Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai
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The Balance of Power between Idealism and Pragmatism: The Dynamics of Spheres of Influence in the International System
Full text linkThis article investigates the enduring relevance of balance of power theory within international relations, specifically examining the dynamic between idealistic aspirations and pragmatic considerations in the structuring of spheres of influence. It explores how the concept of power balancing has historically underpinned major power negotiations, using the Treaty of Versailles (1919) and post-World War II peace conferences as focal case studies. These events exemplify how states have utilized balance of power strategies to curb hegemonic ambitions and promote systemic stability. By integrating the balance of power framework with the Regional Security Complex (RSC) theory, this study highlights the reciprocal impacts between global structures and regional security practices, emphasizing the crucial role of major power endorsements in sustaining regional alliances, as seen in interwar Central and Eastern Europe. The analysis demonstrates that while power balancing efforts aim to foster a stable international system, legitimacy and comprehensive support from larger powers remain essential. Ultimately, this study posits that effective stability requires not merely a distribution of power but also cooperative security measures, assuming that a durable order relies on inclusive strategies that acknowledge and respect the security interests of both great and smaller powers.
Rezumat: Acest articol investighează relevanța durabilă a teoriei echilibrului de putere în relațiile internaționale, examinând în mod specific dinamica dintre aspirațiile idealiste și considerațiile pragmatice în structurarea sferelor de influență. Explorează modul în care conceptul de echilibrare a puterii a susținut istoric negocierile marilor puteri, folosind Tratatul de la Versailles (1919) și conferințele de pace de după Al Doilea Război Mondial ca studii de caz principale. Aceste evenimente exemplifică modul în care statele au utilizat strategiile de echilibru de putere pentru a limita ambițiile hegemonice și a promova stabilitatea sistemică. Prin integrarea cadrului echilibrului de putere cu teoria Complexului de Securitate Regională (CSR), acest studiu evidențiază impacturile reciproce dintre structurile globale și practicile de securitate regionale, subliniind rolul crucial al sprijinului marilor puteri în susținerea alianțelor regionale, așa cum s-a văzut în Europa Centrală și de Est interbelică. Analiza demonstrează că, deși eforturile de echilibrare a puterii au ca scop promovarea unui sistem internațional stabil, legitimitatea și sprijinul complex din partea marilor puteri rămân esențiale. În cele din urmă, acest studiu susține că stabilitatea efectivă necesită nu doar o distribuție a puterii, ci și măsuri de securitate cooperativă, considerând că ordinea durabilă se bazează pe strategii incluzive care recunosc și respectă interesele de securitate atât ale marilor, cât și ale micilor puteri.
Cuvinte-cheie: echilibrul puterii; Complexul Regional de Securitate; sfere de influență; conferințe, ordine mondial
Soldiers on the Move. Legio V Macedonica’s Tile Stamps and the Deployment of Vexillations in the 2nd-4th centuries AD
Full text linkFrom the 1st to the 4th century AD, various literary and epigraphic sources talk about the deployment of vexillations of the Fifth Macedonian Legion. For the history of the movements of the soldiers of the Fifth Macedonian Legion, we should combine the data from literary sources with three different epigraphic corpora: firstly, the epigraphic mentions of the vexillations of this legion in inscriptions containing the careers of some officials or officers, secondly, the data offered by votive or funerary inscriptions regarding soldiers grouped in settlements other than the garrison locations, and thirdly, the distribution of the tile and brick stamps with the abbreviated name of the legion. The history of this legion could be split into four main stages, according to the garrison locations: Oescus I (1st c. AD-106 AD), Troesmis (106-170 AD), Potaissa (170-271 AD), and Oescus II (3rd-4th c. AD). Generally, tile stamps are considered minor epigraphic sources and are often neglected by the mainstream historical discourse. In spite of their minor importance, their chronological value and their distribution, the preference for certain types of stamps in each of the garrison sites and in each historical era, allow the tracing of the collective movements of soldiers in connection with the campaigns of the emperors or with missions in newly conquered or partially controlled territories.
Rezumat: Diferite surse literare și epigrafice din secolele I-IV p. Chr. vorbesc despre deplasarea unor vexilații din legiunea V Macedonica. Pentru istoria deplasărilor soldaților legiunii V Macedonica, trebuie să combinăm datele din sursele literare cu trei corpora epigrafice distincte: în primul rând, mențiunile epigrafice ale vexilațiilor acestei legiuni în inscripții conținând carierele unor oficiali sau ofițeri, în al doilea, datele oferite de inscripțiile votive și funerare despre soldați grupați în alte așezări decât locurile de garnizoană și, în al treilea, distribuția țiglelor și cărămizilor ștampilate cu numele abreviat al legiunii. Istoria acestei legiuni poate fi împărțită în patru etape diferite, în funcție de locurile de garnizoană: Oescus I (sec. I-106 p. Chr.), Troesmis (106-170 p. Chr.), Potaissa (170-271 p. Chr.) și Oescus II (sec. III-IV p. Chr.). În general, ștampilele tegulare sunt considerate izvoare epigrafice minore și adesea sunt neglijate de discursul istoric principal. În ciuda importanței lor minore, valoarea lor cronologică și distribuția în spațiu, preferința pentru anumite tipuri de ștampile în fiecare loc de garnizoană și în fiecare epocă, permit reconstituirea deplasărilor colective ale soldaților în relație cu campaniile împăraților ori cu misiuni în teritorii nou cucerite sau doar parțial controlate.
Cuvinte-cheie: Legio V Macedonica, ștampile tegulare, vexilații, epigrafie, istorie militar
Deep Learning Approaches for Detecting Text Generated by Artificial Intelligence
Full text linkLarge language models have been a hot topic for discussion and research for quite a few years, allowing them to infiltrate in many industries, especially education. Their rise in popularity among students was caused by their vast capabilities in giving quick and reliable answers to questions on any topic. The use of these models for the purpose of generating schoolwork can be seen as a challenge to academic integrity. We investigate the development of AI capable of detecting AI-generated texts and explore with training different types of deep learning models, on a mixed dataset, containing essays, both human written and AI-generated, as well as movie reviews and books. We experimented with LSTM (Long short- term memory) and fine-tuning transformer-based models. We achieve results close to the state of the art, and, in some cases, we surpass a few of these models. For instance, one of our models surpasses a state-of-the-art model on a set of both student written and generated essays, in terms of accuracy by up to 5%, and F1 score by up to 4%, in two different experiments. Furthermore, another model of ours surpasses a state of the art model on a set of essays, but this time only in terms of precision, by only 1%. These results indicate the potential of properly fine-tuned transformer-based models, as well as the importance of a well-prepared dataset.
Received by editors: 31 July 2024
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 68P15, 94A12
1998 CR Categories and Descriptors. I.2.7 [Artificial Intelligence]: Natural Language Processing – Text Analysis; I.2.6 [Artificial Intelligence]: Learning – Deep Learning; H.3.1 [Information Storage and Retrieval]: Content Analysis and Indexing – Content Analysis and Feature Selectio
Enhanced azo dye (Sudan G) decolorization and simultaneous electricity generation using a bacterial consortium in a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell
Full text linkAzo dyes are prevalent anthropogenic compounds, making their enhanced treatment crucial in our color-saturated world. This study examined the ability of a microbial consortium, comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MW584979), Enterobacter hormaechei (MW584986), Providencia stuartii (MW584987), Escherichia coli (MZ394117), and Pseudomonas xiamenensis (MW585052), to decolorize Sudan orange G in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) after determining the optimal conditions for dye decoorization using response surface methodology (RSM) and the One Factor at a Time (OFAT) method. Degradation products were analyzed using the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy technique. The consortium achieved an 88% decolorization rate within 24 hours under the optimal conditions identified by the Central Composite Design (CCD) of RSM. These conditions, pH 7.0, temperature 35, salinity 5 g/L, and glucose concentration 10 g/L, when applied in the MFC, resulted in an enhanced decolorization rate of 92% and simultaneous electricity generation of 130 mV within 24 hours. GC-MS analysis confirmed the breakdown of the azo dye into simpler, less toxic compounds. Metabolites produced through RSM and MFC processes were identified and compared with controls using chromatography-mass spectrometry. Degradation metabolites obtained after treatment of the dye wastewater in the MFC include Cyclopentane and cyclopropylidene-2(1H)-naphthalenone which highlights the role of microbial enzymatic activity in converting complex azo dye structures into environmentally benign compounds. These results highlight the successful integration of RSM for process optimization and MFCs for enhanced biodegradation and renewable energy production. The scalability of this technique is promising, given the relatively simple and cost-effective setup of MFC systems. Moreover, the economic feasibility of large-scale deployment is enhanced by the dual benefits of wastewater treatment and renewable energy production, making it a sustainable solution for managing azo dye pollution.
Article history: Received 7 August 2024; Revised 3 December 2024;Accepted 22 May 2025; Available online 25 June 202
Tomato powder processing involving different pretreatments: its effect on quality of the product packaged in polyethylene terephthalate pouches
Full text linkThe method of drying fresh tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum mill) to prevent quick spoilage, could affect the quality of the product, and influence consumer acceptability. This study is focused on determining the effect of different pretreatments on the quality of tomato powders packaged in polyethylene terephthalate pouches, and stored for 16 weeks at room temperature (25±2 ºC). A total of six tomato powder samples, which include the blanched ascorbic acid pretreated (BAAP), unblanched ascorbic acid pretreated (UAAP), blanched lime juice pretreated (BLJP), unblanched lime juice pretreated (ULJP), sundried without pretreatment (SDTP), and the control (without pretreatment; dehydrator used for drying), was prepared. The total viable counts (TVC) of the stored tomato powders were within the range of 4.40-7.31 log10CFU/g. Although the TVC of the samples increased within the first few weeks, the values reduced as the storage period increased. The SDTP tomato powder maintained a higher TVC compared with other stored samples. There was a reduction in pH, moisture, ash, titratable acidity, and vitamin C content of the powdered tomatoes. The lycopene content of tomato powders was within the range of 102.13±1.53-132.70±1.46 mg/100g, while the fruit tomato was 18.96±1.27 mg/100g. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the functional properties of the tomato powders, with few exceptions. Different pretreatments increased the water absorption capacity and bulk density of the samples, but reduced their emulsion stability. The BLJP and BAAP tomato powders had a very high sensory rating, whereas the SDTP sample was the least. Based on the overall results, blanched ascorbic acid pretreatment is recommended for the production of good quality tomato powder.
Article history: Received 14 October 2024; Revised 02 December 2024; Accepted 04 March 2025; Available online 25 June 202
Effects of Basketball-specific High-intensity Interval Training on the Aerobic Capacity in Adolescent Female Basketball Players
Full text linkIntroduction: Basketball-specific high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been documented to be a time-efficient, skill focused training method for enhancing the aerobic performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of basketball-specific HIIT on aerobic capacity in adolescent female basketball players. Materials and methods: Participants were 16 female basketball players, aged 13-15 years. They were equally and randomly divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group. The subjects from the experimental group performed a basketball-specific HIIT protocol for 6 weeks (2 times per week, 25 minutes per session), before the basketball training. The control group followed a basketball training program for the same period, with the same frequency (2 times a week, 90 minutes per session). Pre- and post-intervention, the multi-stage fitness (beep) test was used to assess aerobic endurance. Results: After 12 training sessions, the experimental group showed a significant increase in test scores (p = .002, with a mean difference of 1.263). When compared to the control group, post-intervention, the experimental group showed significantly higher test scores (p < .001, with a mean difference of 1.69). The findings suggest that aerobic endurance increases in adolescent basketball athletes after 6 weeks of training. Conclusion: Basketball-specific HIIT appears to be a solid option for improving aerobic performance in adolescent female players while maintaining focus on basketball skills.
Article history: Received 2024 January 07; Revised 2025 January 20; Accepted 2025 January 22; Available online 2025.02.10; Available print 2025.02.2
The Issues of Training and Changing Attitudes Towards/for Physical and Sports Activities
Full text linkAttitudes determine how the individual acts towards others and towards different social events, feelings, behaviors and choices becoming predictors of behavior. The sources of attitude formation are social learning, social comparison and genetic inheritance, these functioning as very influential cognitive patterns. Often, attitude establishes behavior, but there are also situations in which there are gaps between them. Knowledge and awareness of the effects of physical and sports activities, in correlation with different demographic and psycho-social variables, constitute the premises for the formation and change of the individual’s attitudes. Favorable attitudes towards (practicing) physical and sports activities are positively associated with behavioral intentions in different contexts (within the school curriculum in physical education classes, in an autonomous regime, in free time, in sports clubs and associations specific to certain sports branches, etc.), producing effects on the individual, but also at the level of the community to which he belongs. Sometimes sports contexts, especially those associated with high-performance sports, can also cause negative attitudes with negative influences on the personality, behavior and mental health of the individual (athlete, coach). The attitudinal changes towards (the practice of) physical and sports activities are the result of a dynamic, staged process, sometimes assisted by specialized personnel, the effects of the change occurring at the cognitive and affective level, and, subsequently, at the psychomotor level, of action. The processes of training and attitudinal change towards practicing physical and sports activities, including performance sports, can vary throughout life.
Problematicile formării și schimbării atitudinilor față de/ pentru practicarea activităților fizice și sportive. Atitudinile determină modul în care individul acționează față de ceilalți și față de diferite evenimente sociale, sentimentele, comportamentele și alegerile devenind predictori ai comportamentului. Sursele formării atitudinilor sunt învățarea socială, compararea socială și moștenirea genetică, acestea funcționând ca niște tipare cognitive foarte influente. Adesea, atitudinea întemeiază comportamentul, dar există și situații în care există decalaje între acestea. Cunoașterea și conștientizarea efectelor activităților fizice și sportive, în corelație cu diferite variabile demografice și psiho-sociale, constituie premisele formării și schimbării atitudinilor individului. Atitudinile favorabile față de (practicarea) activităților fizice și sportive sunt asociate pozitiv cu intențiile comportamentale în contexte diferite (în cadrul curriculei școlare la orele de educație fizică, în regim autonom, în timpul liber, în cluburi și asociații sportive specifice unor ramuri sportive etc.), producând efecte asupra individului, dar și la nivelul comunității din care face parte. Uneori, contextele sportive, în special cele asociate sportului de înaltă performanță, pot determina și atitudini negative cu influențe negative asupra personalității, comportamentului și a sănătății mentale a individului (sportiv, antrenor). Schimbările atitudinale față de (practicarea) activităților fizice și sportive reprezintă rezultatul unui proces dinamic, etapizat, uneori asistat de personal specializat, efectele schimbării producându-se la nivel cognitiv și afectiv, și, ulterior, la nivel de psihomotor, de acțiune. Procesele de formare și schimbare atitudinale față de practicarea activităților și fizice si sportive, inclusiv a sportului de performanță, pot varia pe tot parcursul vieții.
Cuvinte-cheie: atitudini, activitate fizică, sport, sănatate mentală
Received 2024 November 25; Revised 2025 January 20; Accepted 2025 January 24; Available online 2025.02.10; Available print 2025.02.2
Pre-competition Tapering in High Performance Sports – A Theoretical Approach
Full text linkAim: The aim of this study is to synthesize the literature on the ‘tapering’ process, i.e. reduction in training load, which takes place two to four weeks prior to a major competition. Methods: The main method used in this material is the literature review method; a total of six studies on this topic have been reviewed. Results: A synthesis of the ‘tapering’ process that should be implemented by every coach before a major competition in the annual competition calendar. Conclusions: In order to increase the chances of achieving high performance in major competitions, it is preferable that the training intensity during the taper be high or similar to that of the pre-taper training.
Descărcarea încărcăturii de antrenament înainte de competiție în sportul de performanță – o abordare teoretică. Obiective: Obiectivul acestui studiu este de a sintetiza literatura de specialitate cu privire la procesul de „descărcare” a încărcăturii de antrenament, proces ce are loc cu două până la patru săptămâni, înainte de o competiție majoră. Metode: Ca metodă principală în acest material s-a folosit metoda studiului bibliografic, parcurgând un număr de șase studii care tratează subiectul menționat. Rezultate: Realizarea unei sinteze cu privire la procesul de „descărcare” a încărcăturii de antrenament, proces ce trebuie realizat, de către fiecare antrenor, înainte de o competiție importantă din calendarul competițional anual. Concluzii: Este de preferat ca, pentru creșterea șanselor de a obține performanțe la competițiile majore, în perioada de descărcare, intensitatea să fie ridicată sau similară cu cea din antrenamentele din perioada pre descărcare, în timp ce volumul și frecvența antrenamentelor vor fi reduse.
Cuvinte-cheie: descărcare, antrenament, competiție, sport de performanță
Article history: Received: 2024 December 4; Revised 2025 January 20; Accepted 2025 January 22; Available online: 2025 February 10; Available print: 2025 February 2
APPLICATION OF BANANA BASED AGRO-WASTE AS A PRECURSOR OF HETEROGENEOUS CATALYST FOR BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Full text linkIn the recent decades, the exploration of agro-wastes and other renewable biomass wastes as a precursor of heterogeneous catalysts for transesterification has become more fascinating in contrast to the conventional homogeneous catalysts. This is mainly attributed by its peculiar characteristics such as easy separation, reusability, cost effectiveness, eco friendliness, etc. Hence, the potential of banana inflorescence (BI), a byproduct of banana cultivation with less economic value was investigated herein, for the development of a competent heterogeneous catalyst for profitable biodiesel production from Used cooking oil (UCO). The transformation in porosity, surface area and chemical composition of banana inflorescence, brought about by calcination was examined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Powder X-ray diffractogram (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The conversion was enumerated by Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and it was observed that transesterification using 2 wt% catalyst, 9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio for a reaction time of 75 min at 65 ºC showed a fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) conversion of 98.62%
Framing Srebrenica: A Comparative Analysis of Dutch, Turkish, and Russian Media Narratives: Framing Srebrenica: Dutch, Turkish, and Russian Media
Full text linkThis study explores how Dutch, Turkish, and Russian media frame the Srebrenica genocide and how these narratives reflect each country’s cultural, historical, and political contexts. Drawing on framing theory and qualitative content analysis, the research investigates articles published between 2015 and 2020 in Algemeen Dagblad (Netherlands), Hürriyet (Turkey), and Izvestia (Russia). The objective is threefold: to identify framing techniques, examine the role of national identity and collective memory, and analyze the influence of political context on media narratives. Articles were selected during key moments - the 20th and 25th anniversaries of the genocide and the 2017 ICTY verdict - and coded using Semetko and Valkenburg’s framing categories. The findings reveal distinct patterns: Dutch media emphasizes national accountability, Turkish media highlights Muslim solidarity and calls for justice, while Russian media often downplays or reframes the genocide within geopolitical narratives. These differences underscore how national interests and political alliances shape journalistic framing, ultimately influencing public memory and perceptions of historical responsibility