Institute of National Economy

This paper aimed to investigate the impact of dry heat treatment and fractionation on white sorghum grain's chemical and rheological properties. For this, dry heat treatment was applied to sorghum grains of different granulations, integral (I), large (L > 300 μm), medium (200 μm < M < 250 μm), and small (S < 200 μm), at corresponding temperatures of 144 °C, 132 °C (M), and 121 °C (S). The content of amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and volatile compounds was determined in sorghum flours, along with the dynamic rheological behavior of sorghum dough. The results indicated that dry heat treatment increased mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and decreased lysine, isoleucine, and glutamic acid contents. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in amino acid and fatty acid profiles were observed between fractions. Generally, Ca and Na increased after dry heat treatment of sorghum grains, while Fe, Zn, and Cu decreased, except in the M particle size sample. The optimal fraction M is distinguished by an increase in Fe, Zn and Cu content compared to the control. Volatile compounds were affected by both fractionation and dry heat treatment, with samples with S particle size possessing a distinct volatile profile. Dry heat treatment produced a stiffer, less deformable dough, maintaining elastic dominance and slightly reducing the peak gelatinization temperature. Particle size reduction led to dough strengthening and an increase in elastic and viscous moduli. The combined use of fractionation and dry heat treatment permits precise control of sorghum's nutritional and rheological properties.

Facing many challenges and the pressure to achieve sustainable development through digitalization, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should increase their consumption of digital technologies. SMEs are part of the engine of emerging economies, making a significant contribution to economic development. Using Rossmann’s Digital Transformation Maturity Index and a survey-based dataset, the purpose of this paper is to uncover key associations between different dimensions that define digital transformation. Through association rules mining (ARM), our results show that even when resources are constrained, SMEs in central Romania—Transylvania—make efforts to increase human resources competencies to drive digital transformation. Furthermore, we identified that the firms are in a transition stage in terms of digital transformation. Thus, although digital initiatives are considered at the firm level, they are not fully integrated into leadership and human resources.

Abstract Nowadays, there are several mobile applications and disruptive technologies that have significantly changed many traditional practices. One of the sectors positively impacted is healthcare, where various technologies and applications, known as mHealth and eHealth, have been developed. Multiple studies support the fact that health-related devices and technological programs have transformed traditional medicine and many clinical practices, as they provide an essential contribution of information that makes a difference in both the time allocated to activities and decision-making processes. This paper aims to provide an overview of the benefits brought by the extensive integration of technology into the healthcare system. The results have shown, through bibliometric analysis, the impact of disruptive technologies on traditional medicine in the context of the current economy.

Introduction. Neutralising the dynamic threats of war and economic crises and reducing the stress index for the country's financial system requires prompt action from the regulator. This allows financial market participants to reduce the stress index of the country's financial system. However, dynamic changes and the lag in time for the introduction of regulatory actions create challenging conditions for the activities of financial market participants, which determines the relevance of studying the functioning of Ukrainian financial markets. Aim and tasks. This study aims to identify the key indicators of financial market conditions and the level of effectiveness of regulatory influence on these indicators. Results. It is indicated that changes in the conditions for the functioning of the Ukrainian financial market in 2022-2023, with a reduction in the profitability of financial market participants by 152%, an increase in the share of non-performing loans by 19%, and a reduction in funds in banks’ correspondent accounts only for the first quarter of 2022 by 30%, led to an urgent need for regulatory action. These actions increased the liquidity coverage ratio by 3.27 times and reduced the Financial Stress Index by 59.79%. Simultaneously, the long-term liquidity ratio increased by only 7%, indicating uneven liquidity dynamics. A cumulative negative effect is noted, even when using the regulator's monetary policy instruments for 2022-2023. The money supply increased by 21.03%, the monetary base increased by 25.77%, and the volume of cash outside banks increased by 8.24%. This necessitates strict control over capital movements, taking into account the impact of this factor on the reduction in the activity of market participants. Conclusions. The directions of the monetary policy of the regulator of Ukraine are indicated, in particular, increasing the level of lending to financial market participants, solving the problem of liquidity surplus in banks, and regulating relative prices, which contributes to reducing the level of financial stress. This indicates that the activities of financial intermediaries in martial law conditions acquire new significance as a damper of fluctuations in financial market risks, particularly the risks of financial transactions. This indicates that the financial market has not acquired a proper level of stability, and the stress index fluctuated up to 65% of the average value for the study period.

Background/Objectives: Titanium dental implants are considered to be the most modern and effective solution for replacing lost teeth. These medical devices not only restore the chewing and aesthetic functionality of the smile but also provide a stable support for crowns, bridges or dentures. The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions of patients about titanium dental implants and their effects on the human body. Methods: A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to study how a series of independent variables have the ability to influence the perception and intention of the patients regarding these medical devices. A data analysis was performed using WarpPLS 8.0 software. This research was conducted on a sample of 162 respondents. Results: The results illustrated that patients’ perception of titanium dental implants is explained by 71% of the independent variables analysed, and their intention to have a new implant in the next period is explained by 61%. The proposed econometric model was validated, with seven hypotheses accepted out of nine. Conclusions: Although titanium has long been used in implant dentistry, in recent years, experts have identified a number of adverse effects that can arise from its use. This study has added value both at the practical and theoretical level. Perception is influenced by respondents’ perceived advantages, by the problems perceived by the respondents regarding titanium dental implants, by the degree of awareness of the risks of titanium dental implants, and by the adverse effects experienced by respondents regarding titanium dental implants.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been part of organisational activity for a long time, but until the launch of the ChatGPT application at the end of 2022, it was not discussed in such a comprehensive way.This type of application brought to the public's attention the concept of artificial intelligence and the fact that some of the repetitive activities of employees could easily be taken over by such applications.The article aims to identify trends in the evolution of skills among employees in the context of the integration of AI into the activity of organisations, based on empirical exploratory research, carried out between January and February 2024, on a sample of 259 respondents.The data were obtained by applying an online questionnaire on a specialised platform, the questionnaire having 21 questions, of which the first eight outline the sociodemographic profile of the respondents.The originality of the article consists of conducting empirical research with the aim of matching the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents with their approach toward the acquisition of skills in the context of the inclusion of AI in the activities of the organisation in which they operate.To validate the research hypotheses, non-parametric analysis methods of the interdependencies between the variables were used, the results obtained highlighting the need to study this issue on a representative sample, using a more complex questionnaire.More than 75% of respondents to the study are interested in acquiring skills to use AI-based applications.The most significant risks identified, as a result of the

SummaryBesides the clean environment, mountain pastures are important sources of bioactive compounds that contribute to the quality of dairy products resulting from animals grazing there. This review aimed to compare the main differences among mountain and lowland dairies in terms of chemical composition, physical and sensory properties and microflora. The most important factors influencing final product properties are the biodiversity of pastures and the abundance of plants in terpenes and fatty acids, farm practices, animal breeds and climatic conditions. Differences between dairies from lowland and mountain products were observed regarding the sensory profile, microflora and nutritional and functional value. The comparisons of the results presented in the literature concluded that some mountain dairies presented more than 50% higher content of terpenes compared to lowland products. Furthermore, the amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were more than 15% greater in mountain products compared to lowland ones, conjugated linoleic acids more than 35%, n−6 and n−3 PUFA more than 10%, while the saturated fatty acids content was reported to be more than 3% lower in mountain dairies. In conclusion, mountain dairy products can be distinguished from lowland ones, especially by their content of terpenes and fatty acid profile, along with the microflora which are influenced by livestock management.

The rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites is an increasingly pressing issue in the context of sustainable development. Recent research has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the abandoned mining sites and their environmental rehabilitation. Based on field analysis, environmental assessments, satellite imagery processing and geographic information operations, this paper pushes forward the existing knowledge by doing a comprehensive assessment of abandoned mining sites in the Romanian Carpathians and by proposing innovative and sustainable rehabilitation solutions. Our findings highlight that abandoned mining sites and their surrounding territories in the Romanian mountains have significant ecological imbalances and complex socio-economic issues. The findings also suggest that by adopting innovative, integrated, and sustainability-oriented approaches, territories affected by mining can be transformed into valuable and sustainable spaces to meet human needs. We conclude by presenting the importance of innovation in ecological reconstruction and spatial-functional reintegration of mining sites in mountain areas as a useful tool in making fair decisions, both in the context of implementing appropriate development policies as well as for resilience and environmental sustainability of mining-affected mountain areas.

Emmental or Swiss cheese is a hard, ripened cheese appreciated by consumers for its appearance and taste. This study aimed to investigate the profile of Swiss cheese consumers and producers from Ţara Dornelor area, Romania, along with the sensory analysis of the Dorna Swiss cheese produced there. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 268 participants to evaluate consumer behavior. Consumers were grouped depending on consumption frequency (low—once or a few times a year, medium—once a month, and high—once a week or more), and the behavior of groups was evaluated. Producer opinion was assessed by interview and Swiss cheese sensory characteristics in two seasons were determined by sensory analysis using a semi-trained panel. The results showed that the main factors affecting consumer purchase decision are the ingredients (4.43), taste and flavor (4.41), appearance and texture (4.23), producer (3.98), nutritional value (3.88), and product history (3.67). Clustering of consumers depending on consumption frequency revealed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) regarding the purchase place and some factors influencing the purchase decision such as price, health benefits, and nutritional value. Producers asserted that the quality of milk is the main problem in Swiss cheese production. They consider that the raw material quality and origin, hygiene, utilities, and legislation have the greatest impact on the production process, while the trading is mainly affected by the product taste and flavor, appearance and texture, quality label, price, and product history. The sensory characteristics differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05) between producers and seasons, with the sample produced in a stainless-steel tank and without exogenous microflora being the most appreciated in summer. These results could help producers adapt their product quality and marketing policy to consumer preferences.