Search results

The phase angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is associated with nutritional status and cellular health, and it is a clinically important parameter used to assess the risk of various diseases. It remains unclear whether PhA is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the BIA parameter PhA and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 300 adults aged 20–64 years (NAFLD: 196, normal: 104). Some biochemical findings of the participants were collected, and whole-body and segmental PhAs were measured using Tanita (MC-780) at 50 kHz.

The PhA values of the whole body (p = 0.003), trunk (p < 0.001), right and left legs (p < 0.001 for both) were found to significantly differ according to the degrees of fatty liver. It was observed that the highest PhA values were in normal individuals. Logistic regression analysis showed that the reduction in PhAs of the whole body (p = 0.038), right (p = 0.019) and left legs (p = 0.049) and trunk (p = 0.001) after adjusting for all confounding factors increased the risk of NAFLD. Additionally, whole body PhA was significantly associated with age (year, p = 0.02), BMI (kg/m²; p < 0.001), fat mass (kg; p = 0.001), fat mass (%; p < 0.001), albumin (g/L; p < 0.001) and CRP (mg/dL; p = 0.001).

The results of this study showed that PhA can be used in the management of NAFLD. To identify potential mechanisms in the relationship between the angle of the liver and NAFLD, large-scale prospective studies are needed.

Research carried out within the scope of the present new emerging optimum market to Greek regional airlines. This study (based on interconnected flight network) aims to provide an optimal alternative for flights to be carried out by small Greek airlines to Eskisehir Airport in Turkey. The airlines seek to sustainable demand base to improve themselves in a profitable way.

In this study, the analytical network process method was used. In the construction of network models, specific criteria have been considered, and the analysis has been accomplished as multi-criteria decision-making problem because of the relationship and interaction between them. A number of professionals with high knowledge of the Greek and Turkish aviation market were participated in the study.

Both Greek and Turkish experts think that the scenarios should include more airports (multi leg flights) to benefit from the increased traffic from all these destinations. Although, the model showed that more sustainable and effective routes are the simplest ones (single leg flights). Thus, the experts suggested the following five routes: Athens (ATH)-Antalya (AYT)-Eskisehir (AOE)-ATH; Heraklion (HER)-AOE-ATH; ATH-Istanbul (IST)-AOE-Thessaloniki (SKG); ATH-AOE-Cologne (CGN)-ATH and ATH-AOE-Izmir (ADB)-CGN-ATH. In addition, the experts pointed out the routes Eskisehir (AOE)-Brussel (BRU) and AOE-Cologne (CGN), as the passenger demand for them is high. These are considerable suggestions and should be examined by airlines’ managers, while aviation authorities should take these under consideration.

There are some factors that limit the potential extension of the small Greek regional airlines to Eskisehir airport. Istanbul’s Atatürk International Airport is the most used airport for international connected flight in Turkey, and the most airlines prefer this as a destination airport, although it has slots limitations and intense traffic. According to a previous project, sustainable flight network may include Istanbul and Izmir. Also, the bilateral agreement between Greece and Turkey according to Memorandum of Understanding between the Aeronautical Authorities of the Republic of Turkey and Hellenic Republic consists the main limitation of the traffic increase.

Connected flight network model suggestions developed in this research may provide contribution to airlines’ research and development activities. Also this kind of studies may contribute to the increase of the passengers’ traffic between the two countries with mutual benefits.

Based on the current study, with determined the grid network flights, new flights can be scheduled that are offering significant benefits. Also passengers will have the ability to travel to an attractive destination. In particular, the study may positively contribute to the further development of AOE and to the region around the city. On the other side, the Greek regional airlines can find an important market. Anadolu University’s entrepreneurship ability will be improved and also AOE’s business will be increased. This study will enforce the stronger links between both Greek [Hellenic (Greek) Civil Aviation Authority] and Turkish (General Directorate of Civil Aviation) aviation authorities. In addition, this study may contribute to the improvement of the economic relations between Greece and Turkey with mutual benefits.

It is thought that this research shows Greek and Turkish airports feasibility to cooperate providing benefits to passengers, airlines and the countries’ economies. The study includes current social, economic and cultural dynamics of the countries making significant contribution to academic literature. The capacity and demand analysis is useful for the management of the specific Greek carriers. Expert opinions are consulted over the course of taking strategic decisions. The analysis has been conducted, based on expert opinions and referred to for these pairwise comparisons. Airlines and airport managers based on the suggested methodology may examine potential flights, although more numerical data are necessary.