ISSN 2284-7995, ISSN Online 2285-3952
 

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Tarek FOUDA, Adel Hamed EL-BAHNASAWY, Nourhan KASSAB

Vegetation indices using Red Green Blue- RGB bands are useful tools for assessing plant health and vigor. They can provide insights into the photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, and overall condition of vegetation. When applied to banana plants, these indices can help monitor the ripening stages by analyzing changes in color and other physiological parameters. The objective of this research was to study of the correlation between the banana's color changed during ripening stages and RGB color indices. Dessert bananas (Musa sap.) from nearby, specially designed banana ripening rooms in the city of Santa, Gharbia Governorate, were chosen for experimental work in this study in January 2024. A lot of data analysis was conducted on the RGB bands vegetation indices and the browning index of bananas during the ripening stages. The simple red-green ratio, green-red, hue, VEG, red and blue bands, green-red, and all vegetation index were evaluated to track the ripening stages by color analysis.The results recorded that there was a rise in the blue band band's color from 59 to 123 during the three stages of maturity, following the same pattern as the red and blue band's color. also, Brown index changed from 15.05 to 62.89 as a result of bananas reaching the brown stage. In contrast, the hue dropped from 121.89 to 41.45. The values of RGB bands vegetation indices are highest in the vegetative stage due to the high chlorophyll content in the banana fruit, so the value of NDVI Index is 0.43, VARI Index is 0.62, MGRVI Index is 0.72 and NGBDI Index is 0.41. The maximum values RGBVI1,2,3 Index were at the green stage (unripe banana) at 0.7, 1.48 and 3.68 respectively. In contrast, the maximum values BGI2 and RGRI Index were at the Brown Stage (Overripe Bananas) at 0.66 and 0.94 respectively. Banana waste results in significant economic losses throughout the supply chain, from farmers to consumers. By improving storage, transportation, retail strategies, and consumer habits, businesses and individuals can reduce waste and maximize banana value.

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FOUDA T., EL-BAHNASAWY A.H., KASSAB N. 2025, NON-DESTRUCTIVE BANANA RIPENESS DETECTION USING OPTICAL SPECTRAL BANDS AND WASTE AND ECONOMIC LOSS FROM WASTE AND BANANA COLOR CHARACTERISTICS . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 423-432.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Radu Andrei IOVA, Daniela CREȚU, Oana Roberta CREȚU

Rural tourism is a component of economic and social development but also of rural civilization. The issue of rural area is extremely complex and its economic and social development has not yet been sufficiently addressed, in fact lacking a unitary concept on how the rural area of our country can be included in an evolutionary process. The tourism potential of Călărași county is given by the multitude of natural and anthropogenic tourism resources it possesses. The county location along the Danube and Borcea branch represents one of its main assets, which is why we set out to survey the perception of decision-makers in the localities located along Borcea branch of the Danube in Călărași county, in order to highlight the unused potential of the area. The research recorded the opinions and attitudes of 118 respondents, decision-makers in the localities located on the banks of Borcea Branch, Călărași county, regarding the development of rural tourism in this area. The questionnaire, with a number of 12 questions, 11 questions with multiple answer options and one open question, also included 4 filter questions. Starting from the consideration that in the development of the objectives and strategy for the rural tourism sector in the localities bordering Borcea Branch, Călărași county, the opinion and involvement of decision-makers from these localities is important, we surveyed and interviewed people who can play an important role in this regard. We note that 64% of the respondents, especially those who work in the city halls but also some of the managers, want to get involved in the development of rural tourism in the localities bordering Borcea Branch of the Danube. Also, 86% of the respondents believe that rural tourism could be a factor in the economic and social development of rural localities, by creating new jobs, stimulating the consumption of agri-food products and increasing revenues to local budgets.

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IOVA R.A., CRETU D., CRETU O.R. 2025, PERCEPTION OF DECISION MAKERS ON DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TOURISM IN LOCALITIES ALONG BORCEA BRANCH OF THE DANUBE RIVER, CĂLĂRAȘI COUNTY, ROMANIA. CASE STUDY. Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 525-532.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Mădălina Roxana ILIE, Georgiana Armenița ARGHIROIU, Silviu BECIU

The paper examines the potential for digital innovation within agritourism development in Maramureș County, Romania. Using tourism data from the National Institute of Statistics and a SWOT-based framework, the study analyses the region’s readiness to adopt immersive technologies, with a particular focus on virtual reality. Between 2020 and 2024, agritourism guesthouses in Maramureș increased by 47.5%, from 185 in 2020 to 273 in 2024, while domestic overnight stays nearly tripled, from 54,487 in 2020 to 143,866 in 2024. Although foreign tourist numbers remain relatively low, their overnight stays increased more than tenfold during the same period, from 433 to 4,868, despite the lingering effects of the pandemic. Even if virtual reality is not currently implemented, the region shows structural and cultural features that could support future adoption. The SWOT analysis identifies both enabling factors and critical barriers, such as digital infrastructure deficits and institutional fragmentation. The article provides insights into the region’s current position and the conditions needed to enable future digital engagement in rural tourism.

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ILIE M.R., ARGHIROIU G.A., BECIU S. 2025, PERFORMANCE OF AGRITOURISM AND ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN MARAMUREȘ COUNTY, ROMANIA - A SWOT-BASED ASSESSMENT OF INNOVATION POTENTIAL . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 471-484.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Jamel SALO, Severino Jr. SALERA, Grace SALO, Erwin LUDEVESE, Imelida TORREFRANCA

High-capacity shellers equate to high initial investment costs, unsuitable for most local mung bean farmers. This study developed a shelling cum cleaning machine to address the need for small-scale mung bean production. The design was registered in the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) with a registration number of 3/23/051293. The machine performance was evaluated using speed and pod moisture content variations. Speed variations in the shelling and cleaning assembly were achieved using different pulley sizes at the shelling shaft, while moisture variations were tested using the oven-dry method from newly harvested and air-dried pods. It also assessed the economic performance of the machine to determine what ownership scheme is best for the farmers. It was concluded that satisfactory performance was obtained using a shelling speed of 600 rpm and 12% moisture content. The machine has an input capacity of 64.24 kg/hr, shelling capacity of 30.99 kg/hr, shelling efficiency of 97.84%, blower and separation efficiency of 95.51%, blower and separation losses of 5.29%, and unshelled losses of 2.16% and was affected significantly by the pod moisture content. The mechanically damaged kernel is 1.79% and is affected by both the speed and pod moisture content variations. On the other hand, the shelling recovery, scattering losses, and output purity are 91.01%, 1.53%, and 98.35%, respectively, and were not significantly affected. The machine cost is ₱14,675.00, and the operating cost is ₱0.80/kg. Considering a payback period of 1 year, processing 10,411 kg of inputs will break even all the costs at a custom rate of ₱1.00/kg.

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SALO J., SALERA S.J., SALO G., LUDEVESE E., TORREFRANCA I. 2025, PERFORMANCE OF SMALL-SCALE MUNG BEAN (VIGNA RADIATA WIL.) SHELLING CUM CLEANING MACHINE. Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 757-764.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Liviu MARCUTA, Bianca NITULESCU, Alina MARCUTA

This research aims to comparatively analyse the impact of customs tariffs on international agri-food trade, integrating the concepts of protectionism, interventionism, globalization and economic regionalism. The study focuses on five key economies: the European Union, Argentina, Brazil, Vietnam and Thailand, representative of three major trading blocs – the EU, MERCOSUR and ASEAN. The main objective is to identify differences in tariff policies and assess how they influence market access, the volume of trade flows and the efficiency of preferential agreements. The research aims to: (1) analyze the level of MFN tariffs (both simple and weighted) by agri-food product categories; (2) compare the degree of trade openness between regions; (3) assess the relationship between applied tariffs and import and export volumes; and (4) construct a synthetic indicator of tariff protectionism, based on the distribution of tariffs by percentage intervals. The methodology is quantitative and comparative in nature, based on official data from 2022, published in 2024 by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the European Commission, ITC and UNCTAD. The composite indicator developed allows for a coherent and comparable quantification of tariff protectionism within the five economies, complementing the classic descriptive analysis. The results highlight significant structural differences: the European Union applies a selective tariff liberalization strategy in agriculture, while Argentina and Thailand demonstrate extensive protectionism in sensitive sectors. Vietnam adopts a dual model, combining interventionism with openness to multilateral trade partnerships. Brazil falls into an intermediate zone, with relatively protectionist policies, but compatible with regional dynamics. The composite score confirms these guidelines, providing a rough quantitative hierarchy. Therefore, in an international context dominated by the reassessment of trade strategies, including the recent decision of the United States to increase tariffs on strategic imports, the study demonstrates that tariffs remain relevant geopolitical instruments, with a direct impact on the structure of trade chains. The main conclusion is that preferential trade agreements can significantly reduce real tariff barriers, contributing to the stabilization and efficiency of global agri-food exchanges in an increasingly fragmented trade climate.

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MARCUTA L., NITULESCU B., MARCUTA A. 2025, PROTECTIONISM, INTERVENTIONISM, GLOBALISATION AND ECONOMIC REGIONALISM: THE IMPACT OF CUSTOMS TARIFFS ON AGRI-FOOD TRADE. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN EU, MERCOSUR AND ASEAN. Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 595-604.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Marius Alin IONICĂ, Elena TOMA, Alexandru SIPICĂ

In the context of the era of digitalization and the new industrial revolution – Industry 4.0 – the Romanian village is facing a historic opportunity: the transition to the smart village. This process involves the integration of modern technology into rural infrastructure to improve the lives of residents, streamline public services and stimulate sustainable development. In this regard, the purpose of this research was to assess to what extent students value reading after school hours. This paper was structured in four parts, namely: a part in which it was analysed the situation of reading providers, the second part in which it was analysed the type of reading requested by students and (printed or digital book), as well as the category of topics of the requested readings, and the third part in which there were studied the reasons that stimulate students to consume readings after school hours. The last part was dedicated to the conclusions obtained.

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IONICA M.A., TOMA E., SIPICA A. 2025, READING IN RURAL SPACE BETWEEN CLASSIC AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 517-524.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Marius Alin IONICÄ, Elena TOMA, Alexandru SIPICÄ

In the context of digitalization and the transition to industry 5.0, where AI technology will mainly intertwine with robotics, the Romanian village will have to respond to these new challenges by preparing the young generations in accordance with technological requirements. The success of this response will be given by an adequate education of the young generation in the appropriate management of traditional and digital elements. The objective proposed in this article was to provide an analysis of the impact of digitalization on the reading process of the young generations in rural areas. Based on quantitative investigations, using the survey method, we took into account the interaction between the digital environment, students, books and the reading process. Based on the analysis of 145 respondents, we observed that although the trend of digitalization is increasingly gaining momentum, even in rural areas, students tend to prefer printed books, while other activities such as: discussions and information are preferred in digital format. In this sense, we mainly concluded that reading is a driver of individual and collective progress. In a constantly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is essential, and reading remains the most accessible and effective way to acquire new knowledge and intellectual perspectives.

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IONICA M.A., TOMA E., SIPICA A. 2025, READING IN THE SMART VILLAGE: HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN TRANSFORM ACCESS TO CULTURE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 509-516.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Ailin MOLOȘAG, Cătălin-Viorel OLTENACU, MihaelaOLARU, Nicoleta OLTENACU, Andreea Mihaela UDREA-BRASLĂ, Damian DRAGOMIR

At a time when the need for sustainable horticulture is becoming increasingly important worldwide, this paper highlights the environmental and economic aspects of peach cultivation (Prunuspersica (L.) Batsch) and conducts a life cycle analysis (LCA) based on carbon footprint at Research and Development Station for Fruit Tree Growing (RSFG) Băneasa, South-Eastern of Romania. It was applied to 2024-2025 activity data from technological sheets and yield records for three planting densities (4×1.5 m, 4×2.0 m, 4×2.5 m), using standard emission factors. Within this scope, spacing-driven yield differences largely explained per-kilogram indicators, while cultivation hotspots followed patterns reported for stone-fruit systems: nitrogen fertilisation and irrigation energy were dominant, diesel from field operations was secondary, and plant-protection inputs were comparatively minor. A parallel per-hectare cost appraisal, compiled from the same records, revealed a cost structure led by labour and crop protection, followed by fuel and routine items, consistent with an intensive orchard under research management. Building on these findings, the concept of carbon farming (CFarm) is proposed as a practical pathway, that groups nature-based practices such as residue retention, mulching, reduced soil disturbance, cover cropping, organic amendments, and efficient pesticide application to increase soil organic carbon and reduce cultivation-phase emissions. The analysis offers a diagnostic for the RSFG Băneasa peach trial and establishes a basis for integrating carbon-farming scenarios and more detailed metered datasets in future LCA/LCCA work.

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MOLOSAG A., OLTENACU C.V., M., OLTENACU N., UDREA-BRASLA A.M., DRAGOMIR D. 2025, RESEARCH ON CARBON FOOTPRINT THROUGH A SIMPLIFIED LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS (LCA) FOR PEACH CULTIVATION IN THE SOUTHEASTERN AREA OF ROMANIA . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 657-664.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Olga DRĂGHICI

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis and narrative review of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the meat industry from 2000 to 2023, using data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results indicate a significant increase in AI research within the meat industry, with a particular emphasis on computer vision, machine learning, and deep learning. China and the USA are the leading contributors to this research, and keywords such as "meat," "quality," and "prediction" frequently appear in discussions. AI has been effectively applied in areas such as image processing, quality assurance, supply chain optimization, and predictive improvement. Emerging technologies like blockchain and computer vision have enhanced traceability and food safety. The analysis also highlights a growing interest in using machine learning and deep learning for meat deficiency detection, unauthorized activity monitoring. Although it offers numerous advantages, the integration of AI in the meat industry faces challenges, including data complexity, stringent regulations, high initial implementation costs, and the absence of standardized protocols, which limit interoperability. Successful integration of AI requires a balanced approach that combines human expertise with machine capabilities.

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DRAGHICI O. 2025, RESEARCH ON THE INFLUENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS SUBDOMAINS IN THE MEAT PROCESSING INDUSTRY . Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 351-360.

Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3
Written by Petar Borisov BORISOV, Georgi Dimitrov PETKOV

Winemaking has long been one of Bulgaria’s leading agricultural sectors, generating billions of dollars annually in a highly competitive global market. The industry operates under conditions of intense competition, which significantly limits profitability. Effective integration into the value chain and cost optimization are key factors in enhancing financial performance. This research seeks to examine how the application of circular economy practices impacts the profitability of wine production. An essential part of the methodology involves classifying wine industry businesses according to the degree to which they have adopted circular economy strategies. This classification follows the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) approach, which evaluates enterprises according to their technological preparedness for circular economy adoption. Based on the statistical analysis of key indicators such as investments, operating income, and net sales revenue, it is evident that level 4 enterprises exhibit the highest levels of investment activity and operating expenses. These enterprises also report the highest net sales revenue. It is clear that enterprises that have integrated technologies to close the production cycle through recycling and resource reuse demonstrate high efficiency in managing cash flows derived from investment activity.

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BORISOV P.B., PETKOV G.D. 2025, ROLE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN MANAGING THE PROFITABILITY OF WINE INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES IN BULGARIA. Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 3, PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, 103-114.

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© 2019 To be cited: Scientific Papers. Series “Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development“.

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