(1) Background: There has been a growing interest in understanding the causes of obesity and developing effective prevention strategies. Lifestyle change programs are often considered the gold standard for weight reduction, and they can help individuals with obesity achieve an annual weight loss of around 8–10%. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of food during the winter holidays. This knowledge will serve as a valuable foundation for the development of targeted interventions and prevention programs. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the literature via one database (PubMed). The search was limited to studies published in English in the last 10 years, with adult participants, but without specifying limits regarding the study design. We excluded articles that addressed intermittent fasting diets or weight loss intervention methods during the holidays through various diets. (3) In separate sections, we analyzed the psychological causes of gaining weight during the winter holidays, behavioral patterns, prevention strategies and the nutritional composition of the different types of food served during the festive period. Results: Using the combination of the terms “holiday and obesity”, “holiday and weight gain”, “festive season and obesity”, and “festive season and weight gain” we obtained 216 results involving the addressed topic. Thus, only ten articles remained after screening, with a total of 4627 participants. Most participants experienced weight fluctuations during the study period, particularly during holidays. One concerning observation was that most of the weight gained during these periods was maintained even after the end of the studies, especially in those with obesity. A supervised exercise program and a controlled diet at work over the Christmas period are effective strategies for avoiding weight gain and its deleterious effects in people with metabolic syndrome or weight problems. (4) In addition, attention must be focused on the psycho-social factors during the holidays because for some people it is a stressful period and can cause a much higher caloric consumption. The simplest method to approach during the holidays is to implement small tips and tricks during this period that will prevent individuals from gaining extra pounds. Conclusions: It is essential to acknowledge that obesity is a multifaceted condition that requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to address its underlying factors and provide ongoing assistance to individuals in their weight-management endeavors. Even the most effective short-term interventions are likely to produce continued positive outcomes with persistent intervention and support.

The objective of this exploratory paper is to analyse the innovations introduced by a small travel agency and their impact on the firm's business model in the specific context of a salt mine in Romania. In particular, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the business model of the small firm that did not introduce a single innovation. A case study provides rich data on “unbundling” made by the entrepreneur and the trade-offs decisions that affect the business model. The paper highlights the implications of the entrepreneur's decision to implement in a short period of time a “package” of product, process, marketing and organizational innovations and their impact upon the business model, and describes the transformation of the company due to changes in the environment (content and relationships among the building blocks of the business model)

The digital transformation (DT) implies designing products and services, to which digital technology is applied, that are adopted and used by customers. However, if people do not accept the new technologies embedded in the innovative products and services, DT will fail. Therefore, getting to know the determinant factors that affect acceptance is necessary, especially during economic turmoil that requires companies to become even more competitive. Moreover, Romania is lagging behind in its digital progress. The aim of this research is to draw upon a previous study on successful DT, analyze personal and social acceptance factors, and empirically verify whether they would affect DT in Romania. We identified from the literature the main factors (behavioral and innovative characteristics) affecting the DT acceptance attitude and adapted the theoretical model to the Romanian context. The study collected data from 123 persons using an online questionnaire and applied a structural equation model to test the theoretical model. The empirical results emphasize that the acceptance attitude of DT is positively associated with individuals’ behavioral factors and innovative characteristics. Moreover, DT acceptance attitude positively impacts both personal and social acceptance of DT. This research provides both theoretical and empirical contributions by adapting the theoretical DT model and testing it for the Romanian context, using personal and social acceptance. These findings are important for managers and policy makers that seek to transform their organizations.

Background/Objectives: Moral hazard represents a significant challenge in healthcare systems globally, reflecting the tendency of insured individuals to over-utilize medical services when shielded from the full costs of care. Methods: This paper investigates the dynamics and implications of moral hazard within the Romanian public hospital sector, offering practical recommendations for healthcare policymakers to mitigate the financial risks associated with excessive healthcare utilization and ensure long-term sustainability. To achieve the objectives of this study, a quantitative research approach utilizing vignettes was employed. Vignettes allow for the simulation of real-world decision-making under conditions of insurance coverage, capturing nuanced behaviors that traditional surveys may overlook. Results: The study examined patient behaviors in the context of moral hazard in public hospitals in Romania, employing a quantitative approach based on vignettes. A total of 303 valid responses were collected. The findings indicate a significant tendency among insured patients, both publicly and privately insured, to opt for more expensive treatments compared to uninsured patients, who preferred more affordable options such as medication or physiotherapy. In the case of treatments for severe conditions, insured patients frequently chose combinations of higher-cost therapies, while uninsured individuals either delayed treatment or opted for less expensive alternatives. These results highlight the impact of moral hazard, driven by a reduced sensitivity to costs in the presence of insurance, and underscore the need for cost-sharing policies to mitigate the overutilization of medical resources. Conclusions: This paper uniquely contributes to the understanding of moral hazard by integrating insights from both Romanian public hospitals and international case studies, offering practical policy recommendations for mitigating the financial risks associated with excessive healthcare utilization.

Background/Objectives: Our study investigates the primary characteristics of managerial decision-making processes in the public hospital units in Romania, particularly in the Northeast region. This research aims to delineate the decision-making model applied by managers in these units, considering the multitude of legislative, economic, technical, ethical, and organizational changes prompted by the pandemic. Methods: A mixed-method research approach was utilized, combining semi-structured interviews and autoethnography, to capture experiences, attitudes, perceptions, motivations, and ethical considerations of decision-makers within the healthcare system. Results: The findings revealed that managerial decisions in public hospitals were influenced by unique elements such as the vulnerability and support needs of patients, the absence of a clear hierarchy, the personalized nature of healthcare services, the complexity of care processes, and the use of advanced technology. External factors, notably political and economic influences, alongside internal ethical dilemmas, significantly impacted decision making. Conclusions: This study identifies the reliance on evidence-based decision making and a consultative managerial style as key to addressing these challenges. This research contributes theoretically by comparing decision-making models and practically by identifying a decision-making model that includes forms, techniques, and tools that could guide managers in decision making in Romanian public hospitals.

Having in view the current global disruptive social and economic landscape, sustainability becomes more important than ever. As producers become more concerned about adopting more sustainable practices, customer awareness towards sustainable behavior must be the focus of all stakeholders. Within this context, the SHIFT framework (proposed in 2019) highlights the manner in which consumers’ traits and attitudes influence their propensity towards sustainable consumption. It consists of five factors considered to be relevant to consumer behavior: Social influence, Habit formation, Individual self, Feelings and cognition, and Tangibility. Different from previous studies, this research focuses on applying the SHIFT framework to the automotive industry, taking into consideration the contribution of digital technologies to fostering sustainable consumer behavior throughout the entire product lifecycle. Using a qualitative research approach, the most relevant digital technologies in the automotive industry were identified and mapped in relation to the three phases of consumption (choice, usage, and disposal). The research aimed to develop and test an original conceptual framework, starting from the SHIFT. The results of the study highlight the fact that the digital technologies, in their diversity, are integrated in different ways into each of the three phases, facilitating the adoption of sustainable consumption. To achieve sustainability, the two key stakeholders, consumers and producers, should share a common ground on capitalizing the opportunities offered by digital technologies.