Relevant Research Questions Research Articles

Do environmental systematic reviews impact policy and practice? Author perspectives on the application of their work

Environmental decisions related to policy and practice should be based on the best available evidence. Given the vast amounts of information of varying reliability, an ongoing challenge for decision-makers is how to access, collate, and use this information. The Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE) is dedicated to the synthesis of environmental evidence via systematic reviews (SRs) to advance evidence-informed policy and practice. The CEE has now published 79 completed SRs (as of August 2019), building a wealth of experience and expertise among authors of these works. This article reports meta-data from the 79 completed SRs, as well as findings from a survey of authors (N = 18) regarding their perspectives on the application of the SRs that they have produced (representing a total of 26 SRs). The survey asked authors to evaluate the extent to which the findings from their SRs have been applied, as well as possible facilitators and barriers to application. Based on author-reported perspectives, 13 of 25 cases were identified as having an impact on policy and practice. Respondents felt their work was most successful in identifying research gaps, transferring knowledge, and informing policy and/or practice. The most common barriers experienced by respondents were challenges in communication and engagement with stakeholders, challenges with evidentiary ambiguity arising from SR findings due to overly broad research questions, and limited financial resources. Our findings lead us to posit that, in order to maximise the impact of future SRs, evidence syntheses should: (1) be based on well-defined and policy relevant research questions; (2) involve extensive collaboration among evidence-synthesizers and end users throughout the entire process; (3) create opportunities for partners to build “end user” capacity and awareness of the principles of evidence-based management; (4) develop formal and (eventually) standardized measures and indicators of impact for long-term tracking and comparability purposes. Future research should extend to understanding the perspectives of end users and stakeholders on the relevance of SRs to inform environmental policy and practice.

A bibliometric review of financial market integration literature

We undertake a meta-literature review on the topic of financial market integration (FMI), covering 260 articles from 1981 to 2021. Our review consists of quantitative analysis of bibliometric citations concomitant with qualitative analysis of content, towards a goal of identifying primary research streams and proposing directions for future research. We identify five research groups: (1) portfolio diversification with financial market integration; (2) general equity market integration; (3) financial market linkage with respect to crises and events; (4) time-varying financial market integration; and (5) co-movements and spillovers between commodities and financial markets; as well as present a wide array of future research directions. We conduct an extensive review of FMI literature, answering several questions: (1) What is the domain of FMI research?; (2) What are the influential aspects of top journals and authors, and the characteristics of the most studied topics?; (3) What are the past and current key research streams in FMI literature?; and (4) What are the substantial future relevant research questions to explore regarding FMI? Given the ongoing attention on financial market integration by both academicians and policy makers, our results should be of great interest.

Real-Time Marketing on Facebook Profiles of Museums in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The subject discussed in this article concerns the concept of real-time marketing (RTM)—a specific form of marketing communications focused on current events—which was employed by Polish museums on their Facebook profiles in the face of the ongoing pandemic. Exploring this topic required posing a rele-vant research question: Have Polish museums been implementing any pandemic-themed RTM strategies on their Facebook profiles, and if so, to what extent? The answer was obtained during qualitative re-search consisting of two stages, namely, verification of posts on museum Facebook profiles and deter-mining which of them were RTM activities; and content analysis of these RTM posts with the use of a categorization key. Our analysis has revealed that the pandemic-themed RTM activities of the re-searched museums focused on eight topics, namely, the “stay-at-home” campaign, information about restrictions, museums vs. pandemic, promotion of online presence, ideas for spending free time, au-dience vs. pandemic, joy at museum reopening, and Brand Heroes.

Small animal models of thermal injury.

Burns are a severe form of trauma that account for 1.1 million cases necessitating medical attention and 4500 mortalities annually in the United States alone. Importantly, the initial trauma is succeeded by extensive, prolonged physiological alterations that detrimentally impact multiple organ systems. Given the complexity of post-burn pathophysiology, in vitro experiments are insufficient to model thermal injuries. Therefore, compatible animal burn models are essential for studying burn-related phenomena. In this chapter, we discuss commonly employed small animal burn models and their comparability and applicability to human studies. In particular, we compare post-burn wound healing between the species as well as relevant hypermetabolic and inflammatory characteristics, providing a better understanding of the pros and cons of utilizing a small animal surrogate for human burns. We further provide an overview of the rodent scald burn model methodology as well as a comparison between elderly, aged and young animals, providing a guide for tailoring animal model choice based on the relevant research question.

Backup & Data Recovery in Cloud Computing: A Systematic Mapping Study

Context: Digital data is being stored in large quantities in Cloud, requiring data backup and recovery services. Due to many factors such as disasters and other disruptive events, the risk of data loss is huge. Therefore, backup and data recovery are essential and effective in improvement of system availability and maintaining Business Continuity. Nevertheless, the process to achieve the goal of business uninterrupted faces many challenges regarding data security, integrity and failure prediction. Objective: This paper has the following goals: analyzing system- atically the current published research and presenting the most common factors leading to the need of Disaster Recovery and backup plan; investigating and identifying the adopted solutions and techniques to prevent data loss; and lastly, investigating the influence Data Recovery and Backup has in terms of business continuity and identifying the privacy and security issues regarding the disaster recovery process. Method: A systematic mapping study was conducted, in which 45 papers, dated from 2010 to 2020 were evaluated. Results: A set of 45 papers is selected from an initial search of 250 papers, including 10 papers from snowball sampling, following the references from some papers of interest. These results are categorized based on the relevant research questions, such as causes of disasters, data loss, business continuity, and security and privacy issues. Conclusion: An overview of the topic is presented by investigating and identifying the following features: challenges, issues, solutions, techniques, factors, and effects regarding the backup and recovery process.

A literature review: pre-/post-operative atrial fibrillation for thoracic aortic aneurysm procedures

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is among the most frequent cardiac surgical arrhythmias documented. The global AF prevalence is estimated at over 33 million cases, with estimates ranging up to 6.1 million cases in the United States. Among cardiac surgical patients, the risk factors for new-onset post-operative AF (POAF) include Caucasian race with increased prevalence documented in older men. Due to trends of earlier thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) detection and treatment, it is timely to review the AF association with adverse TAA clinical outcomes. Towards this goal, a comprehensive PubMed literature review was performed. For this initial Medline literature search, the MeSH search strategy included “thoracic aortic aneurysm” and “atrial fibrillation”. Based on the pertinent articles identified, the limited literature available for preoperative TAA AF and the predictors of POAF following TAA procedures were reviewed. Given only a handful of publications addressing these pre-/post-operative AF topics were identified using this very broad initial search approach, a knowledge chasm exists–as very little is known about TAA patients with pre-operative or new-onset post-operative AF. Given the paucity of evidence-based information available, clinically relevant TAA-specific research questions have been raised to guide future TAA AF-related investigations.

A glance into the future of diagnosis and treatment of spondyloarthritis.

The last two decades have seen major developments in the field of spondyloarthritis (SpA), but there are still important unmet needs to address. In the future, we envisage important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of SpA. In the diagnosis of SpA, the use of online and social media tools will increase awareness of the disease and facilitate the referral of patients to rheumatology clinics. In addition, more specific diagnostic tests will be available, especially advanced imaging methods and new biomarkers. This will allow most patients to be diagnosed at an early stage of the disease. In the treatment of SpA, an increasing number of novel treatment targets can be expected, most of which will be directed against intracellular enzymes. We hope to see more strategy trials shaping treatment pathways in SpA and accommodating principals of precision medicine. Approved treatment options will be available for both axial and peripheral SpA. We also hope to intervene not only at the inflammation level but also at the level of underlying immunological processes that might be associated with a higher probability of long-standing remission if not a cure. Finally, artificial intelligence techniques will allow for the analysis of large-scale data to answer relevant research questions for the diagnosis and management of patients with SpA.

Abstract PO-071: A curriculum to bridge the divide between basic science researchers and community members to address cancer disparities

Abstract Medical mistrust and misunderstanding remain significant challenges that impede collaboration between community members and researchers. In African American, Hispanic, and Native American communities, medical mistrust limits participation in biomedical studies which constrains the development of new and relevant research questions minimizing our understanding of biomedical and social factors affecting certain groups. Mistrust, misunderstanding and a lack of connection between researchers and community members contribute to the persistence of disparities, including cancer. To bridge this divide, we partnered with a senior basic scientist and a community leader with significant adult education experience to co-lead and create a pilot “Research and Community Scholars” curriculum for community members and researchers to develop a shared understanding and vocabulary regarding research, address health issues and concerns, and build positive collaboration experiences. Through a year-long process, the team met regularly to intentionally explore the role of equity around potential topics and approaches, develop a shared lexicon, survey researchers and community members on concepts and curriculum design, foster a collaborative relationship and nourish equitable co-leadership. The co-leaders concluded that s participants in the curriculum need focused time, effort, and guidance to learn about and from each other, grow their capacity to collaborate, and build trust through collaboration. The pilot curriculum will invite early-career biomedical researchers (“Research Scholars”) from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and Milwaukee community members affiliated with local community based organizations (“Community Scholars”). Scholars will meet together bi-weekly for 9-months. Course lectures and exercises, facilitated by community and academic leaders, will cover cancer, disparities, implicit bias, institutional racism, research violations and protections, and communication across audiences. A Community Scholar and a Research Scholar will be paired at the beginning of the course to develop a project. This approach mirrors the equitable and trusting partnership the co-leaders they developed while creating the curriculum. Dyad projects could include a presentation on how laboratory science is enhanced by a community-based orientation, or development of a podcast on ways community and researchers can bridge communication differences. The projects will be presented at the end of the course to other program scholars, leaders in the community and MCW. To sustain the relationships built during the course, scholars will be invited to become part of an alumni network. The design of this curriculum will result in new research mechanisms and ways to center community in the development of biomedical research. Positioning community as an equitable partner in scientific discovery addresses issues of mistrust and misunderstanding and contributes to the reduction of cancer disparities. Citation Format: Tobi A, Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Jessica Olson, Deborah Thomas, Carol Williams, Melinda Stolley. A curriculum to bridge the divide between basic science researchers and community members to address cancer disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-071.

Evaluating the effects of maternal positions in childbirth: An overview of Cochrane Systematic Reviews.

INTRODUCTIONThe purpose of this study is to conduct an overview of Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) evaluating the effects of maternal positions in childbirth in order to compile existing evidence for relevant research questions that have been addressed by more than one review, to provide a succinct summary of the up-to-date evidence and to identify areas for future research.METHODSAn electronic search was conducted in the Cochrane database. Two primary outcomes were the duration of labor and birth, and operative birth. The quality of included reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR criteria, and the quality of the evidence was rated using the GRADE criteria.RESULTSWe included 3 Cochrane SRs. There was a significant mean difference (MD) found in the duration of the first stage by 1 hour and 22 minutes (MD= -1.21; 95% CI: -2.35 – -0.07, I2=94%) and reduction in caesarean section rates (RR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.54–0.94, I2=0%) in the upright birth position group compared with the horizontal. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the duration (minutes) of the second stage of labor (MD= -6.16; 95% CI: -9.74 – -2.59, I2=91%) and a reduction in assisted vaginal birth rates (RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.86, I2=29%) in the upright group compared with the horizontal without epidural analgesia. The quality of evidence within the reviews was very low to moderate.CONCLUSIONSThere is currently a limited body of evidence to clearly assess the benefits and risks of assuming upright positions during childbirth. The overview highlights the need for high-quality research studies, involving better definition and comprehensive assessment of the effects of squatting during childbirth.

Transdisciplinary research: towards an integrative perspective

Since the emergence of transdisciplinary research, context dependencies, innovative formats and methods, societal effects, and scientific effects are key aspects that have been discussed at length. However, what is still missing is an integrative perspective on these four aspects, and the guidance on how to apply such an integrative perspective in order to realize the full transformative potential of transdisciplinary research. We provide an overview of each aspect and highlight relevant research questions that need to be answered to advance transdisciplinary research.

Proselytism without Coercion and without Discrimination against non-Muslims in the Study of Quranic Proselytism Exegesis

The reality is that people who are the target of da'wah always reject new da'wah teachings because they compare them with old da'wah teachings that have become a tradition in their lives. The method used in this study is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. The SLR method is used to identify, review, evaluate, and interpret all available research with topic areas of interest to phenomena, with relevant research questions. With the use of the SLR method, a systematic review and identification of journals can be carried out, which in each process follows the steps or protocols that have been set. The results of this research show that in introducing the new Islamic teachings to non-Muslims, all the Prophets used da'wah methods. This da'wah is a way of inviting people to follow the right path for salvation in this world and the hereafter. The approach or method of da'wah taken by the prophets in dealing with their respective people is guided by the da'wah methods outlined by Allah s.w.t as conveyed by the Qur'an. The most prominent characteristics that support the strength of the da'wah movement of the prophets are patience, high will, istiqamah and determination. This characteristic makes them worthy of being given the status of Nabiyullah by Allah subhanahu wata'ala

Studying Motivation in ADHD: The Role of Internal Motives and the Relevance of Self Determination Theory

Objective: Motivation is what moves us to act, what engages us in goal-directed behavior. The Self Determination Theory (SDT) is a motivational framework conceptualizing motivation—or internal motives—as a continuum of motivation qualities fueled by satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs Autonomy, Relatedness, and Competence. ADHD has been associated with motivational alterations that contribute to academic difficulties. However, ADHD theories and research are mainly focused on the effects of reinforcement on behavior, with little attention for the broader definition of motivation, that is, internal motives. Therefore, the main objective here was to introduce the SDT as theoretical framework within which we can develop relevant research questions about motivation in the field of ADHD. Method: To this end, we (i) present the SDT as a comprehensive motivational framework, and (ii) describe current motivation-related ADHD theories and research. Results: Based on this, we suggest how SDT can be used as a guiding framework in generating relevant research questions that can help broaden our understanding of the role motivation plays in individuals with ADHD. Conclusion: We conclude that ADHD research on motivation would benefit from (i) including internal motives as potential key mediators in the relation between environmental factors and behavior/symptoms; (ii) studying potential negative effects of external reinforcers intrinsic motivation, affect, and well-being. Finally, we conclude that this framework carries value for further development of clinical interventions for those with ADHD.

Risk of bladder cancer death in patients younger than 50 with non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Introduction and objectives Bladder cancer is primarily a disease of older age and little is known about the differences between patients diagnosed with bladder cancer at a younger versus older age. Our objectives were to compare bladder cancer specific survival in patients aged <50 versus those aged 50–70 at time of diagnosis. Materials and methods The Swedish bladder cancer database provided data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics and treatments for this observational study. Cox proportional hazard regression models were adjusted for appropriate variables. All analyses were stratified by disease stage (non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Furthermore, we compared the frequency of lower urinary tract infections within 24 months prior to bladder cancer diagnosis by sex and age groups. Results The study included 15,452 newly-diagnosed BC patients (1997–2014); 1,207 (8%) patients were <50 whilst 14,245 (92%) were aged 50–70. Patients aged <50 at diagnosis were at a decreased risk of bladder cancer death (HR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.68–0.99) compared to those aged 50–70. When stratified by non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer, this association remained in non-muscle-invasive patients only (<50, HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.64). The frequency of lower urinary tract infection diagnoses did not differ between younger and older patients in either men or women. Conclusions Patients diagnosed with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer when aged <50 are at decreased risk of bladder cancer-specific death when compared to their older (50-70) counterparts. These observations raise relevant research questions about age-related differences in diagnostic procedures, clinical decision-making and, not least, potential differences in tumour biology.

A critical analysis of research methods to study clinical molecular biomarkers in Endodontic research.

The authors of this narrative review aimed to address various experimental methods and make recommendations for how research should move forward in the context of studying biomarkers in clinical Endodontic research. The approach adopted is exemplified using two prominent clinical problems, namely (a) the ‘reversible’ versus ‘irreversible’ pulpitis conundrum and (b) persistent idiopathic dentoalveolar pain (PIDAP). Pulpitis under deep caries or dentinal cracks is understood from a histological perspective, but clinical assessment tools to indicate irreversibly inflamed aspects of the dental pulp are elusive. PIDAP, on the other hand, is a diagnosis of exclusion; its pathophysiology is complex and not understood sufficiently to avoid unnecessary dental treatments. This review addresses how diagnostic biomarkers could further our understanding of those and other clinical problems, and how issues can be tackled from a methodological point of view. Hence, different methodological approaches to identify suitable diagnostic biomarker(s) or use known biomarkers are presented. The importance of asking a relevant research question, collecting the most suitable fluid and using the ideal collection vehicle for the research question under investigation is discussed based on the defined clinical problems.

Cost accounting: A tool for the management decision making process in Nigeria

The study, cost accounting, as a tool for management decision making process is targeted at exploring the various ways which cost accounting information could help the management of enterprises especially manufacturing and processing companies in the formation of polices and making of sound and reliable decisions. In order that this purpose could be proven, the researcher formulated various relevant research questions and also two major hypotheses were also formulated. Interview was conducted with the aid of instrument known as questionnaires which were administered to the staff of Tisco’s Pharmaceutical. Chi-square (X2) method was used for testing the hypotheses under the research. Findings exposed that cost accounting is an aid to management decision making. Also, to be clear of every sentiment, relevant literatures complied in authorities in the relevant fields were reviewed. The opinion of authorities was not different, showing that costing information is necessary for fixing selling price, valuation of inventory, inventory control, labour remuneration, waste reduction, capacity utilization, cost control ascertainment of profitability. Thus, the study proves that cost accounting is a tool for management decision making process in any organisation either in public and private sector.

Food supply chain management (FSCM): a structured literature review and future research agenda

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to conduct a review of the literature published on food supply chain management (FSCM) in last one and half decade to find out the ongoing research in the field, identify gaps and develop relevant research questions (RQs) from the perspectives of academicians, researchers, policymakers and corporate for the future research.Design/methodology/approachIn all 281 research articles published on FSCM between the years 2005 and 2020 used for searching online databases such as Emerald, Science Direct (Elsevier), Springer and Wiley online. The methodology of structured review and classification involves various dimensions such as journal, publishing house, country, research design and methods, data analysis tool and multi-criteria decision-making methods.FindingsIt is found that the research in the field of FSCM has gained momentum in the last one and half decades. Majority of published articles are related to food supply chain management and food cold chain. Fewer authors have addressed issues and challenges related to food chain in developing country like India and still fewer studies are found on comparison of present food chain management practices adopted by developing countries like India vis-à-vis developed countries. Also it is observed that limited research is reported in food chain logistics system and intelligent tracking system.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is limited to reviewing only those articles which are related to food chain management.Originality/valueThe main objective of this comprehensive review of literature is to present the various perspectives of food chain management and its numerous challenges. This paper attempts to draw the attention of researchers for further research in the FSCM disciplines. The findings provide future research directions, need of sound policymaking and regulatory mechanism to ensure food security to world's second largest populous country.

Universities as Centres of Attraction for Proactive Youth in the Ural Region

Universities, comprising a strategic resource in building up a region’s human capital, play a key role in ensuring sustainable economic growth. For proactive young people seeking opportunities to obtain higher education, develop professional trajectories and enhance their social connections, Russian regions lacking such facilities are seen as less attractive. This situation provokes an outflow of the most promising university candidates from the peripheral regions to the various centres of attraction. Thus, a relevant research question concerns the relationship between the quality of regional universities and the retention of young specialists, who may be expected to support the future development of industrial enterprises in the region. The assessment of interregional mobility carried out by the present study is based on an analysis of responses from applicant and graduate surveys supplemented with statistical data (Monitoring the Effectiveness of Russian Universities, Rosstat). In or der to process this information, classification and data comparison methods were used. The results of the study showed that the Sverdlovsk and Tyumen oblasts are the primary centres of attraction for university entrance candidates from other Russian regions to the Urals, with the inflow of such applicants to these oblasts comprising on average 4.1 % and 13.2 %, respectively, of 18 year olds enrolling in these institutions during the 2015– 2019 period. At the same time, the largest universities provide relevant training for the region’s industrial base (up to 87 % of employed Ural Federal University graduates work in the Ural Region). The research results can be used to enhance the activities of universities and employment services in terms of developing tools for attracting and retaining proactive youth, improving the mechanisms for studying postgraduate migration in order to increase the region’s attractiveness.

Genetic risk factors and their influence on neural development in autism spectrum disorders

Genetic risk factors and their influence on neural development in autism spectrum disorders Abstract. Abstract. Autism spectrum disorders are etiologically based on genetic and specific gene x biologically relevant environmental risk factors. They are diagnosed based on behavioral characteristics, such as impaired social communication and stereotyped, repetitive behavior and sensory as well as special interests. The genetic background is heterogeneous, i. e., it comprises diverse genetic risk factors across the disorder and high interindividual differences of specific genetic risk factors. Nevertheless, risk factors converge regarding underlying biological mechanisms and shared pathways, which likely cause the autism-specific behavioral characteristics. The current selective literature review summarizes differential genetic risk factors and focuses particularly on mechanisms and pathways currently being discussed by international research. In conclusion, clinically relevant aspects and open translational research questions are presented.

EndoVAscular treatment and ThRombolysis for Ischemic Stroke Patients (EVA-TRISP) registry: basis and methodology of a pan-European prospective ischaemic stroke revascularisation treatment registry

PurposeThe Thrombolysis in Ischemic Stroke Patients (TRISP) collaboration was a concerted effort initiated in 2010 with the purpose to address relevant research questions about the effectiveness and safety of intravenous...

When technology meets people: the interplay of artificial intelligence and human resource management

PurposeAn original systematic review of the academic literature on applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the human resource management (HRM) domain is carried out to capture the current state-of-the-art and prepare an original research agenda for future studies.Design/methodology/approachFifty-nine journal articles are selected based on a holistic search and quality evaluation criteria. By using content analysis and structural concept analysis, this study elucidates the extent and impact of AI application in HRM functions, which is followed by synthesizing a concept map that illustrates how the usage of various AI techniques aids HRM decision-making.FindingsA comprehensive review of the AI-HRM domain’s existing literature is presented. A concept map is synthesized to present a taxonomical overview of the AI applications in HRM.Research implications/limitationsAn original research agenda comprising relevant research questions is put forward to assist further developments in the AI-HRM domain. An indicative preliminary framework to help transition toward ethical AI is also presented.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature through a holistic discussion on the current state of the domain, the extent of AI application in HRM, and its current and perceived future impact on HRM functions. A preliminary ethical framework and an extensive future research agenda are developed to open new research avenues.