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My study presents the theme of perceptions of adolescents regarding tobacco and alcohol use in Romania. I analyze the phenomenon nationally and internationally. The hypothesis of this study are related to the knowledge of the risks associated with consumption, combating stereotypes and myths associated with consumption and the degree of information on diseases that can occur as a result of consumption. The research is quantitative. The instrument used is the questionnaire. The results show that young people are ge...

True crime has long been a subject of both public fascination and scholarly inquiry, particularly within the field of sociology, which has examined this phenomenon extensively over time. Despite its disturbing nature, true crime remains a highly relevant topic due to its increasing prevalence in contemporary society. Cases range widely—from instances of filicide (n. the killing of one’s son or daughter) committed by minors to crimes of passion driven by jealousy, and seemingly inexplicable acts of violence per...

Radiology, a field continually evolving is currently experiencing transformative advancements. This paper explores the present state and future projections of the radiology market, emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). With the proliferation of diagnostic equipment and increasing examination numbers, the radiology market demonstrates substantial growth potential. Projections indicate a surpassing of $12 billion for the MRI market by 2030. AI, particularly through machine le...

The article analyses the importance, content and impact of social workers' assistance to families of convicted persons on family well-being, especially when the family faces emotional, social, economic and interpersonal challenges during the period of imprisonment. The main forms of assistance are discussed – informational, emotional, mediation and reintegration – and their significance in ensuring family functioning and strengthening internal resources. The theoretical basis is the model of family systems, cr...

The transition of young people from the child protection system to adult life represents an especially vulnerable stage, marked by significant social, economic, and psychological challenges. The absence of family support networks, limited access to housing, restricted integration into the labor market, and persistent social stigma are among the most frequent difficulties encountered during this process of gaining independence. This study aims to explore these challenges and to identify and analyze best practices i...

The research aims at offering insight into the meaning of institutionalization from the perspective of users of accommodation in a home for adults with mental disabilities. The users were prompted to offer an opinion about their life in the institution and about the advantages and disadvantages of living in a home for them. The research uses a qualitative methodology of the semi-structured interview. 23 participants participated in the research. The interviews were transcribed and processed by means of thematic an...

Public open spaces (POS) in Serbia’s inherited multi-family housing estates, largely built during the socialist period, are often degraded and fail to meet residents’ needs in the transformed urban environment of post-socialist cities. Although planning laws mandate public hearings, citizen participation remains largely procedural and limited to the planning stage. This study examines four examples from cities of varying sizes and institutional capacities - Belgrade, Niš, and Bor, to explore how citizen engag...

This article explores collective adaptation strategies and emerging forms of social resilience among Ukrainian refugees settled in Bra?ov, Romania. In the context of the war in Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis, the study adopts a real-time sociological approach, focusing on how displaced individuals self-organize, support one another, and develop informal networks of solidarity. Through a mixed-method design, data was collected via structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group...

This paper investigates the contribution of educational strategies to the development of the socio-relational dimension in sports, focusing on their impact on team cohesion and individual growth. In recent years, the need to integrate social-emotional learning into physical education and sports training has become increasingly evident, as athletic success is no longer measured solely by physical performance but also by relational competence and psychological resilience. The study discusses key interpersonal abilit...

The canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC) is a globally endemic syndrome involving multiple viral and bacterial pathogens. It is characterized by the abrupt onset of a dry cough, often intense, sometimes accompanied by expectoration and nasal-ocular discharge. CIRDC can affect dogs of all ages and is typically prevalent in environments where large numbers of dogs are housed together (such as kennels or boarding facilities) or in locations where dog shows and training classes are conducted. This stu...

This study introduces an experimental approach to integrating artificial intelligence into early-stage architectural education. Within the Study of Form and Representation course, first-year students generated images from textual prompts using AI tools, then reinterpreted them through 2D renderings and collaborative 3D model construction. The process encouraged creativity, critical thinking, aesthetic judgment, and the transformation of digital concepts into tangible forms. The paper situates this practice in the ...

Advances in information and communication technologies are driving digitalization worldwide and expanding the understanding of globalization. In this context, European countries have launched the Digital Decade initiative to ensure that all aspects of technology and innovation benefit people by 2030. Meanwhile, growing environmental challenges and increasing regulatory obligations, such as sustainability reporting, are reshaping business practices. As a result, sustainability communication is emerging as a tool fo...

Hypoxic chambers represent a significant advancement in simulating high-altitude conditions for athletic training, medical therapy, and physiological adaptation. Originating from HVAC technology, these controlled environments reduce oxygen concentration or atmospheric pressure to replicate elevations up to 6,500 meters, enabling users to train or adapt without leaving sea level. This paper outlines the physiological basis of hypoxia—oxygen deprivation in tissues—and explores its applications, including hypoxic...

Food policy has gained growing attention in both academic research and local governance, driven by the global movement toward more sustainable food systems, which promotes a systemic and holistic approach integrating multiple scales and actors in the food system. The study advances through an in-depth review of the literature on governance within the field of local food policies, with a particular focus on innovative strategies that may guide territories toward a sustainable transition. Specially, this paper aims,...

Objectives: Many studies draw attention to the negative consequences of the pandemic or lockdown on the well-being and lifestyle of different population groups. This study analyzes whether some changes occurred in physical activity during three periods – before the pandemic, during the lockdown, and at present in Slovak older adults. We also investigated whether individual weight changed after the pandemic. Methods: The study has a cross-sectional design. We collected 436 questionnaires from older adults (60+) l...

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous conditions, allowing physicians to gain insights into the anatomical structures and physiological processes of the body. With the advancement of technology, the need for efficient methods of storing, processing, and analyzing medical images has become increasingly important. The NIfTI (Neuroimaging Informatics Technology Initiative) format has emerged as a standard way of representing image data, particularly in neuroimaging. This arti...

This article explores the potential of process-oriented quality management in the field of social assistance, with a specific focus on case management services in Romania. Rooted in a sociological framework that integrates positivist, interpretive, and critical paradigms, the research applies a mixed-methods design to analyze the dysfunctions affecting the quality of intervention processes. The empirical data were collected through 400 questionnaires addressed to service beneficiaries and four focus groups involvi...

Rural tourism, the complex form of valorization of the natural, cultural and human resources of the rural environment, offers visitors experiences located at the intersection of traditionalism, modernism and sustainability, dimensions that complement each other, defining the specificity of the contemporary rural space. Traditionalism, the identity foundation of rural tourism, transforms the village into a space of living cultural experience. Modernism expresses the adaptation of the tourist offer to the current de...

Teenage pregnancy is one of the most important social and public health problems all over the world. Pregnancy during adolescence is often associated with less favorable outcomes for both mother and child. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of adolescent age on neonatal outcomes and also observed the lifestyle of pregnant teenage girls. We conducted a study of 2434 mothers aged =19 years (n=294) or 20–34 years (n=2140) who gave birth in 2019–2020 at Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Loui...

Artificial intelligence and robotic technologies are increasingly reshaping modern healthcare, introducing new possibilities for diagnostics, patient support, and hospital operations. This paper examines the current applications and future directions of AI and robotics in medical care, with particular attention to their impact on patient–caregiver relationships and clinical workflows. The growing pressure on healthcare systems, driven by rising patient numbers, workforce shortages, and limited resources, highlig...

The training of future social workers requires a constant blending of theoretical knowledge and exposure to the complex realities of the field. In this context, the use of innovative teaching methods, such as the analysis of social documentaries, becomes a particularly valuable pedagogical tool. Documentaries provide a window into otherwise inaccessible worlds - such as the prison environment - allowing students to directly observe human dynamics, investigate discourses and test their own preconceptions in a contr...

The study aimed to understand how participants experience spirituality when dealing with the challenges caused by having a family member with a disability. It explored how individuals who actively practice a spiritual life perceive the role of spirituality in coping with these difficult circumstances. Twelve participants aged 33 to 57, all with higher education and a strong personal spiritual practice, took part in the research. A qualitative approach was used, based on semi-structured interviews, and the data wer...

This article examines the perceptions of young people from urban and rural areas regarding energy transition and sustainable community development, focusing on the use of photovoltaic panels and electric vehicles. The study, based on survey data from 232 respondents aged between 18 and 34, aims to identify the social, economic and territorial factors influencing the ecological attitudes and behaviors of youth. The research employs an innovative mixed-method sociological approach, combining descriptive statistical ...

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in modern medicine, with a wide range of applications across diagnostics, therapeutic interventions, patient care, and professional training. This paper presents an overview of current VR technologies used to visualize medical imaging data such as CT, MRI, and PET scans in three-dimensional environments. Both global and Polish markets offer a variety of VR-based software solutions ranging from commercial products to open-source platforms that enable de...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the arts played an important role for people while coping during lockdown and other severe social restrictions. This presentation introduces a work in progress, where the researcher conducts a self-observation of herself as an artist by constructing a brand personality through storytelling on social media. Data consisted of weekly YouTube videos during a 20-week period, followed with diary entries and self-reflections and reactions of followers (YouTube, Instagram and Facebook). Each ...

As the saying goes, it is difficult to live in a community without being influenced by it. Daily interaction with others is inevitable. Communicating with different people can be pleasant or it can lead to conflicts and tensions. In this text, we will address one aspect of communication - aggressive behavior. Do we often experience aggression from others or do we show it ourselves? How can we manage harmful behavior that can have negative and even destructive consequences? Aggression is an essential component of h...

The challenges of the last years have shown that the survival of non-governmental organizations depends on their ability to communicate and to be seen and heard by stakeholders and the general public. This paper describes the results of an exploratory qualitative research, whose main objective was to identify the methods of communication and promotion applied by non-governmental organizations in the social services sector and their implications. The research was carried out in the period 2021- 2023, on a number of...

The paper will focus on the phenomenon of artification [1] in the context of well-being of seniors. We will discuss various backgrounds, especially therapeutic ones, of using this natural human ability to make everyday life exceptional. We will look at how searching for artifacts and symbols in everyday life, isolating and moving an object from its original context, giving it a different role, character, unusual meaning, symbolic actions and activating metaphorical thinking based on symbols can affect human wellbe...

The digital transformation requires new knowledge and skills of police officers, thus the competences necessary for the usage of smart, innovative technologies become critical. It is important to ensure that these technologies are integrated into the security policy to effectively fight crime and to ensure the highest standards of respect for citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms. However, there is a lack of information on what competencies are necessary for the qualified usage of innovative technologies of ...

To tackle climate change, the European Union has set objectives of low-carbon energy transition and carbon-neutral society creation by 2050. The EU Member States should implement GHG emissions reduction targets through improved energy efficiency and use of the renewables. Digital technologies can help to accelerate this. The digitalization of the energy system is a policy priority and is linked to the European Green Deal and the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030. Lithuania supports EU ambition to achieve netzer...

The purpose of the study - to find out how a physical rehabilitation program affects the physical growth, level of training and visual clarity of children aged 9-10 years with myopia. In the article we use empirical research methods, sociological surveys, pedagogical experiment as well as analysis and generalisation of scientific literature on the issues of correction of physical development and physical fitness of visually impaired children. The assessment of changes in the condition of schoolchildren with myopia...

This work investigates autism through a sociological lens, emphasizing the need to understand and embrace neurodiversity in contemporary society. Exploring microsociological theories, the study highlights the significant impact of daily interactions and stigmatization on individuals with autism, focusing on how these experiences shape social identity. The paper evaluates traditional approaches that interpret autism in terms of deficiencies, promoting a perspective that values the individual experiences of autistic...

Couples, like individuals, are experiencing social acceptance or rejection during different stages of their relational life. In addition, intimate couples can benefit of the tangible and emotional support that they are likely to need, especially when confronted by stress. Social networks create both opportunities and constraints for people in terms of accessing and using resources in the process of forming and developing a romantic relationship. The study examines the role of personal first impressions and feedbac...

Propaganda was historically a neutral term used by playwrights in ancient Greece to describe the promotion of political and religious beliefs. In the 19th century, with the rise of the press, cinema, and radio, propaganda became a tool for shaping opinions and behaviours, often biased, misleading, or false, to promote specific agendas. In the early 20th century, especially in Europe, propaganda was employed by dictatorial regimes—Nazism, Fascism, and Communism—for building popular consensus and political repre...

The transition to the market economy and the recalibration of budgets, financial independency and the transfer of responsibility to the local level in the management of social work budgets have caused concerns for the rational spending of money intended for these activities. We are still very far from managing these budgets fairly and efficiently, but the direction is very clear: the money will be little and must be used efficiently. The health and economic crisis that followed should lead to efficiency in the fir...

The aim of this study was to research the relationship between depression, stress and some risky behaviors, i.e. the use of alcohol, marijuana and problematic Internet use (PIU) during the Covid-19 pandemic among students of the University of Zagreb. The research was conducted during July, 2022. The final sample consisted of 112 participants who met the criteria for inclusion in the sample, 97 were female, 13 male and 2 undetermined. The questionnaire consisted of The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (modified...

With the fall of the communist regime and Romania’s accession to the European Union, international migration of Romanians has increased. Romania is one of the countries with the most intense migration from Eastern Europe to Western Europe, significantly impacting both the Romanian society and destination countries. Although this social phenomenon has been studied from various perspectives, the present research aims to examine in depth the lives and experiences of those who have chosen to emigrate: the reasons fo...

The article addresses the critical role of sport in the development of social skills and its deep involvement in contemporary social agendas, highlighting its contribution to achieving a sustainable future. Through a detailed review of existing literature and case studies, the research highlights how sports activities promote cooperation, effective communication and mutual respect, vital skills in modern society. The report also looks at the impact of adapted and inclusive sports programs, which encourage the part...

The aim of our paper is to account for the changes that occurred during the Great Plague of London (1665) and the restrictions imposed by authorities, as recorded by (neo)classics such as Daniel Defoe in his Journal of the Plague Year (1722) and Samuel Pepys’s diary (1660-1669) which only came out in the 19th century. Furthermore, we purport to compare them to the most recent pandemic of our times, i.e., COVID 19, seen through the lenses of (post)modern Romanian authors (Jan Cornelius – Aventurile unui calator...

Today, in a world dominated by technology and rapid innovation, involving endusers in the development process of medical devices has become a priority. Surveys have become a relevant tool to obtain direct feedback from users, providing essential information about their needs and preferences. This study explores the impact of these surveys in the design of medical devices, highlighting the benefits of civic participation and community involvement in this process. Participation in surveys encourages people to reflec...

The study establishes the context of the armed conflict in Ukraine and the importance of understanding its impact on the Ukrainian refugee community (URC), exploring how digital technologies (such as social networks and online resources) have influenced the adaptation and recovery process of URC in Bra?ov. In this context, previous research on the conflict in Ukraine and its impact on Ukrainian communities was analyzed, identifying the role of digital and social technologies in the adaptation and recovery process ...

The article aims to identify and evaluate the impact of volunteering on the innovativeness of organizations providing social services (OPSS). The activities of these organizations depend on the political, cultural, and social factors of the country, as well as the changes brought by globalization. Thus, there is an ongoing discussion on how to better organize the activities of these institutions while providing social services. It is essential to apply innovative methods appropriately, considering the specificity ...

This literature review explores the current state of research on positive contributions and social support among families with children with disabilities in mainland China. Positive contributions refer to the beneficial impact on family dynamics and cohesion achieved through positive interactions with the child. International studies suggest that these contributions can enhance family happiness, while domestic research in China predominantly highlights negative aspects, such as the pressures these families encount...

The European Union’s Agenda 2023 underscores its robust commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a comprehensive and coordinated approach. This agenda focuses on integrating the SDGs into all EU policies and initiatives, ensuring that economic, social, and environmental dimensions are addressed simultaneously. Social sustainability is a critical dimension of sustainable development that focuses on maintaining and improving the well-being of current and future genera...

The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation that requires changes to traditional business processes. This transformation involves the use of digital models, which necessitates a shift in communication practices among construction partners. All participants in the construction process must have an interactive overview of construction progress and changes at any given time, which creates new challenges such as data protection, responsibility, and competence for construction changes. This researc...

Today, digitalisation is widely discussed in the context of various institutions whoseoperational guidelines have made it a daily routine and a necessity for making informationaccessible to the public. The digitisation of museum collections is of particularimportance, both in terms of making them accessible to the public and for art historyresearch. However, many art objects are not only in museums, but also in churches,where, unlike the above-mentioned institutions, digitisation is not a priority and anecessity f...

Climate change in the era of 5.0 is becoming more significant. Society will need more power than before to keep enormous data information. Also, cooling of the servers and processors will become vital for data manipulation not only for society but also for business. The gathering and measurement of that information could be done by sustainability accounting in era 5.0. In terms of assessment, sustainability accounting can provide data and insights into a company's environmental and social effects, as well as its s...

Due to the undergoing pandemic the advanced ventilation strategies should be further developed, aiming at reducing cross infection risk and combining the consideration of thermal comfort and energy saving. Besides air dilution methods, other distribution schemes relying on transport of pollutants and the protection of the breathing zone should be considered and current standards must be improved to explicitly consider infection control. In the same time, we must not forget that the use of monitors displaying the s...

This study explores an important problem in public administration services, namely digitalize public administration or E-government. In the present paper we aim at analyzing the relationship between E-government and the level of corruption, measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index. At the international and European level, a series of indicators such as EGDI or DESI are used to measure the degree of digitization of a country. We have achieved a statistical analysis regarding the existing correlation between e-g...

Digitalization has had a huge impact on the insurance sector, influencing everything from underwriting to claims management, as well as insurance intermediation. It has resulted in higher efficiency, improved customer experience, tailored products and services, better risk management, and increased regulatory compliance. It has, however, introduced additional issues, such as data privacy and cybersecurity concerns. Overall, digitalization has fueled insurance industry innovation and given new opportunities for ins...