Stefan Dezsi

Scopus Publications

Twenty-Five Years of Scientific Production on Geoparks from the Perspective of Bibliometric Analysis Using PRISMA
Judith Nyulas, Ștefan Dezsi, Adrian-Florin Niță, Zsolt Magyari-Sáska, Marie-Luise Frey, et al.
Sustainability Switzerland, 2025
Over the last 25 years, research on geoparks has moved from basic research to comprehensive multidisciplinary studies related to the creation and development of geoparks, integrating the principle of sustainability. This research focuses on exploring geoparks as the core subject. The aim of this study is to synthesize the heterogeneous body of knowledge about geoparks in an exhaustive way by leveraging a multi-database bibliometric approach. The methodology applied is based on quantitative bibliometric analysis using R, including its application for non-coders and ensuring reliability with the PRISMA Statement framework. Ten databases were taken as the sources of research papers: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Nature Journals, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, Wiley Journals, IEEE Xplore, and CABI. The method we used has limitations, providing a restricted number of trends aligned and scaled to the database boundary conditions used in analysis. The main goals of quantitative bibliometric analysis are as follows: (1) The impact of data integration—Evaluating how merging the data from the ten databases improves research coverage. (2) Global research trends—Identifying the evolution of geopark-related studies over time. (3) Three-year forecast—Predicting the upcoming research directions using a polynomial regression model. (4) Academic performance—Assessing geographical distribution, citation impact, and productivity using bibliometric laws. (5) Conceptual contribution—Identifying the key research themes that drive future studies and potential areas for exploration. Among these, we highlighted the key elements. The integration of the ten databases provides 63% greater insight into scientific research compared to that of the Web of Science (WoS) database. Geographically, the scientific output spans 102 countries, with China leading in production over the last two decades. The most impactful paper has accumulated 768 citations, while Ruben D.A. and Wu Fandong emerge as the most prolific authors. According to the bibliometric law, the core source of scientific output is Geoheritage. The future research directions are expected to address global challenges, particularly natural disasters in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, GIS-based subtopics leveraging advanced technologies for analyzing, mapping, and promoting geological resources represent a promising area for further exploration. The projections indicate that by the end of 2026, scientific production in this field could reach 5226 published papers, underscoring the growing significance of geopark research and interdisciplinary advancements.
Residents' Perception on the Authenticity of Christmas Markets in Transylvania: The Case of Cluj-Napoca
Bianca-Sorina POP-RĂCĂŞAN, István Oliver EGRESI, Diana-Elena ALEXANDRU, Cristina BOLOG, Ştefan DEZSI, et al.
Journal of Urban and Regional Analysis, 2025
Local events associated with religious holidays or holiday seasons provide a suitable context for the analysis of authenticity. A survey was conducted among the visitors of the Christmas market held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to collect data regarding their perception of the event’s authenticity. The aim was to certify the authenticity of the elements of a local event as perceived by the visitors representing the local urban community. The analysis was performed using the responses from 585 participants. Both qualitative and quantitative aspects were investigated. We identified seven key elements of authenticity defining the Christmas market. The study found no statistically significant differences in the perception of authenticity according to the demographic profile of the respondents. The overall opinion of the participants was that local traditional elements should predominate in an authentic Christmas market. This study could represent a ready-made tool for the decision-makers and event organisers, who should consider a participatory approach when engaging in the organisation of such events, ensuring the active involvement of the local community from the design to the implementation stage.
Trends and Future Directions in Analysing Attractiveness of Geoparks Using an Automated Merging Method of Multiple Databases—R-Based Bibliometric Analysis
Judith Nyulas, Ștefan Dezsi, Adrian Niță, Raluca-Andreea Toma, Ana-Maria Lazăr
Land, 2024
Since their creation, geoparks have been among the fastest growing natural environments. Their attractiveness is one of the most important factors for the success of this natural destination. Despite their importance, a bibliometric analysis on geopark attractiveness is missing from the studied databases. The aim of this paper is to synthesise a heterogeneous body of knowledge of geoparks in terms of attractiveness, highlighting the evolution and breadth of the research field. To achieve this, the following objectives were set: (a) to adopt a method based on functions provided by the bibliometrix package to automatically combine databases, namely WoS, Scopus, PubMed and Dimensions, detailing the method used and (b) to analyse the bibliometric indicators in order to identify the trends in the literature and the possible directions for future research. The applied methodology was based on bibliometric analysis using R for non-coders. From the 707 documents retrieved, the validation process resulted in 349 eligible documents published between 2002 and 2024, on which the analysis was carried out. The current study elaborated a method and examined the key information on the topic trends, which were given by production performance, productivity trends, spatial analysis and abstract approach analysis. Additionally, strategic mapping of the conceptual context was performed. Thus, the result provides a description of the automatic method with practical applications. As discerned from the three-dimensional analysis (spatial, temporal and size), the emerging research directions within scientific creativity encompassed (1) forms of tourism practiced in geoparks, especially focused on ecotourism and volcanic tourism; (2) geomorphological features, mineral springs and mud volcanoes; (3) aesthetic aspects, scenic sites and mining heritage; and (4) methodology, data analysis and modelling methods across different regions and countries.
Preliminary Identification and Quantification of Individual Polyphenols in Fallopia japonica Plants and Honey and Their Influence on Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Adriana Cristina Urcan, Otilia Bobiș, Victorița Bonta, Mihaiela Cornea-Cipcigan, et al.
Plants, 2024
Fallopia japonica (FJ), an invasive plant species known for its rich bioactive compounds, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its significant beekeeping potential, this aspect of FJ remains underexplored. This research aims to investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of FJ plants and honey. Notably, this study is the first to identify individual phenolic compounds in both FJ plant tissues and FJ honey, highlighting resveratrol as a marker of FJ honey. The study tested inhibitory activity against seven bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, and the yeast Candida albicans. Disk diffusion and microdilution methods were used to assess antimicrobial activity, while the crystal violet staining test evaluated antibiofilm activity. Results showed that FJ plant tissues and honey exhibited strong inhibition, particularly against Gram-negative bacterial strains. The most significant inhibition of biofilm formation, by both FJ plant tissues and honey, was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A significant positive correlation was found between antimicrobial activity and individual polyphenols, especially resveratrol. The antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of FJ plant tissues and honey suggests promising applications in sustainable beekeeping. Further research is necessary to evaluate the bioactive compounds found in FJ honey and their health effects.
Unraveling the Physicochemical, Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of the Honey Produced from the Fallopia japonica Plant
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Otilia Bobiș, Victorița Bonta, Adela Ramona Moise, Claudia Pașca, et al.
Foods, 2024
Fallopia japonica (FJ), commonly known as Japanese knotweed, is now recognized as one of the most invasive plants in Europe and globally. Despite its widespread presence in Europe and its significant nectar production, there is currently limited scientific data on the unique unifloral honey derived from it. This study examines the physicochemical composition of Fallopia japonica honey (FJH) samples collected from various regions in Romania. Additionally, the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of FJH were assessed. The sensory analysis revealed a honey with a brown-caramel color and an intense flavor, characterized by fine, consistent crystals during crystallization. The results indicated that FJH has a high carbohydrate content (fructose: 35.12–40.65 g/100 g; glucose: 28.06–37.79 g/100 g); elevated electrical conductivity (387–692 µS/cm), diastase activity (9.11–17.01 DN), and acidity (21.61–42.89 meq/kg); and substantial total phenolic (89.87–120.08 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (18.13–39.38 mg/g) contents. These findings highlight FJH’s favorable nutritional properties, aligning with the standard codex for honey. The antioxidant profile of FJH demonstrated strong DPPH and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) activities, comparable to those of buckwheat honey, underscoring its potential health benefits and commercial value. These results provide new insights into how this invasive plant can be harnessed as a valuable resource for sustainable beekeeping practices.
Attractiveness Assessment Model for Evaluating an Area for a Potential Geopark—Case Study: Hațeg UNESCO Global Geopark (Romania)
Judith Nyulas, Ștefan Dezsi, Ionel Haidu, Zsolt Magyari-Sáska, Adrian Niță
Land, 2024
Many studies have developed methods for assessing attractiveness, but the question is which one should be used to evaluate geopark designated areas? Therefore, the aim of this study is to find suitable criteria for assessing the attractiveness of a natural area such as a geopark in order to find the best quantifiable method as a methodological guide to evaluate attractiveness. The principle of the methodology takes into account three facts: the use of available attractiveness methods elaborated over time, the UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp) geopark requirements, and a certified geopark (Haţeg UNESCO Global Geopark was chosen as etalon—benchmark), then matching these together. To this end, the following specific objectives have been set: (i) an inventory of factors used to estimate attractiveness; (ii) through analysis, identifying the appropriate evaluation criteria for the field (a set for criteria’s SMART parameter, which can be clearly expressed, quantitatively measurable, and achievable); and (iii) developing a methodological guideline for geopark attractiveness assessment. The methodology is based on an analytical thinking approach, builds on the experience of existing methods, and stands out by the attributes matched to the UGGp’s evaluation criteria using the certified geopark as a benchmark. The result itself presents a method for assessing the attractiveness of geoparks. The outcome offers the attractiveness suitability for new geopark-designated areas as well as for existing geoparks aspiring to UNESCO certification.
Evaluation of the Main Macro-, Micro- and Trace Elements Found in Fallopia japonica Plants and Their Traceability in Its Honey: A Case Study from the Northwestern and Western Part of Romania
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Claudia Pașca, Alexandru-Bogdan Cucu, Adela Ramona Moise, Otilia Bobiş, et al.
Plants, 2024
Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed, Reynoutria japonica or Polygonum cuspidatum) is considered an extremely invasive plant worldwide and a bioindicator of heavy metals. Yet, its potential as a crop for honeybees is still underevaluated. This study employs atomic absorption spectrometry to quantitatively analyze the concentration of macro-elements, namely, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg); micro-elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and selenium (Se); and trace elements, i.e., cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) in different anatomic parts of Fallopia japonica (FJ) plants (roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves) and their traceability into honey. This research encompasses a thorough examination of samples collected from the northwestern and western part of Romania, providing insights into their elemental composition. The results showed that the level of trace elements decreases in terms of traceability in honey samples (Pb was not detected in any of the analyzed samples, while Cd had a minimum content 0.001 mg/kg), ensuring its quality and health safety for consumption. Moreover, the data generated can function as a valuable resource to explore the plant’s positive eco-friendly impacts, particularly in relation to its honey.
Transformative Experiences in Cycling Tourism: A Conceptual Framework
Karina A. Rus, Ștefan Dezsi, Ovidiu R. Ciascai
Sustainability Switzerland, 2023
This research conducts an exhaustive thematic analysis to explore the prospects as well as to create a conceptual framework for transformative experiences in cycling tourism. Using rigorous familiarisation, block and file techniques, recurring themes and patterns are identified, revealing insights into shared characteristics and potential synergies between transformative tourism (TT) and cycling tourism (CT), contributing to a deeper understanding of the transformative power of cycling experiences within the broader context of tourism that should further aid in the integration of such transformative experiences in CT. The results show that both TT and CT represent distinctive yet interconnected typologies within the realm of tourism. Several similarities are presented from an almost-mirrored tourist profile, inclination towards sustainable and regenerative tourism, assimilation of slow-tourism, immersive and eudaimonic experiences, well-being, reflection, and personal development opportunities. Based on these insights, this research introduces an innovative integration of both concepts, offering a distinct and enriching tourism experience by enhancing the transformative power of cycling experiences. The article provides practical implications for industry practitioners involved in tourism design and management and opens avenues for future investigations vital to the commencement of this typology, such as the development of theoretical frameworks, innovative perspectives, and evidence-based recommendations for tourism stakeholders.
An Insight into Gastronomic Tourism through the Literature Published between 2012 and 2022
Elena-Larisa Nistor, Ștefan Dezsi
Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
As tourism became more accessible, the number of visitors to various destinations increased, and that led to mass tourism. In the few last decades, new types of tourism started to emerge in response to the mass tourism offer which was oversaturated. People started to want ‘something different’, and that created new trends and niches in tourism. One of these new niches is food tourism. In this article, our main research purpose is to identify the state of the research carried out on the topic of gastronomic tourism, mainly between 2012 and 2022, as well as on the correlated topic of sustainable gastronomic tourism, and consider the impact they can have on a destination. We are also answering a few research questions including who are the food tourists, where do they go for food tourism and what do they do while traveling. The main research method used was desk review, and the papers taken into consideration for this analysis were mostly published between 2012 and 2022. The novelty of this paper lies in the result of indicating the state of the literature review regarding food tourism, and where is it heading. The research is significant not only because our results answer research questions, which give an insight into gastronomic tourism, but they offer a precise overview in this field with a focus on sustainability, and on gastronomy as a way to revive cultural heritage.
Rural Tourism—Viable Alternatives for Preserving Local Specificity and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development: Case Study—“Valley of the Kings” (Gurghiului Valley, Mureș County, Romania)
Andreea M. Crăciun, Ștefan Dezsi, Florin Pop, Pintea Cecilia
Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
Rural tourism, defined as a form of local initiative tourism, has at its forefront the involvement of the local community, who contribute significantly to the affirmation and promotion of this type of tourism. In order to be able to speak of the practice of this type of tourism in a given geographical area, it is first necessary to highlight the existence of a tourist heritage, both natural and anthropic, which identifies itself with the authentic character of the area, satisfying the need of the tourist to discover activities and tourist attractions with local specificity. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of socio-economic and cultural aspects in the sustainable development of tourism in the Gurghiului Valley. The present study also aims to highlight the role of local entrepreneurs in the process of economic development in the area by means of new practices and sustainable approaches; this is based on efficient capitalization of the natural and anthropic tourism heritage of the area, defined by elements of authenticity. The methodology applied in this work is based on the study of specialized literature, along with case study on tourist activity in rural tourism. The research carried out is based on analysis of data from official sources of tourist data (the National Tourism Agency (hereafter NTA) and the National Institute of Statistics (hereafter NIS)), as well as research carried out in the field to see if there are discrepancies between what these two aforementioned official sources provide and the reality on the ground. Our research finally revealed the fact that Gurghiului Valley officially entered into the tourist landscape in 1990 through the lens of the Lăpușna student and preschool camp, and rural tourism has been organized in the study area since 2005. At the same time, research has shown that there is currently a need for much greater involvement and awareness both from local authorities and the resident population regarding the importance of rural tourism in the social and economic evolution of the local community.
Calibrating Evolution of Transformative Tourism: A Bibliometric Analysis
Karina A. Rus, Ștefan Dezsi, Ovidiu R. Ciascai, Florin Pop
Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
Cycling Tourism: A Literature Review to Assess Implications, Multiple Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Future Perspectives
Ovidiu R. Ciascai, Ștefan Dezsi, Karina A. Rus
Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
Calluna vulgaris as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds: Exploring Its Phytochemical Profile, Biological Activities and Apitherapeutic Potential
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Alexandru-Bogdan Cucu, Ştefan Dezsi, Cristian Lujerdean, et al.
Plants, 2022
European Grid Dataset of Actual Evapotranspiration, Water Availability and Effective Precipitation
Mărgărit-Mircea Nistor, Alfrendo Satyanaga, Ştefan Dezsi, Ionel Haidu
Atmosphere, 2022
Urban Shrinking Cities in Romania and The Netherlands— A Possible Policy Framing
Raisa Țăruș, Ștefan Dezsi, Andreea M. Crăciun, Florin Pop, Claudia E. Tudorache
Sustainability Switzerland, 2022
New approaches on Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) bioactive compounds and their potential of pharmacological and beekeeping activities: Challenges and future directions
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Ştefan Dezsi, Mircea-Emil Nap, Florin Ioan Beteg, et al.
Plants, 2021
Ageing urban population prognostic between 2020 and 2050 in transylvania region (Romania)
Raisa Țăruș, Ștefan Dezsi, Florin Pop
Sustainability Switzerland, 2021
What affects support for wetland tourism? A case study from Sri Lanka
István Egresi, Supun Lahiru Prakash, Buddhika Maduraperruma, Amila Withanage, Aruna Weerasingha, et al.
Sustainability Switzerland, 2021
Towards a better understanding of nutritional and therapeutic effects of honey and their applications in apitherapy
Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Adela Ramona Moise, Ştefan Dezsi, Bianca Dana Marc, et al.
Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2021
A comprehensive gridded dataset associated to the climate change effect on the water resources in the grand EST region, France
Mărgărit-Mircea Nistor, Ionel Haidu, Ştefan Dezsi, Cristina Ştefan
Atmosphere, 2020
Christmas markets in city centers: how do they impact local residents and businesses?
István O. Egresi, Bianca Sorina Răcăşan, Stefan Dezsi, Marin Ilieş, Gabriela Ilieş
International Journal of Tourism Cities, 2020
Gis-based kernel analysis for tourism flow mapping
Mărgărit-Mircea NISTOR, Alexandru-Sabin NICULA, Ştefan DEZSI, Dănuţ PETREA, Shankar Acharya KAMARAJUGEDDA, et al.
Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning, 2020
Climate change impact on crop evapotranspiration in Turkey during the 21st Century
Mărgărit‐Mircea Nistor, Marcel Mîndrescu, Dănuţ Petrea, Alexandru‐Sabin Nicula, Praveen K. Rai, et al.
Meteorological Applications, 2019
High-resolution projections of evapotranspiration and water availability for Europe under climate change
Ştefan Dezsi, Marcel Mîndrescu, Dănuţ Petrea, Praveen Kumar Rai, Andreas Hamann, et al.
International Journal of Climatology, 2018
Land cover and temperature implications for the seasonal evapotranspiration in europe
Mărgărit-Mircea NISTOR, Titus Cristian MAN, Mostafa Ali BENZAGHTA, Nikhil NEDUMPALLILE VASU, Ştefan DEZSI, et al.
Geographia Technica, 2018
Advance in glacier modelling: GIS and oriented programming approach applied on whittier glacier, Alaska
M. M. NISTOR
Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2017
Crop evapotranspiration variation under climate change in South East Europe during 1991-2050
Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2017
Climate change effects on groundwater resources: a new assessment method through climate indices and effective precipitation in Beliş district, Western Carpathians
Mărgărit‐Mircea Nistor, Ştefan Dezsi, Sorin Cheval, Mădălina Baciu
Meteorological Applications, 2016
Climate change effects on crop evapotranspiration in the Carpathian Region from 1961 to 2010
Mărgărit‐Mircea Nistor, Alessandro F. Gualtieri, Sorin Cheval, Ştefan Dezsi, Vanessa Elena Boţan
Meteorological Applications, 2016
Comparative studies on antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content of Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. leaves
Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015
Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and phenolic profile of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Corymbia ficifolia (F. Muell.) K.D. Hill & L.A.S. Johnson leaves
Ștefan Dezsi, Alexandru Bădărău, Cristina Bischin, Dan Vodnar, Radu Silaghi-Dumitrescu, et al.
Molecules, 2015
Vulnerability of groundwater under climate change and land cover: A new spatial assessment method applied on Beliş district (Western Carpathians, Romania)
.tefan Dezsi, Margarit-Mircea Nistor, Sorin Cheval
Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2015
The GIS assessment of a winter sports resort location. Case study: Belis{comma below} District, Western Carpathians
Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2015
The impact of the landslides on land use and living standards in tÂrnava micĂ hills
International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management Sgem, 2014
The role of rural tourism in the social and economic revitalisation of lĂpuȘ land (MaramureȘ county, romania)
International Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management Sgem, 2014
CHANGES IN THE ROMANIAN CARPATHIAN TOURISM AFTER THE COMMUNISM COLLAPSE AND THE DOMESTIC TOURISTS' SATISFACTION
Elena Matei, Iuliana Vijulie, Gabriela Manea, Laura Tărlă, Dezsi Stefan
Acta Geographica Slovenica, 2014

Stefan Dezsi

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Scopus Publications