1. Why can the performance of CADIMA be affected at around 6 pm (CET/CEST)?

The database behind CADIMA is backed up every day around 6 pm (CET/CEST). This can have an impact on the performance of CADIMA. The backup takes around 15 min

2. How do I get search results imported to CADIMA?

The exchange file would be a txt. files in RIS format. You can import your search results e.g. from Web Of Science to EndNote (or another reference management software) and export them as a txt. file in RIS format. E.g. in EndNote the export file type would be “Text file (*.txt)” and the output style would be “RefMan (RIS) Export”.

3. Can I add new search results without affecting the ratings that were already placed by the review team?

Yes, just click on “create new search string”, upload the respective search results and tick the “select” box in front of the new entry. Afterwards you can re-run the duplicate identification script and potential duplicates would need to be clarified at the level of the “merged reference list”.

4. No references do show up under the menu item “merged reference list”.

Please make sure that you ticked the “select” box in front of the single search entries at the level “Define search string(s)”.

5. No duplicated records were identified by CADIMA

Please make sure that you did run the duplicate identification script at the level “Define search string(s)”.

6. No studies are displayed under “Perform data extraction”

Please make sure that you extracted relevant studies for records that passed the full text screening stage under “Select studies from papers”.

7. How can the clearance of inconsistency in rating decisions during screening and critical appraisal been tracked?”

When changing your rating decision during the clearance of inconsistencies, you can leave comment for the respective criteria stating e.g. “changed to yes”. The comments will be displayed when downloading the documentation files under “Presenting data/results” -> “Data files”.

8. Can different selection criteria different selection criteria be formulated for title/abstract and full text screening?”

Yes, in addition consistency checks can be done at title/abstract and full text level.

9. How should the selection criteria been formulated?”

In order to be moved to the next screening stage, all selection criteria need to be rated with “yes” (or “unclear” during title/abstract screening stage). In case one criterion is rated with “no”, the record will be excluded.

10. How can I cite CADIMA when writing my review?”

Please cite the following publication:

Kohl, Christian; McIntosh, Emma J.; Unger, Stefan; Haddaway, Neal R.; Kecke, Steffen; Schiemann, Joachim; Wilhelm, Ralf (2018): Online tools supporting the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews and systematic maps: a case study on CADIMA and review of existing tools. Environmental Evidence. 7, 8.
Doi: 10.1186/s13750-018-0115-5