Practical Guidance Research Articles

Clinical Management of Designer Benzodiazepine Intoxication: A Systematic Review.

A subset of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), designer benzodiazepines, are rising in popularity. These compounds are more potent derivatives of prescription benzodiazepines and can lead to profound sedation. Therefore, clinicians are challenged with caring for patients who present with designer benzodiazepine intoxication or withdrawal. We conducted a systematic review of the literature for designer benzodiazepine overdoses with a focus on patient presentation and clinical management. We conducted a systematic literature search in multiple databases using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms "designer benzodiazepine(s)" and "case report" along with additional permutations of search terms. We used the PICOS search algorithm to enhance reporting of systematic reviews' findings. A total of 27 articles were selected for inclusion in our systematic review, comprising 35 patient cases. The average patient age was 27.14 years (SD = 9.86), and the male-to-female ratio was 3.38:1. More than half (54.29%) of cases involved designer benzodiazepines alone, whereas 45.71% of cases involved co-ingestions. The most frequent presenting sign was altered mental status. The most frequent abnormal vital sign was tachycardia. Management of patients presenting with acute designer benzodiazepine intoxication was highly variable, depending on the severity. We include practical clinical management guidance based on 3 designer benzodiazepine toxidromes including sedation-predominant, withdrawal-predominant, or mixed-sedation with rebound agitation. Designer benzodiazepines are highly potent compounds that present a significant risk to patients and pose a clinical management challenge to clinicians. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of designer benzodiazepines in humans.

Driving competence across sectors: high-involvement work practices and creative self-efficacy in public and private organizations

Purpose Enhancing employee competence is essential for an organization’s success, but it can be challenging due to the varying work practices across different sectors. This study aims to examine how high-involvement work practices (HIWPs) and creative self-efficacy contribute to competence development in public and private banks. It provides insights into the unique dynamics of each sector. Design/methodology/approach A total of 373 bank professionals from Bangladesh were analyzed, comprising 156 individuals from public banks and 217 from private banks. The hypothesized relationships were examined using structural equation modeling. Findings Information sharing is a significant driver of competence in private banks, while empowerment is the primary determinant within public banks. Creative self-efficacy mediates this relationship, enhancing the influence of HIWPs on competence development. Furthermore, sectoral variances indicate that employment contracts and organizational contexts play a crucial role in shaping the impact of HIWPs on competence development. Practical implications Adapting HIWPs to different sectors’ needs can significantly enhance employee competence and overall organizational performance. By integrating creative self-efficacy into recruitment processes and promoting supportive work environments, organizations can further stimulate intrinsic motivation and facilitate the development of employee competencies. These insights offer practical guidance for HRM practices applicable to public and private sectors. Originality/value This research enhances existing literature by elucidating specific antecedents of competence within the banking sector. It provides practical insights for using individual motivators and human resource management strategies across various organizational contexts.

Consensus recommendations on multiple sclerosis management in Australia and New Zealand: part 2.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system with rapidly evolving treatment options and strategies. An iterative modified Delphi process was used to develop 80 consensus recommendations for the management of MS in Australia and New Zealand. Part 1 of these guidelines includes recommendations related to selection of initial disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for MS, assessments before commencing DMT, monitoring disease activity on DMT, switching DMT, and discontinuing DMT. This article, Part 2, covers recommendations related to risk mitigation during treatment with DMT, managing DMT in special situations (including pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, active infection including COVID-19, and malignancy), general lifestyle measures for MS, acute MS relapses, and symptomatic treatments. Together with Part 1, this consensus statement provides practical guidance for clinicians involved in the care of adults (≥ 18 years old) with MS in Australia and New Zealand. A safe, effective and comprehensive approach to managing MS is crucial for improving long term outcomes and quality of life in individuals affected by MS.

The influence of temperature, seepage and stress on the area and category of wellbore instability

This study investigates the challenge of borehole instability in shale gas development, focusing on the interactions among temperature, fluid flow, and stress. Using a thermal-hydro-mechanical coupling model of borehole elastic stress combined with a true triaxial rock strength criterion and tensile failure criterion, the research systematically examines the effects of different models on borehole stability in shale formations. The findings reveal that while temperature has a relatively minor impact on the stress distribution and failure zones around boreholes, bottom hole pressure plays a critical role in influencing both the extent of unstable regions and the modes of rock failure. Under varying inclination angles, the unstable zones and failure patterns generally remain consistent, with higher stability observed when drilling aligns with the direction of minimum horizontal stress. Moreover, the study highlights the significance of appropriate drilling fluid density in maintaining borehole stability. Specifically, when the bottom hole pressure ranges from 50.66 to 70.66 MPa, the tensile and shear instability areas are minimized within seven days of contact with the drilling fluid. The research underscores the importance of optimizing drilling fluid density, carefully managing bottom hole pressure, and selecting proper borehole trajectories to enhance stability during shale gas drilling. These findings provide both theoretical insights and practical guidance, contributing to the optimization of shale gas drilling engineering practices.

The Matching of CSR Communication Strategies and CSR Models: A Content Analysis Based on Weibo

As social media becomes an essential tool for disseminating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, there is a lack of academic discussion on how to effectively match different CSR models with communication strategies. This paper explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of such matching on the Weibo platform based on established classifications of CSR models (Cultivating Goodwill, Compensating, and Corrective) and communication strategies (Broadcasting, Reacting, and Engaging). By analyzing CSR-related content published by Chinese companies on Weibo, the study finds that Corrective CSR matches best with engaging strategies, Compensating CSR aligns well with reacting strategies, and Cultivating Goodwill CSR tends to adopt broadcasting strategies. This research not only validates theoretical assumptions regarding CSR communication but also provides practical guidance for companies to optimize their social media communication strategies. Future research could further examine the impact of these matches on public sentiment and behavioral responses.

China Telecom 5G Analysis On The Path To Improve User Quality Satisfaction

With the rapid development of 5G technology, the telecommunications industry faces significant opportunities and challenges. Key factors such as user expectations, quality perception, value perception, and user satisfaction influence the competitiveness and market share of telecom companies. This paper, based on user behavior theory, examines the relationships between these factors and their impact on user loyalty. The findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for telecom marketing strategies in the 5G era, helping companies understand user needs, improve service quality, and enhance loyalty, ultimately promoting long-term growth.

Focusing on First Cycle Approval in ANDA Submission: Understanding Common Deficiencies & Case Study Insights.

Achieving first-cycle approval in Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) is a critical goal in the generic drug industry, as it enables faster market entry. This study covers common areas of deficiency within ANDA submissions that often lead to delays and multiple review cycles. This review also delves into FDA initiatives aimed at improving first-cycle approval rates and case study analysis that assess deficiencies impact on approval timelines. A literature-based analysis was conducted, reviewed industry reports, regulatory guidelines, and published articles available on various databases to identify trends in ANDA deficiencies. Identifies key areas where applicants frequently fall short, such as incomplete data submissions, inadequate manufacturing, labelling and DMF requirements, and insufficient bioequivalence studies. Overall, it provides valuable insights and practical guidance for generic drug developers to refine their submissions, aiming for higher first-cycle approval success in alignment with FDA standards.

An overview of rural e-commerce policy research in the context of rural revitalization

The expansion of rural industry is aided by rural e-commerce, which is a key element of China's rural revitalization. More and more policies, such as the implementation of the “Digital Business for Agriculture” project, have laid a solid foundation for the development of rural e-commerce, which is particularly emphasized in this paper in a systematic review of the historical process of rural e-commerce policies from initial exploration to high-quality development. Through a study of the literature, this article examines the current situation in terms of the coupling effect of policies, talent nurturing, urban-rural development impacts, and economic advantages. However, there are issues with the creation, landing, and oversight of rural e-commerce rules. By addressing these issues, suggesting related development strategies, and projecting the development trend that rural e-commerce policies will present in the future, this paper seeks to offer theoretical references and practical guidance for the formulation and implementation of rural e-commerce policies.

Impact of Social Stereotypes on Women's Identity

This study focuses on the profound impact of social stereotypes, especially traditional gender stereotypes and feminist stereotypes, on women's identity, and explores how to construct a new feminist identity based on them. Traditional gender stereotypes limit women's roles to the domestic and emotional spheres, emphasizing their tender, dependent qualities. This solidified perception not only limits women's career development and social participation but also profoundly affects their self-perception and identity. Feminist stereotypes, on the other hand, may overemphasize women's independence and antagonism, ignoring the diversity and differences within women, also posing a complex impact on women's identity. On the one hand, traditional gender stereotypes have led to many obstacles for women in pursuing their values and dreams, such as limited career choices and low social recognition. Feminist stereotypes, on the other hand, may cause women to feel confused and pressured about their identity when pursuing feminist goals. On this basis, this study proposes strategies for constructing a new feminist identity. Feminist identity should transcend the limitations of traditional gender stereotypes and feminist stereotypes, advocate gender equality and individual freedom, and respect women's diversity and differences. The significance of this study is that it provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the construction of a more egalitarian, inclusive, and pluralistic feminist identity through an in-depth exploration of the impact of social stereotypes on women's identity.

Research on Project Management Based on PPP Model

With the continuous development of the global economy, the public-private partnership (PPP) model is increasingly used in the field of project management. Through in-depth cooperation between the government and social capital, the PPP model achieves optimal allocation of resources and reasonable sharing of risks, brings new solutions to infrastructure construction and the improvement of social public services, and achieves a win-win situation. This article analyzes the main characteristics of the PPP model through the literature review method, discusses the main advantages of PPP project management, focuses on the existing problems of PPP project management, and proposes specific solutions to the problems to help project managers carry out projects under the PPP model. Scientific and efficient project management provides theoretical support and practical guidance to ensure that enterprises maximize economic benefits, improve project quality, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of the PPP model in more fields.

Accessibility Analysis and Site Selection Suggestions for Cultural Complexes in Nanjing

In recent years, with the increase of urban cultural consumption demand, cultural complexes, the role of cultural complexes, notably bookstores, have become increasingly significant. In this study, we took the 11th district of Nanjing as the research object and selected the cultural complex represented by bookstores in Nanjing to study and analyze their distribution and accessibility. First, the study collected data on the location, transportation network, and population density of bookstores in Nanjing. Then, a comprehensive evaluation system was constructed to evaluate the impact of different modes of transportation on the accessibility of bookstores. By using the spatial analysis method, this study quantitatively evaluated the spatial distribution pattern, service scope and service equity of Nanjing bookstores. The results show that the distribution of bookstores in Nanjing shows a similar imbalance with the distribution of population density, in which the accessibility of the central area of the city is relatively high, while the peripheral area is low. In particular, the issue of accessibility equity for children is particularly prominent. Based on the above findings, this paper proposes targeted suggestions and improvement strategies for bookstore site selection, aiming to provide a scientific basis and practical guidance for government decision-makers, urban planners and bookstore operators.

Conceptualizing Insight for the Study of Doctoral Student Information Use

Insight is a cognitive and affective phenomenon characterized by a sudden realization and positive affect. While the phenomenon of insight is widely studied in psychology, few LIS scholars have taken this topic seriously. This presentation reports out on the author’s exploratory study of insight experiences among doctoral students and details the challenges with operationalizing insight within this context. An argument will be made for the utility of Howard Gruber’s work in providing practical guidance for the conceptualization of students’ insight experiences.

Unraveling the risk of dredging on river bars for mineral sand mining: an engineering geological approach

Sand mining using dredging technology from channel bars is a common technique worldwide. To minimize adverse effects of dredging, geo-engineering nature of the soil should be evaluated before mining. Therefore, the present study deals with the potential risks associated with dredging for mineral sand extraction by analyzing the engineering geological properties of the soil from the Brahmaputra River bar and the surrounding areas, Bangladesh. A detailed engineering geological analysis was conducted using field and laboratory testing methods, including Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), mineralogy, grain size distribution (GSD), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and direct shear tests. The findings divulge that the soil in the study area is light gray, unconsolidated, moderately sorted, poorly graded, and classified as fine-to-medium silty sand. SPT-based liquefaction potential assessments suggest that the soils are highly susceptible to liquefaction, particularly during dredging or seismic events. The study also identifies the risk of localized slumping and soil instability, which exacerbated by micaceous and quartz-rich sands. The CBR results further classify the subgrade as weak to medium-strong, indicating risks of slumping, erosion, and instability. The non-cohesive granular soil in the area may liquefy or be susceptible to erosion, wave attack, bank slope failures, and seepage development during and after dredging as indicated from GSD and direct shear test results. Thus, proper safety precautions, including soil stabilization techniques, controlled dredging, and slope reinforcement, should be taken before dredging on such river bar to minimize risk. This research offers practical guidance for dredging companies to minimize risks and improve soil stability, contributing to safer and more sustainable river bar dredging operations worldwide.

Animal models of human herpesvirus infection.

Human herpesvirus, a specific group within the herpesvirus family, is responsible for a variety of human diseases. These viruses can infect humans and other vertebrates, primarily targeting the skin, mucous membranes, and neural tissues, thereby significantly impacting the health of both humans and animals. Animal models are crucial for studying virus pathogenesis, vaccine development, and drug testing. Despite several vaccine candidates being in preclinical and clinical stages, no vaccines are current available to prevent lifelong infections caused by these human herpesviruses, except for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine. However, the strict host tropism of herpesviruses and other limitations mean that no single animal model can fully replicate all key features of human herpesvirus-associated diseases. This makes it challenging to evaluate vaccines and antivirals against human herpesvirus comprehensively. Herein, we summarize the current animal models used to study the human herpesviruses including α-herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), HSV-2, VZV), β-herpesviruses (human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), γ-herpesviruses (Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)) and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)). By providing concise information and detailed analysis of the potential, limitations and applications of various models, such as non-human primates, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, and tree shrews, this summary aims to help researchers efficiently select the most appropriate animal model, offering practical guidance for studying human herpesvirus.

What works for whom in pediatric OCD: description of causally interpretable meta-analysis methods and report on trial data harmonization.

Improving patient outcomes will be enhanced by understanding "what works, for whom?" enabling better matching of patients to available treatments. However, answering this "what works, for whom?" question requires sample sizes that exceed those of most individual trials. Conventional methods for combining data across trials, including aggregate-data meta-analysis, suffer from key limitations including difficulty accounting for differences across trials (e.g., comparing "apples to oranges"). Causally interpretable meta-analysis (CI-MA) addresses these limitations by pairing individual-participant-data (IPD) across trials using advancements in transportability methods to extend causal inferences to clinical "target" populations of interest. Combining IPD across trials also requires careful acquisition and harmonization of data, a challenging process for which practical guidance is not well-described in the literature. We describe methods and work to date for a large harmonization project in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that employs CI-MA. We review the data acquisition, harmonization, meta-data coding, and IPD analysis processes for Project Harmony, a study that (1) harmonizes 28 randomized controlled trials, along with target data from a clinical sample of treatment-seeking youth ages 4-20 with OCD, and (2) applies CI-MA to examine "what works, for whom?" We also detail dissemination strategies and partner involvement planned throughout the project to enhance the future clinical utility of CI-MA findings. Data harmonization took approximately 125 hours per trial (3,000 hours total), which was considerably higher than preliminary projections. Applying CI-MA to harmonize data has the potential to answer "what works for whom?" in pediatric OCD.

The effects of roasting versus toasting brand-to-brand dialogues on consumer perceptions

Purpose This study aims to investigate how two different types of brand-to-brand dialogues – “roasting” versus “toasting” – impact consumers’ brand perceptions, particularly perceived entertainment, and influence brand attitudes. Design/methodology/approach The research design comprises four studies. The preliminary study involves Web scraping to gauge consumer perception about the two communication approaches followed by two well-known brands. Study 1 involves an online experiment to compare these communication types within each brand tested in the pilot study and examines the mediation effect of perceived entertainment. Study 2, also an online experiment, investigates the role of message neutralization, demonstrating that “roasting” can be acceptable when the humor is neutralized. Study 3 further tests the effects of neutralized “roasting” at different levels of brand familiarity and personality. Findings Roasting can lead to more favorable consumer perceptions than toasting. The effect can be explained by roasting’s higher level of perceived entertainment. However, this positive outcome is contingent on the successful neutralization of the aggressive humor in the “roasting” messages. When it comes to brand familiarity and personality, familiar brands benefit more from neutralized “roasting,” whereas brand personality does not have a strong influence. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that “roasting” can be effective when messages are neutralized, and “toasting” works best when spontaneous and genuine. It highlights how brand familiarity and personality influence consumer reactions, thus, offering strategic insights for both established and lesser-known brands. The study also prompts further research to examine other brand traits, cultural factors and behavioral dimensions in brand-to-brand dialogue, signifying the complexity and richness of this growing research area. Practical implications This study advises lesser-known brands to adopt “toasting” strategies to build a positive image, while established brands can try “roasting,” ensuring message neutrality to avoid negativity. The research emphasizes the role of brand familiarity and personality in shaping brand dialogues. Marketers must consider these to make humor strategies effective and bolster positive brand image. Originality/value This research uniquely examines message neutralization through contextual cues as a strategy brands can use to aid their sensitive dialogues with others on social media. The findings provide new insights into how brands can use different types of messages in digital communications to attract consumers and ensure positive reception, offering valuable guidance for academics and practitioners in brand-to-brand dialogue.

Identification and Prioritization of Critical Success Factors of a Lean Six Sigma–Industry 4.0 Integrated Framework for Sustainable Manufacturing Using TOPSIS

The relationship between Lean Six Sigma, Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing has been evaluated only to a limited extent within this domain of the published literature. A DMAIC-DMADV-based framework along with a phase-by-phase implementation path is proposed in this study to integrate Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 technologies for achieving sustainable manufacturing. The paper also focused on identifying and prioritizing the critical success factors for the implementation of the proposed framework. The critical success factors identified through a literature review are ranked using the multi-decision criteria technique TOPSIS, with input from selected experts across various manufacturing companies. The results highlight that the most important enablers set clear sustainability goals, regularly monitor progress and have a skilled workforce. The findings provide actionable guidance for practitioners, and the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a comprehensive methodology to integrate Lean Six Sigma and Industry 4.0 for sustainable manufacturing. Further research must focus on the validation of the framework in diverse industrial settings and refining the sustainability assessment model to enhance its adaptability.

Mechanical behavior of synthetic fiber ropes for mooring floating offshore wind turbines.

The continuous development of floating wind turbine technology is pushing platforms further offshore into deeper seas. Consequently, the water depth required for mooring is increasing, demanding higher standards for the mooring system. This study explores the mechanical properties, including wear resistance and quasi-static stiffness, of nylon, polyester, and high-strength polyethylene mooring ropes through experimental design, aiming to address the challenges faced by floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) in mooring line safety. In conducting yarn-on-yarn abrasion tests, materials, twist, marine lubricants, and dry and wet environments were chosen as research variables to analyse and compare the wear and tear frequency of sample ropes. The study found that the degree of wear on ropes composed of different materials is affected differently by twist and dry and wet environments, and the application of marine lubricants can significantly extend the friction fracture cycle of yarns. To study the tensile properties and static stiffness characteristics of polyester and nylon ropes, the cables were divided into three stages: preloading, initial installation, and ageing. The strain and reversible elongation of the cables at each stage were analysed, and an empirical formula for quasi-static stiffness considering the creep coefficient of the ropes was established. The study found that the ropes had reversible elongation after being left stationary, the more thorough the running-in, the smaller the inherent deformation, and the more stable the structure. The static stiffness of the cables increased with the loading time and force; however, it eventually approached a constant value, and the stiffness of polyester cables was found to be greater than that of nylon ropes. These results provide a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the material selection of FOWT cables, which contributes to advancing the application and development of FOWT in renewable energy.

How thermal hotels can leverage sustainability for competitive advantage

PurposeThis study examines the interplay between corporate social responsibility (CSR), green marketing orientation (GMO), competitive advantage and environmental performance at Afyonkarahisar Green Thermal Hotels, a prominent thermal tourism destination in Türkiye.Design/methodology/approachA representative sample of 390 employees from different green thermal hotels was selected. Partial least squares structural equation modeling structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses.FindingsCSR positively affects different dimensions of GMOs, which supports its role in shaping eco-centered marketing strategies at different operational levels. The influence of strategic and tactical GMOs on competitive advantage was verified, with strategic GMOs having a more significant impact. Nonetheless, internal GMOs do not significantly affect competitive advantage. Competitive advantages strongly affect environmental performance.Practical implicationsAligning CSR initiatives with aspects related to GMOs can enhance environmental performance and offer a competitive advantage. Allocating resources based on the impacts of GMOs can aid strategic decision-making. Embedding sustainability as a competitive edge and establishing alliances with similar-minded stakeholders strengthen CSR efforts, improving the market position. The comprehensive framework and insights of this work contribute to the evolving landscape of CSR.Originality/valueThis study is valuable for its original contribution to research on green thermal hotels. It is the first study to provide a comprehensive framework that analyzes the relationships between CSR, GMOs at various levels, competitive advantage and environmental performance. It provides practical guidance to effectively integrate green marketing, address a research gap and promote transformative business approaches for sustainability and competitiveness in the field.

Exploring the potential benefits of areca nut extract in animal production: a review

Globally, the issue of antibiotic residues in agricultural products and their environments is increasingly critical, with the spread of microbial resistance becoming an urgent international challenge. Therefore, the development of ecological health feed additives is of paramount importance for advancing sustainable animal husbandry. Areca nut extract, derived from commonly available food sources, has garnered attention due to its exceptional bioactive properties. Its remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, along with its outstanding performance in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, plays a crucial role in inhibiting various pathogens and protecting cells from oxidative damage. This review aims to comprehensively explore the biological activities of areca nut extract and delve into its practical application potential in enhancing animal production efficiency and promoting sustainable livestock development.The pervasive presence of antibiotic residues—including tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and quinolones—in agricultural products such as meat, milk, and eggs has raised significant concerns due to their extensive use in animal husbandry. This issue is not only a formidable challenge for food safety but also exacerbates the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To address these challenges, there is an urgent need for safe and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics in animal production. Among these alternatives, plant extracts have garnered considerable attention for their natural bioactive properties. Notably, areca nut extract has emerged as a promising candidate due to its diverse biological activities and potential applications in livestock production.Areca nut, derived from the dried ripe fruits, seeds, peels, and flowers of Areca catechu, is well-documented in traditional medicine sources such as the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2010 Edition) for its medicinal properties, including antiparasitic effects, digestive support, and antimicrobial activity. This review focuses on the biological activities of areca nut extract, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, and microbiota-modulating effects, which collectively contribute to its potential role as a feed additive for enhancing animal health and performance.Key findings indicate that areca nut extract can promote livestock productivity by accelerating growth, enhancing immune responses, and reducing disease incidence. Additionally, its biological properties show potential for improving feed efficiency and mitigating the environmental footprint of livestock operations. By exploring these activities, we aim to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for the application of areca nut extract in animal husbandry.This review highlights the promise of areca nut extract as a natural, effective, and sustainable alternative to antibiotics, offering solutions to the pressing issues of antibiotic residues and AMR. Its potential contributions to sustainable livestock production underscore the importance of further scientific exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration in this field.