Practical Advice Research Articles

Introducing ReChat: A Lab-in-the-Cloud for Text Discussions

Abstract Text is a major medium of contemporary interpersonal communication but is difficult for social scientists to study unless they have significant resources or the skills to build their own research platform. In this paper, we introduce a cloud-based software solution to this problem: ReChat, an online research platform for conducting experimental and observational studies of live text conversations. We demonstrate ReChat by applying it to a specific phenomenon of interest to political scientists: conversations among co-partisans. We present results from two studies, focusing on (1) self-selection factors that make chat participants systematically unrepresentative and (2) a pre-registered analysis of loquaciousness that finds a significant association between speakers’ ideological extremity and the amount they write in the chat. We conclude by discussing practical implications and advice for future practitioners of chat studies.

Socio-Economic Impact of Wage Inequality on Employee’s Satisfaction

This study addressed the research gap in understanding the factors that contribute to wage inequality and their impact on employee satisfaction in the public and private sectors. The study's objectives included exploring factors contributing to wage inequality, examining the impact of socio-economic factors on job satisfaction, and proposing measures to reduce wage inequality and improve job satisfaction in both sectors. The study collected primary data through questionnaire method from the public and private sectors of twin cities to estimate the direct effect of independent variables on employee satisfaction. The stratified sampling technique was used for the comparison of employees who are more satisfied either in the private or public sector. The study also used a binary logisticmodel to examine the null hypothesis, which stated that there was a significant gap in employee fulfillment among private or public sectors and that there was a significant difference in socio-economic factors of employees in both sectors. The analysis included 407 cases. The frequency of private institution employees was 186 while public institution employees was 221. It is believed that the study'sfindings will contribute to the current conversation about pay disparities and provide organizations and decision-makers with practical advice for raising satisfaction with work and decreasing wage inequality.

Ultra Short Race Pace Training (USRPT) in Swimming. Do the Volume and Interval Matter? A Scoping Review

Background: Ultra-short race-pace training (USRPT) is designed to accustom swimmers to the pace of an event by using high volume and submaximal intensity with short intervals. However, due to imprecise data on volume and interval, further investigation is necessary. This scoping review aims to provide evidence-based insights into the advantages and disadvantages of recommended volumes and intervals during USRPT, guiding swimming coaches and offering practical advice regarding this training method. Methods: For this analysis, 90,613 studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were screened to examine the volume and interval of the USRPT method. Results: Only five studies met the inclusion criteria, were further assessed using a PRISMA-P document, and were analyzed for biases with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized crossover trials. Excessive daily use of USRPT in training volume is discouraged due to potential psychological strain. Reaching failure should involve modifying variables such as intensity and interval. Additionally, interval periods should vary based on the targeted event’s physiological demands and the USRPT set’s volume. For short-distance events (50–100 m), it is recommended that USRPT protocols include a work-to-rest ratio of 1:1 or 1:2, allowing more time for aerobic contribution to replenish energy supplies (consistent with HIIT and SIIT principles). Conclusions: Further research on specific elements of USRPT, including volume and interval, is essential to identify the most effective training sets for swimmers across different distances and styles.

Nurturing Futures: The Role of Veterinary Nurses in Promoting the Healthy Development of Puppies and Kittens

The health of adult dogs and cats is affected positively or negatively by their development in utero and throughout postnatal growth. Preventive veterinary care is particularly important when animals are physiologically immature and sensitive to modifiable environmental factors. Veterinary nurses/technicians are often at the forefront of promoting healthy development, reinforcing the work of veterinarians and using their knowledge, experience, and passion to lead initiatives with breeders and pet guardians. This opinion article considers the role of qualified veterinary nurses/technicians in the care of puppies and kittens throughout their developmental life stages—gestation, the suckling period, growth post-weaning to puberty or neutering, and late growth to adulthood. Much of their influence is through the education of pet carers; they provide trustworthy information relevant to the individual pet and focused on the practicalities of best husbandry practices. These include practical advice on recognizing dystocia, neonatal care, weaning, introduction to the new home, the prevention and management of infectious diseases, socialization with conspecifics and humans, habituation to potential environmental stresses, nutrition, oral hygiene, and grooming. The veterinary nurse’s goal is not only to see young pets develop into healthy, well-adjusted adults but also to see pet guardians developing sustainable human–animal bonds.

Communal Load Sharing of Miscarriage Experiences: Thematic Analysis of Social Media Community Support.

Miscarriage is a common experience, affecting 15% of recognized pregnancies, but societal ignorance and taboos often downplay the mental distress and personal impact following a miscarriage. Emerging stories on social media in which women express their miscarriage grief are breaking such taboos. Research in the area of online health communities is increasingly focused on studying how people share their health experiences on social media. However, a clear understanding on the social support involved in this type of sharing of health experiences is lacking. This study explored the use of Instagram in sharing miscarriage experiences, guided by the following research question: How is social community support given to women who share their miscarriage experiences on social media? Considering that social media is increasingly used as a source of social support, in this study, we chose Instagram as the social media platform. The purpose of this research was to create a better understanding of how social media provides support in expressing personal miscarriage experiences and how people engage with such posts. This study used a qualitative inductive research method in which a phenomenological strategy and thematic analysis were followed to create a comprehensive understanding of the social community support phenomenon. The dataset was established from a sample of 258 Instagram posts and 736 comments collected over a period of 6 months after initial posts and from 6 different women. These data were categorized and clustered through a thematic analysis. Three themes were identified: (1) storytelling of emotional turmoil and grief after miscarriage, (2) sharing positivity amidst miscarriage grief, and (3) mentioning personal medical information about miscarriage. Theme 1 represents the emotional experience of women who have had a miscarriage. It encompasses the initial posts that included miscarriage storytelling that express deep grief and mental distress and the emotional impact on both the posters and the commenters. Theme 2 highlights the importance of finding moments of joy and positivity in the midst of mental distress and pain. The posts shared with the online community convey a sense of moving forward and a refusal to let grief become the defining aspect of one's life. Theme 3 focuses on sharing medical and practical advice. This theme includes posts and comments about medications, in vitro fertilization procedures, hospital experiences, and personal physical symptoms. As an overarching theme for this social support phenomenon, we introduce the term communal load sharing to describe the therapeutic role of social media in helping women cope with miscarriage by providing a platform for sharing similar experiences, breaking social taboos, and fostering load sharing.

Type 2 myocardial infarction: challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction recommends a classification based on aetiology, in recognition that the underlying pathophysiology of myocardial infarction influences the approach to investigation and treatment. Type 1 myocardial infarction occurs due to atherosclerotic plaque rupture with thrombosis, whereas type 2 myocardial infarction occurs due to an imbalance in myocardial oxygen supply or unmet need in myocardial oxygen demand, without atherothrombosis, usually in the context of another acute illness. In this state-of-the-art review, the diagnosis, investigation, and treatment of patients with type 2 myocardial infarction are considered, with general advice for clinical practice and a consideration of future research directions.

Strategic Pathways to Cloud Migration: Insights from Genesys Cloud Transformations

Cloud migration represents a transformative shift in contact center operations, yet its success hinges on strategic planning and precise execution. This article synthesizes insights from real-world implementations and empirical research to explore critical factors for successful migration to Genesys Cloud. Key success drivers include robust pre-migration evaluation, architectural strategies, security frameworks, and operational governance. Using case studies and industry data, the study demonstrates how phased migration strategies, strong governance structures, and a focus on compliance enable organizations to achieve optimal outcomes. Emphasizing potential risks and mitigation techniques, this article offers actionable guidance for businesses embarking on digital transformation journeys, providing both theoretical models and practical advice to navigate the complexities of cloud migration.

Exploring the Nexus between Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Market Returns in Nepal: An ARDL Bounds Testing Approach

Background: Investors and policymakers must understand how macroeconomic variables (MEVs) affect stock market behavior to maximize portfolios and maintain economic stability. Hence, it is crucial to establish a nexus between MEVs and stock market returns (SMRs). Objectives: This study seeks to assess the effects of MEV on SMRs in the long and short run. Methods: This paper analyzed the cointegrating relationship between MEVs and SMRs using a time series data set from 1994 to 2023. This study used the ARDL bounds testing approach. Results: The results confirm a cointegrating association between MEVs and SMRs in the Nepalese stock market. The error correction (ECT -1) term is significantly negative, suggesting a persistent correlation between the variables. The study also shows that interest rates negatively affect SMRs over time. Real GDP (LRGDP), inflation (LINFR), and exchange rate (LEXR) have negative but statistically insignificant associations with SMRs. However, the money supply (LMS) positively correlates with SMRs. Conclusion: The study’s findings provide practical advice for policymakers. For instance, lower interest rates increase the appeal of stocks by reducing the opportunity costs of holding bank deposits and credit costs. Therefore, policymakers are advised to maintain lower interest rates to cultivate a more appealing investment environment. Furthermore, policymakers should prioritize regulating inflation and preserving a robust foreign exchange rate to boost investors’ SMRs.

Statin Use in Children and Adolescents - Dos, Don'ts and Practical Tips.

We review treatment criteria in the pediatric population, provide practical advice on how and when to prescribe statins, and share tips to improve compliance. Although long-term outcome studies of cardiovascular-related events, such as myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, are lacking in this population, statin therapy initiated during adolescence has been shown to be safe and effective for up to 20years of continuous use. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are the most effective class of drugs for lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in children and adolescents.

Neuropedagogical Guidelines for Translation Studies: Perceiving the Linguistic-Cultural Markers of the Other (Foreign) in Translation

This article highlights the need for a neuropedagogical approach to exploring the “self-other” category in current translation theories and practices, especially concerning sensitive linguo-cultural elements (e.g., non-equivalent vocabulary, cultural gaps, linguo-cultural semes, concepts and connotations). The relevance of the article stems from the growing accessibility of neuroscientific tools that can address translation and educational challenges characterized by high interlingual entropy, ambiguity, limited intercultural and linguistic awareness, and the issues of bilingualism within the context of post-cultural consciousness. Consequently, the article aims to identify the neuropsychological phenomenon of the “other” and its relation to translation, viewed as a discourse transformation along the self-other (foreign) continuum. The primary goal is to observe future translators’ spontaneous reactions to linguistic-cultural units with pronounced “other” semantics and provide neuropedagogical recommendations to manage the educational process and foster future translators’ deontological awareness of otherness. The research combines standard methods, such as analysis, comparison and generalization, with semantic analysis, cultural reflection and the recording of facial and emotional responses, interpreted by students and experts. Educational modelling has been the final method in a quasi-experimental study with 78 future translators. The main outcome of the article is a concise summary of typical, potentially destructive neuro-reactions, their impact on the translation process and practical educational insights and advice. The theoretical contribution of the article involves integrating neuropedagogical perspectives into the philosophical and methodical aspects of translation. The article proves that translators’ neuro-reactivity is a fundamental challenge in establishing professional ethics, particularly within the cultural and identity-related dimensions that comprise individual and collective consciousness.

How primary and tertiary care services collaborate in urgent care delivery: an evaluation of general practice advice lines

BackgroundTo address the rising demand for urgent care and decrease hospital use, health systems are implementing different strategies to support urgent care patients (i.e. patients who would have typically been treated in hospital) in the community, such as general practitioner (GP) advice lines. The aims of this study were to: identify the support and resources GPs need to manage urgent care patients in the community; assess the need for GP advice lines by primary care services in Australia; and identify the facilitators and barriers to adoption, and strategies to support the sustainability of GP advice lines.MethodsQualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with GPs, hospital-based healthcare providers, consumers, and healthcare management, recruited via existing investigator networks and snowballing approach. The interviews were conducted between February and August 2023. Major themes were identified by an iterative and inductive thematic analysis.ResultsWe interviewed 16 participants (median age 50, IQR 38–59). Based on the aims of the study, three themes emerged: support and resources for GPs; motivation for GP advice lines; and factors influencing the uptake and sustainability of GP advice lines. Participants reported that better communication from hospital services with GPs is critical to ensure continuity of care between tertiary and primary settings. They also noted that GP advice lines can help increase capacity to manage urgent care patients in the community by providing timely decision-support to GPs. However, a reported barrier to the uptake and ongoing use of GP advice lines was the limited hours of the service. To sustain GP advice lines, participants highlighted a need to broaden the scope of the service beyond the pandemic, conduct rigorous evaluation on health outcomes, and further digitise the service so that a tiered level of support could be provided based on risk stratification.ConclusionsThe benefits of GP advice lines are yet to be fully realised. With increasing technology sophistication, there remain opportunities to further digitise and optimise GP advice lines, whilst ensuring better integration within and across primary and tertiary care services. This is however dependent on continued financial and policy support from the government.

‘The Art of Connection’: a report on the ISC/SCI 2024 online conference

The Indexing Society of Canada/Société canadienne d’indexation (ISC/SCI) held its 2024 virtual annual conference on 30 May and 1 June. The theme was ‘The Art of Connection’ and around 100 people registered in order to connect with colleagues from around the world. The seven main sessions ranged widely, from practical advice on indexing multi-author texts and on useful non-indexing software to accounts of running an indexing business while travelling the world and on becoming a successful indexer almost by chance, from very humble beginnings. In addition to the pre-conference software sessions, there was a report on a survey into why (or why not) indexers were embracing embedded-indexing techniques. Broadening participants’ horizons, the parallels between indexing and qualitative research were examined, and the conference concluded with a guided discussion on how to advocate for indexers and the indexing profession. In between the main sessions there were opportunities for networking and discussion in breakout rooms and during a quiz, and participants were encouraged to look after their health and well-being during two movement sessions.

“Help me please, I need practical advice”: A qualitative exploration of social support dynamics among incels on online forums

The incel population comprises men experiencing involuntary celibacy who mingle based on their challenges in establishing romantic connections. Despite the current issues plaguing incel forums (e.g., violent content), they were originally conceived as platforms for social support to alleviate loneliness among sexually inexperienced individuals. However, documentation of support types within these forums is limited. The aim of this study was to document the exchange of social support within incel forums, utilizing Braithwaite et al.’s (1999) adaptation of Cutrona and Suhr’s (1992) social support typology (informational, emotional, esteem, network, tangible support) to analyze the forms of support exchanged within incels forums. Thematic analyses of 37 threads from r/IncelExit (i.e., users seeking to leave inceldom) and Incels.is (i.e., users deeply entrenched in inceldom) reveal a prevalence of informational support, followed by emotional support. These findings align with existing literature positing that informational support is the prevailing type in online interactions on forums between strangers, where anonymity also facilitates the intimate exchanges characteristic of emotional support. Notable distinctions emerge between the two forums: r/IncelExit favoured informational support (prioritized when the problem is perceived as controllable) to suggest concrete actions to resolve the problem, while Incels.is emphasized emotional support (prioritized when the problem is perceived as uncontrollable) to show empathy and understanding of the situation. Our findings also reveal that antisocial support (i.e., encouraging self-destructive behaviours instead of providing genuine support) was sometimes present, especially on Incels.is. This study provides an initial exploration of support dynamics in incels forums, with implications for interventions.

COMMUNICATION AND INNOVATION IN BUSINESS

The following article discusses how communication helps businesses to innovate. It outlines that clear and open communication enables employees to share ideas, work collaboratively, and solve problems more effectively. Communication is an essential element in the success of any business. Innovation is doing something different to create value. With effective team communication, teams are able to think of new products, services, or processes that can help the growth and competitiveness of the business. It also discusses some of the more common barriers, such as poor or misunderstood communication, which hinders the pace of innovation. It highlights the need for businesses to create a culture where people can share ideas and give feedback. Through the use of simple strategies like encouraging teamwork, using digital tools, and offering communication training businesses can enhance their capabilities to innovate. Real examples of successful companies demonstrate that it is through strong communication that they are able to generate those innovative ideas. This article gives businesses some practical advice on using communication as a tool to drive creativity toward success.

Practical advice for extracellular vesicle isolation in plant-microbe interactions: Concerns, considerations, and conclusions.

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as novel key players in plant-microbe interactions. While it is immensely useful to draw on the established "minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles" (MISEV) guidelines and precedents in mammalian systems, working with plants and their associated microbes poses specific challenges. To navigate researchers through these obstacles, we offer detailed step-by-step suggestions for those embarking on EV research in the context of plant-microbe interactions. The advice is based on recent publications and our collective experience from the diverse plant and microbe systems studied in a dedicated research consortium. We provide considerations for experimental design, optimization, quality control, and recommendations on how to increase yield, purity, and reproducibility of EV isolation. With this perspective article, we aim not only to assist researchers in our field but also to promote discussions on plant and microbe EVs in the broader EV community.

A019: Value Co-Creation of Sports Museums in China

Purpose: This study aimed to conclude the value achievement experience of International Olympic Museums and to provide practical advice for the development of Chinese sports museums. Method: A critical review of existing literature was performed on sport management and theoretical considerations based on service-dominant logic. Following the value co-creation framework, this study analyzed the basics, procedures and targets of value co-creation of 27 international Olympic museums, which are members of International Group of Olympic Museums. Results: The results showed that not all the international Olympic museums were developed successfully, but successful museums shared some common characters as follows. First, an abundant income sources; second, people oriented, which means they can take good care of different kinds of people, especially children and disabled; third, a synergy network which involves multiple stakeholders; fourth, an immersive scenario for visitors to experience and interact with sports; furthermore, successful museums achieve multiple values including social, economic, politic and cultural. Conclusion: The degree of value achievement in sports museums, as a vital platform of the dissemination of sports culture, affects the width, depth and validity of sports culture under the context of Chinese path for modernization. Lessons from the international sports museums shed light on how to enrich value within the facilities themselves and how to co-create value of sports museums in China.

Will my Paper be Rejected More Easily, or Even Automatically, if I am from the Global South?

There exist concerns about potential bias against Global South scholars in academic publishing. While discrimination exists, in academia as in life, I suggest this statement is an oversimplification. It is obviously worth acting if we witness clear signs of discrimination, but no work is immune from errors and an accepted paper might still offer room for improvement. Accordingly, rejection is a chance to revisit your work critically and improve it. In the piece, I offer an overview of the most common reasons for paper rejections, including unclear structure, weak methodology, language barriers, and insufficient engagement with global debates and practical advice for improving your manuscript (and possibly acceptance rate). They can range from co-authoring with international colleagues, to seeking feedback at conferences, reviewing for target journals, and pay special attention to methodological approaches.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR: UNDERSTANDING ECONOMIC DECISIONS IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND INSTANT GRATIFICATION

Consumer behaviour has changed dramatically in an age of social media and instantaneous information access, with psychological factors and technological improvements playing a bigger role. With an emphasis on the opposing forces of social media and quick satisfaction, this research examines the complex interrelationship between psychology and economics in the context of consumer decision-making. It investigates how social effects, emotional triggers, and cognitive biases affect consumer behaviour in digital settings, drawing on theories from behavioural economics and psychology. The study explores how social media platforms might operate as strong inducers of impulsive spending through strategies like scarcity tactics, influencer marketing, and FOMO. It also examines how these actions affect both personal financial security and more general economic patterns, such as the increase in consumer debt and changes in saving patterns. Case studies emphasise the advantages and disadvantages of digital consumerism while offering practical insights into its workings. The initiative also addresses the long-term financial effects of quick satisfaction and suggests ways to encourage better spending practices and financial knowledge. To provide a forward-looking perspective on consumer psychology in a changing digital context, it looks at new trends like AI-driven advertising and virtual reality buying. This study emphasises the need for a balanced approach to regulating the psychological and economic implications of social media and rapid gratification, and it concludes with practical advice for consumers, legislators, and marketers. The initiative seeks to advance knowledge of contemporary consumer behaviour by fusing theoretical insights with real-world applications.

Communication Between Husband and Wife Who Do Not Have Children

This study 1) recognize and characterize the interpersonal communication styles of a husband and wife without children; 2) Assess the impact of interpersonal communication on the quality of relationships between husband and wife who do not yet have children; 3) Identify the strategies and mechanisms used by estranged relatives who do not have children to address communication challenges in their relationships; and 4) Offering practical advice to marriage counselors based on the results of their research. The qualitative research approach was used to understand events in life from the viewpoint of the one going through them. The finding showed that Husband and wife interactions not accompanied by children are typically more passionate and emotional. Social pressure, expectations from the extended family, and feelings of inferiority are some of the difficulties faced by a husband and wife who are not yet parents. Open and sincere communication styles are typically employed by harmonious couples. This kind of support lessens stress and makes the emotional connection between a husband and wife stronger. New insights into the subject of communication studies are offered by this study. This study takes a holistic approach, taking into account several variables that affect communication, such as emotional support, cultural expectations, and social pressure. This study pinpoints the successful communication techniques employed by harmonious couples, offering helpful advice to other couples in like circumstances. This study offers a fresh viewpoint on the function of social support in the dynamics of marital communication by highlighting the significance of emotional support from a range of sources in assisting couples in overcoming stress and obstacles.

Improving Collaboration and Communication Strategies to Optimise Supply Chain in South Eastern Nigeria in Response to Currency Devaluation: A Holistic Approach

The depreciation of currency presented substantial obstacles for firms operating in South Eastern Nigeria, affecting the price of acquiring goods and services, the dynamics of the supply chain, and the overall ability to compete. To overcome these issues, it was essential to improve the coordination and communication methods among all parties involved, since this was key to maximising the efficiency of supply chains. This study employed a holistic strategy to reduce risks, enhance resilience, and take advantage of opportunities in the face of currency changes. Recent research highlights the crucial importance of cooperation and communication in optimising supply chains, especially in locations that are susceptible to currency depreciation. Efficient cooperation among stakeholders was crucial for actively tackling difficulties that arose from currency depreciation. Clear and open communication promotes confidence, simplifies the exchange of information, and allows stakeholders to synchronise their expectations and priorities. Collaboration and communication played a particularly important role in South Eastern Nigeria, which was known for its varied socioeconomic and political factors. This article examined the difficulties and advantages linked to the depreciation of currency in South Eastern Nigeria. It suggests a complete method to improve cooperation and communication techniques for optimising the supply chain. This article offered practical advice for firms in the area to successfully and sustainably overcome problems posed by currency depreciation. These recommendations were based on insights from current research and real-world experiences. Keywords: Currency depreciation, Teamwork, communication, Supply chain optimisation, South Eastern Nigeria.