Seatbelt use and risk of major injuries sustained by vehicle occupants during motor-vehicle crashes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

BackgroundIn 2004, a World Health Report on road safety called for enforcement of measures such as seatbelt use, effective at minimizing morbidity and mortality caused by road traffic accidents. However, injuries caused by seatbelt use have also been described. Over a decade after publication of the World Health Report on road safety, this study sought to investigate the relationship between seatbelt use and major injuries in belted compared to unbelted passengers.MethodsCohort studies published in English language from 2005 to 2018 were retrieved from seven databases. Critical appraisal of studies was carried out using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. Pooled risk of major injuries was assessed using the random effects meta-analytic model. Heterogeneity was quantified using I-squared and Tau-squared statistics. Funnel plots and Egger's test were used to investigate publication bias. This review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42015020309).ResultsEleven studies, all carried out in developed countries were included. Overall, the risk of any major injury was significantly lower in belted passengers compared to unbelted passengers (RR 0.47; 95%CI, 0.29 to 0.80; I-2=99.7; P=0.000). When analysed by crash types, belt use significantly reduced the risk of any injury (RR 0.35; 95%CI, 0.24 to 0.52). Seatbelt use reduces the risk of facial injuries (RR=0.56, 95% CI=0.37 to 0.84), abdominal injuries (RR=0.87; 95% CI=0.78 to 0.98) and, spinal injuries (RR=0.56, 95% CI=0.37 to 0.84). However, we found no statistically significant difference in risk of head injuries (RR=0.49; 95% CI=0.22 to 1.08), neck injuries (RR=0.69: 95%CI 0.07 to 6.44), thoracic injuries (RR 0.96, 95%CI, 0.74 to 1.24), upper limb injuries (RR=1.05, 95%CI 0.83 to 1.34) and lower limb injuries (RR=0.77, 95%CI 0.58 to 1.04) between belted and non-belted passengers.ConclusionIn sum, the risk of most major road traffic injuries is lower in seatbelt users. Findings were inconclusive regarding seatbelt use and susceptibility to thoracic, head and neck injuries during road traffic accidents. Awareness should be raised about the dangers of inadequate seatbelt use. Future research should aim to assess the effects of seatbelt use on major injuries by crash type

Establishment of trees and shrubs on mined land in the subalpine region of Alberta

The Alberta Research Council has conducted a surface mine reclamation research program at the operations of Smoky River Coal Limited near Grande Cache, Alberta since 1972. The overall objective of this study is to develop and refine costeffective methods of establishing and maintaining a vegetative cover that is in harmony with adjacent undisturbed areas. A program to introduce trees and shrubs to the area was undertaken concurrently with the establishment of grasses and legumes. Due to the lack of seedlings available at the time for planting above an elevation of 1100 m, a cone collection program was undertaken to obtain seed for production of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), white spruce (Picea glauca), and engelmann spruce (Picea engelmanniil. Cuttings of willow (Salix spp.), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), and root cuttings of aspen (Populus tremuloides) were rooted in the greenhouse prior to planting. Willow cuttings were also collected and directly planted in the field. Most of the trees and shrubs produced were planted in areas having an established grass, or grass and legume cover. Container grown conifer seedlings were superior to bare root stock in terms of survival and growth rate. Survival rate increased with increasing size of container. Mean annual growth measurements of lodgepole pine and engelmann spruce seedlings in the reclaimed areas and adjacent undisturbed forest indicated that the reconstructed soils will support tree growth that is equivalent to the growth achieved on the natural or undisturbed soils. The willow and alder provided excellent protection for the conifers when the conifers exceeded the height of the grass and legume cover. Frost heaving of container seedlings and limited egress were the major causes of mortality for the conifers. Direct seeding was initiated in the fall of 1983 using seed of pine, spruce, and alder. The results obtained showed that direct seeding is a viable alternative to the use of container or bare root materials for specific locations in a mined area. The research conducted to date indicates that trees and shrubs can become established in reclaimed areas in the subalpine. The methods that are utilized for any given location are dependent on the end land use desired, the time frame allowed, and specific site conditions.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe

Understanding the Diffusion of Efficient Consumer Response: an Australian survey study

Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) is designed to make the grocery industry more efficient. Although it originated in the US, the concept has been adopted in many regions. To enrich the findings of the existing studies that indicate a slow diffusion rate of ECR, this study examines ECR adoption in Australia by conducting a survey. The findings suggest that in Australia, ECR diffusion has also been slow. Differences in barriers, perceptions, and benefits experienced between manufacturers and retailers discovered in this study suggest that Australian retailers are leading manufacturers in ECR implementation and that they experience more benefits than manufacturers