scholarly journals A Systematic Review of Research Investigating the Combined Ecological Impact of Anthropogenic Noise and Artificial Light at Night

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter Halfwerk ◽  
Paul Jerem
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Anthropogenic Noise ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
The Impact

Levels of anthropogenic noise and artificial light at night (ALAN) are rapidly rising on a global scale. Both sensory pollutants are well known to affect animal behavior and physiology, which can lead to substantial ecological impacts. Most studies on noise or light pollution to date have focused on single stressor impacts, studying both pollutants in isolation despite their high spatial and temporal co-occurrence. However, few studies have addressed their combined impact, known as multisensory pollution, with the specific aim to assess whether the interaction between noise and light pollution leads to predictable, additive effects, or less predictable, synergistic or antagonistic effects. We carried out a systematic review of research investigating multisensory pollution and found 28 studies that simultaneously assessed the impact of anthropogenic noise and ALAN on animal function (e.g., behavior, morphology or life-history), physiology (e.g., stress, oxidative, or immune status), or population demography (e.g., abundance or species richness). Only fifteen of these studies specifically tested for possible interactive effects when both sensory pollutants were combined. Four out of eight experimental studies revealed a significant interaction effect, in contrast to only three out seven observational studies. We discuss the benefits and limitations of experimental vs. observational studies addressing multisensory pollution and call for more specific testing of the diverse ways in which noise and light pollution can interact to affect wildlife.

scholarly journals Ecological Impact of Artificial Light at Night: Effective Strategies and Measures to Deal with Protected Species and Habitats

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 5991
Author(s):  
Annika K. Jägerbrand ◽  
Constantinos A. Bouroussis
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Measurement Methods ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Light At Night ◽  
Landscape Characteristics

When conserving or protecting rare or endangered species, current general guidelines for reducing light pollution might not suffice to ensure long-term threatened species’ survival. Many protected areas are exposed to artificial light at levels with the potential to induce ecological impacts with unknown implications for the ecosystems they are designated to protect. Consequently, it is recommended that precautionary methods for the avoidance and mitigation of light pollution in protected areas be integrated into their management plans. This paper’s aims are to present an overview of best practices in precautionary methods to avoid and mitigate light pollution in protected areas and to identify and discuss what ecosystems should be considered light-sensitive and how to prioritise species and habitats that need protection from artificial light, including examples of legislation covering ecological light pollution in the European Union and in Sweden. The important aspects to include when considering light pollution at a landscape level are listed, and a proposal for prioritisation among species and habitats is suggested. Sensitive and conservation areas and important habitats for particularly vulnerable species could be prioritised for measures to minimise artificial lighting’s negative effects on biodiversity. This may be done by classifying protected natural environments into different zones and applying more constrained principles to limit lighting. The light pollution sensitivity of various environments and ecosystems suggests that different mitigation strategies and adaptations should be used depending on landscape characteristics, species sensitivity and other factors that may determine whether artificial light may be detrimental. Issues of the currently used measurement methods for artificial light at night are reviewed. We also propose and discuss the principles and benefits of using standardized measurement methods and appropriate instrumentation for field measurements of artificial light concerning the environmental impact of light pollution.

scholarly journals Between Level Up and Game Over: A Systematic Literature Review of Gamification in Education

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Manzano-León ◽  
Pablo Camacho-Lazarraga ◽  
Miguel A. Guerrero ◽  
Laura Guerrero-Puerta ◽  
José M. Aguilar-Parra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Game Design ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Current Lines ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Game Elements ◽  
The Impact

Educational gamification consists of the use of game elements and game design techniques in the educational context. The objective of this study is to examine the existing evidence on the impact of educational gamification on student motivation and academic performance in the last five years in order to analyze its distribution over time, educational level, variables, and most used game elements, and know the advantages of its implementation in the classroom. For this, a systematic review is proposed through the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology in three multidisciplinary databases, through an exhaustive search with inclusion and exclusion criteria on quantitative experimental studies that explore gamification in educational centers, which provide information about the most current lines of research. Fourteen studies were included in this review. These used experimental or quasi-experimental designs. Most of them report gamification as a valid learning strategy. The results support the conclusion that educational gamification has a potential impact on the academic performance, commitment, and motivation of students. Therefore, this study implies the need to expand research on the needs and challenges of students when learning with gamified techniques.

The Impact of Classroom Chatter Noise on Comprehension: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110059
Author(s):  
Anne-Sophie Lamotte ◽  
Aziz Essadek ◽  
Gérard Shadili ◽  
Jean-Michel Perez ◽  
Julien Raft
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Noisy Environment ◽  
Student Comprehension ◽  
The Impact

Communication through discussion and conversations is fundamental to human life; but when such discourse escapes the control of a teacher in the classroom, it becomes little more than chatter. This noise challenges teaching methods and the teaching stance with students. Yet, its impact on comprehension has rarely been studied. The aim of this literature review was to examine the research on the impact of classroom noise generated by chatter on students’ comprehension performance. We adopted the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalysis) guidelines to examine this literature. This review covered a 10-year period (papers written between 2009 and 2019), with nine experimental studies selected from the 2,954 papers screened. In 89% of these nine studies, there were significant comprehension differences on all tests, revealed when comprehension took place in a noisy environment due to chatter. This review indicated an essential need for a field survey to better understand the impact of chatter on comprehension. Other studies are recommended to highlight any correlation between measured chatter and student comprehension in a real classroom environment.

scholarly journals Impact of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use: an updated systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. e031598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Meernik ◽  
Hannah M Baker ◽  
Sarah D Kowitt ◽  
Leah M Ranney ◽  
Adam O Goldstein
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Product Appeal ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesGiven the exponential increase in the use of e-cigarettes among younger age groups and in the growth in research on e-cigarette flavours, we conducted a systematic review examining the impact of non-menthol flavoured e-cigarettes on e-cigarette perceptions and use among youth and adults.DesignPubMed, Embase, PyscINFO and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies published and indexed through March 2018.Eligibility criteriaQuantitative observational and experimental studies that assessed the effect of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes on perceptions and use behaviours were included. Specific outcome measures assessed are appeal, reasons for use, risk perceptions, susceptibility, intention to try, initiation, preference, current use, quit intentions and cessation.Data extraction and synthesisThree authors independently extracted data related to the impact of flavours in tobacco products. Data from a previous review were then combined with those from the updated review for final analysis. Results were then grouped and analysed by outcome measure.ResultsThe review included 51 articles for synthesis, including 17 published up to 2016 and an additional 34 published between 2016 and 2018. Results indicate that non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes decrease harm perceptions (five studies) and increase willingness to try and initiation of e-cigarettes (six studies). Among adults, e-cigarette flavours increase product appeal (seven studies) and are a primary reason many adults use the product (five studies). The role of flavoured e-cigarettes on smoking cessation remains unclear (six studies).ConclusionThis review provides summary data on the role of non-menthol flavours in e-cigarette perceptions and use. Consistent evidence shows that flavours attract both youth and adults to use e-cigarettes. Given the clear findings that such flavours increase product appeal, willingness to try and initiation among youth, banning non-menthol flavours in e-cigarettes may reduce youth e-cigarette use. Longitudinal research is needed to examine any role flavours may play in quit behaviours among adults.

scholarly journals Impact of eating disorders on paid or unpaid work participation and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Safi ◽  
Anna M. Aniserowicz ◽  
Heather Colquhoun ◽  
Jill Stier ◽  
Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Eating Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Work Participation ◽  
Unpaid Work ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Eating disorders (ED) can reduce quality of life by limiting participation and performance in social and occupational roles, including paid or unpaid work. The association between ED pathologies and work participation and performance must be well understood to strengthen vocational rehabilitation programmes and prevent occupational disruptions in the ED population. The aims of this study are: (1) to examine the degree of association between ED pathologies and work participation and performance in 15-year-olds and older; (2) to highlight the specific ED symptoms that are most correlated with changes in work performance and participation; (3) to compile the most common metrics and assessments used to measure work participation and performance with ED. Methods Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library will be searched for observational and experimental studies that meet the following criteria: (1) a clinical sample of typical or atypical ED; (2) paid or unpaid employment or training; (3) an association between ED pathologies and work participation or performance. Unpublished data will also be examined. Title and abstract, and full-text screening will be conducted in duplicate. Risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments will be completed. A random-effect meta-analysis will be performed. Discussion This synthesis can clarify knowledge and gaps around the impact of ED on work functioning, thereby allowing better evaluation, improvements and development of current workplace assessments, interventions, and policies. Trial registration The registration number for this systematic review on PROSPERO is CRD42021255055.

scholarly journals The Impact of Gamified Instruction on Students’ Learning Outcomes: Systematic Review of Experimental Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Nevena Jaftha ◽  
Marouska Zahra-Micallef ◽  
Tatjana Chircop
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Intervention Design ◽  
Assessment Instruments ◽  
Learning Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Replication Studies ◽  
The Impact

This systematic review critically explores the intervention design and findings of the experimental studies that were published between January 2012-December 2020 in a number of digital libraries and databases and had the effect of a gamified instruction on students’ learning outcomes in their focus, with the aim of identifying what constitutes success or the lack thereof in the given context. The found effect(s) of gamified instruction on students’ learning engagement and achievement are discussed in relation to the a) intervention design, its flaws and their potential impact on reported outcomes and b) prevalent practice in gamification research. The discussion is structured around data collection sources, sample size, and intervention duration, but also the characteristics of learning technology, learning approach, course content, type of games and game elements. This study proposes a list of categories to be included in the description of a study context so that it is possible to a) systematically organise research findings, b) filter the variety of findings via means of replication studies. c) recognise the variant effect on different sub-populations, and d) suggest the way forward when designing and implementing gamified instruction within specific conditions. Furthermore, the study highlights the necessity of approaching the topic through a mixed-method approach involving a more intensive tracking schedule with new assessment instruments and a larger number of participants that are longitudinal or at least of a longer duration in order to obtain more comprehensive findings.

scholarly journals Impact of Ramadan Diurnal Intermittent Fasting on Hypoglycemic Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Observational Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana Abdelrahim ◽  
MoezAlIslam E. Faris ◽  
Mohamed Hassanein ◽  
Ayman Z. Shakir ◽  
Ayesha M. Yusuf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Ramadan Fasting ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
The Impact

Ramadan is the 9th month of the lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset for 30 consecutive days. Ramadan fasting is observed by all healthy Muslim adults, as well many Muslims with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Hypoglycemic events (HE) are a serious complication associated with diabetes management and are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Conflicting results have been reported concerning the incidence of HE among people with T2DM observing Ramadan fasting. This review summarizes available scientific evidence on the occurrence of HE and the effects of different moderators on the incidence of HE among patients with T2DM during Ramadan. We conducted a systematic review of available observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for patients with T2DM who fasted during Ramadan, with HE as the primary outcome. Ten databases were searched for relevant studies from inception until October 31, 2020. In total, 68 studies (35 RCTs and 33 observational studies) met the inclusion criteria. Non-sulfonylureas hypoglycemic medications showed superior effects in lowering the incidence of HE over sulfonylureas hypoglycemic medications. Variable moderators were associated with experiencing HE during Ramadan in both observational studies and RCTs, including sex, geographical location, body anthropometric indicators, season, dietary behaviors, fasting duration, time since diagnosis, and pre-fasting education. This comprehensive systematic review covered the largest number of observational and clinical studies investigating the impact of Ramadan on HE among patients with T2DM. The study highlights the significance of different moderators that influence the effect of Ramadan fasting on HE, including dietary behaviors, fasting time duration, sex, season, country, pre-fasting education, age, and time since diagnosis. The study also highlighted the impact of different hypoglycemic medications on HE and noted the superiority of non-sulfonylureas over sulfonylureas hypoglycemic medications in lowering the risk for hypoglycemia in people with T2DM during Ramadan fasting.

Introduced flow variability and its propagation downstream of hydropower stations in Sweden

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Elenius ◽  
Göran Lindström
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Ecological Impacts ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Seasonal Forecasts ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Swedish Model ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Hydropower Stations

<p>Hydropower provides a low-carbon solution to a large portion of Sweden’s energy demand, which is increasingly important in order to combat climate change. However, associated flow regulations introduce variability of the flow on the daily, weekly and seasonal time scales, driven by the varying energy demand. Additional variability is introduced when compensating for the shifting wind energy production. The Water framework directive requires all EU member states to evaluate the ecological impact from anthropogenic activities, such as hydropower. Ecological impacts must also be assessed when all hydropower permissions in Sweden are renewed over the coming 20 years. Because different species are sensitive to different longevity of high- and low-flow periods, it is important to understand the introduced variability of flow in terms of its dominant periods, and how quickly these perturbations are attenuated downstream of regulations.</p><p>In this work, time-series of flow from hydrological simulations with HYPE are analyzed with the Fourier transform to examine the amplitudes of perturbations of different periods, and their decay downstream of hydropower stations. HYPE is a catchment-based model that simulates rainfall-runoff as well as water quality processes. The Swedish model application has been developed over the past decade and covers all of Sweden. Seasonal regulations are modeled with calibrated input parameters, whereas short-term regulations are introduced with station updates from observations that are available at or close to the majority of hydropower regulations. Very high accuracy has been proven between the updated sub-catchments. This, together with a verified model for natural flow, gives us a unique opportunity to study the impact of hydropower on dominant periods and their decay over the entire country, as well as the mechanisms that govern this decay.</p><p>In many sub-catchments, especially in large regulated rivers in northern Sweden, Fourier analysis of daily time series results in dominance of the 7-day period. The exponential decay rate of this and other modes is presented for all Sweden and analyzed in terms of land use and other parameters. Short periods decay faster than long ones. Periods of one month or longer are amplified in the downstream direction in most of Sweden.</p><p>Apart from aid in ecological assessments, our analysis can be used to introduce short-term regulations in hydrological simulators, for either deterministic forecasts (the 7-day mode typically has a minimum value on Sundays) or for stochastic seasonal forecasts where it will impact indicators such as the number of days below or above a threshold.</p>

Facebook and Subjective Well-Being Among College Students: A Systematic Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul D. Loprinzi ◽  
Emily Frith
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Facebook Use ◽  
Pubmed Search ◽  
The Impact

This systematic review evaluates various theoretical underpinnings, which may contribute to abetter understanding of the effects of Facebook use on subjective well-being among college students. Theauthor conducted a PubMed search of experimental studies conducted within a young adult population.Eligible participant data was delimited to undergraduate or graduate students, who were required to becurrent Facebook users. Six studies were chosen for the review. The findings suggest that Facebook usagemay be positively associated with subjective well-being via several theoretical mechanisms founded in socialpsychology. These findings provide preliminary evidence that Facebook may offer its users unique opportu-nities to tailor their online self-presentation to assuage the impact of negative psychosocial stimuli presentedin real-world environments. Innovative strategies should be conceived to assess the possible relationshipbetween Facebook use and enhanced subjective well-being.

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