Synthesis Of Research Research Articles

Experiences of financial toxicity among caregivers of cancer patients: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of financial toxicity among caregivers of cancer patients and to provide recommendations for subsequent intervention strategies. Computer searches of PubMed, EmBase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCO), CNKI, Wanfang database, and SinoMed for qualitative studies experience of financial toxicity among caregivers cancer patients. The search time frame was from the establishment of the database to May 2023. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Qualitative Research Checklist from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer's Manual. The meta-synthesis was integrated following the meta-aggregation method proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and reported following the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) guidelines. A total of nine studies were included, distilling 25 qualitative findings into nine new categories and synthesizing three synthesized findings: caregivers have strong negative experiences that affect their family relationships, daily work and life; caregivers use different strategies to cope with financial toxicity; needs and expectations of caregivers coping with financial toxicity. Financial toxicity among caregivers of cancer patients affects their daily lives. Receiving timely recognition of this financial burden and providing assistance to enhance their coping skills are crucial in mitigating its impact. Healthcare professionals should focus on the financial toxicity experienced by caregivers of people with cancer, address their supportive needs, and develop a comprehensive support system to improve caregivers' coping abilities and quality of life.

MetaWin 3: open-source software for meta-analysis.

The rise of research synthesis and systematic reviews over the last 25years has been aided by a series of software packages providing simple and accessible GUI interfaces which are intuitively easy to use by novice analysts and users. Development of many of these packages has been abandoned over time due to a variety of factors, leaving a gap in the software infrastructure available for meta-analysis. To fulfill the continued demand for a GUI-based meta-analytic system, we have now released MetaWin 3 as free, open-source, multi-platform software. MetaWin3 is written in Python and developed from scratch relative to earlier versions. The codebase is available on Github, with pre-compiled executables for both Windows and macOS available from the MetaWin website. MetaWin includes standardized effect size calculations, exploratory and publication bias analyses, and allows for both simple and complex explanatory models of variation within a meta-analytic framework, including meta-regression, using traditional least-squares/moments estimation.

Mobile-assisted language learning and pronunciation instruction: A systematic literature review

AbstractIn recent years, learners worldwide have expressed increasing interest in mobile learning and the utilization of mobile devices for language learning purposes. However, few research synthesis studies have focused on pronunciation development in relation to employing MALL (mobile-assisted language learning). This review article contributes to the discourse on how mobile learning aids in acquiring and practicing EFL (English as a foreign language) pronunciation since it is this language system that is both a crucial and frequently neglected aspect of English language learning. With the emergence of e-generation, it is necessary to investigate the influence of MALL on pronunciation acquisition. This paper provides a systematic literature review of the findings of 15 empirical studies published between 2015 and 2022, which is based on PRISMA 2020. The aim of the review is threefold: to investigate the effect of mobile devices on L2 learners’ pronunciation performance, examine learners’ attitudes toward employing mobile learning for pronunciation practice and development, and identify which mobile devices and apps are present in the process. The results indicate that overall, mobile learning exerts a beneficial impact on L2 pronunciation and that participants in the reviewed studies demonstrate positive attitudes toward MALL. Moreover, smartphones appear to be at the center of attention as the primary mobile device, and it was revealed that a variety of mobile apps and platforms have been employed in the studies. The article concludes with pedagogical implications and recommendations for potential research exploration in the future.

Efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: An umbrella review of systematic reviews.

Stem cell therapy (SCT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic avenue, with various cell types being explored for their efficacy in treating DCM. However, the safety and efficacy of these therapies have been the subject of numerous systematic reviews. This umbrella review aims to consolidate the existing evidence on stem cell interventions for DCM, providing a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape. This review was conducted following the JBI and PRISMA guidelines. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the safety and efficacy of SCT for DCM were included. Outcomes such as 6MWT, LVEDD, LVEF, MACE, NYHA, and QoL, among others, were considered. A literature search was executed across databases like PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database up to October 07, 2023. The quality of the included reviews was assessed using the JBI Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Data synthesis was carried out in both narrative and tabular formats, with the GRADE criteria guiding the determination of evidence certainty. Nine systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. LVEF found to be significantly improved with SCT. LVEDD and LVEDV assessments yielded mixed results, with some reviews observing significant changes. LVESV showed consistent reductions across multiple studies. BNP concentrations post-interventions were explored in several studies, with mixed findings. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) showed varied results, with some studies noting improvements and others finding no significant differences. NYHA classifications and 6-MWT results indicated potential benefits from stem cell treatments. SCT was observed to be generally safe. The certainty of evidence was low or very low for most of outcomes. SCT showed has shown promise in treating DCM, with many studies highlighting its safety and potential benefits. Nonetheless, the existing data has its limitations due to biases in the RCTs studies. To truly establish the benefits of SCT for DCM, future high quality RCTS, are crucial.

MSE FINDR: A Shiny R Application to Estimate Mean Square Error Using Treatment Means and Post Hoc Test Results.

Research synthesis methods such as meta-analysis rely primarily on appropriate summary statistics (i.e., means and variance) of a response of interest for implementation to draw general conclusions from a body of research. A commonly encountered problem arises when a measure of variability of a response across a study is not explicitly provided in the summary statistics of primary studies. Typically, these otherwise credible studies are omitted in research synthesis, leading to potential small-study effects and loss of statistical power. We present MSE FINDR, a user-friendly Shiny R application for estimating the mean square error (i.e., within-study residual variance, [Formula: see text]) for continuous outcomes from analysis of variance (ANOVA)-type studies, with specific experimental designs and treatment structures (Latin square, completely randomized, randomized complete block, two-way factorial, and split-plot designs). MSE FINDR accomplishes this by using commonly reported information on treatment means, significance level (α), number of replicates, and post hoc mean separation tests (Fisher's least significant difference [LSD], Tukey's honest significant difference [HSD], Bonferroni, Šidák, and Scheffé). Users upload a CSV file containing the relevant information reported in the study and specify the experimental design and post hoc test that was applied in the analysis of the underlying data. MSE FINDR then proceeds to recover [Formula: see text] based on user-provided study information. The recovered within-study variance can be downloaded and exported as a CSV file. Simulations of trials with a variable number of treatments and treatment effects showed that the MSE FINDR-recovered [Formula: see text] was an accurate predictor of the actual ANOVA [Formula: see text] for one-way experimental designs when summary statistics (i.e., means, variance, and post hoc results) were available for the single factor. Similarly, [Formula: see text] recovered by the application accurately predicted the actual [Formula: see text] for two-way experimental designs when summary statistics were available for both factors and the sub-plot factor in split-plot designs, irrespective of the post hoc mean separation test. The MSE FINDR Shiny application, documentation, and an accompanying tutorial are hosted at https://garnica.shinyapps.io/MSE_FindR/ and https://github.com/vcgarnica/MSE_FindR/. With this tool, researchers can now easily estimate the within-study variance absent in published reports that nonetheless provide appropriate summary statistics, thus enabling the inclusion of such studies that would have otherwise been excluded in meta-analyses involving estimates of effect sizes based on a continuous response.

A Qualitative Synthesis of Research on Professional Learning for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Researchers and practitioners continue to call for professional learning (PL) for multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) to promote implementation with fidelity. Different PL interventions and MTSS frameworks raise questions about what types of PL support educators to engage in key practices. Questions also remain regarding educators’ perspectives and experiences with PL for MTSS and factors that facilitate or hinder educators’ learning. In this paper, we report findings from a qualitative research synthesis on PL for MTSS in the United States. We found 46 studies that explored educators’ perspectives and experiences with PL. Findings illuminated educators’ positive experiences with ongoing, job-embedded PL, particularly PL communities and coaching. Studies also illustrated the importance of collaboration and trust within learning communities as well as leaders who empower and trust educators. We discuss the implications of these findings in K–12 school settings.

Improving the Usefulness and Use of Meta-Analysis to Inform Policy and Practice.

This chapter begins with an overview of recent developments that have encouraged and facilitated greater use of research syntheses, including Meta-Analysis, to guide public policy and practice in education, workforce development, and social services. It discusses the role of Meta-Analysis for improving knowledge of the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices and the applicability and generalizability of that knowledge to conditions other than those represented by the study samples and settings. The chapter concludes with recommendations for improving the potential of Meta-Analysis to accelerate knowledge development through changing how we design, conduct, and report findings of individual studies to maximize their usefulness in Meta-Analysis as well as how we produce and report Meta-Analysis findings. The paper includes references to resources supporting the recommendations.

Inquiry skills teaching and its relationship with UAE secondary school students’ critical thinking: Systematic review of science teachers’ perspectives

Undoubtedly, due to continuous changes in time, environment, and demand, teaching techniques in science education should be constantly explored, reflected upon, and improved. This paper explores the current evidence related to secondary science teachers’ perspectives about teaching inquiry skills in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). After a systematic Boolean search in online databases, a research synthesis was conducted on the perspectives of secondary science teachers regarding inquiry and critical thinking of students in the context of UAE. Eight quantitative and qualitative studies were analyzed, and results showed that science teachers’ perspectives on teaching inquiry skills varied across studies. Additionally, some factors should be addressed when teaching critical thinking including socio-psycho factors (e.g., attitudes towards learning science, teacher competence, professional development, student characteristics, teaching and learning practices, and classroom management). This study recommends that further attention should be paid to teaching theories and approaches such as active learning strategy, sociocultural theory, constructivism theory, and affective filter hypothesis. These results are important since they identify the need of reevaluation of inquiry-based teaching and learning of science (e.g., critical thinking skill as a key one) in UAE secondary schools.

Factors influencing health-related quality of life among long-term care residents experiencing pain: a systematic review protocol

BackgroundPain is highly burdensome, affecting over 30% of long-term care (LTC) residents. Pain significantly reduces residents’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), limits their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), restricts their social activities, and can lead to hopelessness, depression, and unnecessary healthcare costs. Although pain can generally be prevented or treated, eliminating pain may not always be possible, especially when residents have multiple chronic conditions. Therefore, improving the HRQoL of LTC residents with pain is a priority goal. Understanding factors influencing HRQoL of LTC residents with pain is imperative to designing and evaluating targeted interventions that complement pain management to improve residents’ HRQoL. However, these factors are poorly understood, and we lack syntheses of available research on this topic. This systematic review protocol outlines the methods to identify, synthesize, and evaluate the available evidence on these factors.MethodsThis mixed methods review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We will systematically search Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis Global from database inception. We will include primary studies and systematically conducted reviews without restrictions to language, publication date, and study design. We will also include gray literature (dissertation and reports) and search relevant reviews and reference lists of all included studies. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, conduct quality appraisal, and extract data. We will synthesize results thematically and conduct meta-analyses if statistical pooling is possible. Residents and family/friend caregivers will assist with interpreting the findings.DiscussionThis proposed systematic review will address an important knowledge gap related to the available evidence on factors influencing HRQoL of LTC residents with pain. Findings will be crucial for researchers, LTC administrators, and policy makers in uncovering research needs and in planning, developing, and evaluating strategies in addition to and complementary with pain management to help improve HRQoL among LTC residents with pain.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42023405425

Research Status, Synthesis and Clinical Application of Antiepileptic Drugs.

According to the 2017 ILAE's official definition, epilepsy is a slow brain disease state characterized by recurrent episodes. Due to information released by ILAE in 2017, it can be divided into four types, including focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, combined generalized, and focal epilepsy, and unknown epilepsy. Since 1989, 24 new antiepileptic drugs have been approved to treat different types of epilepsy. Besides, there are a variety of antiepileptic medications under clinical monitoring. These novel antiepileptic drugs have plenty of advantages. Over the past 33 years, there have been many antiepileptic drugs on the mearket, but no one has been found that can completely cure epilepsy. In this paper, the mentioned drugs were classified according to their targets, and the essential information, and clinical studies of each drug were described. The structure-activity relationship of different chemical structures was summarized. This paper provides help for the follow-up research on epilepsy drugs.

The effect of educational mobile games on learning performance: a meta-analysis and research synthesis

ABSTRACT While several studies have investigated the effects of educational games in education, less attention has been paid specifically to the effects of educational mobile games in education. To address this gap, this study conducted a meta-analysis and research synthesis of 38 studies (N = 3302 participants) to investigate the effects of educational mobile games on students’ learning performance. The analysis included field of education, level of education, learning setting, intervention duration, and mobile device type as moderating variables of the obtained effects. The findings revealed that educational mobile games have a large effect (g = 0.97) on students’ learning performance, with puzzle games having the largest effect (g = 1.32) on students’ learning performance. Additionally, the analysis found that the obtained effect can be moderated by several variables, including field and level of education, learning setting, intervention duration, and mobile device type. The study findings can help various stakeholders (e.g. educators and game designers or developers) in choosing the appropriate educational mobile games by taking into consideration several related confounding factors.

Average Rainfall and Water Requirements of Bundelkhand Region: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

Abstract: The Bundelkhand region, receiving an annual rainfall of approximately 1000 mm, with nearly 90% occurring during the short span of July and August, is traversed by major rivers. However, this region grapples with a severe water crisis exacerbated by factors such as burgeoning agriculture, population growth, unpredictable rainfall patterns, the impact of climate change, political complexities, water mismanagement, misuse, and environmental negligence, including the neglect of traditional water sources. This abstract provides an overview of a comprehensive study on the shifting water table dynamics within the Bundelkhand region. It explores the multifaceted factors contributing to the alteration of groundwater levels, examines the far-reaching repercussions of these changes on the environment and livelihoods, and proposes sustainable solutions to mitigate the looming water crisis. Through a synthesis of scientific research and on-ground observations, this study sheds light on the intricate web of natural and anthropogenic drivers responsible for the declining water table. Furthermore, it underscores the urgent need for collective action and policy interventions to safeguard water resources, ensure agricultural resilience, and improve the quality of life for the people of Bundelkhand.

Diabetes and Ischemic Stroke, An Assessment of the Most Recent Research

This scientific paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the recent research on the intricate relationship between diabetes and ischemic stroke. Examining the pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiological trends, and clinical implications, the paper synthesizes findings from diverse studies. Insights into risk factors, preventive strategies, and challenges are explored, emphasizing the need for continued investigation. The abstract highlights the significance of understanding this connection for healthcare professionals, offering potential avenues for preventive interventions and improved patient care. The synthesis of recent research contributes to the evolving landscape of knowledge surrounding diabetes and its implications for ischemic stroke. Keywords: Diabetes, Ischemic stroke, Pathophysiological mechanisms, Epidemiological trends, Preventive strategies.

Digital literacy of university students in non-core training directions

Introduction. Forming and improving the readiness and ability of students in non-core (non-IT) areas of training to effectively, productively (safely) use digital devices, programs, technologies, apply digital competencies (knowledge, abilities and skills) to solve educational problems in the context of educational and professional activities is one of the important goals of educational standards in modern universities.Purpose setting. Purpose of the study is the analysis of the problems of the concept, structure and levels of digital literacy of university students in non-core areas of training.Methodology and methods of the study. Research methods are theoretical analysis and synthesis of research results on the definition, structural understanding and level typology of digital literacy of modern university students in non-core areas of training. The methodological basis of the study was the conceptual provisions and principles of the competency-based and personal-activity approaches.Results. Currently, there are theoretical tasks of developing an integrative model of digital literacy and practical tasks of increasing the digital literacy of students in non-core fields of study, including to the level where the student not only consumes digital competencies, but is able and ready to use them in the process independently or jointly with other students and teachers setting and solving educational and professional problems, including in the context of new professional specializations or even professions arising as a result of the digitalization of their work. The leading role in this process is played in the intrapersonal context by the cognitive components of literacy, and in the interpersonal context by communicative and moral-ethical ones.Conclusions. The author summarizes the results of studies on the formation and development of digital literacy among university students in non-core areas of training. The importance and promise of systematic, holistic work in the context of the formation and development of digital literacy of university students in non-core areas of training is noted. The prospects for theoretical and empirical study of this problem are connected precisely with the study of this component and its integrative role in the formation and development of digital literacy of university students in non-core fields.

The Benefits of Cochlear Implantation for Adults: A Systematic Umbrella Review.

The uptake of cochlear implants among adults who could benefit (based on pure-tone audiometry) in developed countries is estimated to be less than 10%. Concerns about potential surgical complications, fear of losing residual hearing, and limited awareness about the benefits of this intervention contribute to the low adoption rate. To enhance quality of life and improve the uptake of cochlear implants, it is essential to have a clear understanding of their benefits. This umbrella review aims to summarize the major benefits of cochlear implant usage in adults, by synthesizing findings from published review articles. A comprehensive search of databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar, was conducted. The search was limited to English-language review articles published between 1990 and 2022, focusing on cochlear implant outcomes in at least 5 adults (aged ≥18 years). Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, and conducted a quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses. Forty-two articles were included in this review. There were 15 systematic reviews with meta-analysis, 25 systematic reviews without meta-analysis, and 2 systematic scoping reviews. All 42 articles underwent quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Systematic Reviews and Research Syntheses, of which 40% (n = 17) satisfied 9 out of 11 quality criteria. This umbrella review shows that cochlear implants are associated with improvements in speech perception and recognition as well as improved quality of life and cognition. These benefits are observed in a significant proportion of adults undergoing the procedure, highlighting its effectiveness as a viable intervention for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. The potential benefits of cochlear implantation appear to outweigh the risks and complications associated with the procedure. It is recommended that adults with severe to profound hearing loss in particular, engage in informed discussions with healthcare professionals to consider cochlear implantation as a viable treatment option.

Building and Developing a Smart University Model Current Situation and Solutions in Vietnam

Digital transformation and building smart universities are current trends that Vietnamese universities are pursuing and promise to be a big step forward for the country's education. However, up to now, building and developing smart universities is still a new concept and has not been applied in many universities in Vietnam, but in developed countries, smart education systems This has become more popular and achieved great success in many fields. Based on the synthesis and development of domestic and foreign research and articles, analyzes on Smart Universities were selected such as studies or articles on Smart Universities in the US, UK, Vietnam, etc..., this article was written to focus on analyzing the current situation of smart education in general and in Vietnam in particular. The article aims to provide the most general overview of the smart university model and the current situation in the world and Vietnam, along with analyzing the impact of the transition process on related objects. Thereby, the article proposes some proposed solutions to help this smart university model develop and be more easily accessible in Vietnamese universities in the future.

Research on mentoring in science education: A bibliometric analysis

Mentoring plays a crucial role in the professional development of science teachers by providing invaluable career-long support, guidance, and resources. Numerous prior studies have emphasized the significance of mentoring for the professional development of beginning and experienced science teachers. This study analyzed articles published in Scopus-indexed, peer-reviewed journals on STEM mentoring. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 67 articles were chosen for analysis. The data were analyzed using VOSviewer software. According to the results, almost half (n=33) of the journal articles indexed in the database were published between 2019 and 2022. The articles with the most citations were published between 2012 and 2015. <i>Journal of Science Education and Technology</i> had the most citations on mentoring. Most research has been conducted in developed countries such as the United States, Australia, and Germany. The United States has performed the most mentoring research. Rockinson-Szapkiw, Wendt, and Mondisa are the authors who published the most mentoring-related articles. In addition, mentoring, STEM, women, higher education, and science education were the most frequently used keywords. The co-citation analysis of the cited sources yielded two distinct clusters, one of which consisted of a comprehensive evaluation and synthesis of research works focusing on mentorship and practices at the undergraduate level. Our co-citation study of published sources resulted in the categorization of the 13 sources into three distinct clusters.

Appropriateness of conducting and reporting random-effects meta-analysis in oncology.

A random-effects model is often applied in meta-analysis when considerable heterogeneity among studies is observed due to the differences in patient characteristics, timeframe, treatment regimens, and other study characteristics. Since 2014, the journals Research Synthesis Methods and the Annals of Internal Medicine have published a few noteworthy papers that explained why the most widely used method for pooling heterogeneous studies-the DerSimonian-Laird (DL) estimator-can produce biased estimates with falsely high precision and recommended to use other several alternative methods. Nevertheless, more than half of studies (55.7%) published in top oncology-specific journals during 2015-2022 did not report any detailed method in the random-effects meta-analysis. Of the studies that did report the methodology used, the DL method was still the dominant one reported. Thus, while the authors recommend that Research Synthesis Methods and the Annals of Internal Medicine continue to increase the publication of its articles that report on specific methods for handling heterogeneity and use random-effects estimates that provide more accurate confidence limits than the DL estimator, other journals that publish meta-analyses in oncology (and presumably in other disease areas) are urged to do the same on a much larger scale than currently documented.

Pandemic Racism in Australia: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to diverse manifestations of racism in Australia, from everyday attacks against Asian Australians to discriminatory policies towards temporary migrants. Since the start of the pandemic, considerable knowledge on pandemic-related racism has been produced. This knowledge has yet to be consolidated, leaving questions about the nature, forms, impacts and trajectories of racism during the pandemic. This paper presents a systematic review and synthesis of research on racism during the pandemic, with an emphasis on pandemic-specific racism. We searched the databases Scopus, MEDLINE and PsycINFO for research published between January 2020 and July 2022. Eighteen research studies were included in the review, along with reports of routine data collection by five organisations. The research reviewed collected data mainly around the pandemic’s ‘second wave’ in Australia (June-October 2020), focusing largely on Asian Australians and temporary migrants nationally and in Victoria. Widely studied forms of COVID-racism were verbal abuse, physical attacks, exclusion and Othering, and institutional racism involving governments, media and employers. We examined the pandemic’s health and socio-economic impacts, and variations in experiences of racism over time between ethnic groups. As Australia emerges from the pandemic, we consider the review’s implications for pandemic response, anti-racism practice and policy, and future research.

Artificial intelligence capabilities for circular business models: Research synthesis and future agenda

This study explores the interlink between AI capabilities and circular business models (CBMs) through a literature review. Extant literature reveals that AI can act as efficiency catalyst, empowering firms to implement CBM. However, the journey to harness AI for CBM is fraught with challenges as firms grapple with the lack of sophisticated processes and routines to tap into AI's potential. The fragmented literature leaves a void in understanding the barriers and development pathways for AI capabilities in CBM contexts. Bridging this gap, adopting a capabilities perspective, this review intricately brings together four pivotal capabilities: integrated intelligence capability, process automation and augmentation capability, AI infrastructure and platform capability, and ecosystem orchestration capability as drivers of AI-enabled CBM. These capabilities are vital to navigating the multi-level barriers to utilizing AI for CBM. The key contribution of the study is the synthesis of an AI-enabled CBM framework, which not only summarizes the results but also sets the stage for future explorations in this dynamic field.