Critical Analysis Research Articles

Exploring the Relationship between Consumer Protection and Product Liability: Civil and Islamic Perspectives

Consumer protection is an aspect which aims to ensure that consumers are always given adequate protection from a legal perspective and also to increase the level of consumers’ trust in the quality of goods and services, which will, in turn, contribute to the economic growth of a nation. However, today, issues surrounding product liability cases are no longer uncommon, where consumers or third parties face the risk of suffering injury or property damage due to the existence of defects in a particular product. Thus, the main objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between consumer protection and product liability from both civil and Islamic perspectives. The type of research being carried out is doctrinal legal research. The data sources, including case law and statutory provision, are analyzed using content and critical analysis methods. The results show that according to civil and Islamic perspectives, consumer protection in the context of product liability plays a crucial role in conferring legal protection to consumers who are adversely affected by the use of particular products that pose a risk to health and safety. Further, the authors expect that the results of this study shall contribute new and significant knowledge by proving that the aspect of consumer protection is not only related to product liability issues from a civil perspective, but it is also can be evaluated from the Islamic perspective, which the earlier researchers have rarely discussed.

Botanical Extracts and Compounds of Castanea Plants and Methods of Use: US20190125818A1 - The United States Patent Evaluation.

Bacterial infections are increasingly difficult to combat, which makes them a threat to public health on a global level. Staphylococcus aureus is considered one of the main causes of infections in hospitals, as it has a variety of virulence factors, as well as is able to produce bacterial biofilms, which, consequently, bring numerous damages to public health as a result of increased resistance to conventional antibiotics and a longer hospital stay. Therefore, the use of compounds extracted from medicinal plants is a potential pharmaceutically acceptable target, as they do not have toxicity and the potential to disrupt biofilms produced by Staphylococcus aureus already evidenced, thus revealing their relevance to our study. The objective of this work was to perform a critical analysis of a patent with natural extracts against bacterial biofilms found in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, to map the possible bioactive compounds that may serve as potential future antimicrobial drugs. A technological survey was carried out to verify existing patents using natural extracts with anti-biofilm potential. For this, it was searched with the keywords: Botanical extracts AND biofilms; which were performed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. Thus, the selected patent used a non-aqueous extract partitioned and vacuum-contracted, subsequently lyophilized for assays with antimicrobial potential. Because of this, a patent was analyzed regarding its chemistry, and biological activity, followed by a critical analysis of the technology proposed in the invention. When using the keywords Botanical extracts AND biofilms in the USPTO, it was possible to find twenty-two inventions; however, only four patents in the USPTO were in agreement with the proposal of the natural extract having antimicrobial activity and an anti-biofilm potential, of which two belonged to the same applicant with similar proposals. The key point of this invention was to enable the compounds of the Castanea sativa plant and its methods of obtaining the extract to present a significant antimicrobial action associated or not with antibiotics, promoting the development of new therapies against bacterial infections capable of disrupting biofilms. The invention developed a methodology for extracting Castanea sativa, in which pentacyclic triterpene compounds were found mostly in its leaves. Whereas for the extraction, the crude methanol extracts called extracts 224 from the ground leaves were made by maceration, filtered, combined, concentrated under pressure in rotary evaporators, and lyophilized. After that, they were resuspended in water and partitioned in succession with hexane, ethyl acetate, and butanol. The most active refined partition was the 224C extract with the solvent ethyl acetate, which was subjected to further fractionation using silica column chromatography. Resulting in the most refined extract, which was 224C-F2, capable of acting directly on the quorum sensing of bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus, blocking the translation of RNAIII, including a series of exotoxins. Regarding the antimicrobial capacity against Staphylococcus aureus, it presented Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 1.56 μg/mL-1 and > 100 μg/mL -1, respectively. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact of bacterial biofilms, which causes damage to industries in general and to health. From this, the invention analyzed has a promising proposal with antimicrobial potential focusing on the great impact of bacterial biofilms. Therefore, natural extracts with antibiofilmic potential can help to minimize the economic losses caused to health due to these multidrug-resistant microorganisms with different virulence mechanisms.

The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Transparency and Traceability in the Supply Chain of the Food Industry

Abstract: This thesis explores the revolutionary potential of blockchain technology, emphasizing its implications for improving transparency and traceability. Food safety, authenticity, and sustainability are major issues that the food industry must deal with. These issues can have a big impact on customer confidence and safety. In order to properly handle these issues, traditional supply chain systems frequently lack the traceability and transparency features that are required. But blockchain technology provides a decentralized, immutable database that safely and transparently records transactions, which is a promising option. This study investigates the theoretical underpinnings and real-world uses of blockchain technology while conducting a critical analysis of the state of the food industry's supply chain using secondary data from published academic articles. It assesses the effect of blockchain technology on improving transparency and traceability in food supply chains by combining findings from other academic publications, taking into account elements like data integrity, information sharing, and stakeholder participation. This thesis emphasizes how blockchain technology has the possibility to revolutionize supply chain transparency and traceability in the food business. Through the utilization of blockchain's intrinsic characteristics, such decentralization and cryptographic security, stakeholders can augment consumer trust, alleviate hazards, and cultivate increased accountability along the food supply chain

A CRITICAL APPROACH OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THEORIES

Along with the evolution of society, the theories of social entrepreneurship have also evolved, and the aim of our research consists of the critical analysis of the theories related to entrepreneurial intention with a particularization of social entrepreneurship. Our research results led us to conclude that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is still a dominant theory used to measure entrepreneurial intention. However, the resource-based theory is much more oriented toward creating a genuine motivation for social entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into a social project, and the resources that the community makes available to the entrepreneurs have the potential to stimulate them to fulfill social goals. Consequently, the emotional feature of the social entrepreneur contributes to the promotion of entrepreneurial behavior oriented towards solving a specific social need of the community or society.

Advanced Helmet and License Plate Recognition: A Breakthrough in Safety and Surveillance Systems

Abstract: Helmet detection and license plate recognition have emerged as crucial components in ensuring safety and security in various domains, particularly in transportation and law enforcement. This review paper presents a comprehensive survey and analysis of methodologies, techniques, and advancements in the field of helmet detection and license plate recognition using computer vision and deep learning approaches. The paper investigates diverse datasets, algorithms, and architectures utilized for accurate detection and recognition of helmets worn by individuals in critical settings and the identification of license plates on vehicles. Furthermore, it explores the challenges, limitations, and future directions within these domains. The paper also evaluates the performance metrics, technological advancements, and potential applications in real-world scenarios, emphasizing the importance of these technologies in enhancing safety measures, traffic regulation, and security enforcement systems. Through this review, we aim to provide a consolidated overview and critical analysis of existing methodologies while identifying opportunities for future research and development in helmet detection and license plate recognition.

Being a good boy: pup play, body image, and the self for gay, bi, trans, and queer men.

Puppy play is a kink activity, in which people dress as, take on the role of, and mimic the physical and emotional behaviours of young canines or pups. We explore how the pup identity, depicted in cellphilms by queer men who are part of the pup community, influences men's body image perceptions using multimodal critical discourse analysis. Participants expressed feelings of dissonance, shame, and self-rejection when viewing themselves as humans, but conveyed excitement, pleasure, and self-celebration when viewing themselves as pups. Participants depicted their body images being transformed by way of puppy gear, puppy spaces, handlers, and playmates, which was said to foster more (self-)acceptance, playfulness, and freedom. This study highlights the potential for puppy play to provide a transformative experience for individuals, allowing participants to explore, re-signify, and embrace their bodies as pups.

Challenges in developing the Chinese traditional medical knowledge databases in China

This article discusses the development of a comprehensive database for traditional Chinese medical knowledge (TMK), addressing the dual goals of safeguarding this heritage and promoting its responsible utilization and dissemination, mindful of China’s cultural and historical nuances. It offers a critical analysis of the complex interplay between China’s unique historical and cultural fabric, global dynamics and the evolution of the TMK databases within the nation. The focus is on illuminating how these multifaceted elements converge to shape the way the TMK is managed and represented digitally, thereby offering insights for developing more responsive, culturally sensitive and effective TMK database systems.

Application of the FMECA method on the electro-hydraulic system for drilling machine type NKH45

This article focuses on the implementation of a preventive maintenance strategy, responding to a major challenge: the search for optimization in minimizing downtime of the radial drilling machine (NKH45). Crucially positioned at the heart of the mechanical manufacturing process, this machine holds significant influence on overall production performance and availability. In consideration of the strategic importance of this equipment within the framework of the mechanical manufacturing activity, an advanced methodology, in particular FMECA (Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis), is implemented. FMECA represents one of the most recommended approaches in this context, based on reliability, allowing the meticulous identification of the main causes of functional failures of equipment. FMECA is a risk prevention method. It is used to improve the reliability of a product, a process or even a means of production. It makes it possible to assess the criticality of potential failures in a system. According to the recommendations of the maintenance department of the company specializing in the construction of agricultural equipment, this study will focus on a subsystem of the electro-hydraulic part of the NKH45 radial drilling machine, we use the FMEA Analysis method (Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis). Thanks to this approach, it is possible to identify the main reasons for equipment breakdowns that affect production and to classify these breakdowns in order to develop an optimal maintenance strategy aimed at: reducing the number of breakdowns, preventing breakdowns, improving the preventive maintenance, reduce downtime, improve corrective maintenance, therefore the ultimate objective of this approach is to design an optimal maintenance action plan in order to significantly minimize downtime, which slows down production flow.

Behind the Love and Stories: Rural Learners’ Reasons and Motivations for Learning Mathematics

Research on learners within rural areas and rural schools in South Africa has been consistently overlooked by researchers in the field of mathematics education. If the education landscape in rural areas differs from that of urban areas, which has been extensively researched since the end of apartheid. In that case, it becomes evident that the research on mathematics education in South Africa has not adequately addressed issues of social justice. To address the lack of research on mathematics education in rural contexts in South Africa, this study focuses on exploring the experiences and attitudes of Grade 10 rural mathematics learners. A qualitative multiple case study design was used, involving 12 learners from two different school sites. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews and unstructured classroom observations. Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis, in conjunction with Anderson's concept of imagination, was employed to analyse the data. The findings revealed that learners anticipate and aspire for mathematics to enhance their opportunities for post-secondary education and employment, which instils a sense of hopefulness and motivates them to better understand mathematical concepts.

Analysis of evidence on nutraceutical interventions for Peyronie's disease: a guideline-based critical review.

The management of Peyronie's disease (PD) is a challenge for the clinician. Despite the lack of etiologic therapy, different nonsurgical approaches have often been empirically proposed. The most used treatment is based on nutraceutical drugs with antioxidant activity, although such an intervention remains controversial. We reviewed the evidence from the randomized controlled trials included in the recommendations of the American Urological Association (AUA), Canadian Urological Association (CUA), European Association of Urology, and International Society for Sexual Medicine. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials, reviews, and guidelines on nutraceutical interventions for PD. Our analysis provides detailed information on potential interventions, underlying the inconsistent evidence. Acetyl esters of carnitine, although not recommended by any of the available guidelines, showed potential benefit in some selected studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are not recommended due to withdrawn study evidence. The CUA and AUA were the only societies to consider the use of coenzyme Q10. While the CUA suggested that it might be offered as a treatment option, the AUA refrained from taking a definitive stance due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, conflicting recommendations have been produced on potassium para-aminobenzoate. While the CUA considers potassium para-aminobenzoate potentially useful in slowing PD progression, the AUA deems the evidence insufficient. Conversely, both the International Society for Sexual Medicine and European Association of Urology do not recommend its use. This critical comparative analysis of the most recent guidelines produced by the leading scientific societies highlights some inconsistencies in the recommendations on nutraceutical intervention for PD, even within a background of overall ineffectiveness of this treatment approach.

Exploring the Intersection of Pancasila and Human Rights in Indonesian Law

This research aims to explore the intersection of Pancasila and human rights in Indonesian law . The research investigates how Pancasila, as the foundational philosophy of Indonesia, can be aligned with the principles of human rights as enshrined in internationalhuman rights instruments . Methode The research methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of relevant Indonesian laws, constitutional provisions, and international human rights standards. The research also utilizes a comparative approach, examining how other countries have integrated their national philosophies with human rights principles .The findings of this research highlight the potential harmonization between Pancasila and human rights principles in Indonesian law . By recognizing the fundamental values of Pancasila, such as social justice, unity, and religious freedom, Indonesian law can uphold and protect human rights forall individuals within the country.Through the alignment of Pancasila with international human rights standards, Indonesia can ensure that its legal framework promotes and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of all. Implication for Student research provides a unique opportunity to engage in critical thinking and analysis of the ethical and legal frameworks that shape their country. By delving into case studies and legislative decisions, students can develop a nuanced understanding of how Pancasila influences the interpretation and application of human rights laws, thereby fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry.

Neoliberalism, alternatives and (de)politicisation: Analysis of political discourse during the coronavirus crisis

This study denaturalises the prevailing belief that crises bolster neoliberalism. It contends that context matters deeply – particularly in the lead-up to elections – and that not all politicians advocate a neoliberal agenda. Furthermore, it uncovers the cyclical relationship between (de)politicisation and coronavirus crisis in Czechia. The research employs discursive historical approach and critical discourse analysis to answer following research questions: 1) During the coronavirus crisis, did elite and expert discourse reinforce neoliberal hegemony or promote alternatives? 2) How did this manifest in their discourse? and 3) Was the crisis (de)politicised? The results show that the discourse of elites did not deepen neoliberalisation, since other discursive themes appeared. Politicians mostly used strategy of argumentation and intensification to legitimise measures, which the study describes in detail. Regarding (de)politicisation, a cycle occurred where the crisis was not politicised initially, but when vaccines were addressed, the crisis became a source of political conflict. With a new government coming in, the data suggest depoliticisation again.

Scientific competence during medical education - insights from a cross-sectional study at a German Medical School

BackgroundMedical knowledge regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of diseases is constantly evolving. To effectively incorporate these findings into professional practice, it is crucial that scientific competencies are a central component of medical education. This study seeks to analyse the current state of scientific education and students’ desires for integration into the curriculum.MethodsFrom October to December 2022, a survey was distributed at the Medical Faculty Dresden to all medical students from the 1st to 5th academic year (AY). The survey investigates current expectations of applying scientific competencies later in professional life, and the students were asked to self-assess various scientific skills and in relation to the National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education. The self-assessments were objectified through a competence test with ten multiple-choice questions. The desire for curricular teaching was inquired.Results860 students completed the survey. This corresponds to a response rate of 64%. In the 5th AY, approximately 80% of the participants stated that they expected to work with scientific literature on a daily to monthly basis in future professional life and to communicate corresponding scientific findings to patients. Only 30–40% of the 5th AY rate their scientific competencies as sufficient to do this appropriately. This corresponds with the self-assessed competencies that only slightly increased over the 5 AYs from 14.1 ± 11.7 to 21.3 ± 13.8 points (max. 52) and is also reflected in the competence test (1st AY 3.6 ± 1.75 vs. 5th AY 5.5 ± 1.68, max. 10 points). Half of the students in the 4th and 5th AYs were dissatisfied with the current teaching of scientific skills. The majority preferred the implementation of a science curriculum (56%), preferably as seminars dealing with topics such as literature research, analysis, and science communication.ConclusionsThe results show discrepancies between expectations of using scientific knowledge in everyday professional life, self-rated and objectively recorded competencies, and the current state of curricular teaching of scientific competencies. There is a strong need for adequate practical training, particularly in critical analyses of scientific literature, which enables the communication of scientific knowledge to patients.

Study on Inclusive Language in Chinese and Thai News Report from the Perspective of Critical Discourse Analysis

News report, an important way of disseminating information, is always readily accepted without any prejudice. However, the ideology embedded in it is often ignored by readers. In response to the call for people’s ideology among inclusive language, this research draws on the perspective of critical discourse analysis to investigate what the similarities and differences of inclusive language used in Chinese and Thai news report and the reasons behind the discrepancy. Based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework, this research collects 4 separate news reports from People’s Daily and Siam Daily to examine the hidden ideology in inclusive language. The analysis reveals that both media are aware of the importance of inclusive language and use it to reduce ambiguity and stigma in reports. These findings have significant implications for institutions such as public spaces or the media should standardize the use of inclusive language, where necessary.

Values Education in J. Drost's Perspective

This research aims to delve into the thoughts of J. Drost, which emphasizes values as the primary foundation in the school education system. Colossus Gonzaga School is highlighted as an 'alternative' model that emphasizes the presence of values in education while interpreting education as a humanitarian effort. The method of literature review is employed with steps including the identification of primary references regarding Drost's writings, critical analysis, comparison, and synergy, as well as compiling findings with the identification of weaknesses and strengths of Drost's thoughts. The results indicate that values ​​become the main foundation in the implementation of the education system, underpinning Pater Drost's concept. The establishment of Colossus Gonzaga School emphasizes the importance of values ​​in educational orientation, particularly in interpreting education as a humanitarian endeavor. Amidst the domination of education during the New Order era under the reign of Soeharto, where education was viewed as a rigid instrument of power, Drost's ideas emerged as an alternative that sought to liberate education from the shackles of values ​​that eroded the essence of education. These principles are also reflected in the development of Colossus Gonzaga School as a Catholic institution striving to develop the dignity of students through the liberation of human values.

A critical policy analysis of the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021–2030

A critical policy analysis of the <i>Australian Strategy for International Education 2021–2030</i>

Discursive Violence Analysis: Epistemological Advances in Qualitative Research

This article outlines a new methodological approach, Discursive Violence Analysis (DVA). Discursive Violence Analysis is a qualitative methodology that is the conceptual convergence of Foucauldian and Fairclough Discourse Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis, and Critical Legal Studies that operationalizes systemic oppression. This conceptual framework expands the existing repository of qualitative methodology that recalibrates how researchers identify, qualify, and interpret various disparate discursive social practices as evidence of racism. The DVA frames how scholars interrogate racism and how racism is institutionalized and codified within education and networking social systems. This article aims to provoke an inclusive and empirical engagement on ways to reimagine epistemology within education scholarship—suggesting that ways of knowing racism and understanding racism have experiential origins. Discursive Violence Analysis is an alternative qualitative means of identifying and describing the fundamental sophistications of discourses that steer, normalize, and legitimize racism. This article begins with a researcher reflexivity that foregrounds my journey toward developing DVA—briefly revisiting my experience as a doctoral candidate. Secondly, this article transitions into a “how-to” guide, mapping the conceptual and methodological process. And lastly, this article ends by explaining the critical assumptions of DVA and research queries for emerging scholars.

Probiotics for Aquaculture: Hope, Truth, and Reality.

The use of microorganisms as beneficial crops for human and animal health has been studied for decades, and these microorganisms have been in practical use for quite some time. Nowadays, in addition to well-known examples of beneficial properties of lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, selected Bacillus spp., and yeasts, there are several other bacteria considered next-generation probiotics that have been proposed to improve host health. Aquaculture is a rapidly growing area that provides sustainable proteins for consumption by humans and other animals. Thus, there is a need to develop new technologies for the production practices associated with cleaner and environment-friendly approaches. It is a well-known fact that proper selection of the optimal probiotics for use in aquaculture is an essential step to ensure effectiveness and safety. In this critical review, we discuss the evaluation of host-specific probiotics in aquaculture, challenges in using probiotics in aquaculture, methods to improve the survival of probiotics under different environmental conditions, technological approach to improving storage, and delivery along with possible negative consequences of using probiotics in aquaculture. A critical analysis of the identified challenges for the use of beneficial microbes in aquaculture will help in sustainable aquafarming, leading to improved agricultural practices with a clear aim to increase protein production.

A blueprint for what? From a critical policy discursive analysis of UN’s sustainable development goals to a constructive rearticulation for their application

ABSTRACT Halfway through the UN 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (2015–2030), the achievement of most of the proposed targets have been lagging behind, as has been confirmed in recent UN and UNESCO reports. While these reports mostly provide external features which cause the delay, this paper analyses and addresses possible features within the UN 2030 Agenda which might explain that shortfall. These include an unflagging belief in economic growth and a lack of an analysis of causes, as well as problems to do with costs and benefits of particular SDGs. Hence, the application of some SDGs might be counterproductive for the environment – and thus for sustainability. This article highlights outcomes of analyses of the Agenda, zooms in on SDG4 on education and presents alternative, more promising avenues concerning the SDGs. The 2030 Agenda and the alternative approaches are interpreted in terms of a shallow ecological (mechanistic) and a deep ecological (organic) worldview. We then propose ways forward for critical policy discourse analysis that may enhance the capacity of the UN 2030 Agenda in the direction of what they are meant to do: global cooperation toward a sustainable rearrangement of human life on earth.

Political Dialectics of Settlements in Railway Border: Critical Analysis of SDG’s Discourse in Surabaya

Political Dialectics of Settlements in Railway Border: Critical Analysis of SDG’s Discourse in Surabaya