bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study Protocol of PISQ-12Indonesian Version v1
Authors: Quzwain Suhair
Published: February 2023

1. Translation Process. We obtained PISQ-12 questionnaire from the English version of Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Disfunct. 2004 May-Jun;15(3):219. We sent an email to Rebecca G. Rogers, MD asking for permission to translate and test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire into Indonesian language. The questionnaire went through forward – backward translation procedure. In this procedure, the translation process was converted from English into Indonesian language. The translation results were translated back from Indonesian into English by different translator. 2. A meeting was conducted to make concise judgement and review for the questionnaire using the face validation method and discussions between 2 translators and 6 urogynaecologists (reconstructive urogynaecology consultants) regarding the results of the translation for each question in this questionnaire. 3. We conducted an initial test (pilot study) towards 10 sexually active female subjects who had agreed to participate in the study by filling out the Indonesian version of the PISQ-12 questionnaire to see understanding, filling in time and difficulties experienced in answering questions on the questionnaire. A supervisor was assigned if participants faced any problems throughout this process. 4. Conduction of primary research. Respondents were recruited from patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence at the RSCM urogynecology polyclinic who agreed to participate in the study (signed written informed consent). Subjects who met the criteria and were willing to take part in the study were then collected through medical records and filled out the Indonesian version of the PISQ-12 questionnaire through guided interviews by researchers or research assistants. Filling out of the second questionnaire was carried out 2 weeks later. 5. Data analysis. Data analysis was carried out to test the statistical validity and reliability of the questionnaire. We used Pearson test to get the value of r. If the r test value is greater than the r table value, the result was declared valid. The reliability test was carried out by looking for the alpha value with the Cronbach's alpha test. If the alpha value was greater in the r table, then the questionnaire was declared reliable.
The Role of Linguistic Structure in Sentence and Text Comprehension: A Comparative Analysis of Depth-First Versus Breadth-First Models
Authors: Ghazzoul Nahed
Published: February 2023

This study assumes that linguistic structure plays a significant role in comprehending sentences and texts. It also assumes that the process of learning requires inferences to make connections across and within the local and global discourse contexts. To establish these connections, there is a need of integrating information from prior content of discourse and knowledge or from the reader's schemata to build a coherent memory that represents the events and concepts which describe the texts. To that end, the paper reviews studies on depth-first versus breadth-first models, adopted by the parsers, which address the linguistic structure in sentence and text comprehension. It further examines how the readers’ or listeners’ long-term memory and mental models affect the sentence and text comprehension. The findings of the study show that vocabulary depth and breadth are two important constructs to consider while assessing higher-level processing of reading comprehension. It also shows that having a comprehensive understanding of the gradations of the meaning of a word in a variety of contexts will permit the readers to develop a better understanding of the text, and in turn, to better express themselves.
Exploring the Use of Language Learning Strategies in the Albanian Context
Authors: Hasa Daniela , Lumezi Leonora , Hajro Ledina
Published: February 2023

In contrast to the plethora of studies exploring language learning strategies, the Albanian foreign language learning context has been little investigated since the focus has been generally placed on the approaches and methods that teachers use in the classroom. Therefore, this paper intends to identify the learning strategies among Albanian students who study English as a foreign language and find out whether the introduction of a fully informed or overt strategy instruction in the learning context can make a difference.

The aim of the research is twofold: (1) to investigate the use of learning strategies and discover variation in terms of grade level and gender, and (2) to include research results in the modules of professional development training and foreign language methodology units so that pre-service and in-service teachers are introduced to the learning strategies that students are most likely to employ when learning a foreign language. The data analysis in this study is carried out using the six categories classification by Rebecca Oxford (1990), and the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) questionnaire is employed for data collection. However, the study not only intends to make some claims concerning learning strategies, but it also aims to ultimately use its results to update the teacher training materials and the relevant modules.
The Computer Game as an Alternative Artistic Discourse
Authors: Pozharytska Olena , Morozova Iryna , Miliutina Kateryna , Gusieva Ganna , Lenska Olena
Published: February 2023

The article aimed to determine the specificity of computer game discourse, its features, key linguistic characteristics, and communicative features. The methodology included the analysis of computer game discourse materials, in particular, dictionary articles, texts of electronic messages, and computer conferences, as well as recordings of fragments of the spoken language of users and users of computer games. The specific feature of computer discourse is the selective combination of features, typical for other types and forms of communication. Computer discourse has some communicative features: electronic communication channel; mediated communication; distance communication; emotionality transmission through emoji symbols; genre heterogeneity; discourse participants' creativity. Computer discourse is characterized by the dominance of English-language lexical bases (barbarisms and semantic translations) and a tendency to unify the norms and rules of communication. Despite such specificity, computer jargon in its functioning and especially word formation is subject to the laws of the Ukrainian language. In particular, affixal, non-affixal, and lexico-semantic are the most widespread modes of word formation in the computer lexicon. At the same time, lexico-semantic can be combined with other known ways. Computer vocabulary is characterized by the use of speech games and means of speech expression. The key tendency in the formation of computer discourse is to reduce the ways of information transmission as much as possible.
The Linguistic Personality of Abish Kekilbayev in the Context of Political Discourse (Based on the Material of Public Speeches)
Authors: Iskakova Kuralay , Kushkarova Gulmira , Kurmanova Baktygul , Sadykova Saule , Zholmurzaeva Raykhan
Published: February 2023

The article examines the communicative strategies and communicative tactics of political discourse based on the material of public speeches by Abish Kekilbayev during the meeting of the commission "A" of the Geneva ОSCE Meeting on National Minorities in June 1991, at the closing of the II session of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the XIII convocation on December 27, 1994, as well as an interview given to journalist V. Paramonov and published in the magazine "Thought", No. 12 in 1994 under the title "This hard parliamentary bread". The article provides a brief overview of the research of Kazakh and foreign linguists in the field of the study of discourse, political discourse, communicative strategies and tactics, as well as their various classifications. Political discourse is considered in its broadest sense as a discourse in which any speech formations, subject, addressee or their content belong to the sphere of politics, according to the definition of E.A. Sheigal. Communicative strategies are understood as a set of verbal and nonverbal actions aimed at achieving communicative goals, and communicative tactics are one or more actions that contribute to the implementation of the strategy (according to O.S. Issers). The analysis of communicative strategies and communicative tactics demonstrates the possibility of using this approach in the study of political discourse, as it allows to identify both explicit and implicit intentions of the author.
Beginnings in Jonathan Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and Alia Yunis’ The Night Counter
Authors: Aburumman Manal F. , Majdoubeh Ahmad Y.
Published: February 2023

Drawing on Edward Said’s “Beginnings theory,” which is the central thesis in his book Beginnings: Intention and Method (1975), several post- 9/11 narratives reflect means for perceiving how these various accounts foreshadow a new era in both literature and political discourse. These accounts constitute a “beginning,” to use a Saidian term, heralding a new vision of the Islamic (Arab)/Western representation; a shift from a “historical pattern.” In this study, the tension created by turning a “historical aboriginality” into personal representations is reevaluated from a Saidian perspective. Such post- 9/11 narratives lend themselves to manifesting how the interrelation between an “obligation” for narration and a “sympathetic imagination” create beginnings. To achieve this end, the study will examine two narratives: Jonathan Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2005) and Alia Yunis’ The Counter Night (2009). By advancing and investigating these narratives, the study aims at reaching new ideas about the representation of a major event in political history, namely: 9/11.
Reliability Evaluation of Transmission Planetary Gears “bottom-up” approach
Authors: Živković Predrag , Milutinović Miroslav , Tica Milan , Trifković Spasoje , Čamagić Ivica
Published: February 2023

The reliability study is the most important part of the engineering design
process, as it is the basis of analysis and assessment of future product
performance in exploitation. Since performance cannot be predicted
with absolute certainty, the application of reliability theory includes
probability theory and unreliability modeling. The proposed approach
has been applied to assess the reliability of gear planetary power
transmissions. The assessment of system reliability was determined on
the basis of the block diagram method, as a function of the reliability of
individual components, calculated by statistical analysis. Using the
Weibull model, the reliability of the planetary gear was defined on the
basis of the probability of failure of the gear teeth and the results were
interpreted to assess the reliability of the component and the entire
planetary train. For a more precise assessment of reliability and to avoid
modeling every failure and mode of occurrence, a competitive risk
model was developed. The reliability assessment study was conducted
with a “bottom-up” approach. Reliability has been assessed, for
instantaneous, estimated and assigned failures rate of planetary train and
component.
Optimal allocation of reliability improvement target based on multiple
correlation failures and risk uncertainty
Authors: Jia Shuoguo , Yan Changfeng , Kang Jianxiong , Xie Heping , Wei Yongqiao
Published: February 2023

Optimal allocation of the reliability improvement target is essential for
the system optimization design. In order to solve the problems that the
optimization model is with loss of generality and the validity of the
optimal solution is weakened, an optimal allocation method is proposed
by considering multiple correlation failures and risk uncertainty in this
paper. Two new concepts are presented, such as independent failure
results in basic risk, and correlation failure leads to disturbance risk.
A risk assessment machinery of “actual risk = basic risk + disturbance
risk” is proposed. The action mechanisms of the three correlation failures
are studied based on the cooperation game theory, and the generalized
risk models are given under probability measure. Considering the
improvement cost, the expectation and the variance of the reduction of
system risk, a multi-objective optimal allocation model is developed,
which is solved by using the PSO algorithm. Finally, the proposed
optimal allocation is implemented at the 2-stage NGW planetary reducer,
and the results show that it is more efficient and feasible for engineering
practice.
Variable-speed drive with series-excited motors in dynamic braking mode
Authors: Kenessova Perizat , Kaverin Vladimir , Tatkeyeva Galiya
Published: February 2023

Variable-speed DC drives with series-excited motors are widely used in
the mining industry, transport and lifting equipment. The purpose of the
study is to determine the dynamic characteristics of a variable direct
current (DC) drive with a series-excited motor in the dynamic braking
mode. In the article, there have been developed schematic diagrams of
the power section that ensure stable braking of a variable-speed electric
drive with a series-excited motor. The requirements for the braking mode
have been developed. The studies have been carried out for a saturated
and unsaturated magnetic circuit of an electric motor. The scientific
novelty of the work consists in determining the zone of stable operation
of the dynamic braking mode. As a result, there has been proposed
technical implementation of the power section of a variable-speed
electric drive with a series-excited motor that ensures stable braking.
A special place in the study is the development of two models of an
electric motor with subsequent excitation taking into account the
saturation of the magnetic circuit - mathematical and simulation. Thus,
the article has not only theoretical but also visual and practical
significance in the context of already conducted studies on the subject.
Options for the technical implementation of the braking regime were
also considered in the course of the sequential implementation of the
planned stages of the study.
INCIDENCE AND SPREAD OF CEREALS VIRUSES IN 2020–2021 IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko national University of Kyiv, Pozhylov I. , Snihur Halyna ,   Taras Shevchenko national University of Kyiv
Published: February 2023

Cereals play a significant role in the Ukrainian economy and agriculture. Viral diseases can cause a serious reduction in yields. Aim. The aim of the work was to identify and determine the spread of grain viruses in the main cereal-growing regions of Ukraine in the period 2020–2021 using different methods of virus detection. Methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify viruses using commercial test systems by for wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV), brome mosaic virus (BMV), wheat dwarf virus (WDV), High Plainswheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV), barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV (BYDV-PAV), barley yellow dwarf virus-MAV (BYDV-MAV), andcereal yellow dwarf virus-RPV (CYDV-RPV). Transmission electron microscopy was used for direct virus detection. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify viruses by molecular methods. Results. Summarizing the results obtained by different methods, we can say about the circulation of WSMV, HPWMoV, BSMV, BYDV-PAV, and BYDV-MAV in the Ukrainian agrocoenoses in 2020–2021. Significant prevalence and the dominant role of WSMV have been shown, with the degree of damage to symptomatic plants reaching 52 %. The spread of HPWMoV in Kyiv and Poltava regions has been established, although previously the virus was detected only in the eastern part of our country. WSMV was more likely to induce monoinfection (70 %). Conclusions. During the testing of symptomatic plants in the agrocenoses of Ukraine in 2020–2021 the most common were WSMV and HPWMoV (52 % and 19 %, respectively), also found BYDV-PAV in winter wheat and BYDV-MAV in oats.
Morphological changes in the testes of white rats and humans in acute and chronic alcoholic intoxications: Experimental and sectional study
Authors: Babanin Anatolij A. , Ulanov Vladimir S.
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the effects of ethyl alcohol and narcotic drugs on male reproductive organs. Practically no studies have examined morphological transformations in the testicles during alcohol intoxication, which, at the current level of ethanol consumption by men of reproductive age, is a social and medical problem that is far from being solved.
AIM: Through short-term and long-term experiments, this study aimed to examine the severity and dynamics of morphological changes in the gonads during alcohol intoxication in mature rats and in comparison with those in individuals who died from alcoholic disease and severe alcohol catamnesis.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study examined the testicles of sexually mature rats that were subjected to acute and chronic alcohol intoxications (from 2 weeks to 6 months) and testicles of persons who died in which ethyl alcohol was found in the blood (at least 5 promile) and alcohol catamnesis were noted.
RESULTS: In both experimental and sectional materials, the stroma of the testicles was characterized by severe circulatory disorders with plethora and stasis in post-capillaries and small veins, edema, and perivascular and interstitial sclerosis. The inhibition of spermatogenesis in the sectional material was more pronounced, which indicated that alcohol was the main etiopathological factor in these changes.
CONCLUSION: Chronic alcohol intoxication in both rats and men has damaging effects both directly, with changes in the stroma and testicular parenchyma, and indirectly on the overlying links of the reproductive system (hypothalamus and pituitary gland). The neurotoxic, microangiopathic, and disenergetic effects of ethanol inhibit normal spermatogenesis. Ultimately, the negative effect based on the morphological analysis was observed in the hypotesticular conditions and morphological manifestations of the testicular wasting syndrome.
Colonoscopic and histopathological assessment of colorectal polyps among north Indian population
Authors: Shafat S. Lone  , Shabir  A.  Shiekh  , Saiqa Khan  , Sudeep Khanna  , Kouser Sideeq
Published: February 2023

Background: Colonic polyps are the abnormal growths from the colonic mucosa, usually benign but there is a definite though a small risk for cancerous transformation. Scarce data about this condition is available from Northern India. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of colonic polyps in patients undergoing colonoscopy for various health indications. In addition, we studied the various characteristics of these polyps including the histological classification
Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study we included adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent colonoscopy from July 2016 to June 2018 at a tertiary care hospital setting in New Delhi, India. The socio-demographic variables were ascertained for all patients. Data about indication of colonoscopy, the findings on colonoscopy, finding regarding the colonic polyps (type, number, size, location and histological type) was collected.
Results: We found a total of 246 patients to have colonic polyps and total number of polyps found was 369.The median age of the patients was 56 years (IQR 44-68).  Majority of the patients with polyps (74.8%) were males. Polyps were most commonly seen in left colon (35.36%). Histologically, most common type was adenomatous polyps 58.9% (Tubular adenoma in 44% and tubule-villous adenoma in 8%). Hyperplastic polyps were noted in 22% followed by inflammatory polyps in 14% polyps. Adenocarcinoma was reported in 2 polyps (0.8%).
Conclusions: Prevalence of colorectal polyps in our study is lower compared to most of the western countries. On histology majority of polyps were adenomatous.
Uso de ferramentas de geoprocessamento para análise dos raios de abrangência dos equipamentos públicos comunitários de educação no município de Rio Paranaíba – MG
Authors: Simões de Oliveira Yasmine , Furtado Faria Filho Reynaldo
Published: February 2023

As instalações prediais relacionadas à prestação de serviços públicos necessários ao desenvolvimento de um município, como educação, cultura, saúde e lazer, são denominadas equipamentos públicos comunitários. A distribuição espacial destes equipamentos deve ser executada de modo planejado e criterioso, visto que estes possuem um grande poder de influência na qualidade de vida urbana da população. A realização de uma distribuição eficiente tem como objetivo principal minorar as desigualdades sociais, econômicas, ambientais e culturais que podem ser geradas dentro do município, além de permitir a valorização do ambiente urbano e garantir à toda população o direito de acesso aos serviços públicos. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho, elaborado com o auxílio de ferramentas computacionais de geoprocessamento, dispõe sobre a distribuição espacial dos equipamentos comunitários públicos de educação no município de Rio Paranaíba/MG. A análise dos raios de abrangência destes equipamentos foi realizada segundo metodologias adotadas por Brau, Herce e Tarrago (1980) e Castello (2008), constatando-se a existência de estudantes que estão fora das zonas de atendimento dos equipamentos. Ainda foi possível identificar a sobreposição dos raios de abrangência de equipamentos de educação que fornecem o mesmo tipo de ensino, agravando a problemática de acesso aos serviços públicos de educação no município.
How Accurately are Household Surveys Measuring the Size and Inequalities for the LGBT Population in Bogota, Colombia? Evidence from a List Experiment
Authors: Ham Andrés , Guarin Angela , Ruiz Juanita
Published: February 2023

This paper studies whether household surveys precisely identify the LGBT population and are suitable to measure labor market discrimination in Colombia. We first quantify the size of the LGBT population and estimate labor market inequalities from these data, highlighting potential pitfalls from using this approach. We then present findings from a list experiment in Bogotá, Colombia. Results show that household surveys underestimate the size of the LGBT population and may yield biased estimates of labor market inequalities. While survey estimates range between 1-4%, we find that LGBT people constitutes around 12-22% of the total population. We find heterogeneous reporting by sex, age groups, educational attainment, and marital status. Our findings suggest that while current measurement practices are a step forward for the LGBT populations statistical visibility, additional steps are required before household surveys may be used to consistently estimate discrimination and guide policy responses to protect this population.
Quercetin inhibits the expression of MYC and CYP2E1 and reduces oxidative stress in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Maksymchuk Oksana , Shysh Angela , Kotliarova Anna
Published: February 2023

Oxidative stress is one of the most important pathological processes in chronic heart failure caused by hypertension. These processes involve MYC-regulated mechanisms, including the induction of CYP2E1 as a potent prooxidant factor. In this work, we used qPCR, Western blot analysis, and biochemical markers of oxidative stress to investigate the ability of quercetin to inhibit oxidative stress by modulating MYC expression. We studied spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) in which the onset of cardiac pathology was observed at least at 4 months of age and the development of pathology occurred during life up to 22 months of age. Wistar rats were used as normotensive controls. We observed overexpression of the transcription factor MYC (p=0.0024) in the myocardium of SHRs compared to normotensive controls, and an increased expression of MYC-target gene, CYP2E1, (p=0.0001) in the old SHR group compared to young SHRs. This probably contributed significantly to the development of oxidative stress in the cardiac tissue of old SHRs. We demonstrated that long-term treatment of old SHRs with quercetin resulted in dramatic inhibition of MYC (p=0.0000), and a significant decrease in CYP2E1 (p=0.0001) expression and CYP2E1 protein levels (p=0.0136). This probably contributed significantly to the decrease in lipid peroxidation (p=0.0000). Quercetin was also able to activate antioxidant activity, resulting in a significant improvement in the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in the heart. In turn, the elimination of oxidative stress could contribute to a decrease in blood pressure (p=0.0000) and relative heart weight (p=0.0071) in quercetin-treated old SHRs compared to the untreated old SHR group.
FDI and Performance: An Investigation of EU Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Vrinceanu Georgiana , Popa (Badea) Doina , Horobet Alexandra , Titan Emilia
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the performance of companies in low- and high-technologically intensive industries in the manufacturing sector in EU member countries, using datasets covering the period between 2010 and 2020. The industries were selected according to the EU High-tech classification of manufacturing industries based on NACE Rev.2 at 2-digit codes. The performance of companies in our study was measured based on turnover. We used a set of independent variables, such as inward and outward FDI stocks, imports and exports of goods and services, gross domestic product (GDP) at market prices, real effective exchange rate, gross domestic expenditure on research and development, and gross fixed capital formation. On applying the panel data methodology, our findings indicated that inward FDI stocks, imports of goods and services, and real effective exchange rates have a significant impact on the performance of companies in high-technologically intensive industries. For low-tech companies, exports of goods and services are important driving factors behind their performance.
Keywords: high-tech industries, low-tech industries, foreign direct investment, performance, European Union
Technical and Scale Efficiency of farms producing grapes for wine
Authors: Sapardani Effrosyni , Melfou Katerina , Chatzitheodoridis Fotios , Kontogeorgos Achilleas
Published: February 2023

climatechange and the subsequent requirements to comply with environmental standards, continuoustechnological change, and the need to adapt it, adjust, and remain competitive. The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic hardship it brought about, followed by the current energy crisis,make it imperative to address issues of competitiveness and efficiency of farm units. Theseunfavorable developments particularly affect mountainous and disadvantaged rural areassuch as the Region of Western Macedonia in Greece. Furthermore, the decarbonizationprocess that this region is undergoing, leads to a period of uncertainty, especially in relationto employment. The cultivation of vineyards and wine production are dominant economicactivities with Xinomavro being the main grape for wine variety. The efficiency of grape-producing farms are considered important for the whole wine supply chain. The objective of this paper is to estimate the technical and scale efficiency of wine-related agricultural firms in the region of Western Macedonia, by applying the DEA methodology. An output-oriented empirical model was applied for the estimation of technical and scale efficiency of farms producing grapes for wine.
Keywords: technical efficiency, scale efficiency, wine grape cultivation, Western Macedonia, wineries
Assessment of Farmers' Attitudes Toward Pest Control Services Provided by Birds
Authors: Lazaridou Dimitra , Michailidis Anastasios
Published: February 2023

Sustainable, conservation-oriented agricultural practices like pest regulation by insectivorous birds can decrease agrochemical use and enhance efforts on maximizing biodiversity. Previous research has shown that attracting insect-eating bird species can improve pest control in fruit crops and have a positive impact on fruit yield. We conducted a survey among fruit farmers to analyze the determinants of the potential adoption of biological pest control (BPC) provided by insectivorous birds on their farms. Quantitative analysis showed that their willingness to implement the innovative practice, favoring farmland wildlife, is influenced by both economic and noneconomic factors. Farmers’ overall interest in attracting birds to their farms was related to a variety of factors, including their understanding of the beneficial role of insectivorous birds in biodiversity, their desire to reduce production costs, and their personal characteristics. These factors influencing farmers’ motivations for participation in biological pest control should be taken into account to clarify the barriers that prevent, and the incentives that might draw them into adoption of an eco-friendly approach for insect pest control.
Keywords: environmental benefits, innovative practice favoring farmland wildlife, farmers’ perceptions
Complexity And Chaos Control of A Cournot Duopoly Game With Relative Profit Maximization And Heterogeneous Expectations
Authors: Sarafopoulos Georges , Papadopoulos Kosmas
Published: February 2023

The paper considers a Cournot-type duopoly game, in which linear demand and cost functions are used. The two players produce differentiated goods and offer them at discrete times on a common market. In the cost functions of the players, in addition to the production cost, the cost of transporting the products is also included. Each firm does not care only about its profits but also about the percentage of its opponents’ profits, using a generalized relative profit function. In this model, the players follow different strategies. More specifically, the first player is characterized as a bounded rational player while the second player follows an adaptive mechanism. The existence of the Nash Equilibrium is proved, and its stability conditions are found. The complexity that appears for some values of the game’s parameters is shown. A mechanism by which the chaotic behavior of the discrete dynamical system is presented, importing a new parameter m. The algebraic results are verified, and the apparent complexity is shown by plotting bifurcation diagrams and strange attractors, computing the Lyapunov numbers, and checking the system’s sensitivity on its initial conditions.
Keywords: Cournot duopoly game, discrete dynamical system, heterogeneous expectations, stability, chaotic behavior, chaos control
Marketing Mix Modeling of Traffic to the Store Under the Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Chornous Galyna , Fareniuk Yana
Published: February 2023

The paper contains the results of marketing mix modeling for Ukrainian retail in conditions of the COVID-19 crisis. The main goals of the research are modeling the level of traffic to the store based on regression analysis and forming appropriate recommendations for media strategy. Estimating the influence of media on business KPI makes a basis for ROI calculations and optimization of budget allocation between communication channels by periods, formats, and optimization of media pressure. Models for offline and online traffic were constructed based on weekly data for 2018-2021 and since 2020 there is a strong impact of COVID-19 on traffic and media response. In 2020 there was a significant drop in offline traffic due to the lockdown, but also there was deferred demand, which was compensating for a part of the traffic. The results show that TV is the main driver for offline traffic and digital - for online, but there are also significant impacts of TV and digital on online and offline traffic, respectively. During the lockdown, the mobility of consumers dropped, that is, a decrease in response from Out of Home advertising; therefore, we need to compensate for this by higher activity in other media channels. Scenario forecasting of different media mix helps to select the most efficient strategy taking into account memory decay of advertising, period of activity, and weekly weights. Marketing mix modeling is an effective tool for business management, as it generates opportunities to improve ROI by more than 15% and ensures the achievement of business goals in the most efficient way.
Keywords: marketing mix modeling, COVID-19, ROI, regression analysis, retail, traffic
What is the Strategic Response Adopted by SMES During the COVID-19 Crisis in the UAE? A Case Study of Two Emirati SMES
Authors: Mrini Hakima , Tzavara Dionisia
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented economic crisis that is having a drastic negative impact on the financial performance and competitiveness of businesses around the world. Due to COVID-19, the global economy has contracted severely, making it difficult for companies around the world to maintain adequate levels of performance and profitability. SMEs are particularly vulnerable to such disruptions, as their access to finance and human resources is much more limited compared to medium or large companies. However, since SMEs contribute significantly to a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the threat of coronavirus to their viability poses a significant threat to the economic and social development of their host country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced the negative economic consequences of COVID-19 with its GDP witnessing a significant decline in 2020. While virtually all Emirati businesses have suffered losses due to COVID-19, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were particularly vulnerable to the consequences of the pandemic due to their small size and newness. This study aims to find out how Emirati SMEs are strategically responding to the coronavirus crisis and coping with its impact. To achieve this, a case study was conducted on two Emirati SMEs and data from semi-structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires were used. Primary quantitative data were collected from 50 employees of two SMEs operating in the UAE. One company specialized in real estate and maintenance services, and the second was a yacht manufacturing company that also provided maintenance services. In addition, primary qualitative data were collected from 10 managers and owners of these SMEs. Our research found that supply chain disruptions, supplier bankruptcy, limited access to financial resources, demand shortages, and limited field-service activities were among the main challenges faced by the two SMEs during the COVID-19 crisis. The strategic responses that were actively adopted by these SMEs included monitoring the external environment for business opportunities, adjusting supplier management, servitization, and establishing new supply chain links and partnerships. By developing an understanding of the strategic responses of the two SMEs, our research contributed to both theory and practice by applying the concept of crisis management to SMEs facing the COVID-19 crisis, a crisis that can be considered a “black swan” event. By exploring this topic, the research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and to our understanding of how SMEs in a developing economy respond to COVID-19 and how resilient they are to this major crisis.
Keywords: SMEs, COVID-19, crisis management, strategic responses
Potential Applicability of Vulnerability Assessments in the Western Balkan Countries
Authors: Sütő Attila , Selmeczi Pál , Máté Lovász Csaba
Published: February 2023

The Western Balkan (WB) region is one of the relatively vulnerable parts of the continent to climate change: it faces several challenges today and will face potential problems (e.g., increasing risks of flash floods, sea-level rise, droughts, heatwaves, forest fires, etc.) over the coming decades, too. Proper adaptation to these challenges must play a decisive role in sectoral and local decision-making of these counties. Risk and vulnerability assessments, based partly on geographic information systems with map contents, can be one of the potential tools to find proper responses to climate change impacts in European countries. The main problem statement of the article emphasizes the low weight of these analytical decision-support tools in WB countries’ climate and development policies. It examines what types of vulnerability assessments are helpful in WB countries and whether their results show significant territorial differences in given states. To answer these questions, through two case studies, we used a combination of the IPCC- and impact chain-based CIVAS model and complex indicator development methods from the international literature and the Hungarian NAGIS system. Our analyses are principally territorial assessments: they focus on comparing regional/local territories/destinations and identifying relative territorial differences. Through these, we intend to contribute to the recognition of the usefulness of complex vulnerability approaches in WB countries for evaluating climate change risks and identifying future policy responses. The results in the two case studies show that definite territorial inequalities exist in exposure indicators in both analyzed WB countries. Similarly, significant spatial differences in the sensitivity and adaptability factors are also expected. The suggested vulnerability approach proposed here can help countries develop appropriate climate adaptation responses.
Keywords: climate change, climate adaptation, strategic planning, sectoral vulnerability, tourism, heat waves
SABERES ETNOBOTÂNICOS SOBRE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS NA COMUNIDADE NOSSA SENHORA APARECIDA, ASSENTAMENTO BENEDITO ALVES BANDEIRA, ACARÁ-PA
Authors: De Freitas Camila Garcia , Vasconcelos Josimar Cunha , Rosal Louise Ferreira , Melo Acácio Tarciso Moreira de
Published: February 2023

Este trabalho teve por objetivo realizar um estudo sobre a ocorrência e formas de uso de plantas medicinais na comunidade Nossa Senhora Aparecida, Assentamento Benedito Alves Bandeira, Acará/PA. Utilizou-se de ferramentas metodológicas como questionário, entrevistas, observação participante, turnê guiada, coleta e preparação de exsicatas para a identificação botânica das espécies. O uso de plantas medicinais na comunidade é comum, foram citadas 77 etnoespécies, que eram encontradas nos quintais, na mata ou compradas no comércio. Totalizaram 66 finalidades e 17 formas de preparo. Entrevistados de todas as faixas etárias, homens e mulheres sem distinção de nível de escolaridade, compartilham seus saberes de forma oral ou na observação da prática, formas pelas quais também aprenderam. O conhecimento popular sobre plantas medicinais se mantém vivo e forte na comunidade, sendo que 17 participantes da pesquisa têm as plantas medicinais como primeira opção para o tratamento de enfermidades, seja de forma preventiva ou curativa.
SABERES AGROECOLÓGICOS E ETNOECOLOGIA NA EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA
Authors: Dias Thiago Leandro Da Silva
Published: February 2023

A proposta desta comunicação é socializar o processo de pesquisa-ação concebido e desenvolvido no contexto de formação de professores(as) do curso de Licenciatura em Educação do Campo com habilitação em Ciências da Natureza da Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia (UFRB). A partir dos pressupostos da Pedagogia da Alternância, da Agroecologia e da Etnoecologia, atravessados pela pandemia de Covid-19, foi possível desenvolver coletivamente um projeto de ensino por investigação que resultou na elaboração e socialização de materiais educomunicativos para as escolas do campo - vídeo documentário sobre a bata do feijão, podcast sobre o manejo agroecológico da mandioca e herbário didático virtual, dentre outros. A mobilização dos saberes agroecológicos no contexto do referido projeto estabelece um diálogo propositivo levando em consideração que a formação por área de conhecimento na Educação do Campo objetiva contribuir com novas estratégias de seleção de conteúdos, o que torna a Agroecologia e os modos de apropriação dos agroecossistemas elementos primordiais para análise, planejamento e orientação pedagógica.
AGRICULTURA TRADICIONAL AMAZÔNICA: SISTEMAS DE CULTIVO HUNI KUI DA TERRA INDÍGENA KAXINAWÁ DE NOVA OLINDA, ACRE, BRASIL.
Authors: Lanza Tomaz Ribeiro , Ming Lin Chau , Haverroth Moacir , Ferreira Almecina Balbino
Published: February 2023

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar os sistemas de cultivo e práticas agrícolas utilizados pelas famílias da Terra Indígena Kaxinawá de Nova Olinda (TIKNO), localizada no município de Feijó, Acre, Brasil. A pesquisa foi realizada entre 2016 e 2020, onde foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e visitas nas áreas de produção de 35 famílias da terra indígena. Os dados coletados foram processados e avaliados por meio de análises descritivas e qualitativas, caracterizando-se quatro principais sistemas de cultivo: roçado tradicional, bananal, cultivo de praia e quintal agroflorestal, cada um com características técnicas, econômicas e culturais particulares. Foram descritas as etapas de preparo de cada um dos sistemas de cultivo, a época do ano mais adequada para cada etapa e as principais culturas agrícolas presentes em cada sistema. Foi possível identificar uma complexa rede de conhecimentos associados à agricultura e gestão da agrobiodiversidade pelas famílias da TIKNO, alinhados a um profundo conhecimento dos aspectos ecológicos locais e da cosmovisão dessa população. Concluiu-se que essas práticas e sistemas agrícolas essencialmente agroecológicos contribuem significativamente para a manutenção da biodiversidade local e soberania alimentar dessas famílias, bem como para a preservação dos conhecimentos tradicionais associados e conservação da biodiversidade regional.
EL POLICULTIVO DE CACAO (Theobroma cacao L) Y LA CULTURA QATO’OK DE TUZANTÁN, CHIAPAS, MÉXICO: UNA APROXIMACIÓN ETNOECOLÓGICA
Authors: Roma Ardón Ronny Waldemar , Damon Anne Ashby , Ortiz Wilber Sánchez
Published: February 2023

El territorio que habita el pueblo qato’ok de Tuzantán, se localiza entre la planicie costera y las estribaciones de la Sierra Madre de Chiapas, donde a lo largo del tiempo desarrollaron estrategias de adaptación y sobrevivencia. Dada la política nacional de corte integracionista, este pueblo sufrió acciones punitivas que castigaron el uso de la lengua, la indumentaria y la expresión de su cultura, lo cual redujo a recuerdos, guardados en la memoria de los adultos mayores, el uso de la lengua y sus significados. Desarrollando entrevistas semiestructuradas a sujetos sociales, recorriendo parcelas y buscando información en diferentes bibliotecas, bajo el enfoque etnoecológico se determinaron los conocimientos asociados al policultivo del cacao que este pueblo construyó a través de los años. Los resultados encontrados muestran el papel de los saberes locales en la práctica de la agricultura, tanto de subsistencia, teniendo como base el cultivo del maíz bajo asocio milpa, como bajo el manejo del cacao en policultivo, mostrando el importante aporte local que esta planta tenía en la forma de vida y economía de las familias campesinas hasta antes de la llegada de las enfermedades, que mermaron su productividad e incidieron en el abandono de las plantaciones. El reto será en articular procesos que permitan transmitir el conocimiento, que aún resguardan los adultos mayores, hacia los jóvenes, donde las instituciones y la academia puedan contribuir, siendo este un papel que está llamado a realizar el Jardín Etnobiológico de las Selvas del Soconusco, antes de que esta memoria se pierda.
A MÚSICA COMO RECURSO FACILITADOR DA INCLUSÃO ESCOLAR DE CRIANÇAS COM AUTISMO Denise
Authors: Nascimento Denise Régia Silva do
Published: February 2023

O presente artigo propõe mostrar a importância da música na inclusão escolar de crianças autistas. Para tal, foi feito um levantamento bibliográfico, seguido de uma pesquisa teórica, com dados coletados a partir de obras que já existem sobre o assunto. Destacam-se os estudos de diversos autores, que concordam entre si, no sentido de que a música influi diretamente no metabolismo humano, e por isso, procurou-se aplicá-la de forma terapêutica, nas enfermidades. O texto traz informações sobre o que é o Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA), suas principais características, e como a música facilita a aprendizagem, ainda esboça as diferenças entre Educação Musical e Musicoterapia. A expectativa desta pesquisadora é levar o leitor à uma reflexão, seguida de conscientização, de que a música pode melhorar consideravelmente a qualidade de vida de crianças autistas, por ser uma atividade que entrelaça a fala, a linguagem, a interação social e trabalha com a funcionalidade do comportamento, por meio de aspectos psicomotores.
O BESTIÁRIO EDUCATIVO DE RUBEM ALVES EM A ALEGRIA DE ENSINAR: REFLEXÕES ACERCA DO ATO DE ENSINAR E DE APRENDER NA AMAZÔNIA BRAGANTINA
Authors: Conde-Silva Alessandra Fabrícia , Chaves Sérgio Wellington Freire , Azevêdo Maria Da Conceição
Published: February 2023

Este artigo ensaístico propõe refletir acerca do ato de ensinar e do ato de aprender, por meio da obra A Alegria de Ensinar, de Rubem Alves, que apresenta elementos do gênero literário bestiário. As reflexões situam-se em um contexto social, geográfico, cultural e temporal específicos, delimitando o olhar, necessário mesmo à pesquisa, ao ponto em que o maximiza, uma vez que o ato de refletir, acredita-se, parte de um todo. Assim sendo, faz-se necessário esclarecer que as impressões incutidas nas reflexões apresentadas partem de vivências e saberes advindos de/e constituídos em práticas cotidianas de trabalho de pesquisadores e profissionais da educação atuantes na Amazônia bragantina, Nordeste paraense. O objetivo maior deste escrito é que, diante desse exercício reflexivo, possa-se repensar o ato de ensinar e o ato de aprender, fomentando a construção de uma educação cada vez mais libertadora, cidadã e humanizadora, utilizando-se, especialmente, das particularidades de cada comunidade específica. Em Alves (1994), buscam-se os motes para tecer as considerações, análises e ponderações desenvolvidas no fio discursivo do texto ora apresentado. Em Barthes (1984), Fonseca (2009), Cosson (2021), dentre outros estudiosos, mobilizam-se bases teóricas que amparam o percurso textual.
The rise of digital entrepreneurship in Latin America
Authors: Andonova Veneta , Casanova Lourdes , Finchelstein Diego , Garcia Duque Juana
Published: February 2023

Objective: This article discusses why digital start-ups are flourishing in Latin America. Method: Our research setting is Latin American digital companies. Our analysis is based on digital companies from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. We examined lists of Latin unicorn companies (valuation + US$ 1B) and other prominent digital companies compiled from available sources from CB Insights, and TechCrunch. We systematically gathered data on the companies’ growth trajectory from data sources, including online material from the companies’ official websites and public reports, press releases, and press interviews made by the heads of the companies, and internal reports. Main Results: The article discusses the drivers behind the scaling and expansion of digital start-ups and the increasing maturity of the entrepreneurial ecosystems that support them. Relevance / Originality: While Latin digital companies have gained media and investors’ attention, there is scant analysis of how these companies have surpassed the startup stage and scaled up their operations. Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: Our contribution focuses on understanding Latin America's particular conditions and the impact of digital ventures on the region's business landscape. We bring practical insights on how Latin American digital companies are growing, as digital entrepreneurship is experiencing an extraordinary growth route in the region and is linked to economic growth and innovation.