Systematic Review Of Best Practices Research Articles

Asphalt Concrete Characterization Using Digital Image Correlation: A Systematic Review of Best Practices, Applications, and Future Vision

Abstract Digital image correlation (DIC) is an optical technique that measures displacement and strain by tracking pattern movement in a sequence of captured images during testing. DIC has gained recognition in asphalt pavement engineering since the early 2000s. However, users often perceive the DIC technique as an out-of-box tool and lack a thorough understanding of its operational and measurement principles. This article presents a state-of-art review of DIC as a crucial tool for laboratory testing of asphalt concrete (AC), primarily focusing on the widely utilized two-dimensional DIC and three-dimensional DIC techniques. To address frequently asked questions from users, the review thoroughly examines the optimal methods for preparing speckle patterns, configuring single-camera or dual-camera imaging systems, conducting DIC analyses, and exploring various applications. Furthermore, emerging DIC methodologies such as digital volume correlation and deep-learning–based DIC are introduced, highlighting their potential for future applications in pavement engineering. The article also provides a comprehensive and reliable flowchart for implementing DIC in AC characterization. Finally, critical directions for future research are presented.

Implementing Self-Managing Teams in Organizations: A Systematic Review of Best Practices and Evolution

Implementing Self-Managing Teams in Organizations: A Systematic Review of Best Practices and Evolution

Systematic review of best practices for GPS data usage, processing, and linkage in health, exposure science and environmental context research

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is increasingly used in health research to capture individual mobility and contextual and environmental exposures. However, the tools, techniques and decisions for using GPS data...

Examining Factors Influencing Competency-Based Recruitment Processes in Organizations

The aim of the present study is to examine competency-based recruitment. This study is a systematic review of best practices in competency-based recruitment. Articles published from 2020 to 2023 that explored the topic of competency-based recruitment were considered. Based on the scores assigned to each article, the researcher excluded 71 articles out of 33 and ultimately retained 12 articles for data analysis. In this study, all available studies published between 2020 and 2023 in the Gregorian calendar (and between 1399 and 1401 in the Persian calendar) were reviewed. Of the 33 studies identified, only 12 met the research criteria, among which only three were domestic articles. The results indicate that competencies are applicable in various areas of human resource management, ranging from individual functions such as recruitment and performance management to organizational functions such as strategic planning, organizational structure design, strengthening organizational culture, and technology development. Competency, in fact, serves as an implicit indicator of an individual's multidimensional functions that effectively integrate with the criteria of an organization to achieve maximum efficiency in task performance. Overall, it can be concluded that the proper implementation of meritocracy necessitates attention to professional, individual, behavioral, communicative, and managerial competencies. External organizational factors, digital technologies, and competency-based recruitment are identified as the most important prerequisites for meritocracy, with the implementati

Male partner involvement in health interventions: A systematic review of best practices in Sub-Saharan Africa

Health promotion programmes aimed at the involvement of men are implemented in a complex cultural and socio-demographic context that reifies persistent unequal gender relations. The explanations and evidence for the mechanisms by which male involvement facilitates health and wellness, are, however, less clear. Drawing on findings from a qualitative systematic review of peer-reviewed studies, this article synthesises the literature on health, social policy, and programme interventions for improving male partner involvement to promote sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Findings suggest that combining approaches such as mass education campaigns and health and social care programmes, targeting both men and women, improves male participation. Finally, enhancing participation of both men and women in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of health program programmes, can lead to positive gender role transformations and positive health and social care outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Keywords: HIV; AIDS; Male Involvement; Health Interventions; Sub-Saharan Africa

A Systematic Review of Best Practices for UAS Data Collection in Forestry-Related Applications

Recent advancements in unmanned aerial systems and GPS technology, allowing for centimeter precision without ground-based surveys, have been groundbreaking for applications in the field of forestry. As this technology becomes integrated into forest management approaches, it is important to consider the implementation of proper safety and data collection strategies. The creation of such documentation is beneficial, because it allows for those aspiring to create a UAS program to learn from others’ experiences, without bearing the consequences of past blunders associated with the development of these practices. When establishing a UAS program, it is pertinent to deeply research the necessary equipment, create documentation that establishes operational norms, and develop standards for in-field operations. Regarding multispectral vs. RGB sensor payloads, the sensor selection should be based upon what type of information is desired from the imagery acquired. It is also important to consider the methods for obtaining the most precise geolocation linked to the aerial imagery collected by the sensor. While selecting the proper UAS platform and sensor are key to establishing a UAS operation, other logistical strategies, such as flight crew training and operational planning, are equally important. Following the acquisition of proper equipment, further preparations must be made in order to ensure safe and efficient operations. The creation of crew resource management and safety management system documentation is an integral part of any successful UAS program. Standard operating procedure documents for individual tasks and undertakings are also a necessity. Standardized practices for the scheduling, communication, and management of the UAS fleet must also be formulated. Once field operations are set in motion, the continuous improvement of the documentation and best practices is paramount.

A systematic review of best practices for the perioperative management of abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown to reduce surgical morbidity and length of stay across various procedures. Our objective was to systematically evaluate the literature for best practices of ERAS elements in abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), to determine if there is sufficient evidence to create best practice guidelines for this procedure. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement, we performed a review using Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Eligible articles contained ERAS components and postoperative outcomes of ASC published in English since 1997. Thirty-five full-text articles were selected for final qualitative analysis. Poor functional status before ASC was associated with a longer length of hospital stay. Laparoscopic ASC was associated with a shorter postoperative hospital stay, with no difference between laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Epidural analgesia in addition to spinal anesthesia lowered levels of pain throughout the postoperative stay in laparoscopic ASC. A multimodal bowel regimen shortened time to first bowel movement compared to a single agent regimen. Removing a Foley catheter may lead to sooner first spontaneous void but may result in higher rates of urinary retention and urinary tract infection. Studies investigating preoperative bowel preparation, preanesthesia medication, and multidose antimicrobial prophylaxis did not show significant benefit. Best practices for ASC can be developed based on current findings from the literature and extrapolation of evidence from other surgeries where ASC-specific elements are missing, with the ability to modify the pathways as new data become available.

Accuracy of the Blend Sign on Computed Tomography as a Predictor of Hematoma Growth after Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review

Hematoma growth is a strong independent predictor of poor outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage. However, there is no gold standard to accurately predict hematoma growth. Several noncontrast computed tomographic markers associated with hematoma growth have been reported recently. Blend sign, which is a new marker, has been reported in several studies and seems a particularly promising marker but lacks a standardized evaluation so far. A systematic review of published literature on blend sign and hematoma growth and clinical outcomes was conducted. Systematic review of best practices was followed, and study quality was assessed. The 6 studies involved 1573 participants in this review. The prevalence of blend sign ranged from 8.70% to 38.46%. The sensitivity of blend sign to predict hematoma growth varied from 13.0% to 42.86%; the specificity varied from 88.51% to 95.5%. Blend sign showed lower sensitivity but superior specificity for prediction of hematoma growth. Four studies indicated that the presence of blend sign was an independent predictor of hematoma growth. Four studies showed that the prevalence of blend sign was significantly higher in patients with hematoma growth compared with those without hematoma growth (odds ratio, 9.33; 95% confidence interval, 5.20-16.74). There was an association between blend sign and hematoma growth, but this finding is tentative in light of the fact that the number of included studies was relatively small.

Optimizing Postsurgical Scars: A Systematic Review on Best Practices in Preventative Scar Management.

Scar management is critical for every plastic surgeon's practice and, ultimately, the patient's satisfaction with his or her aesthetic result. Despite the critical nature of this component of routine postoperative care, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of the available literature over the past decade to assess the best algorithmic approach to scar care. To this end, a systematic review of best practices in preventative scar management was conducted to elucidate the highest level of evidence available on this subject to date. A computerized MEDLINE search was performed for clinical studies addressing scar management. The resulting publications were screened randomized clinical trials that met the authors' specified inclusion/exclusion criteria. This systematic review was performed in May of 2016. The initial search for the Medical Subject Headings term "cicatrix" and modifiers "therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, drug therapy, prevention, and control" yielded 13,101 initial articles. Applying the authors' inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 12 relevant articles. All included articles are randomized, controlled, clinical trials. Optimal scar care requires taking into account factors such as incisional tension, anatomical location, and Fitzpatrick skin type. The authors present a streamlined algorithm for scar prophylaxis based on contemporary level I and II evidence to guide clinical practice.

Contribution of polio eradication initiative to strengthening routine immunization: Lessons learnt in the WHO African region

BackgroundImportant investments were made in countries for the polio eradication initiative. On 25 September 2015, a major milestone was achieved when Nigeria was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries. Routine Immunization, being a key pillar of polio eradication initiative needs to be strengthened to sustain the gains made in countries. For this, there is a huge potential on building on the use of polio infrastructure to contribute to RI strengthening. MethodsWe reviewed estimates of immunization coverage as reported by the countries to WHO and UNICEF for three vaccines: BCG, DTP3 (third dose of diphtheria-tetanus toxoid- pertussis), and the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1).We conducted a systematic review of best practices documents from eight countries which had significant polio eradication activities. ResultsImmunization programmes have improved significantly in the African Region. Regional coverage for DTP3 vaccine increased from 51% in 1996 to 77% in 2014. DTP3 coverage increased >3 folds in DRC (18–80%) and Nigeria from 21% to 66%; and >2 folds in Angola (41–87%), Chad (24–46%), and Togo (42–87%). Coverage for BCG and MCV1 increased in all countries. Of the 47 countries in the region, 18 (38%) achieved a national coverage for DTP3 ⩾90% for 2years meeting the Global Vaccine Action (GVAP) target. A decrease was noted in the Ebola-affected countries i.e., Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. ConclusionsPEI has been associated with increased spending on immunization and the related improvements, especially in the areas of micro planning, service delivery, program management and capacity building. Continued efforts are needed to mobilize international and domestic support to strengthen and sustain high-quality immunization services in African countries. Strengthening RI will in turn sustain the gains made to eradicate poliovirus in the region.

A systematic review of best practices in HIV care

ABSTRACTBest practices in HIV care have the potential to improve patient outcomes and inform practice. We conducted a systematic review of best practices in HIV care that were published from 2003 to 2013. Practices that demonstrated success in achieving desired results based on their objectives were included in the review. Two themes emerged from the eight articles reviewed: (a) the importance of linking newly diagnosed people living with HIV to care and (b) the role of integrated and comprehensive service provision in improving patient outcomes. Inconsistencies in reporting and arbitrary use of the term “best practices” were hurdles in this review.

A systematic review of best practices in teaching ophthalmology to medical students

Ophthalmic medical student education is a cornerstone to improving eye health care globally. We review the current state of the literature, listing barriers to potential best practices for undergraduate ophthalmology teaching and learning within medical curricula. We describe recent advances and pedagogical approaches in ophthalmic education and propose specific recommendations for further improvements and research. Future research should concentrate on developing teaching and learning innovations that may result in a more time- and resource-effective models for interactive and integrated learning. As well as demonstrating that a competency-based approach results not just in better eye health, but also improvements in patient care, education, and medical care in general. By optimizing teaching available through improved evidence-based education, the ultimate goal is to increase medical students' knowledge and produce graduates who are highly trained in eye examination skills, resulting in improved patient eye care through timely diagnosis, referrals, and treatment.