Cristina Dragomir - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Cristina Dragomir

Sustainability, 2021

The following study presents an inquiry into understanding the motivating factors of students to ... more The following study presents an inquiry into understanding the motivating factors of students to enroll in a maritime university and to further continue with a career in the maritime industry. By collecting data from 378 undergraduate students enrolled in various maritime programs (navigation, electromechanics, electrical engineering, and economic engineering in transport), we aimed to better understand the profiles of students, their information sources, interest, and the prospects of associated programs where they are enrolled. As such, this study seeks to enable educators and industry practitioners to better understand the educational and career paths chosen by undergraduates in the maritime field. It can align the students’ expectations with program delivery. We examined students’ perceptions and assessments according to the program they are enrolled in. Taking into account the fact that there is a world low attraction for maritime careers, the results of this study are useful f...

The Lancet, 2021

Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. ... more Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93-1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94-1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93-1·05; p=0·79). In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research.

Technium: Romanian Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020

In the context of ferry industry, fair transport is a new concept and under-researched in the aca... more In the context of ferry industry, fair transport is a new concept and under-researched in the academic research and industrial practitioners. The ferry operators overlook responsible ferry, happy employees, and quality services are crucial to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The role of fair transport is still ambiguous and unawareness of the society. Also, the government bodies, policymakers, and international organizations implement ineffective measures to support the idea of fair transport in a ferry industry. The paper mainly review the current ferry industry context for the new fair transport concept, and investigate the key roles of ferry operators and international organizations in the fair transport.

Maritime transport is a key sector with strategic importance for international trade. A problem s... more Maritime transport is a key sector with strategic importance for international trade. A problem seems to threaten normal development of maritime transport: the lack of motivation met at the young generation to join seafaring. Young people are not motivated to follow a seafaring career due to several reasons like isolation from friends, family and community for long periods and stressful work in challenging conditions. In this paper is presented a best practice study-case of motivation initiatives made by the Norwegian government and Norwegian public and private institutions. The research is based on the analysis of educational materials and media articles containing information and data on the initiatives taken by Norwegian government and public and private as well as on observations made at one Norwegian institutions of higher education in maritime sciences. Main results of the study reflect the considerable benefits of the Norwegian government's involvement in attracting young...

The next generation of managers emerges as a consequence of the environmental changes that affest... more The next generation of managers emerges as a consequence of the environmental changes that affests the world economies. In this paper is presented the profile of the new type of manager adjusted to the current world trends: the ecomanager. While ecomanagement refers to strategies implemented to minimize or eliminate the adverse effects of human activities on the environment, ecomanagers are those develop and implement environmental policies in all the management activities and in the entire workflow of the organization. In this paper is presented an example of implementing ecomanagement in a Korean shipping company and there are presented specific ecomanagement strategies and actions regarding both onshore and offshore activities.

TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 2018

This article presents a part of the qualitative research results from the GECAMET international a... more This article presents a part of the qualitative research results from the GECAMET international academic study on gender issues in shipping. One of the aims of GECAMET research represent the understanding of human factors considering gender equality and cultural awareness issues met in the shipping industry. In this paper are published qualitative results obtained through 47 structured online interviews of women seafarers made in the period 201-2018. The target group of respondents was formed by women leaders in the shipping sector which are current seafarers with careers on board ship. Other data collected involved leaders defined as ex-seafarers working in managerial positions working on shore. Results of the interviews provide a great source of inspirational leadership. Data obtained is useful for women seafarers that need models and motivational aid in order to join maritime education and maritime careers , and to surpass any eventual challenges. Data is also useful for shipping organizations and MET in order to improve equal and effective access of women to seafarer careers on board ship.

Port operators use almost all type of port equipments, from a range of heavy equipments to light ... more Port operators use almost all type of port equipments, from a range of heavy equipments to light machines. Port activities efficiency can be achieved by improving the exploitation of the necessary port equipment for handling cargo. Objectives of research are based on establishing factors that influence management activities of quay cranes exploitation. A better exploitation management of quay cranes can be achieved by implementing a proper port equipment management system

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

In maritime transport, drills are methods of practicing how a team or individuals should behavein... more In maritime transport, drills are methods of practicing how a team or individuals should behavein case of an emergency on board ship (fire, explosion, pirates’ attacks, ship sinking, shipgrounding, capsizing etc.). Most commonly acknowledged in the shipping domain, drills aresynonyms to training exercises. Drills are extremely important for the safety of ship, crew andpassengers and are mandatory to be performed in any sea voyage. In this paper is made anoverview on regulatory framework and strategic role of efficient maritime drills and training.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2019

Inspired by maritime fair trade, Fair Transport is a concept occurring in line with the emerging ... more Inspired by maritime fair trade, Fair Transport is a concept occurring in line with the emerging issues in the transport sector: questionable quality of service, environmental impact, gender bias and decent work conditions. This paper presents a pilot study identifying perspectives and attitudes of a small group of young and adult generation (21-44 years) from maritime industry regarding the societal role of a fair transport system. The research method used consist in an online survey with 71 respondents from the international maritime sector, whose contribution was recorded for two months (October - November 2019). Primary results indicate that consumption behavior can be influenced by fair attitudes manifested in maritime business and this may lead to sectoral changes in the close future.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

The activity of shipping plays a strategic key role for the development of international trade. A... more The activity of shipping plays a strategic key role for the development of international trade. A remarkable increase in the seaborne international trade would not have been possible without the important role of the ship and of the seafarers, both perceived as basic elements for developing an efficient ship management. Ship management in general and in particular the third-party ship management contributes to restructuring shipping business. This paper emphasizes the interconnected role between ship, seafarers and the ship management company for the wealth of the shipping business.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2015

Managing a ship is a complex process done either by employees of a shipping company, either is ex... more Managing a ship is a complex process done either by employees of a shipping company, either is externalized and delivered by a 3rd party independent companies specialized in ship management. This paper presents certain considerations on developing ship management in the context of the current changes in maritime transport. Though this subject is very complex, in this paper we approach only some of the changes caused mainly by technology developments, financial crisis and, most important of all, the orientation towards sustainability and environment protection. The environmental impact of sea transport might lead to a new type of crisis with god and bad side effects.

Striving for an equilibrium consistency in the domain of ship management services, benchmarking i... more Striving for an equilibrium consistency in the domain of ship management services, benchmarking is a useful tool for learning best practices of the best. We present in this paper our considerations regarding ship management benchmarking, taking into account the particularities of the shipping market.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

Sea oil spills produce unfortunate environmental damage with huge impact on sea life, humanhealth... more Sea oil spills produce unfortunate environmental damage with huge impact on sea life, humanhealth and economic prejudices for interconnected communities and industries. As prevention isbetter than to cure, specific managerial procedures in case of oil pollution are prepared,implemented and communicated by shipping companies. Ship oil pollution emergency plan(SOPEP) is a prevention plan carried on board by almost all commercial ships, which technicallysynthesize the managerial procedures in case of oil pollution. This paper present an overview onpollution emergency plans (SOPEP), emphasizing useful guidelines for establishing an efficient SOPEP.

TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation

Technium: Romanian Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology

The rapid development of graph algorithms was primarily due to exponential progress known from th... more The rapid development of graph algorithms was primarily due to exponential progress known from the development of computers. Requested to participate in the process of combinatorial optimization, graphs¸ built a fund of theorems based on which a lot of algorithms have been developed that today form the toolbasic of this field. Applications of graph algorithms in various domains, from substantiating political decisions to macroeconomic issues, from production problems in the study of electrical networks, gives it an increased importance.

Annals Constanta Maritime University

The performance of a business can be measured on the efficiency of processes developed within. Th... more The performance of a business can be measured on the efficiency of processes developed within. This article proposes 55 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used as effective measurement indicators for evaluating the economic efficiency of shipping companies onshore with mixed crews, as well as the efficiency of mixed crews onboard a vessel. The KPIs were proposed, assessed, validated, and re-assessed through a four-stage research methodology within the GECAMET transnational project. The results of the research provide useful quantitative and qualitative tools for evaluating the performance of the shipping companies, considering the perspective of shipping gendering. The approach of establishing particular KPIs for gendering shipping and mixed crews is so far the first ever made. Also provided in the article is a classification of the proposed KPIs in categories related to financial costs, time costs, health and safety, education, and social.

Sustainability, 2021

The following study presents an inquiry into understanding the motivating factors of students to ... more The following study presents an inquiry into understanding the motivating factors of students to enroll in a maritime university and to further continue with a career in the maritime industry. By collecting data from 378 undergraduate students enrolled in various maritime programs (navigation, electromechanics, electrical engineering, and economic engineering in transport), we aimed to better understand the profiles of students, their information sources, interest, and the prospects of associated programs where they are enrolled. As such, this study seeks to enable educators and industry practitioners to better understand the educational and career paths chosen by undergraduates in the maritime field. It can align the students’ expectations with program delivery. We examined students’ perceptions and assessments according to the program they are enrolled in. Taking into account the fact that there is a world low attraction for maritime careers, the results of this study are useful f...

The Lancet, 2021

Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. ... more Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19. This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936. Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93-1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94-1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93-1·05; p=0·79). In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes. UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research.

Technium: Romanian Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology, 2020

In the context of ferry industry, fair transport is a new concept and under-researched in the aca... more In the context of ferry industry, fair transport is a new concept and under-researched in the academic research and industrial practitioners. The ferry operators overlook responsible ferry, happy employees, and quality services are crucial to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The role of fair transport is still ambiguous and unawareness of the society. Also, the government bodies, policymakers, and international organizations implement ineffective measures to support the idea of fair transport in a ferry industry. The paper mainly review the current ferry industry context for the new fair transport concept, and investigate the key roles of ferry operators and international organizations in the fair transport.

Maritime transport is a key sector with strategic importance for international trade. A problem s... more Maritime transport is a key sector with strategic importance for international trade. A problem seems to threaten normal development of maritime transport: the lack of motivation met at the young generation to join seafaring. Young people are not motivated to follow a seafaring career due to several reasons like isolation from friends, family and community for long periods and stressful work in challenging conditions. In this paper is presented a best practice study-case of motivation initiatives made by the Norwegian government and Norwegian public and private institutions. The research is based on the analysis of educational materials and media articles containing information and data on the initiatives taken by Norwegian government and public and private as well as on observations made at one Norwegian institutions of higher education in maritime sciences. Main results of the study reflect the considerable benefits of the Norwegian government's involvement in attracting young...

The next generation of managers emerges as a consequence of the environmental changes that affest... more The next generation of managers emerges as a consequence of the environmental changes that affests the world economies. In this paper is presented the profile of the new type of manager adjusted to the current world trends: the ecomanager. While ecomanagement refers to strategies implemented to minimize or eliminate the adverse effects of human activities on the environment, ecomanagers are those develop and implement environmental policies in all the management activities and in the entire workflow of the organization. In this paper is presented an example of implementing ecomanagement in a Korean shipping company and there are presented specific ecomanagement strategies and actions regarding both onshore and offshore activities.

TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 2018

This article presents a part of the qualitative research results from the GECAMET international a... more This article presents a part of the qualitative research results from the GECAMET international academic study on gender issues in shipping. One of the aims of GECAMET research represent the understanding of human factors considering gender equality and cultural awareness issues met in the shipping industry. In this paper are published qualitative results obtained through 47 structured online interviews of women seafarers made in the period 201-2018. The target group of respondents was formed by women leaders in the shipping sector which are current seafarers with careers on board ship. Other data collected involved leaders defined as ex-seafarers working in managerial positions working on shore. Results of the interviews provide a great source of inspirational leadership. Data obtained is useful for women seafarers that need models and motivational aid in order to join maritime education and maritime careers , and to surpass any eventual challenges. Data is also useful for shipping organizations and MET in order to improve equal and effective access of women to seafarer careers on board ship.

Port operators use almost all type of port equipments, from a range of heavy equipments to light ... more Port operators use almost all type of port equipments, from a range of heavy equipments to light machines. Port activities efficiency can be achieved by improving the exploitation of the necessary port equipment for handling cargo. Objectives of research are based on establishing factors that influence management activities of quay cranes exploitation. A better exploitation management of quay cranes can be achieved by implementing a proper port equipment management system

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

In maritime transport, drills are methods of practicing how a team or individuals should behavein... more In maritime transport, drills are methods of practicing how a team or individuals should behavein case of an emergency on board ship (fire, explosion, pirates’ attacks, ship sinking, shipgrounding, capsizing etc.). Most commonly acknowledged in the shipping domain, drills aresynonyms to training exercises. Drills are extremely important for the safety of ship, crew andpassengers and are mandatory to be performed in any sea voyage. In this paper is made anoverview on regulatory framework and strategic role of efficient maritime drills and training.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2019

Inspired by maritime fair trade, Fair Transport is a concept occurring in line with the emerging ... more Inspired by maritime fair trade, Fair Transport is a concept occurring in line with the emerging issues in the transport sector: questionable quality of service, environmental impact, gender bias and decent work conditions. This paper presents a pilot study identifying perspectives and attitudes of a small group of young and adult generation (21-44 years) from maritime industry regarding the societal role of a fair transport system. The research method used consist in an online survey with 71 respondents from the international maritime sector, whose contribution was recorded for two months (October - November 2019). Primary results indicate that consumption behavior can be influenced by fair attitudes manifested in maritime business and this may lead to sectoral changes in the close future.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

The activity of shipping plays a strategic key role for the development of international trade. A... more The activity of shipping plays a strategic key role for the development of international trade. A remarkable increase in the seaborne international trade would not have been possible without the important role of the ship and of the seafarers, both perceived as basic elements for developing an efficient ship management. Ship management in general and in particular the third-party ship management contributes to restructuring shipping business. This paper emphasizes the interconnected role between ship, seafarers and the ship management company for the wealth of the shipping business.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2015

Managing a ship is a complex process done either by employees of a shipping company, either is ex... more Managing a ship is a complex process done either by employees of a shipping company, either is externalized and delivered by a 3rd party independent companies specialized in ship management. This paper presents certain considerations on developing ship management in the context of the current changes in maritime transport. Though this subject is very complex, in this paper we approach only some of the changes caused mainly by technology developments, financial crisis and, most important of all, the orientation towards sustainability and environment protection. The environmental impact of sea transport might lead to a new type of crisis with god and bad side effects.

Striving for an equilibrium consistency in the domain of ship management services, benchmarking i... more Striving for an equilibrium consistency in the domain of ship management services, benchmarking is a useful tool for learning best practices of the best. We present in this paper our considerations regarding ship management benchmarking, taking into account the particularities of the shipping market.

Ovidius University Annals: Economic Sciences Series, 2016

Sea oil spills produce unfortunate environmental damage with huge impact on sea life, humanhealth... more Sea oil spills produce unfortunate environmental damage with huge impact on sea life, humanhealth and economic prejudices for interconnected communities and industries. As prevention isbetter than to cure, specific managerial procedures in case of oil pollution are prepared,implemented and communicated by shipping companies. Ship oil pollution emergency plan(SOPEP) is a prevention plan carried on board by almost all commercial ships, which technicallysynthesize the managerial procedures in case of oil pollution. This paper present an overview onpollution emergency plans (SOPEP), emphasizing useful guidelines for establishing an efficient SOPEP.

TransNav, the International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation

Technium: Romanian Journal of Applied Sciences and Technology

The rapid development of graph algorithms was primarily due to exponential progress known from th... more The rapid development of graph algorithms was primarily due to exponential progress known from the development of computers. Requested to participate in the process of combinatorial optimization, graphs¸ built a fund of theorems based on which a lot of algorithms have been developed that today form the toolbasic of this field. Applications of graph algorithms in various domains, from substantiating political decisions to macroeconomic issues, from production problems in the study of electrical networks, gives it an increased importance.

Annals Constanta Maritime University

The performance of a business can be measured on the efficiency of processes developed within. Th... more The performance of a business can be measured on the efficiency of processes developed within. This article proposes 55 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used as effective measurement indicators for evaluating the economic efficiency of shipping companies onshore with mixed crews, as well as the efficiency of mixed crews onboard a vessel. The KPIs were proposed, assessed, validated, and re-assessed through a four-stage research methodology within the GECAMET transnational project. The results of the research provide useful quantitative and qualitative tools for evaluating the performance of the shipping companies, considering the perspective of shipping gendering. The approach of establishing particular KPIs for gendering shipping and mixed crews is so far the first ever made. Also provided in the article is a classification of the proposed KPIs in categories related to financial costs, time costs, health and safety, education, and social.