Recent publications
Rapid spread and effective integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices across various sectors has brought unparalleled connectivity and efficiency, but has also introduced amplified vulnerabilities with respect to data breaches. This article offers an in-depth examination of the economic impacts of IoT data breaches, focusing on the associated costs and emerging statistical trends. Through comprehensive analysis, we explore the direct and indirect financial burdens, including immediate response expenses, long-term reputational damage, legal liabilities, and regulatory penalties. Utilizing recent case studies and statistical data, we highlight the economic magnitude of IoT breaches and the factors that amplify their costs. Our research emphasizes the critical need for enhanced IoT security measures and for strategic risk management to protect organizations from substantial financial losses. The findings may serve as a crucial resource for businesses, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals, advocating for proactive steps to fortify IoT ecosystems against the escalating threat of data breaches.
Education, notably higher education, faced a significant challenge during the last period. Our data exploratory study aims to provide insights into the key factors that define students’ Distance Learning (DL) in the current period. Based on the main findings, we justify our bold proposition for the current era of distance and blended learning in Higher Education. Our research study aims to understand cultural and national differences in four countries: Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Romania. It contributes to the theory of DL with a model of six hermeneutic factors for the satisfaction of using the DL method. It investigated and confirmed the capacity of the components to explain 60% of the DL satisfaction variance. Our research study also emphasized the interpretation of the essential findings and the drafting of bold propositions for the DL practice, emphasising academic environments. We identified significant areas of improvement, and we suggested the orchestration of combined efforts. Our research promotes the strategic deployment of DL in the current context as a resilient strategy of institutions for high-impact training and targeting of huge audiences, with emphasis on the deployment of new tools and teaching methods customized for a new, unique value proposition of the DL.
As vast amounts of data are generated from various sources such as social media, sensors and online transactions, the analysis of Big Data offers organizations the ability to derive insights and make informed decisions. Simultaneously, IoT connects physical devices, enabling real-time data collection and exchange that transforms interactions within smart homes, cities and industries. The intersection of these fields is essential, leading to innovations such as predictive maintenance, real-time traffic management and personalized solutions. Utilizing a dataset of 8159 publications sourced from the Web of Science database, our research employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and selective human validation to analyze abstracts, titles, keywords and other useful information, uncovering key themes and trends in both Big Data and IoT research. Six topics are extracted using Latent Dirichlet Allocation. In Topic 1, words like “system” and “energy” are among the most frequent, signaling that Topic 1 revolves around data systems and IoT technologies, likely in the context of smart systems and energy-related applications. Topic 2 focuses on the application of technologies, as indicated by terms such as “technologies”, “industry” and “research”. It deals with how IoT and related technologies are transforming various industries. Topic 3 emphasizes terms like learning and research, indicating a focus on machine learning and IoT applications. It is oriented toward research involving new methods and models in the IoT domain related to learning algorithms. Topic 4 highlights terms such as smart, suggesting a focus on smart technologies and systems. Topic 5 touches upon the role of digital chains and supply systems, suggesting an industrial focus on digital transformation. Topic 6 focuses on technical aspects such as modeling, system performance and prediction algorithms. It delves into the efficiency of IoT networks with terms like “accuracy”, “power” and “performance” standing out. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/3/906#
In contrast to the prevalent ecological motivations seen in European Energy Communities (ECs), in Romania, the driving forces behind EC initiatives are somewhat different. Approximately 60% of these initiatives are primarily focused on addressing energy poverty. The remaining 40% are primarily driven by a desire for energy autonomy. This article explores the intricate landscape of EC projects, focusing on their role in aligning with climate change necessities. We delve into the current state of the energy industry, identifying critical needs, gaps, and challenges that hinder their full potential. Furthermore, we propose potential research directions to bridge these gaps, emphasizing the development of a Meta‐level digital twin (DT) architecture. It aims to enhance decision‐making processes by simulating energy systems and their real‐time responses to various scenarios and regulatory changes. Then, we focus on cost‐effectiveness of installing PV systems in Romania and estimate the current technical potential for households (12.9 GW) and prosumers' PV installations in 2030 and 2050. To forecast the adoption of PV from 2025 to 2030 and 2050, the proposed model relies on several assumptions, such as annual decreases in CAPEX by 1%, in OPEX by 0.15%, increment in electricity prices by 0.1% per year, degradation rate of 0.1% per year for PV systems. The following projections are obtained for 2030 (3948 MW) and for 2050 (5265 MW), estimating that the growth rate from 2030 to 2050 will be 33%.
Some of the most important changes nowadays are those that concern our eatingbehavior. In this decision-making process, a whole series of factors shape our perceptions,attitudes and behavior. These factors are in turn the expression of radical transformationsbased on the advance of technologies, changes caused by the post-pandemic crisis,environmental challenges and substantive changes in the global economy. Our ResearchTopic proposed to take a look from various perspectives and various scientific backgroundsinto these factors and the way in which consumers are responding to certain stimulus.
This research employs Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) to investigate multifractal properties in financial variables, including Bit-coin prices and economic indicators. Spanning 2019-2022, the analysis reveals multifractal scaling not only in Bitcoin prices, but also in economic indicators such as inflation rates and energy commodity prices. The non-linear singularity spectra unveil the multifaceted nature of scaling properties. Temporal analysis exposes intriguing trends in multifractality with implications for market efficiency. Furthermore, correlation analysis unveils connections among multifractal properties. For instance, a positive correlation between oil prices and Bitcoin suggests similar market forces. The log-log plot of fluctuation function F q versus lag size demonstrates a power-law relationship, characteristic of multifractal systems. The empirical data's alignment in log-log space suggests self-similarity in the Bitcoin time series, supporting multifractality. The calculated Hurst exponents values suggest varying degrees of multifractality across the years, with 2021 exhibiting the highest degree and 2022 the lowest. Furthermore, an asymmetry index (0.5767) deviating from 0.5 indicates that the multifractal nature of the Bitcoin market is not symmetric. This research enhances risk assessment and portfolio optimization in finance. It challenges the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), emphasizing the significance of MFDFA in comprehending financial market and economic factor's relationships. ■
The relatively high vulnerability of young Europeans in the labour market compared to other age groups has led many to seek alternative employment solutions, such as entrepreneurship. While not a comprehensive solution, entrepreneurial initiatives among youth can offer a valuable opportunity for their integration into stable and decent work. This research uses Flash Eurobarometer 513—Social Entrepreneurship and Youth to explore entrepreneurial intentions among European Union youth. The study’s novelty consists of the division of the target population into four distinct categories based on educational and employment status. The results indicate that EU youth are not a homogeneous group. While the motivation to create their own jobs—is a common feature of all young individuals with entrepreneurial intentions, suggesting a necessity-driven entrepreneurial intention, significant differences emerge among sub-groups. Young people who are only studying exhibit an interest in exploiting business opportunities, highlighting the role of education in fostering opportunity-driven entrepreneurship, while NEETs and employed youth are primarily motivated by better income prospects in the intention to start a business. Additionally, youth engaged in education and those integrated into the labour market are better informed about financing and training opportunities Perceived barriers include a lack of education for NEETs and financial risks for others. Funding preferences also differ: NEETs would rely on personal savings, while those balancing study and work would explore diverse sources, including venture capital and incubator support for starting businesses. Our study enhances the understanding of entrepreneurial intentions among EU young people, offering insights that can guide more effective support strategies for fostering entrepreneurial success.
From aspects scarcely studied, such as the online store ambiance and display of the product in the online store, to more prevalent issues related to purchasing behaviour, such as online customer service, the ethics of online stores, and online technologies, this article develops and tests a conceptual model of the factors that significantly impact consumer interactions, experience, behaviour and their willingness to revisit online stores. Data collected from 272 Romanian online shoppers during 2021–2022 is analysed by structural equation modelling with SmartPLS. The results highlight a positive link between online customer service, consumer behaviour, and store ambiance. Ethics of online sales positively influence consumer behaviour within the online store. Online store technology is significantly associated with consumer behaviour and online store interaction. The paper extends the theory of Planned Behaviour, highlighting significant links between online consumer service and other factors and their implications on online purchasing behaviour and on the willingness to return to the online store.
This chapter investigates the sustainability strategies formulated in relation to circular economy (CE) practices, and the digital technologies supporting them, in the clothing retail sector in Romania. The study is motivated by the high impact on consumer preferences of large clothing retailers through their physical stores. The research adopts a triangulated methodology, with data being collected through a combination of field research, content analysis, and website/app functionality investigation, in 15 retailers that have a significant presence in Romania and worldwide. The data was analysed using an original evaluation sheet including 23 criteria. The findings indicate that major clothing retailers in Romania apply the CE principles in a very selective way. Some practices (such as labelling recycled fibers/materials for individual items) are present in most stores, while others are absent in most cases (e.g., returning used/old clothes for shopping credit). There are significant differences between companies’ CE practices in clothing retail in Romania. Regarding the use of digital technologies to support CE practices, the findings indicate certain aspects that can be improved upon by the brands included in the sample, such as the availability of targeted loyalty programs, apps, surveys, and social media messages.
The increasing capacity in renewables (RES) and batteries in the Romanian power system stirred discussions on increasing interdependency between day-ahead market (DAM) and intraday continuous (IDC) market. In this paper, we analyze hourly market-cleared prices and selling and buying quantities in the DAM and IDC over 3 months (4th of June to 11th of September 2024) to verify the connectedness between prices of the two markets, possible shock transmission and spillover effects. We employ generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models to examine volatilities. The Diebold–Yilmaz spillover index is 95.69%, demonstrating an extremely high degree of volatility interdependence. This suggests that nearly all volatility in both markets is driven by cross-market shocks. Price shocks in the DAM initially raise IDC prices by 0.3 units, with this effect fading after 8 to 10 periods. Conversely, IDC shocks similarly raise DAM prices by 0.3 units, but both effects are temporary, indicating a short-term dynamic link between the two markets. Moreover, numerical results from the BEKK-GARCH model highlight significant volatility spillovers between Price_DAM and Price_IDC, with stronger cross-market volatility effects and evidence of interdependence, particularly from Price_IDC to Price_DAM. The findings suggest implications for market players to create bidding strategies and decision-makers to mitigate price volatility connectedness in DAM and IDC. Furthermore, our findings underscore the critical role of knowledge creation and diffusion in understanding the interconnected dynamics of electricity markets. By leveraging advanced econometric tools and spillover analysis, our research contributes to the body of knowledge essential for innovation in market strategies and decision-making processes.
(1) Background: A sustainable healthy diet assures human well-being in all life stages, protects environmental resources, and preserves biodiversity. This work investigates the sociodemographic factors, knowledge, trust, and motivations involved in organic food acquisition behavior. (2) Methods: An online survey via Google Forms platform, with 316 respondents, was conducted from 1 March to 31 May 2024. (3) Results: Our findings show that suitably informed people with high educational levels (academic and post-college) report significant satisfaction with organic food consumption (p < 0.05). There is also a considerable correlation between ages 25-65, moderate to high satisfaction, and "yes" for eco-food recommendations (p < 0.05). The same satisfaction levels are associated with medium confidence in eco-food labels and a moderate to high monthly income (p < 0.05). Our results show that monthly income and residence are not essential factors in higher price perception. Insignificant price variation perception correlated with high confidence and weekly acquisition (p < 0.05). Similar price perception correlates with the highest confidence level and daily acquisition (p < 0.05). Obese respondents exhibited minimal satisfaction and opted for "abstention" from eco-food recommendations (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The present study extensively analyzed Romanian people's knowledge, perception, and trust regarding organic foods. It demonstrates that sociodemographic factors differentiate consumers and influence attitudes and motivation for organic food acquisition.
The concept of well-being has garnered significant attention across diverse academic disciplines due to its important role in understanding quality of life and societal progress. In this study, well-being is studied through various strands, including objective well-being based on the fulfilment of basic human needs, subjective well-being encompassing positive mental states, and the capability approach assessing individuals' opportunities and freedoms. This study aims to investigate the emergence of creative cities within an international context through the theoretical frameworks of happiness and well-being by examining country-specific factors such as happiness , life satisfaction, freedom of choice, innovation, and economic inequality in relation to the number of creative cities designated by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Employing Poisson regression methodologies on data from international organizations, our findings reveal positive associations between happiness and life satisfaction with the number of creative cities, while economic inequality within a country slightly negatively impacts the emergence of creative cities. The paper ends with a discussion of the results and proposes future avenues for research and several policy implications.
This article explores Jean-Baptiste Andrea’s novel “Veiller sur elle”, from a semiotic perspective and shows how complex themes and aspects of human existence are constructed and conveyed through narrative techniques such as symbols and stories within stories. Building on Charles Sanders Peirce’s semiotic triangle as a theoretical framework, this analysis reveals how symbols and imagery function as semiotic triggers that draw upon complex interpretations of the human condition. Linking semiotic processes to aspects of the human condition - such as the quest for knowledge, the power of imagination, the contemplation of mortality, the pursuit of artistic immortality and protection – this article shows how multifaceted layers of literary texts reveal universal human themes.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Gatsby is in a constant quest for ownership - from accumulating wealth to winning Daisy over. This paper aims to briefly examine the question of ownership in The Great Gatsby, with regards to assets and people, particularly through the contrast between Gatsby’s material possessions and his desire for emotional ownership of Daisy, taking into account the partnerships and love triangles that appear between the characters, as reflections of various power dynamics.
The present paper focuses on the capacity of the English vocabulary as a whole and of the English economic vocabulary in particular to enlarge its number of words and expressions in order to suit the realities of nowadays non-business and business communication. In order to support this lexical reality we have resorted to placing under scrutiny a set of brand new especially economic words, expressions and abbreviations that have been included since 2021 up to 2024 in well known dictionaries like Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Cambridge Dictionary mainly as a consequence of their already widespread usage. Moreover, our research went to the next level emphasizing the rapid circulation of the economic terms under discussion which have succeeded to go beyond the borders of the English language as several of them can already be found in Romanian economic contexts.
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Bucharest, Romania
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Prof. Nicolae Istudor PhD Rector of the Bucharest University of Economic Studies