Search Results (115)

Entrepreneurship serves as a vital engine of economic development, yet the mechanisms translating entrepreneurial intention into behavior have gradually emerged. This study employs bibliometric analysis of 61 SSCI-indexed articles (2014–2024) using CiteSpace to examine co-authorship networks, co-citation patterns, and research hotspots. Our findings demonstrate that individual-level factors (personality traits, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurship education) drive both entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behavior. More importantly, environmental factors (university milieu, regional social legitimacy, and national cultural dimensions) moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and behavior. The study also identifies a temporal pattern in the entrepreneurial intention–behavior correlation. These results advance theoretical understanding of the intention–behavior transition and offer practical insights for entrepreneurship education and policy design. Full article

Given that student entrepreneurship contributes to the intensification of economic activities and the improvement of the social well-being of the parties involved, evaluating and fostering students’ entrepreneurial intentions can be a step in moving from intention to action in the entrepreneurial process. From this perspective, the present study assesses students’ entrepreneurial intentions and measures the impact of the most important determinants based on online questionnaires addressed to students from two different fields of study: economics and engineering. Using the collected data (N = 392 students) and analysis methods based on correlation and stratified multiple regression as well as non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U), the study reveals that students’ entrepreneurial intentions are influenced by mindset and resilience. The study indicates that the influences can vary significantly when the analyses include control variables, such as gender, field of study, year of study, professional experience, age, and country of origin. It is also important to note that the statistical significance of the results regarding the impact of resilience varies depending on the specifics of the control variables. This study considered both analyses of resilience (as a synthetic indicator) and its subcomponents. The results of this study have both theoretical and practical utility. Full article

Groundwater contamination by nitrates (NO₃⁻) and nitrites (NO₂⁻) is an urgent problem in rural areas of Eastern Europe, with profound public health and sustainability implications. This paper presents an integrated assessment of groundwater vulnerability and water quality in rural wells in the Ceanu Mare commune, Cluj County, Romania—a representative area of the Northern Transylvania Basin, characterized by diverse geological structures, intensive agricultural activities, and incomplete public water infrastructure. This study combines detailed hydrochemical analyses, household-level studies, and geological context to identify and quantify key factors influencing nitrate and microbial contamination in rural wells, providing a comprehensive perspective on water quality challenges in the central part of Romania. This study adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating detailed geotechnical investigations conducted through four strategically located boreholes. These are complemented by extensive hydrogeological and lithological characterization, as well as rigorous chemical and microbiological analyses of nearby wells. The results reveal persistently elevated concentrations of NO₃⁻ and NO₂⁻, commonly associated with inadequate livestock waste management and the proximity of manure storage areas. Microbiological contamination was also frequent. In this study, the NO₃⁻ levels in well water ranged from 39.7 to 48 mg/L, reaching up to 96% of the EU/WHO threshold (50 mg/L), while the NO₂⁻ concentrations varied from 0.50 to 0.69 mg/L, exceeding the legal limit (0.5 mg/L) in 87% of the sampled wells. Ammonium (NH₄⁺) was detected (0.25–0.34 mg/L) in all the wells, below the maximum allowed limit (0.5 mg/L) but indicative of ongoing organic pollution. All the well water samples were non-compliant for microbiological parameters, with E. coli detected in 100% of cases (5–13 CFU/100 mL). The regional clay–marl substrate offers only limited natural protection against pollutant infiltration, primarily due to lithological heterogeneity and discontinuities observed within the clay–marl layers in the study area. This research delivers a replicable model for rural groundwater assessment and addresses a critical gap in regional and European water safety studies. It also provides actionable recommendations for sustainable groundwater management, infrastructure development, and community risk reduction in line with EU water directives. Full article

Crowdsourcing has become increasingly relevant in academic research due to its role in the evolving digital landscape, where information is a key driver of organizational performance. In a context dominated by emerging technologies and digital platforms, organizations are turning to external sources for data and idea generation. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the literature on crowdsourcing and digital information, using bibliometric techniques and qualitative analysis to identify major trends. The findings reveal several shifts in focus: from conceptual frameworks to practical applications; from customer participation to broader stakeholder involvement; and from general technological and managerial approaches to specific technologies and emerging perspectives in entrepreneurship and finance. The primary contributing disciplines are Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Science. Recent research (post 2023) emphasizes constructs such as “crowdfunding”, “digital platforms”, and “machine learning”, moving beyond earlier focuses like “citizen science” and “social media.” This review also reveals growing interest in managerial, medical, and cultural heritage applications, alongside a decline in research related to geography and crisis management over the past two years. This study enhances our understanding of current research directions and practical implications in crowdsourcing and digital information, offering valuable insights for both academics and practitioners. Full article

The swift progression of nanotechnology has transformed the food and dairy industries through the facilitation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and antimicrobial systems. This review examines the environmentally friendly synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) through the utilization of microorganisms, offering a sustainable and biocompatible alternative to traditional physical and chemical approaches. This study primarily aims to investigate the contemporary trends, mechanisms, and microbial species associated with NP biosynthesis, as well as to evaluate NPs’ techno-functional applications in food and dairy processing. The specific objectives encompass analysis of the synthesis pathways—both intracellular and extracellular—utilized by bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae. Additionally, an evaluation of the physicochemical properties and biological activities (including antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal effects) of synthesized NPs will be conducted, alongside the identification of their potential applications in food preservation, packaging, and fortification. The review emphasizes notable advancements in laboratory-scale applications, especially concerning yogurt fortification, biofilm suppression, and antimicrobial food coatings. Nonetheless, commercial application is constrained by issues related to scalability, purification, stability, regulatory adherence, and toxicity evaluation. Future investigations ought to focus on enhancing bioreactor systems, leveraging microbial consortia, utilizing food and agricultural waste as substrates, and implementing omics technologies to elucidate biosynthetic mechanisms. Furthermore, the standardization of synthesis protocols and the improvement of regulatory frameworks will be crucial in closing the divide between experimental achievements and NPs’ application in industry. In a nutshell, the microbial-mediated green synthesis of NPs offers a promising pathway for the advancement of safe, sustainable, and functional innovations within the food and dairy sectors. Full article

With the growing interest in entrepreneurship, increased attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education. In recent years, attention has been paid to entrepreneurship education in engineering majors. This study examines the impact of attitude, subjective norms, and self-efficacy toward entrepreneurial intention and the moderating role of entrepreneurship education among students at the National Institute of Technology, Tsuruoka College, Japan. This study was grounded in the theory of planned behavior and social cognitive theory, suggesting a new approach to examining entrepreneurship education in engineering students. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 275 Japanese students (150 second-year students and 125 fourth-year students). Employing structural equation modeling, the findings indicated that attitude and self-efficacy significantly influence entrepreneurship intentions, with notable differences between the second- and fourth-year students. Results have suggested focusing both on project-based learning and theory-based learning to nurture knowledge, skill, and mindset to comprehensively develop entrepreneurial intention. Full article

This study analyzed the health risks associated with the consumption of certain vegetables (carrot, onion, tomato, and pepper) grown in soils potentially polluted with metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and metalloids (As) from 15 vegetable gardens in the Sasar locality. The research includes measurement of soil and plant metal concentrations, assessment of global pollution of soils with metals using Nemerow pollution index (PI_N), calculation of the metal transfer factor (TF) from soil to vegetable, daily intake of metal dose (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) for both children and adults. The results (mean of 3 replicas ± standard deviation) show that the soil is moderately polluted with lead (28.39 ± 8.623 mg kg⁻¹), nickel (23.17 ± 4.043 mg kg⁻¹), and zinc (123.20 ± 26.918 mg kg⁻¹), strongly polluted with copper (71.68 ± 22.463 mg kg⁻¹), and cadmium (2.63 ± 0.881 mg kg⁻¹). Copper exhibited the highest transfer factors (>0.08), followed by cadmium (~0.06), while zinc and nickel showed moderate values (0.02–0.03). Arsenic and manganese had relatively stable and lower levels, whereas lead displayed the lowest transfer rates (<0.01) across all vegetables. Although the calculated health risk index (HRI < 1) remains below the critical threshold, the findings emphasize the importance of moderate consumption and continuous monitoring of crops in polluted areas. The results can contribute to the integration of sustainable development principles into community policy, protecting the environment and ensuring the sustainable health of consumers. Full article

In a tristate converter the basic circuit topology is extended by an additional electronic switch and an additional diode. Three modes follow each other within one switching period. During the first mode M1, both electronic switches are on and both diodes are off. In the second mode M2, only the second switch is on and the first diode is conducting, and in mode M3, only the second diode is conducting. The voltage transformation ratio is a function of the two duty cycles of the electronic switches. In a typical tristate converter, the current flows through the second switch during the first two modes. In the converters treated here, the current is flowing through the second switch only during the second mode, so the losses are reduced compared to the normal tristate converter. This is shown for the Buck, the Buck–Boost, the Boost, the Zeta, the Cuk, the Super Boost, the quadratic Buck, and a reduced-duty cycle converter. The voltage transformation ratios are depicted in diagrams. As an example the reduced loss tristate Buck is used to demonstrate the derivation of the large and the small signal models. The transfer functions are also calculated and Bode plots are shown for an operating point. The voltage and the current stress of the converters are analyzed and the results are summarized in tables. The considerations are proved by simulations with the help of LTSpice. Full article

Entrepreneurship plays a fundamental role in sustainable economic development, particularly in the field of industrial engineering. This study analyzes the determinants of sustainable entrepreneurial intention among students from public and private universities in Peru. A quantitative, non-experimental, and cross-sectional methodology was employed, using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the causal relationships between entrepreneurial intention and its key determinants: attitude, subjective aspects, perceived behavioral control, advantages, and obstacles. The sample consisted of 200 students from public and private universities. The results indicate that attitude towards entrepreneurship and perceived advantages are significant predictors of entrepreneurial intention in both university types. However, perceived behavioral control showed a significant effect only among private university students, suggesting that institutional resources may influence entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The study also identified differences in the perception of advantages and obstacles between the two groups. The findings underscore the need for tailored educational interventions to foster entrepreneurship, considering institutional contexts. These results contribute to understanding how sustainability-driven entrepreneurship education can enhance entrepreneurial potential, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education (SDG 4), economic growth (SDG 8), and innovation (SDG 9). Full article

Alongside the interleaved concept, the floating two-stage converter concept can be applied to increase the power of a converter. Two converters can be connected in parallel at the input and in series at the output. Using two non-inverting step-down converters with a limited duty cycle, the output voltage of the complete converter is the sum of the output voltages of the two stages reduced by the input voltage. The load current of each stage is equal to the load current of the complete converter. It is useful to build such a converter symmetrically. The converter is treated in the steady state, and large and small signal models are derived using one converter stage which is loaded with the output current of the complete converter in the case of a resistive load. The inrush is studied when the converter is applied to a stable input voltage. To avoid the inrush, a pre-stage is connected in front of the converter. The voltage and the current stress of the semiconductor components are investigated. The transfer functions are calculated and Bode plots are shown for an operating point. Full article

(1) Background and objectives: Global crises such as climate change, pandemics, and resource depletion present unprecedented challenges that require coordinated and innovative responses. This study advocates for a bottom-up strategy by proposing and developing tools that empower individuals and organizations to embrace green and sustainable entrepreneurship, fostering localized solutions with global impact. In this context, the research explored the integration of technology-enabled entrepreneurship education (EE) into engineering curricula, with a focus on sustainable and green entrepreneurship. Leveraging insights from European projects, the research developed a cloud-based entrepreneurship educational system featuring three e-learning platforms. Particularly, one e-learning platform was specifically designed to support green and sustainable entrepreneurship education. (2) Methods: the study involved literature reviews, stakeholder surveys, interviews with green entrepreneurs, and iterative platform design. (3) Results: Key outcomes of the research include a methodology for designing pedagogical strategies and learning content for green and sustainable EE. Additionally, digital tools such as the green business innovation canvas, TRIZ-inspired matrices, and AI-driven recommendation systems were created to equip learners with the skills to develop sustainable business models. (4) Originality: The study’s novelty lies in its integration of advanced digital tools with original pedagogical strategies, providing a scalable framework for incorporating sustainability into entrepreneurship education. These findings have practical implications for educators and policymakers working to promote eco-friendly business practices. Future research should investigate the scalability of these tools across diverse educational contexts and evaluate their long-term impact on fostering sustainable entrepreneurial mindsets. Full article

Heavy metal pollution has complex impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, trophic relationships, species health, and the quality of natural resources. This study aims to validate a non-invasive method for detecting heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Cr) in micromammalian prey, which constitute the primary diet of the common genet (Genetta genetta), a mesocarnivore sensitive to habitat degradation. By focusing on prey remains (hair and bones) rather than entire fecal samples, this approach leverages the genet’s selective feeding habits to assess the bioaccumulation of contaminants in its preferred prey. Conducted in the Edough forest massif during the winter of 2021, the study analyzed 39 fecal samples, collected from the following two contrasting environments: a natural habitat and an area impacted by an open landfill. Results revealed significant levels of heavy metals, with higher concentrations in bones compared to hair, and increased accumulation in prey from the anthropized environment. Monitoring these contaminants in selective predators, such as the genet, offers a promising approach to better understanding environmental contamination and implementing measures to protect ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Full article

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) has profoundly transformed industries worldwide through the integration of advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital twins, building information modeling (BIM), and the Internet of Things (IoT). The Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) sectors are increasingly adopting these innovations to meet the evolving demands of the global market. Within this dynamic context, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a front-runner and significant investor in this sector, as evidenced by the launch of ambitious mega-projects such as NEOM and The Line. These developments prompt valuable discussions about the readiness of graduates to adapt to rapid technological advancements and meet the current demands of the Saudi market. Although numerous studies have explored this issue, the Saudi context presents unique challenges and opportunities due to the accelerated pace of change within the ACE sectors, driven by the goals of Vision 2030. For this reason, this paper aims to address this gap by exploring the readiness of architectural programs in the context of Saudi Arabia to meet the demands of Industry 4.0. To achieve this, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, developing an analytical framework. Subsequently, a multiple-cases approach was employed, with an overall top-level discussion on the undergraduate architecture program subjects available in the five regions in Saudi Arabia. A combination of field observations, domain expertise, and evidence-based coding methods was employed to develop the SWOT analysis. The SWOT framework was utilized to identify key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the current academic programs. The findings were then analyzed in a comprehensive discussion, highlighting necessary transformations in existing programs. The methodology employed in our study involves prolonged engagement and persistent observation to enhance the quality and credibility of the discussion. This paper serves as a roadmap for guiding future educational reforms and aligning architectural education with emerging industry demands and technological advancements in the field. Four key themes are essential for aligning architectural education with Industry 4.0: sustainability in the built environment, innovation and creativity, digital applications in the built environment, and entrepreneurship and leadership in venture engineering. It also strongly emphasized sustainability courses and noted notable deficiencies in preparing students for a digitally driven professional landscape. For example, the average program comprises 162 credit hours and 58 courses, with only six related to Industry 4.0. The top five institutions offering Industry 4.0 courses ranked from highest to lowest are ARCH-U11, ARCH-U8, ARCH-U3, ARCH-U4, and ARCH-U15. ARCH-U11 offers the most Industry 4.0 courses, totaling 15, which account for 26.8% of its courses and 15% of its credit hours, in contrast to ARCH-U20, which offers no courses. The novelty of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of the readiness of architecture program curricula from 20 Saudi universities to meet the requirements of Industry 4.0. Importantly, these findings support previous studies that established guidelines that mandate the inclusion of sustainability, innovation, and digital skills in architectural education programs. Contribution to the knowledge and findings is valuable for educational institutions, policymakers, and industry leaders, offering insights into evolving architectural education to meet future industry demands and foster technological innovation and sustainable development. Moreover, it provides actionable recommendations for curriculum development in alignment with Vision 2030. Contrary to expectations, findings show that lower-ranked universities offer more Industry 4.0-related courses than higher-ranked ones, emphasizing the need to align university evaluation standards with labor market demands. Full article

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Sibiu Impact Makers program, a 14-week social entrepreneurship initiative at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, which integrates Design Thinking to develop entrepreneurial competencies among students from the faculties of Economic Sciences, Engineering, as well as Social Sciences and Humanities. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study employed a pre-and-post-analysis based on the EntreComp Framework to assess changes in entrepreneurial competencies, revealing significant post-program improvements. To situate this research within the broader academic landscape, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to identify trends linking Design Thinking and entrepreneurial education. The findings indicate that the program enhances entrepreneurial skills, with impact variations tied to students’ learning styles, as classified by the Honey and Mumford Learning Style Questionnaire. However, as a case study with a sample size of 58, findings may have limited generalizability. This research contributes to the discourse on personalized and experiential education, suggesting that integrating Design Thinking with tailored learning strategies can play a vital role in entrepreneurship education. Full article

This paper examines how political conflict shapes entrepreneurial activities, with a particular focus on Occupied Palestinian Territories. It focuses on the resilience and adaptability of entrepreneurs in conflict zones and the dual role of entrepreneurship in potentially exacerbating or alleviating conflicts. This paper adopts an integrative literature review with a structured approach. It combines elements of both systematic and integrative reviews to survey and synthesize the management and entrepreneurship literature to assess the impact of political conflict on entrepreneurial activity and vice versa, necessity versus opportunity entrepreneurship, and the role of entrepreneurship in peacebuilding. The findings reveal that while entrepreneurship can be a powerful engine for growth and innovation, its role in conflict settings is complex and requires careful consideration of the sociopolitical context. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for supporting entrepreneurship in conflict-affected regions and suggests directions for future research to inform practices and contribute to sustainable peace and economic development. Full article