scholarly journals Hot spots of ecoacoustics in Greece and the issue of background noise

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiannis G. Matsinos ◽  
Aggelos Tsaligopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Background Noise ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Conservation Areas ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Ecological Methods

Biodiversity monitoring and assessment across a variety of gradients, could be achieved with the aid of the ecoacoustics discipline. Acoustic monitoring approaches can provide results regarding the species richness of birds, bats, frogs and insects including cicadas (Cicadoidea) and katydids (Tettigoniidae) with results similar to the ones provided by classical ecological methods (e.g. visual point count methods). The risk of extinction of several species has led to the creation of the Natura 2000 Network in the European Union’s territory. Greece provides a number of 202 Special Protection Areas (SPA’s) and 241 Sites of Community Importance (SCI), 239 of which are considered as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC). The specific areas provide both, an opportunity for ecoacoustics practice and an opportunity for ecoacoustic research. Even though the specific field of ecology has proven to be a valuable biodiversity assessment tool, areas that provide a variety of ecoacoustic events are yet to be documented. The goal of the specific article is to highlight these special conservation areas and propose a monitoring network using the non-invasive approach of ecoacoustics. For the specific research, the Greek protected areas were visualized in order to highlight sonotopes and soundtopes worthy of future research. Finally, in order to highlight the neglected issue of background noise regarding conservation efforts, the Kalloni’s salt pans were selected as a case study area. Noise measurements and sound recordings were conducted. Furthermore, noise and sound maps were created, in order to visualize the effects of noise.

scholarly journals Concussion in para sport: the first position statement of the Concussion in Para Sport (CIPS) Group

2021 ◽  
pp. bjsports-2020-103696
Author(s):  
Richard Weiler ◽  
Cheri Blauwet ◽  
David Clarke ◽  
Kristine Dalton ◽  
Wayne Derman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Consensus Statement ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Concussion Management ◽  
Rule Changes ◽  
Specific Rule ◽  
And Performance

Concussion is a frequent injury in many sports and is also common in para athletes. However, there is a paucity of concussion research related to para sport, and prior International Concussion in Sport (CIS) consensus papers have not substantively addressed this population. To remedy this and to improve concussion care provided to para athletes, the concussion in para sport (CIPS) multidisciplinary expert group was created. This group analysed and discussed in-depth para athlete-specific issues within the established key clinical domains of the current (2017) consensus statement on CIS. Due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the group held all meetings by video conferencing. The existing Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 5 (SCAT5) for the immediate on-field and office-based off-field assessment of concussion was evaluated as part of this process, to identify any para athlete-specific concerns. Regular preparticipation and periodic health examinations are essential to determine a baseline reference point for concussion symptoms but pose additional challenges for the interpreting clinician. Further considerations for concussion management for the para athlete are required within the remove, rest, reconsider and refer consensus statement framework. Considering return to sport (RTS), the 2017 CIS consensus statement has limitations when considering the RTS of the para athlete. Case-by-case decision making related to RTS following concussion is imperative for para athletes. Additional challenges exist for the evaluation and management of concussion in para athletes. There is a need for greater understanding of existing knowledge gaps and attitudes towards concussion among athlete medical staff, coaches and para athletes. Future research should investigate the use and performance of common assessment tools in the para athlete population to better guide their clinical application and inform potential modifications. Concussion prevention strategies and sport-specific rule changes, such as in Para Alpine Skiing and Cerebral Palsy Football, also should be carefully considered to reduce the occurrence of concussion in para athletes.

scholarly journals Tri-Response Police, Ambulance, Mental Health Crisis Models in Reducing Involuntary Detentions of Mentally Ill People: Protocol for a Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8230
Author(s):  
Julia Heffernan ◽  
Ewan McDonald ◽  
Elizabeth Hughes ◽  
Richard Gray
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mental Health Crisis ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Response Models

Police, ambulance and mental health tri-response services are a relatively new model of responding to people experiencing mental health crisis in the community, but limited evidence exists examining their efficacy. To date there have been no systematic reviews that have examined the association between the tri-response model and rates of involuntary detentions. A systematic review examining co-response models demonstrated possible reduction in involuntary detention, however, recommended further research. The aim of this protocol is to describe how we will systematically review the evidence base around the relationship of the police, ambulance mental health tri-response models in reducing involuntary detentions. We will search health, policing and grey literature databases and include clinical evaluations of any design. Risk of bias will be determined using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool and a narrative synthesis will be undertaken to synthesis key themes. Risk of bias and extracted data will be summarized in tables and results synthesis tabulated to identify patterns within the included studies. The findings will inform future research into the effectiveness of tri-response police, ambulance, and mental health models in reducing involuntary detentions.

scholarly journals Background noise analysis in urban airport surroundings of Brazilian cities, Congonhas Airport, São Paulo

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Scatolini ◽  
Cláudio Jorge Pinto Alves
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Control ◽  
Background Noise ◽  
Noise Analysis ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Sound Exposure ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Data Compilation ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Noise Data

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To perform a quantitative analysis of the background noise at Congonhas Airport surroundings based on large sampling and measurements with no interruption. METHODS Measuring sites were chosen from 62 and 72 DNL (day-night-level) noise contours, in urban sites compatible with residential use. Fifteen sites were monitored for at least 168 hours without interruption or seven consecutive days. Data compilation was based on cross-reference between noise measurements and air traffic control records, and results were validated by airport meteorological reports. Preliminary diagnoses were established using the standard NBR-13368. Background noise values were calculated based on the Sound Exposure Level (SEL). Statistic parameters were calculated in one-hour intervals. RESULTS Only four of the fifteen sites assessed presented aircraft operations as a clear cause for the noise annoyance. Even so, it is possible to detect background noise levels above regulation limits during periods of low airport activity or when it closes at night. CONCLUSIONS All the sites monitored showed background noise levels above regulation limits between 7:00 and 21:00. In the intervals between 6:00-6:59 and 21:00-22:59 the noise data, when analyzed with the current airport operational characteristics, still allow the development of additional mitigating measures.

Application of Fuzzy Numbers to Assessment Processes

2018 ◽  
pp. 3215-3225
Author(s):  
Michael Voskoglou
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Fuzzy Assessment ◽  
Classical Arithmetic

A Fuzzy Number (FN) is a special kind of FS on the set R of real numbers. The four classical arithmetic operations can be defined on FNs, which play an important role in fuzzy mathematics analogous to the role played by the ordinary numbers in crisp mathematics (Kaufmann & Gupta, 1991). The simplest form of FNs is the Triangular FNs (TFNs), while the Trapezoidal FNs (TpFNs) are straightforward generalizations of the TFNs. In the present work a combination of the COG defuzzification technique and of the TFNs (or TpFNs) is used as an assessment tool. Examples of assessing student problem-solving abilities and basket-ball player skills are also presented illustrating in practice the results obtained. This new fuzzy assessment method is validated by comparing its outcomes in the above examples with the corresponding outcomes of two commonly used assessment methods of the traditional logic, the calculation of the mean values and of the Grade Point Average (GPA) index. Finally, the perspectives of future research on the subject are discussed.

Application of Fuzzy Numbers to Assessment Processes

2019 ◽  
pp. 407-420
Author(s):  
Michael Voskoglou
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Basketball Player ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Fuzzy Assessment ◽  
Classical Arithmetic

A fuzzy number (FN) is a special kind of FS on the set R of real numbers. The four classical arithmetic operations can be defined on FNs, which play an important role in fuzzy mathematics analogous to the role played by the ordinary numbers in crisp mathematics. The simplest form of FNs is the triangular FNs (TFNs), while the trapezoidal FNs (TpFNs) are straightforward generalizations of the TFNs. In the chapter, a combination of the COG defuzzification technique and of the TFNs (or TpFNs) is used as an assessment tool. Examples of assessing student problem-solving abilities and basketball player skills are also presented illustrating in practice the results obtained. This new fuzzy assessment method is validated by comparing its outcomes in the above examples with the corresponding outcomes of two commonly used assessment methods of the traditional logic, the calculation of the mean values, and of the grade point average (GPA) index. Finally, the perspectives of future research on the subject are discussed.

scholarly journals Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangelos Danopoulos ◽  
Lauren Jenner ◽  
Maureen Twiddy ◽  
Jeanette M. Rotchell
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Human Health Effects ◽  
Potential Human Health

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant ubiquitous in the environment. There is growing concern regarding potential human health effects, a major human exposure route being dietary uptake. We have undertaken a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis to identify all relevant research on MP contamination of salt intended for human consumption. Three thousand nine hundred and nineteen papers were identified, with ten fitting the inclusion criteria. A search of the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science, from launch date to September 2020, was conducted. MP contamination of salt varied significantly between four origins, sea salt 0–1674 MPs/kg, lake salt 8–462 MPs/kg, rock and well salt 0–204 MPs/kg. The majority of samples were found to be contaminated by MPs. Corresponding potential human exposures are estimated to be 0–6110 MPs per year (for all origins), confirming salt as a carrier of MPs. A bespoke risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies, with studies demonstrating moderate to low RoB. These results suggest that a series of recurring issues need to be addressed in future research regarding sampling, analysis and reporting to improve confidence in research findings.

Non-technical skills and otolaryngology: systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bannon ◽  
K E Stewart ◽  
M Bannister
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Neck Surgery ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Simulated Environments ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Randomised Controlled

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the published literature on non-technical skills in otolaryngology surgery and examine the applicability of any research to others’ practice, and to explore how the published literature can identify areas for further development and guide future research.MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the following key words: ‘otolaryngology’, ‘otorhinolaryngology’, ‘ENT’, ‘ENT surgery’, ‘ear, nose and throat surgery’, ‘head and neck surgery’, ‘thyroid surgery’, ‘parathyroid surgery’, ‘otology’, ‘rhinology’, ‘laryngology’ ‘skull base surgery’, ‘airway surgery’, ‘non-technical skills’, ‘non technical skills for surgeons’, ‘NOTSS’, ‘behavioural markers’ and ‘behavioural assessment tool’.ResultsThree publications were included in the review – 1 randomised, controlled trial and 2 cohort studies – involving 78 participants. All were simulation-based studies involving training otolaryngology surgeons.ConclusionLittle research has been undertaken on non-technical skills in otolaryngology. Training surgeons’ non-technical skill levels are similar across every tested aspect. The research already performed can guide further studies, particularly amongst non-training otolaryngology surgeons and in both emergency and elective non-simulated environments.

scholarly journals Concussion history and career status influence sports concussion assessment tool (SCAT-3) performance in elite football players

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (23 Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S5.3-S6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittani Cookinham ◽  
Chad Swank
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Post Hoc Analysis ◽  
Sports Concussion ◽  
Falling Asleep ◽  
Concussion History ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Career Status

ObjectiveTo determine if concussion history and career status influences baseline Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT-3) performance in elite football players.Design/methodsFifty-seven elite football players (age 29.39 ± 7.49 years) categorized by career status (draft prospects, active professional players and retired professional players) underwent SCAT-3 assessments. The SCAT-3 was administered in accordance to published recommendations.14 To examine our primary purpose, participants were placed into either a low concussion history (0–1 concussions) or multiple concussion history (2 + concussions) group. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences of concussion history on SCAT-3 total symptoms, total symptom severity, SAC total scores, and m-BESS balance scores. To examine our secondary purpose, a Kruskal-Wallis test and a post-hoc analysis was used to analyze differences between career status categories.ResultsAt baseline, common baseline symptoms were: fatigue (45.6%), trouble falling asleep (35.1%), difficulty remembering (33.3%) and irritability (22.8%); 36.8% reported no symptoms. The low concussion (0–1) group reported fewer symptoms (U = 608.50, p = 0.001), less symptom severity (U = 598.00, p = 0.001), and produced greater scores on the Standardized Assessment of Concussion (SAC) total scores compared to the multiple concussion (2+) group (U = 253.00, p = 0.024), but no differences were observed on modified Balance Error Scoring System (m-BESS) scores (U = 501.50, p = 0.066) on the Mann-Whitney U test. The Kruskal-Wallis Test and post-hoc analysis indicated retired players were significantly different from draft prospects and current professional players for total symptom scores (p < 0.001), total symptom severity (p < 0.001), SAC total scores (p = 0.030), and m-BESS (p < 0.001).ConclusionsConcussion history and career status appear to influence performance on the SCAT-3 in elite football players. With this in mind, future research is recommended to determine normative scores on the SCAT-3 for elite football players.

scholarly journals LO29: Interventions at triage to improve emergency department throughput: a systematic review

CJEM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (S1) ◽  
pp. S17-S17
Author(s):  
K. Grant ◽  
C. Bayley ◽  
E. Lang ◽  
G. Innes
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Meaningful Improvement ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Statistical Heterogeneity

Introduction: Emergency Department (ED) crowding is the primary threat to emergency care quality. Input and outflow factors are important factors, but EDs must optimize throughput efficiency by improving internal processes from triage to disposition, and triage is the first throughput phase. Triage throughput interventions exclude strategies that direct patients away from the ED (these modify input rather than throughput). Previous research has described physicians in triage, team triage, telemedical triage, and nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA) led triage, but their impact has never been systematically evaluated. Methods: We conducted systematic database searches in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials without the use of filters or language restrictions of all triage interventions that effected ED throughput (PROSPERO:CRD42019125651). Two independent reviewers screened studies. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (version 2) for randomized controlled trials, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for other designs. Results: 18 studies met inclusion criteria (Cohen's k = 0.69). Study results were not pooled due to high statistical heterogeneity as assessed by chi-squared and I-squared statistics. Studies were grouped into physician led, NP or PA led, and team triage interventions. Six physician in triage interventions reported LOS changes between -82 and + 18 minutes. Five NP/PA led triage interventions resulted in LOS changes of -106 to + 19 minutes. Five team triage interventions reported LOS reductions of 4 to 34 minutes. One telemedicine triage study reported a non-significant 8 minute increase in LOS. Six physician at triage interventions yielded significant LWBS rate improvement (relative risk {RR}= 0.29-0.82). Team triage interventions generated LWBS rate changes ranging from meaningful improvement (RR = 0.58) to substantial deterioration (RR = 1.68). Five studies have low risk of bias, 11 studies have some risk of bias, and 2 studies have high risk of bias (Cohen's kappa = 0.58). Conclusion: Fourteen of 18 triage interventions reduced EDLOS and/or LWBS rate. Physician, NP and PA led triage were the most effective triage interventions. To aid widespread adoption, future research should focus on interrupted time series or RCT designs, and more comprehensive descriptions of the contextual factors affecting implementation of these interventions.

Lean home services in Czech Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 784-802
Author(s):  
Felipe Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Lean Management ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Services Sector ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Size Limits

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of an empirical research on the leanness of the home services sector in the Czech Republic. The automotive sector provides reference to argue the numerical outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The research uses a specifically designed assessment tool (Lean Index – LI) to determine the sector’s leanness level. Referring to the results from both sectors, the paper draws conclusions about the current leanness level of home services providers. Findings The proposed LI indicates a value of 69.50 per cent for home services providers, whereas the LI for the automotive industry suppliers is 82.88 per cent. This suggests that there are large opportunities for the implementation of lean management in the home services sector. However, the main challenge is to introduce a continuous improvement approach to these companies. Research limitations/implications The sample size limits the generalisation of the research results. However, this paper represents the first empirical attempt to implement a large-scale survey. The results are limited to the Czech Republic. However, parties from other countries have indicated interest to replicate the research. Practical implications This research provides first empirical findings on the possibilities of implementing lean in the home services sector. Future research projects in other sectors will have the opportunity to make use of the LI assessment tool. Originality/value The paper presents the first approach of lean management into the home services sector. It provides valuable information to specialised institutions in the sector about the possibilities of lean management in the sector. It also provides an overview of the sector for practitioners and academics willing to pioneer lean in the sector.

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