Evidence of the impact of noise pollution on biodiversity: a systematic map

Abstract Background Ecological research now deals increasingly with the effects of noise pollution on biodiversity. Indeed, many studies have shown the impacts of anthropogenic noise and concluded that it is potentially a threat to the persistence of many species. The present work is a systematic map of the evidence of the impacts of all anthropogenic noises (industrial, urban, transportation, etc.) on biodiversity. This report describes the mapping process and the evidence base with summary figures and tables presenting the characteristics of the selected articles. Methods The method used was published in an a priori protocol. Searches included peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English and French. Two online databases were searched using English terms and search consistency was assessed with a test list. Supplementary searches were also performed (using search engines, a call for literature and searching relevant reviews). Articles were screened through three stages (titles, abstracts, full-texts). No geographical restrictions were applied. The subject population included all wild species (plants and animals excluding humans) and ecosystems. Exposures comprised all types of man-made sounds in terrestrial and aquatic media, including all contexts and sound origins (spontaneous or recorded sounds, in situ or laboratory studies, etc.). All relevant outcomes were considered (space use, reproduction, communication, etc.). Then, for each article selected after full-text screening, metadata were extracted on key variables of interest (species, types of sound, outcomes, etc.). Review findings Our main result is a database that includes all retrieved literature on the impacts of anthropogenic noise on species and ecosystems, coded with several markers (sources of noise, species concerned, types of impacts, etc.). Our search produced more than 29,000 articles and 1794 were selected after the three screening stages (1340 studies (i.e. primary research), 379 reviews, 16 meta-analyses). Some articles (n = 19) are written in French and all others are in English. This database is available as an additional file of this report. It provides an overview of the current state of knowledge. It can be used for primary research by identifying knowledge gaps or in view of further analysis, such as systematic reviews. It can also be helpful for scientists and researchers as well as for practitioners, such as managers of transportation infrastructure. Conclusion The systematic map reveals that the impacts of anthropogenic noises on species and ecosystems have been researched for many years. In particular, some taxonomic groups (mammals, birds, fishes), types of noise (transportation, industrial, abstract) and outcomes (behavioural, biophysiological, communication) have been studied more than others. Conversely, less knowledge is available on certain species (amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates), noises (recreational, military, urban) and impacts (space use, reproduction, ecosystems). The map does not assess the impacts of anthropogenic noise, but it can be the starting point for more thorough synthesis of evidence. After a critical appraisal, the included reviews and meta-analyses could be exploited, if reliable, to transfer the already synthesized knowledge into operational decisions to reduce noise pollution and protect biodiversity.

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Do improved biomass cookstove interventions improve indoor air quality and blood pressure? A systematic review and meta-analysis

10.1101/2021.01.04.21249191 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nitya Kumar ◽

Eunice Phillip ◽

Helen Cooper ◽

Megan Davis ◽

Jessica Langevin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Air Quality ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Fine Particulate Matter ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Middle Income ◽

Low Middle Income Countries ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundHousehold air pollution (HAP) kills 4 million annually, with access to clean cooking being a challenge for 37% of the world’s population. Whilst there have been advancements in improved biomass cookstove (ICS) technologies, reviews on the impact of these ICS on HAP are now more than three years old.ObjectivesThis review and meta-analysis examines the most recent evidence on the impact of ICS on HAP and blood pressure (BP).MethodsA literature search was conducted using scientific literature databases and grey literature. Studies were included if they were published between January 2012 and June 2020, reported impact of ICS interventions in non-pregnant adults in low/middle-income countries, and reported post-intervention results along with baseline of traditional cookstoves. Outcomes included 24- or 48-hour averages of kitchen area fine particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), mean systolic BP (SBP) and mean diastolic BP (DBP). Meta-analyses estimated weighted mean differences between baseline and post-intervention values for all outcome measures.ResultsNine studies were included; eight contributed estimates for HAP and three for BP. Interventions lead to significant reductions in PM2.5 (−0.28 mg/m3, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.10), CO (−6.59ppm, 95%CI: - 10.73, -2.46) and SBP (−2.82mmHg, 95% CI: -5.53, -0.11); and a non-significant reduction in DBP (−0.80 mmHg, 95%CI: -2.33, 0.73), when compared to baseline of traditional cookstoves. Except for DBP, greatest reductions in all outcomes came from standard combustion ICS with a chimney, compared to ICS without a chimney and advanced combustion ICS. WHO air quality targets were met by post-intervention values for CO but not for PM2.5.ConclusionOur review suggests that ICS with a chimney results in the greatest reductions in HAP and BP. Further research on qualitative impact of such ICS on end-users is required to understand feasibility of adoption at scale.

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A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis exploring the impacts of clinical academic activity by healthcare professionals outside medicine

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/s12913-021-06354-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Lisa Newington ◽

Mary Wells ◽

Adine Adonis ◽

Lee Bolton ◽

Layla Bolton Saghdaoui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Full Range ◽

Knowledge Exchange ◽

Research Activity ◽

Academic Activity ◽

Starting Point ◽

Research Profile ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background There are increasing opportunities for healthcare professionals outside medicine to be involved in and lead clinical research. However, there are few roles within these professions that include time for research. In order to develop such roles, and evaluate effective use of this time, the range of impacts of this clinical academic activity need to be valued and understood by healthcare leaders and managers. To date, these impacts have not been comprehensively explored, but are suggested to extend beyond traditional quantitative impact metrics, such as publications, citations and funding awards. Methods Ten databases, four grey literature repositories and a naïve web search engine were systematically searched for articles reporting impacts of clinical academic activity by healthcare professionals outside medicine. Specifically, this did not include the direct impacts of the research findings, rather the impacts of the research activity. All stages of the review were performed by a minimum of two reviewers and reported impacts were categorised qualitatively according to a modified VICTOR (making Visible the ImpaCT Of Research) framework. Results Of the initial 2704 identified articles, 20 were eligible for inclusion. Identified impacts were mapped to seven themes: impacts for patients; impacts for the service provision and workforce; impacts to research profile, culture and capacity; economic impacts; impacts on staff recruitment and retention; impacts to knowledge exchange; and impacts to the clinical academic. Conclusions Several overlapping sub-themes were identified across the main themes. These included the challenges and benefits of balancing clinical and academic roles, the creation and implementation of new evidence, and the development of collaborations and networks. These may be key areas for organisations to explore when looking to support and increase academic activity among healthcare professionals outside medicine. The modified VICTOR tool is a useful starting point for individuals and organisations to record the impact of their research activity. Further work is needed to explore standardised methods of capturing research impact that address the full range of impacts identified in this systematic review and are specific to the context of clinical academics outside medicine.

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Understanding loneliness: a systematic review of the impact of social prescribing initiatives on loneliness

Perspectives in Public Health ◽

10.1177/1757913920967040 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175791392096704

Author(s):

GY Reinhardt ◽

D Vidovic ◽

C Hammerton

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Service Providers ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Outpatient Services ◽

Social Prescribing ◽

Positive Individual ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Aims: The aim of this systematic literature review is to assess the impact of social prescribing (SP) programmes on loneliness among participants and the population. Methods: We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to search EBSCOHost (CINAHL Complete, eBook Collection, E-Journals, MEDLINE with Full Text, Open Dissertations, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO), UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Web of Science Core Collection, and grey literature. We included studies measuring the effectiveness and impact of SP programmes in terms of loneliness. We excluded systematic reviews and studies without evaluations. Due to the absence of confidence intervals and the low number of studies, we conduct no meta-analysis. Results: From 4415 unique citations, nine articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies do not use uniform measures or randomised samples. All nine studies report positive individual impacts; three report reductions in general practitioner (GP), A&E, social worker, or inpatient/outpatient services; and one shows that belonging to a group reduces loneliness and healthcare usage. Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review indicate that individuals and service providers view SP as a helpful tool to address loneliness. However, evidence variability and the small number of studies make it difficult to draw a conclusion on the extent of the impact and the pathways to achieving positive change. More research is needed into the impact of SP programmes on participants, populations, and communities in terms of loneliness, isolation, and connectedness, especially in light of the surge in SP activity as a key part of pandemic response.

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THE EFFECT OF ENGLISH-LANGUAGE RESTRICTION ON SYSTEMATIC REVIEW-BASED META-ANALYSES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES

International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care ◽

10.1017/s0266462312000086 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 138-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 387

Author(s):

Andra Morrison ◽

Julie Polisena ◽

Don Husereau ◽

Kristen Moulton ◽

Michelle Clark ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

English Language ◽

Conventional Medicine ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Systematic Bias ◽

Language Restriction ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Objectives:The English language is generally perceived to be the universal language of science. However, the exclusive reliance on English-language studies may not represent all of the evidence. Excluding languages other than English (LOE) may introduce a language bias and lead to erroneous conclusions.Study Design and Setting:We conducted a comprehensive literature search using bibliographic databases and grey literature sources. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they measured the effect of excluding randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported in LOE from systematic review-based meta-analyses (SR/MA) for one or more outcomes.Results:None of the included studies found major differences between summary treatment effects in English-language restricted meta-analyses and LOE-inclusive meta-analyses. Findings differed about the methodological and reporting quality of trials reported in LOE. The precision of pooled estimates improved with the inclusion of LOE trials.Conclusions:Overall, we found no evidence of a systematic bias from the use of language restrictions in systematic review-based meta-analyses in conventional medicine. Further research is needed to determine the impact of language restriction on systematic reviews in particular fields of medicine.

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What is the Value and Impact of the Adaptation Process on Quality Indicators for Local Use? A Scoping Review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-553164/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Siyi Zhu ◽

Tao Wu ◽

Jenny Leese ◽

Linda C. Li ◽

Chengqi He ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Indicators ◽

Systematic Approach ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Future Research ◽

Adaptation Process ◽

Consensus Process ◽

Healthcare Improvement ◽

Starting Point ◽

Local Use ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Quality indicators (QIs) are designed for improving quality of care, but the development of QIs is resource intensive and time consuming. This study sought to describe and identify the impact and potential attributes of the adaptation process for the local use of existing QIs. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and grey literature were searched for literature operationalizing or implementing QIs that were developed in a different jurisdiction from the place where the QIs were use. Two reviewers independently extracted and mapped data on study and participant characteristics, the adaptation process of QIs, aims and key findings of studies, from which the attributes of the adaptation process was analysed. The quality assessment was done with the SQUIRE tool.Results: Of 7704 citations identified, 10 out of 33 articles were included. All studies were assessed as high quality and most were from Europe. Our results revealed a lack of definition and conceptualization for a systematic adaptation processes in which an existing set of QIs was applied. Four out of ten studies involved a consensus process (e.g., Delphi or RAND process) to determine the suitability of QIs for local use. QIs for chronic conditions in primary and secondary settings were mostly used for adaptation. Of the ones that underwent a consensus process, 56.3 to 85.7% of original QIs were considered valid for local use, and 2 to 21.8% of proposed QIs were newly added. Combining all findings, four attributes should be included in a systematic approach of adaptation: 1) identification of areas/conditions for QIs adaptation and operationalization; 2) intermediate process with considerations of issues risen from adaptation; 3) introduction of a set of proposed QIs for local use; 4) operationalizing QIs and evaluating the applicability.Conclusion: The existing QIs, although serving as a good starting point, were poorly adapted before for use in a different jurisdiction from their origin. Adaptation of QIs under a systematic approach is critical. Therefore, we propose that a systematic adaptation approach including at least four attributes found by this study should be formulated to inform future research planning for QIs adaptation and potentially establishing a new pathway for healthcare improvement. Trial registration: PROSPERO (CRD42018096844).

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Interventions designed to improve vaccination uptake: Scoping review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses - protocol (version 1)

10.1101/2021.08.18.21262232 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Carl Heneghan ◽

Annette Pluddemann ◽

Elizabeth A Spencer ◽

Jon Brassey ◽

Cecilia Rosca ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Reviews ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Vaccine Uptake ◽

Middle Income ◽

Hand Search ◽

Vaccination Uptake ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Vaccine uptake varies substantially, and resources to promote the uptake of vaccines differ widely by country and income level. As a result, immunization rates are often suboptimal. There is a need to understand what works, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and other settings where resources are scarce. Methods: We plan to conduct a scoping review of interventions designed to increase vaccination uptake We will include systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventional studies that address the question of vaccine uptake. We will search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Google Scholar, LILACs and TRIP database (which covers guidelines and the grey literature) until 01 July 2021 and hand-search the reference lists of included articles. We will include systematic reviews that comprise studies of all ages if they report quantitative data on the impact on vaccine uptake. To assess the quality, we will use a modified AMSTAR score and ate the quality of the evidence in included reviews using the "Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation" (GRADE). Expected results We intend to present the evidence using summary tables to present the evidence stratified by vaccine coverage, the specific population, e.g., children, adolescents and older adults, and by setting, e.g. healthcare, community. We will also present when low middle-income subgroups are reported.

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The Impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak on Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes: Scoping Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-130916/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa ◽

Bright Opoku Ahinkorah ◽

Abdul-Aziz Seidu ◽

Edward Kwabena Ameyaw

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Health ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Review Form ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rapidly altered the pre-existing landscape for sexual and reproductive health. Adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes are therefore more likely to be affected due to reports of overwhelmed health systems. However, sexual and reproductive health wellbeing should be prioritized at all times to counteract adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. As a result, the proposed review aims at synthesizing evidence on the implications of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health outcomes.Methods: An electronic search for literature will be executed to identify peer reviewed and grey literature on the subject. After screening for studies to include in the synthesis, the checklist of the Joanna Briggs Institute, the McMaster Critical Review form and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, and Significance (AACODS) will be used for assessment. The study will be conducted in line with the recommendations detailed by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist and a narrative report will be developed.Discussion: Our proposed review aims at identifying the specific implications of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health. The review will highlight the systemic challenges and gaps that reinforce the intensity of the impact. It will also identify the aspects of sexual and reproductive health that are much affected among the wide array of components that constitute sexual and reproductive health such as family planning, antenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care among other factors. A better understanding of these issues will help global, regional and national stakeholders and policy makers to identify the specific sexual and reproductive health dimensions that need targeted interventions. Scoping review registration: https://osf.io/85fch

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High-intensity interval training and cardiorespiratory fitness: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses with a nested meta-research study

10.31236/osf.io/cnvy8 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Lucas Helal ◽

Cíntia Ehlers Botton ◽

Angélica Trevisan De Nardi ◽

Matthew James Page ◽

MARLOS RODRIGUES DOMINGUES ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiorespiratory Fitness ◽

High Intensity ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Interval Training ◽

Publication Date ◽

High Intensity Interval Training ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

High Intensity Interval ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Objectives: To synthesize narratively meta-analyses (SRMAs) of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiorespiratory fitness and to analyze the methodological and reporting quality of the included SRMAs. Methods: We searched six databases, including grey literature, without restrictions for publication date, quality, language, health status and age, and that addressed the impact of HIIT on cardiorespiratory fitness regardless of comparisons with other exercise modalities. We also included sprint interval training (SIT) in our eligibility criteria. Screening, data extraction and methodological quality were made in duplicate of reviewers for this study. Quantitative analyses are presented as absolute numbers and proportions. Results: Twenty SRMAs were included out of 144 reports. Effect sizes varied from 1.53 mL.kg-1.min-1 (95% CI 0.84 to 2.23 mL.kg-1.min-1) to 3.60 mL.kg-1.min-1 (95% CI 2.28 to 4.91 mL.kg-1.min-1). Some meta-analyses did not compare two different modalities and not all of them present their results with the same summary measurement. Methodological and completeness of reporting were poorly addressed. Conclusion: We cannot provide robust evidence of differences in the effectiveness of modalities on cardiorespiratory fitness neither for the overall effect of HIIT/SIT on cardiorespiratory fitness. Although SRMAs often conclude superiority of HIIT against MICT (when compared), the limitations outlined in this overview question the credibility of such conclusions. Register: CRD42017067269. Protocol: www.osf.io/a9m8z and www.osf.io/6xzyf.

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Workplace bullying in the Australian health context: a systematic review

Journal of Health Organization and Management ◽

10.1108/jhom-09-2016-0166 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (3) ◽

pp. 286-301 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sharlene Chadwick ◽

Joanne Travaglia

Keyword(s):

Workplace Bullying ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Future Research ◽

Content Type ◽

Australian Health ◽

Wide Range ◽

Management Perspective ◽

Definition Of ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

Purpose During the past decade, there has been increased attention into bullying behaviours in workplaces. Research to date has varied in design, the definition of what constitutes bullying behaviour, as well as the methods used to collect data and measure bullying incidence and prevalence. Nonetheless, studies demonstrate that bullying is a significant issue, which warrants an increased research focus to develop greater understanding of the concept, its effects and implications in, and for, the workplace. The purpose of this paper is to focus on capturing a range of international and Australian literature regarding workplace bullying behaviours in a health context from a management perspective. As a result, this paper identified the gaps in the literature when expanded specifically to an Australian health context. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this review is to summarise the existing literature, both internationally and in Australia which examines workplace bullying behaviours in a health context from a management perspective. This describes the review of the literature on workplace bullying in a health context undertaken from January to April 2014. The “Preferred Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” method was used to structure the review, which covered a wide range of literature from databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and InformIT, as well as reports, and grey literature. Findings The review included 62 studies that met the inclusion criteria and reported either: factors contributing to workplace bullying, at least one significant example of workplace bullying behaviour or the impact of workplace bullying behaviours in a health context. Originality/value There is limited data on workplace bullying behaviours in an Australian health context. The literature supports there is value in future research to develop consistent definitions, policies, procedures and frameworks, which could help to prevent or address workplace bullying behaviours based on work being undertaken internationally.

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What evidence exists on the impact of anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on animals and plants in the environment? A systematic map protocol

Environmental Evidence ◽

10.1186/s13750-021-00252-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ken Karipidis ◽

Chris Brzozek ◽

Chhavi Raj Bhatt ◽

Sarah Loughran ◽

Andrew Wood

Keyword(s):

Radiation Protection ◽

Electromagnetic Fields ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Kappa Statistic ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Future Research ◽

Systematic Map ◽

Meta Data ◽

Review Team ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly from telecommunications sources, is one of the most common and fastest growing anthropogenic factors on the environment. In many countries, humans are protected from excessive RF EMF exposure by safety standards that are based on guidelines by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The ICNIRP guidelines are based on knowledge of how RF EMF affects the human body, however, there are currently no recognised international guidelines to specifically protect animals and plants. Whether the ICNIRP guidelines for humans is adequate to provide protection to the environment is a subject of active debate. This systematic map will collate all the available evidence on whether anthropogenic RF EMF has a negative effect on plants and animals in the environment. The map will also identify gaps in knowledge, recommend future research and inform environmental and radiation protection authorities. Methods The proposed systematic map will include peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English. The EMF—Portal, PubMed and Web of Science databases will be searched using a search string prepared by the review team and tested for comprehensiveness against a list of known relevant reviews. Once duplicates are removed, retrieved articles will be screened in three stages: title, abstract, and full text. Studies will be selected with a subject population of all plants and animals, with exposures to anthropogenic RF EMF (frequency range 100 kHz–300 GHz) compared to no or lower-level exposure, and for all outcomes related to the studied populations. Kappa statistic tests will be conducted at each stage to ensure consistency of decision-making regarding the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Eligible studies will then proceed to the data extraction phase, which will extract meta-data such as bibliographic information, taxonomic information, RF EMF exposure data, outcome(s), sample size, etc. The extracted data will then be organised into a systematic map and the findings summarised by cross-tabulating key meta-data variables in heat maps, charts or other data visualization methods. The systematic map will identify gaps in knowledge, priorities for future research and potential subtopics for further analysis and/or systematic review.

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