The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Reputation Management of High-Tech Dentistry in Romania

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the activities carried out in several fields, including dentistry, to a high extent. The purpose of this paper is to determine the respondents' perception of the image of dental practices in Romania following the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to fulfil the purpose of the research, a quantitative study was carried out, including data collection with the help of a questionnaire to 306 respondents. A multiple linear regression model was used in order to determine the type and intensity of existing links between the variables. The results illustrated that 50.8% of the variation in the dependent variable (respondents' perception of the image of dental practices) is explained by the independent variables. The results obtained in this research are very important, both for the dentists who work in private clinics and for the managers who work inside them. They will therefore be aware of the main factors that must be emphasized if they want to improve the image of the medical practice or to increase the number of patients they have. © 2022 by the authors.

E-LEARNING – ALTERNATIVE OR NEED?

The pandemic caused by the new Covid-19 imposed at international level a series of measures to protect and limit human interaction, measures that also had effects in the education system. The starting point of the analysis is the fact that previously alternative methods were applied in the educational process that did not require physical attendance at courses. In front of the new challanges, states have been forced to continue and develop these methods and, at the same time, to identify new ones so that the educational process can be completed with at least the same expected effects. This article aims to analyze the effects of the pandemic on the educational process and how to implement the lessons identified during this period to streamline the educational process in the future when the effects of the pandemic will cease. For this, applying heuristic research methods, both classical and unconventional, we analyzed the different approaches of some states and proposed uniformity measures at regional level to obtain maximum effects in the educational process. Documentary research and content analysis allowed us highlight some positive aspects of the application of alternative methods. Moreover, the comparative analysis and the study of the actions undertaken allowed the identification of the need to combine in the future the classic methods of conducting the educational process with the specific e-learning ones. This could be the key to a more efficient path in terms of improving and achieving the highest possible results in the education system with the minimum use of the necessary resources. © 2021, National Defence University - Carol I Printing House. All rights reserved.

Implications of the eeducation and etraining trends on teaching-learning methods specific to intelligence and military sciences

This article comprises a synthesis of eEducation and eTraining trends that have influenced educational processes in general, with a description of the ways of adapting military higher education to the paradigm of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will also highlight the degree of resilience of the academic environment to these trends, in order to identify innovative teaching-learning solutions adapted to a field as specific as the field of intelligence and military sciences. There has been an increase in the share of the use of eLearning technologies, which have become common alternatives to the classic teaching-learning process to which more and more users have adapted. These technologies have determined the identification of new teaching-learning methods that reduce the quantitative and qualitative differences of the educational processes carried out in specific conditions. The novelty of this approach consists in identifying teaching-learning models with a potential for adjustment in the context of intelligence and military sciences and adapted to the fields of eEducation and eTraining. The eEducation in the military field aims to create a permanent behavioral change in participants in the teaching-learning process through the transmission of knowledge through innovative technologies. The eTraining aims to obtain certain skills, performing an exact task by using a specific technology. Through eTraining, participants in this process are allowed to acquire a certain skill. However, this requires earlier assimilation of theoretical information and further practice in reality. These teaching-learning models must meet the specific needs of the field of intelligence and military sciences, which will thus align with the trends of evolution of the methods specific to the fields of eEducation and eTraining used in related fields. © 2021, National Defence University - Carol I Printing House. All rights reserved.

STUDYING SOME POSSIBLE IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME MANIFESTATIONS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

The starting point of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) pandemic is a highly debated topic today. Despite the fact that a multitude of hypotheses have been issued in this context, this new strain beta-coronavirus is not only highly contagious, but also rapidly transmitted interpersonally through the perpetually disrupting the homeostasis. It constantly affects the lungs, and also the digestive tract according to the latest reports following its binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Material and methods: In the present study we aimed to explain and describe some gastrointestinal deficiencies exhibited by the positive patients Therefore, the Visual Analogue Scale-IBS ( VAS-IBS) questionnaire was applied to a group of positive patients (n = 22) and compared to their sex-matched controls (n = 22). The confirmation for the SARS- CoV-2 infection was carried out by specific RT-qPCR testing. Results: We observed that the overall scores attributed to the spectrum of Physical symptoms, Mental health and Quality of life are significantly different among the COVID-19 group dependent on sex than in the control group. However, we did not find significant differences in terms of shape and stool consistencies (as evaluated by Bristol scale). Conclusions: In this study, we showed that several gastrointestinal symptoms (as evaluated by VAS-IBS scale) could occur during or following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on gastrointestinal endoscopy activity in a tertiary care center from north-eastern romania

Aims The outbreak of the corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to significant changes in endoscopy unitsworldwide, with potential impact on patients' welfare as well as on endoscopy training. We aimed to assess the real-lifeimpact of COVID-19 on the endoscopy unit in a tertiary care center from Romania. Methods We performed a service evaluation using the local endoscopy database. Two time periods were analyzed, namelyfrom the 1 of March to 15 September 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and a similar period between 1 of March -15 September 2019. Results There was a 6.2 fold decrease of the number of endoscopic procedures as a result of COVID-19. The mostimportant reduction was found in colonoscopy, from 916 to 42 procedures, P < 0.001, followed by flexible sigmoidoscopy, from 189 to 14 procedures, P = 0.009, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, from 2269 to 401 procedures, P = 0.006, and ERCP, from 234 to 125 procedures, P < 0.001. The percentage of emergency procedures increased (38.8 % vs 26.2 %, P < 0.001),as well as the rate of endoscopies performed for upper GI bleeding (42.5 % vs 24.4 %, respectively, P < 0.001). Thedetection of cancers was considerably reduced (57 compared to 249, P = 0.001). Surprisingly the rate of complications waslower and the success of the procedures higher (7.6 % vs 19.2 %, P < 0.001, and 94.2 % vs 90.7 %, respectively). Fellowparticipation was also reduced from 90 % before the pandemic to 40.9 % during COVID-19 time (P < 0.001). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the workflow of the endoscopy unit, lowering the number ofprocedures performed and potentially compromising the early detection of cancers.