bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial Intelligence Text Processing Using Retrieval-Augmented Generation: Applications in Business and Education Fields
Authors: Posedaru Bogdan-Stefan , Pantelimon Florin-Valeriu , Dulgheru Mihai-Nicolae , Georgescu Tiberiu-Marian
Published: July 2024

The article studies the current text processing tools based on Artificial Intelligence. A literature review is done emphasizing the dynamic evolution of AI-powered text analytics, having as its central tool ChatGPT and its capabilities. The focus is centered on the techniques and methods that are using embeddings in order to improve large language models (LLMs).

In this paper is analyzed the current situation of the literature in terms of text processing using Retrieval-Augmented Generation and is highlighted the potential of this technology to enhance the interpretability and trust in applications critical, such as those related to education or business. AI has revolutionized natural language processing (NLP), which facilitated the machines to interpret and generate text efficiently and accurately. In addition, large language models with external knowledge bases have been developed. These are used to produce more accurate and contextually relevant text responses. This approach is called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG is one of the most significant recent advancements in this field.

Based on our study, two use cases are implemented to show the applicability of our study: one related to education and one related to business IT-related documents. The methodology describes the techniques used. This includes retrieval-augmented generation and embedding stored using vector databases. Our custom models are evaluated by comparing them to the general ones, without embeddings, showing superior performance.

The article highlights remarkable progress in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which is used for AI text processing with a focus on business and education fields. Further in this paper, many of the most significant highlights are presented, which include a scalable framework for AI applications, a new integration of Retrieval-Augmented Generation and embeddings, practical application demonstrations, bridging gaps in the analysis op AI text, significant development in AI performance and optimizing educational and business processes.
A Quantitative Analysis of Default Risk Using Machine Learning and SHAP Value Interpretation
Authors: Tanasuica Zotic Coralia
Published: July 2024

In finance, creating a model that balances risk reduction with opportunity is essential. This investigation addresses the necessity for risk evaluation frameworks that combine efficiency with adaptability, thus preserving opportunities for transactions critical to some organizations. The present study identifies, within a factoring process involving two key players: the invoice seller and the debtor, the essential variables that determine the likelihood of the debtor defaulting on the invoice payment. The event of non-payment is most often associated with the debtor's inability to pay due to insolvency, making it crucial in this type of activity to emphasize an efficient credit scoring system capable of proactively highlighting a debtor company with a high risk of default. Nonetheless, some companies pass this filter and enter the factoring process, but end up being unable to pay. The study identifies them based on a set of real data and uses supervised machine learning techniques to select the optimal classification model, also highlighting the variables with a major impact on the target. The specialized literature is focused on identifying the models that perform best in the credit scoring activity or studies that identify the non-payment behavior of clients. What this work adds is the combination of these two dimensions, for example, it provides an additional filter to credit scoring, using parameters identified as essential in determining defaulters and using them as inputs for an unsupervised learning model, thus classifying the entire population of companies in Romania to identify clusters containing the highest proportion of non-payment companies.
The Applicability of Some Machine Learning Algorithms in the Prediction of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vîrgolici Oana , Tănăsescu Laura Gabriela
Published: July 2024

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes abnormal high levels of glucose in the blood. The pancreas is healthy, but the body doesn’t respond properly to its own insulin. The principal culprit is obesity, too much high fat tissue. So, measuring the body mass index or the waist circumference is a step to estimate the risk for this disease. Many people have no symptoms and the disease develops silently, causing serious problems with eyes, feet, heart and nerves. The prediction of diabetes is a very topical problem. In addition to medical guides, more and more machine learning models appear, trained on different databases. The purpose of these models is to predict diabetes, based on different parameters, not all of them coming from medical analyses. In the paper we present four diabetes prediction models, respectively based on the decision tree, support vector machine, logistic regression and k-nearest neighbors’ algorithms. All models are trained and tested on a database with approximately 65,000 records (divided into 70% for training and 30% for testing), which contains two blood markers (haemoglobin A1c and glucose), an anthropometric parameter (body mass index), age, gender and three categorical parameters (smoking status, hypertension, heart disease). We identify that Haemoglobin A1C and glucose are the most influential predictors. The models are evaluated in terms of accuracy score and confusion matrix and a ranking is presented at the end. The results obtained are very encouraging for all the presented models.
The Role of AI for Business and Companies’ Leadership and Internationalization in Globalization: A Background with Analysis
Authors: Benabed Anis , Bujor Dragoș , Manita Bulareanu Alexandra , Constantin Ene Andreea Bianca
Published: July 2024

This paper analyzes and describes an analytical approach on the role of Artificial intelligence for business and companies leadership within the outlines of globalization. The research methodology focused first on a literature review by reviewing some previous relevant articles to the research topic and focusing on the relevant points. The reviewed articles provided in the part of references below were from different databases. The literature review was followed by a descriptive analysis that based on data interpretation and analysis according to the illustrations of the available data in the created figures that are showed in the part of analysis and results. The results showed that the potential of artificial intelligence may help companies to control their internal and external systems to bid and trade well in the markets. Artificial intelligence can help companies advance with their businesses by offering their services, products, operations or whatever offers in forms of e-sales with the help of artificial intelligence. Under the outlines of globalization and digitalization that are intertwined, competitiveness becomes increasingly stronger because companies business holders compete with companies that apply technology and innovation, delivering increasingly better products, operations, services and offers with the possibility of high costs for the third world countries and lower costs for developed countries and the Companies that internationalize their processes greatly need artificial intelligence, which has already become a leader in leading some businesses. In conclusion, many companies are clear that artificial intelligence is the next step in digital transformation for business and companies’ leadership since AI is needed for their services, offers and internationalization processes to compete strongly in the foreign markets.
Slowbalization: Rising Trends for the Global Economy and Business
Authors: Benabed Anis , Moncea Madalina
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates and analyzes the paradigm of slowbalization and the new direction of globalization and how they can expose business to more challenges. The research methodology mainly focused on literature review with a focus on a descriptive data analysis in the content of the paper. The results showed that factors such as economic decoupling that may transform to a real difficult reality for companies, the economic consequences of the geopolitical conflicts, the pandemic caused by Covid-19 divergence in US-China relations globally, political economic instability, rising inflation rates and other risks such as cyber-attacks have always posed a threat to economies, companies, businesses and markets. Slowbalization as a word does not exist in literature or language roots but it illustrates the recoil of globalization due to some of the previous stated factors. In conclusion, the end of globalization seems to be impossible since it appeared in the fourth industrial revolution that witnessed the appearance of digitalization, computer and internet. It is possible that a new phase of globalization is being reshaped or a new road towards its sustainable aspects. On the contrary, the introduction of a new international order is always a potential probability.
The Effects of Shocks on the Real Economy in Romania. A Bayesian FAVAR Approach
Authors: Neacșu Andrei-Costin , Pleșa Georgiana , Neacșu George Alexandru
Published: July 2024

The last five years have marked the global economy with a series of shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, supply chain bottlenecks, the surge in inflation, and the energy crisis, whose magnitude and duration were challenging to predict. Moreover, the impact of those shocks significantly affected the accuracy of macroeconomic forecasts. Thus, assessing the effects of the shocks became extremely important and conditioned by the econometric models that can capture a large amount of information. This paper proposes a Bayesian Factor-Augmented Vector Autoregressive Model (FAVAR) to assess the effects of the most prominent shocks that recently hit the real Romanian economy. We use a high-dimensional data set of quarterly indicators from 2005Q1 to 2023Q3, covering the real sector, price indexes, sentiment indicators and financial variables. Our main results suggest that tightening monetary policy shock decreases both the real economic activity and prices, while a supply shock produces a delayed negative and persistent effect on real economic activity and on the majority of the indicators introduced in the model. The results of the uncertainty shocks are characterized by wider confidence intervals and the effects are estimated to have a lower magnitude.
Review of Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy Responsiveness Capacity to Red Sea Militarization between 1991-2018
Authors: Geberemeskel Alula Nerea , Monir Maruf Mohammad Sirajum , Cristea Nicoleta-Elena
Published: July 2024

This article aims to assess responsiveness capacity of Ethiopian foreign policy on political and militarization dynamics in the Red Sea region from 1991 to 2018. Primarily, the evaluation employs the Effectiveness and Adequacy policy measurement criteria to assess the foreign policy's responsiveness. The review employed explanatory and argumentative approaches to examine different sources. The study also designed a logical framework of analysis by incorporating relevant IR theories like Hegemonic Stability Theory (HST) and Realism. The analysis then divided foreign policy objectives into General objectives and specific objectives which include Eritrea, Somalia, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. Consequently, Adequacy and effectiveness policy evaluation criteria are used as to examine whether or not Ethiopian foreign policy assumptions are aligning with the Red Sea political dynamics and effectively achieve the stated objectives. The study shows shortcomings in responsiveness of both adequacy and effectiveness criteria. This is due to change in prior policy assumptions caused by rapid global and regional power dynamics. nevertheless, country specific findings are different. In country such as Eritrea and the Arabian Peninsula the policy is found to be is ineffective and inadequate; where as in Somalia it’s both effective and adequate. on the other hand, policy towards Egypt bound to have adequate assumptions but not effective. Therefore, revision and adoption of a holistic policy towards Red Sea region recommended.
Trends in the Political Economy of Military Expenditure. The Case of Europe
Authors: Bran Alexandra-Carmen
Published: July 2024

In real terms, global military spending increased by 3.7% in 2022 to a record $2240 billion. The invasion of Ukraine by Russia played a significant role in the increase in spending, with military spending in Europe rising by 13% in the year – the highest yearly increase in total European spending since the conclusion of the Cold War. Significant increases in spending by Russia and Ukraine were primarily responsible for the remarkable gain, but several other European nations also increased their military budgets in 2022. This essay examines the impact of national choices regarding sovereignty, industrial issues, and strategic needs on procurement strategies, and then measures and discusses the changes and continuities in the European procurement process.
Artificial Intelligence – a Double-Edged Sword. Organized Crime`s AI vs Law Enforcement`s AI
Authors: Racoveanu Cornel
Published: July 2024

Organized crime has acquired new values in the context of the geopolitical, social and economic transformations that the states are currently facing, expanding their ramifications at the international level. Conflicts often create opportunities that lead to the increasing of the organized crime, amplifying the threat that criminal groups can pose to domestic security. The heightened dynamics of the international security environment and, in particular, the instability with the potential for contagion manifested in the Eastern neighborhood and in the Middle East, potentiates the risks posed by organized crime.

With the increase in technological development, especially based on Artificial Intelligence, organized crime has become one of the world’s most pressing issues, with a large number of countries having been affected. This research deals with the role of digital technologies implemented through cyberspace in prevention, detecting and combating organized crime. In addition, the research found that the rate of illegal activity has increased due to the global accessibility that the Internet has provided, especially AI, posing great risks to the public and increasing the rate of organised crimes. Combating organized crime has become an important political priority for many governments around the world, and any future success in eliminating criminal groups in its various forms will depend on the extent to which governments and relevant organizations are prepared to develop digital technologies based on artificial intelligence and use them to combat and prevent illegal activity.
Coaching for the Personal Development of Technical Education Students in Order to Insert Them into the Labor Market
Authors: Gaspar Florentina
Published: July 2024

Technical high schools and professional and dual vocational schools in Romania play an important role in the education and professional training of young people who want to acquire a qualification or specialization for a quick insertion on the labor market. The future in terms of specializations/qualifications as we know them now is increasingly uncertain, technology advances extremely quickly, so that today's students of professional and technical education need an integrated approach to their professional training, in meaning that they should acquire general technical and digital skills and competences that will then help them specialize/qualify. But these students must also benefit from a personal development that will allow them to acquire communication, collaboration and leadership skills that are extremely necessary both in their private life, but especially in their professional life. Coaching is a method of acquiring these skills, its role being to explore and identify the internal resources of each student and to guide each one to capitalize on them. Thus coaching can help students develop their self-esteem and build a positive image of themselves. Through coaching, techniques for managing stress and maintaining emotional balance can be learned because educational environments in professional and technical education can be much more conflictual than other educational environments. Through the coaching activities in which they will participate, students will improve their creativity, self-esteem, stress management skills, all of which lead to obtaining and improving performance.
The Importance of Photovoltaic Solar Panel Recycling in Romania: Aligning with the Green Deal and Fit for 55 Strategies
Authors: Bulgaru Ioan Andrei , Nedelcu Alexandra , Stănciulescu Raluca-Ioana , Paraschiv Dorel-Mihai
Published: July 2024

Romania’s flourishing solar energy sector necessitates responsible management of photovoltaic (PV) panel waste. The research examines at the current level of PV panel recycling and anticipates future production of waste. By examining data on solar production capacity and panel characteristics, the study forecasts a significant rise in PV waste.

Supportive legislation and rising environmental consciousness have contributed to increased PV installations, but regulating the waste produced is essential. The analysis predicts a jump in trash volume, reaching at least 32,892 tons by 2033, a stunning 2336% increase over 2024–2032.

This represents an exceptional chance for Romania to become a European leader in PV panel recycling. Romania could establish an innovative industry, acquire recycled materials for new panels, and encourage a circular solar energy economy if it optimizes its waste management.

Together with EU policies to promote the use of recycled materials in the production process of new panels, a national PV waste management strategy needs to be developed, with collaboration between government, industry and environmental organizations.

This paper provides significant insights for participants in Romania’s solar energy market. By identifying the challenges as well as opportunities relating to PV waste management, interested parties could collaborate proactively to build an economically viable future for solar energy in Romania.
The Challenges of Projects Implemented with Financing from European Union Funds
Authors: Iacob Pargaru Oana Camelia , Spiridon Carmen Elena , Buzoianu Ovidiu Andrei Cristian , Uta Nicolae Gabriel
Published: July 2024

When a Romanian entrepreneur is looking for European funds to finance his business, it is essential for him to understand the terms of the loan and the details about the financier, just like in any other loan agreement. The aim of this article is to present the challenges of projects implemented with funding from European Union funds. The research methodology involved a literature review followed by an analysis that examines different categories of public structures, including deconcentrated or decentralized units of central public administration, local public administration units, autonomous kings, state commercial companies or local authorities, units of state education and research, hospitals, and intercommunity development associations. The findings of the research highlighted the specific types of organizations that received financial support from EU-funded programs. Thus, the funds allocated to Romania by the European Union, considered from the point of view of the investment strategy and their non-refundable nature, constituted a substantial asset for the development of the Romanian economy and society in the short, medium and long term. In addition, these funds represented an element of budgetary sustainability. The results of the projects that were financed from European funds are numerous. Each of these is an illustration of a successful effort that has the potential to give rise to additional initiatives of equal significance in the context of the new opportunities that the European Union will fund.
Challenges of Cohesion Policy at the Level of the European Union - Simplification Tools
Authors: Popescu Maria Loredana , Dobre Florin , Ganea Otilia , Vatase Florin
Published: July 2024

Economic and social cohesion ensures security among the priorities of the European Union, being among the key objectives of European and national policies. Therefore, the center-periphery development model specific to the European economy emphasized the need for public interventions to favor regional growth and convergence, highlighting the importance and complexity of the European cohesion policy. This article starts from the empirical study of cohesion policies at the European level and has as its main purpose the determination of simplification solutions and their implementation in favor of the member states. Among the main scientific research methods used in order to elaborate the paper, we can mention: the comparison method, which was used especially to highlight the differences between the socio-economic situation of the regions and the member states, which joined the European Union in different waves; the historical method - was used to capture the evolution of the Cohesion Policy, the descriptive method - was used to present the programming periods of the Cohesion Policy within the European Union. It can be observed that, at the level of the European Union, the need to coordinate, standardize and simplify the cohesion policy is an often-discussed topic, with the constant aim of identifying new methods to make this policy more efficient. In this context, the new regulations establish tools to ease the life of the executing authorities and beneficiaries, such as, among others: clearer eligibility conditions, simplification of reporting and audit checks, reduction of administrative burdens, unification of rules.
Discrimination Against Vulnerable Personnel in the Workplace
Authors: Deselnicu Dana Corina , Barbu Andreea , Anton Marius-Ionel
Published: July 2024

The paper aims to address the dimensions of discrimination faced in the labor market, from the perspective of the employment process and workplace discrimination by some categories of vulnerable staff, as defined in the reports of the European Union, and the reports of the Romanian institutes, bodies and NGOs. The literature focuses mainly on vulnerable groups, frames, and situations of discrimination, types of vulnerabilities or methods by which these people are discriminated against, and too little on the coping mechanisms that they use. The research method was a questionnaire survey using a quantitative methodology. It consists of several sections and was administered to a sample of 66 respondents, aged over 18 years. The research questions aim to reveal the discriminations that occur and how these manifest. After the application of the questionnaire, the data was interpreted by the authors and it emerged that the discrimination manifests in various ways from the early stages of the employment process until the conclusion of the individual employment contract. The aim was to quantify and expose harmful practices of the employers that promote practices that are considered unethical, illegal, or discriminatory, in some cases, and that have repercussions on the individual, on the company in which they work, by affecting the working environment, creating internal tensions and creating a toxic organizational culture leading to a negative financial impact.
Exploring the Nexus of Renewable Energy and Sustainability: A Literature Review
Authors: Coroian Alexandra , Ivascu Larisa , Cisma Timea , Saptebani Neta-Ionelia
Published: July 2024

Approaching sustainability and achieving its objectives are increasingly common organizational approaches. Renewable energy is a global concern and is addressed in most strategies. This paper offers an extensive literature review on the interrelation between green energy and sustainability. With increased worldwide awareness of the issue of climate change and a decline in the transition to renewable energy sources has become an essential component of sustainable development. The assessment addresses major notions, technological developments, environmental considerations, policies, and future directions of the green energy domain with the objective of creating a well-grounded picture of green energy as the instrument of sustainability. This literature review underscores the intricate relationship between renewable energy and sustainability, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that considers environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Trends in the Integration of Innovative Business Processes into Enterprise Resource Planning Applications to Green Economy
Authors: Băbeanu Sabin-Alexandru
Published: July 2024

The green economy brings major transformations in the traditional business model, by integrating innovative business processes, based on artificial intelligence. These processes are developed in the Enterprise Resource Planning environment, which is an integrated application of flows and activities. This application electronically manages business processes to improve company performance. Specific business objectives are achieved by integrating advanced IT technologies that can identify the digital value of goods and services.

The research questions refer to: a) the number of published articles searched by keywords, to identify if they are an integral part of the innovation process; b) identifying the concepts used in innovative business processes, in the environment of the green economy.

The results in the process of scientific articles identification, by searching for keywords, showed a considerable number of documents compatible with the trends of the integration of innovative processes. Export from Web of Science was done by author, title, source, abstract, citations and for Enterprise Resource Planning, on full record. Loading the search results in the VOSviewer analysis application led to several clusters on fundamental concepts. The identification of the integration environment is based on advanced IT technologies, in the green economy. Creating links maps between Enterprise Resource Planning and innovative processes identified concepts used in preparing the environment of study.

This paper follows whether an artificial intelligence mindset inserted into the innovative business processes of an Enterprise Resource Planning can be achieved. Business processes use digital values and automation integration perspectives to validate the green economy environment.
Evaluating Economic Efficiency through Digital Technologies
Authors: Mihai Florin , Aleca Ofelia , Stanciu Andrei , Iordache Daniel-Marius
Published: July 2024

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has generated increased interest among researchers to investigate and evaluate the impact of these technologies on economic efficiency. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the influence of digital technologies on economic efficiency in the countries of Europe and the European Union (EU) over seven years (2016-2022), for which the necessary data was found. The fundamental question of the study is: which countries in the European Union and across the entire European continent exhibit a trend of increasing revenues from the ERP system market, and among these, where is an influence on GDP observed? A group of 42 countries was analyzed, consisting of 27 countries from the European Union and 15 non-member countries, and the period studied ranges from 2016 to 2022. The study reveals that, generally, in countries where revenues from the ERP market are on the rise, there is a positive trend in economic efficiency. The study's estimates suggest that the level of internet usage in a country and the workforce with an advanced level of education significantly influence GDP per capita at the level of the countries in the European Union and the entire European continent. The conclusions of our study are based on theoretical predictions and the relevant results of other studies. The research indicates that ERP systems, as part of digital technologies and other macroeconomic factors, play an important role in stimulating economic efficiency in the European Union member states and those outside the union.
Entrepreneurial Culture and Continuous Improvement to Handle Environmental Turbulence
Authors: Pirrone Giuseppe , Milotta Margherita
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to understand how organizations behave when faced with turbulent external environments characterized by rapid change, uncertainty, and unpredictability. We look at different dimensions of environmental turbulence, for example, regulatory forces, economic changes, and political changes that directly shape organizational strategies. Literature suggests that while dealing with market dynamics companies must go beyond traditional paradigms to embrace a proactive approach toward change thus making decisions that shape new potential opportunities and being always ready to act and react swiftly according to market changes. Entrepreneurial firms can indeed lead to innovative interventions, driving market developments. The research utilizes a single case study approach that is somewhat revealing to explore the strategic responses of a firm in a resource-based industry facing globalization pressures. There are two broad streams identified: Continuous Improvement and Entrepreneurial Culture. Corporate strategy regarding market dynamics impact and internationalization efforts falls under the category of continuous improvement approaches which emphasize coping with external contingencies. The second macroaggregate on Entrepreneurial Culture deals with stakeholder orientation, organizational agility, and the influence of entrepreneurial ideas and values in corporate responses to disruption. The firm is actively involved in shaping its own future by taking a change-focused approach that involves both forwardthinking management decisions but also an entrepreneurial mindset. This study will contribute to the literature on firm’s organizational learning, focusing on how to strategize in turbulent environments. Furthermore, the study will provide a holistic view of different resources and components of a change that are extensively analysed independently in the literature. Thus, looking at how they are combined for company success.
Disparities in the EU-27 Regarding Pollution and Generated Waste
Authors: Kalveram Andreea Apetrei , Pătărlăgeanu Simona Roxana , Gheorghe Alina Florentina
Published: July 2024

The paper explores the transition to a circular economy within the European Union, focusing on maintaining the value of products and resources in the economic cycle and reducing waste production (pollution and generated waste). EU environmental policy emphasizes ecologically sound waste management and responsible use of secondary materials, forming the basis for a circular economy. While viewing waste as future resources remains challenging, the concept of "waste management, prevention, and utilization" is the cornerstone of this approach, requiring significant investments in innovation, research, and economic development. The article underscores the impact of pollution as a barrier to socio-economic development and highlights the importance of efficient waste management for environmental protection. The economic analysis, based on simple linear regression, reveals disparities among EU member states regarding pollution levels and waste generation. The increasing quantities and diverse nature of waste generated in the EU pose growing challenges. Municipal waste, representing a substantial proportion, exhibits significant variations in management practices among member states. To achieve sustainability, an integrated approach within the EU is essential, requiring substantial efforts from member states to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The conclusions highlights the importance of efficient waste management and the need for concrete measures to reduce pollution and promote a sustainable economy.
The Economic Profitability of Garlic Cultivation through the Application of the ”De Minimis” Aid Scheme, Estimates for the Year 2024 in Romania
Authors: Berevoianu Rozi Liliana , Ilie Diana Maria , Giucă Andreea Daniela
Published: July 2024

The culture of Romanian garlic has a high potential from an economic point of view, being in great demand on the market, Romanians preferring its taste and aroma. However, ..garlic cultivation does not have an easy technology and the Romanian seed is hard to find, so many of the producers are discouraged and prefer to cultivate other, safer crops. Massive imports of garlic led to measures from the state. Underscoring the importance of garlic cultivation for the Romanian economy, the state met agricultural producers with a “de minimis” support to support garlic production. The present paper, in order to contribute to making the necessary decisions for the future production cycle as well as to support farmers who want to cultivate this crop, analyzes the economic efficiency with the help of profitability indicators (profit, profitability rates, breackeven point, etc.), for two possible situations: with financial support granted through the Garlic Production Support Program and without taking into account this “de minimis” support. In this context, it is aimed to evaluate the economic viability in terms of the use of the production framework technology of garlic culture and the rational use of both the raw materials used and the human and financial resources to produce garlic of high quality but at low costs. Agricultural activities are always determined by the profitability of the crop. The findings of the study can have a positive impact on farmers, allowing them to adjust their material resources and current farm capacities for higher productivity, while highlighting the importance of implementing the garlic crop support program.
Adjustment of Agricultural Practices to Climate Change Effects
Authors: Holerga Tudor Andrei , Zemeleagă Cătălin Gheorghe , Chelaru Gaidargi Monica , Stoian Mirela
Published: July 2024

Changing farming practices to environment adjustment resembles a dancing with nature where farmers modify their actions to stay on par with the altering rhythm of the setting. It's everything about locating brand-new actions to browse with the obstacles tossed our method by environment modification-- from insane weather condition patterns to uncertain temperature level swings as well as severe occasions that can damage on our plants and also animals. We're speaking about rolling up our sleeves as well as obtaining our hands unclean finding out the very best time to plant selecting harder plant ranges that can take care of the warm or the cool, as well as grasping water-saving methods to maintain our areas environment-friendly. We're additionally taking a look at methods to treat our land with even more treatment, like exercising preservation farming as well as discovering various other means to generate revenue when our typical plants could battle. It's regarding seeing to it our ranches can weather the tornado, as we say, while still placing food on the table for every person. This research study dives deep right into exactly how environment adjustment is messing with our farming video game plus what we require to do to level up our techniques. By crunching numbers seeing the skies, and also talking with the professionals we've seen firsthand just how environment adjustment is currently shaking points up-- screwing up our sources, screwing up our returns as well as generally maintaining us on our toes. So, we're seeming the alarm system together with claiming "" Hey people, we require to prosper of this point!"" We're discussing locating brand-new means to ranch smarter, not harder together with coming together to tackle this huge ol' trouble head-on. Due to the fact that at the end of the day, maintaining our ranches flourishing despite environment adjustment isn't simply concerning expanding food it's concerning maintaining our areas solid as well as our plates complete for generations ahead.
Impact and Challenges of SAPS1 on Romanian Agricultural Competitiveness
Authors: Ionașcu Alexandru
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the influence of the Single Area Payment Scheme on the competitiveness of the agriculture sector in Romania. It also evaluates the impact of SAPS on farm productivity by examining data collected from a thorough survey of Romanian farmers. The survey employed quantitative methodologies to examine a wide array of agricultural enterprises, aiming to offer a comprehensive perspective on the impacts of SAPS. The findings provide vital insights into how SAPS influences agricultural practices and economic outcomes in Romania.

The study used statistical analysis to evaluate the impact of SAPS on important factors such as productivity, market positioning, and economic viability. It used the sample size formula n = (Z^2 * p * (1-p)) / E^2 to determine the sample size for the survey, where we estimated the proportion of the population with a certain characteristic (p) based on data collected from the Payments and Intervention Agency for Agriculture and the Z-score corresponding to the desired level of confidence. In this case, for a confidence level of 95% (Z = 1.96), a standard deviation of 0.5 and a margin of error of +/- 5% (E = 0.05), I estimated p at 0.5 (the characteristics of the researched population being quite heterogeneous, even if the size of the holding translates into the amount of the collected amount, nominal differences do not exist).

Evidence suggests that Romania possesses one of the most extensive agricultural regions inside the European Union. However, the agricultural sector is marked by a fragmented organization, consisting predominantly of small-scale farms returning poor levels of productivity.
Controversy or Consensus: Launching Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in Romania
Authors: Ionescu Adina , Stancu Alin , Mogos Oana
Published: July 2024

The transition towards net zero by 2050 is underway in the European Union, but its country members are divided over their energy strategies. France, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Romania support nuclear plants as contributing to carbon neutrality, while Germany, Spain, Denmark, Portugal, and Luxembourg oppose (Reuters, 2023).

The study “Between Stability and Sustainability: Nuclear Energy in Romania's Energy Mix” concludes that Romania can benefit from its nuclear facilities and domestic uranium resources, to consolidate its sustainable energy policy. However, new nuclear capacities may pose considerable challenges, especially in terms of costs (Dumitrescu, 2023).

Unfortunately, rising costs per megawatt hour are the very reason why NuScale, the operator chosen by Romania to deploy six small nuclear reactors by 2027, canceled their US-based flagship Carbon Free Power Project (Fortune, 2023). Nevertheless, the setback in the home country did not prevent Romanian authorities from licensing the NuScale small modular reactor power plant in Doicești (World Nuclear News, 2023).

The watchdog Greenpeace warned about the project’s high costs and the long construction timeframe. It was also emphasized that Romania adopted a technology that had never been tested before. In addition, the location of the new plant had been decided without prior consultation from the local community, claimed the NGO (Greenpeace, 2022). According to the journalists, the local community has been divided between those who want new jobs and people afraid of radiations. Reporters made a parallel between the current situation and a formerly failed Chevron shale gas production investment, due to the strong opposition to fracking (Hotnews, 2024).

This paper attempts to determine how a newcomer to the nuclear energy market, with a significant approval setback in its home country, using untested technology, can complete the construction of six small modular reactors in Romania, integrate those into the national grid and win over the public acceptance by 2030.
E-SMART Assessment for Rural Areas (Case Study of Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria)
Authors: Ilcheva Maria , Tsonkova Vanya , Byanov Ivan , Mateev Iliyan , Byanova Nevena , Dimanov Daniel , Nikolov Yordan
Published: July 2024

The research topic is motivated by the fact that rural areas in Bulgaria are lagging behind in their economic, social and territorial development compared to urban areas, despite European Union support policies for regional development and cohesion. Regardless of the fact that more and more the specialized literature investigating the development of rural areas emphasizes multifaceted factors, including environmental, social and technological aspects, there is a lack of a complex approach to analysis and assessment of their condition. Therefore, the authors set out to develop and demonstrate the application of a comprehensive E-SMART evaluation model based on a combination of 6 groups of factors with a significant impact on the socio-economic development of rural areas. The approbation of the toolkit was carried out in the seven rural municipalities in the Veliko Tarnovo region. The analysis of the results of the groups of factors – economic, social, manufacturing, agriculture, resources and technologies, as well as the complex indicator E-SMART-score, reveals the general and specific problems, as well as the competitive advantages of the rural areas included in the analysis. E-SMART model can be used as a reliable tool to increase the administrative capacity of municipalities when making strategic decisions for the development of the region.
SDGs Adoption within Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Moiceanu Georgiana , Anghel Cosmin
Published: July 2024

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) a comprehensive and systematic approach to solving major global concerns. SMEs may help to eradicate poverty, promote gender equality, ensure sustainable production and consumption, and address other vital concerns by aligning their business plans with the 17 SDGs. Studies showed that SMEs account for 99% of businesses and employ 66% of Romania's workers, which emerge as critical tools for SDG implementation. Thus, the paper focuses on the adoption of SDGs within SMEs and strategically categorizes key factors into three dimensions: People, Profit, and Planet. The research was conducted with the help of a survey, which was analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The results revealed the need to encourage the promotion and adoption of the SDGs for future generations. The study can be a starting point of the analysis that is done by states, regions or at a national level.
Does Trade Openness Influence Democracy? Evidence from Ex-communist Countries
Authors: Șancariuc Delia-Raluca , Preda Dragoș Cosmin Lucian
Published: July 2024

This paper analyses the influence of trade on democracy, aiming to understand whether becoming more open to trade also makes a country more democratic. So far, the scientific literature that investigate this topic is scarce, and has not reached any solid consensus: while some papers find a positive effect of trade openness on democracy levels, others find a negative effect, or no effect at all. Moreover, the empirical literature on this topic is also very prone to technical problems of the research design, such as endogeneity, which increases the risk of obtaining biased estimates. This paper uses an instrumental variable approach, this way avoiding any omitted variable bias and reverse causality problems. More precisely, we instrument trade openness with its natural, geography-determined rate, based on the gravity equation of trade; we then use the predicted rate of trade openness to capture its effect on democracy, employing an OLS regression on a panel sample of 27 post-communist countries across a period of 24 years. Democracy is measured using the polity index (from Polity V dataset), and also five other variables that capture different facets of democracy – electoral, liberal, participatory, deliberative and egalitarian dimension (from V-Dem dataset). Empirical results suggest that trade openness has a significant, positive effect on democracy. The effect is only marginally higher for the liberal dimension of democracy, and rather similar in magnitude for the rest of four dimensions.
Aligning Sustainable Development Goals with Human Rights: Policy Integration and Implementation in European Companies
Authors: Perevoznic Florentina-Mădălina , Dragomir Voicu D.
Published: July 2024

The study aims to evaluate the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and specific policies related to human rights, within listed European Union companies. The investigation builds upon the existing literature that examines the behavioral patterns of different nations in relation to these objectives and policies that exist to mitigate the problematic areas within the country. The literature employs a variety of indicators, collectively reflecting the specific targets of the SDGs and policies related to human rights. We conducted a quantitative analysis using data extracted from the Refinitiv Eikon database, providing a representative snapshot of the corporate landscape in 2022. Through this dataset, we delve into the dynamics of European Union companies and their implementation of SDGs and policies related to human rights. The study involves a statistical analysis of the applicability of these goals and policies between companies, taking into account not only the industry-specific nuances, but also the country-specific dimensions. The paper represents a valuable contribution to the academic discourse by providing evidence regarding the implementation of SDGs and policies related to human rights in the context of the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations. Furthermore, the study places emphasis on the exemplary initiatives taken by top-contributing companies in nations such as Sweden, aiming to sketch a model for entities that are yet to reach comparable levels of commitment. Beyond its scholarly significance, this analysis serves as a practical benchmark for companies aspiring to fortify their commitment to human rights-related goals. Ultimately, this research aims to propel a paradigm shift in corporate practices, steering them toward a more harmonious alignment with the crucial imperatives of the 2030 Agenda.