bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of relationship marketing on customer satisfaction in insurance agencies
Authors: Karaman Davut
Published: December 2021

The research aims to determine the effect of relational marketing on customer satisfaction in insurance agencies. The research is a quantitative study, and the survey method was used. The applied questionnaire was composed of scales whose reliability and validity was proven in the literature. In this context, the data for the research was obtained by questionnaire from consumers in Antalya between September-November 2019 and using home or car insurance services in insurance agencies. The data obtained from the questionnaires conducted with 461 participants were evaluated in the SPSS 25.0 package program, and regression analyses were carried out in line with the research purpose. First, the scale was subjected to factor analysis, and Cronbach Alpha values were calculated. According to the results, the scale is reliable and valid. Then, the means of the scale items were calculated. According to the results of the mean analysis, it can be said that the perceptions of the participants regarding the competence of the insurance agency they receive service from are higher than the other dimensions. According to the results of the regression analysis, trust, communication commitment, and competence, which are four dimensions of relational marketing in insurance agencies, have a positive effect on customer satisfaction.
COVİD-19 pandemi sürecinde havacılık sektöründe çalışanların örgütsel bağlılığının işten ayrılma niyetlerine etkisinin belirlenmesi
Authors: Konyalılar Nil
Published: December 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı havayolu sektöründe çalışan personellerin örgütsel bağlılıklarının işten ayrılma niyetine etkisinin pandemi süreci göz önüne alınarak incelenmesidir. Araştırma modelinde örgütsel bağlılık; duygusal, devam ve normatif bağlılık olmak üzere iç alt faktör olarak ele alınmıştır. Araştırmada kolayda örneklem yöntemiyle 566 anket formu toplanmıştır. Elde edilen veriler Smart PLS-SEM istatistik programında kovaryans bazlı yapısal eşitlik modeli yöntemiyle analize tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre personellerin çalıştıkları yere yönelik normatif bağlılıkları işten ayrılma niyetlerini negatif yönde etkilemektedir. Ancak personellerin duygusal ve devam bağlılıkları işten ayrılma niyetini negatif yönde etkilememektedir.
Manufacturing applications of the VIKOR approach: A scoping review
Authors: Kaya Neylan
Published: December 2021

VIKOR is a selecting and sorting technique for addressing problems and optimising multi-criteria decision making in complex systems. This study sought the relevant literature to categorise, analyse, and discuss the content and extent of existing studies that used the VIKOR method for applications in manufacturing. The study examined 84 studies published throughout 2018–2020. The studies were categorised by publication dates, author(s) name, techniques and methods, weighting method, comparison method, description of comparison results (comparing a given method to others), testing applicability, and journal-title. Analyses revealed that approximately 35 of the published studies involving VIKOR were related to its strategic use in manufacturing decisions and applications. In 2019, manufacturing was represented more than any other field among all published VIKOR papers, and Sustainability published more of the VIKOR-related articles than any other journal. Interestingly, the integrated and fuzzy VIKOR methods were used more than the traditional VIKOR method. Furthermore, the review results show that VIKOR is flexible enough to be continuously improved by integrating it with the new multi-criteria decision-making methods. This literature review can guide researchers and practitioners in applying VIKOR in various manufacturing fields.
Dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modellerinin kuramsal çerçevesi üzerine kavramsal bir çalışma
Authors: Başar Ufuk , Yalçıntaş Murat , İyigün Necla Öykü
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı gerek kamu, gerekse özel örgütlerde faaliyette bulunan yöneticiler tarafından uygulanan dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modellerinin kuramsal altyapısını açıklamaktır. Gerek kamu örgütleri, gerekse özel örgütler verimli bir şekilde varlıklarını sürdürebilmeleri ve amaçlarını gerçekleştirebilmeleri için etkili liderler tarafından yönetilmelidir. Dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modelleri örgütlerin etkinliğine ve etkililiğine önemli katkılar sağlamaktadır. Bu bakımdan dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modellerine zemin oluşturan düşünsel yapının anlaşılması önem arz etmektedir. Bu nedenle bu derleme çalışmasında nitel bir yaklaşımla kapsamlı bir yazın incelemesi yapılarak dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modellerinin oluşum sürecini anlaşılır kılan ve destekleyen kuramsal bir çerçeve oluşturulmuştur. Ayrıca dönüştürücü ve işlemsel liderlik modellerinin kuramsal dayanakları tartışılarak uygulamaya ve araştırmaya yönelik çıkarımlarda bulunulmuştur.
Motivasyon araçlarının örgütsel bağlılık üzerine etkisi: Perakende sektörü çalışanlarına yönelik bir araştırma
Authors: Yılmaz Medine , Vardarlıer Pelin
Published: December 2021

Perakende sektörü Türkiye’de hizmet ve satın alma seçeneklerini yenileyerek gelişen ve birçok insana istihdam sağlayan bir sektördür. Bu kapsamda çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’nin önemli perakende şirketlerinden birinin çalışanlarına yönelik motivasyon araçları ile örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki ilişkiyi belirlemektir. Aynı zamanda demografik özelliklere göre bu iki etmen arasındaki farklılıklar analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda cinsiyete göre içsel ve dışsal motivasyon araçları, kadınlarda daha yüksek iken; içsel motivasyon araçlarının evli bireylerde daha yüksek olduğu; motivasyon ve dışsal motivasyon araçları ortalamasının genç ve yaşça büyük bireylerde daha yüksek olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Örgütsel bağlılık bakımından ise örgütsel bağlılığın yüksek lisans düzeyinde alt seviyedeki eğitim derecesine göre daha düşük olduğu; duygusal bağlılığın ilgili şirketteki deneyim arttığında ise arttığı gözlemlenen önemli sonuçlardandır. İlişki analizleri sonucunda ise örgütsel bağlılığın (duygusal bağlılık, normatif bağlılık ve devam bağlılığı), motivasyon araçları (içsel ve dışsal motivasyon araçları) ile arasında pozitif ve anlamlı bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Motivasyon araçları ile örgütsel bağlılık, duygusal bağlılık, normatif bağlılık, içsel motivasyon ve dışsal motivasyon ile arasında anlamlı ve pozitif bir ilişki olduğu görülmüştür. Son olarak yapılan regresyon analizleri sonucunda motivasyon araçları ve örgütsel bağlılık arasındaki çift yönlü ilişki kanıtlanmıştır.
A Fuzzy Best Worst approach to the determination of the importance level of digital supply chain on sustainability
Authors: Arman Kevser , Organ Arzu
Published: December 2021

In today's world where the importance of digitalization is increasing day by day, companies to increase their competitiveness have focused on digital supply chain instead of traditional supply chain. In a world where resources are constantly decreasing, the concept of sustainability has become very crucial in every part of life. Digital technologies, on the other hand, have a direct relationship with sustainability. Sustainability has three main dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate digital supply chain on 3 basic dimensions of sustainability. For this purpose, Fuzzy Best Worst Method (F-BWM) was used to define the importance level of criteria. Findings reveal that the concept of sustainability in textile firms in Turkey is generally perceived within an economic and environmental area, rather than within a social dimension. This study is very important in putting forward digital technologies which utilizing in supply chain and the impact of the digital supply chain on sustainability.
Perakendecilikte drone ile ürün teslimatının tüketicilerin davranışsal niyetlerine etkisi
Authors: Çelik Zübeyir , Aydın İbrahim
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, perakendecilikte drone ile ürün teslimatının tüketicilerin davranışsal niyetleri üzerindeki etkisini incelemektir. Online anket ve deney yöntemi kullanılarak katılımcılardan toplanan 404 veri için istatistiksel analizler yapılmıştır. Tek örneklem t-testi sonuçlarına göre; drone ile ürün teslimatı, tüketicilerin drone'ları alışveriş için kullanma davranışsal niyetleri üzerinde olumlu ve anlamlı bir etkiye sahiptir. Bağımsız örneklemler t-testi sonuçlarına göre; erkek ve kadınlar arasında ve tek yönlü varyans analizi sonuçlarına göre; X, Y ve Z jenerasyonları arasında tüketicilerin drone'ları alışveriş için kullanma davranışsal niyetlerinde anlamlı bir farklılık yoktur. Basit doğrusal regresyon analizi sonuçlarına göre; algılanan yenilikçilik, hızın göreceli avantajı, fonksiyonel motivasyon, hedonik motivasyon, algılanan güven ve problem farkındalığı drone kullanmaya yönelik tutum üzerinde olumlu ve anlamlı bir etkiye sahiptir. Ancak algılanan riskin drone kullanmaya yönelik tutum üzerindeki olumsuz etkisi anlamlı değildir. Öte yandan drone kullanmaya yönelik tutumun drone kullanma niyeti üzerinde olumlu ve anlamlı bir etkisi bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, tüketicilerin perakendecilikte drone ile ürün teslimat hizmetlerini kullanma konusundaki davranışsal niyetlerini başarılı bir şekilde açıklamaktadır.
An integrated approach for fire extinguishers selection with DEMATEL and TODIM methods
Authors: Ulu Mesut , Şahin Hasan
Published: December 2021

Fire is a type of disaster that has caused significant loss of property and life from past to present. If the necessary measures are not taken, they cause serious property damage, interruption of processes, death and injury. Especially in industrial facilities, the density of flammable, explosive and hazardous chemicals, chimneys, hot surfaces, static electricity and electrical hazards, hot work increases the risk of fire. Therefore, necessary precautions should be taken. The choice of extinguisher device, which includes both passive and active precaution in fire safety, provides the correct intervention in case of possible fire. In case of being a fire, it is necessary to quickly and easily extinguish without damaging the system. For this reason, choosing the right extinguisher is important. In this study, effective criteria were determined by negotiating with supplier companies for the selection of suitable fire extinguishers. After scoring for the criteria, the weights of the criteria were determined by DEMATEL method. With TODIM method, appropriate fire extinguishing agent selection and sequencing were made.
Mortgage volume and macroeconomic factors: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Güneş Tuğba , Apaydın Ayşen
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the impacts of several macroeconomic variables on Turkey's volume of mortgage loans. Johansen cointegration test, vector error correction model, Granger causality tests, variance decomposition, and impulse-response analysis is employed for the econometric analysis to show short and long-run relationships between the variables using time series monthly data from January 2010 to March 2020. Paper results demonstrate that growth of housing credit size negatively correlates with mortgage interest rates, US Dollar/Turkish Lira exchange rate and level of real estate supply. At the same time, there is a positive correlation with house prices. Causal relationships between mortgage volume and macroeconomic indicators are bidirectional for all variables, except for mortgage interest rates. There is a one-way causality relationship from mortgage rates to mortgage loan volume. Econometric analyses show that the recent steep depreciation in the Turkish Lira hurts the Turkish mortgage market. In conclusion, a stable economic environment is essential to build a robust mortgage market.
Contemporary limitations and opportunities for entrepreneurship development in southern Serbia
Authors: Stosic Mihajlovic Ljiljana , Trajkovic Svetlana
Published: December 2021

The entrepreneurial ecosystem consists of many elements: government policy, regulatory framework, institutions, finance, culture, education, human capital, local and global markets, and only the harmonization of these elements can create a healthy and stimulating environment for further development entrepreneurial ventures. Efforts have been made to improve the business environment in the Republic of Serbia to reduce the number of unemployed. However, entrepreneurship in Serbia faces several limitations. Some restrictions are specific to specific groups of entrepreneurs only, while others are general. This article will discuss the constraints and opportunities for developing entrepreneurship in Serbia in current business conditions, with particular reference to entrepreneurship research in the city of Vranje in southern Serbia.
ABD ekonomisinin kontayner navlun oranları üzerine etkisi: Çin-Amerika rotasında bir uygulama
Authors: Efes Kamil Özden
Published: December 2021

Konteyner taşımacılığı, dünyanın üretilen tüketim malları için çok önemli bir taşımacılık çeşididir. Deniz yoluyla yapılan ticaret ve dolayısıyla konteyner taşımacılığı çeşitli faktörlerden oldukça etkilenir. Küresel ekonomik büyüme, uluslararası ticaret, konteyner taşımacılığı pazarındaki arz-talep dengesi, konteyner taşımacılığı sektörünü etkileyen faktörlerden bazılarıdır. Küresel ekonomi en önemli talep faktörüdür. Konteyner taşımacılığında arz, esnek olmayan konteyner filosu kapasitesidir ve piyasa ani talep değişikliklerine cevap veremez. Ancak talep tarafındaki değişikler navlun oranları üzerinde ani etkiler yapabilir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, talepteki değişimlerin konteyner taşımacılığı navlun oranları üzerindeki etkisini ampirik olarak incelemektir. Analizde, dünyanın en büyük ekonomisi olan ABD'nin GSYİH'sindeki değişimin ABD ile Çin arasındaki konteyner navlun oranlarına etkisi regresyon analizi yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarında, yapısal kırılmalar dikkate alındığında değişkenler arasındaki ilişkinin pozitif olduğu ve GSYİH'deki %1'lik bir değişimin navlun oranlarında %3,17'lik bir değişime neden olduğu tespit edilmiştir. COVİD-19'un da etkisiyle 2020 1. çeyrek sonrasında modelde yapısal kırılma olduğu da belirlenmiştir.
Ulusal ve küresel makroekonomik faktörlerin gelişen borsalar üzerindeki etkileri: Türkiye ve BRICS ülkeleri üzerine ampirik bir araştırma
Authors: Karataş İsmail , İslamoğlu Mehmet
Published: December 2021

Bu çalışma, ulusal ve küresel makroekonomik faktörlerin Türkiye ve BRICS (Brezilya, Rusya, Hindistan, Çin ve Güney Afrika) ülkelerine ait hisse senedi endeksleri üzerindeki etkilerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla ele alınmış ve hazırlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda çalışmanın analizlerinde Ocak 2003 – Aralık 2016 dönemine ait aylık veriler kullanılmıştır. Federal fon oranları, küresel emtia fiyat endeksi, MSCI gelişmiş ülkeler için sermaye piyasası endeksi, tüketici fiyat endeksi, sanayi üretim endeksi, dar tanımlı para arzı ve ABD Doları bazlı reel döviz kuru çalışmanın açıklayıcı değişkenleridir. Araştırmanın açıklanan değişkenleri ise bu ülkelerin borsa endeksi kapanış fiyatlarıdır. Bu bağlamda her ülkeye ilişkin bir model oluşturulmuş olup ilgili sonuçlara ulaşılması amacıyla Doğrusal Otoregresif Dağıtılmış Gecikme (ARDL) yaklaşımı uygulanmıştır. Ayrıca çalışmada Doğrusal Olmayan Otoregresif Dağıtılmış Gecikme (NARDL) yaklaşımı da kullanılmıştır. Bu kapsamda küresel emtia fiyat endeksi, dar tanımlı para arzı ve ABD Doları bazlı reel döviz kuru açıklayıcı değişkenler; bu ülkelerin borsa kapanış fiyatları ise açıklanan değişkenler olarak modellere dahil edilmiştir. ARDL yaklaşımı analizi sonuçlarına göre değişkenler bağlamında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı etkilerin olduğu görülmüştür. NARDL yaklaşımı analiz sonuçlarına göre değişkenler bağlamında kısa dönem ve uzun dönem asimetrik etkilerin olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
COVİD-19 pandemisi sürecinde konaklama sektöründe e-şikayetlerin analizi
Authors: Güllü Kenan , Akçay Süreyya
Published: December 2021

Web teknolojilerinin kullanımı yaygınlaştıkça konaklama işletmelerinde misafirlerin şikâyet etmelerine neden olacak deneyimleri çevrimiçi ortamlarda paylaşmaları mümkün olmaktadır. COVİD-19 salgını ve ülkelerce alınan önlemler doğrultusunda uygulamalardaki deneyimler de e-şikâyet konuları içinde yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı; küresel boyutta faaliyet gösteren konaklama işletmelerinin misafirlerinin yapmış olduğu e-şikâyetlerin sınıflandırılması ve otel misafirlerinin COVİD-19 sürecinde e-şikâyet konularının belirlenmesidir. Araştırmada Türkiye’de faaliyette bulunan Hospitality ON-2019 Top 10 otel listesindeki Antalya, Ankara, İstanbul, İzmir, Muğla otel misafirlerinin Tripadvisor web sitesinde yer alan 366 e-şikâyet yorumları içerik analizi ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan içerik analizi için veriler formlara işlenmiş, elektronik artama aktarılmış, analiz edilerek görselleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; otel misafirlerinin e-şikâyetleri, genel, restoran ve yiyecek-içecek, odalar, ön büro, hizmet kalitesi ve yönetim olarak 6 ana kategori ve 26 alt kategoride sınıflandırılmıştır. E-şikâyetlerin en çok genel, restoran ve yiyecek-içecek, odalar, ön büro, hizmet kalitesi ve yönetim kategorilerinde yoğunlaştığı belirlenmiştir.
Bilişim teknolojileri kullanımının işletmelerde bilgi yönetimi süreci üzerine etkisi
Authors: Akkoyun Bülent
Published: December 2021

Çalışma, bilişim teknolojisi araçları kullanımının işletmelerde bilgi yönetimi sürecine etkisini incelemek ve açığa çıkartmak için yapılmıştır. Çalışma uygulamalı bir araştırma olup, istatistiksel teknikler sayesinde, hipotezlerde iddia edilen ilişkinin/etkinin gerçekliğini ispata çalışan, aynı zamanda sosyal durumları ve bu durum ile alakalı kavramların bağımlı ve bağımsız değişkenleri arasındaki ilişkiyi irdeleyerek kavramaya ve açıklamaya çalışan açıklayıcı/nedensel bir tasarım üzerine kuruludur. Nicel araştırma yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilen çalışma, Malatya’da organize sanayi bölgesinde faaliyet gösteren işletmelerde 441 çalışan üzerinde yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, personelin geneline ulaşmada sorunlarla karşılaşılabileceği ve birçok departman söz konusu olduğundan tabakalı örnekleme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Yüz yüze anket yöntemi ile ölçekler sayesinde sağlanan verilerin faktör ve güvenilirlik analizleri yapıldıktan sonra çoklu regresyon analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. SPSS analiz programıyla yapılan analizlerden elde edilen sonuçlara göre işletmelerde organizasyonun hafızası, bilginin örgüt içerisinde paylaşımı ve dağılımı, bilginin elde edilmesi ve bilgiye karşı hassasiyet gibi bilgi yönetimi süreçleri ön plana çıkmıştır. Bununla birlikte, bağımsız değişken olan bilişim teknolojileri (BT) kullanımını oluşturan “bilginin kazanımı, Ar-Ge, bilginin ileti ve etkileşimi, fikrini aktarım yeteneği ile oyun-eğlence” faktörlerinin (boyutlarının), bağımlı değişken Bilgi Yönetimini oluşturan “örgütsel hafıza, bilgi paylaşımı, bilgi edinimi/kavramı ve bilgi duyarlılığı” faktörleri (boyutları) üzerinde farklı onarlarda ve önemli etkilerinin olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
SAINT NICHOLAS CHURCH IN UNEZHMA VILLAGE: HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
Authors: TODOROVA ZINAIDA
Published: December 2021

The article deals with a relatively unknown monument of wooden architecture – the Saint Nicholas Church (1824) in Unezhma village of the Onega District in the Arkhangelsk Region. The monument is extremely hard to reach, and it is located in a unique natural environment. The church stands out due to its architecture; however, it is poorly studied in terms of its construction history, architectural and artistic features, and interconnections with regional traditions. The church is described together with the bell tower built in 1792 as an architectural complex existing for more than four hundred years. The study is based on historical archival sources and on-site survey results. The authors traced the construction history of the Saint Nicholas Church and identified its construction stages. The appearance of the building at each construction stage was substantiated and presented through graphical reconstructions. The building was compared to similar structures found in the Onega Pomorye, and its specific architectural features were exposed. The building was also studied from the structural point of view. Based on the results of the comparison with similar structures and the analysis of their historical changes, the author made some conclusions about the original design of the church top. Historical data on the preceding church were interpreted and used to create its graphical reconstruction, together with the analysis of local architectural traditions. Thus, the article brings to light the construction history and development of the Unezhma church complex. The architecture of the Saint Nicholas Church and the bell tower has its distinctive features, but it ultimately conforms to the church-building traditions of the Onega Pomorye.
RESULTS OF SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEYS AMONG LOCAL POPULATION FOCUSING ON SPECIFIC PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL IN ARCTIC KARELIA (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF THE EXPEDITION IN JUNE 2021)
Authors: Konev Ivan , Maslennikov Denis
Published: December 2021

The article examines the results of the sociological surveys among the local population of the Kalevala National District aimed at assessing the current understanding of trends in the preservation and development of human capital. The need to update these concepts is directly related to the continuation of the state social policy in the field of education, healthcare, demography, social infrastructure, and high-performance jobs based on the mass digitalization of the Russian economy within the framework of national projects between 2019 and 2024. Some of the results are included in the context of the article as the examples of the author’s point of view.
A case series of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Oumerzouk Jawad
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRE) is a clinico-radiologic syndrom characterized by seizures, consciousness’s disorder, visual loss, and headache associated with cerebral posterior abnormalities on imaging. It raises often a problem of differential diagnosis with cerebral infarction. Case reports: We report the case of five patients, the first followed for systemic lupus erythematosus, the second is hypertensive poorly follow-up, the 3 other patients were in postpartum after cesarean delivery. All our patients had generalized tonic-clonic seizures associated with an hypertensive peak without edema syndrome. Laboratory tests were unremarkable. The EEG showed epileptic abnormalities and brain MRI was in favor of a reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy. Evolution under treatment was favorable without recurrence with a decline of 20 months. Conclusion: Rapid regression clinical and radiolologic abnormalities suggest cerebral vosogenic oedema as mechanism of this disease and confirm its mildness. Nevertheless, PRE may not be reversible without an early control of causes.
Radiological CT findings and time evolution in acute stroke: case report
Authors: Raspante Laio Bastos de Paiva , Mourão Ramos Laura Filgueiras , Tazinaffo Uedson
Published: December 2021

Case report of a 95-year-old female patient that was admitted to the emergency room with a sudden weakness on the right who underwent propaedeutic imaging with cerebral perfusion study by CT using artificial intelligence (AI) software for clinical suspicion of acute stroke. The case illustrates a frequent and specific imaging finding for stroke and its disappearance in the control exam even without optimized treatment.
Very long-term of survival, 5 years and more in diffuse intrinsic pontine brainstem gliomas in children and adolescents treated with Radiotherapy and Nimotuzumab
Authors: J Alert , I Chon , J Valdes , R Ropero , M Perez , D Garcia D , M Forteza , J Avila
Published: December 2021

Diffuse intrinsic brainstem gliomas have a bad prognosis, and short-term survival time. Radiotherapy has been the principal treatment, and chemotherapy has not improved outcome. The anti –EGFR monoclonal antibody Nimotuzumab combined with Radiotherapy was tested in a series of 41 children and adolescents with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) included between January 2008 and December 2015 and a follow-up till January 2021.They were irradiated in the Instituto Nacional de Oncologia y Radiobiologia, Havana, Cuba with a median dose of 54 Gy. Nimotuzumab was applied at a dose of 150 mg/m2, weekly during the period of irradiation, then every 2 weeks by 8 doses, and them monthly for 1,2 or more years. A response was observed in 87.8% of patients. Prolonged use of Nimotuzumab was feasible and well tolerated. Median age at diagnosis was 7 years old, median survival was 18.8 months. There were minor toxicities, only Grade I or II. Survival rate at 5 years was 34.1%, stablished till years or more. Two relapsing patients were re-irradiated. The combination of irradiation and Nimotuzumab is an option to increase survival in DIPG.
Serological testing for COVID-19
Authors: Cheepsattayakorn Attapon , Cheepsattayakorn Ruangrong
Published: December 2021

The objectives of this study are to identify the rapid, appropriate, screening, definite and novel methods of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants among various degree of COVID-19 severity for rapid prevention and control of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission. Methods of The Study: A comprehensive search was carried out in mainstream bibliographic databases or Medical Subject Headings, including ScienDirect, PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science. The search was applied to the articles that were published between 1971 and early March 2021. Results: With strict literature search and screening processes, it yielded 40 articles from 78 articles of initial literature database. Characteristically, after infection, antibodies are detected in the blood of individuals, particularly individuals with few or mild symptoms. In patients with varying symptoms of COVID-19 and negative results of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, the testing has a significantly clinical role when nasopharyngeal swabs are taken more than 5 days after symptom onset. The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) developed seven principles for production of a COVID-19 testing strategy. Testing being carried out for a purpose is one of these RCPath’s principles. Nevertheless, denial of requesting SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibody tests for reassurance should be cautioned. With a lower antibody levels, whether the protective immunity will be sustained is questionable. Several immune-based assays were developed against different SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) viral proteins as the followings: 1) Entire Spike (S) protein, IgG antibody from patient serum can cross-react with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, 2) S1 subunit of Spike (S) protein, IgA, IgG antibodies from patient serum can cross-react with SARS-CoV only, 3) Receptor-binding domain (RBD), IgG antibody from patient serum can cross-react with SARS-CoV only, and 4) Nucleocapsid (N), IgG antibody from patient serum can cross-react with SARS-CoV only. Long et al demonstrated in their study that IgG antibody and neutralizing antibody levels initiate decreasing within 2-3 months after infection in the majority of persons with recovery from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection. An analytical study of the dynamics of neutralizing antibody titers demonstrated reduced neutralizing antibodies around 6-7 weeks after illness onset. In conclusion, the nucleic acid amplification tests may be poorly timed specimen collection, poor-quality specimen collection, long wait times for generating the results, and requirement of trained laboratory technicians. Serological data greatly supplement the laboratory results from the quantitative reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the design of virus elimination programs (seroepidemiology), discovery of the monoclonal antibodies, and development of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccines.
Imaging ventilation using 19F perfluorinated gas magnetic resonance imaging: strategies for imaging collateral ventilation
Authors: Mammarappallil Joseph , MacIntyre Neil R. , Mahmood Kamran , Womack Samantha J. , Charles H Cecil
Published: December 2021

Collateral Ventilation (CV) has become an important clinical issue with the increasing use of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using endobronchial valve surgery in patients with severe COPD. The endobronchial valve BLVR procedure often uses one way valves to occlude segmental bronchi in lung regions with severe overinflation resulting from airway narrowing and collapse during exhalation. For BLVR to succeed, CV to the treated region must be minimal or absent. Current approaches to evaluating CV for both planning and follow-up of BLVR procedures involve CT imaging to assess fissure closure. Current techniques to assess regional lung function (including CV) are limited. Standard pulmonary function testing involving analysis of inert gas wash-in/wash-out can only provide statistical distributions without anatomic correlates. Herein we propose the use of fluorine magnetic resonance imaging of biologically inert perfluorinated gas mixed with oxygen to evaluate regional ventilation, in particular, interlobar collateral ventilation. We have evaluated normal subjects and subjects diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and have observed gas transfer at lobar fissures consistent with collateral ventilation.
Regulation of ACE-2 enzyme by hyperoxia in lung epithelial cells by post-translational modification
Authors: Mohamed Tarek , Abdul-Hafez Amal , Uhal Bruce D
Published: December 2021

Background: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) occurs in premature neonates with respiratory distress who require supplemental oxygen in the first days after birth. BPD involves uniform arrest of alveolar development and variable interstitial cellularity and/or fibroproliferation. Previous studies by our lab showed that the enzyme, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and its product Ang1-7 exerting action on the receptor Mas oncogene in what is known as ACE-2/Mas axis is protective to lung cells. We also showed that ACE-2 is expressed in fetal human lung fibroblasts but is significantly decreased by hyperoxic gas lung injury, an effect caused by ACE-2 enzyme shedding mediated by TNF-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17). However, no reports yet exist about the regulation of ACE-2 in the alveolar epithelia in hyperoxic lung injury. Objective: In this study we aim to define the effects of hyperoxic lung injury on the protective ACE-2 enzyme in the human lung alveolar epithelial cell line A549. Design/Methods: Cultured A549 cells were exposed to hyperoxia (95% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 3 or 7 days in serum-free nutrient media. Cells were lysed and culture media were collected to test for cellular ACE-2 enzymatic activity and for ACE-2, Mas receptor, TACE/ADAM17, and ubiquitin proteins abundance by immunoblotting. Cells were harvested in Trizol for RNA extraction and ACE-2 qRT-PCR. Whole cell extracts of A549 cell line was used for ACE-2 immunoprecipitation and subsequent ubiquitin immunoblotting. Whole cell extracts of A549 cell line was used for ACE-2 immunoprecipitation and subsequent ubiquitin immunoblotting. Results: Total ubiquitinated proteins were increased by hyperoxia treatment, while ACE-2 and Mas receptor proteins abundance and ACE-2 enzymatic activity were decreased significantly in A549 cells exposed to hyperoxia relative to the normoxia controls. The percent decrease in ACE-2 activity corresponded with increased time of hyperoxic gas exposure. However, in contrast to our data from lung fibroblasts, no significant change was noted in ACE-2 protein released into the media or in ACE-2 mRNA levels by the hyperoxic treatment. Ubiquitin immunoreactive bands were detectable in the ACE-2 immunoprecipitate. Conclusion(s): These data suggest that hyperoxic exposure of the lung epithelial cells decreases the protective enzyme ACE-2 by cell type specific mechanisms independent of shedding by TACE/ADAM17. The data also suggest a regulatory level of ACE-2 downstream of transcription may involve ACE-2 ubiquitination and targeting for degradation.
The correlation of respiratory system compliance and mortality in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome: do phenotypes really exist?
Authors: Choron Rachel L. , Iacono Stephen A. , Cong Alexander , Bargoud Christopher G. , Teichman Amanda L. , Krumrei Nicole J. , Bover Manderski Michelle T. , Rodricks Michael B. , Gupta Rajan , Lissauer Matthew E.
Published: December 2021

Background: Recent literature suggests respiratory system compliance (Crs) based phenotypes exist among COVID-19 ARDS patients. We sought to determine whether these phenotypes exist and whether Crs predicts mortality. Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study of 111 COVID-19 ARDS patients admitted March 11-July 8, 2020. Crs was averaged for the first 72-hours of mechanical ventilation. Crs<30ml/cmH2O was defined as poor Crs(phenotype-H) whereas Crs≥30ml/cmH2O as preserved Crs(phenotype-L). Results: 111 COVID-19 ARDS patients were included, 40 phenotype-H and 71 phenotype-L. Both the mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio for the first 72-hours of mechanical ventilation and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio hospital nadir were lower in phenotype-H than L(115[IQR87] vs 165[87], p=0.016), (63[32] vs 75[59], p=0.026). There were no difference in characteristics, diagnostic studies, or complications between groups. Twenty-seven (67.5%) phenotype-H patients died vs 37(52.1%) phenotype-L(p=0.115). Multivariable regression did not reveal a mortality difference between phenotypes; however, a 2-fold mortality increase was noted in Crs<20 vs >50ml/cmH2O when analyzing ordinal Crs groups. Moving up one group level (ex. Crs30-39.9ml/cmH2O to 40-49.9ml/cmH2O), was marginally associated with 14% lower risk of death(RR=0.86, 95%CI 0.72, 1.01, p=0.065). This attenuated (RR=0.94, 95%CI 0.80, 1.11) when adjusting for pH nadir and PaO2/FiO2 ratio nadir. Conclusion: We identified a spectrum of Crs in COVID-19 ARDS similar to Crs distribution in non-COVID-19 ARDS. While we identified increasing mortality as Crs decreased, there was no specific threshold marking significantly different mortality based on phenotype. We therefore would not define COVID-19 ARDS patients by phenotypes-H or L and would not stray from traditional ARDS ventilator management strategies.
Saddle pulmonary embolism on non-contrast CT
Authors: Chaudhry Bilal , Alekseyev Kirill , Didenko Lidiya , Ryklin Gennadiy , Lee David
Published: December 2021

Background: A saddle pulmonary embolism (PE) is a large embolism that straddles the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk. This PE extends into the right and left pulmonary arteries. There is a greater incidence in males. Common features of a PE include dyspnea, tachypnea, cough, hemoptysis, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, hypotension, jugular venous distension, and severe cases Kussmaul sign. The Wells criteria for PE is used as the pretest probability. Diagnostics include D-dimer levels, CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA), ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy (V/Q scan), echocardiography, lower extremity venous ultrasound, chest x-ray, pulmonary angiography, and electrocardiography (ECG). Case description: We present a 65-year-old male that presented with a two-week history of dyspnea with non-radiating intermittent chest pressure. Initial V/Q scan showed a low probability for PE, but a subsequent non-contrast CT revealed that he indeed had a saddle PE.
SARS-CoV-2 infection in a patient with destination left ventricular assist device
Authors: Careaga-Reyna Guillermo , Zetina-Tun Hugo Jesus
Published: December 2021

Recipients of LVAD for destination therapy may represent a challenge in the treatment of COVID-19. We present a case of a 58 year-old male with LVAD support complicated with SARS-CoV-2 who declines for hospital admission despite interstitial pneumonia and lower O2 saturation. The patient recieved ambulatory support and treatment with anticoagulation, supplementary O2, steroids, antibiotics, ivermectin with succesful evolution and recovery.
Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma - pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis, prognosis and complex treatment
Authors: Marinova Lena , Yordanova Bistra , Evgeniev Nikolay
Published: December 2021

The pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is extremely rarely lung neoplasm. A woman at the age of 55 with a local advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the right lung and CT data on bilateral adrenal metastases and three brain metastases were established. Diagnosis is placed after bronchoscopy with biopsy and detailed pathochistological and immunohistochemical analysis. PSC is extremely malignant and with high risk of distant haematogenic metastases. This rare clinical case support the need for strict pathohistological and immunohistochemical analysis, a difficult pathohistological differential diagnosis with other primary malignant lung tumors and the assessment of complex treatment. In order to improve the healing results and survival of patients, timely diagnosis is required at early stage with surgical treatment and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy and targetеd therapy after genetic analysis of surgery or biopsy tissue material.
Post Covid-19 organizing pneumonia: Case series for 6 patients with post-COVID interstitial lung disease
Authors: Alsulami Fahad , Dhaliwal Inderdeep , Mrkobrada Marko , Nicholson Michael
Published: December 2021

Organizing pneumonia secondary to viral infection is well established entity in the literature. Here we describe 6 cases of organizing pneumonia secondary to COVID-19. All six cases were presented with respiratory symptoms after their initial COVID-19 infection, and they had CT changes compatible with organizing pneumonia. Steroid treatment was initiated in all cases empirically without the need for trans-bronchial biopsy. All presented cases showed significant improvement with steroid clinically and radiographically.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP BASIC MOTOR SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL AT THE INITIAL STAGE OF EDUCATION
Authors: Stefanov S.
Published: December 2021

Most volleyball experts believe that developing basic motor skills and abilities to practice the game of volleyball should begin as early as the age of 8-9. Mini volleyball provides a good opportunity for forming groups of students and organized activities in the first years of school.
THE PURPOSE of this study is to reveal the possibilities for early development of basic motor qualities and skills needed for volleyball.
METHODS: Research, analysis and summary of the specialized scientific methodological literature, pedagogical observation, pedagogical sports experiment.
RESULTS: Dependencies have been established between the development of specific physical qualities for the game of volleyball, specific motor training and the acquisition of basic motor skills in volleyball at the initial stage of elementary school.
CONCLUSION: In order to practice some elements of mini volleyball, good coordination of movements, mastery of technical skills and rational management of movements at a certain speed, pace and rhythm are needed. Mini volleyball provides an opportunity to lower the age limit for starting early volleyball training.
On symmetry reduction and some classes of invariant solutions of the (1+3)-dimensional homogeneous Monge-Ampère equation
Authors: Fedorchuk Vasyl , Fedorchuk Volodymyr
Published: December 2021

We study the relationship between structural properties of the two-dimensional nonconjugate subalgebras of the same rank of the Lie algebra of the Poincaré group P(1,4) and the properties of reduced equations for the (1+3)-dimensional homogeneous Monge-Ampère equation. In this paper, we present some of the results obtained concerning symmetry reduction of the equation under investigation to identities. Some classes of the invariant solutions (with arbitrary smooth functions) are presented.
THE MODIFICATION OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOIL UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOME CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL TILLAGE SYSTEMS AND CORRELATION BETWEEN SOME OF THE SOIL COMPACTATION INDICATORS AND YIELDS
Authors: Raus L. , Jitareanu G.
Published: December 2021

Optimal crop rooting soil physical conditions are a result of complex interactions between soil strength and oxygen and water supply to plant roots. Spatial/temporal variability in soil properties can be critical in the evaluation of the effects of tillage management practice on soil and crop parameters. In this paper tillage were evaluated for theirs effects on soil physical and hydrological properties. Tillage treatments were plough to 20 cm, plough to 30 cm, chisel and disc harrow applied to wheat in to been/ wheat/ maize rotation. The experiments have been conducted in the Didactic Station of the USAMV – Iasi, Ezăreni Farm, during the period between 2002-2004, on a cambic chernozem with 3,4 % humus and pH 7. Tillage system modify, at least temporarily, some of the physical properties of soil, such as soil bulk density, penetration resistance, soil porosity and soil structural stability. Hydraulic properties of the soil did not differ significantly. All the tillage operation was significantly different in their effects on soil properties.
RESEARCH CONCERNING THE FENOLOGY OF CHENOPODIUM ALBUM L. SPECIES IN WHEAT, MAIZE AND SOYBEAN CULTURES IN TWO ECOLOGICAL AREAS
Authors: Vâtcă S. D. , Morar G. , Gâdea Ştefania , Vâtcă Anamaria
Published: December 2021

In the present paper there are presented results regarding the development and growing of Chenopodium album L specie in autumn wheat crops, maize and soybean in two different climatic areas at Cluj and Turda for a period of four years (2001 - 2004). The vegetation phases differ between plants grew in different crops but the seeds become adult differently, according to the vegetation period of the agricol crops.
GENETIC MARKER ASSISTED SELECTION FOR COMMON BUNT RESISTANCE (TILLETIA SP.) IN SOME WHEAT LINES
Authors: Cota Laura Cristina , Botez C. , Bota Dana , Lucaci Meda
Published: December 2021

In view of the molecular marker assisted selection for common bunt resistance, wheat lines in segregation have been used, as well as stabilized dihaploid wheat lines – resulted from different hybrid combinations in which parental forms resistant to bunt were used. To identify the polymorphisms between the resistant and sensitive forms, a pair of specific primers for the common bunt resistant gene (Bt-10) were used, as well as a number of twenty non-specific RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers. The main objective was finding some polymorphic markers for common bunt resistance in view of the selection of these lines on the basis of the markers. Such a marker were obtained (1450 bp) with specific primers, a marker linked to Bt-10 gene, and with non-specific primers more polymorphic fragments were obtained, present in the resistant forms and absent in the sensitive forms, possibly linked to common bunt resistant genes. In perspective, it is stipulated the conversion of these RAPD molecular markers to SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) specific markers.
RESEARCH CONCERNING THE WEEDING LEVEL OF AUTUMN WHEAT-POTATO-MAIZE AND SOYBEAN CROP ROTATION, IN CLUJ COUNTY
Authors: Bogdan Ileana , Guş P. , Rusu T. , Moraru Paula , Pop A.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents the results of researches that were done during 2003-2005 period, on the experimental field of Agrotehnics from Cluj-Napoca, whose objective was to establish the weed characteristics from the crop rotation: autumn wheat - potato – maize – soybean and its fluctuation by the crop rotation. The weed level from the rotation is followed in terms of flourish spectrum composition aspect, species frequencies, species ponderosity and the achieved covered degree. It is appreciated the crop rotation of its contribution to rationalize the technologies of these four crops through the crop rotation, and also to assure the premise of durable capitalization and the zone resource and the elimination of the risk of the agroecological possible derangements in the situation of omission of the rational weed control importance
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENTIATED FERTILIZATION – IN SOIL AND FOLIARY – OVER THE POTATO PRODUCTION
Authors: Toader C. , Rusu M. , Mărghitaş Marilena , Rusu Mihaela , Man S. , Pop V.
Published: December 2021

The potato, considered as a plant with considerable nutrient absorption, responds when applied fertilization systems which sets free significant quantities of elements assured soil, or by using various sorts of fertilizer.

This paper underlines the theoretical and practical importance of complex and balanced fertilization applied to growing potatoes, assured through NP mineral substratum, organo-mineral and foliar. The effect of these interventions is significant, and the absolute and relative values of this effect are as by as the nutritive substratum insures the presence of more nutrients at levels of sufficient biodisponibility.
RESEARCH REGARDING ETHANOL OBTAIN BY CATTAIL RHIZOMES
Authors: Muntean M. , Stanilã S. , Ranta O. , Molnar A. , David Adriana , Drocaş I.
Published: December 2021

Ethanol can be produced by means of fermentation. When yeasts are placed in an anaerobic environment, the result of their cellular respiration process is a formation of carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. Ethanol can then be used in a number of applications, including use as an alternative energy fuel.
THE INFLUENCE OF FERTILIZATION AND RAINFALL ON WHEAT PRODUCTION
Authors: Naidin C.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we analyze the influence of N and P fertilization on wheat yields, taking into account the previous crop and the level of rainfall accumulated until the end of the growth stages in plant development.

In the wheat crops developed on the reddish-brown low luvi soil found at ARDS Simnic, the N fertilization has favorable effects in moderate doses (60 - 100 kg N/ha after corn and 60 - 90 kg N/ha after peas), while in higher doses (120 - 160 kg N/ha) fertilization determines a fall in production, both in the case of rainfall deficit and excess. The P has favorable effects on wheat crops, especially when the previous crop is peas.

The rainfall quantity, as well as its repartition along the vegetation period, influences the wheat crop, causing great variations from year to year. The obtained data shows that rainfall deficit as well as rainfall excess determines a drop in wheat production; relatively high and stable average productions can be obtained in the case of rainfall levels close to the multi annual averages in different plant development stages.
RESEARCHES CONCERNING THE INFLUENCE OF THE AGROFUND UPON THE PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN SUN-FLOWER HYBRIDS CULTIVATED ON A CERNOSIUM FROM THE SOUTH OF OLTENIA – PORTARESTI AREA
Authors: Stefan M.
Published: December 2021

The researches have been made on a cambic cernosium soil from the south of Oltenia – Portaresti area and they have had in view the establishment of propicious levels of fertilization at certain nativ and foreign Sun-Flower hybrids to obtain a high productions.

Through applying the agrofund of 80 kg N/ha s.a + 80 kg P2O5/ha s.a. was achieved a massive production of 3130 kg/ha STAS. Hybrid PR63A90 has given the highest medium production, of 3270 kg/ha.
THE MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS MEDICAL WASTE IN 6 N-W REGION, ROMANIA
Authors: Proorocu Marian , Hategan Raluca , Popita Gabriela
Published: December 2021

The paper work presents the evolution of the hazardous medical waste quantities managed between 2003-2005 in 6 N-W Region, resulted an important decrease of these quantities when was introduced the conformable management through following activities: selective collecting, transport, elimination, and payment of the services.