Digital divide, smart assistive technologies and ageing people

Objective: To define the causes and potential solutions for the digital divide in the ageing population. Prior work: The digital divide between generations is somehow logical, because digital technologies evolved when today’s elders were already retiring from professional activity. The pressure to use digital technologies comes later, when you need to monitor your functional and activity parameters, when you are isolated at home and have to talk to your family and your family doctor, when you need information in real time and the best source is the internet. Approach: Bibliographic research and case studies. Results: Digital assistive solutions progressed from assisting a function, increasing safety and the general level of activity, to improving physical, psychological condition and behaviour, then to solutions able to optimise task-oriented behaviour, then to enhancing social participation and now we talk about ecosystems and sustainability. The role of multidisciplinary teams implementing, in interdisciplinary approach, the principles of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is crucial in developing such solutions. Implications: The stage we are now in is searching for the best solutions to find the friendliest interfaces, the easiest way to really implement smart in valuable feasible and sustainable services, but we are also searching ways to teach, train and coach the potential users of digital assistive solutions and for all other available ICT and sensor-based assistive technologies. Value: We go against the Cancel-Culture. In fact, we need to add two more domains to people's culture: the Active and Healthy Ageing Culture and the Digital Culture, and we need to make people aware of the importance of Ageing Well and of the fact that we are all relevant citizens of this imperfect society, where all lives matter

Disinformation using artificial intelligence technologies – akey component of Russian hybrid warfare

For over a decade, the Russian Federation has been at the forefront of hybrid warfare, deploying highly developed capabilities to carry out cyberattacks, political and social subversion, the exploitation of societal tensions, corrupt financial influence, and disinformation operations campaigns worldwide. The primary objective of Russia’s disinformation campaign is to distort public opinion formation, undermine confidence in institutions, denigrate political leadership, widen social divide, and meddle with election processes where it has a certain level of interest. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought with it a deluge of disinformation and misinformation. Although it became routine for major events to generate fabricated news, images, and video, the war in Ukraine is featuring a whole new set of characteristics and the extensive use of machine learning that will influence how readers react to fake media. Fast advancements in information technology, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI), have changed the methods in which information and disinformation may be created and disseminated, making more difficult to differentiate falsehood from real information. In such tensioned environment, websites born to churn out misinformation that operate purely for spreading Kremlin propaganda have launched a real campaign to defend Kremlin right to war. This research paper explores the use of AI in the context of Russian hybrid war, such as user profiling, bot farms, micro-targeting, and deep fakes. The article also examines the ways in which AI can be used to counter such disinformation online and reviews a number of solutions that could help address the spread of AI-powered disinformation for improving the online environment.

Perspectives and implications in the use of artificialintelligence in healthcare

Advances in applications and research in creative operations have led to the emergence of artificial intelligence, which has developed from a nascent application to a major influence in almost all areas of business, research,or manufacturing, including the medical field. Thus in the medical field the first application with particularly good results was in surgery, i.e. laparoscopy. Subsequently, minimally invasive operations in cardiology, orthopedics, urology, etc., as well as in minimally invasive operations on the unborn fetus, when certain congenital malformations were identified. It is expected that artificial intelligence will also be able to performminimally invasive interventions on the Central Nervous System (CNS), especially for recovery from progressive neuronal degenerative conditions with multi-level damage (dopa and non-dopa). As a result artificial intelligence challenges specialists to create appropriate instrumentation, through new technologies and the creation of specialists in collateral fields (chemistry, welding, composite materials, microbiology, etc.), as well as new systems of micro-visualization without radioactive effects. This requires collaborations and cooperation between researchers in various fields and major investments in research laboratories and information of specialists. Artificial intelligence has also created opponents in terms of fears that it would replace some medical professionals and that some negative consequences of artificial intelligence applications in the medical field may not be predictable. Artificial intelligence is proving to be an evolutionary stage as a result of the emergence and development of technologies, types of management, the creation of niche researchers, with competitive aspects between laboratories and states and with state and private investment, especially as it also has applications in the military. Artificial intelligence-related discoveries are secret and top secret due to investments recoverable from licensing profits. Romania benefits from the National Strategy for Research, Innovation and Smart Specialization with funds from the PNRR, with the remark that national research institutions have lost specialists attracted by developed countries from the European Union, the USA, etc. In order to cope with the competition Romania should allocate substantial budgetary funds both in national research institutions and in the creation of co-invested specialists, as well as encourage private initiatives. Applications already practiced from the use of artificial intelligence in the medical field highlight the benefits for society as a whole with recognized positive results for the health of patients and by decreasingrecovery time and lowering the costs of hospitalizations and treatments. Romania as a member of the European Union and NATO has the advantages of cooperation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence, with similar institutions, as well as through participation in scientific sessions and specific topics. Romania as a member of the European Union and NATO has the advantages of cooperation and collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence, with similar institutions, as well as through participation in scientific sessions and specific topics. It is undeniable that artificial intelligence is proving to have an impact in most areas of social economics, manufacturing, healthcare and the military. The necessary investment and the applicable results of artificial intelligence create value and added value for society

Impact Zones: How cybercrime disrupts and shapes the landscape of data security

In a highly networked digital world, cybercrime and data breaches are increasing together, putting up a strong front and proving to be a challenge for everyone: individuals, organizations, and governments. Cybercrime is associated with financially motivated attacks and one type of cyberattack that is one of the most prolific is ransomware. Objectives of the study: to analyze the disruption which destabilizes and breaks the system's normal functioning. The overall horizontal objective is to identify the activities that can breach data, cause financial losses, and also can influence the cybersecurity landscape. The paper is important in this topic area because knowing about cybersecurity is the key to knowledge, advancement of research, and practical application of solutions for society. Approach: strategies and regulations are always changing, and have the main role in protecting the data and responding to cyber-attacks; but unfortunately, cyber-attacks are more present and more advanced every day, and this involves different perspectives for this type of cyberattacks, in this paper the main methods are netnography, document analysis and the case study. The results show that a large number of interconnected devices in an Internet of Things landscape enhances vectors for attacking and amplifies the complexity of data security challenges. The following research will demonstrate the fact that ransomware attacks are a part of a huge disrupting type of cyberattack and represent a critical threat to data security and cybercrime has a major role in this topic. Also, an example of data leaks is a specific case study about one of the NSA officers who tried to send classified defense information to Russia, explaining that the Snowden case is not unique in the cybersecurity landscape

Citizenship and Public Space. A Gender Perspective

The aim of this research project is to connect the exercise of citizenship with access to, and use of public space for women. The hypothesis that women’s hindered access [1] to public space is influencing their exercise of substantive citizenship, and thus their career choices, their representation in public office, and the amount of freedom of movement they dispose of will be guiding the direction of our research. We want to establish the truth value of this statement through the intersection of urban and gender studies in order to generate strategies pertinent enough to deal with the issue. This study would mean another step taken into the direction of gender equity, which would directly improve the body of knowledge policy-makers, urbanists, sociologists, and human geographers would have at their disposal in elaborating studies, strategies, and in formulating advice; therewithal, it implies an indirect economic benefit, as safer cities are more prosperous. Our project is conceived as a comparison between the present status of women from different backgrounds in Bucharest and Vienna: a post-communist, relatively economically-challenged Eastern European capital and a Central European gender-mainstreaming oriented capital, considered to be one of the safest and most livable cities in Europe

Accompanying study of the development process towards a smart city strategy-with a particular focus on social change

The development of a smart city strategy will take place in 73 selected cities in Germany as the result of a participation competition. The systematics of the requirements of the state as a funding provider and the approach of local actors will be examined in more detail in this study. The Objectives  of the work are a supervised process of a model facility, on the basis of which observations for a process model are to be derived. This model is intended to enable various aspects as a starting point for non-subsidized institutions as well. A particular focus lies on the area of social change, which is difficult to quantify, in terms of social aspects. The Prior work shows that there are three different dimensions of strategy elements to be decided on in order to start subsidy-compliant design projects. On one hand, a team must be required that takes care of the smart city projects next to their regular tasks. Their composition and purpose in doing represent the first dimension. Secondly, the question of setting targets and the associated monitoring of results must be determined. Finally, the path of involving citizens and companies lead to the social legitimacy of the project team. The approach is based on a semi-structured participant observation by the authors. Qualitative insights into practical doing and abstracted findings based on an example case serve as practical recommendations for further and thus complementary consolidation and expansion of the findings. The first Results show that defining key performance indicators and objective key results is quite a new system of performance measurement for public institutions. In particular, the social aspects of living together in cities are difficult to put into key figures due to the diverse composition of society. Local differences with incentives and channels in different forms need to be translated into general insights. The Implications include enabling government leaders to initiate and manage transformative approaches to the digitization of public space. Social change as a field of action for the design of digital solutions will be opened up and brought closer by means of best-practice implementations. The value of the work lies in getting an example of steps towards a planning basis for comprehensive smart city agendas. Furthermore, management tools for digital projects are addressed and methods for the participation of service recipients of public authorities are presented. Through the classified experiences of the prime example, challenges, opportunities, risks but also weaknesses of the path to a smart city emerge, which can be a point of orientation for non-subsidized cities in their own roadmap

Space resilience and hybrid modular architecture

Objectives: This research explores the potential of Hybrid Modular Architecture (HMA) to improve hospital design and enhance healthcare infrastructure resilience. By integrating prefabricated modular components with site-specific construction, HMA offers a flexible and efficient approach to improving existing hospitals and overall hospital design. The main subject of this paper refers to HMA systems that incorporate smart modules capable of optimizing patient flow and organizing hospital visits by streamlining administrative processes, reducing waiting times, and improving overall patient experience. Prior work: This study examines how HMA surpasses its predecessors, the traditional and modular emergency hospitals in construction speed, cost-efficiency, adaptability, sustainability, and resilience by integrating modular design with smart technologies to better respond to emergencies and evolving healthcare needs. Approach: This research utilized a mixed-methods approach combining case studies, surveys, and expert interviews to explore the application of HMA in hospitals. Surveys and interviews gathered insights from healthcare professionals and architects on flexibility and scalability. Additionally, literature reviews provided a theoretical foundation to support empirical findings. Results: The study revealed that HMA systems can reduce hospital construction time by up to 50% while maintaining quality. Findings from case studies and surveys highlighted increased adaptability, allowing hospitals to reconfigure spaces swiftly to address patient surges. Expert interviews emphasized the benefits of modular partitions and reduced environmental impact. Implications: The study provides valuable insights for academics, researchers, and practitioners in architecture and healthcare. For academics, it expands the theoretical understanding of modular design in healthcare contexts. For practitioners, the research highlights practical strategies for enhancing hospital resilience and scalability, particularly in emergencies for future-proofing healthcare facilities. Value: This research explores integrating existing hospitals with modular extensions to quickly expand capacity and enhance flexibility. It offers a sustainable, scalable solution for resilient healthcare, bridging theory and practice in architectural design

Gender Inequality in Cybersecurity Exploring the Opportunities and Progression in Albania

This paper explores gender inequality in Albania’s cybersecurity sector, focusing on the barriers and opportunities for women. Despite global demand, gender disparity persists, with women significantly underrepresented. The aim is to assess the perception of gender equality in Albania’s cybersecurity workforce, examine career gaps, and identify factors hindering women's entry and progression. This research highlights the importance of addressing inclusivity in this critical sector. Building on global research regarding gender gaps in technology and cybersecurity, this paper offers a localized view of Albania. Prior studies have emphasized the broader issue of underrepresentation in ICT, and this research contributes by analyzing recent data on gender and career progression specifically in cybersecurity. A survey was conducted to gather perceptions of gender equality in Albania’s cybersecurity field. Respondents shared insights on educational background, career breaks, and challenges in entering and progressing in cybersecurity roles. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were employed to identify key issues. The findings indicate that although progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Gender biases, a lack of role models, and misconceptions about the field continue to discourage women. The study underscores the need for initiatives to close the gender gap. This research provides recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and industry leaders to address gender disparities. It offers insights for future academic research and highlights practical steps to align strategies with labor market needs. The paper contributes original insights into Albania’s gender gap in cybersecurity and offers a foundation for future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and gender equality in the field

Could Not Be The “Collective Intelligence” Of A SMART CITY Directly-Sensed To The Today-Dramatically Post-Kantian “ETERNAL PEACE”?

The rhetoric inquiry from the title of this co-authored study is bordering four constructs-nuclei regarding which the co-authors are trying to model an ideal and, respectively, a (hypothetical-)real causal network [so, the next stage from a semantic network]. These modeling approaches are related to the dual cases of the * technological advance (contemporary, mostly, an exponential e-advance) / and respectively of the ** worldwide ‘subtle’ statistical www-images/popular culture self-interrogations/mass-media records. But the study does not firmly follow this deterministic quasi-statistically based trend (that would be suited for a ‘brighter-and-smarter’ nexus as SIPRI), i.e., caused mainly by the ‘absence’ of data related to the populations of Smart Cities comparatively to the actual worldwide Metropolis [suffocated by pollution, traffic, needed larger-and-diversified (e-)work basins, (e-)health need and its current troubles/assurances, e-dreams/e-leisure, etc.]. For example, is New York a smart city? If partially YES, then ‘Are the members of a respective Smart-Segment in the Metropolis interested in an “Eternal Peace” on our Entire Planet? – or are they fuzzy-neutral within the existent ‘locally assured’ peaceful stance? Thus, this study aggregates a content and form of a MEMORANDUM – addressed to ‘whom it may concern’ – wordwide universities and research entities, engaged in ‘to change’ the current ‘war-peace-war’ stance… Into this cognitive and praxis-actional context, the co-authored study is bordering [beyond the respective four-entitled constructs-nuclei] by an elicited triad of a set of constructs-tensions [in the Prologue: 6 + 12; in the (Central) Nucleus Part: 19; in the Ephilogue:  8]. These emerged constructs-tensions would pave (if these would be taken up by societal projects) the still possible evolutions from the contemporary Knowledge Society towards a Consciousness Society [the ‘Consciousness Society’ last evoked construct was firstly e-initiated by the Academician Mihai Dragãnescu / approx. 2005]. Now, this triad of a set of  18 + 19 + 8 constructs-tensions stands mainly as a subtle societal radiant-inquiry in front of the contemporary {e-education, e-governance/e-administration, e-liberties, e-prosecution…}, and it is just tending to propose harmonic steps-by-steps to change/revise/evolve the current wordwide ‘war-peace-war’ stance; the Smart Cities’s roles are essential to resonate, or not, to each of these 45 constructs-tensions. Our ‘Individual and Collective Intelligence’ will pave the course of these  constructs-tensions within the flow of the respective ‘subtle societal radiant-inquiry’. E.g. (an element of this subtle societal radiant-inquiry) “Where are the HUMANS?” All these are representing and emulating an address to universities / research entities in approaching/initiating an “Interdisciplinary Center of PEACE ENTREPRENEURS - PROGRESS ENTREPRENEURS versus our (RE-)HUMANIZATION”

INOVAȚII ȘI TENDINȚE EMERGENTE ÎN E-GOVERNMENT APLICATE ÎN SECTORUL 6 AL MUNICIPIULUI BUCUREȘTI

Transformarea digitală este una dintre prioritățile Uniunii Europene, iar noile tehnologii digitale sunt vitale pentru crearea de noi oportunități de creștere și dezvoltare pentru oameni, companii și autorități publice. Astfel, această lucrare își propune să ralieze o tranziție digitală a Sectorului 6 la prioritățile europene și naționale, în care cetățenii acestei comunități dețin rolul principal. Scopul acestei lucrări este acela de a explora și evidenția evenimentele în care inovațiile tehnologice pot contribui la transformarea digitală a Sectorului 6 într-o administrație publică locală inteligentă și eficientă. Obiectivul principal devine astfel analiza și evaluarea impactului implementării tehnologiilor avansate într-o administrație locală pentru a îmbunătăți calitatea serviciilor oferite cetățenilor. Lucrarea se bazează pe definiții și concepte cheie din domeniul e-Government, pornind de la legislația europeană și cea națională, precum și pe lucrări de specialitate relevante care explorează guvernarea inteligentă. Studiul de caz va analiza ecosistemul digital aflat în plină dezvoltare, dar și inițiativele pe care administrația publică locală le va întreprinde. Prin acest instrumente de cercetare, inclusiv analiza de conținut, vom încerca să obținem rezultate concludente care să evidențieze stadiul actual al guvernării inteligente din Sectorul 6, pentru îmbunătățirea serviciilor publice actuale și, de ce nu, chiar pentru crearea de unele noi. Prin analiza detaliată descrisă și a perspectivei ecosistemului digital, prezenta lucrare poate aduce o contribuție esențială în înțelegerea procesului de tranziție digitală la nivelul unei administrații publice locale, așa cum sunt transpuse în politicile europene. Astfel, implicațiile acestei lucrări pot fi adresate atât profesioniștilor din administrația publică, cât și practicienilor interesați de aplicarea inovațiilor și de dezvoltarea de noi tehnologii aplicate la nivel local