scholarly journals Systematic Review of the Research on Morphological Modularity

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Borja Esteve-Altava

The modular organization of the phenotype is an emergent property that derives from a semi-independent relation of body parts in their inheritance, development, function, and evolution. Understanding the modular organization of living beings is essential to understand the evolvability and plasticity of organismal form, and how morphological variation is structured during evolution and development. For this reason, delimiting morphological modules and establishing the factors originating them is a lively field of inquiry in biology today. However, unifying the results of the available body of knowledge is a challenge because of the large number of species studied and the disparity of morphological system, from the flower of angiosperms to the wing of insects and the head of primates (to name a few). The specific factors behind each pattern of modularity and the methods used to identify vary widely as well. This review summarizes more than 190 original research articles since 1958, in order to get a quantitative appraisal on what is studied, how is studied, and how results are explained. The results reveal an heterogeneous picture, where some taxa, systems, and approaches are over-studied, while others receive minor attention; other major trends and gaps in the study of morphological modularity through time are also discussed. In sum, this systematic review seeks to offer an objective view of this research field and highlight future research niches.

Author(s):  
Helio Aisenberg Ferenhof ◽  
Susanne Durst ◽  
Paulo Mauricio Selig

In this paper, we are interested in the knowledge that is “wasted” in organizations, that is existing relevant knowledge that is overlooked in the process of knowledge conversion. Given the competitive pressure firms are facing in today´s business environment, a waste of knowledge is not only costly but also dangerous. This means that we consider knowledge from a knowledge at risk perspective. Having this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to review research on knowledge waste in organizations to establish our current body of knowledge regarding this topic. The study consists of a systematic review of 51 peer-reviewed articles addressing knowledge waste in organizations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no systematic literature review on this topic has previously been published or presented. The topic seems to be a promising field for intensive research and offers a variety of future research avenues. In view of practitioners, the study´s finding may enable an increased awareness towards the areas where existing knowledge is at the mercy of “waste”. This can assist practitioners to better cope with risks related to this waste and, therefore, better exploit the (limited) knowledge base available.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Lill ◽  
Andreas Wald ◽  
Jan Christoph Munck

PurposeThe number of theoretical and empirical research on management control of innovation activities has significantly increased. Existing studies in this field are characterized by a wide dispersion and a multitude of different definitions. The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review of the literature on management control of innovation activities and to synthesize the current body of knowledge.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a systematic review approach, this article reviews 79 articles on management control for innovation activities from 1959 to 2019 and inductively derives a multi-dimensional framework.FindingsThe review of existing studies advances the debate about the detrimental versus beneficial character of management control systems for innovation, showing that the repressing character of control is not inherent to control itself, but emanates from the design of the respective management control system.Research limitations/implicationsThe multi-dimensional framework connects and combines existing research and thus synthesizes the current state of knowledge in this field. Additionally, the framework can guide practitioners to systematically assess context factors and consequences of their management control systems design, and it shows avenues for future research.Originality/valueThe scientific and practical value of this paper is the convergence of the current body of knowledge consisting of various definitions and conceptualizations and the identification of avenues for future research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (4) ◽  
pp. 1547-1574
Author(s):  
Sofia de la Fuente Garcia ◽  
Craig W. Ritchie ◽  
Saturnino Luz

Background: Language is a valuable source of clinical information in Alzheimer’s disease, as it declines concurrently with neurodegeneration. Consequently, speech and language data have been extensively studied in connection with its diagnosis. Objective: Firstly, to summarize the existing findings on the use of artificial intelligence, speech, and language processing to predict cognitive decline in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. Secondly, to detail current research procedures, highlight their limitations, and suggest strategies to address them. Methods: Systematic review of original research between 2000 and 2019, registered in PROSPERO (reference CRD42018116606). An interdisciplinary search covered six databases on engineering (ACM and IEEE), psychology (PsycINFO), medicine (PubMed and Embase), and Web of Science. Bibliographies of relevant papers were screened until December 2019. Results: From 3,654 search results, 51 articles were selected against the eligibility criteria. Four tables summarize their findings: study details (aim, population, interventions, comparisons, methods, and outcomes), data details (size, type, modalities, annotation, balance, availability, and language of study), methodology (pre-processing, feature generation, machine learning, evaluation, and results), and clinical applicability (research implications, clinical potential, risk of bias, and strengths/limitations). Conclusion: Promising results are reported across nearly all 51 studies, but very few have been implemented in clinical research or practice. The main limitations of the field are poor standardization, limited comparability of results, and a degree of disconnect between study aims and clinical applications. Active attempts to close these gaps will support translation of future research into clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 213-224
Author(s):  
Becky Grace ◽  
Tony Wainwright ◽  
Wendy Solomons ◽  
Jenna Camden ◽  
Helen Ellis-Caird

Given the nature of the discipline, it might be assumed that clinical psychology is an ethical profession, within which effective ethical decision-making is integral. How then, does this ethical decision-making occur? This paper describes a systematic review of empirical research addressing this question. The paucity of evidence related to this question meant that the scope was broadened to include other professions who deliver talking therapies. This review could support reflective practice about what may be taken into account when making ethical decisions and highlight areas for future research. Using academic search databases, original research articles were identified from peer-reviewed journals. Articles using qualitative ( n = 3), quantitative ( n = 8) and mixed methods ( n = 2) were included. Two theoretical models of aspects of ethical decision-making were identified. Areas of agreement and debate are described in relation to factors linked to the professional, which impacted ethical decision-making. Factors relating to ethical dilemmas, which impacted ethical decision-making, are discussed. Articles were appraised by two independent raters, using quality assessment criteria, which suggested areas of methodological strengths and weaknesses. Comparison and synthesis of results revealed that the research did not generally pertain to current clinical practice of talking therapies or the particular socio-political context of the UK healthcare system. There was limited research into ethical decision-making amongst specific professions, including clinical psychology. Generalisability was limited due to methodological issues, indicating avenues for future research.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjqs-2020-012474
Author(s):  
Joanna Abraham ◽  
Alicia Meng ◽  
Sanjna Tripathy ◽  
Michael S Avidan ◽  
Thomas Kannampallil

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the impact of operating room (OR) to intensive care unit (ICU) handoff interventions on process-based and clinical outcomes.MethodWe included all English language, prospective evaluation studies of OR to ICU handoff interventions published as original research articles in peer-reviewed journals. The search was conducted on 11 November 2019 on MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases, with no prespecified criteria for the type of comparison or outcome. A meta-analysis of similar outcomes was conducted using a random effects model. Quality was assessed using a modified Downs and Black (D&B) checklist.Results32 studies were included for review. 31 studies were conducted at a single site and 28 studies used an observational study design with a control. Most studies (n=28) evaluated bundled interventions which comprised information transfer/communication checklists and protocols. Meta-analysis showed that the handoff intervention group had statistically significant improvements in time to analgesia dosing (mean difference (MD)=−42.51 min, 95% CI −60.39 to −24.64), fewer information omissions (MD=−2.22, 95% CI −3.68 to –0.77), fewer technical errors (MD=−2.38, 95% CI −4.10 to –0.66) and greater information sharing scores (MD=30.03%, 95% CI 19.67% to 40.40%). Only 15 of the 32 studies scored above 9 points on the modified D&B checklist, indicating a lack of high-quality studies.DiscussionBundled interventions were commonly used to support OR to ICU handoff standardisation. Although the meta-analysis showed significant improvements for a number of clinical and process outcomes, the statistical and clinical heterogeneity must be accounted for when interpreting these findings. Implications for OR to ICU handoff practice and future research are discussed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nishad Nawaz Maditheti ◽  
Anjali Mary Gomes

Abstract Purpose - This paper aims to review research on the topic human resource information system to establish the current body of knowledge, on this regard, to suggest some promising avenues for future research.Design/methodology/approach - The present study consists of a systematic review of 155 referred articles on human resource information system.Findings - The findings contribuThis paper aims to review research on the topic human resource information system to establish the current body of knowledge, in this regard, the researchers suggest some promising avenues for future research and the study consists of a systematic review of 155 referred articles on human resource information system. The findings contribute to a more holistic view of the topic and complement the study of human resource information system. Additionally, a conceptual framework is proposed that aims at guiding and informing future research activities. This study may not enable a complete coverage of all articles in the field of human resource information system. However, based on the selected research methodology, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available. And moreover to the best of author’s knowledge, there is no systematic review on human resource information systems previously published in academic journals.te to a more holistic view of the topic and complement the study of human resource information system. Additionally, a conceptual framework is proposed that aims at guiding and informing future research activities.Research limitations/implications - This study may not enabled a complete coverage of all articles in the field of human resource information system. However, based on the selected research methodology, it seems reasonable to assume that the review process covered a large share of studies available.Originality/value – To the best of author’s knowledge, there is no systematic review on human resource information systems previously published in academic journals.Keywords: human resource information systems, HR acquire, HR develop, HR pay, HR retain, HR interact, systemic literature reviewPaper type: Literature review


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 694-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren F Walker ◽  
Rebecca Thomas ◽  
Andrew P Driska

Millions of athletes compete in sport for the enjoyment, physical, and psychosocial benefits that result from participation, and one of the most influential persons in creating a positive sport experience is the coach. As such, numerous sport governing bodies have instituted formal coach education programs, worldwide, over the past three decades. However, coaches most frequently learn, and often prefer to learn, from informal sources, as they tend to be contextually relevant and easily accessible. Given the pervasive nature of informal learning, the purposes of this systematic review were to: (a) examine the literature for themes and trends in sport context, methods, and means of informal and nonformal learning, and (b) illuminate gaps in the literature to inform the research field and coach educators. A total of 39 studies were examined for trends in publication, sport context, methods of inquiry, and themes in the sources and types of informal learning. The results show that: (1) research is spread widely across publications but not countries, (2) elite sport contexts are most frequently studied, (3) qualitative, cross-sectional methods are most frequently used, and (4) coaches learn informally through a variety of means; however, they are open to both interpersonal (coach-to-coach) or independent (knowledge search) means of learning. Future research should expand to include non-elite contexts, should employ greater methodological diversity, and should continue to explore the variety of preferred learning options.


2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 443-502
Author(s):  
Jonathon Weakley ◽  
Matthew Morrison ◽  
Amador García-Ramos ◽  
Rich Johnston ◽  
Lachlan James ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Monitoring resistance training has a range of unique difficulties due to differences in physical characteristics and capacity between athletes, and the indoor environment in which it often occurs. Traditionally, methods such as volume load have been used, but these have inherent flaws. In recent times, numerous portable and affordable devices have been made available that purport to accurately and reliably measure kinetic and kinematic outputs, potentially offering practitioners a means of measuring resistance training loads with confidence. However, a thorough and systematic review of the literature describing the reliability and validity of these devices has yet to be undertaken, which may lead to uncertainty from practitioners on the utility of these devices. Objective A systematic review of studies that investigate the validity and/or reliability of commercially available devices that quantify kinetic and kinematic outputs during resistance training. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Medline was performed; studies included were (1) original research investigations; (2) full-text articles written in English; (3) published in a peer-reviewed academic journal; and (4) assessed the validity and/or reliability of commercially available portable devices that quantify resistance training exercises. Results A total of 129 studies were retrieved, of which 47 were duplicates. The titles and abstracts of 82 studies were screened and the full text of 40 manuscripts were assessed. A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. Additional 13 studies, identified via reference list assessment, were included. Therefore, a total of 44 studies were included in this review. Conclusion Most of the studies within this review did not utilise a gold-standard criterion measure when assessing validity. This has likely led to under or overreporting of error for certain devices. Furthermore, studies that have quantified intra-device reliability have often failed to distinguish between technological and biological variability which has likely altered the true precision of each device. However, it appears linear transducers which have greater accuracy and reliability compared to other forms of device. Future research should endeavour to utilise gold-standard criterion measures across a broader range of exercises (including weightlifting movements) and relative loads.


2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001692
Author(s):  
Joanne Stannard ◽  
L Fortington

IntroductionSpecial Operations Forces conduct military activities using specialised and unconventional techniques that offer a unique and complementary capability to conventional forces. These activities expose Special Operations Forces personnel to different injury risks in comparison with personnel in the conventional forces. Consequently, different injury patterns are expected in this population. The purpose of this research is to establish high-level evidence informing what is known about musculoskeletal injury epidemiology in Special Operations Forces.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using three online databases to identify original studies reporting musculoskeletal injury data in Special Operations Forces. A critical appraisal tool was applied to all included studies. Descriptive data were extracted for demographics, study design details and injuries (eg, injury frequency, injury type, body part injured, activity, mechanism, severity). Results were narratively synthesised.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included. Trainees conducting qualification training had the highest injury frequency, up to 68% injured in a training period. The ankle, knee and lumbar spine were the most common body parts affected. Parachuting caused the most severe injuries. Physical training was the most common activity causing injury, accounting for up to 80% of injuries. Running and lifting were common injury mechanisms. Injury causation information was frequently not reported. Partially validated surveillance methods limited many studies.ConclusionsInjuries are prevalent in Special Operation Forces. Future research should prioritise identifying injury causation information that supports prevention. Focus on improving surveillance methods to enhance the accuracy and comparison of results across cohorts is also recommended.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. 1425-1450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palie Smart ◽  
Stefan Hemel ◽  
Fiona Lettice ◽  
Richard Adams ◽  
Stephen Evans

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to progress operations management theory and practice by organising contributions to knowledge production, in industrial sustainability, from disparate researcher communities. It addresses the principal question “What scholarly dialogues can be explicated in the emerging research field of industrial sustainability?” and sub-questions: what are the descriptive characteristics of the evidence base? and what thematic lines of scientific inquiry underpin the body of knowledge? Design/methodology/approach Using an evidenced-based approach, a systematic review (SR) of 574 articles from 62 peer-reviewed scientific journals associated with industrial sustainability is conducted. Findings This paper distinguishes three prevailing dialogues in the field of industrial sustainability, and uses Kuhn’s theory of paradigms to propose its pre-paradigmatic scientific status. The three dialogues: “productivity and innovation”, “corporate citizenship” and “economic resilience” are conjectured to privilege efficiency strategies as a mode of incremental reductionism. Industrial sustainability espouses the grand vision of a generative, restorative and net positive economy, and calls for a future research trajectory to address institutional and systemic issues regarding scaling-up and transition, through transformative strategies. Research limitations/implications The review is limited by the nature of the inquiries addressed in the literatures by specific researcher communities between 1992 and 2014. Originality/value This study performs the first SR in the field of industrial sustainability, synthesises prevailing scholarly dialogues and provides an evaluation of the scientific status of the field.


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