Critical Methodology Research Articles

Mycotoxins in Food: Cancer Risks and Strategies for Control.

Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, contaminating various food crops and posing severe risks to food safety and human health. This review discusses mycotoxins' origins, significance, and impact, particularly in relation to cancer risk. Major mycotoxins like aflatoxins, ochratoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, and patulin are examined, along with their sources and affected foods. The carcinogenic mechanisms of these toxins, including their biochemical and molecular interactions, are explored, as well as epidemiological evidence linking mycotoxin exposure to cancer in high-risk populations. The review also highlights critical methodologies for mycotoxin detection, including HPLC, GC-MS, MS, and ELISA, and the sample preparation techniques critical for accurate analysis. Strategies for controlling mycotoxin contamination, both pre- and post-harvest, are discussed, along with regulations from organizations like the FAO and WHO. Current challenges in detection sensitivity, cost, and control effectiveness are noted. Future research is needed to develop innovative analytical techniques, improve control strategies, and address the influence of climate change on mycotoxin production. Finally, global collaboration and emerging technologies are essential for advancing mycotoxin control and enhancing food safety.

The Methodology of Sociological Criticism in Iraq

In the period preceding the establishment of the first sociology department at the University of Baghdad, the works of Abdul Fattah Ibrahim and Abdul Jabbar Arim played a significant role. These scholars are regarded as pioneers of this pre-foundational phase. Although they did not conduct any field research, the methodologies they advocated for analysing and critiquing Iraqi social reality were well-defined. In Abdul Fattah Ibrahim's first specialised book on sociology, he presents Darwin's theory of evolution as "the foundational principle upon which modern sociology is based." He defines sociology as "the study of society in its evolution according to the law of the survival of the fittest, with the goal of enhancing its ability to endure."

A Critical Evaluation of the Hybrid KS DFT Functionals Based on the KS Exchange-Correlation Potentials.

We have developed a critical methodology for the evaluation of the quality of hybrid exchange-correlation (XC) density functional approximations (DFAs) based on very fundamental quantities, i.e., Kohn-Sham (KS) XC potentials, self-consistent electron densities, first ionization potentials (IPs), and total energies. Since the XC potentials, the primary objects in the current study, are not directly accessible for the hybrids, we calculate them by inverting the KS electron densities. Utilizing this methodology, we tested 155 hybrid DFAs available in the LIBXC library using FCI and CCSD(T) methods as a reference. We have found that a group of functionals produces very decent XC potentials, mainly those with a large mixture of Hartree-Fock exchange. Moreover, the value of IP strongly depends on the XC potential quality. On the other hand, we show that the XC energy is dominated by functional-driven error, which in some cases leads to substantial errors in electronic densities. The study shows new directions for constructing more accurate XC functionals within the KS-DFT framework.

Creative writing as critical fieldwork methodology

This article examines creative writing (CW) as a place-based methodology for doing and analysing fieldwork. Drawing insights from CW scholarship and workshops as part of a collaborative project, we contribute new empirically-informed insights from peer researchers about the significance of leveraging emotional connections, detailed attention to lived experiences, and the researcher's experiences in executing and reporting fieldwork. While attending to tensions between ‘academic’ and ‘creative’ writing, we examine how adopting different and alternative writing approaches can express diverse complexities of the field research process. We contribute to an understanding of CW as a dialectical catalyst, serving as a mode for reflecting on the relationships between the researcher and the researched within the field as well as a mode for analysing and disseminating fieldwork findings. By doing so, our study presents opportunities and limitations of CW as a critical methodology for generating situated knowledges about the field and for reimagining fieldwork.

From Me-Search to We-Search: (Re)Imagining Mentorship and Intergenerational Relationships for Black Women in Leadership

This article examines the process of forming an intergenerational mentoring relationship among three Black women scholars at different levels of academic leadership in higher education. Over the course of a summer, we came together to critically examine how our collective journey as leaders shifted from “me-search” to “we-search.” In the spirit of Ubuntu or “I am because we are,” our we-search centers Black indigenous knowledge that honors a communal destiny and legacy where leadership and mentorship must be done in a collective. Thus, we used Black Feminist Action Research as a critical methodology that disrupts hegemony in inquiry, mentoring, and leadership. In a four-phased approach, we analyzed personal artifacts and narratives, grounded in radical Black feminist honesty. By conducting such qualitative “we-search,” we co-construct sites of healing and sanctuary and provide valuable insights and strategies for Black scholars and leaders.

Reframing convict tattoo collections: the comic as critical methodology

ABSTRACT Taking the specific example of Paco: Les Mains Rouges (2014; 2017) – a two-volumed sepia graphic novel by Fabien Vehlmann and Éric Sagot – this article explores the potential of the comic format to destabilize carceral histories via the trope of the convict tattoo. The creation of convict records (including the surveillance of tattoos) leaves a rich textual and visual archive that is steeped in power inequalities and absent voices, but also creative potential. By articulating the comic as a critical methodology, this article aims to explore the potential for the format to develop narratives that counter authorized archives and challenge dominant representations of incarceration whilst drawing creative inspiration from historical iconographies of punishment. In its consideration of creative interpretation and potential for engaging with new modes of collecting, it has applications for historical research, media, visual criminology and museum and heritage studies.

The Characteristics of Long-Wave Irregularities in High-Speed Railway Vertical Curves and Method for Mitigation.

Track geometry measurements (TGMs) are a critical methodology for assessing the quality of track regularities and, thus, are essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of high-speed railway (HSR) operations. TGMs also serve as foundational datasets for engineering departments to devise daily maintenance and repair strategies. During routine maintenance, S-shaped long-wave irregularities (SLIs) were found to be present in the vertical direction from track geometry cars (TGCs) at the beginning and end of a vertical curve (VC). In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive analysis and comparison of the characteristics of these SLIs and design a long-wave filter for simulating inertial measurement systems (IMSs). This simulation experiment conclusively demonstrates that SLIs are not attributed to track geometric deformation from the design reference. Instead, imperfections in the longitudinal profile's design are what cause abrupt changes in the vehicle's acceleration, resulting in the measurement output of SLIs. Expanding upon this foundation, an additional investigation concerning the quantitative relationship between SLIs and longitudinal profiles is pursued. Finally, a method that involves the addition of a third-degree parabolic transition curve (TDPTC) or a full-wave sinusoidal transition curve (FSTC) is proposed for a smooth transition between the slope and the circular curve, designed to eliminate the abrupt changes in vertical acceleration and to mitigate SLIs. The correctness and effectiveness of this method are validated through filtering simulation experiments. These experiments indicate that the proposed method not only eliminates abrupt changes in vertical acceleration, but also significantly mitigates SLIs.

KRITIK SANAD DAN MATAN

This paper discusses the method of criticism of Sanad and Matan. In the Hadith studies, both aspects are equally important. Sanad is a series of narrators who convey the hadith, while matan is the content of the hadith itself. To find out the quality of a hadith we must find out the quality of its transmitters and content. Therefore, this paper is important because it discusses the method of criticism of Sanad and Matan. includes the critical methodology of sanad and matan seen in the periods of the Prophet, Companions, Tabi'in, and Tabi' tabi'in. In this study the author uses a historical approach, and in analyzing the data the author uses the descriptive-analysis method. Regarding the critical study of hadith, it has actually been carried out since the time of the Prophet and his companions. However, the criticism of sanad and matan in the initial phase has not been formulated as systematically and methodologically as in the final phase (alMuta`akhirîn). This is because there is still the figure of the prophet as an authoritative source to ask (clarify) the news that friends hear. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, there have not been many problems in the hadith, apart from that there are still friends who always maintain their honesty and do not want to lie in the name of the Prophet SAW. Criticism of hadith during the time of the Companions focused on testing the truth of whether the Prophet actually conveyed the hadith or not. The source of this paper comes from books/books, and journals that are relevant to the theme of the writing.

Between Dialectics and Criticism: Kant’s Philosophical Development

The article presents a unique interpretation of Kant’s philosophical development by exploring the relationship between dialectics and criticism. The conceptual analysis of peculiar propositions in some of the philosopher’s early writings reveals essential dialectical insights that lead to critical thinking. The text interprets Kant’s critical methodology from a historical-philosophical and hermeneutical perspective, highlighting its transcendental form of development. Kant’s philosophical development is characterized by the transcendental evolution, which confirms and expands upon the methodological thesis of a necessary transition from the pre-critical dialectics to the philosophical critique.

The Aesthetics of Arabic Calligraphic and Islamic Formations in the Curtain of the Door of Kaaba: A Critical Artistic Study

The Kaaba's covering carries inherited aesthetics with an ancient historical and cultural character. The curtain for thedoor of the Holy Kaaba is an integral part of the design of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, as it covers the door of the HolyKaaba. The door curtain of the Holy Kaaba is considered an immortal and unique Islamic artistic painting in terms ofthe uniqueness of its design. Therefore, this study aims to apply the Western theory of art criticism (Feldman) to Arabiccalligraphy and the calligraphic formations embodied in the curtain of the door of the Holy Kaaba to demonstrateaesthetic and artistic design values. The approach followed in this study is Feldman's approach to art criticism.Feldman's methodology is considered a systematic and integrated critical methodology for describing and analyzingartworks. In addition, this methodology enhances the aesthetic experience to understand art, its dimensions andvalue. The tool used in the study is observation. The study population consists of linear and decorative units withmultiple styles. The study concluded that the curtain of the door of the Holy Kaaba is characterized by an abundanceof calligraphic formations and compositions and Islamic decorative plant units.

The Al-Qur'an in The View of Western Scholars: Analysis of Orientalist Thoughts on the Study of the Al-Qur'an

Background and Objectives: The study of Qur'ānic interpretation is an evolving field of scholarly inquiry that attracts scholars from around the world. This study aims to explore the contributions and approaches used by Western scholars in the study of the Qur'ān, and to see how changes in methodologies and perspectives in the interpretation of this sacred text affect its understanding and application in modern contexts. Methodology: Descriptive-analytical approach with library research method. The data sources used include books, journals, and scientific articles relevant to the theme of the study. Main Findings: Qur'anic studies continue to experience significant methodological variations, from criticism to the development of new methodologies. Hermeneutics and historical-critical approaches are the main methods used by Western scholars in understanding the Qur'an. The findings show that scriptural interpretation is always contextual and dynamic, influenced by social, cultural and political changes. Involvement: The contributions of Western scholars have significantly enriched Qur'anic studies through the use of innovative and critical methodologies. For instance, the application of the hermeneutic approach has deepened and contextualized the understanding of the Qur'anic text. Additionally, these contributions have introduced new methods that Muslim scholars can adopt to enhance their perspectives on interpreting the sacred text. Conclusion: The studies by Western scholars illustrate that interpreting these sacred texts remains pertinent to contemporary situations and can generate new ideas shaped by social, cultural contexts and academic methodologies. This research emphasizes the importance of inter-civilizational dialogue and openness to new approaches in studying sacred texts to achieve a more comprehensive and objective understanding.

Thermal tolerance for the tropical clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis with comments on comparative methods for amphibian studies

Thermal tolerance data are important for identifying the potential range of non-native species following introduction and establishment. Such data are particularly important for understanding invasion risks of tropical species introduced to temperate climates and identifying whether they can survive outside tropical regions. A breeding population of the tropical clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) was recently discovered in west-central Florida, U.S.A. This fully aquatic species is native to the rainforest belt of west Africa and has not been documented outside its native range. Because of the lack of invasion history, data are sparse on the thermal limits for this species. We used chronic lethal and critical thermal methodologies to investigate thermal tolerance on adult stages and critical thermal methods on tadpoles. Because of our use of both chronic and critical methodologies, we also examined the literature to reveal common methods used to investigate thermal minimum and maximum temperature in amphibians, which were found to be dominated by the critical maximum. Chronic lethal temperatures for adult X. tropicalis were 9.73 °C and 36.68 °C. Critical temperatures were affected by acclimation temperature and life stage; adults were more tolerant of extreme temperatures. Based on these critical thermal data and the fact that breeding tends to occur when temperatures are suitable for survival, tadpole stages are unlikely to be affected by extreme temperatures. Instead, range expansion in Florida will likely be limited by the adult stages. Our findings indicate that the tropical clawed frog could occupy much of southern Peninsular Florida and other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Reframing “Literature as Equipment for Living:” Kenneth Burke's Theory and the Social Function of Literature

This article delves into Kenneth Burke's seminal essay, "Literature as Equipment for Living," presenting a fresh perspective on literary criticism that underscores the pragmatic, societal, and political roles of literature. Burke posits that literature functions as an active agent, offering viable courses of action in response to worldly matters. Departing from traditional analyses of form and structure, Burke advocates for classifying works based on shared strategies for addressing situations. He contends that literature acts as a navigational tool, aiding in comprehension and interpretation of the world while urging readers to engage with texts for insights and inspiration in confronting life's challenges. Burke's viewpoint underscores the subjective nature of language, reflecting our individual experiences and perspectives on the world. His critical methodology advocates for a comprehensive and nuanced approach to literary critique, expanding the horizons of scholarly considerations.

إشكالية حديث الجارية: دراسةٌ حديثيةٌ نقديةٌ

The noble Islamic religion is the religion that Allah has chosen for His servants and commanded us to follow. There is no real contradiction in its definitive texts. This research, in fact, stems from the doctrinal problem caused by the hadith al-jariyah (Hadith of the Slave Girl). In the Islamic creed, as affirmed by the early generations and later scholars, and agreed upon by the Islamic nation, it is established that Allah, the Exalted, does not resemble His creations. He is the Creator of space, time, the heavens, and the earth, and therefore, He does not need space, time, or anything from His creations. It is impossible for Him, Glorified and Exalted, to be contained or confined in the heavens or any other place. However, the apparent meaning of the hadith al-jariyah is misleading, suggesting a resemblance between Allah and His creation. It implies that Allah, the Exalted, is contained in a place, namely the heavens. This contradicts the clear verses of the Quran and authentic Hadith, as well as the consensus established in the works of scholars and the rational evidence that Allah does not need anything from His creations. In this study, the researcher employed three methodologies: the inductive approach, analytical methodology, and critical methodology. The inductive approach was used to explore the foundational heritage for information related to the topic from available books. The analytical methodology was employed to scrutinize the extracted information from its sources, aiming to understand its elements and intricacies in order to place it in its proper context. The critical methodology involved reviewing the extracted information from its sources to verify the accuracy of its elements and the soundness of its content, integrating them into the overall analysis. From this research, it is found that the hadith al-jariyah cannot be relied upon to prove the concept of place or any limitation for Allah, as it reveals the extent of disturbance and complexities within it, preventing its use as evidence in doctrinal matters.

Working towards utopia: hope and disappointment in a room of one’s own

In this paper, three women writers offer a personal and critical consideration of the utopian ideal of a place to write – Woolf’s pervasive ‘room of one’s own’ (1977) – as both a physical location and a psychological and cultural ‘space’. In doing so, we draw on José Esteban Muñoz’s writing on (queer) utopia, particularly his observations about hope and disappointment as critical methodologies through which “a backward glance … enacts a future vision” (p. 4). We glance backwards to utopian ideals of a place in which to write and consider how and why such ideal places – solitary, uninterrupted, even beautiful – slip through the writer’s fingers. Again drawing from Muñoz, we consider the tension between hoping for a utopian writing place and disappointment at failing to construct, access, or regularly inhabit them. According to Muñoz, although hope is always eventually disappointed, “disappointment … is not a reason to forsake (hope) as a critical thought process” (p. 10). Crucially, then, while we consider the reasons for writerly disappointment with/in writing utopias, we return to hope as a powerful methodology for imagining utopian writing places – enacting future visions – and as a productive and enabling aspect of the writing process.

The case for change: Reimagining research to transform military culture

LAY SUMMARY The research community is encouraged to think about how their work contributes to military culture and how it can contribute to positive change. This article discusses the importance of meaningful inclusion by making stakeholder communities part of the research process: from thinking about the research questions that need to be asked to how research results can be shared and used across academic, government, and community sectors. It is critical to apply best practices that support meaningfully inclusive research, such as Sex and Gender Equity in Research guidelines and Gender-based Analysis Plus. It is also important that the defence research community establish quality assurance in following best practices to positively contribute to military culture change. Other ways in which research can be reimagined to transform military culture include critical methodologies and the co-production of research with affected communities.

Expanding Upon Critical Methodologies and Perspectives in Communication Studies

ABSTRACT Within this special issue, we turn our attention to critical perspectives within the communication discipline and seek to illuminate the implementation of critical methods across its broader contexts. While the communication discipline has historically been grounded in the normativity and centering of whiteness, critical perspectives, which are characterized by attention to communicative practices that attend to systems of power and hierarchy across social spheres, have been broadly integrated into and meaningfully shaped the study of communication contexts such as rhetoric, intercultural communication, and performance studies. We argue, however, that the incorporation of critical perspectives within the larger discipline remains underdeveloped. Therefore, in this special issue, we present articles that employ critical methodological approaches to offer important new ways of studying and centering marginalized identities, positionalities, and epistemologies across a range of contexts. Ultimately, we argue for a more expansive approach to thinking and teaching about methodology in general, and critical methods specifically, that inspires further “play” among communication scholars who value the need for social justice imperatives and epistemic delinking across all facets of communication studies.

Understanding community engagement from practice: a phenomenographic approach to engineering projects

IntroductionEngineering professors involved in community projects strive to enhance engagement through a combination of social sciences and engineering methodologies. Recognizing the growing importance of critical methodologies, particularly those rooted in social justice and community design, researchers have explored their impact on fostering meaningful collaborations between engineers, students, and community partners.MethodsThis study employs a phenomenographic approach to explore how a cohort of engineering professors, students, and community members conceptualize their participation in community-engaged practices.ResultsOur findings reveal a nuanced outcome space comprising five distinct ways in which individuals perceive their community engagement: as interdisciplinary endeavors, addressing community issues, engaging in co-design, and addressing systemic barriers. These conceptual frameworks elucidate a progression in the depth of engineers’ involvement with the community, underscoring the significance of systems literacy and social justice in more intricate contexts.DiscussionThese results advocate for engineers to adopt an active membership approach, emphasizing collaboration, when working on engineering projects within communities, as opposed to adopting passive roles that may undermine the impact of community engagement.ConclusionIn conclusion, a deeper understanding of the varied conceptualizations of community engagement among engineering professors, students, and community members underscores the importance of adopting proactive roles and fostering collaborative approaches in community projects.

Review and analysis of the failure risk mitigation via monitoring for monopile offshore wind structures

Structural health monitoring systems are gaining more attention in the offshore wind industry as they offer valuable insights into the integrity status of operating assets. Whilst most Class Society Rules and International Standards recognise the importance of implementing a condition-based maintenance strategy, they only provide theoretical guidance. Ultimately, it is the asset owner’s responsibility to determine how to integrate this strategy into their broader operation and maintenance planning, including identifying which components to monitor and which monitoring techniques to employ. The present paper applies the Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality methodology to identify the most critical failure modes to prioritise for monopile offshore wind structures. Hence, the potential benefits of incorporating structural health monitoring systems within a condition-based maintenance strategy and exploiting lifetime extension possibilities are assessed. To achieve this, a novel 4-step methodology is introduced, involving understanding failure mechanisms (time-dependent behaviour and pattern), current regime (inspections at intervals), monitoring options (both direct and indirect), improvement potential evaluation through 5 key performance indicators relevant for optimal O&M, which is more comprehensive and realistic than considering only monetary consequence of failure. The study addressed the prevailing failure modes in 5 categories, namely fatigue, corrosion, deformation, buckling and displacement, and connection failure, aiming to demonstrate potential improvement in terms of risk mitigation against these failure modes. The results of this study can significantly help offshore wind developers optimise where and how to allocate their resources for structural health monitoring, resulting in long-term cost reduction opportunities.

The governance of non-governmental organizations: Critical lens for laws and regulations

In the context of evolving legal frameworks, this research investigates the changing dynamics of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)-government relationships in Jordan. Employing a critical methodology, the study conducts in-depth interviews with NGO board members to gain insights into these intricate interactions. The primary findings highlight significant demands within the NGO sector. Firstly, there is a call for a streamlined process for registering new NGOs, aimed at reducing bureaucratic obstacles and promoting organizational agility. Secondly, respondents emphasize the need to curtail government intervention in the NGO domain, advocating for a more autonomous civil society. Concurrently, there is a push for expanding the operational scope of NGOs, freeing them from unnecessary constraints. These demands collectively signify a transformation in the typology of the NGO-government relationship, moving away from traditional autonomy and competition towards a paradigm characterized by complementarity, collaboration, and direct engagement. This shift has notable implications for NGO governance, impacting communication styles and facilitating the flow of foreign funds. In essence, this research offers a glimpse into the evolving NGO-government relationship and its potential to enhance the efficiency and resilience of NGOs in Jordan, reflecting broader global trends in governance and civil society.