Systematic Critical Analysis Research Articles

High-skilled migration and the knowledge society. Theories, processes, perspectives

The recent economic crisis has led to an upswing in migration from the Mediterranean countries of Europe towards its central and northern development hubs. This overall increase in migration also includes high numbers of the so-called skilled migrants, consisting mainly, though not exclusively, of young people moving within Europe for study or specialisation, or seeking employment that matches their skills profile. It is no coincidence then that this new trend for skilled migration within Europe forms the main thrust of the cognitive and research interests of sociologists, economists and migration geographers. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the theoretical debate on skilled migration in the context of what is perhaps too hastily defined as a ?knowledge society?, through a broad and systematic critical analysis of the scientific literature.

MODELS OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC SYSTEMS OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD: CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND CONCLUSIONS

The purpose of the research is to analyze the models of the national economies of the most successful countries in the world, such as: China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, the USA, Sweden, France, Germany, etc. The methodology consists in a systematic critical analysis of the main macroeconomic indicators over the past fifty years and the decisions taken to achieve them. The results. The obtained results allow us to judge that all successful national economies were successful only during a relatively short period of time. Due to the correct mobilization of some efforts in some directions, they really allowed to achieve certain positive results in comparison with other countries. But all of them have in common the fact that they are exposed to numerous negative factors, such as crises, inflation, unemployment, budget deficits, etc., just like "failed economies". This suggests that the main principle underlying the functioning of these national models is incorrect. The scientific novelty is that the real causes of economic crises and a way to eliminate them have been found. Taking into account these reasons, a crisis-free economic model of a highly efficient national economy is proposed. This model has been tested with the help of simulation modeling and has shown its absolute advantage compared to traditional economic models. Practical significance. Use of the proposed new economic model is possible in any country in the world. It will make it possible to permanently avoid financial crises and the accompanying negative phenomena and significantly accelerate the development of the economy and increase the welfare of the people. Depending on the capabilities of one or another country, the growth of the economy will reach from 15 to 30%, or even more.

Origin stories: Framing 25 years of Dutch political discourse on child sexual exploitation by tourists and travelers

Sexual exploitation of children in the context of travel and tourism (SECTT) has been described as a serious and growing problem. This study critically analyzes political debates and policy measures proposed by the Dutch government between 1995 and 2020 to combat SECTT. To understand how SECTT is framed in Dutch political discourse, Bacchi's ‘what's the problem represented to be?’ approach guided a systematic critical discourse analysis of over 200 political documents. Our analysis shows that SECTT has, over time, predominantly become framed as a crime problem. Offender detection, international cooperation, awareness raising, public–private partnerships, and prevention targeted at known sex offenders are the most commonly proposed solutions. Despite the focus on apprehending offenders, the political discourse offers no concrete clues as to who they are; still, conducting research or evaluating policies' effects is seldom proposed as a response. This problem representation overlooks the connections of SECTT with structural issues, such as victim vulnerabilities, colonization, and global inequality on the one hand, and mental health, sexual expression, and cultural values on the other.

New Bottles for Old Wine? On Playing God: Post- and Transhumanism from the Perspective of Kalām

Abstract Post- and transhumanist discourses have evolved out of the humanist discourse and deal with the social, economic, and ethical challenges that arise in the wake of technological advances. These are questions such as the following: If the technical prerequisites are met, should we support human cloning, radical life extension, or the creation of artificial bodies into which we can upload our minds? Although there are numerous publications by Muslim legal scholars contributing to the posthumanist discourse within the framework of the bioethical discourse, there is still little to no scholarship tackling the post- and transhumanist discourse from the perspective of kalām, the systematic theology of Islam. So far, only a few articles that approach this task can be identified. This article gives an overview of the core theological positions of Muslim researchers in post- and transhumanist discourse and offers a systematic critical analysis of the presented contributions from the perspective of kalām. It argues that the Critical Posthumanist approach provides a fertile ground for Muslim scholars to contribute in. Hence it can also be read as a contribution to the emerging scholarly field of new kalām (kalām al-jadīd).

Ukrainian Cloth Weaving in the Grip of the Imperial Policy of Muscovy (18th century)

The article examines the formation and development of cloth manufacturing in Ukraine in the 18th century. The effects of the policies of the Muscovy governments on economic processes in the Hetmanate are emphasized. Intelligence methodology is based on the principles of historicism and scientificity, systematic critical analysis, a comprehensive approach, and the pursuit of objectivity. For the first time in historiography, the question of the feasibility of introducing conceptual measures and "reforms" in the textile industry of Ukraine by the imperial government of Muscovy was raised. It is concluded that the establishment and operation of the largest specialized enterprises on the territory of the Slobozhanshchyna and the Hetmanshchyna should be considered mostly Russian government projects, which in the end did not give the long-awaited results aimed at the import substitution of imported cloth with its own products.

Gamification in management: Positive and negative aspects

The phenomenon of gamification is analysed, identifying positive aspects of gamification, risks and problems. The paper adopts a method of systematic critical literature analysis in English, German, and Russian. We provide the most relevant gamification definitions classified into two main groups, fundamental and practical. The confusion of these groups or ignorance of one causes particular problems in understanding gamification. We face two levels of gamification in different areas of business management. It is the so-called meta- or macro-level and applied or micro-level. The paper aims to demonstrate the broader context of gamification in management by revealing the phenomenon’s positive and negative aspects. To reach the aim, five objectives were defined: i) to show the broader context of gamification in management; ii) to reveal the problems, risks, or even negative aspects of gamification in management; iii) to appeal to the practical issues how and in what areas to use gamification; iv) to show a broader cultural and philosophical context behind the manager interpretation of gamification; v) to introduce the discourse of gamification as an integrated theoretical approach that could reveal essential aspects of management. Gamification has both positive and negative aspects in all areas of management. On the one hand, gamification increases productivity and improves service, contributes to innovative participatory thinking and action, improves internal control, coordination, communication, collaboration, and creativity, increases motivation and pleasure at work, develops the soft skills of employees and reduces costs, as well as contributes to better acclimatisation. On the other hand, gamification commercialises human relations, causes novelty effects, elicits desired behaviour and predicts job performance, transforms organisational culture in unpredictable and counterintuitive ways, results in stress and anxiety, lowers self-esteem, causes exhaustion, conflict, and incomplete knowledge, serves as a means of domination and mobbing, and finally increases free-riding and work intimidation.

Suicide among South Asian Americans: A Systematic Review of Causal and Risk Factors

This paper will provide an overview of suicide prevalence among South Asian Americans who constitute nearly one-third of Asian Americans and 1.7 percent of the United States population. South Asians, late 20th century immigrants, are a numerally small percentage of the population in the United States. As a distinct ethnic population despite significant diversity within, South Asians encounter unique challenges with myriad sub-cultures and struggles that make them vulnerable and underrepresented in policy and service utilization in mental health and health care due to various barriers. These conditions create vulnerability among first and subsequent generations as they go through social pressures of acculturation and integration into American society. Suicide, as a rising social concern related to health disparities research, is described with the aid of common theoretical perspectives along with causal/risk factors. Suicide rate is the highest among South Asians even among Asian-origin Americans which has higher suicide among all minority populations – Asian, African and Hispanic Americans. Success of South Asians is associated with certain hidden or unrecognized costs. Making the American dream a reality which is a strenuous journey for South Asians predisposes them at higher risk for health, mental health, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and behavior. Systematic review of articles from three databases with focus and content on South Asian Americans was conducted and the results are presented in this article. Identified concerns and issues are addressed in the light of theoretical perspectives and evidence gathered from the systematic review and critical analysis.

Shifting the Narrative and Ending the Silence: Juvenile Prostitutes or Juvenile Victims?

BackgroundPublic perceptions of juveniles involved in commercial sexual activity are heavily shaped by media and communication frames, and these perceptions influence the direction of public policy priorities.ObjectiveA systematic critical analysis of trends in the literature was conducted to evaluate the framing of this population as either deserving of policy aid or undeserving of policy aid.MethodsThe language of professionals in medical, legal, and social science peer-reviewed journals was assessed, encompassing the years 1985–2015.FindingsFindings suggest that the framing of these juveniles is slowly shifting away from a perspective of juvenile culpability and toward a perspective of juvenile exploitation.ConclusionsCurrent research efforts are imperative and should be focused on the reconceptualization of these juveniles as victims of abuse and exploitation.

Reporting on the Role of miRNAs and Affected Pathways on the Molecular Backbone of Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Mapping of Future Research

Ovarian insufficiency is identified as a perplexing entity in the long list of pathologies impairing fertility dynamics. The three distinct classifications of ovarian insufficiency are poor ovarian response, premature ovarian insufficiency/failure, and advanced maternal age, sharing the common denominator of deteriorated ovarian reserve. Despite efforts to define clear lines among the three, the vast heterogeneity and overlap of clinical characteristics renders their diagnosis and management challenging. Lack of a consensus has prompted an empirically based management coupled by uncertainty from the clinicians’ perspective. Profiling of patients in the era of precision medicine seems to be the way forward, while the necessity for a novel approach is underlined. Implicating miRNAs in the quest for patient profiling is promising in light of their fundamental role in cellular and gene expression regulation. To this end, the current study sets out to explore and compare the three pathophysiologies—from a molecular point of view—in order to enable profiling of patients in the context of in vitro fertilization treatment and enrich the data required to practice individualized medicine. Following a systematic investigation of literature, data referring to miRNAs were collected for each patient category based on five included studies. miRNA–target pairs were retrieved from the DIANA-TarBase repository and microT-CDS. Gene and miRNA annotations were derived from Ensembl and miRbase. A subsequent gene-set enrichment analysis of miRNA targets was performed for each category separately. A literature review on the most crucial of the detected pathways was performed to reveal their relevance to fertility deterioration. Results supported that all three pathophysiologies share a common ground regarding the affected pathways, naturally attributed to the common denominator of ovarian insufficiency. As evidenced, miRNAs could be employed to explore the fine lines and diverse nature of pathophysiology since they constitute invaluable biomarkers. Interestingly, it is the differentiation through miRNAs and not through the molecular affected pathways that corresponds to the three distinctive categories. Alarming discrepancies among publications were revealed, pertaining to employment of empirical and arbitrary criteria in categorizing the patients. Following bioinformatic analysis, the final step of the current study consisted of a critical analysis of the molecular data sourced, providing a clear and unique insight into the physiological mechanisms involved. It is our intention to contribute to mapping future research dedicated to ovarian insufficiency and to help researchers navigate the overwhelming information published in molecular studies.

SOCIO-CULTURAL VARIABLES AND MEDIA COVERAGE OF GIRL CHILD MARRIAGES

Girl-child marriages have been an ongoing practice in many traditional and modern societies. It is a common practice which exists in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Presently, girl child marriages predominate in developing countries, most of which have not accepted or domesticated the Child Rights Acts which aims to legalize the protection of children from different kinds of abuses. The media are expected to play roles of advocacy by setting agenda on such issues as child marriages by providing adequate coverage through news reports, editorials, interviews, features and other kinds of contents. This paper is a systematic critical analysis which relied on secondary data to examine issues explored. The study is underpinned by the mutedgroup and spiral of silence theories. While the latter examined communication patterns and social representation of non-dominant cultural groups like women and other minorities, the spiral of silence theory posits that the mass media work simultaneously with majority public opinion to silence minority beliefs or cultural issues. Literature revealed that the media do not significantly report social problems of child abuse and violence. Reportage of other sections of societies occupies more prominent media space. However, as part of roles of the media, they are to sensitize and create awareness of issues related to rights and protection of children.

Does the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) sufficiently prioritise enablement of access to therapeutic opioids? A systematic critical analysis of six INCB annual reports, 1968-2018

Background The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has overseen international drug control since 1968 with the dual remit of restricting illicit production and use of controlled substances, whilst enabling access for clinical purposes. Two opioid crises are present under its jurisdiction: i) abuse, dependence and premature mortality in high-income countries; and ii) inadequate supply of opioids for clinical purposes for most of the world represented almost exclusively by low- and middle-income countries. Methods Systematic critical analysis using corpus linguistics as a method of document analysis to investigate the regulatory climate promoted by the INCB, through language used regarding opioids in a representative sample of annual Reports, 1968-2018. Instances of key terms (narcotics, opiates, opioids, analgesia) were retrieved, with surrounding text for context. Two systematic coding phases were undertaken by two researchers, adjudicated by a third, to develop themes. We report frequencies per-1000 words of themes and key terms, aggregated and by decade. Results Five themes were developed within three domains: abuse and dependency, illegal trade (domain 1: illicit uses); policy, enforcement and context (domain 2: illicit and therapeutic uses), and access for therapeutic use, estimates of need (domain 3: therapeutic uses). For fifty years, the INCB has focussed predominantly upon domain 1: illicit uses, with little attention to domain 3: therapeutic Uses. Decreasing attention is provided to the estimates of annual requirements system, under which global opioid access to opioids is documented as inadequate. Conclusions The INCB must consider how improving availability of therapeutic opioids could reduce widespread suffering safely and effectively. Urgent international and national action is required to improve methods of accurately estimating population-level needs for opioids for all therapeutic requirements. Fears of illicit production or use should not limit the prospects of accessing appropriate therapeutic opioids where the majority of the world, today, have no realistic access.

High performance work systems in the tourism and hospitality industry: a critical review

PurposeThis study aims to provide an up-to-date theoretically based qualitative review regarding the “high-performance work systems” (HPWS) approach in the area of the tourism and hospitality management. The aim is to classify the so-far studies between those that examine the general “black-box” issue and those that investigate the actual process of the “black-box.” Finally, this study identifies the “gaps” in the literature and provides avenues for further research.Design/methodology/approachThis review is based on a systematic critical analysis of the HPWS research that has been conducted explicitly on the tourism and hospitality industry during the years 2004-2019 (N = 28), published in core HRM and management journals.FindingsThis study identifies a significant gap in the progress of the HPWS research in the tourism and hospitality sector, contrary to the so-far research in the generic human resource management (HRM) literature. Hence, recommendations and suggestions are provided for advancing the HPWS research in the particular sector, including the need for more advanced conceptual and statistical models by focusing specifically on the process of the “black-box.”Practical implicationsThe present review contributes considerably to the HPWS research in the tourism and hospitality sector and recommends avenues for further research in enhancing the overall HPWS literature.Originality/valueThis is the first study that reviews the HPWS literature in the tourism and hospitality sector, in an effort to reconcile the differences between the present sector and the generic HRM literature.

Digital Sources in Historiansʼ Research Practices: a Theoretical and Methodological Aspect

The purpose of the research is to determine the essence and role of digital sources in the system of information support for historianʼs research practices. Methods: analysis and synthesis; system approach; comparative; genetic; logical-linguistic. Main results, concise conclusions. In the scientific, legal and regulatory literature there is the term "electronic document", the definition of which is tied to computer origin. The article discusses the legitimacy of the use of such a term in the research practices of historians. It is shown that the term "digital source" is adequate, taking into account the definition of the concept "historical source", which is based on the method of encoding information, and not on the means of its storage. The article discusses the positive and negative properties of digital sources; levels of information in them that are important to historians; attributes of digital documents. Analyzed approaches to the definition of "historical source". The author proposed an information model of the historianʼs cognitive activity as a communication process. During the study, the concepts of "digital document" and "electronic document", "digital resource" and "electronic resource", "electronic archive" and "digital archive", "electronic library" and "digital library" are compared. The author substantiated that the correct names of computerized information systems of a humanitarian profile are not the concepts of "electronic archive" and "electronic library", but the concepts of "archive of digital documents" and "library of digital resources". Practical value. Refining the terminology will ensure proper understanding and its correct application in the research practices of historians and other humanities scholars. Originality. The study was carried out on the basis of a systematic critical analysis of literature and ideas, their further synthesis and the selection of the most appropriate theoretical concepts from the standpoint of logic. Scientific novelty. The article proposes a modern information model of historianʼs cognitive activity as a communication process. The author indicated the place of digital sources in the historianʼs intelligence communications. Type of article. Theoretical analytical.

Human resource management–well‐being–performance research revisited: Past, present, and future

AbstractThe authors provide an up‐to‐date theoretically based qualitative review of research dealing with the relationship between HRM, employee well‐being, and individual/organisational performance (HRM‐WB‐IOP research). The review is based on a systematic critical analysis of all HRM‐WB‐IOP studies (N = 46) published in 13 core HRM and management journals in the 2000 to 2018 period. The authors first identify different theoretical models of the HRM‐WB‐IOP relationship, which they then use to map research in the area. The results show that mutual gains conceptualisations play a dominant role in extant HRM‐WB‐IOP research, at the expense of alternative conflicting outcomes and mutual losses models, which are also shown to receive very limited empirical support across the 46 studies. As part of this mapping exercise, the authors identify important knowledge gaps in the area and conclude by setting out a number of key recommendations for future research to address these gaps.

MODULINIO PROJEKTAVIMO TAIKYMO PASLAUGOMS PROBLEMATIKA / PROBLEMATIC OF SERVICE MODULARISATION

Maintaining a competitive edge in today’s markets with short product life cycles and competitors quickly copying commercial success ideas is a significant challenge. Service organisations have to look for ways to quickly adapt to environmental changes and offer the most satisfying services to demanding and rushing customers. One of the possible ways to achieve these goals is to apply the principles of modular design to services. Although the modular design is widely used in the production of goods, its applicability to services has not yet been sufficiently researched. There is a lack of consensus on the terms used, there is no clear definition of the modular service system requirements, there are many doubts in the application of quantitative decision methods for modular service system management, and so forth. The article aims to identify the fundamental problems associated with the use of modular design for services. Based on the results of the analysis of the scientific literature, we propose a scheme describing the service system, and identify the important problematic issues related to the application of modular design to services. In this paper, we use methods of systematic analysis, abstraction, synthesis, and critical analysis.

Die Ausnahme bei Christian Garve und Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract Although people have established rules to secure their life and values, they seem to search—and to have searched, time and again, in the past—for exceptions to those rules, and this for different purposes. The article compares two concepts of exception, suggested by Kierkegaard in Fear and Trembling and by Garve in his Treatise on the Connection between Moral and Politics, respectively. A systematic-critical analysis shows certain intersections between their specific ways of handling the proposed exception. Garve’s concept of exception requires an original status naturalis between countries to increase happiness, and this is claimed by an established sovereign ruling with trust in God for his people. By contrast, the exception of Kierkegaard’s teleological suspension of the ethical turns out, precisely by being based on an individual’s relationship with God, to be incommensurable with purportedly universal social, ethical and political standards. This notwithstanding, both conceptions build on the notion of a human existence, which is subject to and ultimately dependent upon no one except the immortal God.

A systematic review and critical analysis of cost-effectiveness studies for coronary artery disease treatment.

Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the primary cause of death among Australians, despite dramatic improvements in overall cardiovascular health since the 1980s. Treating cardiovascular disease continues to place a significant economic strain on the Australian health care system, with direct healthcare costs exceeding those of any other disease. Coronary artery disease accounts for nearly one third of these costs and spending continues to rise. A range of treatments is available for coronary artery disease yet evidence of cost-effectiveness is missing, particularly for the Australian context. Cost-effectiveness evidence can signal waste and inefficiency and so is essential for an efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Methods: We used systematic review methods to search the literature across several electronic databases for economic evaluations of treatments for coronary artery disease. We critically appraised the literature found in searches, both against the CHEERS statement for quality reporting of economic evaluations and in terms of its usefulness for policy and decision-makers. Results: We retrieved a total of 308 references, 229 once duplicates were removed. Of these, 26 were excluded as they were not full papers (letters, editorials etc.), 55 were review papers, 50 were not cost-effectiveness analyses and 93 related to a highly specific patient sub-group or did not consider all treatment options. This left five papers to be reviewed in full. Conclusions: The current cost-effectiveness evidence does not support the increased use of PCI that has been seen in Australia and internationally. Due to problems with accessibility, clarity and relevance to policy and decision-makers, some otherwise very scientifically rigorous analyses have failed to generate any policy changes.

Data Mining: An Effec tive Tool in Customer Relationship Management

Data mining, a tool of modern marketing is used to understand the behaviour pattern and future trends of purchase .It also helps in building relationship with customer. In marketing, Data mining plays very important role as it helps in data analysis and extraction of valuable information of customer related to their purchase decision. This paper aim to gain deep understanding of the subject. The purpose of this paper is to review the accomplishment of data mining and in future providing directives to the future researchers. The researcher aim to identify the role of data mining in marketing and making strategies for customer relationship and inspiring customer to stay loyal and buy again. Applying literature review as a methodology, the researcher aim to do systematic review and critical analysis of secondary data related to data mining to understand the concept clearly. The combining and synthesising of data is done at the time of reanalysis in this research study. The researcher aspires to do reanalysis of data of literature review, research methods used by different researchers, results and findings of similar study based on data mining.

“Robinhoodian” courts’ decisions on mortgage law in Spain

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the response of the Spanish courts to the effects of the 2007 financial crisis for residential mortgage borrowers in the absence of any equivalent intervention by the legislature. The paper also explores the potential risks that recent court decisions might pose for the Spanish mortgage and banking systems. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a combination of doctrinal and comparative methodology. It undertakes an analysis of decided judicial cases in Spain and compares these to international courts’ decisions and to national and international legislation with a view to exploring their originality in the field of mortgage-related consumer protection. Findings – The reviewed cases demonstrate the need to consider legislative reforms to increase the protection of consumers in relation to mortgages. Some reforms took place in 2013, but these were not perceived as sufficient by the judiciary. The paper also highlights the legal uncertainty that has followed these decisions and its negative impact on the credibility of the Spanish financial and legal systems. Research limitations/implications – The cases discussed are exceptional in the context of the general “normal” or “traditional” application of contractual, procedural and mortgage legislation by the rest of the judiciary. However, they are relevant enough to detect a trend and the need for the revision of affected statutes. Originality/value – This paper provides the first systematic critical analysis of these cases. It is of particular significance, as they collectively represent a distortion of the civil law principles that provide the basis of Spanish mortgage law and, therefore, of the wider financial system.

SebastianKim. Theology in the Public Sphere: Public Theology as a Catalyst for Open Debate. London: SCM Press, 2011. 260 pp.

Sebastian Kim. Theology in the Public Sphere: Public Theology as a Catalyst for Open Debate. London: SCM Press, 2011. 260 pp. The strengths of this book are its wide-ranging resources, global context, and systematic critical analysis. Although much of it has previously been published by the author, the new lens through which it has been analyzed lends itself afresh to the reader. While not groundbreaking, it is innovative in its approach to the topic of "public theology," which has reached a Eurocentric saturation point. The volume begins with a thorough analysis of existing material on public theology by way of key contributors who shaped the public discourse of theology. In the introduction, Kim helpfully examines the methodology, content, and the process of doing public theology, setting up a platform to look at the purpose and practice of public theology in the global context. The second chapter focuses on the Bible as key for engaging theologically in public issues. Kim surveys a wide-ranging context in which the Bible, as a resource, is contextualized to strengthen local theological reflection. According to the author, Asian, African, and South American hermeneutics not only provide a new context for interpreting the Bible, but also give new life to it. Authority, discernment, and identity are some of the core issues that the Bible offers its public theologians in these global contexts. The third chapter, examining eco-theology as an example of public theology, is a helpful one, particularly to students who are being introduced to this discourse on public theology. Issues of justice, stewardship, and feminism are dealt within this chapter to drive home the point about the place of public theology within the wider social context. Eco-spirituality is identified as the principle that reinvigorates the community. Kim effectively demonstrates that the issue of ecological concern is an issue of livelihood in the global South, unlike the West. In chapter four, the idea of the church as a public body in India touches upon a significant subject in the Asian context. With his grounded knowledge of the Indian church, Kim classifies how the church, both historically and ecclesiologically, engaged with the social context of India. The Ashram model, the secular model, the inculturation model, and the liberation model are the broad categories. Although these categories are inadequate in capturing the complex relationships that exist within the Indian church, it is sufficient to make a case about Indian theology in the public sphere. The fourth chapter, addressing the Korean context, exemplifies the sociopolitical reconciliation achieved there in the past five decades. The chapter highlights how spiritualizing material wealth and minjung theology were responses to poverty, exclusion, and discrimination. …