Critical Review Of Previous Studies Research Articles

Rethinking Lifetime Abuse in Old Age.

Research on abuse is often piecemeal and focused on specific forms, populations, and social situations. As a result, these studies tend to ignore the web of abuse resulting from the interactive effects of various forms of abuse over the life course, together referred to as "lifetime abuse." An examination of abuse from the point of view of older adults is likely to provide a lifetime perspective based on linking child abuse to elder abuse over the life course and an assessment of its consequences. Despite the growing awareness and resulting body of knowledge regarding this phenomenon, proposed theoretical formulations about it remain limited. The present article aimed to conceptualize the multifaceted phenomenon of lifetime abuse and to gain a deeper perspective of the topic by understanding its dimensions, meanings, and experiences in older age, based on a critical review of empirical studies. A model is suggested, which can be useful for future exploration and understanding of lifetime abuse. Based on a critical review of previous studies, we suggest a theoretical framework of lifetime abuse from the perspective of older adults, identifying three key domains: (a) perception of time and life review in old age; (b) cumulative and interactive abusive life events; and (c) resilience versus vulnerability over the life course. We propose a heuristic model to explore and understand lifetime abuse. We believe our proposed model is open to reflection and elaboration and is intended to raise questions that could enhance the need for our understanding of lifetime abuse in old age.

Lexicon-based content analysis of BIM logs for diverse BIM log mining use cases

This study conducted a lexicon-based content analysis of building information modeling (BIM) logs from four major BIM authoring tools and four custom-developed BIM loggers to understand whether the BIM logs satisfy the information requirements for various BIM log mining use cases, as well as to assess their potential for future development and research. First, through a critical review of previous studies, 19 different ways of using BIM logs were identified, including authoring and collaborative pattern discovery, authoring process modeling, collaboration pattern analysis, command predictions, and team optimization; however, most of the uses concerned process discovery. The analysis also revealed that BIM log mining has mainly been used for the design phase, with a few examples of being used for the construction phase. For BIM log mining, various techniques ranging from simple frequency analyses via social network analyses to advanced pattern discovery were deployed. In terms of BIM log sources, native BIM logs from Revit were dominantly used almost in all studies, aside from a few studies that used custom-developed BIM logs. The content analysis of BIM logs showed that the contents of native BIM logs provided by major BIM authoring tools varied, but commonly lacked model-element-specific information; this limitation prevents in-depth analyses of BIM processes. Overall, the current disproportionate focus on process discovery in the design phase of BIM log mining suggests that the application of BIM log mining is still in its early stages and holds significant potential for other project phases if adding model-element-specific information is incorporated.

Reviewing the photovoltaic potential of Bijeljina in the Republic of Srpska

To estimate PV potential of Bijeljina, PVGIS and SOLARGIS databases were used. The results showed that Bijeljina municipality has an average daily PV power potential of 3.50 kWh/kWp, thus belonging to areas with the favorable mid-range PV power potential values. Average levelized cost of electricity is $0.12/kWh, consequently making PV technologies in Bijeljina also economically competitive with conventional power-generating sources. In the light of the rapid development of photovoltaic technology, this paper gives a critical review of previous studies and suggests that the application of PV technologies has become even more attractive. High-efficiency PV modules and grid inverters were tested on examples of roof-mounted PV systems and ground-mounted PV system using specialized PVSYST software. Comparison of the obtained results with previous studies gave a clear picture with advantages of these new solutions, and further support for PV technologies utilization.

Islam and the Making of a Non-Violent and Peaceful Public Sphere in Indonesia

This article attempts to elaborate on the position of Islam in creating a non-violent and peaceful public sphere in Indonesia. Through a critical review of previous studies and research on the issue, this article aims to answer the following main questions: How does Islam take a particular position in creating a peaceful public sphere in Indonesia? Second, what are the opportunities and challenges involved in making the sufficient role of constructing peaceful democracy and politics in Indonesia? Third, what lessons can be learned from Indonesia's position as the largest Muslim population in strengthening friendly public space? One of the focuses of this paper is to highlight the key role of Islamic civil society, which refers to Islamic organizations that significantly contribute to developing a peaceful public space in Indonesia.

Review of the genus Pleurotroppopsis Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) with interspecific phylogenetic relationships based on morphological characters.

This study is dedicated to the late Dr. John LaSalle, and reviews the world species of Pleurotroppopsis Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae); fourteen species are treated, of which two are newly described: P. dactylispae Cao & Zhu sp. nov. from China and P. peukscutella Cao & Zhu sp. nov. from Malaysia. On the basis of morphological characters, tentative relationships among genera allied to Pleurotroppopsis are discussed. A revised definition of Pleurotroppopsis is presented based on study of type specimens of all species and a critical review of previous studies on the genus. In addition, parsimony analyses were conducted to infer a phylogeny of Pleurotroppopsis species based on a unique data matrix of morphological characters. Keys to genera allied to Pleurotroppopsis and to known species of Pleurotroppopsis are provided.

Parametric Review of Surfactant Flooding at the Tertiary Stage to Achieve the Accuracy for Proposing the Screening Criteria

: A critical review of previous studies is presented based on the contextual research background of surfactant flooding in this study. The parameters focused on achieving the analysis include permeability, salinity, temperature, and viscosity from different surfactant flooding operations. The principal theme of this review was to provide the regression analysis technique that may adopt to analyze the collected data and conduct contextual research. The set of analytical discussion is accomplished by extracting and plotting the basic parameters against recovery at Original Oil in Place (OOIP) and tertiary stages. Furthermore, the success rate of such studies is compared to the grounds of oil recovery efficiency at different stages. Moreover, the failure of the surfactant flooding project can also be ensured by the outcomes of this study. : It is revealed from this study that the recovery efficiency of surfactant flooding can be obtained maximum at lower permeability ranges, however, other parameters such as salinity and temperature may possess some influence on recovery. In fact, the fluid viscosity of reservoir fluid is inversely rated to recovery. The salinity, temperature and viscosity ranges for efficient surfactant flooding ranges may drop within the range from 1400 to 132606 ppm, 25 to 126 °C, and 1.9 to 150 cP, respectively.

„Meine Seele ist vom Sturm getrieben …“

AbstractA contribution to a scholarly controversy that has been on-going for a quarter century now, this article provides a critical review of previous studies on the existence of post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) as a consequence of extreme violence in the ancient world. It highlights methodological difficulties in attempting to ‘diagnose’ psychological illnesses across a distance of more than two millennia by means of highly stylized literary texts. Simultaneously, it introduces crucial new evidence in the form of a late antique papyrus originally published in 1924 (P.Oxy. 16/1873), which has hitherto been almost completely ignored by scholarship. The papyrus, a letter written by a man called Martyrios in sixth century Lycopolis and addressed to his father, recounts psychological war trauma as a result of an attack on his hometown. He does so in a first-person perspective, using a highly select and unusual vocabulary to describe his emotional impairment. Because of its syntactical and vocabulary extravagance, this letter is sometimes seen as a fictional literary reflex. The authors argue, on the contrary, that this letter is the only reliable documentary evidence for psychological war trauma from the ancient world known so far.

CO2/brine interfacial tension and rock wettability at reservoir conditions: A critical review of previous studies and case study of black shale from Malaysian formation

In this study, previous literature that discussed CO2/brine interfacial tension and wettability of rock/CO2/brine systems were critically reviewed. Using a shale core from Malaysian formation, laboratory experiments were conducted to extend the scope of available data for CO2/brine interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angles of shale/CO2/brine system, as well as shale/oil/brine system to elevated pressures (8 MPa–22 MPa), temperatures (80 °C–180 °C), and NaCl concentrations (0 wt% - 7 wt %), that are representative of downhole conditions. HPHT (high pressure, high temperature) drop shape analyzer (DSA100) instrument was employed for the contact angles and IFT measurements. The CO2/brine IFT was measured using the pendant drop method while the sessile drop/captive bubble techniques were used to measure the advancing and receding contact angles respectively. Correlations were developed for predicting changes in contact angles and CO2/brine IFT as a function of changing temperature, pressure and salinity. Results showed that the crude oil advancing and receding contact angles for shale/oil/brine system decreased with increasing temperature and salinity, but slightly increased with pressure. The brine advancing and receding contact angles of shale/CO2/brine system increased with increasing pressure and salinity, but decreased with increasing temperature. Conversely, the CO2/brine IFT increased with increasing temperature and salinity, but decreased with increasing pressure. The simulated and experimental values showed reasonable consistency with R2 values of 98% and 99% gotten from the statistical fits of the contact angles values. Precisely, at 80 °C and 7 wt% NaCl concentration, the shale surface became strongly CO2-wet, with brine advancing contact angles of 139.92°, 156.06°, and 162.63° when the pressure reached 18 MPa, 20 MPa, and 22 MPa respectively. At similar salinity conditions and 10 MPa, significant increment in CO2/brine IFT from 36.50 mN/m to 47.54 mN/m occurred with increasing temperature from 80 °C to 180 °C. Such wettability modification of the rock surface and change in IFT at elevated temperature, pressure and salinity will greatly influence hydrocarbon recovery, as well as CO2 containment security in Malaysian unconventional shale formation.

Modelling of dielectric properties of non-linear optic materials based on linear molecules

Dependence of polarizability (LP) and hyperpolarizability (HP) of linear oligomers on the number of monomers in the chain is analyzed. A critical review of previous studies revealed two main issues. Firstly, the specific (per one chain unit) values of both LP and HP monotonously increase along with the chain length, and secondly, both dependencies approach the limit values in sufficiently long chains. A model describing such behavior is proposed. The model parameters are LP and HP of an isolated chain unit and a cross-term, which couples the dipole moments of neighboring units. These parameters have a clear physical meaning. It is shown that the theoretical predictions provided by the model agree well both with the results of accurate quantum-mechanical calculations and with experimental data.

Tumor Microenvironment.

Background and Objectives: The tumor microenvironment has been widely implicated in tumorigenesis because it harbors tumor cells that interact with surrounding cells through the circulatory and lymphatic systems to influence the development and progression of cancer. In addition, nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment play critical roles in all the stages of carcinogenesis by stimulating and facilitating uncontrolled cell proliferation. Aim: This study aims to explore the concept of the tumor microenvironment by conducting a critical review of previous studies on the topic. Materials and Methods: This review relies on evidence presented in previous studies related to the topic. The articles included in this review were obtained from different medical and health databases. Results and Discussion: The tumor microenvironment has received significant attention in the cancer literature, with a particular focus on its role in tumor development and progression. Previous studies have identified various components of the tumor microenvironment that influence malignant behavior and progression. In addition to malignant cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts are present in the tumor microenvironment. Each of these cell types has unique immunological capabilities that determine whether the tumor will survive and affect neighboring cells. Conclusion: The tumor microenvironment harbors cancer stem cells and other molecules that contribute to tumor development and progression. Consequently, targeting and manipulating the cells and factors in the tumor microenvironment during cancer treatment can help control malignancies and achieve positive health outcomes.

A First Order Quantification of Effects of Uncertainties in Hydro-fracturing Parameters on Tunnel Ovalization Estimates

In-situ stresses are always present in rock-masses due to gravitational and tectonic forces. Excavation of a tunnel in such a pre-stressed media causes deformation of tunnel cross-section. Ovalization of tunnels due to in-situ stresses in rock-mass is an important design parameter. For estimation of tunnel ovalization, state of in-situ stresses needs to be determined first. In-situ stresses determined through hydro-fracturing technique (HFT) are dependent upon the three HFT parameters: (a) shut-in pressure, (b) re-opening pressure, and (c) fracture orientation. A critical review of previous studies indicates that HFT parameters are subjected to uncertainties due to (1) limitations of testing procedures and equipment, (2) assumptions and subjective engineering judgment associated with interpretation of test results, and (3) inherent variability of geological formations. Therefore, tunnel deformation estimates based on in-situ stresses determined through HFT would also be affected by these uncertainties. In this paper, a framework based on the first-order second moment method is developed to evaluate the effects of uncertainties in hydro-fracturing test data on tunnel deformation. The analysis indicates that uncertainty in tunnel deformation depends upon the uncertainty levels as well as magnitude of the three HFT parameters along with Poisson’s ratio, height of overburden, and the angular location of the point on the tunnel periphery where deformation is being estimated. It is also found that among the three parameters, the shut-in pressure has the maximum relative contribution in the resulting uncertainties in tunnel ovalization with an average of 68% (± 8% standard deviation). The proposed methodology is explained through an example case-study from Bukit Timah Granite rock-mass of Singapore. It is found that for a range of coefficient of variation of shut-in and re-opening pressure from 0 to 50%, the maximum coefficient of variation of tunnel deformation varies between 63 and 332%. In view of such high uncertainties, it is recommended that uncertainties of HFT parameters must be taken into account in the design procedure to avoid unsound engineering judgments.

Peer Assessment in Writing: A Critical Review of Previous Studies

Peer assessment has attracted more attention an effective assessment tool in recent years. Peer assessment refers to the arrangement for peers to consider the quality of learning outcomes of others of similar status, it received attention of various studies due to the growing interest in the student centered approach as learners need to be involved in the learning process even in the assessment. This paper is a critical review of previous studies on peer assessment in English as Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL) context. Fifteen peer assessment studies from 2004 to 2017 were extensively reviewed and systematically analyzed. Peer assessment of the reviewed studies were on the quality of the writing outcomes of students in the EFL/ESL contexts, as writing skill occupies an important role in teaching English language. As a critical review paper of these studies, this paper highlights practical use of peer assessment and the important challenges or issues that need to be considered when utilizing peer assessment in the classroom. This paper hopes that practical measures of peer assessment will be utilized effectively by educators in the ESL and EFL classrooms in the near future.

Examining the chronology of transgressions since the late Pleistocene in the Fujian coast, southeastern China

The chronological framework of late Pleistocene and Holocene transgressional strata along the Fujian coasts in southeastern China were examined using new 14C dates, OSL ages, and diatom data from cores drilled in Longhai. This location was chosen because previous studies in the region have interpreted the occurrence of MIS3, MIS2, and Holocene transgressions. Our study, and a critical review of previous studies, show that 14C dates of bulk samples from coastal areas tend to be erroneously older than the depositional age due to enhanced input of old carbon via erosion of Mesozoic basement rocks from mountainous inlands. Also, OSL dates of deltaic and fluvial sediments either vary widely due to unsuitable luminescence properties of quartz grains or tend to be older than true depositional ages due to partial bleaching. As such, the previously considered late Pleistocene transgression may have occurred in the Holocene. Overall, the early Holocene transgression is well documented along Fujian coast revealing largely consistent early Holocene sea level histories from northern and southern sectors of Fujian coast. However, late Pleistocene transgressions are not well preserved along Fujian coasts, likely due to pervasive erosion. Our examination of the chronology of transgression in Fujian coast suggests cautions for 14C dating of bulk samples and for OSL dating of sediments in fluvial-deltaic settings, and emphasizes the importance of establishing a reliable chronological framework for understanding relative sea level history in this region and in similar settings elsewhere.

Local cuisines and destination marketing: cases of three cities in Shandong, China

ABSTRACTThis study analyzes how the three cities of Jinan, Qingdao, and Qufu in Shandong Province of China use their cuisines in promoting their destinations. Based on a critical review of previous studies, a conceptual framework was developed, which included five closely related areas: foods, beverages, dining, farming, and food festivals. All related texts, images, videos, brochures, booklets, and websites designed to market these three cities were content-analyzed. The study findings suggest that all the three cities have not yet fully utilized their cuisines in their destination marketing efforts. Although some of their culinary resources appear in their marketing materials, the local cuisines of these three cities are not yet skillfully integrated into their marketing efforts. The present study offers specific theoretical and practical implications on marketing the culinary resources of destinations that are in the early stages of their development.

Collaborative Regulation and Supply Chain Resilience: A Conceptual Paper

This paper is a conceptual study that introduces the role of collaborative regulation into the supply chain resilience debate. The manufacturing supply chain ofhalalpharmaceuticals in Malaysia forms the context of the paper. In this paper, a critical review of previous studies on supply chain resilience, joint working relationships between supply chain actors, and collaborative involvement of regulatory authorities in supply chain relationships was carried out. Collaborative regulation for improved supply chain resilience is the coordinated, consistent, and strategic activities that includes: effective, as well as regular coordination and interactions; knowledge and information sharing, verification, and periodical monitoring, as well as enforcement of collaborative approaches to policy and regulatory control mechanisms via coercive force of isomorphism. The arguments put forward, contribute to improving knowledge, by specifying the conditions in which supply chain resilience is stronger in highly regulated contexts. This is an aspect that is ill reflected in the supply chain management literature.

Utilization Factors of Prevention Mother to Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) Program Among Pregnant Women

HIV transmission patterns had changed from high-risk groups to the group of housewives. Housewives will get pregnant and give birth. The possibility of a child contracting HIV from his mother can be prevented by utilizing the PMTCT program optimally. The objective of this research is to analyze the internal and external factors of PMTCT program utilization for pregnant women. This research used a critical review of previous studies (2009-2017). Social structures (education, occupation, and economic status) were not significantly related to the behavior of PMTCT program utilization. However, the availability of information and consultation with health officers (external factors) related to the knowledge and perception of pregnant women about HIV and the PMTCT program (internal factors). Good knowledge and perception would connect with the behavior of PMTCT program utilization. Negative stigma (external factor) from the family, community, and health officer made pregnant women reluctant to utilize the PMTCT program optimally. In conclusion, the need for increasing the quality of health services to become client-oriented as of widening the scope and optimization of the PMTCT program.

Critical review of previous studies on labor productivity loss due to overtime

Timely completion has been one of the most important concern due to its impact on both owner and contractor. When schedule is behind, one of most widely used schedule acceleration methods is working longer time: overtime. Overtime practice is one of key management decision because it may have a negative impact on labor productivity. Since overtime is the most widely used and numerous studies concluded that excessive amounts of overtime work could serious negative impact on labor productivity, quantification of the effect of overtime on labor productivity has been discussed in a number of papers. However, it was found that most studies reviewed in this paper have pitfalls. Most of them are out of date, based on a small sample size, and largely developed from questionable or unknown sources. Very little is known about how and from where the data were collected. Where the data source is known, little is known about other pertinent information, such as the characteristics of the project, work environments, quality of management and supervision, type of work, and trades involved. These information should be clearly provided to the users, who considers overtime to speed up the work, to see whether the result of the previous studies can be applied to the work he/she is currently doing. At the same time, for the researcher, this study will be able to guide what characteristics should be considered when he/she want to quantify the effect of overtime on construction labor productivity so that practitioners will not misuse the result of studies.

Celebrity Endorsement Influence on Brand Credibility: A Critical Review of Previous Studies

Celebrity endorsement is a potent adverting strategy used to promote brands in the market space. In Africa and Asia, celebrity endorsement has developed dramatically as an essential promotional approach used by advertisers to influence consumers about their brands. The trust of this paper examines the nature and dimensions of celebrity endorsement influence on consumers. Furthermore, the locus of the paper critically examines the review of previous studies on celebrity endorsement influence on brand credibility. The paper concludes that the use of celebrity endorsement in the eyes of customers is the most compelling way of attracting their attention compared to a non-celebrity featured advertisement.

Developing a tailored RBS linking to BIM for risk management of bridge projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the current theoretical gap in integrating knowledge and experience into Building Information Model (BIM) for risk management of bridge projects by developing a tailored Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and formalising an active link between the resulting RBS and BIM. Design/methodology/approach A three-step approach is used in this study to develop a tailored RBS for bridge projects and a conceptual model for the linkage between the RBS and BIM. First, the integrated bridge information model is in concept separated into four levels of contents (LOCs) and six technical systems based on analysis of the Industry Foundation Classes specification, a critical review of previous studies and authors’ project experience. The second step develops a knowledge-based risk database through an extensive collection of risk data, a process of data mining, and further assessment and translation of data. A critical analysis is conducted in the last step to determine on which level the different risks should be allocated to bridge projects and to propose a conceptual model for linking the tailored RBS to the four LOCs and six technical systems of BIM. Findings The findings suggest that the traditional method and BIM can be merged as an integrated solution for risk management by establishing the linkage between RBS and BIM. This solution can take advantage of both the traditional method and BIM for managing risks. On the one hand, RBS enables risk information to be stored in a formal structure, used and communicated effectively. On the other hand, some features of BIM such as 3D visualisation and 4D construction scheduling can facilitate the risk identification, analysis, and communication at an early project stage. Research limitations/implications A limitation is that RBS is a qualitative technique and only plays a limited role in quantitative risk analysis. As a result, when implementing this proposed method, further techniques may be needed for assisting quantitative risk analysis, evaluation, and treatment. Another limitation is that the proposed method has not yet been implemented for validation in practice. Hence, recommendations for future research are to: improve the quantitative risk analysis and treatment capabilities of this proposed solution; develop computer tools to support the solution; integrate the linkage into a traditional workflow; and test this solution in some small and large projects for validation. Practical implications Through linking risk information to BIM, project participants could check and review the linked information for identifying potential risks and seeking possible mitigation measures, when project information is being transferred between different people or forwarded to the next phase. Originality/value This study contributes to the theoretical development for aligning traditional methods and BIM for risk management, by introducing a new conceptual model for linking RBS to BIM.

Large-Scale Inflections in Slope Angle Below the Shelf Break: A First Order Control On the Stratigraphic Architecture of Carbonate Slopes: Cutoff Formation, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, West Texas, U.S.A.

Abstract A large-scale inflection (LSI) in the slope profile may develop as a carbonate platform is drowned and abandoned basinward of the active shelf break. The impact of LSIs on the sediment dispersal patterns and stratigraphic architecture of carbonate slopes remains understudied. Outcrops of the Lower–middle Permian Cutoff Formation in the Guadalupe Mountains National Park provide a good view of a mixed carbonate and siliciclastic slope system modified by an LSI during the accumulation of a 2–4 My composite sequence (Permian composite sequence 9, PCS9). Processes of channelization, bypass, and slope failure associated with the LSI contribute to the development of basin-restricted carbonate, shale, and sandstone strata which demonstrate apparent onlap to the relict platform. Correlation of high-frequency sequences between the slope and shelf-equivalent strata demonstrates that channels incising the relict platform LSI served as conduits for confined gravity flows and depocenters for organic-rich shale throughout the transgression and much of the ensuing highstand of PCS9. In the latest highstand regression, an increase in the production of carbonate mud by the active shelf system contributed to the complete filling of channels across the LSI and accumulation of carbonate mud-dominated mass-transport deposits basinward of the LSI. A critical review of previous studies reveals that LSIs are common in the geologic record, across multiple basins and time periods. LSIs that developed due to drowning of carbonate platforms demonstrate dimensions and stratal patterns comparable to the relict Leonardian platform. LSI development in the identified examples occurred in association with 1) the transgressive stages of 10–100 My (second order) sequences, 2) ocean anoxic events, or 3) times of concomitant sea-level rise and ocean anoxic events.