return to play (RTP) following SRSBI. OBJECTIVE To provide key insight for operative management and RTP following SRSBI using a (1) focused systematic review and (2) survey of expert opinions. METHODS A systematic literature review of SRSBI from 2012 to present in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a cross-sectional survey of RTP in SRSBI by 31 international neurosurgeons was conducted. RESULTS Of 27 included articles out of 241 systematically reviewed, 9 (33.0%) case reports provided RTP information for 12 athletes. To assess expert opinion, 31 of 32 neurosurgeons (96.9%) provided survey responses. For acute, asymptomatic SRSBI, 12 (38.7%) would not operate. Of the 19 (61.3%) who would operate, midline shift (63.2%) and hemorrhage size > 10 mm (52.6%) were the most common indications. Following SRSBI with resolved hemorrhage, with or without burr holes, the majority of experts (>75%) allowed RTP to high-contact/collision sports at 6 to 12 mo. Approximately 80% of experts did not endorse RTP to high-contact/collision sports for athletes with persistent hemorrhage. Following craniotomy for SRSBI, 40% to 50% of experts considered RTP at 6 to 12 mo. Linear regression revealed that experts allowed earlier RTP at higher levels of play (β = –0.58, 95% CI –0.111, –0.005, P = .033). CONCLUSION RTP decisions following structural brain injury in athletes are markedly heterogeneous. While individualized RTP decisions are critical, aggregated expert opinions from 31 international sports neurosurgeons provide key insight. Level of play was found to be an important consideration in RTP determinations.

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Effectiveness of Azadirachta indica (neem tree) on prevention and treatment of clinical human malaria: A systematic review

East Africa Science ◽

10.24248/easci-d-20-00017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 34-43

Author(s):

Erasto Vitus Mbugi ◽

Alfred Said Sife ◽

Mboni Ruzegea ◽

Grace Emmanuel Peter Msoffe ◽

Bestina Daniel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Azadirachta Indica ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Neem Tree ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prophylactic Agent ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

Parasitic Effects

Introduction: Neem tree parts such as leaves, stem barks, and roots are known to have some medicinal values in both humans and animals. However, the evidence is scattered and vary with populations and regions. This systematic review sought to explore the effectiveness of neem as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent against malaria. Methodology: The systematic review examined the effectiveness of neem using the pre-registered review protocol and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The Population Intervention Comparator Outcome (PICO) question was: “What is the effectiveness of neem (Azadirachta indica) when used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for malaria infection?” It included all cross-sectional survey studies, qualitative studies, case-control studies, randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies with or without comparison groups. Studies that had both children and adult patients who were diagnosed with malaria were included in the survey. Malaria patients using traditional medications other than neem as well as those who did not use neem were excluded from this study. The search for articles, screening, and synthesis were conducted using the Rayyan software. Results: Out of the total 1089 articles retrieved, only 3 fitted the inclusion criteria, 1 article could not be retrieved. A narrative synthesis was therefore done on 2 final research articles that were retrievable. The pooled evidence shows that Azadirachta indica is effective against malaria. The medicinal effects are more on symptoms and curbing development to clinical disease than ant parasitic effects. Conclusion: Neem is potential traditional medicine for malaria symptoms’ treatment, but evidence on ant parasitic effects is still not conclusive. The study recommends further primary studies to enhance the power of results to further recommend this plant for the prevention of or treatment of malaria symptoms.

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Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.18005.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 221

Author(s):

Assem M. Khamis ◽

Lara A. Kahale ◽

Hector Pardo-Hernandez ◽

Holger J. Schünemann ◽

Elie A. Akl

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Systematic Review Methodology ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Prospective Longitudinal ◽

Over Time

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

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Relationship Between SMEs Sources of Funds and Investment Evaluation Techniques

Business and Management Studies ◽

10.11114/bms.v4i4.3780 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 61

Author(s):

Rose Jestina Katabi ◽

Romanus Dimoso

Keyword(s):

Survey Design ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frequency Distributions ◽

Investment Evaluation ◽

Personal Saving ◽

Evaluation Techniques ◽

Selection Of

This paper analysed the sources of funds that influence the selection of investment evaluation techniques of SMEs in Tanzanian. Cross-sectional survey design was used to explain the sources of funds influencing the selection of investment evaluation techniques among Tanzanian SMEs. Purposive sampling technique was used to collect data to a sample of 301 SMEs drawn from SIDO in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions. Data were collected though questionnaires and transformed into suitable format for analysis using statistical packages for the survey, while for the case study interviews were used. Statistical techniques used in this study were descriptive (frequency distributions, tabulation, and cross-tabulation) and inferential statistics (bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis) which were used to determine whether or not there is a relationship between sources of funds of SMEs, and investment evaluation techniques. The findings of the study revealed that personal saving and commercial banks were found to be factors influencing the selection of investment evaluation techniques.Keywords: Relationship, Sources of funds, SMEs, Investment evaluation techniques

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