Interest Groups Research Articles

Photoredox-Catalysis Fluorosulfonyldifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes and (Hetero)arenes with ICF2SO2F.

The fluorosulfonyldifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes and (hetero)arenes with iododifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride (ICF2SO2F) under visible light photoredox catalysis was successfully developed. Key to the successful fluorosulfonyldifluoromethylation of aromatic compounds was the usage of AgOTf as an additive to promote the formation of the CF2SO2F radical. The protocol provided a straightforward way to introduce the interesting and useful CF2SO2F group on sp3 and sp2 carbons.

Improving fake job description detection using deep learning-based NLP techniques

ABSTRACT In the modern online society, where social networks are increasingly developed, the authenticity of information is one of the essential needs. There are many problems with detecting fake information, such as fake news detection, fake review detection, etc. Fake job description (FJD) detection is an interesting problem many groups have studied recently. However, current studies still need improvement in predictability. Therefore, this study develops a new method named NLP2FJD that utilizes deep learning-based NLP techniques for improving FJD detection. Firstly, we utilize the pre-trained Word2Vec to extract features from textual information from the dataset. Next, combining textual information and meta-information in the experimental dataset to improve the performance of FJD detection. The above two improvements will help the recommender system significantly improve the predictive ability of the proposed model. Finally, the empirical experiments are conducted to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method on the experimental dataset compared with cutting-edge methods. The experimental results demonstrate that the NLP2FJD framework transcends other experimental methods for FJD detection on the experimental dataset. Besides, this study also conducts ROC curve analysis to show how to determine the optimal threshold for distinguishing the fake or real job description on the experimental dataset.

Exemplifying the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) in Fostering Peaceful Co-Existence among Christians and Muslims in Nigeria

In the last three decades, most of the major conflicts in Nigeria are centered on ethnicity and religion. Fundamental Muslims and Christians or moderate (liberal) Muslims and adherents of African Indigenous Religions have wrecked a lot of havoc in Nigeria. In many cases, religious leaders and politicians have manipulated these conflicts for political and economic gains. These conflicts have resulted in the death of several thousands of people and loss of unquantifiable amount of money and property. Various attempts by government, individuals, religious and other interest groups on resolving the lingering and hydra-headed crisis have not yielded holistic and desirable result. Some scholarly articles have been written to proffer solutions to Nigeria's ethno-religious crisis; these include research on interfaith dialogue, social integration, sustainable communal developments, the impact of ethno- religious crisis on the security, economy and sociopolitical stability of the country. However, the exemplary nature of loving, empathizing, accepting, accommodating and living with one’s known or perceived enemies have not been adequately explored with religious hindsight. This paper therefore considers the exemplary character of the “Good Samaritan” in the parable of Jesus Christ (Luke 10:25-37) as a spring board for peaceful co-existence between Christians and people of other faiths in Nigerian multicultural contexts, particularly the Muslims. Exegetical and historical methods are used; the Theoretical Framework is premised on Eisenberg Pro-social Behaviour theory, which is defined as voluntary behaviour intended to benefit another (Eisenberg, 1986). Findings reveal that Nigeria has been wracked by periodic violent clashes between political, ethnic and religious groups since the second half of the 20th century. Reasons for these clashes vary from one locality to another but they are mostly motivated by religious, social, economic and political disputes. Conclusively, exemplifying the teaching of Jesus Christ on love for one's neighbour in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" here proposed first to the Christian community gives a new hope on the quest for peace in Nigeria and re-orientation for Christians and their Muslim neighbours. It is recommended therefore that both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria should leverage on the “Good Samaritan’s” peace accord to one’s neghbour proposed by Jesus Christ without prejudice or stereotyping one another.

Rickettsia Species: Genetic Variability, Vectors, and Rickettsiosis—A Review

Rickettsiae are an interesting group of bacteria comprising a large number of obligate intracellular species. The circulation of these bacteria in the environment depends on the presence of vectors (blood-sucking invertebrates) and their hosts. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses in 2022, a division into five groups of Rickettsia has been proposed: I belli group, II canadensis group, III typhus group, and IV and V spotted group fever (respectively II, phylogenetically older, and I). The genus Rickettsia includes species that are both pathogenic and nonpathogenic to humans and domestic and wild animals. Some Rickettsia species are invertebrate symbionts. Currently, rickettsiae, which are transmitted mainly by ticks, are spreading worldwide. This has been promoted by climate change, environmental changes caused by humans, and the synanthropisation of plants and animals. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the natural and urban environments. The study of potential vectors and reservoirs of bacteria in the genus Rickettsia should be a permanent part of the analysis of the modern human environment.

Budgets and the timing, intensity, and composition of interest group lobbying in the U.S. states

This paper examines state level lobbying data to determine how budgeting affects the timing, intensity and composition of lobbying expenditures. Using a database of all available lobbying expenditures in the U.S. states ranging up to 25 years, the paper shows interest group lobbying increases substantially during the budgeting process, and the budgeting process is unlike other issues lobbyists face. Spikes in lobbying during budgeting are driven primarily by business groups, and these business groups account for most of the changes on the margin in lobbying activity. Moreover, even groups relatively unaffected by budgets lobby more intensely during legislative budgeting, consistent with the “Christmas tree” effect of appropriations and budget bills.

European survey of diagnosis and management of the polycystic ovary syndrome: full report on the ESE PCOS Special Interest Group's 2023 Questionnaire.

Although polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrinopathy, there are several issues related to this disorder which perplex clinicians in their everyday practice. To determine the current state of knowledge among European endocrinologists concerning the full spectrum of PCOS. An online survey comprising 41 items covering various aspects of PCOS diagnosis and management was distributed to members of the European Society of Endocrinology. A total of 505 European endocrinologists (64% females), with a mean age of 47 ± 11.6 years, participated in the survey. The Rotterdam criteria were the primary diagnostic tool for 85% of respondents. Most referrals (87.1%) occurred between ages 20 and 40 years. Twenty-five percent of physicians have access to mass spectrometry for the evaluation of androgen levels. While an extended metabolic profile was commonly employed as part of the workup, there was uncertainty regarding chronic anovulation diagnosis. Diabetes, including gestational or type 2, was recognized as a significant risk factor with universal screening irrespective of BMI status. Lifestyle modification and metformin were considered as standard interventions by all participants alongside oral contraceptives, though there was significant discrepancy in treatment duration. The Rotterdam diagnostic criteria are widely adopted for PCOS diagnosis among European endocrinologists. The current updated survey shows an emphasis on steroid profiling as an important part of diagnostic workup and a strong position held for recognition of PCOS as a metabolic condition with potentially serious implications. Current therapy thus shifted to the demand for prioritizing lifestyle interventions and metabolic therapies, either as monotherapy or in combination with standard hormone compounds.

Challenges of collaborative governance in lifelong guidance in Finland

ABSTRACT The aim of the paper was to analyse the ways in which collaborative governance appears in the context of lifelong guidance in Finland. The research question was ‘What are (in terms of problem-solving, collaborative process and multi-relational accountability) the challenges for collaborative governance of lifelong guidance in Finland?’ The analysis drew from ten in-depth thematic interviews with experts working on issues related to the governance of lifelong guidance at the central government of Finland and related interest groups. Our analysis showed that, despite the progress made, institutional structures, practices and perceptions challenge the implementation of collaborative governance. The results point out three key challenges: The first generally relates to the aim of increasing collaborative governance, the second to the creation of a collaborative network and the formation of shared objectives in lifelong guidance and the third to the concept of multi-relational accountability. A key question in addressing these challenges is how to evaluate and verify the benefits of collaborative governance.

The nexus of tax avoidance and firms characteristics – does board gender diversity have a role? Evidence from an emerging economy

PurposeThis study examines the moderating role of female directors on the relationship between the firms’ characteristics and tax avoidance in an emerging economy.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the second-generation unit root test and the generalised method of moments (GMM) techniques. The Kao residual cointegration test corroborates a long-run cointegration among variables.FindingsFemale directors demonstrate mixed and unusual findings. No significant impact of female directors on tax avoidance is found. In addition, the presence of female directors does not show any negative or significant moderating impacts on the relationship between leverage, firm age, board size and tax avoidance. However, having more female directors can negatively and significantly moderate the relationship between more profitable firms, larger firms and tax avoidance. These findings show that the board of directors could use the presence of female directors to maximise their opportunistic behaviour, such as to avoid tax.Research limitations/implicationsResearch limitations – The study is limited by considering only 62 listed firms. The scope could be extended to include non-listed firms.Practical implicationsResearch implications – There is increasing pressure for female directors on boards from diverse stakeholders, such as the European Commission, national governments, politicians, employer lobby groups, shareholders, and Fortune and Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) rankings. This study provides input to decision-makers putting gender quota laws into practice. Our findings can help policy-makers adopt regulatory reforms to control tax avoidance practices and enhance organisational legitimacy. Policymakers can change their policy to include female directors up to the threshold suggested by the critical mass theory.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt in Bangladesh to explore the role of female directors in the relationship between the firms' characteristics and tax avoidance. The current study has significant ramifications for bringing gender diversity into practice as a component of good corporate governance.

A Qualitative Study of National Perspectives on Advancing Social Prescribing Using Co-Design in Canada.

Social prescribing offers a formal pathway of connecting patients in the health system with sources of support within the community to help improve their health and well-being. Since its launch in March 2022, the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing has acted as a collective impact network to identify, connect and build upon established social prescribing initiatives using a co-design methodology. The institute received input from a participant advisory council, co-design partners and several communities of interest groups. This study aimed to describe the perceptions of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing's role in advancing social prescribing using a co-design approach and the barriers and facilitators to implementing social prescribing in Canada. We used a qualitative descriptive study design, document analysis, participant observation and semi-structured individual interviews (n = 7) with members of the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing co-design group and the institute's leadership. We also analysed documents, field notes and transcripts using codebook thematic analysis. Four themes were developed representing the facilitators of implementing the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing to support social prescribing: Creating relational mechanisms (i.e., partnerships and connections), Bringing awareness to social prescribing and contributing to the evidence (i.e., values and beliefs), Addressing systemic conditions (i.e., having a common language for social prescribing and organizing the community health sector) and Enabling funding and policy to drive social prescribing initiatives (i.e., shifting evidence into policy and securing sustainable funding). Participants' reflections on the co-design process demonstrated that the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing development provided networking opportunities and shared resources relevant to social prescribing. Co-design efforts also fostered relational and informational support, which laid the necessary groundwork in Canada to overcome the complex interplay between the macro- and micro-level settings in which social prescribing is practiced. The interviews and observations involved participants with lived experience of delivering, receiving or advocating for social prescribing.

International consensus on methotrexate dosing for patients with atopic dermatitis: An eDelphi study.

Despite the widespread off-label use of methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), there is limited high-quality evidence on dosing regimens and existing guidelines do not provide clear recommendations regarding dosing strategies. The aim of this study was to achieve international consensus among AD experts to standardize the dosing regimen for MTX treatment in adults and children with AD. An electronic Delphi (eDelphi) study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022. Recruitment was conducted through dermatology societies and AD interest groups. Participation was open to dermatologists and dermatology residents experienced in treating AD patients with MTX. The study consisted of three online rounds. The first round was informed by a systematic review of relevant literature, and subsequent rounds were adjusted based on the results of the previous round. Participants voted on 19 proposals using a 9-point scale (1-3 disagree, 4-6 neither agree nor disagree, 7-9 agree). Consensus was achieved when at least 70% of participants agreed, and less than 15% disagreed. Proposals that did not reach consensus in the first three rounds were discussed in a consensus meeting, where consensus was defined as less than 30% disagreement. In total, 152 participants completed Round 1, 104 (68%) completed all survey rounds, and 43 (28%) joined the consensus meeting. Consensus was achieved on 7 proposals in Round 1, 4 in Round 2 and 6 in Round 3. The final 2 proposals reached consensus during the consensus meeting. Consensus topics include test dose, start dose, maximum dose, administration route, dosing schedule, management of stopping treatment, treatment duration and folic acid supplementation. This eDelphi study achieved consensus on 19 proposals related to MTX dosing for adults and children with AD. These results aim to guide prescribing decisions and encourage a standardized global approach to MTX use in AD.

The centre of a finitely generated strongly verbally closed group is almost always pure

ABSTRACT The assertion in the title implies that many interesting groups (for example, all non-abelian braid groups or $\textbf{SL}_{100}(\mathbb{Z})$) are not strongly verbally closed, i. e., they embed into some finitely generated groups as verbally closed subgroups, which are not retracts.

Predicting the autoignition behaviour of tailorable advanced biofuel blends using automatically generated mechanisms

Emerging processes such as biomass alcoholysis have the potential to provide tailorable, advanced biofuels to replace conventional fossil fuels. Knowledge of the engine-relevant behaviour for such fuels is evolving but is currently limited. Simulation tools may assist in the exploration of this behaviour but are reliant on the availability of robust, detailed kinetic mechanisms to produce accurate predictions. Automatic mechanism generation (AMG) techniques may be applied to facilitate the production of such mechanisms, as long as the utilised databases contain high-quality kinetic and thermochemical information of relevance to the functional groups of interest. To model the combustion characteristics of complex fuel blends, Reaction Mechanism Generator (RMG) is applied in this work to produce detailed ethyl (ethyl levulinate, diethyl ether, ethanol) and butyl (n‑butyl levulinate, di-n‑butyl ether, n-butanol) kinetic mechanisms. The predictive capabilities of these mechanisms are evaluated against a combination of literature data for individual components and new experimental measurements of ethyl and butyl blends. Stoichiometric blend ignition delay times are measured in a rapid compression machine at a compressed pressure of 20 bar and compressed temperatures of 645–960 K. The investigated blends are formulated to achieve a desired research octane number (blends ELV1 and BLV1) or to match physical property limits of diesel fuels (blends ELV2 and BLV2). Ethyl blend measurements show clear examples of complex low temperature oxidation behaviour, but this is not observable in the butyl cases, as the high boiling point of butyl levulinate necessitates the use of significant dilution in ignition delay experiments. The generated models show a high degree of accuracy when compared to measurements at thermodynamic conditions of relevance to engine technologies. The blending behaviour shown by the experimental measurements is also well predicted. This work highlights the importance of database additions/modifications based on low uncertainty, high quality, literature data when using AMG methods.

Association between preoperative sarcopenia and postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a usual neurological complication, often leading to poor prognoses. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for preventing POD. Sarcopenia is an age-related geriatric syndrome characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, and previous studies indicated that preoperative low muscle mass might be a predictor for POD. However, the association between preoperative sarcopenia and POD remains to be fully elucidated. This study was to explore the correlation between preoperative sarcopenia and POD following gastrointestinal cancer surgery in older patients.MethodsOlder patients (≥60 years) undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery were enrolled. Sarcopenia was defined based on the Special Interest Group on sarcopenia of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISarcoPRM), which combined the loss of muscle mass (evaluated by ultrasound) and function (assessed by chair stand test and handgrip strength) before surgery. POD assessment was performed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) or CAM for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU) during the first 7 days after surgery or before discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined the correlation between preoperative sarcopenia and POD. Moreover, the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze the predictive effect of the preoperative sarcopenia in POD.ResultsOne hundred and thirty patients were finally included, of which 43 patients presented with sarcopenia before surgery. Twenty-four patients ultimately developed POD, and the incidence was 18.5%. The results of the multivariate analyses demonstrated that preoperative sarcopenia was still independently associated with POD after adjusting for age ≥70 years, preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination score, and intraoperative blood transfusion. The area under the ROC curve of preoperative sarcopenia in predicting POD was 0.680 (95% confidence interval 0.557–0.804).ConclusionPreoperative sarcopenia defined by ISarcoPRM criteria was independently associated with POD in geriatric patients after gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

When Do Voters See Fraud? Evaluating the Effects of Poll Supervision on Perceptions of Integrity

Abstract What shapes voter perceptions of election outcomes? Recent disputes in Malawi and Kenya highlight the vulnerability of local vote counts to accusations of malfeasance, which often generate negative public perceptions of vote reliability. Election monitoring in these countries is thought to crucially affect both the quality of the election and voters’ perceptions of the same. To date, most research on this topic has focused on the effect of non-partisan electoral observers. However, in many countries, two other interest groups also monitor the vote-counting process: political party agents and government election officials. Does the presence of these actors also affect voter perceptions of election integrity? To answer this question, I conducted a conjoint experiment in Malawi and Kenya in which voters evaluate the reliability of vote counts from hypothetical polling stations where the presence of party agents, non-partisan observers, and election officials is varied. I find that the presence of each of these groups does indeed shape voter perceptions: voters are more likely to view vote counts as reliable when they are co-signed by a party agent, election official, or non-partisan observer. Further, these preferences persist regardless of the voters’ own party affiliation or trust in electoral institutions.

관광과 지역 정체성 정치

Despite being one of Korea's six major cities during the Japanese colonial era, Mokpo has declined to a small local city post-liberation. Since the establishment of the local government system, Mokpo has aimed to reinvent itself as a tourist destination. Over the past 20 years, the city has implemented six major tourism development and promotion projects, including night scenery lighting, a marine music fountain, urban regeneration of the old city center, a suspension cable car, hotel construction on Samhakdo Island, and branding Mokpo as a “romantic harbor city.” Throughout this process, there have been conflicts, competition, and cooperation with various civic and local interest groups. This research, based on related studies and Logan & Molotch's (2007) growth machine theory, analyzes how different groups formed growth and anti-growth coalitions and how they struggled over six key projects. Newspaper articles documenting these conflicts, competition, and cooperation were reviewed. To enhance reliability and validity, peer review and an interview with a local newspaper editor were conducted. The findings show that while the growth machine theory is useful in examining Mokpo's coalitions and their conflicts, it has limitations in fully explaining the phenomenon's complexity. The study concludes by discussing future research directions and the role of deliberative democracy in sustaining Mokpo's development as a tourist city.

Glycemic metrics in Japanese isCGM users - Analysis by diabetes type and therapy.

The FreeStyle Libre (FSL) intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) system continually measures interstitial glucose levels and provides the data to users in numerical and graphical formats that guide users in their daily diabetes self-management. Although numerous studies have demonstrated the glycemic benefits of FSL in pediatric and adult populations, few studies have characterized FSL use specifically by Japanese adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes. We utilized established CGM metrics to assess glycemic control in a large cohort of Japanese adults with type 1 and 2 diabetes. A total of 3,463 anonymized FSL users provided categorization into one of four therapy groups of interest: type 1 diabetes (n = 1,768), type 2 diabetes-multiple daily injections (MDI) (n = 612), type 2 diabetes-basal (BOI) (n = 343), and type 2 diabetes-non-insulin (NIT) (n = 740). Established CGM metrics were used to assess glycemic control. All study groups showed relatively good glycemic control. Type 1 diabetes users showed the highest glucose variability (SD, 61 mg/dL; and %CV, 40%), above the established target level (%CV ≤ 36%). type 2 diabetes-MDI and type 2 diabetes-BOI users had similar levels of glucose variability (both within target). Type 2 diabetes-NIT users had the highest mean % time in range (TIR) (84.3%) and largest percentage of users that met the target of %TIR > 70% (87.4%). In contrast, type 1 diabetes users had the lowest mean %TIR (62.6%) and the lowest percentage meeting the established %TIR target (30.5%). By utilizing CGM devices in daily diabetes care, both healthcare professionals and patients can monitor glycemic excursions and gain insights into their historical glucose control patterns.

Entertainment social media based on deep learning and interactive experience application in English e-learning teaching system

With the rapid development of the Internet, e-learning is becoming more and more popular as a convenient and flexible way of learning. This study aims to explore the application of entertainment social media based on deep learning and interactive experience in English e-learning teaching system to improve students’ learning effect and motivation. The interface design of e-learning system incorporates gamification elements, and deep learning algorithms are used to analyze students’ learning habits and progress. The system can provide personalized learning paths and recommended content for each student to ensure that learning resources match students’ needs and abilities. A variety of interactive learning activities are built into the system to encourage students to actively participate in and practice their English speaking and listening skills. With integrated social media capabilities, students can create profiles on the learning platform, join interest groups, communicate with peers and study collaboratively. Through the data analysis of experiments and questionnaires, we found that entertainment social media based on deep learning and interactive experience can effectively improve students’ learning interest and motivation in the English e-learning teaching system. Students showed higher engagement and motivation when using the system and achieved better learning outcomes.

American Headache Society white paper on treatment of post-traumatic headache from concussion in youth.

To provide healthcare professionals guidance on youth at risk for prolonged recovery and post-traumatic headache (PTH), and on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of PTH due to concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. Headache is the most common persistent post-concussive symptom affecting 8% of youth for >3 months after concussion. Over the past decade, many studies have explored the treatment of PTH in youth, but there are no established guidelines. This white paper is based on a synthesis of an updated systematic review of the literature on treatment of PTH and a narrative review of the literature on risk factors for prolonged recovery and health disparities. Results were interpreted by a group of expert providers in PTH in children and adolescents through collaboration of the PTH and pediatric special interest groups of the American Headache Society. Factors that consistently were associated with prolonged recovery from concussion and persistent PTH included female sex, a high number of acute symptoms, and adolescent age. Social determinants of health also likely play an important role in PTH and deserve consideration in the clinical and research settings. A total of 33 studies met the criteria for inclusion in the systematic review of PTH treatment in youth, although most were retrospective and of fair-to-poor quality. Treatment strategies included acute and preventive pharmacologic management, procedures, neuro-modulatory devices, physical therapy, physical activity, and behavioral health support. A collaborative care approach that includes a thoughtful combination of these management strategies is likely most effective. This white paper provides a roadmap for tailoring the treatment of PTH based on factors influencing prolonged headache, the timing of therapies, and therapies with the most evidence for treating PTH in youth. We also highlight research needed for developing more definitive guidelines on PTH management in youth.

Institutional project for global climate regulation

The climate agenda is beginning to have a significant impact on the economic policies of different countries. We argue that the established global climate regulation can be seen not only as a co-ordinated project of forming new institutions, but also as a competition of separate projects, one of which takes the place of the global one. The aim of our paper is to characterise the institutional project of climate regulation as the result of collective choices to adopt and implement measures to internalise the global externalities of climate change. We conducted an institutional analysis of the selection of the main directions and instruments of climate regulation, and highlighted the criteria for this selection. The article shows that in the process of coordination of interests the choice is determined by the correlation of political and economic positions of different interest groups (international organisations, countries, corporations and banks, their associations), and the interests of increasing competitiveness and strengthening control and power in the modern economy come to the fore. As a result, the low-carbon economy project is taking the place of the global climate regulation project. Its core is the energy transition, which involves replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. The low carbon economy project is supported by the narratives of impending disaster, the «Net-Zero» and «Race to Zero campaign». Its main beneficiaries are developed countries as developers and suppliers of relevant technological and management solutions. The financial sector gets its share of benefits. M. Olson's formula «the majority tyrannizes and exploits the minority» is realized. We show that «distribution coalitions», when given additional resources, are willing to continue investing them in collective action to promote a low-carbon economy. We conclude that getting global climate regulation out of the «race to zero» trap involves the development of sovereign climate policies by different countries and groups of countries. These policies do not focus on following specific low-carbon development recommendations, but rather on their own socio-economic development with a view to reducing their impact on the climate system.

Perspectives of key interest groups regarding supervised Consumption sites (SCS) and novel virtual harm reduction services / overdose response hotlines and applications: a qualitative Canadian study

BackgroundSupervised consumption sites (SCS) and overdose prevention sites (OPS) have been implemented across Canada to mitigate harms associated with illicit substance use. Despite their successes, they still contend with challenges that limit their accessibility and uptake. Overdose response hotlines and apps are novel virtual technologies reminiscent of informal “spotting” methods that may address some of the limitations. Here, we strove to qualitatively examine the factors that may encourage or deter utilization of these virtual services and SCS.MethodsA total of 52 participants across Canada were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods. These included people with lived and living experience of substance use, family members of people with lived experience, healthcare providers, community harm reduction workers, and virtual harm reduction operators. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted and inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify the themes pertaining to SCS and virtual harm reduction.ResultsParticipants viewed overdose response hotline and apps as an opportunity to consume substances without being hindered by logistical barriers (e.g., wait times), fear of law enforcement, invasion of privacy, and more. They also noted that these virtual services provided more flexibility for clients who opt for routes of consumption that are not supported by SCS, such as smoking. Overall, SCS was perceived to be better than virtual services at facilitating social connection, providing additional resources/referrals, as well as prompt response to overdose.ConclusionIn sum, participants viewed SCS and virtual services as filling different needs and gaps. This study adds to a growing body of literature which informs how virtual harm reduction services can serve as useful adjunct to more standard harm reduction methods.