Digital Commons Network^™

Integration Of Renewable Energy In Industrial Operations: Experiences From Canada, Usa, And Africa, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna I Illojianya, Bright Ngozichukwu, Cosmas Dominic Daudu, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

All Rsif Scholars' Publications

This research paper explores integrating renewable energy into industrial operations, drawing insights from experiences in Canada, the United States, and various African nations. Against a global imperative to transition towards sustainable energy sources, the study delves into this transformative process's economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. The economic implications encompass a detailed analysis of upfront capital costs, return on investment, and broader considerations such as job creation and market competitiveness. Environmental impacts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air and water quality, underscore the transformative potential of renewable energy integration. The technological landscape, marked by innovations in renewable energy technologies …

Green Data Centers: Sustainable Practices For Energy-Efficient It Infrastructure, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Victoria Adetomilola Fafure, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

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The digital age has led to a surge in connectivity, innovation, and information exchange, but it has also led to escalating energy consumption by data centers. Green data centers have emerged as a transformative solution, embodying a commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technologies. Key principles of green data centers include energyefficient hardware, renewable energy integration, advanced cooling systems, and resource optimization strategies. Energy-efficient hardware involves replacing outdated servers, storage systems, and network equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, such as virtualization technologies. This reduces power consumption and sets the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced data center …

Sustainable Cooling Solutions For Electronics: A Comprehensive Review: Investigating The Latest Techniques And Materials, Their Effectiveness In Mechanical Applications, And Associated Environmental Benefits, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Bright Ngozichukwu, Adetomilola Victoria Fafure, Valentine Ikenna Ilojianya, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

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This study presents a comprehensive review of the latest techniques and materials in sustainable cooling solutions for electronic systems, focusing on their effectiveness in mechanical applications and associated environmental benefits. The primary aim is to assess the current state and future prospects of sustainable cooling technologies, highlighting their role in addressing thermal management challenges while minimizing environmental impacts. The methodology adopted is a systematic literature review, drawing data from peer-reviewed academic journals, conference proceedings, and industry reports. The search strategy involved keyword searches, database filtering, and reference tracking, with a focus on recent advancements in cooling technologies and their environmental …

Potential Of Lignocellulosic Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites For Automobile Parts Production: Current Knowledge, Research Needs, And Future Direction, Abdulrahman Adeiza Musa, Azikiwe Peter Onwualu

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In recent years, there has been a notable surge in research focusing on the use of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) in the automobile industry. These materials offer several advantages over their synthetic counterparts, including lightweight properties, renewability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. This increasing research interest in NFRPCs within the automotive sector is primarily aimed at overcoming the challenges that have thus far limited their industrial applications when compared to conventional synthetic composites. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the potential applications and sustainability of lignocellulosic-based NFRPCs in the automobile industry. It examines the current state of knowledge, identifies …

Desalination Performance In Versatile Capacitive/Battery Deionization Configurations Using A Cation Intercalating Electrode, Bethwel Kipchirchir Tarus, Zahid Ullah, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Karoli Nicholas Njau, Jeehye Byun, Moon Son

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Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an alternative desalination technique for low-to-moderate salinity feeds. Despite significant advances in electrode material design, CDI's thermodynamic energy efficiency (TEE) remains low and has become important in assessing feasibility for real-world applications. Innovative cell configurations are key to improving TEE; however, their performance trends need to be contextualized, given the scattered information that can be challenging to compare. This study evaluates various desalination cells, including conventional CDI, single- and multi-channel asymmetric CDI, and multi-channel battery deionization (BDI). Using MoS₂ as a representative intercalating material, the position of active sites on composite electrodes …

Incorporating Energy Efficiency In Urban Planning: A Review Of Policies And Best Practices, Aniekan Akpan Umoh, Peter Efosa Ohenhen, Onyinyechukwu Chidolue, Bright Ngozichukwu, Adetomilola Fafure Fafure, Kenneth Ifeanyi Ibekwe

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The increasing global focus on sustainable development has prompted a reevaluation of urban planning strategies, with a particular emphasis on incorporating energy efficiency measures. This paper provides a comprehensive review of policies and best practices aimed at integrating energy-efficient principles into urban planning frameworks. Urbanization is on the rise, and cities play a pivotal role in both economic growth and environmental impact. Recognizing the urgency to mitigate climate change and reduce the ecological footprint of urban areas, policymakers worldwide are adopting measures to enhance energy efficiency in urban planning. This review examines a range of policies implemented across different regions, …

Maximal Number Of Repetitions At Percentages Of The One Repetition Maximum: A Meta-Regression And Moderator Analysis Of Sex, Age, Training Status, And Exercise, James L. Nuzzo, Matheus D. Pinto, Kazunori Nosaka, James Steele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The maximal number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of the one repetition maximum (1RM) [REPS ~ %1RM relationship] is foundational knowledge in resistance exercise programming. The current REPS ~ %1RM relationship is based on few studies and has not incorporated uncertainty into estimations or accounted for between-individuals variation. Therefore, we conducted a meta-regression to estimate the mean and between-individuals standard deviation of the number of repetitions that can be completed at various percentages of 1RM. We also explored if the REPS ~ %1RM relationship is moderated by sex, age, training status, and/or exercise. A total of …

Mental Health On The Go: Navigating Travel And Travel Eligibility, Fangli Hu, Jun Wen, Weng M. Lim, Haifeng Hou, Wei Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The 21st century has seen tourists from various source markets significantly impacted by non-communicable diseases, including mental disorders. Yet, research and practice frequently overlook tourists with mental disorders. Building on Buckley’s discussion in the Journal of Travel Research about tourism and mental health, this study examines the travel eligibility of tourists diagnosed with four prevalent mental disorders: major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), schizophrenia, and dementia. We present preliminary recommendations for accommodating these tourists and highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts between stakeholders in tourism, hospitality, and medicine. © The Author(s) 2023.

Utilizing Tilapia Fish Skin Biomaterial For Burn Wound Dressing: A Systematic Review, Bhahat Lawlley Zimba, Mwemezi J. Rwiza, Elingarami Sauli

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Burn wound management remains a burden in our hospitals with more than 180,000 people dying annually due to burn-related complications. Bacterial infections further affect the healing duration of the wound hence most treatment modalities have aimed at maintaining aseptic conditions on the wound. Silver sulphadiazine (SSD) cream 1 % has demonstrated the ability to bind to bacteria cell walls, its amino acids and DNA, and interferes with its respiratory chain resulting in bacteria death. SSD is considered the gold standard treatment of burn wounds despite its shortfalls in the treatment of burns. As a result, recent studies have focused …

Understanding The Factors Influencing The Properties Of Biomass‐Derived Porous Carbon And Their Impacts On Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitor Electrodes: A Comprehensive Review, Colette Abimana

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The use of biomass as carbon precursors has been extensively investigated, with a particular emphasis on examining the properties of derived porous carbon and its application in electrical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). Biomass-derived porous carbon-based electrodes have shown promising properties that can improve the efficiency of EDLCs. However, despite the extensive research in this field, no definitive solution has been proposed. This review investigates in depth three main factors that impact the electrochemical performance of derived porous carbon-based electrodes: (1) the initial properties of raw biomass as carbon precursors, (2) operating conditions, and (3) physicochemical properties of biomass-derived porous carbon materials. …

Optimization Of Desorption Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology For Enhanced Recovery Of Arsenic From Spent Reclaimable Activated Carbon: Eco-Friendly And Sorbent Sustainability Approach, Jonas Bayuo, Mwemezi J. Rwiza, Joon Weon Choi, Mika Sillanpää, Kelvin Mark Mtei

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Desorption and adsorbent regeneration are imperative factors that are required to be taken into account when designing the adsorption system. From the environmental, economic, and practical points of view, regeneration is necessary for evaluating the efficiency and sustainability of synthesized adsorbents. However, no study has investigated the optimization of arsenic species desorption from spent adsorbents and their regeneration ability for reuse as well as safe disposal. This study aims to investigate the desorption ability of arsenic ions adsorbed on hybrid granular activated carbon and the optimization of the independent factors influencing the efficient recovery of arsenic species from the spent …

Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties Of Concrete Containing Different Waste Synthetic Fibers For Green Environment – A Critical Review, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele

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The world is facing a major challenge on ways to manage the waste synthetic materials that are potentially polluting the environment. So, by 2040 it is estimated from the total synthetic textile products that will be produced, the accumulated synthetic textile waste will be more than 73.77 %, if recycling of waste may not be managed by novel technology in different sectors. Hence, this is a great challenge coming to the world if it is not effectively recycled mainly to be used in the construction sector which covers a broad area. However, detailed critical review is needed to gather different …

Effect Of Natural Pozzolana On Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Concrete, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele

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Construction industries are rapidly growing, sacking high amounts of concrete which has a highly dense microstructure with excellent mechanical properties, more durable, and highly eco-friendly materials. Hence, many of the researchers are interested in solving this problem with replacing concrete by natural pozzolana (NP) which is a supplementary cementitious material mostly from volcanic sources having much active silica content that can improve the durability and mechanical properties of concrete. However, it is not well-known which common optimum replacement range can give the most desirable concrete properties. So, the present study sought to review the effects of replacing NP from volcanic …

Effects Of Raw And Different Calcined Bentonite On Durability And Mechanical Properties Of Cement Composite Material, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Thomas Thomas Kivevele

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Bentonite is a natural pozzolanic material mostly composed of SiO2 and employed in cementing materials for the reduction of cement consumption and CO2 emission besides improving performance of cement composite material by consuming portlandite to form extra C-S-H gel. So, many researchers studied on partial replacement of bentonite to improve concrete performance. However, bentonite mostly exists as a consolidated form that needs treatment for activation of pozzolanic reactivity to improve performance of cement composite materials. However, it is not well known how different replacement of raw and calcined bentonite affects performance of cementing materials in different hazardous environment. Hence, the …

Modeling And Optimization Of Sisal Fiber Degradation Treatment By Calcined Bentonite For Cement Composite Materials, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele

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The treatment of sisal fiber by pozzolanic materials like kaolin and silica-fume has been explored; however, no study has modeled and optimized the effect of sisal fiber degradation treatment using calcined bentonite. Therefore, the present study investigate the effects of treating sisal fiber with different doses of calcined bentonite, bentonite calcination temperatures, and times on fiber breaking load, degradation resistance, and water absorption using the central composite design-response surface method (CCD-RSM). The best performance of the optimum treated sisal fiber selected from the CCD-RSM based on the established goal of maximizing breaking load and degradation resistance with minimum water absorption, …

Modeling And Optimization Of Calcined Bentonite Replacement In The Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Mortar, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele, Nima Rahbar

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Currently, pozzolanic materials are mostly recommended to improve the properties of cement composite materials and reduce environmental pollution, challenging the world owing to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production. Bentonite is mostly available natural pozzolana, however, extensive studies conducted on other clays like kaolin and some studies reported that bentonite exists in a consolidated form which requires heating activation methods. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the properties of bentonite in detail for its sustainable use, and it is novel to model and optimize the optimum bentonite calcination temperature and time for the best performance replacement in mortar. Hence, the present …

Activated Bentonite For Physical, Mechanical, And Durability Properties Of Concrete—A Review, Tsion Amsalu Fode, Yusufu Abeid Chande Chande Jande, Thomas Kivevele

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Bentonite mostly exists in many counties and studies reported employment of activated bentonite in the concrete improves concrete performance more than using raw bentonite. However, it is not well-known which range of bentonite activation temperature and employment dose gives the best concrete performance for the sustainability of activated bentonite in construction materials. Therefore, the present study detail reviewed the effect of activated bentonite at different heating temperatures and replacement doses of bentonite on the durability, physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of concrete. Also, environmental and economic beneficiary of employing activated bentonite in concrete is evaluated. As the review of various …

Overview Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status 2023, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The main purpose of the Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status (Overview) is to provide a comprehensive summary of the most recent indicators of the health and current health status of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Overview has been prepared by HealthInfoNet staff as part of our contribution to supporting those who work in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector. The Overview is a key indicator of the HealthInfoNet’s commitment to authentic and engaged knowledge development and exchange.

The initial sections of this Overview provide information about the context of Aboriginal and …

Empowering Pro-Environmental Potential Among Hotel Employees: Insights From Self-Determination Theory, Ataul K. Patwary, S. M. Rasoolimanesh, Mohd H. Hanafiah, Roslizawati C. Aziz, Ahmad E. Mohamed, Muhammad U. Ashraf, Nor R. A. N. Azam

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Purpose: This research examines the role of green, inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and pro-environmental attitudes on proactive pro-environmental behaviour among hotel employees. It further examines the indirect effects of pro-environmental attitudes between green inclusive leadership, corporate social responsibility, and proactive pro-environmental behaviour, as well as the moderating role of psychological contract breach between pro-environmental attitudes and proactive pro-environmental behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach: The participants of this cross-sectional study were employees in the Malaysian hotel industry, and 374 usable questionnaires were used for data analysis. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling.

Findings: This study found that …

Associations Of Vegetable And Potato Intakes With Markers Of Type 2 Diabetes Risk In The Ausdiab Cohort: Supplemental Information, Pratik Pokharel, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Catherine P. Bondonno, Kevin Murray, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Dianna J. Magliano, Robin M. Daly, Jonathan E. Shaw, Joshua R. Lewis, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Nicola P. Bondonno

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Summary Of Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health Status - Selected Topics 2023, Australian Indigenous Healthinfonet

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have lived on their traditional lands across Australia, including the Torres Strait Islands, for upwards of 50,000 years and their continuity, history and cultural traditions are unrivalled in the world [1,2] . Before colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived in family and community groups, and moved across the land following seasonal changes [1] . Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people developed complex societies, trading systems and agricultural activities that were celebrated and recorded in dance, song and stories [2] . The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concept of health is not just …

Opportunities And Challenges Posed By Disruptive And Converging Information Technologies For Australia's Future Defence Capabilities: A Horizon Scan, Pi-Shen Seet, Anton Klarin, Janice Jones, Mike Johnstone, Helen Cripps, Jalleh Sharafizad, Violetta Wilk, David Suter, Tony Marceddo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: The research project's objective was to conduct a comprehensive horizon scan of Network Centric Warfare (NCW) technologies-specifically, Cyber, IoT/IoBT, AI, and Autonomous Systems. Recognised as pivotal force multipliers, these technologies are critical to reshaping the mission, design, structure, and operations of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), aligning with the Department of Defence (Defence)’s offset strategies and ensuring technological advantage, especially in the Indo-Pacific's competitive landscape.

Research process: Employing a two-pronged research approach, the study first leveraged scientometric analysis, utilising informetric mapping software (VOSviewer) to evaluate emerging trends and their implications on defence capabilities. This approach facilitated a broader understanding …

Consequences Of Group-Based Misperceptions Of Climate Concern For Efficacy And Action, Zoe Leviston, Tanvi Nangrani, Samantha K. Stanley, Iain Walker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

People tend to underestimate others’ environmental values, including when judging the values of minority-status groups. Using a large national sample (N = 5110), we test whether these misperceptions extend to concern about climate change in Australia, and differ depending on immigrant status, ethnicity, and where one is located (i.e., in or outside capital cities). We also examine the consequences of misperceptions for self-efficacy and pro-environmental behaviour. We find personal climate concern is high, but perceptions of others’ concern is lower. Immigrants and Australian-born participants have similarly high concern, but both groups underestimate how concerned immigrants are. Southern-Central-Asian identifiers are the …

De+D61:D80signing Bespoke Visual Mediation Tools Using 'Viscourse' For Intergenerational Research Visiblising Pedagogies, Amelia Ruscoe, Penny Baker

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Visual methods are an innovative design space for study methodologies with young children. The accessibility of visual media, and flexibility of their design and use, has spurred methodological innovations that stretch the boundaries of intergenerational research. This article explores the visual dialogic nexus in research methods tailored to investigate discourse. The research sought to uncover the perspectives of young children and their teachers about their discursive affordances in the first year of school. Employing an iterative design process, bespoke visual mediation tools were collaboratively created with a visual artist to capture the intergenerational viewpoints of the participants. This article reconceptualises …

Different Methods Of Winning, Losing, And Training In Combat Sports And Their Relationship With Overall Competitive Winningness, Oliver R. Barley, Craig A. Harms

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to investigate how overall competitive winningness in combat sports depended on patterns of victory and loss, as well as training habits. Competitors (N = 280) from several combat sports participated in the study. The online survey included questions on self-reported patterns of victory (and loss), training habits, general demographics (e.g., age), and sport-specific information (e.g., stage of career and competitive style). Overall, it was found across four models that reflected diversity of winningness in combat sports that the most important predictors of competitive winningness were loss by points (negative), loss by submission (negative), loss (negative) or victory …

Editorial - Contemporary Marine Science, Its Utility And Influence On Regulation And Government Policy, Piers Larcombe, Angus Morrison-Saunders, Peter V. Ridd

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The purpose of this Research Topic is to evaluate the quality of contemporary marine science and to examine relationships between science, regulation and government policy in the marine environment. The quality of marine science matters; not just to advance knowledge on understanding marine ecosystems, but also to guide marine management. ...

Further Development Of The Reflective Practice Questionnaire, Shane L. Rogers, Lon Van Winkle, Nicole Michels, Cherie Lucas, Hassan Ziada, Eduardo J. Da Silva, Amit Jotangia, Sebastian Gabrielsson, Silje Gustafsson, Lynn Priddis

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: This article provides an update of the Reflective Practice Questionnaire (RPQ). The original RPQ consisted of 40-items with 10-sub-scales. In this article, the RPQ is streamlined into a 10-item single reflective practice construct, and a 30-item extended version that includes additional sub-scales of confidence, uncertainty/ stress, and work satisfaction. Methods: A total of 501 university students filled out an online questionnaire that contained the original Reflective Practice Questionnaire, and two general measures of reflection: The Self-Reflection and Insight Scale, and the Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire. Results: Based on factor analysis, the RPQ was streamlined into a brief 10-item version, and an …

First-Line Chemoimmunotherapy And Immunotherapy In Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer And Brain Metastases: A Registry Study, Lauren J. Brown, Victor Khou, Chris Brown, Marliese Alexander, Dasantha Jayamanne, Joe Wei, Lauren Gray, Wei Chan, Samuel Smith, Susan Harden, Antony Mersiades, Lydia Warburton, Malinda Itchins, Jenny H. Lee, Nick Pavlakis, Stephen J. Clarke, Michael Boyer, Adnan Nagrial, Eric Hau, Ines Pires Da Silva, Steven Kao, Benjamin Y. Kong

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Brain metastases commonly occur in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Standard first-line treatment for NSCLC, without an EGFR, ALK or ROS1 mutation, is either chemoimmunotherapy or anti-PD-1 monotherapy. Traditionally, patients with symptomatic or untreated brain metastases were excluded from the pivotal clinical trials that established first-line treatment recommendations. The intracranial effectiveness of these treatment protocols has only recently been elucidated in small-scale prospective trials. Methods: Patients with NSCLC and brain metastases, treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy or anti-PD-1 monotherapy were selected from the Australian Registry and biObank of thoracic cancers (AURORA) clinical database covering seven institutions. The primary …

Host Organizations' Perceptions To Providing Safe And Inclusive Work-Integrated Learning Programs For Students With Disability, Tanya Lawlis, Tamieka Mawer, Thomas Bevitt, Tom Arthur, Lesley Andrew, Ruth Wallace, Ros Sambell, Amanda Devine

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Inclusive work-integrated learning (WIL) requires collaboration between universities, host organizations and students, particularly, when designing and delivering WIL for students with disabilities. Host organizations, however, are not often included in the collaborations. This study explored host organization knowledge, capacity and challenges to providing WIL experiences for students with disability. A case study multi-method approach comprising an online survey and focus groups was undertaken. Host organizations, represented by supervisors, providing WIL to students enrolled in health courses at two Australian higher education institutions participated. The perceived need for student disclosure, office building limitations, and host organization limited knowledge of WIL expectations, …

How Have We Measured Trial Outcomes Of Asthma Attack Treatment? A Systematic Review, Imran Howell, Aleksandra Howell, Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Mona Bafadhel, Ian Pavord

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background Asthma attacks are a common problem for people with asthma and are responsible for significant healthcare costs. There is interest in a precision medicine approach to treatment. However, the choice of trial outcome measures for asthma attack treatment is hampered by the absence of a consensus on suitability. We carried out a systematic review to understand the characteristics of outcome measures used in randomised controlled trials of asthma attack treatment. Have randomised controlled trials of asthma attack treatment measured outcomes that are useful to patients and healthcare providers? Methods The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022311479). We searched for …