Literature Review Of Papers Research Articles

The Chemical Structure, Classification and Clinical Significance of Alkaloids

Secondary metabolites comprise a major class of compounds, among which alkaloids are one of the most important due to their diverse structures and wide spectrum of biological activities. While these nitrogen-containing compounds are mainly extracted from plants, they have been known to be useful in the synthesis of a large variety of analogues with applications as pharmaceuticals, for example analgesics, antineoplastic agents, and antimicrobial drugs. A complete and detailed knowledge of alkaloids’ structures and classifications is crucial for efforts in drug discovery and development because quite often the structural features are also associated with their biological activities. Alkaloids are a large and complex group of natural compounds that are characterized by a nitrogenous base. Much has been said about their importance when derived from different plant species on the wide spectrum of pharmacological effects. This literature review paper will attempt to synthesize recent findings pertaining to alkaloids’ clinical importance in modern-day therapeutics and medicine, critically analyzing their traditional and potential contemporary medicinal uses, further indicating the existing lacunae of knowledge and scopes for future study.

The Biochemistry and Clinical Significance of D-Dimer

D-dimer, product degradation of fibrin, belongs to the most sensitive and specific markers in the diagnostics of thrombotic disorders, mainly acute PE and DVT. This leads to its measurement because of the high sensitivity in ruling out these conditions, thus reducing unnecessary imaging and improving patient management. The importance of D-dimer has been repeatedly said in various studies, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it has been noted as an essential biomarker in the assessment of thrombotic complications, treatment strategy, and prognostic aspects of the patient. This literature review paper covers basic principles and measurements of D-dimer because of up-to-date knowledge on its clinical applications, limitations, and directions for potential future research.

Wireless Data Transmission through Concrete Structures

Chloride ion presence in the concrete pore solution is an important factor in the initiation of rebar corrosion. Therefore, elevated chloride concentration in the pore solution needs to be detected as early as possible. For this early detection to be achieved, it is ideal to deploy sensors inside the concrete structure itself. This allows real time sampling of the pore solution which is closest to the rebar. To achieve this one needs to have a system based on wireless communication which allow the sensors to communicate within the structure. This would avoid wired communications methods, which impart fragility and implementation difficulties. This literature review paper endeavours to look at the various types of radiation which can be harnessed to penetrate through the opaque concrete structure. Potential data transmission methods utilising Radio Frequency Radiation, Ultrasonic Radiation, X-Ray Radiation and Neutron Beam Radiation physics were reviewed and evaluated against a set of parameters. The paper scores each radiation type against System Size, Power Supply Requirements, Transmission Range, Complexity of Circuits and Safety issues. Through these scores, each transmission technology was graded on its potential to act as the basis on which to build a micrometre sized intra-concrete data transmission system. The paper shows that ultrasonic radiation is the most promising radiation technology for use in this application.

Wireless Data Transmission through Concrete Structures

Chloride ion presence in the concrete pore solution is an important factor in the initiation of rebar corrosion. Therefore, elevated chloride concentration in the pore solution needs to be detected as early as possible. For this early detection to be achieved, it is ideal to deploy sensors inside the concrete structure itself. This allows real time sampling of the pore solution which is closest to the rebar. To achieve this one needs to have a system based on wireless communication which allow the sensors to communicate within the structure. This would avoid wired communications methods, which impart fragility and implementation difficulties. This literature review paper endeavours to look at the various types of radiation which can be harnessed to penetrate through the opaque concrete structure. Potential data transmission methods utilising Radio Frequency Radiation, Ultrasonic Radiation, X-Ray Radiation and Neutron Beam Radiation physics were reviewed and evaluated against a set of parameters. The paper scores each radiation type against System Size, Power Supply Requirements, Transmission Range, Complexity of Circuits and Safety issues. Through these scores, each transmission technology was graded on its potential to act as the basis on which to build a micrometre sized intra-concrete data transmission system. The paper shows that ultrasonic radiation is the most promising radiation technology for use in this application.

Evolution of Algorithms and Applications for Unmanned Surface Vehicles in the Context of Small Craft: A Systematic Review

The development of autonomous vessels and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) has generated great interest in the scientific community due to their potential and advantages for use in various environments and applications. Several literature review papers have been produced from different perspectives, contributing to a better understanding of the topic and to the analysis of advances, challenges, and trends. We hypothesize that the greatest attention has been focused on the development of high-impact applications in the maritime sector. Additionally, we depart from the need to investigate the potential and advances of USVs in fluvial environments, which involve particular operating conditions, where there are different socio-environmental conditions and restrictions in terms of access to conventional energy sources and communication systems. In this sense, the main objective of this work is to study USVs in the particular context of small craft. The search for records was conducted in Scopus and Web of Science databases, covering studies published from 2000 to 16 May 2024. The methodology employed was based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, which is a widely recognized protocol that ensures quality and rigor in systematic reviews and bibliometric analyses. To optimize the data collection and selection process, the semaphore technique was additionally implemented, allowing for an efficient categorization of the studies found. This combined methodological approach facilitated a systematic and transparent evaluation of the literature. This study was developed based on three research questions about the evolution of research topics, areas of application, and types of algorithms related to USVs. The study of the evolution of works on USVs was carried out based on the results of the meta-analysis generated with the Bibliometrix tool. The study of applications and developments was carried out based on information obtained from the papers for six study categories: application environment, level of autonomy, application area, algorithm typology, methods, and electronic devices used. For each of the 387 papers identified in the databases, labeling was performed for the 359 screened papers with six study categories according to the availability of information in the title and abstract. In the categories application sector, autonomy level, application area and algorithm type/task, it was identified that most studies are oriented toward the maritime sector, the developments to achieve full autonomy for USVs, the development of designs or algorithms at the modeling and simulation level, and the development and implementation of algorithms for the GNC subsystems. Nevertheless, this research has revealed a much wider range of environments and applications beyond maritime, military, and commercial sectors. In addition, from the mapping of the types of algorithms used in the GNC architecture, the study provides information that can be used to guide the design of the subsystems that enable USV autonomy for civilian use in restricted environments.

Visualization of AI Accuracy: A Novel Assignment for the Teaching of Critical Thinking and Science Writing

Background Rapid changes brought on by generative artificial intelligence (AI) have emphasized the need to teach students to work with this technology while also developing the “robot proof” human skills future workers will need, such as creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Objective The study objective was to explore whether a fact-checking, generative-AI assignment, inserted between the outline, and first-draft stages of a student's literature review writing process, would relate to student classification, perceptions of AI accuracy, and future trust in AI-generated content. Method Students in upper and lower division psychology classes used AI to generate a literature review on their final paper topic, which they then fact-checked for accuracy and usefulness using a color-coded system. Results Lower division students expected more inaccuracy, highlighted less information as inaccurate, and reported greater future trust of AI-generated content than upper division students. Conclusion Students with more experience critically evaluating primary sources may be better equipped to detect inaccuracies within AI-generated content. Teaching Implications Teachers of any course requiring a literature review paper may use this assignment to encourage student use of AI with a critical eye toward recognizing where that content is incorrect.

Enhancing online learning: a systematic literature review exploring the impact of screencast feedback on student learning outcomes

Purpose This systematic literature review paper critically examines the effectiveness of screencast feedback compared with text feedback in promoting student learning outcomes in online higher education. This paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion surrounding feedback modalities and their impact on online learning environments.Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a systematic review approach to synthesise and analyse existing studies investigating the use of screencast feedback in online higher education settings. A comprehensive search and selection process was employed to identify relevant literature. The selected studies were then analysed for their methodologies, findings and implications. This paper seeks to provide an overview of the current state of research, highlighting the benefits, challenges and potential impacts of screencast feedback on student learning outcomes.Findings The findings of this paper suggest that while there is a positive perception of screencast feedback among students and instructors, drawing definitive conclusions about its superiority over text feedback remains at the very beginning. Students generally appreciate the personalised, supportive and engaging nature of screencast feedback, particularly within the online learning context. However, challenges such as technical barriers and potential workload implications for instructors are also noted. Further empirical research is needed to comprehensively evaluate the comparative efficacy of screencast feedback, considering factors like online engagement, digital literacy and the impact on diverse student populations.Research limitations/implications This review underscores the acute necessity for expansive and meticulously designed studies that can provide conclusive insights into the authentic potential of screencast feedback and its resonance within the unique landscape of online learning. Through rigorous inquiry, educators can discern the optimal strategies for harnessing the advantages of screencast feedback to enhance student learning outcomes, aligning harmoniously with the dynamics of virtual classrooms.Practical implications Screencast feedback emerges as a promising avenue to foster meaningful connections between instructors and learners. The review highlights that screencast feedback engenders a more dialogic interaction between lecturers and students, resulting in personalised, supportive and engaging feedback experiences.Social implications The systematic review conducted underscores the positive reception of screencast feedback from both students and lecturers in this context. The findings are consistent with the principles of social constructivist theory, suggesting that the interactive and personalised nature of screencast feedback facilitates a richer educational experience for students, even within the confines of virtual classrooms (Vygotsky, 1978).Originality/value This innovative blend of methodologies contributes new insights that can inform educational practices and pedagogical strategies in online learning environments.

A Systematic Literature Review on Flexible Strategies and Performance Indicators for Supply Chain Resilience

AbstractSupply chain resilience is a widely useful concept for managing risk and disruption. Designing strategies for preparedness, response, and recovery can help businesses to mitigate risks and disruptions. Among them, flexible strategies can effectively improve supply chain resilience. In the literature, several studies have considered different types of flexible strategies and investigated their impacts on supply chain resilience. However, a systematic literature review (SLR) paper on this topic can further help to understand the scientific progress, research gaps, and avenues for future research. Hence, this study aims to explore how the literature has contributed to the area of flexible strategies and the impact on supply chain resilience performance. To achieve our objective, we apply an SLR methodology to identify themes such as research areas and key findings, contexts and industry sectors, methodologies, and key strategies and performance indicators in the connection between flexible strategies and supply chain resilience. The findings show that many studies connect flexible strategies to supply chain resilience. However, research gaps exist in analysing relationships between flexible strategies and performance, conducting comparative studies, developing dynamic resilience plans, applying flexible strategies, conducting theoretically grounded empirical studies, and applying multiple analytical tools to develop decision-making models for supply chain resilience. Finally, this study suggests several future research opportunities to advance the research on the topic. The findings can be a benchmark for researchers who are interested in conducting research in the area of flexible strategies and supply chain resilience.

Tracking Urban Sprawl: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Patterns Using Remote Sensing and GIS

The urban sprawl phenomenon refers to the expansion of urban areas driven by high population growth and migration. A spatio-temporal approach is indispensable in urban sprawl research. Monitoring and evaluating urban sprawl in a region is crucial for controlling drastic environmental changes. Integrated Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies can serve as essential tools for this purpose. The aim of this systematic literature review paper is to gather information on the latest data, methods, and findings to be considered in future urban sprawl research. The PRISMA method was employed, involving filtering from the Scopus database, resulting in 30 papers selected for an in-depth review to address the objectives of this paper. Landsat data remains the preferred choice for monitoring changes due to its extensive historical archive compared to other data sources. Landscape metrics represent a more advanced method com-pared to conventional change detection in quantifying urban sprawl. Other indices and quantifiers are also used to support the quantification of urban sprawl. Two perspectives exist in selecting the study's temporal intervals: consistent and inconsistent, which are adjusted based on the natural characteristics of "change," namely "abrupt" and "gradual." Suggestions for future research include using data with detailed spatial resolution and narrow study intervals while considering the patterns of urban sprawl formation.

A Literature Review Paper on Experimental Study on the Properties of Precast Concrete in Beam-Column Joints Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibres and Aramid Fibres with Half Grouted Sleeve Connectors

A Literature Review Paper on Experimental Study on the Properties of Precast Concrete in Beam-Column Joints Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Fibres and Aramid Fibres with Half Grouted Sleeve Connectors

Reform and Practice in Teaching Literature Review and Scientific Writing Course with the Goals of "Leading and Applicability"

Literature study and scientific paper writing for leading and applicability aims to enhance the capability of students in literature review and scientific paper writing through teaching reform and practice. The course design emphasizes leading and applicability, and cultivates independent analysis and critical thinking through in-depth academic literature reading and actual scientific and technological thesis writing. Through the teaching content, teaching methods, and assessment methods, we explore the role of leading teaching in promoting academic exploration and application transformation. Students not only demonstrate innovation and foresight in academic research but also show the ability of technology transformation in practical application, laying a solid foundation for future academic and professional career development.

Updates on some medicinal and ornamental plants- Ayurvedic medicines

This literature review paper highlights morphology, distribution, medicinal properties of commercially important tree species, Thespesia populnea, Terminalia arjuna, Butea monosperma (Palas), Silver oak (Grevillea robusta), Mangifera indica, Madhuca longifolia,Melia azadirachta, Michelia champaca, Moringa oleifera, Peltophorum pterocarpum, and Aegle marmelos. These plants have been used for centuries by local communities and traditional healers for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. Medicinal plants play a crucial role in the Western Ghats, both ecologically and culturally. The use of herbal medicines for the treatment of diseases is safe and traditional. Therefore, medicinal plants have been receiving great attention because of their safety. The Western Ghats harbors more than 7,500 flowering plant species, of which nearly 1,500 are recognized for their medicinal values by local communities and traditional healers. The Western Ghats population traditional medical practices frequently center on using plant-based treatments. These medicinal plants are carefully chosen, and preparation techniques have been perfected through many years of practice. Studies indicated that Mangifera indica possesses antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory properties. Mango contains Mangiferin, a polyphenolic antioxidant and a glucosyl xanthone, has strong antioxidant, anti lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation, cardiotonic, hypotensive, wound healing, antidegenerative and antidiabetic activities.

How do environmental factors shape entrepreneurial intention? A review and future research

Entrepreneurial intention plays a critical role in the economic growth and development of countries. As a result, an increasing number of studies have examined different antecedents of entrepreneurial intention to understand how to foster entrepreneurial intention in a country. This research focuses on macro-environmental-related factors and endeavors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the critical factors in these areas that can impact entrepreneurial intention. A total of 40 studies from high-ranked journals were systematically identified and analyzed in the field of entrepreneurship and management. This review sheds light on details of the key cultural, regional, and economic factors as well as governmental and political factors and highlights how they impact entrepreneurial intention. It also provides some suggestions for future research directions. While some systematic literature review papers have been conducted on entrepreneurial intention and its antecedents, environmental factors have only been identified broadly as key antecedents. This research systematically reviews the existing papers and unravels different aspects of these factors and explains how they impact entrepreneurial intention. In addition, it sheds light on related future research directions.

Microstructural Analysis of Stabilized Rammed Earth Using XRD And SEM Methods

The microstructure analysis of stabilized rammed earth (SRE) is crucial for understanding its mechanical properties, durability, and long-term performance. This literature review paper investigates the application of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in analyzing the microstructural characteristics of SRE. XRD is employed to identify the crystalline phases present in the material, providing insights into the mineralogical composition and the effects of stabilization agents. SEM offers high-resolution images that reveal the surface morphology, particle distribution, and bonding mechanisms within the stabilized matrix. By synthesizing recent studies, this review highlights the advancements in microstructural analysis techniques and their implications for the optimization of SRE in construction. The findings from XRD and SEM analyses are integrated to present a comprehensive understanding of the microstructure-property relationships in SRE. The literature suggests that stabilization methods, such as the addition of cement, lime, or other additives, significantly influence the crystallinity, particle interlocking, and pore structure of the rammed earth. This review discusses the correlation between microstructural features observed through XRD and SEM and the resulting mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and durability. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in the current research and proposing directions for future studies, emphasizing the need for standardized testing protocols and the exploration of novel stabilization materials to enhance the performance of SRE. Keywords: X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis

A Review on hydrogen embrittlement behavior of steel structures and measurement methods

Hydrogen can be found within metals under a variety of industrial and environmental conditions. Hydrogen-metal interactions can take place through hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen sulfide corrosion, or hydrogen absorption. Steel and other metals that are exposed to hydrogen may experience a difficulty known as hydrogen embrittlement that affects their mechanical properties. The material's ductility and toughness may be reduced as a result of this phenomena, it also increasing the risk of brittle fracture. In steel, atomic hydrogen mainly diffuses into the microstructure of the steel, causing hydrogen embrittlement. Localized weakening of the bonds between the metal atoms might result from hydrogen atoms occupying interstitial positions in the metal lattice. Especially when under stress, this may lead to a more susceptible to fracture and cracking. Concerns with hydrogen embrittlement arise in sectors like aerospace and oil and gas that use high-strength steels. If not appropriately handled, it may result in catastrophic failures. Use of hydrogen-resistant alloys, appropriate heat treatments, and protection from conditions that promote hydrogen uptake are examples of preventive measures. This literature review paper covers the definition of hydrogen embrittlement (HE), mechanisms causing HE, measurement of hydrogen concentration and preventive measures that restrict hydrogen diffusion to the steel.

Effects of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics on Human Labour: A Systematic Review

AbstractThis systematic literature review paper, written by Channarong Intahchomphoo, Jason Millar, Odd Erik Gundersen, Christian Tschirhart, Kris Meawasige and Hojjat Salemi, examines academic research publications to learn about the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics on human labour. Papers were collected from three academic databases: Scopus, Web of Science and ABI/INFORM Collection. From 710 papers, 159 papers were included. The article finds that the effects of AI and robotics on human labour can be categorised as: (i) positive effects, (ii) negative effects, and (iii) neutral or unsure effects. The positive effects have five reasons regarding AI and robotics’ potential to: do dangerous work, do tedious work with high efficiency and accuracy, do some aspects of computing work, do work that human labour does not want to do and be used to deal with the labour shortage, and help to reduce business production and maintenance costs. The negative effects are based on two reasons, that AI and robotics will take over human labour in part or entirely, thereby creating unemployment crises, and will not only replace manually repetitive jobs from human labour but also cognitive jobs, causing human labour to fear that their jobs will be replaced by AI and robotics. The neutral and unsure effects are based on various unique arguments. The findings of this review are used to suggest future research for academic communities and practical recommendations to legal professionals and policy makers.

Literature Review on Experimental Analysis of Domestic Refrigerator

Abstract: This literature review paper delves into the experimental analysis of the performance of domestic refrigerators, a cornerstone of modern household appliances. The review synthesizes a broad spectrum of studies that examine the efficiency, energy consumption, cooling capacity, and overall performance of various domestic refrigerator models. Key focus areas include the impact of different refrigerants, advancements in compressor technology, insulation materials, and the role of smart technologies in enhancing refrigerator performance. The review highlights experimental methodologies employed to assess refrigerator performance, such as standardized testing protocols, real-world usage simulations, and advanced diagnostic techniques. It also discusses the influence of external factors like ambient temperature, door opening frequency, and load variability on refrigerator efficiency. Comparative analyses within the literature reveal trends in energy efficiency improvements, driven by regulatory standards and consumer demand for environmentally friendly appliances. The integration of alternative refrigerants, such as R600a (isobutane), is examined for its environmental benefits and performance implications. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in current research and suggesting directions for future experimental studies. Emphasis is placed on the need for continued innovation in refrigeration technologies to meet growing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability requirements. Overall, this literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the experimental evaluation techniques and findings related to domestic refrigerator performance, offering insights that can guide future research and development in this vital field.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL BANKING ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND LOYALTY IN COMMERCIAL BANKS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

This literature review paper aimed to examine the influence of digital banking on customer satisfaction and loyalty in commercial banks through a systematic literature review. The researcher conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to select the most suitable articles. The eligibility criteria included studies published between 2006 and 2022, focused on digital banking, service quality, customer satisfaction, and customer loyalty, and used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research conducted in any country worldwide. Data analysis involved examining statistical findings from individual studies using Microsoft Excel, and the study analyzed 146 papers published in the field. The results showed an increase in the number of papers published each year, with a focus on topics such as customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and customer unswerving behavior. The majority of authors used descriptive research designs, while empirical studies were used the least. Male authors had the most articles published, while female authors had the least. Pakistan and Nigeria published the highest number of articles. The findings give insights for commercial banks to enhance their digital banking services to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Closing the Gap: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature on Closed-Loop Supply Chains

Closing the Gap: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature on Closed-Loop Supply Chains

Appraisal of Universal Design Strategies for Enhancing Social Inclusion in The Development of Sporting Facilities

Sporting facilities are essential components of public recreational infrastructure for engaging in physical exercise, participating in sporting games, or witnessing sporting events. To design sporting facilities, an important consideration is to ensure that individuals of diverse abilities can fully participate and enjoy sporting events. One way this can be achieved is through the application of universal design ideology in the development of sporting facilities. The aim of universal design is to create products, services and environments that are accessible, usable, and accommodating for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. This paper presents an appraisal of universal design parameters, in order to provide insight on specific design strategies suitable for fostering social inclusion in sports facility development. The research is a literature review paper that relied on secondary sources to gather data. The data were content analysed using thematic approach and the findings descriptively presented in themes, with the aid of a plate, table and figures. The review revealed themes, trends, technical details, challenges, and success parameters for achieving social inclusion through the application of universal design strategies in the creation of sporting facilities. The study aligns with the 11th target of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that promotes developing safe communities and cities to be resilient, inclusive and sustainable.