Critical Evaluation
- The paper by Laura Hill, entitled Development of Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion 1 Complexes Containing Essential Oils (Trans-2 Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, Cinnamon Bark and Clove 3 Bud Extracts) singly and in Combination for 4 Antimicrobial Delivery Applications, follows a standard organization used in natural sciences research, as seen in the following sections: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion and Conclusions. Collectively, said sections embody the scientific research method suitable for the subject matter undertaken by Hill.
- In reading the paper by Hill, I employed the basic processes of skimming, scanning and careful reading. Skimming the paper allowed me to see an overview of the contents and it is through that process that I was able to identify the existence of charts, tables and images relaying the empirical data of the research in a more vivid and detailed manner, as well as the references used. Scanning allowed me to reread the paper in a slower manner after skimming, this time in order to better absorb the contents. Careful reading, the last process, allowed me to have a detailed investigation of what the paper is trying to relay, particularly by trying to understand the objective, significance, methods and results of the research. Overall, it took me around one hour to complete the reading processes I employed in reading the paper, given the richness of its details provided by the emphasis of Hill on data presentation. Code words were not present in the paper, given that the technical terms used therein are consistent and applicable to the context within which it is set.
- The paper is not poorly written at all. In fact, the paper is well-written to the extent that it embodies the well-heralded practices of writing research in the field of natural sciences. My understanding of the experiments detailed in the paper cannot be deduced to technical areas – that is perhaps the greatest difficulty I have encountered in reading the paper. Nevertheless, I gained the impression that Hill has laid out her experiments in an organized and holistic manner. Hill did not focus on just one kind of experiment, as he sought to employ different materials and methods in order to achieve her desired results and also as a way of enabling himself to produce several applications to the agricultural industry. Moreover, Hill distinguished her speculations well from the facts, which she has done successfully through her experiments, and she sufficiently established the importance of her findings without overstating.
- The paper addresses the question on the viability of spice essential oils (EO) in serving as antimicrobials against foodborne pathogens, amidst the problem concerning their low sensory threshold and aqueous solubility. The experiment involved the microencapsulation within beta-cyclodextrin (BCD) of materials that include extract of cinnamon bark, trans-cinnamaldehyde, extract of clove bud, eugenol and a mixture of trans-cinnamaldehyde and eugenol with a 2:1 ratio. Through supportive findings arising from the experiments of Hill, the paper has provided for the following conclusions – cinnamon bark extract BCD inclusion complexes were the most effective against foodborne pathogens, despite its lower efficiency in entrapment, the influential effects of size, shape and aqueous solubility on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils, even without BCD encapsulation. The quality of the evidence arise from the detailed experiments conducted by Hill, which has enabled her to provide conclusions that are instrumental to food safety in the agricultural industry.
- Given the significance the paper by Hill imparts on the agricultural industry, particularly with regard to food safety, I would recommend it for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Whether or not the paper is a breakthrough in natural science research is not exactly my basis for publication, for I find its contribution as a necessary component for promoting food safety – a matter undisputable for public interest. At the same time, the publication of the paper in a journal would potentially capture the interest of individuals with regard to pushing for efforts on further research. From there, new knowledge contributive to food safety may arise.
- In reading and evaluating the paper by Hill, I have used several of the lessons I have learned from our class discussion on scientific paper reading and evaluation. Some of the lessons I have used and learned include paying due attention to standard organization, investigating the manner of experimentation and evidence presentation based on the rubrics of the scientific method, and noting the manner of presenting conclusions in terms of their significance to the scientific field within which the research belongs. Overall, the paper served as a thorough application of the skills I have in reading and evaluating a scientific paper, given its very organized structure, well-presented evidence and strong emphasis on its importance in the conclusions.
