Practical Guidelines Research Articles

Immunonutrition in Operated-on Gastric Cancer Patients: An Update

Enteral immune nutrition has attracted considerable attention over the past few years regarding its perioperative role in patients undergoing major surgery for digestive cancer. Today, the term enteral immune nutrition refers to the perioperative administration of nutritional preparations containing, among others, specific ingredients such as glutamine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and arginine. They provide nutritional support and exert pharmacological effects through the substances contained in these preparations. Their administration to patients with gastric cancer is necessary as malnutrition and other metabolic disorders are frequent symptoms with effects on the level of immune responses, affecting the function of intestinal permeability and, therefore, the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Existing clinical data and data from all meta-analyses published so far support the view that enteral immune nutrition enhances the immune responses of gastric cancer patients, and reduces the rate of postoperative complications, and the duration of hospitalization without, however, improving patient survival. The content of enteral immune nutrition, dose, administration interval, and the effect on patient survival should be more precisely determined through relevant extensive multicenter studies. This systematic review describes and analyses the clinical results and the findings of relevant meta-analyses of the application of enteral immune nutrition in gastric cancer patients, emphasize the importance of this therapeutic intervention for disease progression, and attempts to provide practical guidelines for applying enteral immune nutrition in daily clinical practice.

Corporate ESG performance and the capital market’s information environment: evidence from analysts’ forecasts

ABSTRACT The role of ESG is not confined to investments, but extends to the influence it exerts on capital markets. This study investigates the impact of corporate ESG performance on the information environment. Our results show that as companies demonstrate higher ESG performance, there is a significant increase in analyst coverage, an enhancement in the accuracy of public information, and a reduction in the precision of private information. Further analysis reveals that the impact of ESG performance on the capital market information environment is significantly higher in state-owned companies, non-heavily polluting industries, and the eastern regions. This study not only examines the economic consequences of corporate ESG performance from the perspective of the capital market’s information environment, but also provides practical guidelines for policymakers and professionals in finance and sustainability to optimize the capital market environment through the development of corporate ESG.

Ten practical guidelines for microclimate research in terrestrial ecosystems

Abstract Most biodiversity dynamics and ecosystem processes on land take place in microclimates that are decoupled from the climate as measured by standardised weather stations in open, unshaded locations. As a result, microclimate monitoring is increasingly being integrated in many studies in ecology and evolution. Overviews of the protocols and measurement methods related to microclimate are needed, especially for those starting in the field and to achieve more generality and standardisation in microclimate studies. Here, we present 10 practical guidelines for ground‐based research of terrestrial microclimates, covering methods and best practices from initial conceptualisation of the study to data analyses. Our guidelines encompass the significance of microclimates; the specifics of what, where, when and how to measure them; the design of microclimate studies; and the optimal approaches for analysing and sharing data for future use and collaborations. The paper is structured as a chronological guide, leading the reader through each step necessary to conduct a comprehensive microclimate study. At the end, we also discuss further research avenues and development in this field. With these 10 guidelines for microclimate monitoring, we hope to stimulate and advance microclimate research in ecology and evolution, especially under the pressing need to account for buffering or amplifying abilities of contrasting microhabitats in the context of global climate change.

Unlocking the potential of ChatGPT in academic libraries

This paper provides an overview of Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) and its application in academic libraries. Utilizing a qualitative approach to content analysis, this study synthesizes existing scholarship and addresses gaps in the literature. The scope and utility of ChatGPT in academic libraries are explored, revealing its potential to function as an intelligent virtual librarian. ChatGPT's implementation can alleviate the workload of librarians and effectively address complex queries from patrons. Additionally, the study highlights ChatGPT's ability to offer personalized assistance and research guidance through its natural language processing capabilities, enabling seamless communication with users. ChatGPT aids patrons in discovering resources that would typically demand significant effort from library staff. Despite its advantages, the study identifies areas for improvement, such as data security, dependence on technology, and the risk of providing incomplete or inaccurate information on specialized and complex topics. Nonetheless, ChatGPT emerges as a noteworthy tool for academic libraries in the current century. This paper contributes valuable insights into ChatGPT and offers practical guidelines for library practitioners globally. The content is derived from peer-reviewed research and serves as a comprehensive resource for librarians worldwide.

TERRITORIAL BRANDING TOOLS IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECTS

This study addresses the significant role of territorial branding as a strategic tool in public administration, particularly in the context of increasing globalization and regional competition. As regions strive to distinguish themselves on the global stage, the establishment of unique territorial brands emerges as a means to enhance economic growth, social development, and the overall quality of life for local populations. The paper discusses the necessity of territorial branding in fostering a positive regional image, bolstering regional identity, and attracting investments while promoting tourism and local businesses. Despite the growing interest in this field, there remains a gap in the theoretical understanding of territorial branding and practical guidelines for its implementation within public governance frameworks. This research aims to explore the essence, functions, and mechanisms of territorial branding, providing insights into its impact on shaping a region's image and identity. It emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive branding strategies that consider the socio-cultural and economic nuances of each area. The analysis includes a review of contemporary scholarly works, highlighting contributions from leading researchers in Ukraine. The findings suggest that successful territorial branding relies on local community engagement, effective communication, and the alignment of branding initiatives with the region's unique cultural and economic resources. The study ultimately advocates for the integration of innovative branding practices into public administration to address contemporary challenges and leverage opportunities for sustainable regional development. Through a methodical examination of existing literature and theoretical models, this paper identifies key factors influencing effective territorial branding, such as cultural heritage, natural resources, economic opportunities, infrastructure, and overall quality of life. By synthesizing these aspects, the research offers practical recommendations for policymakers and public administrators to enhance the effectiveness of territorial branding efforts in Ukraine and beyond. This study serves as a foundational resource for further exploration of territorial branding as an essential component of regional development strategies.

Chatbots in complaint handling: the moderating role of humor

Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot technology is increasingly used to handle customer complaints in the service recovery process. Built on the justice theory, this paper aims to explore the optimal way to utilize chatbots in handling customer complaints for service failure recovery and the moderating role of humor. Design/methodology/approach Two scenario-based between-subjects experimental design studies were conducted to examine the two aspects of justice in service failure recovery: Study 1 focuses on procedural justice manifested as perceived control and Study 2 on interactional justice assessed as social presence. Furthermore, the moderating role of humor is investigated. Findings The results indicate that both perceived control and social presence can improve chatbots’ effectiveness in handling service failures to regain customer satisfaction and the consequent revisit intention. However, humor shows opposite effects in the two studies: chatbots using humorous language in complaint handling may attenuate the positive effect of perceived control but enhance the positive effect of social presence. Practical implications The findings provide practical guidelines to the service industry regarding the optimal service design and technology deployment in customer service, particularly for an effective service failure recovery process. Originality/value This research contributes to the service failure recovery literature by investigating how the new service technology of AI-powered chatbots can effectively handle customer complaints for service failure recovery. Furthermore, the research reveals the nuanced effects of humor in different complaint-handling situations.

Методические рекомендации по маршрутизации, мониторингу и тактике ведения иммунокомпрометированных детей групп риска и пациентов с врожденными ошибками иммунитета [Рецензенты: О.В. Зайцева, Н.И. Захарова, О.В. Калюжин. Утверждены в качестве методических рекомендаций Учебно-методической комиссией ФГБУЗ МО НИКИ Детства МЗ МО. Протокол № 8 от 20.11.2024 г.

A.P. Prodeus, N.D. Odinayeva, S.V. Voronin, I.N. Zakharova, I.A. Tuzankina, N.N. Volodin, K.V. Zhdanov, A.N. Pampura, D.I. Sadykova, E.I. Kondratyeva, A.A. Korsunskiy, E.A. Degtyareva, K.V. Savostyanov, S.A. Trusova, A.Yu. Lobenskaya, Ye.S. Nikonova, A.S. Lebedeva, E.V. Loshkova, V.D. Denisova, A.G. Rumyantsev. Guidelines for routing, monitoring and management tactics of immunocompromised children at risk and patients with congenital immune defects. Pediatria n.a. G.N. Speransky. 2024; 103 (6): 218-245. DOI: 10.24110/0031-403X-2024-103-6-218-245. [Reviewed by Drs. O.V. Zaytseva, N.I. Zakharova and O.V. Kalyuzhin. Approved as official Guidelines for Practitioners by the Educational and Methodological Commission of the Research and Clinical Institute of Childhood with the Moscow Oblast Healthcare Ministry (Mytishchi, Moscow Oblast, Russia), Record No. 8 dated Nov. 11, 2024]

Review on the Air Temperature and Humidity Produce by Solar Dryer and Potential to be Reused

This article presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in the reuse of waste heat from solar food dryers, a strategy that holds significant potential to improve system efficiency and sustainability. Solar drying systems typically discharge air at temperatures between 40°C and 70°C, resulting in a substantial loss of free solar thermal energy up to 50% of total energy. This review introduces novel approaches to capturing and reusing this low-quality heat, including the integration of desiccant materials that can boost drying efficiency by up to 64%, and innovative designs like rotating dryer wheels, which increase effective heat gains by an average of 153%. Unlike previous studies, this article not only aggregates and analyzes field test data such as outlet temperatures, humidity levels, and heat recovery efficiencies but also identifies practical and scalable solutions for heat reuse, such as water heating, space heating, and heating nearby cold rooms. By providing quantitative results and exploring the potential for continuous 24-hour operation through advanced heat management techniques, this review offers new insights and practical guidelines for engineers and researchers aiming to make solar drying processes more energy-efficient and commercially viable. This work is particularly relevant for those interested in developing sustainable agricultural practices, as it highlights the most promising methods for reducing energy waste and enhancing the overall performance of solar dryers. The novel synthesis of existing technologies and the identification of key areas for future research make this article a valuable resource for advancing the field of solar drying.

The Role of Dietary Antioxidants, Food Supplements and Functional Foods for Energy Enhancement in Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals frequently experience significant work overload, which often leads to substantial physical and psychological stress. This stress is closely linked to increased oxidative stress and a corresponding decline in energy levels. This scoping review investigates the potential impact of dietary antioxidants and food supplements in conjunction with diet in controlling these negative effects. Through an analysis of the biochemical pathways involved in oxidative stress and energy metabolism, the paper emphasizes the effectiveness of targeted dietary interventions. Key dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, polyphenols, and carotenoids, are evaluated for their ability to counteract oxidative stress and enhance energy levels. Additionally, the review assesses various food supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, and ginseng, and their mechanisms of action in energy enhancement. Practical guidelines for incorporating energy-boost dietary strategies into the routine of healthcare professionals are provided, emphasizing the importance of dietary modifications in reducing oxidative stress and improving overall well-being and performance in high-stress healthcare environments. The review concludes by suggesting directions for future research to validate these findings and to explore new dietary interventions that may further support healthcare professionals under work overload.

Application of Video Based Learning Method to Increase Student Engagement in the Digital Age

The rapid development of digital technology has revolutionized the educational landscape, which demands more innovative and engaging teaching methods. One such method is Video-Based Learning (VBL), which utilizes multimedia resources, such as videos, to enhance students' learning experience. This article discusses the application of VBL as a strategy to enhance student engagement in the classroom in the context of the digital age. The research examines the effectiveness of VBL in encouraging active participation, enhancing understanding and strengthening students' motivation to learn. By integrating video content in the learning process, educators can provide a dynamic and interactive learning environment that suits various learning styles. In addition, VBL facilitates access to resources beyond traditional teaching, allowing students to interact with learning materials according to their pace and preferences. This research demonstrates the positive impact of VBL on student engagement, especially in subjects that benefit from visual and auditory stimulation, and discusses challenges and solutions in effective implementation. This article aims to provide insights and practical guidelines for educators in integrating Video-Based Learning in their teaching practices, so that students are better equipped to thrive in the digital age.

Effectiveness of UHPC Jackets in Pier Retrofitting for Lateral Load Resistance

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a recently emerged material with exceptional durability and ductility. While widely used in bridge retrofitting, particularly to replace expansion joints and deck overlays, UHPC has seen limited use in jacketing piers for the improvement of lateral load resistance. It presents superior mechanical properties and deformation resilience, enabled by the distributed fibers and the dense microstructure, providing corrosion resistance and a maintenance-free service life. The significant tensile strength and ductility establish UHPC as an attractive resilient jacketing system for structural members. The experimental literature documents the effectiveness of this solution in enhancing the strength and ductility of the retrofitted member, whereas premature modes of failure (i.e., lap splices and shear failure in lightly reinforced piers) are moderated. A comprehensive database of tests on UHPC-jacketed piers under lateral loads was compiled for the development of practical guidelines. Various UHPC jacket configurations were evaluated, and detailed procedures were developed for their implementation in bridge pier retrofitting. These procedures include constitutive models for UHPC, confined concrete, and the strengthening of lap splices, flexure, and shear resistance. The results are supported by the database, providing a solid foundation for the broader application of UHPC in improving the lateral load resistance of bridge piers.

Strategic Innovation Management: A Framework for Digital Product Portfolio Optimization

Abstract—This research introduces a framework for managing digital product portfolios in rapidly evolving markets. By examining the intersection of strategic management and digital innovation, we present a structured approach to portfolio optimization that enhances value creation while minimizing technology risk. The study draws on real-world implementations across multiple industries, demonstrating how organizations can effectively balance innovation initiatives with resource constraints. Our findings reveal that organizations implementing this framework achieved a 40% improvement in portfolio performance and significantly reduced technology risk. The paper provides practical guidelines for executives and product leaders to evaluate, prioritize, and optimize digital product portfolios while maintaining strategic alignment with enterprise objectives. Keywords— Digital Product Portfolio, Strategic Innovation Management, Portfolio Optimization, Technology Risk Management, Digital Transformation, Innovation Strategy, Resource Allocation, Product Lifecycle Management, Multigeneration product planning

Scaling up Trickle Bed Reactor for Gas Fermentation Technology: The Effect of Temperature and Reactor Characteristics on Mass Transfer

The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable industrial processes has accelerated research into green alternatives. Gas fermentation in a trickle bed reactor is a promising technology; however, optimal scaling up is still challenging. A mass transfer model is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and suggesting design improvements to optimize the scale-up of TBR for gas fermentation. This study explores the effects of temperature, reactor dimensions, and packing material size on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) in a commercial-scale trickle bed reactor (TBR). Using dynamic mass transfer modeling, the research results highlight that thermophilic conditions (60 °C) significantly enhance kLa and mass transfer rates for H2, CO, and CO2, despite reduced gas solubility at higher temperatures. Additionally, packing material of smaller particles improves kLa by increasing the surface for gas–liquid interaction, while reactor dimensions, particularly volume and diameter, are shown to critically influence kLa. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing TBR design and scale-up, emphasizing the importance of thermophilic conditions, proper packing material selection, and reactor geometry for efficient gas–liquid mass transfer in syngas (a mixture of H2, CO, and CO2) biological conversion. Overall, the findings offer practical guidelines for enhancing the performance of industrial-scale TBR systems.

Occupational Therapy Guidelines for Managing Stress and Burnout in Working Women Facing Work-Family Conflicts

Balancing family and work responsibilities poses challenges for working women, often resulting in stress and burnout. This article provides intervention guidelines for occupational therapy practitioners to identify and address these issues. It focuses on assisting working women in effectively managing these demands in meaningful occupations by highlighting the importance of conserving personal resources and fostering collaboration with others. Rooted in the conservation of resources and interdependence theories, this theoretical framework elucidates the nature of stress and its consequences on occupational performance and (dis)engagement. The intervention principles, drawn from social learning theory, offer practical strategies for addressing these challenges.

A Practical Guideline to Capturing and Documenting the Real-Time Consequences of Fluctuating Hearing Loss in School-Age Children

A Practical Guideline to Capturing and Documenting the Real-Time Consequences of Fluctuating Hearing Loss in School-Age Children

Fostering students’ confidence in collaborating in transdisciplinary online problem-based learning projects: practical guidelines for educators

The primary role and value of a transdisciplinary online collaborative problem-based learning (OCPBL) project is that all disciplines fully participate in producing solutions to challenges. Acquiring the confidence to do so transcends all disciplines. The central role of educators then emerges in facilitating students’ confidence in their ability to participate and perform in OCPBL projects. This paper focuses on Phase 3 of a longitudinal ethnographic study, with the aim of consolidating practical guidelines to facilitate confident participation in an OCPBL project. Guidelines emerged from exploratory focus groups with educators as participants involved in the design and facilitation of an OCPBL project. Thematic analysis presents two sets of guidelines: achievement of the facilitation of effective OCPBL by students and student teams and guidelines for the composition and orientation of educator panels and their facilitation of confident OCPBL. The latter makes the most significant contribution to theory and practice. Our research shows that educators should, in particular, guide and support students in exploring and clearly expressing their own feelings of professional self-worth within and beyond their own disciplines while gaining insight and developing due respect for others. Most importantly, full collaboration in an experiential transdisciplinary OCPBL project requires recognition and respect for one's own and others’ disciplines, both among students and among educators. Confidence as a graduate attribute is also key to the required skill set in transdisciplinary online teams engaged in complex collaborative problem solving and value creation.

The transferability of passion: how green influencers inspire tourists’ green initiative support

The tourism industry has caused severe environmental damage, partially due to the high volume of tourists and their limited engagement in pro-environmental behavior. A viable solution to this problem lies in the involvement of green influencers in promoting green initiatives for destinations. This research seeks to understand how green influencers induce tourist support for such initiatives. Study 1 examines the “contagion effect” of passion, revealing that influencers’ genuine enthusiasm for a green initiative enhances tourists’ support for such an initiative by boosting their passion and green self-efficacy. Study 2 tests a moderated sequential mediation effect and shows that the contagion effect intensifies when influencers clearly articulate a call to action (goal specificity). The study’s findings help to fill gaps in the influencer marketing literature and offer practical guidelines for destinations seeking to collaborate effectively with influencers to promote sustainable tourist behavior by conveying influencer passion and establishing specific goals.

The Effect of Adhesive Quantity on Adhesion Quality and Mechanical Characteristics of Woven Kevlar Fabric-Reinforced Laminated Structures

This study investigated the adhesion and mechanical properties of woven fabric-reinforced laminates (FRLs) made with four distinct Kevlar fabrics of varying areal densities (36 g/m2, 60 g/m2, 140 g/m2, and 170 g/m2) under different fabric-to-adhesive weight ratios (1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:1.5) in both the warp and weft directions. A novel aspect of this research lies in our systematic study of the effect of adhesive quantity on FRLs, a topic that has received limited attention despite its critical role in laminate performance. Additionally, the application of a newly developed yarn pullout test alongside the standard T-peel test provides unique insights into the interfacial behavior of laminates. The results show that in lower areal density fabrics (36 g/m2 and 60 g/m2), adhesive quantity minimally affects the pullout and T-peel forces or tear strength, indicating that structural integrity can be maintained with reduced adhesive application. In contrast, higher areal density fabrics (140 g/m2 and 170 g/m2) benefit from an increased adhesive ratio, with a transition from 1:0.5 to 1:1 significantly enhancing the pullout resistance, while further increases to 1:1.5 yielded diminishing returns. Tensile strength remained consistent across all samples, highlighting that it is largely dictated by the inherent properties of the fibers and fabric structure rather than the adhesive. This study concludes that a 1:1 fiber-to-adhesive ratio offers an optimal balance of adhesion quality and mechanical performance for FRLs. By addressing the understudied impact of adhesive quantity on FRLs and introducing the yarn pullout test, this research provides novel and practical guidelines for optimizing FRLs in applications demanding high structural integrity and adaptability under challenging conditions.

Hyper eosinophilic diseases - diagnosis and therapeutic approach - practical position of the Polish working group.

Hypereosinophilic diseases represent a heterogeneous group that poses a significant medical challenge. An increased number of eosinophils in the blood can be a dominant symptom of hematologic diseases, such as myeloid hematopoietic cancers or lymphomas. However, it is more commonly associated with other health conditions, such as allergies, infections, and systemic inflammatory diseases. Distinguishing between eosinophilic vasculitis with polyangiopathy (EGPA) and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (I-HES) can be difficult in clinical practice. In this report, we provide practical guidelines for clinicians that may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Additionally, we discuss the role of biologic IL-5 inhibitors in their therapy, as mepolizumab is approved for the treatment of EGPA and I-HES. We believe that the proposed guidelines will be helpful for clinicians, especially those who are not familiar with hypereosinophilic diseases.

Wired for change: Sustainable business models in the transition towards electrified road freight transport

The transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) challenges current logistics systems and actors’ business models, especially logistics service providers (LSP). In response, the purpose of this study is to increase the understanding of the characteristics of critical factors in business models for LSPs when adapting electrified freight. A structured interview study targeting LSPs that are operating BEVs has been carried out. Eleven factors deemed as critical were identified in business model components, pointing to a need to take a holistic view when designing business models for electrified freight. Furthermore, four themes are identified that address how characteristics of logistics systems change when BEVs are adopted. This includes changes in uncertainty and complexity. To comply with the increased dynamic, the paper proposes a conceptual framework which captures the evolvement of the critical factors when the market matures by classifying them as constant, fading, adopting, and emerging. The critical factors and their evolvement can be used as guidelines for practitioners and researchers in their development of sustainable business models in the transfer towards electrified freight.