In Industry 4.0, predictive maintenance (PdM) is key to optimising production processes. While its popularity among companies grows, most studies highlight theoretical benefits, with few providing empirical evidence on its economic impact. This study aims to fill this gap by quantifying the economic performance of manufacturing companies in the Visegrad Group countries through PdM algorithms. The purpose of our research is to assess whether these companies generate higher operational profits and lower sales costs. Using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, the Hodges–Lehmann median difference estimate, and linear regression, the authors analysed data of 1094 enterprises. Results show that PdM significantly improves economic performance, with variations based on geographic scope. Regression analysis confirmed PdM as an essential predictor of performance, even after considering factors like company size, legal structure, and geographic scope. Enterprises with more effective cost management and lower net sales were more likely to adopt PdM, as revealed by decision tree analysis. Our findings provide empirical evidence of the economic benefits of PdM algorithms and highlight their potential to enhance competitiveness, offering a valuable foundation for business managers to make informed investment decisions and encouraging further research in other industries.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted general medical practice by altering work structures and increasing teamwork while also adversely affecting the mental health of general practitioners and family medicine specialists. This study assesses depression, anxiety, and fear levels among general practitioners and family medicine specialists in Europe 2 years after the COVID-19 pandemic's onset, and it explores influencing factors. This observational cross-sectional study included participants from 13 European countries. Data was collected from May to August 2022 with an anonymous online survey incorporating validated questionnaires for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), and fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and linear regression. A total of 1,723 participants completed the survey. Findings indicated an overall mild to moderate levels of anxiety (GAD-7: 5.4 ± 4.76) and depression (PHQ-9: 6.33 ± 5.43), and moderate fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19: 12.84 ± 5.29). Key determinants of anxiety, fear, and depression included country, at-risk status, patient non-compliance, and mental health history. Sex influenced anxiety and fear, losing co-workers to COVID-19 influenced anxiety and depression, while losing relatives or friends influenced fear. Two years into the pandemic, European general practitioners and family medicine specialists showed mild to moderate levels of anxiety, depression, and fear. Country, at-risk status, mental health history, and work-related challenges significantly affected mental health. Crucial interventions are needed to support healthcare workers during pandemics, focusing on protective measures, stable work environments, and coping strategies for anxiety and depression.

This research examines how artificial intelligence has evolved rapidly and dramatically influences business and personal life. The research is fundamental and focuses primarily on secondary data but also on one’s knowledge, observations, ideas, and conceptualizations. To illustrate the involvement of AI as correctly as possible, the research result is structured as follows: (1) Introduction, including the questions people usually ask and the succession of answers the research aims to do. (2) “AI overview”, where the research findings include the definition, system components diagram with the primary applicability, a brief parallel between the benefits and risks diagram in four main company activities, and some future AI trends. (3) “Ethics in AI” results in a synthesis of the ethical principles of AI, as well as the selection of fears and vulnerabilities in a diagram, followed by some ways to avoid unethical actions. Finally, the findings in (4) “The paradigm of change from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0”, where based on conceptualization, “the effects of AI progress in the industry are analyzed with each characteristic”. (5) Conclusion.

Economic pressure on agricultural land is generating major changes in affected territorial systems. The development of methodologies to analyze the pressure on agricultural land is one of the main concerns regarding food security and how to provide fresh produce to large cities. The methodology used uses the Corine Land Cover database, provided by Copernicus Land Monitoring Services (CLMS), from 1990–2018. Data processing and analysis was performed using the open-source software package QGIS, a process that started by reprojecting the data into the national coordinate reference system Pulkovo 1942(58)/Stereo 70, EPSG: 3844. The methodology used was able to highlight the transformations that have taken place in land use, highlighting when and how the land was transformed. Our results show that quantitative and land-use changes due to the socio-economic pressures generated by the transition to a different type of economy can be highlighted. Urban sprawl has led to dramatic changes in land use, with agricultural land being the category that has seen the largest reductions in area.

Understanding future skills needs is essential to ensure a just and socially equitable transition to the green and digital economy and to stimulate rapid economic recovery due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The purpose of the article is to contribute to the knowledge of labour supply and demand forecasts according to skill levels in order to achieve a balance in labour market in the context of new economic changes. Methods/Approach: In this regard, a secondary forecast analysis was made at the 2030 horizon point regarding the change in the structure of the employed population in Romania by occupational groups, qualification level and broad occupational groups according to total demand, net change and demand for replacement and a comparative analysis of the workforce forecast by qualification levels in the period 2018-2030, at the level of 12 EU countries. The analyzed data come from the CEDEFOP center. The secondary data analysis was supplemented with information on new occupations and new skills needed in the perspective of 2030-2040. A Delphi methodology was applied for this purpose. Results: The data analysis highlights new occupations that will appear in the context of digital transformations, and also new skills to which the education system will have to adapt. Conclusions: In the period 2018-2030, most jobs will appear as a result of the demand for replacement, which illustrates that the potential for creating new jobs remains low.

Energy management in smart cities has gained particular significance in the context of climate change and the evolving geopolitical landscape. It has become a key element of sustainable urban development. In this context, energy management plays a central role in facilitating the growth of smart and sustainable cities. The aim of this article is to analyse existing scientific research related to energy in smart cities, identify technological trends, and highlight prospective directions for future studies in this field. The research involves a literature review based on the analysis of articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify and evaluate studies concerning energy in smart cities. The findings suggest that future research should focus on the development of smart energy grids, energy storage, the integration of renewable energy sources, as well as innovative technologies (e.g., Internet of Things, 5G/6G, artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital twins). This article emphasises the significance of technologies that can enhance energy efficiency in cities, contributing to their sustainable development. The recommended practical and policy directions highlight the development of smart grids as a cornerstone for adaptive energy management and the integration of renewable energy sources, underpinned by regulations encouraging collaboration between operators and consumers. Municipal policies should prioritise the adoption of advanced technologies, such as the IoT, AI, blockchain, digital twins, and energy storage systems, to improve forecasting and resource efficiency. Investments in zero-emission buildings, renewable-powered public transport, and green infrastructure are essential for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. Furthermore, community engagement and awareness campaigns should form an integral part of promoting sustainable energy practices aligned with broader development objectives.

His article examines the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). It highlights how AI revolutionises OSINT by enhancing automated data collection, analysis and intelligence gathering from public online sources. Key areas include AI-driven web scraping, social media monitoring through sentiment analysis, natural language processing, and image/video analysis. Despite its advantages, the integration faces challenges like privacy concerns, data biases, and the need for human oversight. This synergy of AI and OSINT is reshaping the future of intelligence, balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

There is a raising of concerns about the need to change environmental behaviours through economic and social activities. Education plays a significant role in this process, with schools enhancing the necessary behaviour adoption by youngsters and their community. Thus, the present study examines the relationship between different variables, such as sustainability (green public procurement, healthy food activity) and education (course, impact, interactive teaching methods/technology). We developed a survey regarding education for sustainable development (ESD), with five sections considering the referred variables. We applied it to 385 Romanian educators and teachers from kindergarten and primary school. An SEM model was formed to evaluate the relationship between the associated variables. The results showed that an organisation or school with a long-term plan incorporating green public procurement will positively stimulate initiatives that help the next generation adopt good eating habits. Moreover, this eco-sustainable approach affects the creation of interactive teaching methods and the courses and classes. Consequently, the changes in interactive methods will positively affect the overall impact. Nevertheless, the relationship between courses and impact was not significant. This means management decisions regarding green strategies can lead to a broader change in a school setting, fostering the ESD.

Background The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in several European countries involved collaboration between public health and Primary Health Care (PHC). Objective To highlight the role of PHC professionals in the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, specifically in terms of vaccine administration, communication and contributing to vaccination population coverage. Methods A descriptive retrospective study of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign across 28 European countries was conducted, covering data from December 2020 to November 2021. Data were collected by key informants recruited from each country, who were health professionals involved in their national vaccination campaigns. Utilising an ad-hoc semi-structured questionnaire, information was gathered on organisation, communication strategies, priority groups, vaccine types, and vaccination pathways in PHC. Results PHC participated in communication strategies in 10 out of 28 countries, and vaccination was voluntary in most of them. The priority groups for vaccination varied across Europe, and the availability of vaccines in PHC differed between countries within the European Union (EU) and non-EU countries. The BioNTech Pfizer vaccine was the most widely available vaccine in most countries, followed by Moderna and AstraZeneca. PHC administered COVID-19 vaccines to the population, being the nurses the most involved, followed by general practitioners. Vaccination appointments were available online in 18/28 or by phone in 15/28, direct appointments at health centres were available in 8/28. In several countries, healthcare professionals who administered vaccines were given extra compensation for their role. Conclusion PHC professionals played a crucial role in the successful distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in European countries.