High Level Of Satisfaction Research Articles

LunchByte: A Facial Recognition-Based Payment System for Health-Conscious Elementary Student Meals

A significant number of elementary school students experience challenges related to lunch, including forgetting lunch money, lacking awareness of their individual dietary needs, and the importance of balanced nutritional choices for their overall health. Numerous parents and guardians struggle to monitor their children at school, control their purchasing behaviors, and maintain their health. Therefore, this research aims to enhance the efficiency and monitoring of elementary school students' lunch choices. LunchByte, a face recognition system developed in this study assists elementary in monitoring lunch expenses concerning their dietary restrictions. The main feature of LunchByte is using a student’s face print to generate a custom menu tailored to their allergies/diet restrictions and allowing them to pay with a prepaid balance added by their guardians. The evaluation of this system involves conducting model testing to assess the accuracy of facial recognition, integration testing to examine the interaction between different components of the system, and usability testing with end-users to evaluate the user experience. The results of these tests indicate that the system achieves high levels of accuracy and user satisfaction. The study is important because it has the potential to improve the overall health of young children.

The development of a serious game for laser applications in dentistry and the evaluation of dental students' satisfaction

BackgroundThis study aimed to design and implement a gamified application about the theoretical aspects of laser applications in dentistry and investigate students' satisfaction with their learning experience.MethodsAn engaging educational program named Essential Skills and Knowledge in Learning Laser (ESKILLD) was developed to teach laser applications in dentistry. The program comprises two primary components: a “Tutorial and Quiz” section and a “Games” section. Final-year dental students were tasked with installing and using this application. A 29-item validated questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97, ICC = 0.94) was used to evaluate students' perceptions of the applications' design and functionality. The influence of participants' gender and Grade Point Average (GPA) on their satisfaction levels was examined via the student t-test and Pearson's correlation, with a significance level of 0.05.ResultsThe study had 56 participants, of which 37 were female (66.07%), and 19 were male (33.92%). The students' average GPA was 15.16 out of 20. The mean rating for ESKILLD's design and functionality was 1.39 ± 0.47 and 1.37 ± 0.46, respectively, signifying a high satisfaction level. Female students rated the application's coherence and learning perception significantly higher than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). However, gender did not significantly influence scores on other perception aspects or overall scores. Students' GPAs and their perception scores did not have a significant correlation.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the participants were generally satisfied with the game's features and attitudes towards it, which underscores the potential effectiveness of gamification in dental courses focused on laser applications.

Expectations, needs and mid-term outcomes in people accessing to secondary findings from ES: 1st French mixed study (FIND Study).

Generation and subsequently accessibility of secondary findings (SF) in diagnostic practice is a subject of debate around the world and particularly in Europe. The French FIND study has been set up to assess patient/parent expectations regarding SF from exome sequencing (ES) and to collect their real-life experience until 1 year after the delivery of results. 340 patients who had ES for undiagnosed developmental disorders were included in this multicenter mixed study (quantitative N = 340; qualitative N = 26). Three groups of actionable SF were rendered: predisposition to late-onset actionable diseases; genetic counseling; pharmacogenomics. Participants expressed strong interest in obtaining SF and a high satisfaction level when a SF is reported. The medical actionability of the SF reinforced parents' sense of taking action for their child and was seen as an opportunity. While we observed no serious psychological concerns, we showed that these results could have psychological consequences, in particular for late-onset actionable diseases SF, within families already dealing with rare diseases. This study shows that participants remain in favor of accessing SF despite the potential psychological, care, and lifestyle impacts, which are difficult to anticipate. The establishment of a management protocol, including the support of a multidisciplinary team, would be necessary if national policy allows the reporting of these data.

Enhancing Health and Empowerment: Assessing the Satisfaction of Underprivileged Rural Women Participating in a Functional Literacy Education Program in Kailali District, Nepal.

Women's empowerment and health literacy are essential for fostering community well-being. Empowering women through education and diverse training plays a crucial role in ensuring their prosperity and overall health. This study investigates the satisfaction and experiences of underprivileged rural mothers participating in a functional literacy education program in the Kailali district, Nepal. We assess participants' perceptions of program effectiveness, examining training content, facilities, and trainers while exploring menstrual hygiene practices and maternal health awareness. Through convenience sampling, 141 underprivileged women from five rural villages near Tikapur were selected from literacy centers run by Mahima Group. Utilizing structured questionnaires and statistical analyses, including descriptive analyses, Spearman's rho correlation, and Pearson's chi-square test, we found that 65.2% of participants expressed high satisfaction levels. Moreover, 96.5% found the program highly effective, with 97.9% reporting improved literacy skills and 96.5% demonstrating increased awareness of menstrual hygiene practices. Additionally, 97.2% agreed that the program enhanced maternal and child health knowledge. Significant correlations were observed among the training course, facilities, trainers, and overall training perception. In line with this, significant associations were found between age groups (p = 0.003) and geographical areas (p = 0.023) with satisfaction levels with the literacy program. These results underscore the satisfaction of participants within the literacy program and its impact on their lives, and advocates for its broader implementation to empower marginalized communities for sustainable development.

An Approach Towards to Real Time AI Desktop Voice Assistant

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized human-computer interaction, making it more natural and intuitive. This research paper presents the development and implementation of an AI Desktop Voice Assistant designed to enhance productivity and accessibility for users. The voice assistant leverages advanced speech recognition, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning techniques to understand and execute user commands. Key functionalities include voice-activated application control, web searches, personalized reminders, and real-time information retrieval. Our system integrates with widely-used APIs and services, providing a seamless user experience across various tasks. The paper discusses the architecture of the voice assistant, detailing the integration of components such as the speech recognition engine, NLP models, and the dialogue management system. We explore the challenges encountered during development, including accurate speech recognition in noisy environments and handling ambiguous user commands. Solutions implemented to address these challenges are also presented. Furthermore, we conduct a usability study to evaluate the effectiveness and user satisfaction of the voice assistant. The results indicate a high level of user engagement and satisfaction, demonstrating the practical benefits of incorporating AI-driven voice interfaces into desktop environments. Our findings contribute to the ongoing research in human-computer interaction, suggesting pathways for future enhancements in AI voice assistants..

Project HOFOMI (Home for the Minds for the Grade 10 Learners of the Regional Science High School for Region I

This research paper investigates the effectiveness of a targeted reading intervention program, referred to as Project HOFOMI, on improving the reading comprehension levels of Grade 10 learners. The study employed pretest and post test assessments based on the Reading GATES survey to evaluate changes in students' comprehension abilities before and after the intervention. The results demonstrate a significant enhancement in reading comprehension skills among Grade 10 learners following the implementation of Project HOFOMI. Specifically, a notable shift was observed from Grade 9 to Grade 10 reading levels, indicating the program's success in elevating learners' proficiency. Statistical analysis confirms the substantial impact of Project HOFOMI, with post test scores showing a significant increase compared to pretest scores. Moreover, qualitative feedback from participants highlights high levels of satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of the intervention in fostering comprehensive learning and personal growth. The findings underscore the importance of evidence-based educational interventions in addressing specific learning needs and promoting skill development among students. Recommendations include further investigation into improving outcomes for higher-grade levels and the continuous monitoring and adaptation of intervention strategies to ensure sustained progress in reading comprehension skills.

Motivation and Job Satisfaction of Part-Time Instructors at ISPSC

This study was conducted to assess the perceived level of job satisfaction of Part time Instructors in Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College concerning their motivation level. The research identified the profile of the respondents concerning their age, sex, civil status, salary, educational attainment, length of service and number of trainings and seminars attended. This study aimed to evaluate motivation in terms of physiological needs, safety and security needs, social needs, self-esteem needs, self-actualization needs, work itself, advancement and job satisfaction in terms of salary and benefits, job opportunities, work recognition, working condition and supervision and among part- instructors in Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College. The study used descriptive and correlation research design. It involved the one hundred fifty-four (154) Part-time Instructors of the six campuses of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College This study used survey-questionnaire composed of three parts to gather the data needed. The first part of the questionnaire includes the profile of the Part-time Instructors of ISPSC which served as the respondents. The second part of the questionnaire consists of the level of motivation and the third part is about the Job satisfaction of the respondents. The questionnaire was collected for tabulation. Mean, standard deviation, pearson correlation coefficient, chi-square test for independence, one way annova were used to analyze the data. Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: Demographic factors such as age, sex, civil status, length of service, salary and education level varies, thus, do not significantly influence their motivation and job satisfaction. Secondly, while Part-time Instructors exhibit high motivation in areas like social connections and career advancement opportunities, their motivation in physiological and safety needs is moderate. Thirdly, they express satisfaction with job opportunities and recognition but show lesser satisfaction with salary and benefits, suggesting room for improvement in compensation packages. Moreover, the study emphasizes the strong link between motivation and job satisfaction, highlighting how motivated part-time faculty tend to be more engaged and resilient. Overall, the consistently high levels of motivation and job satisfaction across ISPSC campuses reflect a positive organizational climate and effective management practices, with potential for further enhancement through fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. The recommendations presented to the college cover a range of aspects to enhance Part-Time Instructors' experience at ISPSC. First, it is suggested that salary increases or modifications be made, maybe based on merit, in order to address particular issues raised by employees. Transparency and clear communication about such modifications should be prioritized. Second, it's critical to emphasize open and honest communication on the causes of any delays in salary, benefits, and perks. Clarity regarding compensation guidelines and career progression prospects should also be provided. Thirdly, it's important to keep work schedules flexible to meet the needs of part-time instructors in terms of both their personal and professional obligations. In order to improve teaching abilities and career advancement, it is also stressed how crucial it is for part-time faculty members to participate in organized professional development programs that include workshops and advice from seasoned faculty members. Finally, the need to continuously address motivation and job satisfaction among part-time faculty is emphasized, suggesting a focus on both addressing concerns and highlighting positive aspects of the work environment to cultivate a supportive and satisfying workplace culture.

A Study on Employees Satisfaction at Sai Sudarshan Security and Vigilance

This study examines employee satisfaction at Sai Sudarshan Security and Vigilance Pvt Ltd, focusing on key factors contributing to a positive work environment. Utilizing a purposive sampling technique, we collected primary responses from employees with at least one year of service and participation in training programs. A sample size of 100 was selected from over 130 employees. Data was meticulously organized and analyzed using graphical methods, with responses categorized under various subheadings. The findings reveal high levels of job satisfaction driven by effective communication, regular recognition, and ample career growth opportunities. While significant contentment was reported, areas needing improvement include proactive career development discussions and fostering a balanced, inclusive company culture. These insights underscore the importance of both tangible benefits and intangible factors, such as relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Keywords: Attitudes, Alignment, Agile, Centrality, Interviews, Compensation

Patient satisfaction followed by remote monitoring

Abstract Introduction Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices has increased significantly in the last years. The safety and efficacy of RM have been demonstrated, however, there are few data on patient satisfaction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of patients with an implanted pacemaker (PM) followed through remote monitoring. Methods Patients implanted with a conventional or leadless PM who had been using RM system for at least 3 months were included. Patients had to be able to understand and answer questionnaires, having no significant cognitive impairment. An specific, and previous validate, patient satisfaction RM questionnaire with 30-item, self-completed, measured on a 5-point Likert scale (0=No, nothing, 4=Yes, a lot) was administered. The questionnaire is structured in 5 dimensions: Information on cardiac condition, device convenience, transmission process, satisfaction with medical monitoring, and benefits. The results are presented as mean. The difference between mean was analyzed using the T-Student test. Results A total of 98 patients were included (77.8±8.2 years old, 67% male), 82 % had conventional PM and 18 % leadless PM. According RM connectivity 70% had daily automatic transmission, 12% automatic transmission and 18% manual transmission. On average, participants answered 83% of the items. The overall satisfaction of the patient was high (3.66). The mean score for each dimension is summarized in Table 1. The Device convenience had the highest mean (3.75), and the Transmission process had the lowest mean (3.56). There was no difference between patients with a conventional pacemaker versus leadless pacemakers (Fig 1, p=0,30). Results Patients with PM followed through RM have a high level of satisfaction when evaluated using an specific questionnaire. The level of satisfaction is independent of the type of PM or the connectivity of the system.Table 1Mean dimension score by device type

The Role of Cooperative Extension in Delivering Training and Technical Assistance to Support Evidence-Based Behavioral Health Practices in Rural Communities.

The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to disproportionately affect those in rural, compared to urban, areas due to a variety of treatment and recovery barriers. One mechanism to increase capacity of rural-serving providers is through delivery of training and technical assistance (TTA) for evidence-based programs by leveraging the Cooperative Extension System. Guided by the Interactive Systems Framework, the current study evaluates TTA delivered by the Northwest Rural Opioid Technical Assistance Collabroative to opioid prevention, treatment, and recovery providers on short- (satisfaction, anticipated benefit), medium-, (behavioral intention to change current practice), and long-term goals (changes toward adoption of evidence-based practices). We also evaluated differences in short- and medium-term goals by intensity of TTA event and rurality of provider. Surveys of 351 providers who received TTA indicated high levels of satisfaction with TTA events attended, expressed strong agreement that they would benefit from the event, intended to make a professional practice change, and preparation toward implementing changes. Compared to urban-based providers, rural providers reported higher intention to use TTA information to change current practice. We conclude with a review of remaining gaps in the research to practice pipeline and recommendations for moving forward.

Assessing Service Quality and Passenger Satisfaction: A Quantitative Study of Sea Transportation on the Padang Mentawai

Sea transportation is a vital component of the transportation network, with the Ship Sabuk Nusantara 68 serving as a key sea transport vessel under the Indonesian National Shipping Limited Liability Company (PT) (PELNI). Operating between Padang City and Mentawai Island, this passenger ship plays a crucial role in connecting these destinations. However, despite its importance, complaints regarding the quality of sea transportation services, particularly on the KMP Sabuk Nusantara 68 route between Padang and Mentawai, have been voiced by passengers.In response to these concerns, this research was conducted to assess the levels of service quality and passenger satisfaction. The study aimed to identify priority factors for enhancing service performance and passenger satisfaction. Employing a quantitative method, researchers utilized questionnaires as research instruments, with data analyzed using the Likert scale and the Important and Performance Analysis (IPA) methodology.The findings revealed that overall service quality was satisfactory, with passenger satisfaction levels reaching 89.12%. However, further improvements are still needed, particularly in areas such as ship cleanliness, which emerged as a critical aspect requiring immediate enhancement. Therefore, while passengers are generally content with the services provided, there is still room for improvement to ensure a consistently high level of service performance and passenger satisfaction.

Same-day discharge strategy in a heart rhythm management clinic - what about patients' reported experience?

Abstract Background and aims Same-day discharge (SDD) has been adopted for many interventional cardiology procedures, however data on patients’ experience are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate patient-reported experience of a SDD strategy following electrophysiology procedures (EP) in a Heart Rhythm Management Department. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing EP procedures in our centre, who fulfilled pre-defined eligibility criteria for SDD, were asked to complete the study questionnaire, right before hospital discharge. Procedures suitable for SDD ranged from non-invasive (electric cardioversion, tilt test) to invasive ones (EP studies, device replacement, rhythm recorders implantation, ablation of supraventricular tachycardias including atrial fibrillation). The questionnaire aimed to assess patients’ experience before and during the procedure, their satisfaction with the quality of the provided information and their comprehension of the given instructions regarding the post-discharge period and their medication. Results The study questionnaire was completed by 501 patients. The majority of participants described SDD as a good or a quite good experience (n=440, 87,8%), while 94,6% of them (n=474) would not hesitate to undergo a second SDD procedure, if necessary. A direct interview with a healthcare team member was viewed as the preferred method of obtaining information on the procedure. At discharge, 1 out of 10 patients were still unsure of the instructions given by the healthcare team, including their anticoagulation treatment. Patient reported satisfaction rates did not differ between invasive and non-invasive procedures. However, after an invasive procedure, patients seemed to significantly have a better understanding of post-discharge instructions. Conclusion Patients reported a high level of satisfaction with SDD EP procedures. However, significant efforts need to be made in order to ensure their understanding of post-discharge instructions.Figure : Patients' reported experience

2023 Family Life Survey of National Family Center Users

The purpose of this study was to describe the family life and relationships of national family center users in 2023. A sample of 1,086 adults was recruited from 48 family centers across South Korea. Participants, both online and offline, reported on various aspects of family life, including satisfaction, gender equality, workhome- life balance, family leisure, and internet usage for family and household purposes. Additionally, family relationships were explored in terms of dynamics with a spouse, children, and adult children. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t -tests. In the family life domain, center users reported a high level of satisfaction, with women exhibiting greater awareness of gender equality and higher engagement in household chores than men. Furthermore, although a moderate balance among work, home, and life was reported, time emerged as a significant challenge for family leisure. Regarding technology, center users frequently utilized the internet for family communication, leisure, shopping, and household management. In the family relationships domain, men were more satisfied with spousal relationships than women. Center users reported high satisfaction with parentchild relationships. Parents of school-aged children perceived economic burdens, while those with adult children frequently provided psychological and instrumental support. These findings suggest the need for program modification and the development of new initiatives within national family centers to better support the diverse needs of families in terms of life satisfaction and relationship dynamics.

Pleasure and Satisfaction as Predictors of Future Cigarette and E-Cigarette Use: A Novel Two-Stage Modeling Approach.

Subjective experience of e-cigarettes may be an important factor in helping people who use combustible cigarettes switch completely to e-cigarettes to reduce harms from smoking. This paper describes a novel two-stage analysis using pleasure and satisfaction responses from Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA) of both cigarette and e-cigarette use to predict future cigarette and e-cigarette tobacco use. This observational study included adult users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes who provided 7-days of EMA, capturing cigarette and e-cigarette use, followed by biweekly reports of cigarette and e-cigarette use over one year. Participants were 279 adults who provided both cigarette and e-cigarette responses during the EMA. We employed a two-stage analytic approach in which EMA data were used to predict subsequent levels of cigarette and e-cigarette use. In the first stage, EMA responses of cigarette and e-cigarette events were modeled via a mixed-effects location scale (MELS) model to yield summaries of participants' means and variability on event-related ratings of pleasure and satisfaction. These EMA summaries served as predictors in the second stage analysis of the biweekly post-EMA longitudinal cigarette and e-cigarette use data. EMA pleasure and satisfaction ratings were similar for both products and predicted both longitudinal cigarette and e-cigarette use, even after controlling for baseline cigarette and e-cigarette dependence. Relatively higher levels of satisfaction with e-cigarettes were associated with greater decreases in cigarette use over time. Pleasure and satisfaction are important predictors of subsequent cigarette and e-cigarette use. Experienced subjective pleasure and satisfaction from e-cigarettes relative to cigarettes may be an important factor in helping individuals who smoke to switch completely to e-cigarettes as a harm reduction approach. In order to help sustain complete product switching and reduce dual use or relapse to smoking, e-cigarettes may need to deliver more satisfaction to the user compared to that experienced from cigarettes.

Arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy and thermal shrinkage for basal joint arthritis.

Ligamentous laxity, cartilage wear, and diffuse synovitis are frequently seen in thumb basal joint arthritis. Although these degenerative changes may be mild for the majority, they have the potential to cause discomfort during movement and compromised hand function. This study assesses the long-term outcomes of arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, and thermal shrinkage in managing early-stage basal joint arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed patients with basal joint arthritis who underwent arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, and thermal shrinkage between November 2010 and January 2021 by a single surgeon at our medical institute. We assessed functional outcomes, thumb range of motion, perioperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, return to work and satisfaction level. A total of 12 patients (13 hands), with a mean follow-up of 72 months, were included in this study. Significant improvements were observed in pain scores and functional outcomes, along with a reduction in postoperative NSAID use. Patients also reported a relatively quick return to work and a high satisfaction level. The study highlights the benefits of arthroscopic intervention, providing a minimally invasive approach with favorable long-term outcomes for patients with symptomatic basal joint arthritis.

Leadership Styles of Head teachers in Relation to Teachers’ Job Satisfaction: A Case Study of the Volta Region – Ghana

Purpose: The present study focuses on exploring the leadership styles of basic school headteachers, and their effects on teachers’ job satisfaction in Ghana’s Volta region. Methodology: Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study was conducted in the Volta region of Ghana. The population of the study are 3,009 headteachers and 17,889 teachers in the 18 districts in the Volta Region. The sample size of the study was 191 headteachers and 328 teachers. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to draw the sample size. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and Mohrman-Cooke-Mohrman Job Satisfaction Scale (MCMJSS) was adopted for the study. Findings: It was found that headteachers identified moderate levels of transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire as the leadership styles adopted by headteachers. Also, the majority of the headteachers had a very low level of job satisfaction whereas the majority of the teachers had a very high level of job satisfaction. Among the three leadership styles, transformational (β = .47, p &lt; .001) and laissez-faire leadership styles (β = .19, p = .002) were the only significant predictors of job satisfaction. Both transformational and laissez-faire forms of leadership were positive predictors of job satisfaction. Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: The results shows that headteachers identified moderate levels of transformational (M = 7.68, SD = 0.83), transactional (M = 7.51, SD = 1.15), and laissez-faire (M = 6.94, SD = 1.89) as the leadership styles adopted by headteachers. It shows that 128 (71.9%) of the headteachers had a very low level of job satisfaction, while 30 (16.9%) had a very high level of job satisfaction. On the contrary, 153 (52.8%) of the teachers had a very high level of job satisfaction while 21 (7.1%) had a very low level of job satisfaction. The three leadership styles; transformational (β = .47, p &lt; .001) and laissez-faire leadership styles (β = .19, p = .002) were the only significant predictors of job satisfaction. Both transformational and laissez-faire forms of leadership were positive predictors of job satisfaction. Based on the findings of the study, relevant conclusions were drawn.

Impact of Compensation Strategies on Employees Satisfaction Case Study in the A. S. XYZ Organization

Purpose: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of compensation on employee loyalty and performance, through job satisfaction as mediator at A. S. XYZ. Methodology: The research population comprised all the employees of A. S. XYZ. Simple random sampling, which is a probability sampling method, was adopted to include members of the population at random, leading to a total sample size of 327 people. Data analysis derived from the results of questionnaire responses in Google Forms and data extracted from A. S. XYZ was conducted. The questions were tested using Cronbach’s alpha and face validity tests in order to assess the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Findings: The findings indicated that compensation and job satisfaction had a positive and direct effect on employee loyalty and performance. Also, the study revealed that job satisfaction serves as a partial mediator between compensation and employee loyalty and performance, implying that compensation can influence employee loyalty and performance directly or indirectly through the mediating capacity of job satisfaction. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This research adds to the body of literature by affirming the theoretical implications of prior research and providing recommendations for A. S. XYZ to improve its compensation methods and meet employees’ needs. The findings stress on the fact that the payment systems should be constantly monitored and adjusted in the context of other factors influencing employee satisfaction like career development and work environment as well. This research highlights the importance of open communication between supervisors and workers that help in recognizing and resolving the problems quickly. Further, the research suggests that organizations should apply a holistic method of employee satisfaction rather than depending only on compensation matters. The outcomes of this research are relevant for theory, practice, and policy. Theoretically, the research supports and develops the current frameworks on the link between compensation, job satisfaction, employee loyalty, and performance. In practical terms, the research gives implementable recommendations for A. S. XYZ and other organizations to align their compensation policies and create a content, loyal and productive workforce. Policy wise, the study emphasizes the importance of organizations developing holistic employee satisfaction policies that extend beyond financial rewards to encompass additional aspects such as career development and work environment. Additional research could study other variables that contribute to employee satisfaction and recommend techniques on how to sustain high levels of satisfaction for extended periods using a mixed method approach. An alternative methodology entails both qualitative and quantitative methods.

A flour composite mixture for gluten-free confectionery

The article is devoted to the development of a recipe for a gluten-free flour composite mixture based on buckwheat, rice, and corn flours for the preparation of confectionery products, as well as the enhancement of its nutritional value using locally produced flaxseed and chickpea flours. For the production of gluten-free sugar cookies, two types of gluten-free flour composite mixture have been developed: a) rice, buckwheat, and flaxseed flour and b) rice, corn, and chickpea flour. The optimal flour ratio is 40:30:30. The physic-chemical and organoleptic indicators of gluten-free sugar cookies obtained using the gluten-free flour composite mixture align with the indicators specified in the standard. The developed gluten-free composite flour mixture is characterized by a fairly high satisfaction level with the balanced nutrition formula regarding basic nutrients. The levels of protein, carbohydrate, and fat satisfaction increased by 64, 37, and 118%, respectively, with the addition of flax to the rice and buckwheat mixture. Adding chickpeas to the rice and corn mixture increased protein and fat satisfaction by 35.5 and 27%, respectively, while carbohydrates remained almost unchanged.

Group Sex Counseling Based on a Modified “Good Enough Sex” Model: A Randomized Trial on Sexual Health Variables among Breast Cancer Survivors in Iran

A randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in Iran from April 2020–2021 involved 100 eligible breast cancer survivors (BCSs). The study examined the impact of sexual counseling using a modified “Good Enough Sex” (GES) model on BCSs’ sexual health variables. The intervention group, consisting of BCSs and their spouses, participated in four weekly group counseling sessions lasting 90–120 min each. The control group attended routine medical checkups. The intervention was designed based on a previous qualitative study assessing sexual needs and concerns in BCSs, as well as the GES model. Sexual satisfaction, function, and communication were evaluated at baseline, two, and three months follow-ups. Most participants (77%) had undergone a mastectomy, with diagnoses typically occurring between ages 39–49 and 5–7 years post-diagnosis. Initially low sexual satisfaction and function significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.001), reaching high satisfaction and moderate function levels. After three months, significant differences in sexual health variables were observed between the intervention and control groups (p < 0.001), indicating substantial positive effects, particularly in sexual satisfaction (0.99). Given the challenges in improving sexual function due to cancer complications, sex education based on sexual dialogue and realistic expectations can promote sexual well-being. RCT Number: IRCT20120609009975N8, dated 2020-04-18, https://en.irct.ir/trial/42030

Surgical Removal of Fat Nodules Formed in the Tear Trough After Autologous Fat Grafting.

Autologous fat grafting is a common treatment for tear trough deformities. This procedure involves a potential complication of fat nodule formation, leading to abnormal bulging of the lower eyelid. However, limited information exists about this complication, and an effective treatment is lacking. The present study aimed to present a novel surgical approach for the removal of fat nodules caused by autologous fat grafting in the tear trough. This retrospective study included 33 patients who underwent surgery for the removal of fat nodules formed after autologous fat grafting. The procedure was performed using a conjunctival approach, allowing exposure and removal of all fat nodules in the anterior septal space, with the method adapted according to the severity of the deformity. A total of 66 eyelids were treated surgically, including 30 (45.45%) with mild nodular deformity, 23 (34.85%) with moderate nodular deformity, and 13 (10.70%) with severe nodular deformity. A second surgical procedure was required on 3 eyelids (4.56%). The main complications of the surgery were conjunctival congestion (21.21%), and localized depression (18.18%), bruising (12.12%). Among the patients, 29 (87.88%) were satisfied and 4 (12.12%) were dissatisfied with the treatment results. Conjunctival approach surgery is an effective method of removing fat nodules formed after autologous fat grafting in the tear trough, with good results and high levels of patient satisfaction. This approach enables the effective management of a common complication of autologous fat grafting and may enable the wider application of autologous fat grafting in the periorbital region. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .