The development of higher education worldwide must be integrated in the context of sustainable development in order to ensure environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability. Knowing that the digitalization process within higher education institutions is continuously expanding, while the digital tools and online learning environments enhance accessibility, flexibility, and efficiency, the purpose of the present paper is to highlight how the use of e-Learning platforms can help sustainable education development from the point of view of students from two universities: a university from Romania and a university from the USA. In order to reach this objective, a quantitative research method was used, aiming to identify the students’ opinion on a series of facilities offered by e-Learning platforms that serve as the learning process. Data processing and analysis were conducted by means of specific tests supplied by the SPSS software. The obtained results showed that Moodle users spend approximately 26% more time on the platform than Blackboard users, with a small effect size (d = 0.284), while non-engineering students spend approximately 45% more time on the e-learning platform than engineering students, also with a small effect size (d = 0.458). The evaluation of the efficacy of different educational resources varies based on the e-learning platform used, with a large effect size found for editable files (d = 1.017) and PPT or similar formats (d = 1.2). Also, the efficacy of various applications on the e-learning platform varies by platform type, with a large effect size observed for two-way student–teacher communication (d = 0.819), self-assessment grid tests with immediate feedback (d = 1.072), synchronous online meetings with teachers (d = 1.117), and access to information from previous years (d = 0.89). We conclude that institutions should prioritize platform adaptability and student engagement strategies when implementing e-learning solutions for sustainable development.

The aim of this paper is to analyze the physiognomy of unique sets in the maximum number of repetitions (MNR) strategy and different correlations between the maximal forces, duration and volume for a relevant exercise in the case of a small muscle group. The research methodology proposes testing, in two phases, a total of 30 male students, for bicep curl exercises carried out on a bicep Scott machine. The obtained results showed that there were significant differences between the maximum forces (Fmax) developed during the initial and final repetitions of the exercise sets or for different machine loads. There was a large correlation between the load and Fmax and an inverse correlation between the load and MNR or between the MNR and Fmax. The deterioration of the execution mode, represented by the profile of the final repetition of high-duration sets, was also tested and analyzed. We concluded that the study of the physiognomy of cycles and comparisons at the level of relevant repetitions have revealed new perspectives for the design of periodization strategies, for the possibility of manipulating adapted muscular response or compensatory acceleration training for small muscle groups or the MNR strategy.

Year after year recovery clinics worldwide report significant numbers of lower limb bearing joint disabilities. An effective method for the speedy rehabilitation of patients with such afflictions is Continuous Passive Motion (CPM), drawing upon a range of specific equipment. This paper presents an innovative constructive solution for such orthopaedic rehabilitation equipment, designed to ensure a swift reintegration of patients at as low a cost as possible. The absolute novelty consists in the utilization of the linear pneumatic muscle as actuator of the orthopaedic rehabilitation equipment, thus achieving a light and highly compliant construction that satisfies safety requirements related to man-machine interaction. Pneumatic muscles are bio-inspired actuation systems characterized by a passive variable compliant behaviour. This property, deployed in rehabilitation systems, enables the development of human friendly devices, which are comfortable for the patients, and capable of safe interaction. This paper presents the constructive schematic of the orthopaedic rehabilitation equipment, the structure of the actuation and positioning system, and several of its functional characteristics.

The aim of this paper is to identify the possibilities of the implementation of the Innovative Management Framework for Intelligent Horticulture (IMFIH) by farmers with the aim of deepening the dynamics of innovation and technologic transfer processes related to the integration of the aerial work capability offered by mini UAV systems in precision horticulture. Starting from an aerial system for intelligent monitoring and smart horticulture applications, the research methodology is designed to understand the specific processes of this transfer of innovation in a field characterized by evolutionary dynamics and in the context of a lack of data. Thus, it is considered to be a mix of both quantitative and qualitative methods used in order to identify the needs and opinions of farmers regarding the possible use of the capabilities of mini UAV systems and especially how to access this capability. The obtained results showed the profile of the farmers interested in mini UAV systems for monitoring field crops and also the relevant factors for initiating/accessing them: specialized education, entrepreneurial education, area owned, ability to create partnerships, intention to access/develop mini UAV systems, and the existence of an integrated framework for analyzing the opportunities and restrictions of implementing mini UAV systems in precision horticulture applications. The integration of the Hype Cycle Paradigm (HCP) into the proposal of IMFIH led to the creation of the IMFIH-HCP as an innovative framework capable of stimulating the dissemination and transfer of knowledge and technology in the case of future horticultural applications of precision in an emerging market.

Industry 4.0 cannot be understood without sustainable development, being an essential condition for ensuring market success, economic growth, and minimal environmental impact. Considering the increase in interest for applying Industry 4.0 principles by industrial companies, the aim of this paper is to find the degree and benefits of implementing the new technologies by manufacturing engineering companies from Romania. The research methodology proposes testing the opinion of top managers regarding certain Industry 4.0 issues. Data processing and analysis was conducted by means of SPSS software. The obtained results revealed that industrial companies from Romania show quite a high interest in developing all the processes from a company regarding the entire process flow, from client order to product delivery. Moreover, small and micro companies that participated in this study have recorded notable scores in respect to implementing the principles of Industry 4.0, considering their flexibility and the communication among employees, which is more efficient than in case of large and medium companies. We concluded that this study facilitates an understanding of the degree of implementing Industry 4.0 principles by Romanian manufacturing companies that stands at the base of sustainable development of businesses.