scholarly journals What evidence exists on the effectiveness of the techniques and management approaches used to improve the productivity of field-grown tomatoes under conditions of water-, nitrogen- and/or phosphorus-deficit? A systematic map

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Tran ◽  
Jonathan E. Holland ◽  
Nora Quesada ◽  
Mark Young ◽  
Damian Bienkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systematic Map ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Tomato Yield ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Management Approaches

Abstract Background Agriculture is facing an unprecedented challenge in having to reduce its environmental footprint whilst ensuring food security to an ever-growing global population. Towards this end, several strategies have been investigated and implemented to help maintain or improve crop yield under reduced water and/or nutrient provision for key commercial commodities such as tomatoes. Despite the high commercial, nutritional, and food-cultural value, there is no synthesis of evidence regarding yield maintenance of tomato (as a model crop) under resource-deficit. This systematic map therefore provides an overview of the evidence that exists on the effectiveness of techniques and management approaches aimed at improving the productivity of field-grown tomatoes under conditions of water-, nitrogen- (N) and/or phosphorus (P)-deficit. Methods Following the published map protocol, systematic searches of peer reviewed- and grey-literature were conducted using research publication databases, and specialist websites. A total of 14,377 unique articles were identified as potentially relevant to our research question, of which 927 were screened at the full-text level. Of that subset, 291 articles met all the pre-defined eligibility criteria. Basic information and meta-data on the interventions reported were recorded for these articles and a systematic map was compiled with the extracted data. Results The articles included in the systematic map database were used to identify several significant points including: (1) from the year 2000, the number of articles investigating strategies to improve field-grown tomato yield under conditions of water and/or nutrient deficit follows an upward trend; (2) large evidence bases (> 50%) originated from the United States, India, and Italy; (3) most studies addressed water alone as a resource (49%), with only 18% of studies focussing on N and 4% on P alone. Only 4% of records assessed all three resources simultaneously; (4) most evidence (77%) aims to improve resource use-efficiency via either irrigation, fertilisation, or crop and soil management strategies; and (5) different geographical regions appear to focus on different groups of interventions. Conclusions This systematic map identifies a range of interventions that have been successfully implemented in fields to improve the yield of commercial tomatoes under conditions of water, N and/or P deficit. However, only half of the relevant literature reported evidence on more than one intervention, which highlights the need for more integrated approaches to assess multiple interventions to adapt to deficits of key-resources simultaneously. In addition, the use of ‘techno-chemical’, ‘breeding and genetic’ and ‘computational’ interventions are only reported in a small number of records (< 8% of the gathered evidence). Hence, these interventions may also be considered as subjects to prioritise in future funding strategies.

scholarly journals What evidence exists on the impacts of flow variability on fish and macroinvertebrates of temperate floodplain rivers in Central and Western Europe? A systematic map protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Keller ◽  
Somsubhra Chattopadhyay ◽  
Mikołaj Piniewski
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Water Diversion ◽  
Systematic Map ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Flow Variability ◽  
Floodplain Rivers

Abstract Background Flow variability is considered a fundamental factor affecting riverine biota. Any alterations to flow regime can influence freshwater organisms, and this process is expected to change with the projected climate change. This systematic map, therefore, aims at investigating the impacts of natural (resulting from climatic variability), anthropogenic (resulting from direct human pressure), and climate change-induced flow variability on fish and macroinvertebrates of temperate floodplain rivers in Central and Western Europe. Particular focus will be placed on the effects of extreme low and high discharges. These rare events are known to regulate population size and taxonomic diversity. Methods All studies investigating the effects of flow variability on metrics concerning freshwater fish and macroinvertebrates will be considered in the map, particularly metrics such as: abundance, density, diversity, growth, migration, recruitment, reproduction, survival, or their substitutes, such as biomonitoring indices. Relevant flow variability will reflect (1) anthropogenic causes: dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric facilities, locks, levees, water abstraction, water diversion, land-use changes, road culverts; (2) natural causes: floods, droughts, seasonal changes; or (3) climate change. Geographically, the map will cover the ecoregion of Central and Western Europe, focusing on its major habitat type, namely “temperate floodplain rivers and wetlands”. The review will employ search engines and specialist websites, and cover primary and grey literature. No date, language, or document type restrictions will be applied in the search strategy. We expect the results to be primarily in English, although evidence (meeting all eligibility criteria) from other languages within the study area will also be included. We will also contact relevant stakeholders and announce an open call for additional information. Eligibility screening will be conducted at two levels: title and abstract, and full text. From eligible studies the following information will be extracted: the cause of flow variability, location, type of study, outcomes, etc. A searchable database containing extracted data will be developed and provided as supplementary material to the map report. The final narrative will describe the quantity and key characteristics of the available evidence, and identify knowledge gaps and knowledge clusters, i.e. subtopics sufficiently covered by existing studies allowing full systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exploring adaptability and proactivity across cultural contexts

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Villalobos ◽  
Lawrence B Chan ◽  
Christopher Chen ◽  
Stewart I Donaldson
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
The United States ◽  
Workplace Performance ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
Professional Employees ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Using Data ◽  
North And South America

Behavioral performance indicators linked to traits of adaptability and proactivity have been increasingly promoted in workplace management initiatives as predictors of high performance and employee potential (Grant and Ashford, 2008; Griffin et al., 2007). While these behaviors have been found to be helpful heuristics in Western workplace research samples, additional insight would help managers understand how they vary across geographical regions amidst rapidly expanding multinational markets. This study aimed to examine the relationship between workplace performance behaviors of adaptability and proactivity across diverse geographical regions, including North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. Using data gathered from professional employees from global companies, the study sample consisted of 3,860 participants working across 15 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, and the United States). The results indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between work performance adaptability and proactivity across countries, though a much smaller effect across groupings based on subsets of high versus low economic gross domestic product (GDP). Implications for talent management approaches to better develop these constructs cross-culturally are discussed.

scholarly journals Teacher’s Working Condition and Hybrid Teaching Environment – A Narrative Case Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 160-175
Author(s):  
Neha Anand ◽  
Abbey Bachmann
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Everyday Functioning ◽  
Veteran Teacher ◽  
Online Teachers ◽  
Narrative Study ◽  
Hybrid Teaching ◽  
Virtual Platform

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire system of education around the world is living each day under rapid experimentation to grapple with unforeseen challenges. The event of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only impacted a student’s track of learning but also disrupted the everyday functioning of schools. In the case of the United States, since the beginning of March 2020, when schools were pushed into remote learning options, most teachers had minimal training and resources to teach online. Teachers faced technological challenges and suffered a severe lack of pedagogical knowledge to engage students in an online platform. The overnight switch of face-to-face to remote teaching has added to existing teacher workloads, including accommodating student learning and engagement on the virtual platform. The narrative study considers the experiences of Ally, a veteran teacher, who experienced doubts about her sense of confidence as a teacher with the overnight change of instructional formats. Qualitative analysis was conducted from two interviews, 12 written reflections, and observation notes. Following a review of relevant literature, we report the narrative account of this teacher’s lived experiences. Next, we present suggestions and implications for research and practice while addressing the following research question: What were the lived experiences of a veteran teacher while pursuing a hybrid teaching instruction format, in both the traditional and online delivery format?

scholarly journals Understanding digital health ecosystem from Australian citizens’ perspective: A scoping review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260058
Author(s):  
Abraham Oshni Alvandi ◽  
Chris Bain ◽  
Frada Burstein
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Usability Data ◽  
Care Technology

Background Digital health (DH) and the benefits of related services are fairly well understood. However, it still is critical to map the digital health care landscape including the key elements that define it as an ecosystem. Particularly, knowing the perspectives of citizens on this digital transformation is an important angle to capture. In this review we aim to analyze the relevant studies to identify how DH is understood and experienced by Australian citizens and what they may require from DH platforms. Materials and methods A scoping literature review was conducted across several electronic databases (ACM Digital Library, OVID, PubMed, Scopus, IEEE, Science Direct, SAGE), as well as grey literature. Additionally, citation mining was conducted to identify further relevant studies. Identified studies were subjected to eligibility criteria and the final set of articles was independently reviewed, analyzed, discussed and interpreted by three reviewers. Results Of 3811 articles, 98 articles met the inclusion criteria with research-based articles–as opposed to review articles or white papers– comprising the largest proportion (72%) of the selected literature. The qualitative analysis of the literature revealed five key elements that capture the essence of the digital health ecosystem interventions from the viewpoint of the Australian citizens. The identified elements were “consumer/user”, “health care”, “technology”, “use and usability”, “data and information”. These elements were further found to be associated with 127 subcategories. Conclusions This study is the first of its kind to analyze and synthesize the relevant literature on DH ecosystems from the citizens’ perspective. Through the lens of two research questions, this study defines the key components that were found crucial to understanding citizens’ experiences with DH. This understanding lays a strong foundation for designing and fostering DH ecosystem. The results provide a solid ground for empirical testing.

scholarly journals Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e027633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Cary ◽  
Kathy Briffa ◽  
Leanda McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The Body ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Sleep Posture

ObjectivesThe objectives of this scoping review were to identify (1) study designs and participant populations, (2) types of specific methodology and (3) common results, conclusions and recommendations from the body of evidence regarding our research question; is there a relationship between sleep posture and spinal symptoms.DesignScoping review.Data sourcesPEDro, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Library, Medline, ProQuest, PsycINFO, SportDISCUS and grey literature from inception to 10 April 2018.Data selectionUsing a modified Arksey and O’Malley framework, all English language studies in humans that met eligibility criteria using key search terms associated with sleep posture and spinal symptoms were included.Data extractionData were independently extracted by two reviewers and mapped to describe the current state of the literature. Articles meeting the search criteria were critically appraised using the Downs and Black checklist.ResultsFrom 4186 articles, four articles were identified, of which three were epidemiological and one interventional. All studies examined three or more sleep postures, all measured sleep posture using self-report and one study also used infrared cameras. Two studies examined symptoms arising from the lumbar spine, one the cervical spine and one the whole spine. Waking pain and stiffness were the most common symptoms explored and side lying was generally protective against spinal symptoms.ConclusionsThis scoping review highlights the importance of evaluating sleep posture with respect to waking symptoms and has provided preliminary information regarding relationships between sleep posture and spinal symptoms. However, there were not enough high-quality studies to adequately answer our research question. It is recommended future research consider group sizes and population characteristics to achieve research goals, that a validated measure be used to assess sleep posture, that characteristics and location of spinal symptoms are clearly defined and that the side lying posture is subclassified.

scholarly journals Pain Management in Geriatric Burn Patients: A Scoping Review of Strategies and Key Issues

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-193
Author(s):  
Jonathan Bayuo
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Retrospective Studies ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Pharmacological Agents ◽  
Scoping Reviews ◽  
Key Issues

The effect of poorly treated pain is well documented in the literature. To offer support for the development of geriatric-specific pain management protocols, this review sought to scope the literature to identify what has been accomplished in geriatric burn pain management and offer suggestions. Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology was employed with extensive database and grey literature searches. A narrative synthesis was employed to analyse the evidence. The PRISMA extension guidelines for scoping reviews were followed in reporting this review. Sixteen evidence types comprising eleven reviews, two retrospective studies, two book chapters, and one practice guideline were retained in the review. The two retrospective studies emerged from the United States. The review findings suggest that though a plethora of generic pain assessment tools exist, they are yet to be validated in the older adult burn population. Pain management strategies involved the use of pharmacological agents (mainly opioids), but no outcome regarding pain relief was reported. Key issues identified include cautious use of opioids, oversedation concerns, and varied complexities associated with pain management. Though the literature remains largely unexplored, the complexities associated with geriatric burn pain management suggest a need for a multidisciplinary approach. More prospective studies are also needed to evaluate both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in the geriatric burn population.

scholarly journals PP021 Peer Review Innovations For Grant Applications: Efficient And Effective?

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. 78-79
Author(s):  
Geoff Frampton ◽  
Jonathan Shepherd ◽  
Karen Pickett ◽  
Jeremy Wyatt
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Systematic Map ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Grant Applications

INTRODUCTION:Peer review of grant applications is employed routinely by health research funding bodies to determine which research proposals should be funded. Peer review faces a number of criticisms, however, especially that it is time consuming, financially expensive, and may not select the best proposals. Various modifications to peer review have been examined in research studies but these have not been systematically reviewed to guide Health Technology Assessment (HTA) funding agencies.METHODS:We developed a systematic map based on a logic model to summarize the characteristics of empirical studies that have investigated peer review of health research grant applications. Consultation with stakeholders from a major health research funder (the United Kingdom National Institute for Health Research, NIHR) helped to identify topic areas within the map of particular interest. Innovations that could improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of peer review were agreed as being a priority for more detailed analysis. Studies of these innovations were identified using pre-specified eligibility criteria and were subjected to a full systematic review.RESULTS:The systematic map includes eighty-one studies, most published since 2005, indicating an increasing area of investigation. Studies were mostly observational and retrospective in design, and a large proportion have been conducted in the United States, with many conducted by the National Institutes of Health. An example of an innovation is video training to improve reviewer reliability. Although research councils in the United Kingdom have conducted several relevant studies, these have mainly examined existing practices rather than testing peer review innovations. Full results of the systematic review will be provided in the presentation, and we will assess which innovations could improve the efficiency and/or effectiveness of peer review for selecting health research proposals.CONCLUSIONS:Despite considerable interest in, and criticism of, peer review for helping to select health research proposals, there have been few detailed systematic examinations of the primary research evidence in this area. Our evidence synthesis provides the most up-to-date overview of evidence in this important developing area, with recommendations for health research funders in their decision making.

Biology, ecology, and management of dogwood borer in eastern apple orchards

2003 ◽  
Vol 135 (5) ◽  
pp. 615-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Christopher Bergh ◽  
Tracy C. Leskey
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Vascular Tissue ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Larval Feeding ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Important Pest ◽  
Important Host ◽  
Dogwood Borer

AbstractThe dogwood borer, Synanthedon scitula (Harris) (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae), has the broadest host range of the clearwing moths and is considered to be an economically important pest of many ornamental, fruit, and nut trees. Since the 1980s, dogwood borer has been recognized as an increasingly important, indirect pest of apple, Malus domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae), in eastern North America, owing mainly to increased plantings of apple on size-controlling rootstocks that promote the formation of adventitious root initials (burr knots) on the rootstock and scion. Burr knots appear to be preferred oviposition sites for dogwood borer females, although infestations can also be initiated in wounds, pruning cuts, and crotches on the branches and trunk. Larval feeding in burr knots does not adversely affect the growth and vigor of apple trees, but their mining outward from burr knots into vascular tissue can ultimately cause tree decline and death. Chlorpyrifos is the most effective insecticide for controlling dogwood borer. A supplemental label in the United States permits post-bloom, trunk drench applications of chlorpyrifos specifically for control of borers in apple, with several restrictions that preclude control of infestations higher in the tree. The ongoing review of pesticide tolerances dictated by the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act of the United States of America makes the long-term availability of this chemical uncertain. Cultural practices, such as deeper planting or berming, can reduce the likelihood of infestation of new apple plantings by dogwood borer, although they do not preclude infestations from developing above the graft union. This review and discussion is based on our contention that research toward the development of alternative, behaviorally based management strategies for dogwood borer in apple and other economically important host plants is warranted. Our review and synthesis of the dogwood borer literature revealed important gaps in knowledge about basic aspects of its biology that pertain directly to the development of alternative control tactics based on behavioral manipulation. There is considerable confusion surrounding the sex pheromone of dogwood borer and conflicting results on the response of males to isomers and blends of isomers of its purported pheromone. Studies using sex attractants to monitor its phenology in apple and non-apple habitats have yielded discrepant results and conclusions. Differences in the effectiveness of commercially available pheromone lures for trapping dogwood borer have been reported and the ability of pheromone traps to accurately reflect emergence or population density remains in question. Regardless of pronounced differences in the duration and modality of the seasonal flight of dogwood borer among different geographical regions within its range, the conclusion of univoltinism across most of its range has been perpetuated, based on extremely limited developmental data collected exclusively from individuals that developed on dogwood.

Paddlefish: Ecological, Aquacultural, and Regulatory Challenges of Managing a Global Resource

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
State Management ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Proactive Management ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
And Training

<i>Abstract</i>.—Overexploitation of wild sturgeon (Acipenseridae) species worldwide for caviar has led to a shift in harvest to Paddlefish (Polyodontidae: <i>Polyodon spathula</i>), another Acipenseriform species and a state-managed fish still harvested commercially in eight states within the United States. State game and fish agencies with commercial fisheries are increasingly being pressured to open or extend commercial Paddlefish fisheries under their respective jurisdictions. In addition to the increased needs for a multi-state management framework among states, new demands on the Paddlefish within states and its high vulnerability to overharvest require more proactive, innovative, and restrictive management approaches than the frequently liberal regulations of the past. This paper describes proactive management strategies implemented by state fisheries agencies in Alabama and Mississippi for the long-term conservation of their Paddlefish fisheries. The management actions implemented fall into three broad areas: (1) fishing areas, seasons, and participation; (2) fishing and harvest restrictions; and (3) licensing fees, reporting, and training. Actions taken under (1) included defining Paddlefish management areas, establishing specific harvest seasons and daily harvest times, and limiting the number of harvesters. Actions under (2) included enacting length limits and female-only harvest (Alabama), implementing harvest (carcass) tags to track fish and roe, and establishing gear restrictions to reduce unintended Paddlefish mortality. Actions under (3) included establishing rational permit requirements and fees, establishing specific harvest reporting requirements, and providing informational training to aid in angler compliance. Although there are many similarities in the approaches taken, each state has tailored its regulations to its political and biological situation. Alabama and Mississippi will be evaluating the effectiveness of their approaches and needed adaptations will be made to ensure long-term sustainability of the Paddlefish.

scholarly journals Comparison of financial support for family caregivers of people at the end of life across six countries: A descriptive study

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1189-1211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Gardiner ◽  
Beth Taylor ◽  
Jackie Robinson ◽  
Merryn Gott
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
The United States ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Care Systems

Background: Family caregivers of people at the end of life can face significant financial burden. While appropriate financial support can reduce the burden for family caregivers, little is known about the range and adequacy of financial support, welfare and benefits for family caregivers across countries with similarly developed health care systems. Aim: The aim is o identify and compare sources of financial support for family caregivers of people approaching the end of life, across six countries with similarly performing health care systems (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States). Design: A survey of financial support, welfare and benefits for end of life family caregivers was completed by 99 palliative care experts from the six countries. Grey literature searches and academic database searches were also conducted. Comparative analyses of all data sources documented financial support within and between each country. Results: Some form of financial support for family caregivers is available in all six countries; however the type, extent and reach of support vary. Financial support is administered by multiple agencies, eligibility criteria for receiving support are numerous and complex, and there is considerable inequity in the provision of support. Conclusion: Numerous barriers exist to the receipt of financial support, welfare and benefits. We identified several areas of concern, including a lack of clarity around eligibility, inconsistent implementation, complexity in process and limited support for working carers. Nonetheless, there is significant potential for policymakers to learn from other countries’ experiences, particularly with regard to the scope and operationalisation of financial support.

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