OP75 Tailoring Review Methods: Scope, Timescale And Needs Of Commissioners

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 27-27
Author(s):  
Katy Cooper ◽  
Susan Harnan ◽  
Louise Preston ◽  
Fiona Campbell ◽  
Robin Chatters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Relevant Evidence ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Level Of Analysis

Introduction:Commissioners of systematic reviews have differing requirements in terms of breadth of scope, level of analysis required, and timescales available. Planning a review requires consideration of the trade-off between these elements. This applies to both “rapid” reviews and “traditional” reviews with a broad or complex scope.Methods:Approaches for tailoring review methods to commissioner requirements are described. These will be illustrated via case studies of reviews conducted for the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and Health Services & Delivery Research (HS&DR) programs and other organizations.Results:An initial step is to discuss with commissioners the trade-off between timescales/resource available, breadth of review scope, and level of analysis; for example, broad overview of many studies or in-depth analysis of a narrower set. Where the evidence base is unknown, one option is to undertake an initial mapping review to assess the volume and type of evidence available. This may assist in refining the selection criteria for the main review, to prioritize the most relevant evidence. In complex reviews, a further option is to develop a conceptual model (logic model) with input from commissioners and experts, to help identify factors which may influence outcomes. This can enable design of focused mini-reviews (not necessarily exhaustive) around each factor. These methodological approaches will be illustrated through three case studies including an HTA on cannabis cessation (trade-off of breadth versus depth); a review of yoga and health (initial mapping to refine selection criteria); and a rapid review of congenital heart disease services (conceptual model to identify areas for focused reviews).Conclusions:Different approaches may enable discussion with review commissioners around the trade-off between scope, methods and timescales, in order to tailor the review method to best meet commissioner requirements within the timescales available.

scholarly journals Digital Technologies—And Teacher Wellbeing?

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Don Passey
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Teacher Practices ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Relevant Case ◽  
Teacher Wellbeing ◽  
Support Teacher ◽  
Advance Knowledge

The concept of teacher wellbeing, the importance of considering teacher wellbeing, concerns for developing digital wellbeing and concerns for using digital technologies to support teaching practices have all been previously studied. The idea that uses of digital technologies can support teacher wellbeing (or not) and ways that uses might do this have not been studied to the same extent. Indeed, it can be argued that this topic requires a complete and focused area of study in its own right. This methodologically focused paper takes an initial step in this direction, exploring existing research and backgrounds to wellbeing, teacher wellbeing, digital wellbeing and uses of digital technologies to support teachers’ practices. The paper reviews conceptions of digital technologies supporting teacher wellbeing and offers a newly developed outline conceptual model and framework for this research field. The framework is tested, identifying influencing factors from evidence presented in a number of existing relevant case studies where digital technologies have been used to support teacher practices. The efficacy of the proposed framework is assessed, and the paper concludes by offering a proposed research instrument and strategy to advance knowledge in this area.

scholarly journals Design of a Database of Case Studies and Technologies to Increase the Diffusion of Low-Temperature Waste Heat Recovery in the Industrial Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5223
Author(s):  
Miriam Benedetti ◽  
Daniele Dadi ◽  
Lorena Giordano ◽  
Vito Introna ◽  
Pasquale Eduardo Lapenna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Heat Recovery ◽  
Waste Heat Recovery ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Implementation Rate ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Technology Market

The recovery of waste heat is a fundamental means of achieving the ambitious medium- and long-term targets set by European and international directives. Despite the large availability of waste heat, especially at low temperatures (<250 °C), the implementation rate of heat recovery interventions is still low, mainly due to non-technical barriers. To overcome this limitation, this work aims to develop two distinct databases containing waste heat recovery case studies and technologies as a novel tool to enhance knowledge transfer in the industrial sector. Through an in-depth analysis of the scientific literature, the two databases’ structures were developed, defining fields and information to collect, and then a preliminary population was performed. Both databases were validated by interacting with companies which operate in the heat recovery technology market and which are possible users of the tools. Those proposed are the first example in the literature of databases completely focused on low-temperature waste heat recovery in the industrial sector and able to provide detailed information on heat exchange and the technologies used. The tools proposed are two key elements in supporting companies in all the phases of a heat recovery intervention: from identifying waste heat to choosing the best technology to be adopted.

scholarly journals The role and significance of planning in the determination of house prices in Australia: Recent policy debates

2021 ◽  
pp. 0308518X2198894
Author(s):  
Peter Phibbs ◽  
Nicole Gurran
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Housing Market ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Housing Prices ◽  
House Price ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Urban Housing ◽  
Price Inflation ◽  
Depth Analysis

On the world stage, Australian cities have been punching above their weight in global indexes of housing prices, sparking heated debates about the causes of and remedies for, sustained house price inflation. This paper examines the evidence base underpinning such debates, and the policy claims made by key commentators and stakeholders. With reference to the wider context of Australia’s housing market over a 20 year period, as well as an in depth analysis of a research paper by Australia’s central Reserve Bank, we show how economic theories commonly position land use planning as a primary driver of new supply constraints but overlook other explanations for housing market behavior. In doing so, we offer an alternative understanding of urban housing markets and land use planning interventions as a basis for more effective policy intervention in Australian and other world cities.

scholarly journals Identifying enablers and barriers to referral, uptake and completion of lifestyle modification programmes: a rapid literature review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045094
Author(s):  
Yvonne Zurynski ◽  
Carolynn Smith ◽  
Joyce Siette ◽  
Bróna Nic Giolla Easpaig ◽  
Mary Simons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
International Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Relevant Evidence ◽  
Literature Reviews

ObjectiveTo identify current, policy-relevant evidence about barriers and enablers associated with referral, uptake and completion of lifestyle modification programmes (LMPs) for secondary prevention of chronic disease in adults.DesignA rapid review, co-designed with policymakers, of peer-reviewed and grey literature using a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched for relevant studies and literature reviews. Grey literature was identified through Advanced Google searching and targeted searching of international health departments’ and non-government organisations’ websites.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesDocuments published 2010–2020, from high-income countries, reporting on programmes that included referral of adults with chronic disease to an LMP by a health professional (HP).Data extraction and synthesisData from grey and peer-reviewed literature were extracted by two different reviewers. Extracted data were inductively coded around emergent themes. Regular meetings of the review group ensured consistency of study selection and synthesis.ResultsTwenty-nine documents were included: 14 grey literature, 11 empirical studies and four literature reviews. Key barriers to HPs referring patients included inadequate HP knowledge about LMPs, perceptions of poor effectiveness of LMPs and perceptions that referral to LMPs was not part of their role. Patient barriers to uptake and completion included poor accessibility and lack of support to engage with the LMPs. Enablers to HP referral included training/education, effective interdisciplinary communication and influential programme advocates. Support to engage with LMPs after HP referral, educational resources for family members and easy accessibility were key enablers to patient engagement with LMPs.ConclusionsFactors related to HPs’ ability and willingness to make referrals are important for the implementation of LMPs, and need to be coupled with support for patients to engage with programmes after referral. These factors should be addressed when implementing LMPs to maximise their impact.

scholarly journals Over-parameterisation, a major obstacle to the use of artificial neural networks in hydrology?

2003 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 693-706 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Gaume ◽  
R. Gosset
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Artificial Neural Networks ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Linear Model ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Stream Flow ◽  
River Flow ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Rainfall Runoff ◽  
Artificial Neural

Abstract. Recently Feed-Forward Artificial Neural Networks (FNN) have been gaining popularity for stream flow forecasting. However, despite the promising results presented in recent papers, their use is questionable. In theory, their “universal approximator‿ property guarantees that, if a sufficient number of neurons is selected, good performance of the models for interpolation purposes can be achieved. But the choice of a more complex model does not ensure a better prediction. Models with many parameters have a high capacity to fit the noise and the particularities of the calibration dataset, at the cost of diminishing their generalisation capacity. In support of the principle of model parsimony, a model selection method based on the validation performance of the models, "traditionally" used in the context of conceptual rainfall-runoff modelling, was adapted to the choice of a FFN structure. This method was applied to two different case studies: river flow prediction based on knowledge of upstream flows, and rainfall-runoff modelling. The predictive powers of the neural networks selected are compared to the results obtained with a linear model and a conceptual model (GR4j). In both case studies, the method leads to the selection of neural network structures with a limited number of neurons in the hidden layer (two or three). Moreover, the validation results of the selected FNN and of the linear model are very close. The conceptual model, specifically dedicated to rainfall-runoff modelling, appears to outperform the other two approaches. These conclusions, drawn on specific case studies using a particular evaluation method, add to the debate on the usefulness of Artificial Neural Networks in hydrology. Keywords: forecasting; stream-flow; rainfall-runoff; Artificial Neural Networks

Asian Scientists on the Move

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anju Mary Paul
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Research Output ◽  
Scientific Field ◽  
First Century ◽  
The West ◽  
Migration System ◽  
Science Story ◽  
Scientific Research Output ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Set Up

The growing scientific research output from Asia has been making headlines since the start of the twenty-first century. But behind this science story, there is a migration story. The elite scientists who are pursuing cutting-edge research in Asia are rarely 'homegrown' talent but were typically born in Asia, trained in the West, and then returned to work in Asia. Asian Scientists on the Move explores why more and more Asian scientists are choosing to return to Asia, and what happens after their return, when these scientists set up labs in Asia and start training the next generation of Asian scientists. Drawing on evocative firsthand accounts from 119 Western-trained Asian scientists about their migration decisions and experiences, and in-depth analysis of the scientific field in four country case studies - China, India, Singapore and Taiwan - the book reveals the growing complexity of the Asian scientist migration system.

scholarly journals Classification and Measurement of the Firms’ Resources and Capabilities Applied to Eco-Innovation Projects from a Resource-Based View Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 3161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pilar Portillo-Tarragona ◽  
Sabina Scarpellini ◽  
Jose Moneva ◽  
Jesus Valero-Gil ◽  
Alfonso Aranda-Usón
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Innovation Projects ◽  
Resources And Capabilities

Interest from academics, policy–makers and practitioners in eco-innovation has increased as it enables the optimization of the use of natural resources improving competitiveness and it provides a conceptual framework for corporate sustainability. In this context, this paper provides an in-depth analysis and a wide classification of the specific indicators for the integrated measurement of eco-innovation projects in business from a resource-based view (RBV). The specific metrics were tested to measure the economic-financial and environmental resources and capabilities applied by five Spanish firms to eco-innovation projects, selected as case studies.

scholarly journals Ontological modeling of the International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health (ICF): Activities&Participation and Environmental Factors components

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Cozzi ◽  
Andrea Martinuzzi ◽  
Vincenzo Della Mea
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
International Classification ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Classification Of Functioning ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Upper Ontology

Abstract Background The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a classification of health and health-related states developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide a standard and unified language to be used as a reference model for the description of health and health-related states. The concept of functioning on which ICF is based is that of a “dynamic interaction between a person’s health condition, environmental factors and personal factors”. This overall model has been translated into a classification covering all the main components of functioning. However, the practical use of ICF has highlighted some formal problems, mainly concerning conceptual clarity and ontological coherence. Methods In the present work, we propose an initial ontological formalization of ICF beyond its current status, focusing specifically on the interaction between activities and participation and environmental factors. The formalization has been based on ontology engineering methods to drive goal and scope definition, knowledge acquisition, selection of an upper ontology for mapping, conceptual model definition and evaluation, and finally representation using the Ontology Web Language (OWL). Results A conceptual model has been defined in a graphical language that included 202 entities, when possible mapped to the SUMO upper ontology. The conceptual model has been validated against 60 case studies from the literature, plus 6 ad-hoc case studies. The model has been then represented using OWL. Conclusions This formalization might provide the basis for a revision of the ICF classification in line with current efforts made by WHO on the International Classification of Diseases and on the International Classification of Health Interventions.

scholarly journals Partial state capture by a single oligarchic group: The Gorilla Case in Slovakia

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 182-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrej Školkay
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Political Sciences ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
State Capture ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Partial State ◽  
Academic Discourses

The article discusses the Gorilla case, an officially still-contested partial state capture by a single local oligarchic group, in line with the (partial) Elite Cartels corruption pattern in Slovakia. Due to the manner in which evidence, although considered unofficial, was made available, this case illustrates secret political and business processes during partial state capture. The initial absence of the case in public, political, and academic discourses, suggests that state capture can be present and operate undetected for a long time. This study also shows that in-depth analysis of the Gorilla case was avoided by both domestic and international political scientists, despite its paramount practical and theoretical importance. This, in turn, reflects a methodological capture of political science. Consequently, this article disentangles the complexities of the Gorilla case and lays down the foundation for further studies. Specifically, it highlights the need for more careful research, terminological precision in both theory-building and empirical findings on state and media capture based on case studies, as well as re-assessment of the methodology of political sciences used in these research areas.

The Incidence of SARS-COV-2 Manifestations in the Central Nervous System: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Mayr ◽  
Glechner Anna ◽  
Gerald Gartlehner ◽  
Irma Klerings ◽  
Peter Lackner
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Treatment Team

Abstract Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2 and presents itself mainly as a respiratory tract infection. However, reports of associated central nervous system (CNS) manifestations are increasing.Methods: We conducted this rapid review to determine the frequency of CNS manifestations of COVID-19 (CNS symptoms, acute cerebrovascular disease, and infectious/inflammatory CNS diseases) and to summarize the current evidence for direct invasion of the CNS by SARS-CoV-2. An information specialist searched Ovid MEDLINE, the CDC: COVID-19 Research Articles Downloadable and WHO COVID-19 Databases, CENTRAL, and Epistemonikos.org on May 13, 2020. Two reviewers screened abstracts and potentially relevant full-text publications independently. The data extraction, assessment of risk of bias,and certainty of evidence using GRADE was done by one reviewer and double-checked by another. If possible and reasonable, a meta-analysis was carried out.Results: We identified 13 relevant studies (four cohort studies, nine case studies) with a total of 866 COVID-19 patients.In a Chinese cohort, dizziness (16.8%; 36 of 214) and headache (13.1%; 28 of 214) were the most common CNS symptoms reported. A meta-analysis of four cohort studies including 851 COVID-19 patients showed an incidence of 3.3% (95% CI: 2.2–4.9) for ischemic stroke (follow-up: one to five weeks). In 13 of 15 encephalitis case studies, PCR testing of the cerebrospinal fluid did not detect any virus components.Conclusion: CNS manifestations occur frequently in patients with COVID-19. It is important to integrate neurologists into the multiprofessional COVID-19 treatment team to detect neurological complications early and to treat them correctly.

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