Society Satisfaction Research Articles

Effects of Strong Government in Attaining Outstanding Performance on Construction Projects: Stakeholder’s Opinions in Tanzania

Attaining an outstanding performance in a construction project has for decades being a problem in Tanzania. Contractors have too many projects failed to conquer the project’s value for money as a result of time extension, increase in cost with unsatisfactory quality. This study aims to identify the Tanzanian opinion on the effects of strong government in attaining outstanding performance on construction projects. The questionnaire and an-in-depth interview survey method were opted to collect the data from one hundred fifty-four (154) respondents obtained through purposely sampling technique. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the quantitative descriptive data. The finding of the study has identified twelve (12) effects of a stable government on performance in construction industry in Tanzania: attainment value for money, fight against malpractices (corruption), timely project completion, timely project completion, society satisfaction with projects, society satisfaction with projects, community participation/local fundi, reduced of construction cost, abide to construction specification, increased quality social services, suspending of ghost engineer, de-register incompetent contractors, reasonable operational cost, timely payment grouped into four variables namely: an increased construction quality, fighting against malpractices, society satisfaction, and timely payment. However, the study has eventually proposed the measure to be considered for local firms to attain a sustainable, outstanding performance and growth.

Obese Patients Benefit, but do not Fare as Well as Nonobese Patients, Following Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Surgery: An Analysis of the Quality Outcomes Database.

Given recent differing findings following 2 randomized clinical trials on degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) surgery, there is a need to better define how subsets of patients fare following surgery. To investigate the impact of obesity on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) following DLS surgery. A total of 12 high-enrolling sites were queried, and we found 797 patients undergoing surgery for grade 1 DLS. For univariate comparisons, patients were stratified by BMI≥30 kg/m2 (obese) and<30 kg/m2 (nonobese). Baseline, 3-mo, and 12-mo follow-up parameters were collected. PROs included the North American Spine Society satisfaction questionnaire, numeric rating scale (NRS) back pain, NRS leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) Questionnaire. We identified 382 obese (47.9%) and 415 nonobese patients (52.1%). At baseline, obese patients had worse NRS back pain, NRS leg pain, ODI, and EQ-5D scores (P<.001, P=.01, P<.001, and P=.02, respectively). Both cohorts improved significantly for back and leg pain, ODI, and EQ-5D at 12 mo (P<.001). At 12 mo, similar proportions of obese and nonobese patients responded that surgery met their expectations (62.6% vs 67.4%, P=.24). In multivariate analyses, BMI was independently associated with worse NRS leg pain and EQ-5D at 12 mo (P=.01 and P<.01, respectively) despite adjusting for baseline differences. Obesity is associated with inferior leg pain and quality of life-but similar back pain, disability, and satisfaction-12 mo postoperatively. However, obese patients achieve significant improvements in all PRO metrics at 12 mo.

The Influence of the Prepaid Electricity Program Effectiveness on the Society Satisfaction (A Study on the Prepaid Electricity Customers in Malang)

The Influence of the Prepaid Electricity Program Effectiveness on the Society Satisfaction (A Study on the Prepaid Electricity Customers in Malang)

Toward Knowledge-Based Economy: Innovation and Transformational Leadership in Public Universities in Texas and Qatar

The essentiality of the universities’ roles in enhancing economies and transforming societies is a global mantra. However, when it comes to wealthy and oil-dependent states such as Texas in the United States and Qatar in the Middle East, the impact of universities on sustainable economic development is questionable. This article discusses the transformational efforts within engineering colleges at two public universities in Texas and in Qatar to support their states’ visions in moving toward innovative and knowledge-based economies. The study examined the innovation capacity building of both institutions through measuring the transformational leadership styles in engineering colleges and its impact on the faculty’s innovative production of technical articles, patents, and sustainable development-related courses. The cultural impact of the two contexts on the leader–follower relationship was addressed in the discussion using Hofstede’s cultural dimension framework. The results showed that leaders in both colleges possess a transformational leadership style, albeit lower than the norm. This study disclosed that, in the high-power distance contexts, the idealized image of the leader contributed positively toward higher satisfaction of the followers with their leaders and current governance systems, while acknowledgment and rewards were the sources of satisfaction in low-power distance societies. Followers in a low uncertainty avoidance, individualistic, and short-term-oriented context achieved higher technical production. Both public universities expressed the need for government involvement in supporting the culture of innovation.

83. Postoperative opioids and 1-year outcomes after spine surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Opioid use prior to spine surgery has been associated with worse patient-reported outcomes, complications, and sustained postoperative opioid use. However, studies thus far have not assessed the relationship between opioid use in the initial postoperative period with long-term clinical outcomes and chronic postoperative opioid use. PURPOSE Determine if longer duration and higher opioid dosage in the months following spine surgery is associated with 1-year patient-reported outcomes and chronic opioid use at 1 year. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Using data from our prospective clinical spine registry linked with opioid prescription data from our state's prescription drug monitoring program, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients undergoing elective lumbar or cervical spine surgery at a single academic center from January 2011 to February 2017, and living in the surgical institution's state. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcomes were meaningful improvements at 1 year (>30% from baseline) in axial and extremity pain (Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] & Neck Disability Index [NDI]), quality of life (Euro-Qol 5D [EQ-5D]), satisfaction (North American Spine Society Satisfaction); and chronic opioid use at 1 year after surgery. METHODS The state database was queried to record the dosage (morphine milligram equivalents [MME]) and duration of every opioid prescription filled in the year before and after surgery to calculate the daily MME. The main exposure variables for this study were postoperative opioid use duration (classified as brief [ 60 MME/day) or low dosage. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between postoperative duration, and high-postoperative dosage with each outcome. Covariates were chosen a priori and included age, sex, race, smoking history, arthritis, anxiety, depression, insurance, symptom duration, ASA class, procedure, revision surgery, number of levels, preoperative pain and disability scores, and preoperative chronic opioid use. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were computed for the odds of a poor outcome associated with intermediate postoperative opioid use duration; and high-postoperative dosage. P-value RESULTS A total 2128 patients were included, with an overall 1-year satisfaction rate of 82%. Compared to patients with CONCLUSIONS In a risk-adjusted analysis of patients undergoing elective spine surgery, an active opioid prescription beyond 30 days was associated with significantly worse 1-year clinical outcomes and chronic opioid use. When considered in conjunction with the known dangers of opioids, our results can be used to develop postoperative opioid protocols to improve outcomes and minimize opioid dependence after spine surgery. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Predictors of the Best Outcomes Following Minimally Invasive Surgery for Grade 1 Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Abstract INTRODUCTION The factors driving the best outcomes following minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) are not clearly elucidated. This study investigates the factors that drive the best patient reported outcomes (PRO) following MIS for DLS. METHODS A total of 608 patients from the prospective Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Registry underwent surgery for grade 1 DLS of whom 259 underwent surgery with MIS techniques [187 fusions (72.2%)]. Surgeries were classified as MIS if any of the following were involved: MIS laminectomy, MIS pedicle screws, MIS interbody grafts, or percutaneous screws. Outcomes were assessed at 24 mo postoperatively. PROs included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric rating scale (NRS) Back Pain, NRS Leg Pain, EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) Questionnaire, and North American Spine Society (NASS) Satisfaction Questionnaire. Multivariate models were constructed adjusting for patient characteristics, presentation characteristics, surgical variables, socioeconomic characteristics, and baseline PRO values. RESULTS The mean age of the MIS cohort was 64.2 ± 11.5 yr [148 (57.1%) women and 111 (42.9%) men]. In multivariate analyses, aside from baseline PRO values, only 3 factors were significantly associated with multiple 24-mo PRO change scores: employment, age, and the addition of fusion to surgery. Employment was associated with superior postoperative ODI (ß-7.8; 95% CI [−12.9- −2.6]; P = .003), NRS back pain (ß-1.2; 95% CI [−2.1- −0.4]; P = 0.004), EQ-5D (ß0.1; 95% CI [0.01-0.1]; P = .03), and NASS satisfaction (OR = 0.27; 95% CI [0.12-0.58]; P &lt; .001). Increasing age was associated with superior NRS leg pain (ß-0.1; 95% CI [minus;0.1- minus;0.01]; P = .03) and NASS satisfaction (OR = 0.95; 95% CI [0.92-0.99]; P = .02). The addition of a fusion was associated with superior ODI (ß-6.7; 95% CI [minus;12.7- minus;0.7]; P = .03), NRS back pain (ß-1.1; 95% CI [minus;2.1- minus;0.2]; P = .02), and NASS satisfaction (OR = 0.28; 95% CI [0.12-0.62]; P = .002). CONCLUSION Preoperative active employment, at least 4 yr of college education, and surgeries including a fusion were significant predictors of superior outcomes across the domains of disease-specific disability, back pain, leg pain, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. Increasing age was predictive of superior outcomes for leg pain and satisfaction.

A Comparison of Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion and Decompression Alone for Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Abstract INTRODUCTION The optimal minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach for lumbar spondylolisthesis is not clearly elucidated. This study compares patient reported outcomes (PRO) following MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) and MIS decompression for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. METHODS A total of 608 patients from the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) Lumbar Spondylolisthesis Module underwent single-level surgery for degenerative grade 1 lumbar spondylolisthesis of whom 143 underwent MIS [72 MI-TLIF (50.3%) and 71 MIS decompressions (49.7%)]. Surgeries were classified as MIS if there was utilization of percutaneous screw fixation and placement of a Wiltse-plane MIS intervertebral body graft (MI-TLIF) or if there was a tubular decompression (MIS decompression). In total, 24-mo follow-up parameters were collected. PROs included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numeric rating scale (NRS) Back Pain, NRS Leg Pain, EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D) Questionnaire, and North American Spine Society (NASS) Satisfaction Questionnaire. Multivariate models were constructed adjusting for baseline patient and surgical factors. RESULTS The mean age of the MIS cohort was 67.1 ± 11.3 yr (MI-TLIF 62.1 yr vs MIS decompression 72.3 yr) and consisted of 79 (55.2%) women (MI-TLIF 55.6% vs MIS decompression 54.9%). The proportions reaching 24-mo follow-up were similar (MI-TLIF 83.3% and MIS decompression 84.5%; P = .85). MI-TLIF was associated with higher blood loss (108.8 vs 33.0 mL, P &lt; .001), longer operative times (228.2 vs 101.8 min, P &lt; .001) and length of hospitalization (2.9 vs 0.7 d, P &lt; .001). MI-TLIF was associated with a significantly lower reoperation rate (14.1% vs 1.4%, P = .004). Both cohorts demonstrated significant improvements in ODI, NRS back pain, NRS leg pain, and EQ-5D at 24 mo (P &lt; .001). In multivariate analyses, MI-TLIF was associated with superior ODI change (ß = −7.59; 95% CI [−14.96 to −0.23]; P = .04), NRS back pain change (ß = −1.54; 95% CI [−2.78 to −0.30]; P = .02), and NASS satisfaction (OR = 0.32; 95% CI [0.12-0.82]; P = .02). CONCLUSION For symptomatic, single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis, MI-TLIF was associated with a 10-fold lower reoperation rate and superior outcomes for disability, back pain, and patient satisfaction compared to MIS decompression alone.

A Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Grade 1 Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: An Analysis of the Prospective Quality Outcomes Database

Abstract INTRODUCTION Here, we compare minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) to traditional, open TLIF for grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis in the largest study to date by sample size. METHODS We utilized the multicenter, prospective Quality Outcomes Database registry and queried patients with grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent single-segment surgery with fully minimally invasive or open TLIF methods. Outcomes were compared 24 mo postoperatively: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Numeric Rating Scale Back Pain (NRS-BP), NRS Leg Pain (NRS-LP), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), North American Spine Society (NASS) Satisfaction Score, cumulative reoperation rate, and return to work (RTW) rate. Multivariate analyses were utilized to adjust for variables reaching P &lt; .20 on univariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 297 patients were included: 72 (24.2%) MI-TLIF and 225 (75.8%) open TLIF. Average age (MI-TLIF: 62.1 vs open TLIF: 59.5 yr) was similar (P = .10). MI-TLIF surgeries were associated with lower body mass index (29.5 ± 5.1 vs 31.3 ± 7.0, P = .0497) and more workman's compensation cases (11.1% vs 1.3%, P = .001). Patients did not differ significantly at baseline for ODI, NRS BP, NRS LP and EQ-5D (P &gt; .05). MI-TLIF was associated with less blood loss (108.8 ± 85.6 vs 299.6 ± 242.2 mL, P &lt; .001), longer operations (228.2 ± 111.5 vs 189.6 ± 66.5 min, P &lt; .001), and a trend toward decreased length of hospitalization (2.9 ± 1.8 vs 3.3 ± 1.6 d, P = 0.08). Discharge disposition to home or home healthcare was similar (94.4% vs 91.1%, P = .38). Both cohorts improved significantly from baseline for 24-month ODI, NRS-BP, NRS-LP, and EQ-5D (P &gt; .001). In adjusted analyses, MI-TLIF was associated with superior ODI (ß = −4.7; 95% CI-9.3 −0.04; P = .048) and EQ-5D (ß = 0.06; 95% CI 0.009-0.11; P = .02). Though trends for superiority were evident for MI-TLIF, they did not reach statistical significance for NRS-BP (P = .06), NRS-LP (P = .07), and NASS Satisfaction (P = .06). Similarly, there was a trend for fewer reoperations following MI-TLIF, though this did not reach statistical significance (1.4% vs 7.6%, P = .10). A higher proportion of MI-TLIF patients were able to RTW following surgery (100% vs 80%, P = .02). CONCLUSION For single-level grade 1 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, MI-TLIF was associated with superior outcomes for disability and quality of life compared with traditional, open TLIF. MI-TLIF was associated with higher rates of RTW and less blood loss, but longer operative times.

Towards ‘Dirty Realism’ in Inequality Research: is Inequality Always Dirty?

We contribute to research on organizations and inequality by providing a more nuanced picture of how organizations – through their employment practices – shape the negative consequences of income inequality. We reply to a recent call for more ‘dirty realism’ in inequality research by extending the research focus to actual life satisfaction consequences for individuals facing inequality. Building on procedural utility theory and self-determination theory, we hypothesize that adverse effects of disadvantaged income positions on individuals’ life satisfaction can be mitigated by the way organizations arrange work. We find empirical support for two important aspects of individuals’ job quality mitigating the negative effects of disadvantaged income positions: individuals in disadvantaged income positions perceive a relatively lower decrease in life satisfaction when their levels of job autonomy and job security are high. In sum, we find that income inequality is always ‘dirty’, but less so when individuals have job autonomy and job security. We conclude with a discussion of the research implications of emphasizing employment practices as a key determinant for shaping the impact of income inequality on overall life satisfaction in society.

Emotional Intelligence and its Impact on Market Management

This article discusses on emotional intelligence and its performance in organizational management. Methodology: Emotional intelligence is defined and this is compared with academic intelligence. Conditions of emotional intelligence and individual talents are explained to create emotional intelligence. Results: Then, the performance of emotional intelligence is discussed in the management of the market. Also, interpersonal intelligence, hope and optimism and their role in the market management are discussed. Conclusion: Emotional intelligence as the ability to understand the feelings and needs of others is a very useful help in guiding others in a way that leads to long-term and short-term goals and satisfaction of people and society.

Fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections for axial low back pain associated with central disc protrusions: a prospective outcome study.

To determine if axial low back pain (LBP) associated with central disc protrusions can be improved by caudal epidural steroid injections (ESIs). Adults with chronic (> 3months) moderate-to-severe axial LBP with L4-5 and/or L5-S1 central disc protrusions were enrolled in this prospective study. Participants underwent caudal ESIs under standard-of-care practice. The numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score, modified North American Spine Society satisfaction, and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were collected at oneweek, one month, three months, six months, and one year post-injection. Pre-injection magnetic resonance images were assessed by a musculoskeletal radiologist. Sixty-eight participants (42 males, 26 females) were analyzed. There were statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures at all follow-up time points, with the exception of NRS best pain at six months. Clinically significant improvements in outcomes were observed at various time points: at three months and one year for current pain; at one week, one month, three months, six months, and one year for worst pain; and at one month and one year for RMDQ. The proportion of satisfied participants ranged from 57 to 69% throughout the study. No adverse events were observed. This study demonstrated significant improvements in pain and function following caudal ESIs in a cohort of axial LBP with associated central disc protrusions. Further studies, including the use of randomized controlled trials, are needed to determine the ideal subset of candidates for this treatment and to explore additional applications that caudal ESIs may have for chronic LBP.

APLIKASI PENDEKATAN THEORY OF REASONED ACTION UNTUK MEMPERIKSI MINAT MASUK MENJADI PESERTA MANDIRI BADAN PENYELENGGARA JAMINAN SOSIAL KESEHATAN (Studi Kasus: Masyarakat Kecamatan Medan Selayang)

In BPJS Health still happened paradox rights, that is for health protection there is still ambiguity happened at Mitra Hospital which not as expected with that felt by patient, for example for certain sick like cancer for chemo process only long and difficult service for certain reasons as well. This is contrary to expectations by the Minister of Health proposed by Nafsiah Mboi that BPJS Health will endeavor to bear all kinds of diseases. Based on this, the research problem is formulated "Whether the theory of reasoned action can be used to predict the interest of the community to be a Mandiri BPJS Health participant in Medan Selayang Society". The purpose of this study is to determine the application of the theory of reasoned action in predicting the interest of entering into a participant Mandiri BPJS Health. While the benefit of the research is to provide information to the management of BPJS Health about the theory of reasoned action to predict the interest to be a participant Mandiri BPJS Health. Determination of the sample is done incidentally ie kusioner given to the Society which when met with researchers in the research location. The number of samples is determined based on the maximum error (sampling error). From the research results can be concluded that: (a). Attitudes and preference groups to be participants of Independent BPJS Health on average respondents give a positive effect (strong) on the intention to behave. (b). Based on the equation of intention to enter the participants into the Mandiri BPJS Health as a requirement of 0.62 (62%). While the effect on subjective Norm (SN) is 0.38 (38%). As a consideration (a). BPJS Health Management needs to improve the consistency of services for the required attribute benefits in accordance with the demands of positive participants on the presence of BPJS Health, (b). BPJS Health Management continuously needs to learn the attitudes of participants, because this can be used as a basis to increase the number of participants and improve the satisfaction of a prosperous Society.

Are Patients More Satisfied With a Balanced Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundPatient-reported outcome measures are increasingly recognized as an important tool in quantifying the clinical success of arthroplasty surgery. The aim of this study is to measure post-operative joint awareness and satisfaction in patients with and without a quantitatively balanced knee following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MethodsIn this multi-center study, a total of 318 eligible patients were assigned to one of the 2 patient groups: sensor-guided TKA or surgeon-guided TKA. In the sensor-guided group, quantitative balancing was performed according to intercompartmental tibiofemoral load measurements measured by an instrumented tibial trial component. In contrast, for the surgeon-guided group, the knees were balanced according to the surgeons’ standard manual techniques while blinding the surgeon to the sensor measurements. Patients were blinded to their allocation and filled out the validated Forgotten Joint Score and 2011 Knee Society Satisfaction questionnaires at 6 weeks and 6 months. For the purposes of this study, the subjects were pooled and stratified by their state of soft tissue balance, based on the mediolateral load differential through the range of motion. ResultsIn the surgeon-guided group, approximately 50% of the cases yielded a quantitatively balanced knee. Significantly more balanced knees were observed in the sensor-guided group (84.0%). More importantly, for both outcome measures, the balanced group of patients reported significantly better outcomes scores. ConclusionThis demonstrates that using sensor feedback during knee arthroplasty surgery results in a more reproducible procedure, resulting in a higher percentage of balanced patients who in turn demonstrate superior clinical outcomes compared to unbalanced patients.

Experiencing nostalgia through the lens of life satisfaction

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of life satisfaction in consumers’ reaction to nostalgic music in an advertisement in terms of attitude toward the brand and purchase intention. It suggests that life satisfaction forms the lens through which individuals interpret and reconstruct past emotional experiences evoked by nostalgia. It further investigates the role of product category involvement in the interplay between life satisfaction and nostalgic music.Design/methodology/approachTwo experiments were conducted. The first study featured a 2 (nostalgic vs non-nostalgic music) × 2 (high vs low involvement) between-subjects design and tested the research hypotheses with 208 consumers. The second study featured two involvement conditions (high vs low) and explored the underlying process behind the hypotheses. Linear regression was used to analyze the data in both studies.FindingsFor the low involvement product category, nostalgic music was more effective than non-nostalgic music for consumers with high life satisfaction, whereas non-nostalgic music was more effective for consumers with low life satisfaction levels. For the high involvement product category, life satisfaction did not moderate consumers’ reaction to nostalgic music.Research limitations/implicationsThis research suggests that past experiences evoked through nostalgic music are not static but are subject to bias and interpretation depending on an individual’s current mindset. Hence, the eventual effect of nostalgia is determined by how past events are reconstrued based on the individual’s current state.Practical implicationsThis paper warns against the blind use of nostalgic appeals in advertising, points to the need to consider the audience’s state of mind, and suggests an opportunity to leverage life satisfaction influencers in designing effective advertising campaigns.Social implicationsThe findings have strong implications for public policymakers. The results are crucial as policymakers often use public service announcement (PSA) to change the attitude of the public toward some phenomena. Knowing the current state of life satisfaction in society, they can increase the efficiency of public service announcements by including a nostalgic song in them.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first one in the marketing literature that looks at the efficiency of nostalgic songs in advertisements. The authors tested the conceptual framework by using two studies and offered novel implications to both marketers and scholars.

PENGARUH KUALITAS PELAYANAN DAN DISIPLIN KERJA TERHADAP KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT PADA KANTOR LURAH KLENDER JAKARTA TIMUR

Abstract - In the organization of good service of efficient and efficient activities. The better the service will affect the level of satisfaction felt by the community. These efforts will increase higher. Enforcement of discipline makes work more effective and efficient. The research method used is descriptive quantitative by digging data using techniques, interviews and questionnaires. Test the instrument using Product Moment's expression and reliability test using Alpha Cronbach's. Hypothesis test consists of simple regression test and multiple regression test. The results showed that: (1) there was a positive relationship between Quality of Service to Satisfaction Society with rx1y = 0,594; r2x1y = 0.353; t count (8,196)&gt; t table (1,979) at 5% significance level. (2) positive condition between Work Discipline to Satisfaction of Society with rx2y = 0,59; r2x2y = 0.359; t arithmetic (8.298)&gt; t table (1.979) at a significance level of 5%. (3). Conditions and Discipline Against Satisfaction of Society with Ry(1,2) = (0,671); R2y (1,2) = (0,450) F value count (49,989)&gt; F table (3,07) at 5% significance level. Keywords: Service Quality, Work Discipline, Public Satisfaction.

Predictors of Emirati Marital Satisfaction: Contributions of Psychological Health and Family Functioning

Based on previous work on factors predicting marital satisfaction in Emirati society, this study aimed at examining whether anxiety and depression as well as perceived family functioning would predict marital satisfaction among a sample of 1,041 Emirati married individuals. Participants responded to the Emirati Marital Satisfaction Scale along with an Arabic translation of the General Functioning (GF12) subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device and the Primary Care Anxiety and Depression Scale. Marital satisfaction negatively correlated with lower levels of family functioning as well as to depression and anxiety. Lower levels of depression and anxiety as well as healthy family functioning together explained about 50% of the variance in the marital satisfaction. The interaction between gender and depression and anxiety was insignificant. Findings are discussed within the United Arab Emirates cultural context.

Pulverous ferrous waste processing by agglomeration

The current paper presents the results obtained after the laboratory testing of the of agglomeration process of pulverous ferous waste. The obtained products are destined for use in the steel industry, as raw material for the production of steel. When choosing the proceedure and technologies of capitalization we took into consideration the features of the waste, the destination of the obtained product and the existing processing facilities. The superior valorification of iron and steel waste represents an important matter because their transformation into by-products leads to a rational use of raw material and energy resources, thus ensuring both the satisfaction of human society and the protection of the environment.

ANALISIS INDEKS KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PELAYANAN PUBLIK PADA DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN PENCATATAN SIPIL KABUPATEN SUMEDANG

This research entitled Analysis of Society Satisfaction Index on Public Service Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sumedang. The aim of this study is to determine the level of Sumedang's society satisfaction to provided services by the Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sumedang.The population of this study is the community of Sumedang who got the service in Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sumedang. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. Result of sample drawing calculation, got the number of sample are 150 responden. The analytical technique used to test the research hypothesis is quantitative analysis using the formula of IKM (Indeks Kepuasan Masyarakat/ Satisfaction Index of Society) consisting of 14 elements of service.The results of the research indicate that the overall service provided by the Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Sumedang is 75.615 which are in the category of Good. The value for the average on each service element is as follows: 3.140 for service procedure element, the service requirement element is 3,027, the clarity of the service officer is 3,040, the disciplinary element of the service officer is 3,033, the service responsibility element is 3,020, is 3,040, element of service speed is 3,007, element of justice to get service is 3,020, politeness element and hospitality officer is 3,027, service cost element is 3,047, element certainty service cost is 3,027, element certainty service schedule is 3,047, and the security element of the service is 3,073.

The Convergence study on Korean Consumers’ Perception of Cosmeceuticals in the Aging society

Background/Objectives: This study is aimed to investigate consumers’ interests in cosmeceuticals andto examine usage and satisfaction in the aging society. Therefore, it provides effective marketing data toindustries.Method/Statistical Analysis: For this study, self-questionnaires were done for Korean consumers who arein age over 20. A total of 366 copies were collected for the final analysis, and the data were analyzed bySPSS ver. 21.0 statistical program, then data were verified at the significance level of p <.05.Findings: The behavior of managing appearance healthier and younger than the actual age led to the growingin cosmeceuticals market. There are some previous studies done, but there is a lack of researches focusingon role of cosmeceuticals in the aging society. Korean consumers’ knowledge about skin was relatively highwith an average score of 79.0%. However, the result of analyzing perception of cosmeceuticals proved thatthe definition of cosmeceuticals was not widely known, and there was lack of promoting cosmeceuticals togeneral consumers: 23.2% used cosmeceuticals without being aware of them. The strength of cosmeceuticalswas high reliability due to its professionalism, and the drawback was its high cost. So, for the developmentof cosmeceutical market, it is necessary to introduce a marketing method which can reduce its cost. ManyKorean consumers used cosmeceuticals with moisturizing effect, and the overall satisfaction level was 3.59out of 5.00. Especially, the satisfaction level was high with the use of cosmeceuticals of anti-wrinkle ormoisturizing effects.Improvements/Applications: This study will provide the effective marketing resource to beauty industriesand propose a positive direction to expand cosmeceutical market in the aging society.

A New Sustainable Location-Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery by Two-Compartment Vehicles for a Perishable Product Considering Circular Economy

Abstract Ending the natural resources of the earth is a momentous issue, which brings everyone’s attention to the necessity of sustainable development. To tackle this problem, products need to live their complete lifecycle according to the circular economy concept. In this problem, a new network for the location-routing problem is designed with a specific application for perishable products. Two-compartment vehicles become responsible for gathering the expired products to the recycling centers in dual-purpose routes by simultaneous pickup and delivery. After reprocessing perished products, these products will be sold out to the secondary market, in order to complete their life cycle. With the inspiration of the three sustainable development pillars, the network implementation costs are minimized in the first objective function. While minimizing the environmental side-effects in the second objective function and maximizing the satisfaction of society in the last one. The new mathematical model is validated through the exact method in GAMS software. Because of the NP-hard nature of problem two multi-objective meta-heuristic algorithms are developed and tuned for large-sized problems. Finally, some metrics of the multi-objective algorithms are compared to find the efficient one.