bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and Reactogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients With Cancer: The CANVAX Cohort Study
Authors: Naranbhai Vivek , Pernat Claire A. , Gavralidis Alexander , St Denis Kerri J. , Lam Evan C. , Spring Laura M. , Isakoff Steven J. , Farmer Jocelyn R. , Zubiri Leyre , Hobbs Gabriela S. , How Joan , Brunner Andrew M. , Fathi Amir T. , Peterson Jennifer L. , Sakhi Mustafa , Hambelton Grace , Denault Elyssa N. , Mortensen Lindsey J. , Perriello Lailoo A. , Bruno Marissa N. , Bertaux Brittany Y. , Lawless Aleigha R. , Jackson Monica A. , Niehoff Elizabeth , Barabell Caroline , Nambu Christian N. , Nakajima Erika , Reinicke Trenton , Bowes Cynthia , Berrios-Mairena Cristhian J. , Ofoman Onosereme , Kirkpatrick Grace E. , Thierauf Julia C. , Reynolds Kerry , Willers Henning , Beltran Wilfredo-Garcia , Dighe Anand S. , Saff Rebecca , Blumenthal Kimberly , Sullivan Ryan J. , Chen Yi-Bin , Kim Arthur , Bardia Aditya , Balazs Alejandro B. , Iafrate A. John , Gainor Justin F.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

The immunogenicity and reactogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with cancer are poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of adults with solid-organ or hematologic cancers to evaluate anti–SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin A/M/G spike antibodies, neutralization, and reactogenicity ≥ 7 days following two doses of mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, or one dose of Ad26.COV2.S. We analyzed responses by multivariate regression and included data from 1,638 healthy controls, previously reported, for comparison.

RESULTS

Between April and July 2021, we enrolled 1,001 patients; 762 were eligible for analysis (656 had neutralization measured). mRNA-1273 was the most immunogenic (log10 geometric mean concentration [GMC] 2.9, log10 geometric mean neutralization titer [GMT] 2.3), followed by BNT162b2 (GMC 2.4; GMT 1.9) and Ad26.COV2.S (GMC 1.5; GMT 1.4; P < .001). The proportion of low neutralization (< 20% of convalescent titers) among Ad26.COV2.S recipients was 69.9%. Prior COVID-19 infection (in 7.1% of the cohort) was associated with higher responses ( P < .001). Antibody titers and neutralization were quantitatively lower in patients with cancer than in comparable healthy controls, regardless of vaccine type ( P < .001). Receipt of chemotherapy in the prior year or current steroids were associated with lower antibody levels and immune checkpoint blockade with higher neutralization. Systemic reactogenicity varied by vaccine and correlated with immune responses ( P = .002 for concentration, P = .016 for neutralization). In 32 patients who received an additional vaccine dose, side effects were similar to prior doses, and 30 of 32 demonstrated increased antibody titers (GMC 1.05 before additional dose, 3.17 after dose).

CONCLUSION

Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are modestly impaired in patients with cancer. These data suggest utility of antibody testing to identify patients for whom additional vaccine doses may be effective and appropriate, although larger prospective studies are needed.
The IMAGINE Intervention: Impacting Physical Activity, Body Fat, Body Mass Index, and Dietary Inflammatory Index
Authors: Bernhart John A. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Wirth Michael D. , Shivappa Nitin , Hébert James R.
Published: November 2021

Many behavior-change interventions focused on nutrition and physical activity (PA) have been implemented to prevent disease and promote optimal health. This study examined changes in PA with Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) and chronic disease risk factors in participants of a multicomponent intervention. Data from the Inflammation Management Intervention (IMAGINE) were used. Participants self-selected into the intervention or control group. At baseline and 12 wk (postintervention), participants completed three unannounced 24-h dietary recalls (24HR), anthropometric measures (height, weight), and a dual x-ray absorptiometry scan. PA was measured using Sensewear® armbands. E-DII scores were calculated from the 24HR. Descriptive statistics and t-tests summarized variables and multiple regression assessed relationships between PA and body mass index (BMI), total body fat percent, and E-DII scores. Intervention participants increased moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and lowered BMI, total body fat, and E-DII scores compared with controls. Every 10-min increase in postintervention MVPA was associated with 1.6 kg·m−2 lower BMI (P < 0.01) and 2.4% lower body fat percent (P < 0.01) among control participants, after adjusting for covariates. Every 10-min increase in postintervention MVPA was associated with 0.3 lower (i.e., less inflammatory) postintervention E-DII (P = 0.01) scores among intervention participants, after adjusting for covariates. Participants who changed dietary intake changed PA. Although changes were in expected directions, this intervention’s emphasis on dietary behaviors compared with PA may have attenuated the relationship between PA and study outcomes.
Data analytics competency and religiosity influence on external auditors’ performance in Malaysia
Authors: Jaffar Nahariah , Bin Ahmad Abdul Aziz , Sulaiman Noor Adwa
Published: November 2021

Background - Data analytics can support the external auditors’ judgements. However, little is known about the external auditors’ data analytics competency. Likewise, role of religiosity in enhancing the external auditors’ performance is also inadequately investigated. This study examined: 1) the effects of data analytics competency on the external auditors’ performance, and 2) the moderating effects of religiosity on data analytics competency and external auditors’ performance relationship.

Methods – Survey was conducted on 201 external auditors. Data analytics competency dimensions, namely, personal capabilities, professional expertise, technical skills, technologies and tools expertise were examined. Religiosity was measured by level and dimension (faith, virtue and optional).

Results – Data analytics competency (personal capabilities) has a positive significant effect on the Muslim external auditors’ performance. However, data analytics competency does not affect the performance of non-Muslim external auditors. Level of religiosity has significant moderating effect on the relationship between data analytics competency (technologies and tools expertise) and Muslim external auditors’ performance. Nonetheless, level of religiosity does not moderate the relationship between data analytics competency and the performance of non-Muslim external auditors. Religiosity (virtue) has significant moderating effect on the relationship between data analytics competency (personal capabilities) and Muslim external auditors’ performance. Meanwhile, religiosity (faith) has significant moderating effect on the relationship between data analytics competency (technologies and tools expertise) and non-Muslim external auditors’ performance.

Conclusion – This study demonstrates that data analytics competency and religiosity can influence the external auditors’ performance.
Blood pressure and 10-year all-cause mortality: Findings from the PERU MIGRANT Study
Authors: Hidalgo-Benites Aida , Senosain-Leon Valeria , Carrillo-Larco Rodrigo M. , Ruiz-Alejos Andrea , Gilman Robert H. , Smeeth Liam , Miranda J. Jaime , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: November 2021

Background

The long-term impact of elevated blood pressure on mortality outcomes has been recently revisited due to proposed changes in cut-offs for hypertension. This study aimed at assessing the association between high blood pressure levels and 10-year mortality using the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) and the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) 2017 blood pressure guidelines.

Methods

Data analysis of the PERU MIGRANT Study, a prospective ongoing cohort, was used. The outcome of interest was 10-year all-cause mortality, and exposures were blood pressure categories according to the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines. Log-rank test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to assess the associations of interest controlling for confounders. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results

A total of 976 records, mean age of 60.4 (SD: 11.4), 513 (52.6%) women, were analyzed. Hypertension prevalence at baseline almost doubled from 16.0% (95% CI 13.7%–18.4%) to 31.3% (95% CI 28.4%–34.3%), using the JNC-7 and ACC/AHA 2017 definitions, respectively. Sixty three (6.4%) participants died during the 10-year follow-up, equating to a mortality rate of 3.6 (95% CI 2.4–4.7) per 1000 person-years. Using JNC-7, and compared to those with normal blood pressure, those with pre-hypertension and hypertension had 2.1-fold and 5.1-fold increased risk of death, respectively. Similar mortality effect sizes were estimated using ACC/AHA 2017 for stage-1 and stage-2 hypertension.

Conclusions

Blood pressure levels under two different definitions increased the risk of 10-year all-cause mortality. Hypertension prevalence doubled using ACC/AHA 2017 compared to JNC-7. The choice of blood pressure cut-offs to classify hypertension categories need to be balanced against the patients benefit and the capacities of the health system to adequately handle a large proportion of new patients.
THERMAL ABLATION MODELLING OF C/SIC FOR HYPERSONIC APPLICATIONS
Authors: AVALOS EDGAR
Published: November 2021

Hypersonic vehicles are designed to operate at speeds above Mach 5. These vehicles are optimized to have low drag and have thin, slender bodies. The leading edges (nose and wings) are subjected to very high temperatures (above 3000 °C) due to the high heat fluxes. Carbon fiber reinforced Silicon Carbide matrix (C/SiC) composite is a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) that shows great potential for hypersonic applications as it has a low specific weight, high specific strength, and high specificity specific modulus, good thermal stability, and oxidation resistance. C/SiC can be used in leading edges, acreage, hot structures, and the propulsion system. The primary challenge of C/SiC is environmental durability caused by the oxidation and ablation of the material when subjected to extreme heat fluxes. Coatings must be added to the C/SiC substrate to withstand harsh environments at hypersonic speed. These coatings consist of an ultra- high temperature ceramic, an environmental barrier coating (EBC), and a bond coat (BC). This project aims to develop a computational model that will predict the thermal ablation of UHTC coatings when subjected to large heat fluxes. The finite element software used was ABAQUS 2020. Two different models in 2D were created, one for the ablation and one for the stress distribution through the coating. Ablative heat flux was applied at the surface on one side while the other side remains insulated. Preliminary results have shown that as the material is ablated, the temperature across the model started to rise due to the heat flux.
DEVELOPMENT OF A FRANGIBLE DESIGN OF SMALL FIXED-WING UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM
Authors: ANURAG  , KOTA KALYAN RAJ , LACY THOMAS E.
Published: November 2021

Existing studies show that small fixed-wing unmanned aircraft systems’ (FWUASs) mid-air collisions with aircraft can cause substantial damage. Upon a 250 knots impact, a ~1.8 kg “tractor” configuration of FW-UAS can perforate aircraft skin, thereby damaging the internal structures such as ribs, frames, etc., posing severe threat to manned air fleet. Significant damage is primarily caused by FW-UAS’s heavy and rigid components such as motor, battery, and payload especially due to their roughly in-line arrangement and proximity with one another. In this work, a modified FW-UAS finite element (FE) model was developed that included a “pusher” engine (i.e., motor in the aft of the forward fuselage) configuration to reduce the impact severity during airborne collisions. A polymeric foam nosecone was attached to the front of the FW-UAS FE model to dissipate impact energy. To assess its energy absorbing capacity, a comparative study with expanded polypropylene (EPP), polyurethane (PUR), and polystyrene (IMPAXX700) foams was performed. Conical and semi-spherical nosecone configurations were studied as part of this research. A series of LS-Dyna impact simulations were performed with the pusher configuration of FW-UAS impacting a 1.59 mm thick aluminum 2024-T3 flat plate sandwiched between a rigid target frame. In addition, a frangible design of the FW-UAS, in which the payload is diverged from the in-line collision trajectory of battery and motor upon impact, was implemented and assessed. Force generated during the initial stage of impact is leveraged through lightweight and friable structural links to diverge the payload to avoid impact along the single axis as of the battery and motor. Damage severity is evaluated through target plate tear, and velocity of payload during impact, it being the major damage causing component.
CHARACTERIZING DUAL MATRIX COMPOSITE ORIGAMI DEPLOYMENT
Authors: HODGES, GREYSON , PANKOW MARK
Published: November 2021

Lightweight strain-energy deployable structures are well suited for applications in spacecraft structures and deployable habitats. Dual matrix composite origami describes a composite structure that utilizes two uniquely different matrix systems in the same fiber structure. An epoxy matrix is used to form rigid sections and a silicone matrix creates bending regions where one can create a collapsible structure. The added elastic properties of the silicone matrix allow the composite to harness internal strain-energy to spring open from a folded configuration to a flat plane. This is advantageous for solar arrays as they can be folded for compact transit and then return to a flat surface after being deployed. In this work, initial ground testing is used to verify repeatable deployment prior to micro gravity flight testing. To characterize the motion of the composite structures as they deploy, OptiTrack Flex 13 cameras are used in sync with a deployment mechanism that repeatably releases and tracks the origami structures. The data collected in this study will be used to validate the use of the flight rig, deployment mechanism, and motion tracking system for future micro gravity flight testing. Once tested and characterized in a micro gravity setting, the dual matrix composite origami structures developed in this work can be applied to large solar arrays to power next generation spacecraft and satellites with lower complexity compared to other deployable technology.
3D PRINTED CONTINUOUS FIBRE COMPOSITE RESEARCH AT DEAKIN UNIVERSITY: DESIGN AND ANALYSIS METHODS FOR UD, HYBRID AND PSEUDO-WOVEN PLY ARCHITECTURES
Authors: JOOSTEN MATHEW , LI ZI , HUANG CHENG
Published: November 2021

At Deakin University we have been researching the performance of continuous fibre 3D printed composite structures and a summary of three research activities related to this research theme are provided herein. 3D printed continuous fibre composites can be used to realise significant gains in stiffness and strength compared to an equivalent component fabricated using a neat thermoplastic. To investigate the performance of these materials both commercially available and customised printers were used to fabricate composite laminates and the behaviour of these laminates evaluated experimentally. Finite element and analytical models were used to predict the mechanical response. These approaches were originally developed for thermoset matrices, however, the models have shown to be capable of predicting the behaviour of 3D printed carbon fibre and hybrid carbon-fibreglass thermoplastic composites. These validated models can be used to generate design charts to identify feasible UD and semi-woven textile architectures, thereby, allowing designers to tailor the ply architecture and stacking sequence to meet specific design requirements.
REACTIVE EXTRUSION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING OF A SHORT FIBER REINFORCED THERMOSET COMPOSITE
Authors: PRATIK KOIRALA PRATIK KOIRALA , UITZ OLIVER LIAM , ORIDATE ADEMOLA A. , SEEPERSAD CAROLYN CONNER , TEHRANI MEHRAN
Published: November 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) of high-performance composites has gained increasing interest over the last few years. Commercially available AM technologies often use thermoplastics as they are easy to process, i.e., to melt and re-solidify. However, thermosetting polymers generally achieve superior mechanical properties and thermostability. This study investigates reactive extrusion additive manufacturing (REAM) of a thermosetting polymer reinforced with carbon fibers. The process utilizes highly exothermic and fast curing resin/catalyst systems, eliminating the need for post-curing. The rheological properties of the liquid resin are first tuned for REAM using ~2wt.% fumed silica and ~10vol.% milled carbon fibers. Then, a robotic arm is used to print the composite samples. The coupons’ longitudinal and transverse tensile properties are measured and correlated with the degree of cure, porosity, fiber length distribution, and fiber orientation distribution. The incorporation of milled carbon fibers, 50-200 m long, primarily affects the stiffness. Compared to neat polymer parts, carbon fiber reinforced composites are 51% stiffer and 8% stronger. In addition, polymeric crosslinking between part layers resulted in strong inter-layer bonding. Short fibers were also randomly oriented within parts due to the nozzle size and shape, resulting in nearly isotropic parts. The results presented here pave the road for fast and low-energy AM of high-performance composites.
THERMAL STRESSES FOR FUNCTIONALLY GRADED MATERIALS (FGMS) SUBJECT TO HEAT FLUX
Authors: KRISHNA NILABH , NOMURA SEIICHI
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the thermal stress due to heat flux at the far field is derived for an infinitely extended elastic medium which contains a spherical inclusion made of functionally graded materials (FGMs). The 3-D heat conduction equation subject to uniform heat flux at the far field is solved analytically to derive the temperature distribution. Based on the temperature solution, the thermal stress field due to heat flux is obtained by solving a set of two ordinary differential equations using the method of weighted residuals. Unlike the two-phase homogeneous medium, the von Mises stress distribution is continuous at the interface of the FGM-matrix medium.
STABILITY AND VIBRATION ANALYSES OF AN INTERNALLY DAMPED TAPERED COMPOSITE DRIVESHAFT USING THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: NAJAF MOHSEN , GANESAN RAJAMOHAN
Published: November 2021

The present study considers the linear vibration and stability analyses of an internally damped rotating tapered composite shaft supported on rolling bearings. The Timoshenko beam theory is utilized to model the tapered drive-shaft based on Equivalent Single Layer Theory (ESLT). The ESLT considers a laminated driveshaft that consists of several lamina with different fiber orientations. Since the bearings are considered as rolling element bearings, the bearings stiffnesses are modeled using linear translational springs and dampers. The equations of motion are derived by applying Lagrange’s equation, including the hysteretic internal damping of composite material, and then finite element formulation is utilized to solve the equations. The effects of various system parameters on the natural frequencies and instability threshold are investigated. An extensive parametric study has been carried out to determine the effects of various system parameters including hysteresis internal damping, fiber orientation, stacking sequence, taper angle, rotational velocity, and bearings stiffness and damping on the natural frequencies, critical speeds, and instability thresholds of internally damped tapered composite drive-shafts. Furthermore, Campbell and critical speed map diagrams are depicted to present the effects of rotational velocity and bearings stiffness on natural frequencies and critical speeds. It is shown that the stability of the driveshaft is enhanced by increasing the damping of the bearings, whereas increasing the internal damping of the composite driveshaft may reduce the instability threshold.
DYNAMIC IMPACT RESISTANCE OF COMPOSITE SANDWICH PANELS WITH 3-D PRINTED POLYMER SYNTACTIC FOAM CORES
Authors: TEWANI H. R. , BONTHU DILEEP , BHARATH H. S. , DODDAMANI MRITYUNJAY , PRABHAKAR P.
Published: November 2021

Polymer-based syntactic foams find use in the marine industry as primary structural materials due to their inherent lightweight nature and enhanced mechanical properties relative to pure HDPE. 3-D printing these materials circumvents the use of joining assemblies, enabling the production of complex shapes as standalone structures. Although the quasi-static response of these 3D printed foams has been well studied independently in recent years, their dynamic impact resistance and tolerance as potential core material for sandwich panels have not been the focus. Moreover, 3D printing is known to impart directionality in the printed syntactic foams, which may introduce failure mechanisms typically not observed in molded foams. It is therefore important to investigate the mechanics of 3-D printed syntactic foam core composite sandwich structures under impact loading and characterize their failure mechanisms for establishing dynamic impact resistance. To this end, 3-D printed syntactic foams have been developed using rasters of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Glass MicroBalloon (GMB) fillers by adopting the Fused Raster Fabrication (FFF) technique. The current study is performed to assess the impact performance of these composite foam cores based on the volume fraction of fillers and print orientation. The weight percentage of GMB fillers in printed specimens ranges from 0% to 60% in increments of 20%. This study presents the impact response of these composite sandwich panels at different energy levels, in compliance with ASTM D7136/D7136M - 20. Observations suggest that an increase in GMB % in HDPE matrix improves the impact performance in terms of the peak load of the material, but the failure behavior becomes brittle to an extent. Observing the failed specimens under a Micro-CT scanner captures the failure morphologies and helps characterize failure processes during impact. It is noticed that core materials with higher GMB content are prone to individual raster breakage and delamination at the back face, in addition to debonding between individual rasters. Specimens printed along the longer dimension (y-direction) impart more warping in the final sandwich structures than that of specimens printed along the shorter dimension (x-direction). Therefore, they are more susceptible to delamination at the back face. Addition of GMB fillers mitigate the tendency of the sandwich panels to warp.
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF PHOTOPOLYMER RESINS CORES FOR NAVAL APPLICATIONS IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: NIETO ZACKERY , CASTELLANOS ALEJANDRA G.
Published: November 2021

Due to the melting of polar ice caps, large deposits of natural resources are becoming more readily available, leading to an increase in arctic naval exploration. Naval vessels and ship hulls must be built with lightweight structures, such as sandwich composites, to increase the ship’s fuel efficiency. However, identifying new material choices that can withstand the harsh Arctic environments is crucial for the survivability and safety of personnel and structures. This study investigates the potential of photopolymer resins through additive manufacturing as a lightweight sandwich composite core material. The thermo-mechanical properties of this resin were evaluated using: tensile, flexural, and compressive tests according to the ASTM Standards D638, D695, and D790, respectively. Tests were conducted at room temperature (23 C) and arctic temperature (-60 C). The experimental data will be used as an input for high-fidelity finite element (FE) simulations with the software ABAQUS. From the performed tests, the photopolymer exhibited isotropic behavior at both room (RT) and Arctic temperatures. Preliminary quasi-static results for “Durable Resin” at AT showed an increase of ~300% in its tensile, flexural, and compressive modulus and an increase of ~300% in its tensile and flexural strength and ~100% in its compressive strength when compared to the same resin at RT. The finite element analysis models showed good agreement with the experimental results. Zackery Nieto, The University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Ave, El Paso,
Queueing Systems with Rationally Inattentive Customers
Authors: Canyakmaz Caner , Boyacı Tamer
Published: November 2021

Problem definition: Classical models of queueing systems with rational and strategic customers assume queues to be either fully visible or invisible, while service parameters are known with certainty. In practice, however, people only have “partial information” on the service environment, in the sense that they are not able to fully discern prevalent uncertainties. This is because assessing possible delays and rewards is costly, as it requires time, attention, and cognitive capacity, which are all limited. On the other hand, people are also adaptive and endogenously respond to information frictions. Methodology: We develop an equilibrium model for a single-server queueing system with customers having limited attention. Following the theory of rational inattention, we assume that customers optimize their learning strategies by deciding the type and amount of information to acquire and act accordingly while internalizing the associated costs. Results: We establish the existence and uniqueness of a customer equilibrium when customers allocate their attention to learn uncertain queue lengths and delineate the impact of service characteristics. We provide a complete spectrum of the impact of information costs on throughput and show numerically that throughput might be nonmonotone. This is also reflected in social welfare if the firm’s profit margin is high enough, although customer welfare always suffers from information costs. Managerial implications: We identify service settings where service firms and social planners should be most cautious for customers’ limited attention and translate our results to advisable strategies for information provision and service design. For example, we recommend firms to avoid partial hindrance of queue-length information when a low-demand service is not highly valued by customers. For a popular service that customers value reasonably highly, however, partial hindrance of information is particularly advisable. Academic/practical relevance: We propose a microfounded framework for strategic customer behavior in queues that links beliefs, rewards, and information costs. It offers a holistic perspective on the impact of information prevalence (and information frictions) on operational performance and can be extended to analyze richer customer behavior and complex queue structures, rendering it a valuable tool for service design.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.1032 .
DYNAMIC LINKAGES BETWEEN STOCK MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM USA, GERMANY, CHINA AND RUSSIA
Authors: Vasilyeva Rogneda , Voytenkov Valentin , Urazbaeva Alina
Published: November 2021

Currently, financial markets are growing rapidly, which increases the necessity to examine the financial sector. Considering the Russian Federation, the amount of private investors has doubled in Russia since the beginning of 2020 (Finam, 2020). It is important to realize how cash flows between the largest stock market indices. The main hypothesis of the research suggests that the U.S., Germany, and China markets result in significant changes in the Russian stock market. The research objective is to determine the degree of the Russian stock market dependence on the markets of developed and developing countries using methods of econometric analysis. Daily data on S&P500, DAX30, Hang Seng, and Moscow Exchange Index from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, were taken. The research method chosen is a cointegration approach, including the construction of vector autoregression and vector error-correction models and the application of Impulse Response Functions. The results of the Granger causality test reveal no significant interconnection between the Dax30 and the Moscow Stock Exchange Index; the S&P500 affects the Moscow Exchange Index, whereas the Russian stock market affects the Chinese one. According to the cointegration analysis, there is a strong positive influence of the American stock market on the Russian stock market, which does not decrease during the researched period. The stock indices of China and Germany show a weak quantitative influence and mixed dynamics for a long time. The results of the research could be used as recommendations for making management decisions by private investors, hedge funds and managers of large companies.
THE IMPACT OF LENDING TO NON-FINANCIAL CORPORATIONS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH
Authors: Vasilyeva Rogneda , Turygin Oleg , Ie Olga , Kozlova Maria
Published: November 2021

Acceleration of economic growth, especially in modern conditions, requires the use of stimulating measures of fiscal and monetary policy. Measures to stimulate economic growth should also maintain macroeconomic stability. Many emerging markets and developing economies are pursuing high interest rate policies to curb inflation, but this leads to a reduction in lending to non-financial corporations and to economic growth rates decline. The goal of the study is to show that pursuing high interest rates policy is insufficient. We tested several hypotheses: first, we assume that an increase in lending to non-financial corporations stimulates economic growth. Our second hypothesis, in contrast, suggests that increasing interest rates on loans dampen economic growth. Third, we assume that inflation has no significant effect on economic growth. Forth, we consider that lending to non-financial corporations does not spur inflation. We empirically assess the data for 13 countries related to emerging markets during 2001–2020. The results of the research confirmed all the hypotheses. The monetary policy of maintaining high interest rates used by many developing countries leads to low lending to non-financial corporations and reduced economic growth. We propose several policy implications aimed at stimulating the lending to non-financial corporations and scarce inflation.
FEASIBILITY OF TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG BULGARIAN STEM STUDENTS: THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITY
Authors: Yordanova Desislava , Kanazireva Raya , Petkova Iya , Mihaylova Ivanka , Mladenova Irena
Published: November 2021

Technology entrepreneurship involves the creation of a new business whose products and services are based on the application of scientific or technological knowledge. Technology entrepreneurship may play an important role for economic development in the context of increasing globalization. Little research attention has been devoted to the antecedents of the feasibility of technology entrepreneurship. The objective of this study is to identify university determinants of the feasibility of technology entrepreneurship among students enrolled in majors in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Bulgarian universities. The study uses a sample of 879 university students in STEM majors and applies a binary logistic regression to identify university factors related to the high feasibility of technology entrepreneurship. The results of the present study indicate that university support for entrepreneurship, industry ties and research excellence are related to the feasibility of technology entrepreneurship among Bulgarian STEM students. The empirical findings can help to devise policies and measures for enhancing the feasibility of technology entrepreneurship among STEM students.
TELEMEDICINE - A PREDICTOR FOR OVERCOMING THE BARRIER IN THE PROCESS OF TREATMENT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
Authors: Andonova Albena , Todorova Dеyana
Published: November 2021

Telemedicine allows healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose and treat patients remotely using information and telecommunications technologies. Telemedicine is an evolutionary discovery that is increasingly becoming an important part of medical science and practice.

Objectives: To study and analyze the opinion of physician assistants for telemedicine as a predictor for overcoming the barrier in the process of treatment of elderly people living in small and remote settlements.

Methods: We conducted a survey of the opinion of 80 physician assistants on telemedicine as a predictor for overcoming barriers in the treatment of elderly and senile people living in small and remote settlements.

Results: According to the analysis of the data on the benefits of the introduction of telemedicine and because it is a predictor for overcoming the barrier in the treatment of the elderly and elderly, the following was found:

Medical professionals providing medical care to geriatric patients face a number of challenges that require a timely and adequate response, and telemedicine is a predictor of overcoming the barrier in the process of their treatment. In hard-to-reach and remote settlements, there is often a lack of general practitioners, enough outpatient clinics and places to perform activities for the treatment of geriatric patients. In these cases, the application of telemedicine would be adequate. This will increase the possibility of access to adequate medical care. Patients will receive precise and clear instructions. This will reduce the need for transportation or time for patients to access hospitals.

Conclusion: The study allows us to draw the following inferences: Telemedicine is an opportunity to improve and enhance the professional activity of physician assistants working with geriatric patients and the implementation of telemedicine will increase the quality of medical care and health care for the elderly population in remote areas and small settlements.
NURSING STUDENTS' VIEWS ON WORKING WITH CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Obreykova Monika , Terzieva Galina
Published: November 2021

the provision of health care facilities for children with disabilities.

Purpose: To study the motives of nursing students for choosing to work with children with disabilities; to know about their opinion about the sufficiency of the duration of their internship and the undergraduate internship in centers for with children with disabilities; to understand the factors influencing the professional competencies of nursing students to work with children with disabilities.

Materials and methods: A survey was conducted among 219 students majoring in Nursing through a structured questionnaire.

Students expressed their opinion that the duration of the internship in institutions for children with disabilities should be increased [t (2017) = 12.387; p-level < 0.001]. They indicated their willingness to work with children with disabilities [t (217) = 15.432; p-level < 0.001]. Students shared that they experience higher psycho-emotional stress while working with children with disabilities [t (217) = 7.337; p-level < 0.001]. They also believed that the introduction of an elective subject on children with certain types of disabilities would improve their preparedness [t (217) = 8.562; p-level < 0.001].

Conclusion: The study revealed that the nursing students believe that the present model of student training related to the care of children with disabilities require changes in the following ways: introduction of a separate module Nursing care for children with disabilities; introduction of an elective course on nursing care for children with disabilities; application of pedagogical and psychological approaches for developing the skills for coping with stress; increasing the duration of the internship in the fourth year of study for working with children with disabilities.
A QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PROJECT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS
Authors: Pagáčová Zuzana , Mináriková Daniela
Published: November 2021

The changing environment of pharmacy care represents an opportunity to implement an innovative educational form into the teaching process, which represents a significant potential in preparing pharmacy students for their future profession. The main objective of the assessment was to evaluate the contribution of the innovative education project Advanced Training in Pharmacy Care (ATIP) as a complement to the compulsory curriculum at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Comenius University in Bratislava. Another objective was to analyse the obstacles to dispensation and counselling perceived by students of the educational project. The assessment uses data from the ATIP educational project carried out between 2015/2016 and 2020/2021 at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Comenius University in Bratislava. Data collection was provided through a questionnaire survey among the participating students after completing each year of the project. The assessment focused on students' perception of the ATIP educational project, characterizing their readiness to provide pharmacy care and obstacles to the implementation of pharmacy care. Students perceived the project as an interesting addition to the curriculum, which was organized at a high professional level with reasonable difficulty. In the case of their readiness for their future profession by studying and passing compulsory practice, students were critical in their answers. Obstacles affecting the implementation of pharmacy care that prevailed among students were a lack of practical experience, a lack of time to address the patients' problems, and different requirements of patients from the knowledge acquired during study at the faculty. In other obstacles, such as a patient's lack of interest, lack of privacy to talk, etc., students have taken a neutral stance. This innovative education project pointed out the importance of cooperation between various organisations, such as academic, pharmaceutical and student, in the field of education of future health professionals.
SURFACE ROUGHNESS OF LITHIUM DISILICATE PRESS CERAMICS AFTER DIFFERENT TYPES OF POLISHING
Authors: Vasileva Elena , Vlahova Angelina , Hristov Ilian , Alexandrov Svetlin , Tomova Zlatina
Published: November 2021

INTRODUCTION: The smoothness of a ceramic’s surface is very important of its esthetic and prophylactic qualities.

AIM: The purpose of this investigation is to study the possibilities of polishing lithium disilicate ceramics after making a correction on the glazed ceramic surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The subject of the study were 20 test samples made of lithium disilicate press ceramics. They were divided into 4 groups according to the method of processing and polishing. Group 1 was treated with a red diamond bur and polishing set; Group 2 was treated with a green diamond bur and polishing set; Group 3 was treated with a red diamond bur, polishing set and diamond paste; Group 4 was treated with a diamond bur with green coding, polishing set and diamond paste. The samples were examined with an atomic force microscope to observe the change in surface relief. The reference point for comparison was the surface of the glazed ceramic.

RESULTS: After polishing with diamond paste, the surface became smoother compared to the treatment of the surface with a polishing kit alone.

CONCLUSION: Regardless of the polishing protocol used, there was a difference in the topography of the ceramic surface before and after treatment.
A COMPARISON OF CREATING AN ANDROID APPLICATION USER INTERFACE IN XAML AND IN C# CODE
Authors: Košťál Igor , Mišút Martin
Published: November 2021

Almost every Android user application has some kind of user interface. Android programmers who create Xamarin.Forms applications and who uses the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment to do so can create user interfaces in the XAML (the Extensible Application Markup Language) or in the C# programming language. This paper deals with a comparison of creating this user interface by the first and the second way. We demonstrate the differences in the creation of Android application user interfaces in XAML and in C# by way of using two of our Android applications which were created by the Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Enterprise, which work as text editors with the ability to store text to disc, and have user interfaces that are visually identical. However, the user interface of the first Android application was created in XAML with a C# support code, whereas the user interface of the second Android application was created entirely in C#. While comparing the source codes of the user interfaces of both these Android applications, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches to creating a user interface and we try to find out which of these approaches is better for maintaining and modifying user interfaces. In this study, we also contrast the processes of handling events of controls of a user interface created in the XAML code for the first Android application as well as that of the same user interface created in the C# code for the second Android application. Furthermore, we were interested in determining whether the different ways of creating user interfaces affected the execution time of basic operations that included disc files that were performed on the same data by both the applications. We assume that it does not fundamentally affect the execution time, and so, we performed an experiment to confirm or refute our assumption.
THE EFFECT OF 3D TECHNOLOGIES IN STEREOMETRY TRAINING
Authors: Lebamovski Penio
Published: November 2021

The software proposed in the report can be used as a technological tool in the teaching and learning of the discipline of stereometry. The aim is to improve the learning process by supporting the development of students’ creativity and spatial imagination, qualities needed in the study of spatial geometric bodies. A new boundary method is used in the generation of geometric objects. This new method uses elements of the Cavalieri Indivisible method and Isaac Newton's boundary method, thus achieving higher accuracy with respect to generated objects compared to 3D systems that use the rules of trigonometry in the construction of geometric bodies. This article performs a comparative analysis between a traditional and a new method for generating 3D geometric objects according to certain parameters and criteria. The new method involved in the analysis was proposed by the author of the report. While the traditional one is based on trigonometry. Two parameters were studied, one for accuracy in generating objects, and the second determining speed. In order to generate cylindrical bodies, are used the quadratic Bézier curve and the 3D modeling technique known as an extrusion, which transforms two-dimensional objects into three-dimensional ones.. One way to generate a prism and pyramid is by extruding polygons. This report presents a new way of constructing edged bodies. The considered technique for 3D modeling participates in the analysis of the studied methods.
LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF CHARTED KNITTING PATTERNS
Authors: Egle Baiba
Published: November 2021

The paper outlines the linguistic and semiotic aspects of a specialty text – a knitting pattern. In today’s busy world, nobody wants to read long and complicated texts if it can be easier illustrated by a photograph or a charted image that uses a set of specific symbols with their own, non-arbitrary meanings to make a text reader’s time usage more effective but also clear. Aspects of signs, semiotics, and language games are also explored in alignment with knitting charts as the main reference, as a knitting chart symbol is a concrete referent in its context. Finally, the translation of knitting charts is described, including the importance of a chart key and what transformations of text have occurred in the translation of knitting charts from English into Latvian. Charted knitting patterns could become a  that could be easily transferred between different languages and cultures, helping people share their skills and heritage. Knitting and linguistics and translation studies is a new area of research that could bring many new insights about crafting and specialized language use.
THE PHONICS METHOD IN TEACHING EFL PRONUNCIATION TO YOUNG LEARNERS WITH DYSLEXIA
Authors: Kralova Zdena , Soradova Daniela
Published: November 2021

The Phonics method brings more logic into the correspondence between English pronunciation and spelling. Therefore, it might be beneficial for learners with special educational needs (namely dyslexia). The study investigates the effectiveness of the Phonics method in teaching English pronunciation to young non-native learners comparing the achievement of the intact and the integrated learners. The Phonics method was applied for five months in the experimental group, and other, more traditional methods for teaching EFL pronunciation were applied in the control group at an elementary school in Slovakia. Both groups consisted of the intact and the integrated learners (experimental group: 19 intact and 2 integrated learners; control group: 17 intact and 2 integrated learners). The learners underwent a dictation and a reading test in pre-test and post-test, and the results indicate the benefit of the Phonics method for all learners with significant improvement among learners with dyslexia. The integrated learners՚ improvement rate was nearly six times (dictation)/three times (reading test) higher in the experimental group than in the control group.
THE EFFICIENCY OF THE APPLICATION OF SPSS IN HIGHER EDUCATION TEACHING: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: S. Osmanović Zajić Jelena , Ž. Maksimović Jelena
Published: November 2021

Acquiring statistical education is a prerequisite for the professional and scientific work of every pedagogue. Institutional support for the statistical education of students is a fundamental starting point in the development of research competencies necessary for a future pedagogue. The subject of this study was focused on examining the effectiveness of the application of a program for statistical data processing in teaching. The research aimed to examine whether students gained adequate knowledge in the field of Statistics in Pedagogical Research by applying the experimental factor SPSS in teaching. This means that the use of the SPSS program may significantly facilitate the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge pertaining to the field of statistics in pedagogical researches. The objective was to analyze whether using the SPSS software as part of university education would yield better knowledge of statistics than teaching without it. This objective was accomplished by analyzing the differences in the respondents’ scores on the knowledge test using the pre-test and the post-test groups of students. Three generations of pedagogy students at the Faculty of Philosophy, the University of Nis in Serbia, participated in the experimental research. The results showed statistically significant differences in the participants’ achievement in the initial and final tests.