Research Priorities Research Articles

Status Quo and Gap Analysis of Heliostat Field Deployment Processes for Concentrating Solar Tower Plants

Abstract Deployment of the solar field of a concentrating solar power plant is one of many factors that are integral to the success of a project. Knowledge transfer from outside the industry is limited due to the unique nature of heliostats, which redirect sunlight to a receiver with high precision while maintaining a high level of reflectivity. Moreover, learning from project to project can be limited due to the site-specific nature of projects, as the market includes several developers, each with their own unique design. In this paper, we discuss the state of the art in heliostat field deployment. We cover all the key aspects of deployment from project assessment to a fully functioning system, which include site selection, layout development, supply chain, assembly, site preparation and construction, calibration, and operations and maintenance. We then perform a gap analysis on field deployment and recommend priorities of future research.

Divergent patterns of landslide activity and triggering factors at a local scale of a single mountain massif (Island Beskid Mts., Western Carpathians, Poland)

Landslide protection and mitigation are critical issues in many regions worldwide, where lives and livelihoods depend on correctly determining landslide hazards. However, local differences in the response of landslide slopes to meteorological or seismic triggering factors can decrease the performance of landslide models and forecasts. Thus, recognising and understanding spatial patterns of landslide activity at a local scale should be one of the priorities of landslide research. In this study, we analyse the activity and triggering factors of two landslides in one mountain massif, <2 km apart, in the Western Carpathians, Poland. We analysed 61-year-long (1959–2019) records of the activity of study landslides, i.e. dendrochronological reconstruction based on ring eccentricity and compression wood dated in 65 specimens of European silver fir (Abies alba). We compared the dendrochronological proxy of landslide activity at two study slopes with precipitation and earthquakes in the study area. Based on statistical correlations with 560 precipitation indicators, we found that the similarities between the two study landslides include only the direct triggers in June–July and March. The Wiśnia landslide, unlike Hajdowska, can also be triggered by precipitation in October. However, the main difference between the study landslides lies in the preparatory precipitation. Hajdowska shows significant dependence from precipitation of the previous December and current February, while at the Wiśnia study site, the preparatory precipitation is less important and covers the previous October–November and current January. Our results show that although study landslides could be reactivated at one time by similar direct triggers of spring or summer, such simultaneous reactivation would require preconditions of antecedent precipitation of the previous winter half-year (October–March) different for each landslide. Suppose, the requirements of antecedent precipitation are fulfilled only for one of the landslides during the winter half-year. In that case, the other will remain inactive despite the later occurrence of a shared direct trigger in spring or summer. The example of Hajdowska and Wiśnia shows that significant differences in landslide activity, hazard and triggering factors can exist even at the local scale. We argue that omitting even such subtle, unevident differences in the conditions of landslide activity leads to errors in landslide modelling and forecasting. For example, linking Hajdowska and Wiśnia landslides with one precipitation threshold or model of slope instability based on their adjacent location would not be effective in predicting reactivations. The precision of landslide modelling and forecasting depends on the accuracy of preceding analyses of landslide activity and triggering factors. We argue that in the case of the two adjacent landslides studied the divergent patterns of their activity and triggers would not be revealed without analysing long-term (> 60 years long) data sets.

Evidence-informed stakeholder consultations to promote rights-based approaches for children with disabilities.

To strengthen the translation of evidence to actionable policy, stakeholder engagement is necessary to synthesize, prioritize and contextualize the academic research content into accessible language. In this manuscript we describe a multi-level evidence-based stakeholder consultation process and related outcomes proposed to promote awareness of and foster cross-sectorial collaborations towards human rights-based approaches for children with disabilities. Mixed-methods participatory action research done in three steps: (1) A literature review of peer-reviewed evidence on rights-based approaches in childhood disabilities; (2) Consultation with researchers in diverse fields, grassroot organizations, caregivers, and youth with disabilities; (3) A constructive dialogue with decision makers at federal and provincial levels in Canada to discuss consultations results. Stakeholders value human rights approaches that can have a direct impact on practical aspects of their daily living. Organizations give high importance to adopting rights-based approaches to measure policy outcomes, while parents value service provision and youth emphasize accessibility. The implementation of rights-based approaches in childhood disabilities can support policy, services, and daily lives of children with disabilities and the ecosystems around them. It can also guide research priorities, and create a common language to foster collaborations across sectors and interested parties.

Hydrological response to land use/land cover changes in Ethiopian basins: a review

Hydrological response to land use/land cover changes in Ethiopian basins: a review

Scoping review protocol on research prioritisation for preparedness and response to outbreaks of high consequence pathogens

Background Prioritisation of research activities for infectious disease pathogens is usually undertaken through the identification of important research and knowledge gaps. Research prioritisation is an essential element of both effective responses to disease outbreaks and adequate preparedness. There is however currently no published mapping of activities on and evidence from research prioritisation for high consequence pathogens. The objectives of this review are to map all published research prioritisation exercises on high-consequence pathogens; provide an overview of methodologies employed for prioritising research for these pathogens; describe monitoring and evaluation processes for research areas prioritised; and identify any standards and guidance for effectively undertaking research prioritisation activities for high consequence pathogens. Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute guidance of scoping review conduct will be used. The search will be undertaken using the key terms of “research prioritisation”, “response”, “control”, and related terms, and a list of high-consequence pathogens derived from WHO (2020), EMERGE (2019), Europe CDC (2022) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (2021). We will search WHO Global Index Medicus; Ovid Medline; Ovid Embase; Ovid Global Health; and Scopus. Backward citations review of the included full text documents will also be conducted. Google Scholar and Overton will be searched for grey literature. Two independent reviewers will screen the retrieved documents using Rayyan and extract data in a data extraction template in Microsoft Excel 2021. Screening results will be presented using the PRISMA-ScR template with narrative synthesis undertaken for the extracted data. Conclusion This review will map existing research priorities for high consequence pathogens. Further, it will provide an understanding of methodologies used for prioritisation, processes for monitoring and evaluation of progress made against research agendas, and evidence on standards that could be recommended for effective prioritisation of research for high consequence pathogens.

A Comprehensive Review Exploring Allergic Rhinitis With Nasal Polyps: Mechanisms, Management, and Emerging Therapies.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and nasal polyps (NP) are common inflammatory disorders of the upper airways that often coexist and significantly impact patients' quality of life. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between AR and NP, elucidating the underlying mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and management strategies. Immunological mechanisms, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of both conditions. Pharmacological therapies, including intranasal corticosteroids and biologic agents, are cornerstone treatments for managing AR with NP. At the same time, surgical interventions such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be necessary in refractory cases. Emerging therapies, including immunomodulatory agents and precision medicine approaches, hold promise in improving treatment outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, personalized treatment plans, and patient education are essential for optimizing clinical practice. Future research should focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets, conducting large-scale clinical trials, exploring precision medicine approaches, and investigating the role of the microbiome. Addressing these research priorities and implementing evidence-based treatment strategies can improve outcomes for patients with AR and NP.

Evolution of public funding since primary care research was considered as a priority research domain in france

PurposeAnnually, the French Ministry of Health funds clinical research projects based on a national call for projects. Since 2013, the Ministry has prioritized funding of primary care. Projects selected for funding are made public without distinguishing the specific area of research. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the evolution of the primary care research projects funded by the Ministry of Health between 2013 and 2019.MethodWe reviewed all of the 1796 medical research projects funded between 2013 and 2019 and categorized projects as primary care projects by using a list of specific keywords. This list was established through two approaches: (1) selected by an expert committee, the RECaP primary care working group, and (2) using an automated textual analysis of published articles in the field. The keywords were used to screen the titles of the medical research projects funded. The abstracts (at www.clinicaltrials.gov) or details (from project leaders) were then analyzed by two independent reviewers to determine true primary care projects.ResultsFinally, 49 primary care projects were identified, representing 2.7% of all medical research projects funded, without any significant change over the period. These projects were predominantly interventional (69%), with a median number of patients expected per project of 902.ConclusionDespite the prioritization of primary care research in 2013 by the French ministry of health, the number and proportion of projects funded remains low, with no significant change over the years.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Research and practice priorities in pilonidal sinus disease: a consensus from the PITSTOP study.

Pilonidal sinus disease is a common condition treated by colorectal surgeons. There is a lack of literature in the field to guide optimal management of this condition. As part of the PITSTOP study, we aimed to identify policy and research priorities to provide direction to the field. Patients and surgeons were invited to participate. A 'So what, now what' exercise was conducted, informed by data from PITSTOP. This generated statements for research and practice priorities. A three-round online Delphi study was conducted, ranking statements based on policy and research separately. Statements were rated 1 (not important) to 9 (important). Statements that were rated 7-9 by more than 70% of participants were entered into the consensus meeting. Personalized voting feedback was shown between rounds. A face-to-face meeting was held to discuss statements, and participants were asked to rank statements using a weighted choice vote. Twenty-two people participated in the focus group, generating 14 research and 19 policy statements. Statements were voted on by 56 participants in round 1, 53 in round 2 and 51 in round 3. A total of 15 policy statements and 19 research statements were discussed in the consensus round. Key policy statements addressed treatment strategies and intensity, surgeon training opportunities, need for classification and the impact of treatment on return to work. Research recommendations included design of future trials, methodology considerations and research questions. This study has identified research and policy priorities in pilonidal sinus disease which are relevant to patients and clinicians. These should inform practice and future research.

Social hotspots in the automotive industry’s aluminum value chains—combining primary and generic data

Abstract Purpose The automotive industry and its suppliers have been facing increasing challenges in the sustainable sourcing of raw materials on environmental and social levels. To identify social risks in the value chain of aluminum in the automotive sector, this study aimed to examine how a generic hotspot analysis based on S-LCA can be conducted and support the reporting according to new legislative requirements such as the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. Methods This study investigated the social risks in the supply chains of two selected aluminum components of an aluminum company using a generic social hotspot analysis based on the UNEP Guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products and Organizations 2020. The study employed the generic PSILCA© database and different additional indicators for the assessment. The UNEP Guidelines 2020 used in combination with the associated methodological sheets were beneficial in structuring the procedure within the social hotspot analysis. They gave the inexperienced user a guide, which led to the results presented in this work. Results and discussion A high number of social hotspots in upstream processes outside Europe across the different investigated indicators for both supply chains assessed were detected. Most social risks were identified in Guinea, as well as in a European and an Asian Country in the stakeholder categories “Workers” and “Local community.” Especially, the alloy element production in the Asian Country and the bauxite mining in Guinea showed an above-average number of social hotspots. The implementation of the work was associated with an enormous effort in information collection about the supply chains to be investigated and depended on the direct suppliers’ willingness to contribute. The need for a safe and supporting environment for suppliers to enhance transparency was identified. Conclusions Combining generic and company data to conduct a social hotspot assessment (e.g., using PSILCA©) to meet legislative requirements proved to be a suitable approach for complex supply chains such as the automotive one. Despite this, limitations of the PSILCA© database and potential for improvement were acknowledged regarding industry-wide social assessments of supply chains. Additionally, the study serves as an application example of the UNEP Guidelines 2020 and the activity variables for science in practice. Further development and standardization of social indicators and activity variables for impact measurement were identified as a research priority.

Shared Vision for Improving Outcomes for Serious Fungal Diseases: Report of a Patient, Caregiver, and Clinician Summit

Abstract Background Recently, increasing focus on patient input into research and healthcare improvements has fostered expanded patient-centered advocacy efforts. This first pan-fungal disease summit, part of the MYCology Advocacy, Education &amp; Research (MyCARE) effort, brought together patients, caregivers, and mycology experts to better document patient experiences with invasive fungal disease (IFD) and establish priorities for mycology education, advocacy, and research. Methods Patients who had suffered from IFD, their caregivers, clinicians, industry representatives, government officials, and patient advocacy professionals were invited. Patients and caregivers shared their stories and struggles with IFD. Breakout sessions separated mycology experts from patients and caregivers for further discussions to identify commonalities and perceived gaps and to formulate recommendations. The two groups then reconvened to develop consensus recommendations. Results IFD patients and their caregivers shared experiences reflecting the typically lengthy pre-diagnosis, acute treatment, long-term treatment, and post-treatment recovery stages of IFD. They reported substantial physical, psychological, and financial burdens associated with the IFD experience, particularly related to delayed diagnoses. They reaffirmed a need for coordinated patient-centered education, peer support, and advocacy to document the burden of serious fungal infections. Mycology experts discussed strategies to address gaps in the mycology field, such as insufficient training, inadequate workforce support, and a need to partner more with patient groups. Conclusion A summit involving patients with IFD, family caregivers, and mycology experts identified a substantial non-clinical burden of disease associated with IFD. Patients and mycology experts prioritized several goals for education, advocacy, and research to raise awareness of IFD and improve outcomes.

Unveiling the Surge: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Stimulating Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Telemedicine and Its Academic Landscape.

The Covid-19 pandemic spurred an unprecedented shift towards digitalization, prompting a surge in telehealth practices. This paper explores the impact of the pandemic on telemedicine through a comprehensive analysis of scientific publications. Utilizing a bibliometric approach, the study examines trends in telemedicine research before and after the onset of Covid-19. The systematic search in PubMed yielded 8,454 pre-Covid-19 publications (2016-2019) and 16,633 post-Covid-19 publications (2020-2023). A total of 21,989 distinct keywords were extracted. Co-occurrence maps reveal evolving thematic clusters, with "mhealth" and "ehealth" dominating pre-Covid-19, while "Covid-19" emerges as a top keyword post-pandemic. The Top-10 keywords shift post-Covid-19, reflecting dynamic research priorities. The bibliometric approach illuminates a heightened exploration of telehealth solutions post-pandemic, emphasizing the enduring impact of the crisis on academic discourse. Changes in key terms and shifts in key term ranking indicate dynamic research priorities and a broader consideration of multidimensional healthcare challenges. Acknowledging study limitations, the analysis offers a high-level perspective, focusing on authors' keywords. Despite challenges, the study provides a systematic overview, revealing the emergence of new telemedicine application domains and the need for further in-depth analyses. Future research directions may explore the ecological impact of telemedicine applications and other intriguing aspects, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of telemedicine's scholarly trajectory.

Seed biology imperative for conservation and restoration of Swertia thomsonii C.B. Clarke-an endemic medicinal plant of Himalaya.

Endemic medicinal plants deserve immediate research priorities as they typically show a limited distribution range, represent few and fragmented populations in the wild and are currently facing anthropogenic threats like overharvesting and habitat degradation. One of the important aspects of ensuring their successful conservation and sustainable utilization lies in comprehending the fundamental seed biology, particularly the dormancy status and seed germination requirements of these plants. Here, we studied the seed eco-physiology and regeneration potential of Swertia thomsonii-an endemic medicinal plant of western Himalaya. We investigated the effect of different pre-sowing treatments, sowing media and sowing depth on seed germination parameters of S. thomsonii. Seeds of S. thomsonii exhibit morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), i.e. when the embryo of the seed is morphologically and/or physiologically immature. Wet stratification at 4°C for 20days, pre-sowing treatment with 50ppm GA3 and pre-sowing treatment with 50ppm KNO3 were found ideal for overcoming dormancy and enhancing the seed germination of S. thomsonii. Furthermore, seed germination and seedling survival were significantly influenced by pre-sowing treatments, sowing media and sowing depth. The percentage of seed germination and seedling survival got enhanced up to 84-86% and 73-75% respectively when seeds were pre-treated with GA3 or KNO3 and then sown in cocopeat + perlite (1:1) at a depth of 1cm. The information obtained in the present study outlines an efficient protocol for large-scale cultivation of S. thomsonii thereby limiting the pressure of overexploitation from its natural habitats and may also help in the restoration and conservation of this valuable plant species.

Statistical Scientists in the Academy of Sciences: To Mark the 300th Anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS)

The paper covers the 300 years of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which embodies the intellectual potential of Russia. The authors focus on the figures of academic scientists who have left their mark on the history of Russian statistics. It is stressed that the choice of personalities – members and corresponding members of the Academy of Sciences – was relative due to the complex structure of the Academy itself when а branch or a department of the Academy nominates a scientist to the rank of an academician or a corresponding member, as well as an ambiguity of a scientist’s contribution if the area of subsequent activity of the elected member of the RAS strained from the profile of the nominating division of the Academy. When discussing personal achievements, the authors adhered only to chronology, consistently moving from one historical phase to another, from one system of government to another. It is difficult to review the three centuries of the Academy of Sciences in any detail; this explains the lapidary style and the lack of description of the features of Russian history in each period and their impact on scientific research priorities. The article may be of interest to researchers, teachers and post-graduate students of economic universities, as well as employees of state statistics institutions in Russia.

Evaluation and Optimization of Interior Circadian Daylighting Performance for the Elderly in Traditional Dwellings: A Case Study in Western Hunan, China

With the implementation of China’s rural revitalization strategy, the sustainable preservation of traditional dwellings has become a research priority. Moreover, with the aging population in the countryside increasing, the limited mobility of the elderly may result in them receiving daily corneal illuminance too low for a healthy circadian stimulus. This work aims to explore the relationship between circadian and daylighting design parameters inside traditional dwellings and to develop easy-to-use methods for guiding indoor circadian design in traditional dwellings in western Hunan. Additionally, it seeks to promote the digitalization and informatization of traditional dwellings in western Hunan for preservation purposes, aiming to integrate these efforts with sustainable tourism and community development, which supports the local economy while preserving cultural heritage. The main contributions are as follows: (i) Systematic evaluation of the indoor lighting and circadian status of traditional Miao dwellings in western Hunan. (ii) Simplification and application of the CS and corneal illuminance fitting model for guiding circadian design, especially suitable for indirect indoor circadian aspects of lighting in daylight scenarios. The simplified model provides quick circadian design feedback and promotes healthy circadian concepts. Its accuracy has been verified by fitting it with simulation data from Climate Studio daylighting software. (iii) Exploration of daylighting conditions using simulation software, focusing on ρ′ (the area-weighted average of room surface reflectance), ρ (the reflectance of the surface where the first reflection occurs), and the WWR (Window-to-wall ratio) in two different types of traditional dwellings. This also includes defining the dwelling parameter intervals necessary for an appropriate circadian stimulus in traditional Miao dwellings in western Hunan. (iv) The analysis suggests that enhancing ρ′ has a greater effect on circadian lighting than WWR, indicating that increasing ρ′ should be the preferred method for achieving high-quality and efficient circadian lighting.

Preparation of sodium alginate modified silver-metal organic framework and application in citric acid/PVA antimicrobial packaging

Silver-metal organic framework (Ag@MOF) has exhibited outstanding antimicrobial activity in antimicrobial applications, and reducing the biotoxicity associated with silver has become a research priority. In this study, Ag@MOF was initially modified with sodium alginate (SA) to form SA-Ag@MOF. The results showed that SA could control the release of Ag+, reducing the release by about 8% at 24 h, and the biotoxicity was significantly reduced. Finally, SA-Ag@MOF was applied as an antimicrobial agent in citric acid-modified PVA film to develop a novel composite antimicrobial film. When added at 2 MIC, the CA3-M2 film can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. aureus, and the inhibition rate has reached 98%. For white radish packaging applications, CA3-M2 film inhibited the growth of surface microorganisms, while ensuring moisture and tissue hardness to extend shelf-life up to 7 days. Overall, the strategy conceived here can be a theoretical basis for novel antimicrobial packaging.

A NICE approach to addressing health inequalities in breast cancer guidance

Key points NICE seeks to reduce health inequalities through its guidance. NICE uses equality and health inequalities assessment (EHIA) to identify and address health inequalities. A health inequalities briefing was developed for breast cancer‐related guidance to consider and address health inequalities more systematically. The committee made recommendations that consider the impact of health inequalities on access and adherence. Further research is recommended for interventions targeting specific population subgroups. The health inequalities briefing identified late diagnosis and screening variations as key issues among deprived women and ethnic minority groups, which was passed on to the National Institute for Health and Care Research as a research priority.

The Dysregulation of the Monocyte-Dendritic Cell Interplay Is Associated with In-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Background: The monocyte-phagocyte system (MPS), including monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs), plays a key role in anti-viral immunity. We aimed to analyze the prognostic value of the MPS components on in-hospital mortality in a cohort of 58 patients (M/F; mean age ± SD years) with COVID-19 pneumonia and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: We measured frequencies and absolute numbers of peripheral blood CD169+ monocytes, conventional CD1c+ and CD141+ (namely cDC2 and cDC1), and plasmacytoid CD303+ DCs by means of multi-parametric flow cytometry. A gene profile analysis of 770 immune-inflammatory-related human genes and 20 SARS-CoV-2 genes was also performed. Results: Median frequencies and absolute counts of CD169-expressing monocytes were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in controls (p 0.04 and p 0.01, respectively). Conversely, percentages and absolute numbers of all DC subsets were markedly depleted in patients (p < 0.0001). COVID-19 cases with absolute counts of CD169+ monocytes above the median value of 114.68/μL had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (HR 4.96; 95% CI: 1.42-17.27; p = 0.02). Interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were significantly increased in COVID-19 patients (p < 0.0001 vs. controls), and negatively correlated with the absolute counts of circulating CD1c+ cDC2 (r = -0.29, p = 0.034) and CD303+ pDC (r = -0.29, p = 0.036) subsets. Viral genes were upregulated in patients with worse outcomes along with inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α) and the anticoagulant protein (PROS1). Conversely, surviving patients had upregulated genes related to inflammatory and anti-viral-related pathways along with the T cell membrane molecule CD4. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the dysregulated interplay between the different components of the MPS along with the imbalance between viral gene expression and host anti-viral immunity negatively impacts COVID-19 outcomes. Although the clinical scenario of COVID-19 has changed over time, a deepening of its pathogenesis remains a priority in clinical and experimental research.

The International Performance, Resilience and Efficiency Program Protocol for the Application of HRV Biofeedback in Applied Law Enforcement Settings.

Law enforcement officers are routinely exposed to high-threat encounters that elicit physiological stress responses that impact health, performance, and safety. Therefore, self-regulation using evidence-based approaches is a priority in police research and practice. This paper describes a five-module heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) protocol that is part of a larger resilience program (the International Performance Resilience and Efficiency Program - iPREP) established in 2014. Supported by 10years of user-informed research and development, our methods are tailored to address occupational stressors and the practical realities of training and resource availability in operational settings. Building on existing clinical methods that comprise five to six weekly sessions and up to 40-min of daily practice, our iPREP HRVB protocol is typically delivered in a condensed format across 2-3days and is seamlessly integrated with reality-based training scenarios commonly employed in policing. By combining best practices in clinical HRVB with police-specific pedagogical frameworks, officers receive accelerated and job-relevant training to adaptively modulate autonomic responses to acute and chronic stress. Efficacy of the iPREP HRVB protocol is supported by several research studies of various methodological designs (i.e., randomized control trial, longitudinal cohort) that demonstrate immediate and sustained improvements in police performance and physiological health outcomes. We conclude with a critical appraisal of the available empirical evidence contrasting common and emerging breathing techniques proposed for use in operational policing contexts. The critical appraisal guide is intended to serve as a resource for law enforcement agencies, governing bodies, and operators when choosing appropriate and effective self-regulation training approaches.

Identifying autistic children: Priorities for research arising from a systematic review of parents' experiences of the assessment process.

Hearing about parents' experiences of having their child recognised as autistic could help improve the supports offered to parents. Our article may also help guide future research on this topic. We made a list of the type of research that interested us. We searched the studies already completed, only studying the research that matched our interests. After reading the studies, we rated their quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool.It became clear that parents went through four phases during the identification process. The first phase occurred before their child was identified as autistic. The second involved the actual assessment of their child. Parents' emotional reactions to the news were the focus of the third phase. The final phase occurred after their child was identified as autistic. We discuss the findings of our research. As there are sensitivities involved in conducting research on this topic, we identify how researchers can ensure that their research is of the best quality. We are committed to respecting the human rights of all involved, so we emphasise the need for professionals to develop good relationships with the parents of autistic children. Researchers have recently come to see autism as typical of human diversity. We encourage the professionals involved to adopt this understanding of autistic children and make practical suggestions to enable them to do so.

Is trauma research neglecting neurodiverse populations? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence ACEs in adults with autistic traits

Purpose The prevalence of exposure to adversity is elevated in autistic populations, compared to neurotypical peers. Despite this, the frequency and nature of early adverse experiences are not well understood in autistic adults, with several underlying methodological limitations in the available literature. The purpose of this study is to systematically synthesise and analyse the prevalence of childhood adversity in this marginalised population, in accordance with the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) framework. Design/methodology/approach Peer-reviewed empirical research articles were systematically searched for from electronic databases and screened against established inclusion criteria. Pooled prevalence rates for individual ACE types were calculated. Findings Four papers were included (N = 732), all of which used a predominantly or exclusively female sample. Only sexual abuse was reported in all papers, with a pooled prevalence rate of 38%. Physical abuse and emotional abuse were less frequently explored, with two papers reporting on these ACEs, though obtained comparable and higher pooled prevalence rates (39% and 49%, respectively). Pooled prevalence rates could be calculated for neither neglect nor “household” ACEs because of insufficient data. The limited state of the evidence, in conjunction with high levels of heterogeneity and poor sample representativeness found, positions the ACEs of autistic adults as a critical research priority. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically synthesise the prevalence of early childhood adversities, as conceptualised in accordance with the ACEs framework, in adults with autistic traits.