Critical Examination Research Articles

Women's health and kidney protective medications.

We discuss the sex-based differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of kidney protective medications and their implications on women's health. A critical examination of adverse drug reactions highlights the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials for kidney and cardiovascular protective drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists. This underscores the need for sex-specific analyses in clinical studies to accurately assess medication efficacy and safety. The research demonstrates that women are more likely to experience adverse events and less likely to benefit from certain treatments, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare providers to adopt a sex-informed approach in prescribing practices. Future research should prioritize sex differences from the outset to enhance understanding and improve clinical outcomes for women with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular conditions.

Translating Laughter: A Critical Examination of Humor in three Arabic Versions of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn

Translating Laughter: A Critical Examination of Humor in three Arabic Versions of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn

Towards a model of plant awareness in education: a literature review and framework proposal

ABSTRACT The inattention to plants, known as ‘plant blindness’ or ‘plant awareness disparity’, is an established concern amongst biologists and educational practitioners alike. Many studies have called for a teaching and learning reform in botany, but there has been no thorough or critical examination of the pedagogic literature to date, an issue which this narrative review of studies (1998–2022) seeks to address. We use a framework based on theories of perceptual attention, interest, and attitude formation to derive novel insights about increasing plant awareness in education. Data were extracted using a suite of search terms, characterised using key words and subjected to a thematic content analysis, with 113 studies shortlisted for review. The dominant teaching and learning approaches were identification keys, laboratory investigations and discussion-based approaches. Educational interventions were found to increase plant awareness by providing memorable and meaningful first-hand encounters with plants and generating positive affect. We present a theoretical model based on these findings and discuss the implications for biology education.

INTERSECTIONAL OPPRESSIONS THROUGH LANGUAGE: CASE STUDIES IN RACE, GENDER AND CLASS IN TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD AND MY FAIR LADY

This study aims to investigate the impact of many dimensions on language use in Harper Lee’s To kill a mockingbird and George Cukor’s My fair lady. Regarding the first one, we distinctly focus on racially charged terminology, further exploring gender and class biases portrayed in the second one. Our methodology involves in-depth discourse analysis and critical examination of linguistic nuances, societal implications and narrative contexts within the works. The main hypothesis is that language acts as both a reflection and a catalyst for societal norms, playing a pivotal role in shaping perceptions, either for inclusivity or exclusion within specific communities.

Making a Bad Situation Worse: Current and Potential Unintended Consequences of Juvenile Registration for Sexual Offences.

Within the US, children and adolescents who engage in sexually abusive behavior are often subjected to sex offender registration and notification requirements, which contribute to stigmatization and forfeiture of their civil rights without empirical basis (Lancaster, 2011; Pickett et al., 2023; Zilney & Zilney, 2009). To date, 39 states subject children with adjudicated sexual offenses to sex offender registration requirements, with most recent estimates revealing that approximately 200,000 youth have been placed on sex offender registries within the US and many are now on the registry as adults (Pickett et al., 2020). This severe response-by both members of the public and policymakers-toward children who engage in inappropriate sexual behavior is imposed upon children and adolescents with adjudicated sexual offenses in an effort to meet goals of reducing sexual violence and increasing community safety. Within the current discourse, we review the history of registration and notification practices for adolescents with sexual offenses, describe what registration and notification policies entail, and then present empirical and theoretical evidence of the harmful outcomes associated with implementation of registration and notification requirements for sexual offenses. Thus, the predominant aim of this discourse is to encourage thoughtful and critical examination of registration and notification policies and their iatrogenic impacts.

Exploring the Significance of Nature in Literature: Eco Critical Themes in the Selected Work of Barbara Kingslover

The present article deals with an analysis of the eco-critic elements in Barbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behaviour. The article explores the perspectives of eco-critical along with ecological speculations in order to deal with the climate change and cultural aspects of the novel. Critical, unlike the conventional eco-critic in literary genre, discards the genre constraints the last happenstances and becomes impressive for endless critical examination. Ecology offers the supreme impulse, which is concealed in traditional ecology. The eco-critical enclaves in the novel closely surround the aspects of the current world’s concerned environment, which is why the novel becomes appropriate to be analyzed as an ecocritical. The deteriorating environmental circumstances in the contemporary world and a much similar one in the novel provide an optimal space to study ecology beside ecocriticism. An ecocritical analysis of the text not only focuses on the need for ecological consciousness in the characters. But in a sustainable way of saving the earth for the future

Challenging Misogyny: A Critical Examination of Gender Bias in Anton Chekhov's 'The Bear

"The Bear" by Anton Chekhov is a one-act play that explores the theme of misogyny through the interactions between the characters Smirnov and Mrs. Popova. Smirnov's misogynistic beliefs are revealed as he objectifies and belittles Mrs. Popova based on her gender. The play critiques the societal prejudices and stereotypes imposed on women during Chekhov's time, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and respect. Readers can see that Smirnov treats Popov rudely. The writer aims to analyze Smirnov's negative attitude towards Popov using feminist critical theory. Data is collected qualitatively. Analysis shows that Smirnov verbally intimidates Popov with lots of rude remarks about women. He accuses women of laziness, deception, and unfaithfulness.

The Prolonged Path of Indigenization: A Study on German Protestant Missionary Ernst Faber’s Chinese Literary Works

Ernst Faber’s 34 years of literary missionary works reveal his commitment to refining his approach to indigenizing Christianity in China. Employing three linguistic and cultural adaptation strategies—translation and commentary of the Bible, examination and analysis of missionary practical outcomes in Western society, and the revision and reinterpretation of Chinese classics incorporating Christian insights—Faber adapted his methods gradually into China’s specific conditions, indicating a prolonged path of indigenization. Despite expressing appreciation for Chinese culture, a critical examination reveals the preservation of his cultural biases and an unwavering commitment to Christianity as a means of purifying and enriching the spirit of the Chinese people. Rooted in the political context of his time and confidence in European historical world missions, Faber’s indigenization strategy in his Chinese literary works represents an interplay of cultural adaptation and resistance.

Exploring Aromatherapy as a Complementary Approach in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review.

Background: Palliative care, a cornerstone of comprehensive healthcare, prioritizes quality of life for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Aromatherapy, with its holistic approach and patient-reported benefits, emerges as a promising complementary therapy for managing symptoms and enhancing well-being in palliative care. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions in symptom management, with a focus on pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances among palliative care patients. Design: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases to identify relevant studies. Eligibility criteria were applied, resulting in the inclusion of eight studies for analysis. The review assessed the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions, primarily through massage, in symptom management. Variations in intervention procedures and outcome measures were noted, necessitating a critical examination of the findings. Results: The review's findings suggest promising outcomes associated with aromatherapy in palliative care. Aromatherapy interventions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain, anxiety, nausea, and improving sleep quality among patients. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale trials. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the potential of aromatherapy as a complementary intervention in palliative care. While the findings support its efficacy in symptom management, methodological inconsistencies across studies warrant further research. Standardized approaches and larger trials are essential to validate the tailored effectiveness of aromatherapy for different symptoms encountered in palliative care, ultimately enhancing its clinical utility and integration into therapeutic practices.

Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity: A Holistic View on Current Threats, Assessing Solutions, and Pioneering New Frontiers

In an era dominated by digital advancements, cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in safeguarding information and systems from evolving threats. The escalating sophistication of cyber threats necessitates a critical examination of the efficacy of contemporary defenses. Recognizing the limitations and gaps in current solutions, this research introduces a pioneering framework aimed at fortifying cyber defenses. Motivated by a comprehensive exploration of research articles, surveys, online media, and practical studies, this study scrutinizes the intricacies of cyber threats and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of existing solutions. The proposed frameworks emerge from a meticulous feasibility and practicality study, leveraging insights garnered from diverse online sources. The 'how' encompasses a comparative analysis, evaluating the novel framework against established solutions to delineate their respective merits and shortcomings. The impetus behind this research lies in offering valuable insights to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers grappling with the multifaceted challenges of cybersecurity. By navigating through the complexities of existing solutions and introducing innovative frameworks, this paper aims to guide efforts in bolstering cyber defenses. Ultimately, this research envisions a continuous cycle of improvement and evolution in the realm of cybersecurity, as stakeholders collectively strive to adapt to the ever-changing digital threat landscape.

A Research Study on Histopathological Changes that are Seen in Lungs of Victims Who Died of Drowning

Drowning is considered to be the leading cause of death in water and the third most common cause of accidental death worldwide, with the highest drowning rates in developing countries. The WHO defines drowning as the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. For forensic experts, death in water is a multifaceted issue presenting a challenge to them. Since all the circumstances from natural death to homicide are possible in the water, critical examination and interpretation of all abnormal findings found during autopsy are of great importance.Drowning is a diagnosis of exclusion, based on ruling out all other causes of death via complete autopsy and toxicology. Drowning causes hypoxemia, loss of consciousness, apnea and ultimately cardiac arrest. Fluid aspiration results in lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute Respiratory Failure is the main component of drowning pathophysiology. Near drowning results in multiple complications including aspiration pneumonia which is often life-threatening. Hence the histopathological changes in the lungs provide good corroborative evidence of death due to drowning. Nevertheless, for the examined drowning signs, no high diagnostic certainty could be observed. However, these findings can increase their diagnostic value if forensic doctors take influencing factors into consideration.From the central record section of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, about 80 medicolegal postmortem reports of death due to drowning in undecomposed bodies were selected in which one whole lung was sent for histopathological examination during the past two years i.e, 2020 - 2022. Parameters like Age, Sex and Marital Status were also studied. Histopathological examination of drowned lungs showed that congestion was seen in 92% of cases, oedema in 96% cases, dilatation of alveoli in 86% of cases, thinning of septa was seen in 84% of cases rupture of alveoli seen in 64% of cases and hemorrhage is seen in 46% of cases. Mostly males are affected and drowning deaths are seen more in 26 – 40 years age group. The histopathological investigations must be performed on all the organs of non-putrefied bodies with the aim of making the difference between death by drowning and other causes of death. The lung examinations can show over-distension of the alveoli, thinning of the alveolar septa and compression with narrowing of the capillary network.

Beyond omission: analysing the erasure of disability and inclusion in the developmentally appropriate practices

ABSTRACT The 4th edition of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) had an opportunity to provide the field an inclusive blueprint. While there was an attempt in this edition to respond to decades of critiques (e.g. Bloch [1992]. “Critical Perspectives on the Historical Relationship Between Child Development and Early Childhood Education Research.” In Reconceptualizing the Early Childhood Curriculum: Beginning the Dialogue, edited by S. Kessler, and E. B. Swadener, 3–20. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.; Cannella [1997]. Deconstructing Early Childhood Education: Social Justice and Revolution. New York, NY: Peter Lang.; Escayg [2019]. “Who’s got the Power?”: A Critical Examination of the Anti-Bias Curriculum.” International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy 13 (1): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40723-019-0062-9.; Langford [2010]. “Critiquing Child-Centered Pedagogy to Bring Children and Early Childhood Educators Into the Center of a Democratic Pedagogy.” Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood 11 (1): 113–127. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2010.11.1.113.; Pérez and Saavedra [2017]. “A Call for Onto-Epistemological Diversity in Early Childhood Education and Care: Centering Global South Conceptualizations of Childhood/s.” Review of Research in Education 41 (1): 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X16688621.; Souto-Manning and Rabadi-Raol [2018]. “(Re)Centering Quality in Early Childhood Education: Toward Intersectional Justice for Minoritized Children.” Review of Research in Education 42 (1): 203–225. https://doi.org/10.3102/0091732X187595.), the new edition continues to centre dominant developmental approaches where adults hyperfocus on children’s differences or individual characteristics rather than on changing educational structures and practices that promote inequity (Ferri and Bacon [2011]. “Beyond Inclusion: Disability Studies in Early Childhood Teacher Education.”). The revised guidelines do not go far enough to address inequity and to give teachers and programmes tools for addressing injustice for all young children. This manuscript builds on previous critiques of DAP by explicitly addressing the exclusion of disabled children from the guidelines.

Maximum Power Point Tracking with Artificial Neural Network

The urgent depletion of fossil fuel resources and the pressing need for environmental preservation have spurred a critical examination of alternative energy solutions. In response, this study focuses on the development of innovative approaches to mitigate the overreliance on conventional energy sources and transition towards sustainable alternatives. As part of a final year project, the research draws inspiration from this imperative and endeavors to design a prototype model that integrates advanced techniques for harnessing solar energy. Index Terms–Maximum Power Point, Buck-Boost Converter, Neural Network Architecture

Revisiting the Inevitability of Punishment for Criminal Offense: An Ethical Understanding of the Problem

The author presents a critical examination and justification for his dissenting stance toward the thesis proposed by I.M. Ragimov, A.N. Savenkov, and H.D. Alikperov in their article titled “Etiology of Individual Criminal Behavior: A Different Perspective” (State and Law, 2023;(9):112-125. DOI: 10.31857/S102694520027657-3). This thesis posits that the perpetrator inevitably faces a lifetime of punishment for the crime committed. However, while the author acknowledges the value of the aforementioned article in its entirety, along with its other propositions and conclusions, he calls on fellow legal scholars to engage in a wide-ranging discourse on these matters.

Theorien des Nichtidentischen im Anschluss an Hegel und Adorno

Abstract This paper reevaluates Adorno’s theory of non-identity following from a critical examination of his reading of Hegel. The main discussion revolves around two theses central to both philosophers: 1. Conceptual thinking forms the centre of philosophical thought (identification). 2. Philosophical thought aspires to become everything (totality). The analysis of two distinct interpretations, one stricter and one more moderate, demonstrates that Adorno takes the hardline view. With the moderate view, however, not only do the limits of Hegelian philosophy become more pronounced, they also reveal novel systematic connections with pivotal concepts inherent to Critical Theory – connections that have notably lacked substantial consideration within relevant research.

Segregation by Design: An Analysis of Apartheid-Enabling Constitutional Provisions

This paper is a critical examination of constitutional provisions that enable apartheid systems, with a focus on how they allow segregation and discrimination to be established and perpetuated. Despite the global condemnation of apartheid following its horrors in South Africa, similar traits are still visible across a number of jurisdictions today, notably in Israel's treatment of Palestinians and Myanmar's oppression of the Rohingya. This study investigates three of such highest laws of the land, analyzing the roles they play in legitimizing such regimes and how they are instrumentalized to sustain segregation by design. Employing a substantive and structural comparative analytical approach, the research scrutinizes the constitutions of South Africa, Israel, and Myanmar, unearthing common denominators that facilitate apartheid practices. These include the creation of identity-based citizenship conditions, provisions allowing discriminatory treatment, constraints on the political participation of marginalized groups, and the entrenchment of power that hinders reformative action. The findings reveal that apartheid-enabling provisions do not necessarily explicitly endorse segregation. Instead, they often afford broad legislative powers that can be exploited to this end, as was the case in Apartheid South Africa. Similarly, the constitutions of Israel and Myanmar offer constitutional protection to selected ethnic groups, legitimizing and institutionalizing segregation. The research concludes with the identification of at least four key elements common across the studied constitutions that contribute to the maintenance of apartheid systems: differentiated citizenship status, legitimized segregationist practices, limited political participation for certain demographics, and entrenched power structures resistant to change.

The Christian Elephant in the Meccan Room: Dye, Tesei, and Shoemaker on the Date of the Qurʾān

Abstract A great number of qurʾānic passages exhibit demonstrable intersections with Christian traditions, and sometimes the Qurʾān even addresses Christians directly. Guillaume Dye, Tommaso Tesei, and Stephen Shoemaker have recently argued that this is difficult to reconcile with our current lack of evidence for organized Christian communities in the pre-Islamic Ḥijāz. Accordingly, all three scholars maintain that much of the Qurʾān ought to be decoupled from the preaching of Muḥammad (whose historical existence they do not deny). While recognizing the pertinence of the explanatory challenge identified by Dye, Tesei, and Shoemaker, this article suggests that the problem may be somewhat less acute than it is made out to be. The article then proceeds to a critical examination of the alternative scenario for the genesis of the Qurʾān that is offered, in different variations, by Dye, Tesei, and Shoemaker. This scenario is found to give rise to a number of explanatory difficulties of its own that have not so far been satisfactorily addressed. By way of an appendix, the article includes an extended critique of Shoemaker and Dye’s claim that the Jesus-and-Mary pericope in Sūrah 19 most likely reflects a post-conquest Palestinian milieu.

Prevention of Leakage in Machine Learning Prediction for Polymer Composite Properties.

Machine learning (ML) has facilitated property prediction for intricate materials by integrating materials and experimental features such as processing and measurement conditions. However, ML models designed for material properties have often disregarded a common issue of "leakage," resulting in an overestimation of model performance and a decrease in model transferability. This issue can arise from biases inherent in multiple data points obtained from the same experimental group. We provide a critical examination and prevention method of leakage in property prediction for polymer composites. Our proposed method utilizes data partitioning based on the experimental group to ensure that data from the same group are not mixed in both the training and test sets. Evaluation results highlight that the conventional random partitioning unintentionally inflates ML performance through the misuse of experimental features for leaking data bias within the same experimental group rather than explaining the physical causality. In contrast, the proposed method enables the leakage-free utilization of experimental features to improve prediction accuracy while ensuring model transferability. Specifically, when integrating experimental features with polymer and filler features, the conventional method overestimates the prediction performance of electrical conductivity in reducing RMSE by 26% depending on leakage, whereas the proposed method achieves a reduction in RMSE by 5% without leakage. These findings offer valuable guidance for the effective utilization of experimental features in data-driven materials science.

A Critical Examination of the Role of ChatGPT in Learning Research:A Thing Ethnographic Study

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence(AI) in natural language processing has sparked considerable interest in AI Large Language Models(LLM), such as ChatGPT, within the field of education. Despite this attention, there exists a noticeable gap in scholarly discourse regarding the potential impact of ChatGPT on learning research. This study adopts an ethnographic research approach, considering ChatGPT as an active research participant. Guided by four key questions derived from the SWOT analysis framework, the study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of ChatGPT's strengths (Availability and Accessibility, Natural Language Processing, Vast Knowledge Base) and weaknesses (Lack of Deep Understanding and Creative Thinking, Lack of Objectivity and Integrity) in the context of learning research. Special emphasis is placed on the substantial opportunities that ChatGPT introduces for learning research, notably its potential as an Intelligent Research Assistant and its capacity to provide Writing Assistance. Additionally, the study illuminates potential threats posed by ChatGPT to learning research, including Risks to the Development of Critical Thinking and Creativity, Risks to Information Security, and Risks of Deepening Educational Inequities. Through this rigorous critical analysis, the study endeavors to bridge the aforementioned gap in the literature. Furthermore, the research proposes that learning researchers prepare for the impact of ChatGPT on learning research by concentrating on Critical Scrutiny of ChatGPT, Integration of ChatGPT into Research Practices, and Reflective Practices Regarding ChatGPT. By elucidating these aspects, the study advocates for additional empirical research on the role of ChatGPT in learning research, aiming to effectively guide its valuable contributions in the future of learning research.

Bone Disease in HIV: Need for Early Diagnosis and Prevention.

The transformation of HIV into a manageable chronic condition has unveiled new clinical challenges associated with aging-related pathologies, including bone disease. This review explores the intricate relationship between HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and bone disease, highlighting the necessity of early diagnosis and preventative strategies to mitigate the increased risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). It synthesizes the current literature to elucidate the multifactorial etiology of bone pathology in this population, that includes direct viral effects, chronic immune activation, ART-associated risks, and the impact of traditional risk factors for bone loss. Through a critical examination of modern diagnostic methods, lifestyle modifications, evidence-based preventive actions, and pharmacological treatments, the necessity for comprehensive management is highlighted, along with recommendations for integrated healthcare approaches vital for achieving optimal patient outcomes. By advocating for a proactive, patient-centered, and multidisciplinary strategy, this review proposes a plan to integrate bone health into standard HIV care through active risk identification, vigilant screening, effective preventive measures, tailored treatments, and informed decision-making, in an effort to ultimately enhance the quality of life for PLWHIV.