bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem cell growth and proliferation on RGD bio-conjugated cotton fibers
Authors: Fouzi Mouffouk , Thimma Manjula , BinSabt Mohammad , Husain Ali A. , Aouabdi Sihem
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Merging stem cells with biomimetic materials represent an attractive approach to tissue engineering. The development of an alternative scaffold with the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, and the 3D gradient preventing any alteration in cell metabolism or in their gene expression patterns, would have many medical applications. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we introduced the use of RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) bio-conjugated cotton to promote the growth and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). METHODS: We measured the expression of stem cell markers and adhesion markers with Q-PCR and analyzed the transcriptomic. The results obtained showed that the MSCs, when cultured with bio-conjugated cotton fibers, form aggregates around the fibers while proliferating. The seeded MSCs with cotton fibers proliferated in a similar fashion to the cells seeded on the monolayer (population doubling level 1.88 and 2.19 respectively). RESULTS: The whole genome sequencing of cells adhering to these cotton fibers and cells adhering to the cell culture dish showed differently expressed genes and pathways in both populations. However, the expression of the stem cell markers (Oct4, cKit, CD105) and cell adhesion markers (CD29, HSPG2 and CD138), when examined with quantitative RT-PCR, was maintained in both cell populations. CONCLUSION: These results clearly show the ability of the cotton fibers to promote MSCs growth and proliferation in a 3D structure mimicking the in vivo environment without losing their stem cell phenotype.
Can scoliosis lead to spinal cord ischaemia? Early diagnosis and rehabilitation: A paradigmatic case report and literature review
Authors: Lippi Lorenzo , de Sire Alessandro , Desilvestri Manuela , Baricich Alessio , Barbanera Andrea , Cattalani Andrea , Invernizzi Marco , Perrero Luca
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: Scoliosis is frequently associated with pain and radiculopathy, but it is not considered a possible cause of acute spinal cord injury (SCI). Here we present a case report in which scoliosis was apparently linked to spinal cord ischaemia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 20-year-old woman with conservatively treated severe scoliosis presented with acute spinal cord infarction, which occurred during a spinal flexion while she was tidying up the bed. Other causes of SCI were excluded. Early rehabilitation was started and the patient progressively regained motor and sensory functions, with an AIS reduction from A to C. Bowel and bladder disorders persisted and were autonomously managed with a trans-anal irrigation device and intermittent catheterisation after voluntary micturition. DISCUSSION: Early detection and management of spinal curvature disorders are essential in preventing long-term complications of scoliosis. Although the aetiology of spinal cord ischaemia in severe scoliosis should be better clarified, this rare case report suggests that scoliosis might be involved in its pathogenesis. Thus, we recommend early diagnosis of spinal curvature disorders and adequate rehabilitative treatment in order to prevent potential subsequent neurological complications.
Medial femoral plate with cannulated screw for Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture: A meta-analysis
Authors: Su Zhengbing , Liang Linlin , Hao Yong
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures often occur in the elderly, which usually results in hip pain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in the treatment of Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures with medial femoral support plate combined with cannulated screws and cannulated screws alone. METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect, China Academic Journals Full-text Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Embase and Cochrane Library were used to collect clinical controlled trials of the medial femoral support plate combined with hollow screw internal fixation and simple hollow screw internal fixation for Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture. RESULTS: Seven articles (n= 409 cases) were evaluated for quality and included in this meta-analysis. Four hundred and nine patients with Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures were included: 202 in the experimental group and 207 in the control group. The results showed that, compared with simple hollow screw internal fixation, the medial femoral support plate combined with hollow screw internal fixation has a longer operation time (MD= 23.05, 95% CI= 13.86–32.24), and more intraoperative blood loss (MD= 91.55, 95% CI= 50.72–132.39), shorter healing time (MD=-1.48, 95% CI (-1.71, -1.26)), lower incidence of complications (RR= 0.34, 95% CI= 0.19–0.61), lower VAS score (MD=-1.28, 95% CI (-1.83, -0.72)), and higher Harris score (MD= 8.49, 95% CI (4.15, 12.83)). CONCLUSION: Medial femoral plate combined with cannulated screw for Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture can shorten healing time, reduce postoperative complications, and improve the postoperative Harris score.
Isolation and preliminary characterization of a human ‘phage display’-derived antibody against neural adhesion molecule-1 antigen interfering with fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 binding
Authors: Flego Michela , Colotti Gianni , Ascione Alessandro , Dupuis Maria Luisa , Petrucci Eleonora , Riccioni Roberta , Andreotti Mauro , Raggi Carla , Boe Alessandra , Barca Stefano , Gellini Mara , Vella Stefano , Mallano Alessandra
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: The NCAM or CD56 antigen is a cell surface glycoprotein belonging to the immunoglobulin super-family involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. NCAM is also over-expressed in many tumour types and is considered a tumour associated antigen, even if its role and biological mechanisms implicated in tumour progression and metastasis have not yet to be elucidated. In particular, it is quite well documented the role of the interaction between the NCAM protein and the fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in metastasis and invasion, especially in the ovarian cancer progression. OBJECTIVE: Here we describe the isolation and preliminary characterization of a novel human anti-NCAM single chain Fragment variable antibody able to specifically bind NCAM-expressing cells, including epithelial ovarian cancer cells. METHODS: The antibody was isolate by phage display selection and was characterized by ELISA, FACS analysis and SPR experiments. Interference in EOC migration was analyzed by scratch test. RESULTS: It binds a partially linear epitope lying in the membrane proximal region of two fibronectin-like domains with a dissociation constant of 3.43 × 10-8 M. Interestingly, it was shown to interfere with the NCAM-FGFR1 binding and to partially decrease migration of EOC cells. CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the first completely human antibody able to interfere with this newly individuated cancer mechanism.
Research Progress of Alzheimer’s Disease Therapeutic Drugs: Based on Renin-Angiotensin System Axis
Authors: Li Xinquan , Xuan Weiting , Chen Dabao , Gao Huawu , Wang Guangyun , Guo Qiaoru , Wang Yan , Song Hang , Cai Biao
Published: November 2020

It is widely recognized that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has a complicate link to renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It is known that cerebrovascular disease has some connections with AD, but most of the studies are still conducted in parallel or independently. Although previous research came up with large number of hypotheses about the pathogenesis of AD, it does not include the mechanism of RAS-related regulation of AD. It has been found that many components of RAS have been changed in AD. For example, the multifunctional and high-efficiency vasoconstrictor Ang II and Ang III with similar effects are changed under the action of other RAS signal peptides; these signal peptides are believed to help improve nerve injury and cognitive function. These changes may lead to neuropathological changes of AD, and progressive defects of cognitive function, which are association with some hypotheses of AD. The role of RAS in AD gradually attracts our attention, and RAS deserved to be considered carefully in the pathogenesis of AD. This review discusses the mechanisms of RAS participating in the three current hypotheses of AD: neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and amyloid-β protein (Aβ) hypothesis, as well as the drugs that regulate RAS systems already in clinical or in clinical trials. It further demonstrates the importance of RAS in the pathogenesis of AD, not only because of its multiple aspects of participation, which may be accidental, but also because of the availability of RAS drugs, which can be reused as therapies of AD.
Ultra-wideband monopole antenna with U and L shaped slotted patch for applications in 5G and short distance wireless communications
Authors: Alharbi Khalid Hamed , Moniruzzaman Md , Aldhaheri Rabah Wasel , Aljohani Abdulah Jeza , Singh Simranjit , Samsuzzaman Md , Islam Mohammad Tariqul
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a monopole antenna with Ultra-wideband (UWB) characteristics is presented for applications in 5G and short-distance wireless communications. It consists of a rectangular shaped patch having truncated corners and central notch with an extended stub at top edge. Two layers of slots are engraved in the middle of the patch within which the outer layer contains four L shaped slots and the inner layer contains two face to face vertically placed U-shaped slots. A partial ground is structured with staircase slots to attain ultra-wideband response with sufficient gain and efficiency. The proposed antenna provides 124% of impedance bandwidth (2.8 GHz–12 GHz) implemented on a low-cost FR4 substrate having the electrical dimension of 0.3𝜆 × 0.19𝜆 at the low cutoff frequency. The effect of the inclusion of slots within the patch is clearly observable as it increases gain and efficiency. The proposed antenna exhibits better response with a maximum measured gain of 6.5 dBi and efficiency of 85% within the bandwidth. Near constant time delay around 1 nS and good fidelity factor of 0.8316 represents that this slotted antenna can be used for undistorted reliable signal transfer. This antenna also provides symmetrical radiation patterns with less cross-polarization effects. Therefore, this monopole antenna can be an appropriate candidate for short-range communication applications like 5G, wireless local area networks, transfer data from biomedical sensors and imaging.
Symbol recognition system based on 3D stereo vision
Authors: Wang Linlin
Published: November 2020

With the continuous development of computer science and technology, symbol recognition systems may be converted from two-dimensional space to three-dimensional space. Therefore, this article mainly introduces the symbol recognition system based on 3D stereo vision. The three-dimensional image is taken by the visual coordinate measuring machine in two places on the left and right. Perform binocular stereo matching on the edge of the feature points of the two images. A corner detection algorithm combining SUSAN and Harris is used to detect the left and right camera calibration templates. The two-dimensional coordinate points of the object are determined by the image stereo matching module, and the three-dimensional discrete coordinate points of the object space can be obtained according to the transformation relationship between the image coordinates and the actual object coordinates. Then draw the three-dimensional model of the object through the three-dimensional drawing software. Experimental data shows that the logic resources and memory resources occupied by image preprocessing account for 30.4% and 27.4% of the entire system, respectively. The results show that the system can calibrate the internal and external parameters of the camera. In this way, the camera calibration result will be more accurate and the range will be wider. At the same time, it can effectively make up for the shortcomings of traditional modeling techniques to ensure the measurement accuracy of the detection system.
Risk early warning management and intelligent real-time system of financial enterprises based on fuzzy theory
Authors: Ding Qiaoying
Published: November 2020

The financial market is changing rapidly. Since joining the WTO, our country’s financial companies have faced pressure from dual competition at domestic and abroad. The complex internal and external environment has forced financial enterprise managers to improve risk prevention awareness, early warning and monitoring, so as to responding to emergencies and challenges in the financial market. However, traditional forecasting and analysis methods have problems such as large workload, low efficiency, and low accuracy. Therefore, this article applies intelligent computing to the forecast of financial markets, using related concepts of fuzzy theory and Internet intelligent technology, and proposes to establish a model system for financial enterprise risk early warning management and intelligent real-time monitoring based on fuzzy theory. This article first collected a large amount of data through the literature investigation method, and made a systematic and complete introduction to the related theoretical concepts of fuzzy theory and financial risk early-warning management, has laid a sufficient theoretical foundation for the subsequent exploration of the application of fuzzy theory in financial enterprise risk early warning management and intelligent real-time systems; Then a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method that combines the analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy evaluation method is proposed, taking a listed company mainly engaged in automobile sales in our province as a case, the company’s financial risk management and modeling experiment of the intelligent real-time system; Finally quoted specific cases again, used the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to carry out risk warning and evaluation on the PPP projects of private enterprises in our province, and concluded that the project risk score is between 20-60, which is meet the severe-medium range in the risk level. Research shows that the use of fuzzy theory and modern network technology can make more accurate warnings and assessments of potential and apparent risks of financial enterprises, greatly improving the safety of financial enterprise management and reducing the losses caused by various risks.
Mining discriminative patches for script identification in natural scene images
Authors: Lu Liqiong , Wu Dong , Tang Ziwei , Yi Yaohua , Huang Faliang
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on script identification in natural scene images. Traditional CNNs (Convolution Neural Networks) cannot solve this problem perfectly for two reasons: one is the arbitrary aspect ratios of scene images which bring much difficulty to traditional CNNs with a fixed size image as the input. And the other is that some scripts with minor differences are easily confused because they share a subset of characters with the same shapes. We propose a novel approach combing Score CNN, Attention CNN and patches. Attention CNN is utilized to determine whether a patch is a discriminative patch and calculate the contribution weight of the discriminative patch to script identification of the whole image. Score CNN uses a discriminative patch as input and predict the score of each script type. Firstly patches with the same size are extracted from the scene images. Secondly these patches are used as inputs to Score CNN and Attention CNN to train two patch-level classifiers. Finally, the results of multiple discriminative patches extracted from the same image via the above two classifiers are fused to obtain the script type of this image. Using patches with the same size as inputs to CNN can avoid the problems caused by arbitrary aspect ratios of scene images. The trained classifiers can mine discriminative patches to accurately identify some confusing scripts. The experimental results show the good performance of our approach on four public datasets.
Flexibility measurement model of multi-agent systems
Authors: Benaboud Rohallah , Marir Toufik
Published: November 2020

Flexibility is considered as one of the key objectives of agent-based technology. Despite this, we still lack a fundamental understanding of just what “flexibility in multi-agent system (MAS)” really is. Two main questions must be asked. First, how do agents and MAS achieve a high degree of flexibility? Second, what makes one agent or one MAS more flexible than others agents or others MASs? This paper addresses the answer to these two questions by proposing an ontology of the flexibility property and a mathematical measurement model for this property. The proposed ontology gives a comprehensive view of the flexibility by decomposing it on several characteristics and presents several techniques for implementing each characteristic. In addition, it relates these characteristics to MAS components. The proposed model presents a set of metrics for measuring the different characteristics of the flexibility property. The proposed metrics have been applied to JADE applications using a tool developed for this purpose.
Bridging the gap between official statistics and theoretical statistics
Authors: Ndifwa Nelson , Saxena Kuldeep Kumar
Published: November 2020

Generally, statistics means numerical data or quantitative information in an enquiry. In ancient times, statistics was used as ‘political arithmetic’. Some view it as branch of mathematics while others view statistics as information. Nobody is arguing on the importance of mathematics in studying statistics.

Official statistics are statistics published by the government and its agencies to make decisions about society and the economy while theoretical statistics is the application of mathematical knowledge in studying different statistical theories and methods. The importance of official statistics cannot be over-emphasized, but the graduates from many universities in developing countries, are equipped with theoretical statistics with almost no knowledge in official statistics. These graduates need to be first oriented with official statistics within National Statistics Offices (NSOs) to understand the skill, intricacies, and competencies to make sense of statistical information in areas of importance to society.

In addition, there is a need to identify gaps and various other aspects related to official statistics, which these graduates should learn, in order to be considered literate in official statistics.

This paper aims to address how to bridge the gap between official statistics and theoretical statistics to the statisticians, and hence to ensure that we leave no statistician behind because official statistics matter to all statisticians.
Factors affecting students’ achievement in mathematics in secondary schools in developing countries: A rapid systematic review
Authors: Ayebale Lillian , Habaasa Gilbert , Tweheyo Samson
Published: November 2020

Mathematics is seen by society as the foundation of scientific technological knowledge that is vital in social-economic development of a nation. In fact, studies suggest that mathematics as a subject affects all aspects of human life at different levels. This paper is a rapid systematic review of factors affecting students’ achievement in mathematics. We searched literature on student achievement in mathematics. We used ERIC database and supplemented with Google Scholar and random Google search. Twenty six articles met the final selection criteria and were reviewed. The teaching methods, teachers’ attitude, students’ attitude towards mathematics were noted as key factors in almost all articles reviewed. There seemed to be consistency too that parents can exert a positive influence on their children’s mathematical performance, classroom environment, students’ previous mathematics achievement and gender related factors. Student achievement at secondary level determines whether they will opt to or qualify to study statistics at university. From this review, it is imperative that these factors be addressed early in the students’ career so as to have more student enrollment for statistics at tertiary institutions.
Exploring the antecedents of the mental health of business professionals in Sweden
Authors: Uman Timur , Broberg Pernilla , Tagesson Torbjörn
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Business professionals are an important occupational group that carries responsibility for the economic welfare of organizations and of society at large. These professionals have recently been reported to be experiencing increased mental strain, which may have a significant effect on the role they play in organizations and in society. Understanding the causes of this strain is thus an important endeavour. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the antecedents of the mental health of business professionals. METHODS: Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between business professionals’ mental health and its demographic, work-related, and other triggers. T-tests and descriptive statistics were used to explore the gender of the respondents in relation to these triggers and mental health. RESULTS: Compared with their male counterparts, female business professionals report poorer mental health; however, no gender differences were found in job satisfaction or life satisfaction. According to this study, age, overtime pay, higher salary and position as a manager have a positive relation with mental health, whereas working overtime has a negative relation with mental health. Job satisfaction and life satisfaction are important determinants of the mental health of business professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Business professionals are important to the economic welfare of their organization and of society as a whole. Our study suggests that demographic characteristics, work-related aspects and subjective dimensions of well-being have a profound effect on the mental health of business professionals.
Educação, poder e liberdade de cátedra: o espaço acadêmico contemporâneo
Authors: Diniz Carlos Augusto de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

Existe uma onda de perseguição no espaço acadêmico e a hipótese deste trabalho é que os ataques contra a Universidade Pública refletem o fortalecimento do discurso reacionário na sociedade. O objetivo geral é discutir os ataques contra a Universidade Pública, o objetivo específico é analisar seus impactos no ambiente de trabalho e no adoecimento docente. Optamos pelo método indutivo a partir de um caso concreto com suporte de referencial bibliográfico para o desenvolvimento dos objetivos do trabalho. A conclusão apontou que a Universidade tornou-se espaço de vigilância o que afeta o trabalho docente gerando adoecimento e improdutividade.
M-Learning Based on Values of Local Wisdom Catur Guru as Formation of Millennial Generation Characters
Authors: Sartika Lianda Dewi , Joebagio Hermanu , . Susanto
Published: November 2020

The millennial generation is currently faced with a great challenge, which is the effort to defend the noble values and traditions of the Indonesian nation during the industrial revolution era 4.0. To overcome the negative impact of the industrial revolution 4.0, the Indonesian government gives freedom to all schools to integrate the values of local wisdom in each school that aims to shape the character of students into millennials who are virtuous per the character of the Indonesian Nation. This paper aims to explain the conception of the synergy of learning technology in the form of m-learning which is integrated with the values of Catur Guru local wisdom implemented by the Hindu community in Bali as an effort to shape the character of the millennial generation. The methodology used in this paper is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques in the form of literature studies and interviews with traditional leaders of the village of Panglipuran, as well as vice-principals in the field of curriculum and several students in Junior High School PGRI 1 Denpasar.
A Comparative Study of Bitcoin Price Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Sai M. Akhil , Chandra Sai K. Sarath , Koushik M. Manu , Narayan K. Gowri Raghavendra
Published: November 2020

ML and AI-helped exchanging have pulled in developing enthusiasm for as far back as not many years.We examine day-by-day information for different digital currencies over some stretch of time. We show that straightforward exchanging methodologies helped by innovative AI calculations outflank standard benchmarks. We have picked two Machine Learning Algorithms to play out a Comparative Study to foresee cost of a Bitcoin; we have utilized Decision tree regressor and LSTM Algorithms and watched execution of every calculation as far as anticipating the cost of Bitcoin. We saw that Decision tree regressor gives progressively effective and precise outcomes when contrasted with others.
Contribución ao estudo das fontes literarias de Rosalía
Authors: Carballo Calero Ricardo , Otero Pedrayo Ramón
Published: November 2020

Discurso lido o día 17 de maio de 1958 no acto da súa recepción, polo ilustrísimo señor don Ricardo Carballo Calero e resposta do excelentísimo señor don Ramón Otero Pedrayo. O solemne acto académico no que foron lidos os dous discursos recollidos no presente volume celebrouse o 17 de maio de 1958 no salón de actos do Pazo Municipal da Coruña. Esta edición elaborouse a partir da orixinal publicada no ano 1959 por Ediciones Celta (Lugo). Para facilitar o acceso do público escolar aos textos, estes foron adaptados ás Normas ortográficas e morfolóxicas do idioma galego, aprobadas en 2003.
Environmentally Friendly Preparation of Magnetic Composites Featuring Proteolytic Properties
Authors:   Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova 28, Moscow, 119991 Russia, Samoilova N. A.
Published: November 2020

The enzyme-containing magnetic composites are presented. The magnetic matrix for enzyme immobilization is obtained by sequential application of an amine-containing polysaccharide—chitosan and a synthetic polymer—poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) to the magnetite microparticles to form the interpolyelectrolyte complex shell. Then, the enzyme (trypsin) is immobilized by covalent or noncovalent binding. Thus, the suggested composites can be readily obtained in the environmentally friendly manner. The enzyme capacity of the resulting composites reaches 28.0–32.6 mg/g. The maximum hydrolysis rates of the H-Val-Leu-Lys-pNA substrate provided by these composites range within 0.60·10–7–0.77·10–7 M/min.
Characterization of charcoal produced by different Pyrolyzing techniques
Authors: Curay Ma. Grace , Ching Abigail Joy , Duran Kazel , Talingting Regine Mary , Balladares Sheila
Published: November 2020

Different pyrolyzing techniques are assumed to yield products with different content and adsorption rate. This study aimed to characterize five coconut charcoal samples from different pyrolyzing techniques such as Drum Kiln, Pit Method, Top Lift Updraft Method for TLUD – Top Sample & TLUD – Bottom Sample, and Hookway Retort to determine the best production method that will yield a quality of charcoal suitable for adsorption applications. Proximate analysis and adsorption kinetic studies were done to characterize and determine the rate of adsorption. Charcoal samples were ranked based on the following criteria and weights: 70% for adsorption capacity, 20% for fixed carbon, and 10% for the volatile matter. High adsorption capacity, high fixed carbon, and low volatile matter are good charcoal qualities for adsorption. For proximate analysis, ASTM Methods (ASTM D3302, ASTM D3175-17, ASTM D3174-12, ASTM D3172-13) were used. Experimental data showed that fixed carbon content of charcoal samples from Drum Kiln, Pit Method, TLUD-Top, TLUD-Bottom, and Hookway was 54.63%, 56.84%, 64.77%, 45.85%, and 56.59% respectively; while 30.69%, 31.65%, 20.65%, 43.39%, and 24.13% respectively for the volatile matter. For adsorption kinetic studies, optimization was done using Box-Behnken design with initial concentration, adsorbent dose, and pH as factors. The Hookway sample was subjected to optimization, where its optimum conditions were used for the rest of the charcoal samples. The experimental data for the adsorption kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second-order exhibited the best fit for all the charcoal samples. The coefficient of determination for charcoal samples from Drum Kiln, Pit Method, TLUD-Top, TLUD-Bottom, and Hookway Method are 0.9253, 0.944, 0.7267, 0.9885, and 0.9216. Applying the weights, the best charcoal sample is from Kiln, followed by Pit, TLUD-Bottom, TLUD-Top, and Hookway. Production temperature, pressure, and humidity could be employed in future studies to determine what affects the quality of charcoal during pyrolysis.
Understanding vaccine hesitancy among mothers: the case of a community hit by rubella outbreak
Authors: Ogalesco Rhea Jenny , Cagasan Editha , Gabrillo Christina , Bales Milagros
Published: November 2020

The Philippines has been implementing its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) for over 40 years now. However, measles outbreaks are still reported. One of the reasons behind this is parental vaccine hesitancy. This study aimed to understand conditions surrounding vaccine hesitancy among mothers in San Antonio, Northern Samar where rubella (German measles) outbreak was reported in 2017. A total of 1 6 mothers and three program implementers served as informants for this study. lt was found that despite the communication strategies used by the EPI program implementers, parental vaccine-hesitancy existed in the municipality. The mothers were considered vaccine-hesitant because of their delay in subjecting their children to measles vaccination. Analysis of the interview transcripts using the Grounded Theory approach revealed a number of conditions surrounding vaccine hesitancy among mothers. These include: (1) preoccupation with household responsibilities, (2) misunderstanding of the information on measles vaccination, (3) influence of social networks on vaccination decisions, and (4) negative perceptions about measles vaccination. The mothers’ hesitancy to subject their children to measles vaccination caused their children to be infected with the disease, and had resulted in an outbreak of rubella in the community. The rubella outbreak eventually led to vaccine uptake when parents realized the importance of
subjecting their children to vaccination and when the government implemented mandatory measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
Customer Loyalty Management in Hotel and Restaurant Establishments in the Face of New Challenges
Authors:   Kharkiv State University of Food Technology and Trade, Zhehus O. V. , Illiashenko O. V. ,   O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv
Published: November 2020

The article proves that the current situation, which is characterized by a political and socio-economic crisis in Ukraine, has been complicated by the consequences of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, and together they have led to new challenges in the hotel and restaurant industry. The actual value of the chosen area of research is stipulated by the necessity to develop modern and marketing management technologies, which could help hotel and restaurant establishments to survive, adapt, and develop in the face of today’s challenges. One of the priority areas for management is the assessment of customer loyalty and finding solutions to increase it. In order to further develop theoretical aspects and practical tools within the issues analyzed, the characteristics of consumer loyalty have been substantiated, with respect to the specific features of the hotel and restaurant industry and the scientific and methodical approach to its estimation and management. Hotel and restaurant product has been presented as a combination of material product, services, and vibes, which together form a unique trade offer in the hotel and restaurant industry. Bearing this in mind, the authors of the article have proven the fact that customer loyalty in hotel and restaurant establishments is characterized by the customer’s satisfaction, commitment, advocacy and impressions, which together reflect the customer’s perception of an establishment, his/her attitude to it and future intentions. To assess and manage customer loyalty in the hotel and restaurant industry, a structural and logical framework has been built, which governs the stages of the study. Taking into account the methodological tools of the research, an algorithm for assessing customer loyalty of hotel and restaurant establishments has been designed, which should be used when compiling a customer satisfaction survey. An index method for estimating the loyalty level has been suggested, which helps to find partial loyalty indices by feature, and the integrative indicator. A scale for identifying the level and stage of the customer loyalty formation regarding hotel and restaurant establishments has been made up. The use of the suggested scientific and practical approach will help to identify the level of customer loyalty to a hotel or restaurant establishment, in general and by feature, to make informed management decisions in accordance with the stage of the customer loyalty formation. To increase the customer loyalty for a hotel and/or restaurant establishment in the face of modern challenges, a number of practical recommendations are given, which could provide the unique competitive advantages of a certain hotel product, help introduce modern information technologies, and improve the service quality.
Development of Enterprise Export Potential in the European FMCG Market in Terms of Risks
Authors:   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Khomych O. V. , Manaienko I. M. ,   National Technical University of Ukraine «Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute»
Published: November 2020

The article analyzes the basic concepts and principles of enterprises functioning in the FMCG market. Given that this market suggests quick return goods and consumer goods, which are characterized by high demand and frequency of purchase, the article presents the basic patterns of the market dynamic development. The principles of food industry enterprises activity have been considered, taking them as an integral part of the FMCG market. The peculiarities of dairy products export have been studied, taking into account modern economic processes in Ukraine and the reorientation of its export flows from the CIS to EU states. The authors have come to conclusion that carrying out export activity directly depends on the export potential. The article also analyzes the risks associated with the difference between international and domestic norms and regulations stated in the export legislation and legislation on the quality of perishable dairy products, which may be faced by companies already exporting dairy products to the EU market or just planning to enter this promising foreign market. We have assessed the attempt to increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian products through raising their quality and bringing it in accordance with international standards. The determinants dominating in the export activity of the FMCG businesses in the EU market have been identified, taking into account the potential risks. It has been proved that in order to increase the export potential of enterprises working in the FMCG-market in the conditions of systemic risks caused by business environment, a promising area of research may consist in improving the institutional framework in such spheres as standardization, conformity assessment and market surveillance by integrating Ukrainian institutions into European and international structures.
Corona-test of the Real Economy and Financial and Economic Imperatives to Overcome the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Academy of Financial Management, Prianyshnykova M. V. , Hudenko O. D. ,   Academy of Financial Management
Published: November 2020

The article aims at highlighting the financial and economic imperatives and semantics of the practical ways for overcoming the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by country, and finding capabilities for their implementation in Ukraine, taking into account the corona test results of the real economy expressed in the national measures of sustainable and comprehensive development, traditionally taken as a whole. The state of institutional and sectoral units of the real sector of economy during the COVID-19 global pandemic has been analyzed. The key factors of the negative impact on economic sustainability have been systematized based on the criterial invariance of the quantitative and qualitative indices of the production, logistics, labor availability (saving) and bankruptcy parameters. The research results in suggesting two types of measures to overcome the pandemic effects: the first one is at the enterprise level, and the second one is at the state level. The first group should include the companies’ strategy decomposition, e.g. reducing costs, restructuring activities, diversifying production to meet the domestic market needs, supporting employees’ mobility and engagement in remote work (online operation). The second group should include deferring tax payments, providing assistance (support) to enterprises and employees, state guarantees on loans, interest-free loans, one-time financial help, one-time grants for certain sectors, which are among the most sensitive ones to the COVID-19 pandemic effects. A critical analysis of the best practices in overcoming the pandemic effects in such countries as France, the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey, Japan, China, South Korea and others has been carried out. Possible ways of their application in Ukraine have been offered.
Ecotourism Development Trends in the Dnipropetrovsk Region
Authors:   Dnipro State Agrarian Economics University, Bezuhla L. S.
Published: November 2020

The author of the article has carried out statistical analysis and has made some forecasts concerning the main indicators of economic entities in ecotourism, taking the Dnipropetrovsk region as an example. The correlation coefficients suggested by Pearson, Spearman and Fechner have been calculated to determine the correlation between revenues received from the provision of tourist services and operating expenditures of tourism businesses (tour operators and travel agents) in the region. Strategic directions of the intensification of ecotourism activity development in the Dnipropetrovsk region have been determined, namely: creating appropriate institutional conditions and legal environment, meaning the design and adoption of the Law of Ukraine On Rural Green Tourism, a regional program of ecotourism development, changes and amendments to the Strategy development for the period up to 2027 and the Road Map for its implementation in 2021-2023; economic support of ecotourism development through public-private partnerships, which would attract private investment and crowdfunding, guarantee preferential lending to farmstead owners to modernize their lodgings, receive training or run promotional campaigns; the implementation of stimulating and encouraging mechanisms to ensure the work of ecotourism infrastructure facilities; creation of an effective quality assurance system for ecotourism services, which will be based on the consumers’ needs, guarantee fundamental standards, include environmental protection criteria
Conceptual analysis of the evolutionary development of agro-industrial complex logistics
Authors: Volchenko A. , Lebedynska O.
Published: November 2020

The conceptual analysis of evolutionary development of logistics with definition of the basic principles of implementation of logistic support for agricultural sector enterprises is carried out in this paper on the basis of theoretical generalization of scientific literature data. The specific character of logistic approach is highlighted in this paper. The peculiarities of material flows in agriculture in general and particularly in agro-industrial complex are listed. It is shown that in agriculture, the production and biological processes are closely interconnected, and material flows can be biological in nature. It is determined that the object of production logistics in agriculture is the internal material flow and accompanying enterprise flows on their way from raw materials warehouses to the finished products warehouses, and internal movements of agricultural machinery. The subject of production logistics is material flows optimization within the enterprises that create material values or provide services such as storage, packaging, assembling. Particular attention is paid to the problems of agricultural production and specific features of agro-industrial production. It is also noticed that the efficiency of agricultural production is determined by its technological resource, and the criterion of economic logistics efficiency is maximization while minimizing resource costs. The dynamics of the Logistics Performance Index in Ukraine in comparison with Europe is presented. It is obvious from dynamics analysis, that Ukraine has a high level of logistics costs, which affects both the efficiency of the country's economy in general and agricultural production in particular. It is concluded that the use of logistics at the enterprise should provide the possibility of constant coordination and mutual adjustment of supplier actions, production and sales units. Thus, the use of logistics in agro-industrial economy makes it possible on the one hand to streamline the processes of physical movement of goods, eliminate «bottlenecks» in transportation and warehousing in all sectors of agro-industrial complex, and on the other hand directs the producers to form optimal channels for the movement of finished goods, including agricultural products.
Jean Rhys’s Wide Sargasso Sea and the Case of Post Colonial Haunting
Authors: Hemingway Kathleen
Published: November 2020

Kathleen Hemingway is currently in her third year at the University of Toronto Mississauga where she is specializing in English and majoring in History. She has spent the last five summers working as both a counsellor and a teacher at an arts camp. Kathleen is particularly interested in ideas of translation and post-colonial as well as transnational literature.
Hybrid 2
Authors: Rampersand Ashti-Leah Mindy
Published: November 2020

mehndi
Wilson Harris and Human Alienation
Authors: Edwards Duane
Published: November 2020

essay
Bombs, Land & Dignity: Annihilation, Genocide & Legal Recourse: Vieques, Puerto Rico
Authors: Enberg Susan G.
Published: November 2020

essay
The CARIBSAVE Partnership: Climate Change Impacts & Tourism
Authors: G’meiner Anna Agosta
Published: November 2020

essay
“Metamorphoses”
Authors: Gurprasad Tiffany
Published: November 2020

phtoograph
Maroon Societies: A Political Perspective
Authors: McFarlane Chantal
Published: November 2020

essay
“The Blonde Woman’s Kitchen”
Authors: Patel Sharifa
Published: November 2020

poetry
“On Affirmative Action”
Authors: Williams Tammy Ronique
Published: November 2020

poetry
Haiti and Cuba: Trans-Caribbean Conversations and Cross Border Movement
Authors: Espaillat Lizardo Monica
Published: November 2020

Haiti and Cuba: Trans-Caribbean Conversations and Cross Border Movements by Monica Espaillat Lizardo
Racialized Emotional Labour: The Weight of Blackness in White Spaces
Authors: Andrade-Dixon Octavia
Published: November 2020

At the age of 17, from April 2016 to September 2016, I worked part-time at a yacht club on Toronto Island as a maintenance worker. I worked alongside another individual in the maintenance department, and we were both of Afro-Jamaican descent. The club had a predominantly white membership, with few customers who were people of colour. The staff was also mostly white, and there were only five other people of colour who worked there besides us, and none of them were black either. I found that, while interacting with members, I faced racialised remarks and assumptions based on my position as a maintenance worker and as a young black woman. To remain professional and avoid validating any of their racist assumptions, I employed a high level of emotional labour and restraint. In discussions with my Jamaican colleague, I found he faced similar racialised comments; he also felt it necessary to employ emotional control to uphold a palatable image. However, I also found that the non-black employees did not employ the same level of emotional labour. This is not an isolated experience. I have also had to engage in emotional labour in other workplaces. Moreover, it is common to hear about Black employees, especially Black women, performing emotional labour for non-black customers. Black female employees must employ more emotional labour when working in predominantly white spaces, especially in racialised occupations.
A Brief History of Race, Politics and Division in Trinidad and Guyana
Authors: Brown Kahlia
Published: November 2020

This essay will act as an analysis of the Indo-Afro racial politics of two west Indian countries: Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. I will give the circumstances that led to the migration of large numbers of East Indians as indentured servants to Trinidad and Guyana, specifically. I will also explain how these conditions led to a distinct form of government and society. Through tables of electoral data in Trinidad, the racial voting patterns will be observed, and I will elaborate on how political parties do or do not pander to their respective racial communities. Finally, I will conclude by addressing how the racial divide in these two large Caribbean nations impact Caribbean regionalism on a larger scale.
Caribbean Visual Arts, Social Media and Performance
Authors: Adeliyi Wendy
Published: November 2020

The photographic installation created by María Magdalena Campos-Pons in De las dos Aguas (Between Two Waters), Campos-Pons takes the viewer on a historical journey of the two bodies of ocean water that separate Africa and the Americas Many dualities are seen in the photo, starting with the two women standing on either side of the photograph holding opposites ends of a boat.
The Effect of Problem Based Learning Model on Critical Thinking Ability Student Mathematics and Adversity Student Quotient on Students SMP Negeri 4 Lubukpakam
Authors: Sitanggang Saut Lamhot , Syahputra Edi , Yus Anita
Published: November 2020

This study aims to determine the effect of the Problem-Based Learning model on students' mathematical critical thinking skills and Adversity Quotient. In addition, this study was also to see the interaction between learning and gender on students' mathematical critical thinking skills and Adversity Quotient. This research is a quasi-experimental research. The population in this study were all students at SMP N 4 LubukPakam for the 2020/2021 academic year, totaling 384 students. The research sample was 60 students, namely 30 students in class VII-1 and 30 students in class VII-2. The sample was selected by cluster random sampling. The instruments used were the mathematical critical thinking ability test and the Adversity Quotient attitude scale. The data obtained were analyzed using ANAVA in the Spss 20 program. The results showed that: 1) there was an effect of the Problem-Based Learning model on students' mathematical critical thinking skills with a significance value of 0.001 <0.05. 2) there is an effect of the Problem-Based Learning model on students' Adversity Quotient with a significance value of 0.00 <0.05. 3) there is no interaction between learning and gender on students' mathematical critical thinking skills with a significance value of 0.750> 0.05. 4) there is an interaction between learning and gender on students' Adversity Quotient with a significance value of 0.013 <0.05.