Maximum Satisfaction Research Articles

Job satisfaction of library and information science professionals in Colleges Affiliated to Solapur University, Solapur

The effectiveness and efficiency of service organizations like libraries depends upon their services delivered to the various types of users. The quality of library services depends upon quality and behavior of work force, which in turn depends on knowledge, adaptability, and job satisfaction of library professionals. Thus satisfaction of library professionals is said to be prerequisite for delivery of quality service and providing maximum satisfaction to the users satisfied professionals not only render better quality service to the users but also ensure commitment towards the professional duties in the library that leads to the image building.

Real Life Experience with Individualized Doses of Incobotulinumtoxina in Patients with Severe Spasticity Due to Acquired Brain Injury

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of incobotulinumtoxinA, at doses according to individual needs, in 10 patients with acquired brain injury and severe upper and lower limb spasticity. Patients received a multipattern periodic treatment with ultrasound-guided injections of incobotulinumtoxinA at doses of 800-900 U in the upper and lower limbs. The mean number of injection cycles per patient was 4.2. The 0-10 visual analogue scale for pain score decreased significantly from pre-injection (mean: 4.7) to four-week post-injection (mean: 0.7). Similarly, the mean Ashworth Scale score (muscular tone assessment) at four-week post-injection (mean: 1.4) was significantly lower than at injection (mean: 2.5). Except for two patients in one pattern, all cases showed an improvement in passive range of motion assessments using goniometry. All patients reported maximum satisfaction with the treatment, all reporting “much improved” after the treatment. No treatment-related adverse effects were observed during the study. Individualized doses of incobotulinumtoxinA are effective and well-tolerated for this type of patients and allow better management of their severe spasticity. Therefore, individualization of doses should be taken into account for optimizing clinical outcomes and improving the patients’ treatment satisfaction.

Zeleni marketing kao determinanta konkurentske prednosti na B2B tržištima

Given the fact that in the professional literature on marketing, and especially in the segment of green (environmental) marketing, much more research is done and written about B2C markets, this paper is an attempt to explore procurement motives and behaviour of business customers during the complex purchasing process, on the example of several important thermotechnical devices, on the B2B market in Vojvodina. The research aims to collect relevant data from business customers through direct interviews regarding the impact of environmental performance on the procurement of gas boilers, heat pumps and air conditioners in order to obtain quality and reliable information based on the process, that is, conducted the descriptive statistical analysis, which will enable a better understanding of this complex issue. To collect qualitative data, the method of the unstructured deep interview was used. The results confirmed the research hypotheses and indicated the necessity of green marketing in current business conditions. It is indisputable that soon only organisations focused on green marketing and green marketing channels, that is to say, those which are focused on creating their own optimal relationship between their production, distribution and/or sales process, and environmental protection, will be able to gain a competitive advantage in dynamic business markets and achieve maximum satisfaction of environmentally demanding customers, and thus, in fact, at the same time give their full contribution to the sustainable development of the entire community.

User satisfaction with Dental Specialty Centers in Brazil: Proposal of satisfaction index and associated factors.

To investigate the satisfaction of users of Dental Specialty Centers (CEO) in Brazil employing the Service Satisfaction Index (SSI) and identify associated factors. This quantitative, evaluative, and cross-sectional study used secondary data extracted from the Second External Evaluation of the Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality of Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (PMAQ-CEO) held in 2018 in 901municipalities, accounting for 1097 CEO, of which 1042 were investigated. A total of 10391 users participated in the study. Considering user satisfaction as an aggregate variable, SSI was classified into two categories: Lower Satisfaction (SSI<20) and Maximum Satisfaction (SSI=20). Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the SPSS® software. The exploratory factor analysis verified the statistical correlations between attributes and SSI. The maximum satisfaction with the service was 21.1%; factors that expressed the most significant influence on SSI were waiting time (OR=1.17; CI 95%: 1.05-1.31), feeling that CEO has good conditions of use (OR=7.05; CI 95%: 5.15-9.65), not wishing to be assisted at another CEO (OR=4.17; CI 95%: 3.12-5.57), not having treatment interrupted due to lack of material (OR=2.05; CI 95%: 1.70-2.47), age up to 40years of users (OR=1.31; CI 95%: 1.18-1.46) and higher education (OR=1.30; CI 95%: 1.14-1.49). SSI appropriately described the user's satisfaction with the service. The maximum satisfaction with the service was influenced by age, education, waiting time, not having treatment interrupted, and considering CEO clean and hygienic environment.

The Implementation of Green Housekeeping Management at The St. Regis Bali Resort

This research focuses on analyzing the implementation of green housekeeping management at The St. Regis Bali Resort. The data of the research was collected through observation, interview, questionnaires’ distribution, and documentation. The questionnaires were distributed to the 38 employees of the Housekeeping Department. Quantitative analysis was used to analyze the data. The research results using the frequency distribution of Likert scale with 5 (five) scales on the SPSS version 25.0 stated that the average value of the indicators related to the implementation of green housekeeping management on the questionnaire was a value of 4 or very well implemented. It is proved that the concept of green housekeeping management at The St. Regis Bali Resort has been implemented very well in the daily operations. It aims to preserve the environment, saving energy, and ensure maximum guest satisfaction.

Social Sustainability of Water and Waste Management Companies in Portugal

The Sustainable Development Goals aim at balancing economic, social and environmental development. In this framework, social sustainability is key to tackle current challenges that hinder the maximization of social satisfaction. Yet, for many years, scholars have negleted the social dimension. A possible explanation may be the difficulty to measure social concepts such as well-being and prosperity. Thus, we argue that, to evaluate sectoral performance, the concept of social sustainability should be translated into metrics, by focusing on the indicators that impact on those social concepts. Consequently, time-series data from Quadros do Pessoal, PORDATA and SABI databases for the sector of Water Collection, Treatment and Distribution, Sanitation, Waste Management and Depollution, are consulted to analyze the evolution of those indicators and evaluate corporate performance concerning social sustainability in 2008–2019. In line with previous literature, we use average wages and employment as proxies for social sustainability. However, we introduce a new indicator, the average term for receipts to carry out an analysis from the stakeholders’ perspective. The results suggest that, especially as of 2017, sectoral firms appear to have reagained their momentum concerning social sustainability performance. This study provides the opportunity to uncover average sectoral trends on social sustainability and paves the way for future research exploring firms’ heterogeneity.

Implementation of Playdate with OBO Event Program to Increase Service Satisfaction at OBO Studio n' Play

Abstract Careful program planning to provide services for children's learning and play activities is an important thing to note. Because it will greatly affect the social, cognitive, sensory, and motor growth of children. With the aim of increasing revenue and demand as well as maximum service satisfaction, planning programs event marketing can be carried out by companies. Using qualitative research methods and data collection by distributing questionnaires based on the dimensions of service quality, namely Tangible, Empathy, Reliability, Responsiveness, and Assurance (TERRA). The results of the questionnaire were obtained from the parents of children who participated in the Playdate With OBO event produce outputs in the form of Terms of Reference containing programs regarding children's activities and stages of implementation. The activities of pre-school children contained in the Terms of Reference based on the advice of child psychologists and program planners for pre-school age children. Keywords: event marketing, kids preschool activity, preschool program, service quality

ATOMS (Adjustable Transobturator Male System) Is an Effective and Safe Second-Line Treatment Option for Recurrent Urinary Incontinence after Implantation of an AdVance/AdVance XP Fixed Male Sling? A Multicenter Cohort Analysis.

(1) Background: This study examined outcomes of second-line ATOMS implantation after failure of the fixed male sling (FMS) AdVance/AdVance XP. (2) Methods: A retrospective multicenter cohort analysis was carried out in men implanted with an ATOMS between 2011 and 2020 after failure of an AdVance/AdVance XP. Success was assessed on the basis of objective (dryness, 0–1 pad/24 h or >20 g/24 h pad test) and subjective results (PGI-I). We performed the Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test, logistic regression, and multivariate analysis. (3) Results: The study included 88 patients from 9 centers with a mean age of 71.3 years. No Clavien–Dindo > II complications occurred within the first 3 months after ATOMS implantation. A total of 10 cases (9%) required revision in the ensuing clinical course. After a mean follow-up of 42.5 months, 76.1% achieved social continence, and 56.8% used no pads at all. Mean urine leakage/24 h dropped from 422 g (3.9 pads) to 38 g (0.69 pads) and the mean ICIQ-SF decreased from 16.25 to 5.3 (p < 0.0001). PROMs (patient-reported outcome measures) showed improvement in 98.9% of cases, and 63.6% gave a “very much better” PGI-I rating. Multivariate analysis identified a lower probability of achieving maximum satisfaction for the following factors: the AdVance XP as first-line therapy (OR 0.35), a lower ICIQ-SF question 1 (OR 0.26), status post-irradiation (OR 0.14), and more severe pain prior to ATOMS implantation (OR 0.51). (4) Conclusions: Implantation of an ATOMS is an effective and safe second-line treatment option for recurrent urinary incontinence after implantation of an AdVance/AdVance XP sling. High patient satisfaction was demonstrated in a long-term follow-up.

Younger Age, Capsular Repair, and Larger Preoperative Alpha Angles Are Associated With Earlier Achievement of Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome

The purpose of the study was to analyze demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative factors that influence the time to achieve the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIT) after primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and labral tear. Included patients had undergone hip arthroscopy with labral repair or reconstruction for FAIS with labral tear between February 2008 and October 2018. Patients were excluded if they had a prior ipsilateral hip surgery, prior hip conditions, a Tonnis grade > 1, or were unwilling to participate. Multiple demographic, radiographic, and intraoperative variables were collected. The modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) were collected before surgery and at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. The MCID and MOIT for the mHHS and NAHS were either calculated or determined through previously published values. A time-to-event analysis was performed to determine variables predictive of early or delayed achievement of MCID or MOIT. Early achievement was defined as achieving MCID or MOIT at the 3-month timepoint. Six hundred thirty-two hips (632 patients) were included. Of those that achieved MCID and MOIT, 428 (73.0%) and 414 (73.0%) patients achieved MCID and 253 (47.9%) and 264 (52.5%) patients achieved MOIT by 3 months after surgery for mHHS and NAHS, respectively. Younger age, capsular repair, and increasing alpha angle were associated with earlier achievement for either MCID or MOIT. Increasing age, worker's compensation claims, and higher baseline patient-reported outcome measure scores were associated with delayed achievement for either MCID or MOIT. Most of the patients who achieved MCID and MOIT for mHHS and NAHS did so by 3 months after surgery. Younger age, capsular repair, and increasing alpha angle were associated with earlier achievement of MCID and MOIT after hip arthroscopy. Level IV, case series.

SATISFACTION OF SUSPECTED COVID-19 PATIENTS REGARDING MEAL SERVICES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF NORTH INDIA

Introduction: Meal services plays a significant role in speedy recovery and increases patient satisfaction.&#x0D; Objective: Present study was done to assess the satisfaction of suspected COVID-19 patients regarding meal services at a tertiary care hospital of north India.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional study in retrospective design was done to understand the factors affecting the satisfaction of suspected COVID-19 patients with respect to meal services. The data was collected for patients admitted from January 2020-June 2020 with the help of a questionnaire with graded responses i.e Yes, No or Maybe/Not applicable, gathered from participants after discharge from hospital through ‘google forms’.&#x0D; Results: Out of 160 participants, 159 filled up the questionnaire through ‘google form’. Majority of the participants were &lt;30 Years old 46.5%, had university or higher education 52.8%. The study showed 96.9% patients were satisfied and 3.1% were not satisfied with the quality of the meal services provided during the hospital stay. There was no significant association observed between taste of meals and consumption of whole meal with the quality of the meal served (p = 0.875, p = 0.855 respectively). Although significant association was observed between temperature of meal, time of meal distribution, quantity of water bottles provided, and quality of meal served (p = 0.000, p = &lt;0.001, p = 0.000).&#x0D; Conclusion: Present study connotes that such types of assessments can help identify the gaps which can be worked on for achieving maximal satisfaction of patients with respect to quality of meal services in the hospital.&#x0D; Key words: COVID-19 patients; Meal services; Patient Satisfaction; Tertiary care hospital

Thermal Comfort Study Based on PMV-PPD in the Building of a Screening Center for COVID-19

Background: One way to achieve a standard heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system with maximum satisfaction is to use a thermal index to identify and determine the thermal comfort of people. In this study we intend to evaluate thermal comfort based on PMV-PPD (Predicted Mean Vote/Predicted Percentage Dissatisfied) model in workers of screening center for COVID-19. Methods: The study period was from March 1 to October 31, 2020. In this study, we used the ISO 7730 model to determinate PMV-PPD index. PMV index was used to determine thermal comfort at different scales in Birjand city with arid and hot climate. All data were analyzed using R software (version 3.3.0) and IBM SPSS statistics softwares. Results: The maximum and minimum recorded physical PMV values in the study period were observed in June as (2.09 ± 0.03) and March as (-1.27 ± 0.14), respectively. The amplitude of the thermal sense in the study period was varied between slightly cool (-1.5) and warm (+2.5). The PPD in spring was 40% which indicated slightly warm to hot condition. Conclusions: The October was the only month during the study in which thermal stress was in comfort or neutral thermal condition. Our results suggest that thermal comfort has dimensions and indices which are helpful in managing energy consumption.

High-Level Athletes Who Did Not Return to Sport for Reasons Unrelated to Their Hip Achieve Successful Midterm Outcomes With a Benchmarking Against High-Level Athletes Who Returned to Sport

1) To report minimum 2- and 5-year outcomes of high-level athletes who did not return to sport (RTS) after hip arthroscopy for reasons unrelated to their hip (T athletes) and 2) to benchmark these findings against a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport (RTS athletes). Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed for professional, collegiate, and high school athletes between April 2008 and October 2015, who underwent primary hip arthroscopy. Athletes were considered eligible if they did not return to sport for reasons unrelated to their hip such as loss of interest, graduation, or a lifestyle transition (T athletes). Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 5-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIST). T athletes were then propensity-matched to a control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport after hip arthroscopy (RTS athletes) for comparison. Twenty-seven T hips (25 patients) were included in the analysis with a mean follow-up time of 38.9 ± 16.8 and 72.1 ± 16.8 months for minimum 2- and 5-year outcomes, respectively. They demonstrated significant improvement in all measured PROs. When compared to a propensity-matched control group of RTS athletes, T athletes demonstrated similar improvement in PROs (mHHS, NAHS, and HOS-SSS) and achieved MCID at similar rates for NAHS (T: 77.8% vs RTS: 68.8%; P= .570) and HOS-SSS (T: 70.3% vs RTS: 76.6%, P= .824) compared to RTS athletes; however T athletes demonstrated higher rates of achieving MCID for mHHS (T: 88.9% vs RTS: 72.9% P= .033). Athletes who did not return to sport for reasons unrelated to their hip demonstrated favorable outcomes at minimum 2- and 5-year follow-up. They had similar PROs and rates of achieving MCID for HOS-SSS compared to a propensity-matched control group of high-level athletes who returned to sport. Return to sport status may not necessarily be correlated to the patient's perception of their own outcome. III, retrospective cohort study.

Application of Performance Module in Health Service Quality Evaluation: Viewpoints of Beneficiary-A case Study in Al-Salaam General Hospital in Mosul

The issue of health service quality has become a growing global concern in an effort by medical organizations to provide the best health service that achieves maximum satisfaction for the beneficiary. This study represents an attempt to evaluate the performance of Al-Salam Hospital in Mosul from the perspective of the beneficiary, and the subject acquires great importance derived from being one of the contemporary technologies for designing the hospital performance evaluation system, which is one of the strategic management systems. Due to the limited studies that focused on the views of the beneficiary about the level of health service, the study focused on the components of the quality of the health service in order to study the evaluation of the views of the beneficiaries of the dimensions of the quality of the health service provided to them, to know which of the dimensions of health quality achieves the greatest possible satisfaction of the beneficiary for the purpose of activating it in pursuit of achieving The highest possible satisfaction and to improve the reality of the medical service in the organization. اعتماد أنموذج الأداء الفعلی فی تقییم مستوى جودة الخدمة الصحیة من وجهة نظر المستفید – دراسة حالة فی مستشفى السلام العام فی الموصل

Evaluating participant and coordinator satisfaction with telephone assessments

AbstractBackgroundIn response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai began conducting evaluations for the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (NACC UDS) by telephone in March 2020. The ADRC designed a survey to evaluate participant and research coordinator satisfaction with telephone evaluations.MethodFollowing UDS evaluations, participants rated their satisfaction on 5 items: voice quality on telephone, respect for privacy, degree of comfort using the telephone, and confidence that the information collected was accurate. Coordinators were asked to gauge their satisfaction on similar items. To calculate satisfaction scores, responses were assigned values: “Very” = 3, “Fairly” = 2, and “Not at all” = 1. Maximum satisfaction score was 15 for participants and 18 for coordinators.ResultData was available for 130 participants evaluated by telephone between March 2020 and January 2021. Of these, 68.5% were female, 53.7% were white, with an average age of 76.4 and 16 years of education. 74% of participants had a Global Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0; 22% CDR 0.5; 4% CDR 1. Participants with CDR &gt;1 were evaluated by caregiver interviews without testing, and those with CDR=1 were offered testing at the discretion of their family and examiners. Average total satisfaction rating was 14.2/15 for participants and 16.8/18 for coordinators. 98% of participants felt their privacy was “very” respected (mean 2.98/3). When looking at global CDR scores, 89.6% of participants with CDR=0 and 88.2% with CDR ≥0.5 were “very” confident in the accuracy of the information collected. In contrast, coordinators were “very” confident in the accuracy of their evaluation 84.4% of the time when participants had a CDR=0 and 67.7% of the time when participants had a CDR ≥0.5.ConclusionOverall satisfaction with telephone evaluations was high, but participant and coordinator confidence in the accuracy of assessments varied, with coordinator satisfaction lower for more cognitively impaired participants. Future work will analyze satisfaction with ongoing remote assessments and evaluate the impact of additional demographic and diagnostic variables.

Perceptions of Residents on the Microlearning Environment in Postgraduate Clinical Training

Background. Teaching hospitals are the primary locus of training for residents, and the afforded microlearning environments can affect their level of satisfaction, competence, and learning processes. Since limited attention has been directed towards evaluating the microlearning environment, how Saudi postgraduate residents perceive it remains unknown. Objectives. This study evaluated the microlearning environments for major clinical specialties in a tertiary care teaching hospital. It also investigated the association between satisfaction levels and the age and gender of the participants, as well as their stage and specialty. Methods and Methods. A questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted using a prevalidated HEMLEM tool for data collection. Data were collected using the QuestionPro® survey tool and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. A one-way ANOVA and t-test were performed to compare different subgroups. Results. In total, 129 residents participated in the study, representing a response rate of 87.16%. The overall mean value for microlearning environment satisfaction was 50.21. Females scored higher relative to males. Maximum satisfaction with the microlearning environment was observed in the age group 25–30 years and among internal medicine residents. Conclusion. Overall, a satisfactory score on the HEMLEM tool was recorded, suggesting the majority of residents are satisfied with the microlearning environment at KFHU. Supervisors, program directors, and curriculum planners could use our findings to further improve the educational climates within their training specialties.

Clinical Outcomes and Reoperation Rates After Hip Arthroscopy in Female Athletes With Low Versus Normal Body Mass Index: A Propensity-Matched Comparison With Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

Background: The effect of low body mass index (BMI) on outcomes in female athletes is unknown. Purpose: (1) To report minimum 2-year patient-reported outcomes and return to sports for high-level female athletes with low BMI undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome and (2) to compare results with those of a propensity-matched control group of high-level female athletes with a normal BMI. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were collected on all professional, collegiate, and high school female athletes who had a low BMI and underwent primary hip arthroscopy between September 2009 and March 2017 at our institute. Return-to-sports status and minimum 2-year patient-reported outcomes were collected for the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific Subscale, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The percentage of patients achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold (MOIST) was also recorded. These patients were propensity matched to high-level female athletes with a normal BMI for comparison. Results: A total of 21 high-level female athletes (25 hips) with a mean ± SD follow-up of 58.9 ± 31.5 months were included. They demonstrated significant improvement from preoperatively to latest follow-up for the mHHS, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sport Specific Subscale, and VAS (P < .001). When outcomes were compared with those of the control group, female athletes with low BMI demonstrated lower rates of achieving the MCID for the mHHS (54.5% vs 77.4%; P = .041), PASS for the International Hip Outcome Tool–12 (45.5% vs 72.6%; P = .022), and MOIST for the VAS (31.8% vs 56.5%; P = .047). There were no other significant differences in the rate of achieving the MCID, PASS, or MOIST between the groups (P > .05). Female athletes with low BMI also had higher rates of revision when compared with the control group (27.2% vs 10.6%; P = .049), but there were comparable return-to-sports rates (75.0% vs 74.5%; P > .05). Conclusion: High-level female athletes with low BMI undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome demonstrated significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes and acceptable rates of return to play. When compared with a control group with normal BMI, they exhibited higher rates of revision and lower rates of achieving the MCID for the mHHS, PASS for the International Hip Outcome Tool–12, and MOIST for the VAS.

Analysis of an Effect Quality Pharmaceutical Services on the Satisfaction of Patients in Royal Prima Public Hospital Medan

Based on a predecessor survey conducted by researchers of 30 outpatients at the Royal Prima Medan Hospital in July 2019, it showed that out of 30 patients, 23 patients expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of service and availability of drugs at the Pharmacy Installation of the Royal Prima Medan General Hospital. Where the patient's satisfaction states that there is still a lack of direct evidence (tangibles), reliability, responsiveness, assurance (assurance), empathy, hospitals and employees of outpatients at Royal Prima Hospital, Medan. This paper described Knowing the Analysis of the Effect of Pharmacy Service Quality on Outpatient Satisfaction at the Royal Prima Medan General Hospital in 2019. There is an effect of the quality of pharmaceutical services (appearance, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) on outpatient satisfaction at Royal Prima Medan General Hospital. 2019. It is hoped that the pharmacy installation of the Royal Prima Medan General Hospital will improve the quality of services that are more optimal to achieve maximum patient satisfaction values. If the quality of pharmacy services at Royal Prima Medan General Hospital is improved, patient satisfaction will also increase. Keywords: Quality of Pharmacy Services and Patient Satisfaction.

Return to Sports and Minimum 2-Year Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in Elite Athletes With and Without Coexisting Low Back Pain: A Propensity-Matched Comparison

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and return to sports (RTS) after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) have not been established in elite athletes with coexisting low back pain (LBP). Purpose: (1) To report minimum 2-year PROs and RTS rates after primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS in elite athletes with coexisting LBP and (2) to compare clinical results with a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes without back pain. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Data were reviewed for elite athletes (college and professional) who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS and had coexisting LBP between October 2009 and October 2018. Inclusion criteria were preoperative and minimum 2-year follow-up for the modified Harris Hip Score, Nonarthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale (HOS-SSS), and visual analog scale for pain. Exclusion criteria were Tönnis grade >1, hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <18°), and previous ipsilateral hip or spine surgery or conditions. Rates of achieving the minimal clinically importance difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and maximum outcome improvement satisfaction threshold were recorded in addition to RTS. For the subanalysis, the elite athlete study group was propensity matched to an elite athlete control group without back pain. Results: A total of 48 elite athletes with LBP who underwent primary hip arthroscopy met inclusion criteria, and follow-up was available for 42 (87.5%) at 53.2 ± 31.6 months (mean ± SD). Elite athletes with coexisting LBP demonstrated significant improvements in all recorded PROs and achieved the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS at rates of 82.5% and 67.5%, respectively. They also returned to sports at a high rate (75.8%), and 79% of them did not report LBP postoperatively. PROs, rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates were similar between the study group and propensity-matched control group. Conclusion: Elite athletes with coexisting LBP who undergo primary hip arthroscopy for FAIS may expect favorable PROs, rates of achieving the MCID and PASS for the HOS-SSS, and RTS rates at minimum 2-year follow-up. These results were comparable to those of a propensity-matched control group of elite athletes without back pain. In athletes with hip-spine syndrome, successful treatment of their hip pathology may help resolve their back pain.

A Goal Programming Approach for Optimizing Natural Gas Transportation Network

Natural gas (NG) is widely transported through the high-pressure pipeline network. For maintaining the high pressure in the gas pipeline network, compressor stations are installed at fixed intervals along with the pipeline. The compression procedures involve huge amounts of energy and investment. So designing any pipeline network in NG transportation also needs to include conflicting goals of various criteria with the priority like maximization of demand satisfaction and minimization of compression energy and investment cost. In this paper, a goal programming approach dependent upon lexicographic methodology is proposed for solving the multi-criteria problem in NG transportation where each criterion is incorporated on a priority basis to achieve targeted goals. The relevance of the proposed model is explained via an example. Maximization in demand satisfaction is a prime objective and remaining targeted goals are attained on a priority basis. The deviation variable in the proposed model is solved in GAMS by using the CPLEX solver. These deviation variables provide flexibility to the decision-maker to change their priorities according to the social, environmental, and economical constraints.

Quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes in adult Lebanese patients with type 2 diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic.

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown that COVID-19 pandemic has a negative impact on type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients’ quality of life (QoL). However, very few studies were performed in Middle Eastern countries.AimThe aim of the current study was to assess, the QoL and diabetes-specific QoL, treatment satisfaction and psychological distress of Lebanese patients with T2DMs using: the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of Life (ADDQoL), Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (DTSQs) and Kessler 10 (K10) questionnaires and to compare results to those obtained during the pre-COVID-19 period.Results461 patients with T2DM participated in the study; 52.6% men, 47.4% women; median age 59 years old. The respective median ADDQoL and DTSQs scores were − 2.2 (interval interquartile range (IQR) − 3.9, − 0.8) (range from − 9 maximum negative impact to + 3 maximum positive impact) and 30(IQR22-36) (range from 0 maximum dissatisfaction to 36 maximum satisfaction). K10 median score was 26(IQR18-35) (range from minimum score of 10 indicating no distress to maximum score of 50 indicating severe distress). Rural dwelling, lack of exercise, current smoking, diabetic complications, injectable diabetes treatment, and previous COVID-19 infection were all associated with significantly worse ADDQoL, DTSQs, and K10 score indicating greater distress. A significant worsening of ADDQoL scores followed onset of the pandemic with no significant change in DTSQs scores.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, T2DM Lebanese patients experienced more negative impact of diabetes on QoL and mental health. Those infected with COVID-19 also reported worse QoL, treatment satisfaction and mental health. This highlights the need for community and individual support.