2026

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Comprehensive analysis of bioactive polyphenols, organic acids and antioxidant activity in Mespilus germanica L. fruits and leaves: Implications for functional food applications
(Elsevier, 2026-09-07) Nistor, Doru-Ion; Marc, Romina-Alina; Vlassa, Mihaela; Rafila Filip, Miuța; Ungur, Rodica; Crivei, Ioana; Mureșan, Crina-Carmen
The aim of the present study was to investigate the dynamic changes of bioactive polyphenols, organic acid profile and antioxidant activities of Mespilus germanica L. during ripening. The ability of (Mosmon) fruits and leaves were assessed during the post-harvest bletting process. Four harvest stages of fruit and leaves were sampled between October and November 2025 for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), radical scavenging activities (DPPH, ABTS) and individual phytochemical profiles. The leaves showed significantly higher bioactive yields than fruits, with higher TPC (171.88 mg GAE/100 g), TFC (1590.98 mg catechin/100 g), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 9621.15 μmol TE/100 g; ABTS: 9407.08 μmol TE/100 g). Mid-to-late October (October 19-31) was the best time to harvest for the highest level of phytochemicals in both tissues. The organic acids were the most abundant in both tissues (1059.4 μg/g malic acid in leaves and 269.8 μg/g malic acid in fruits) but malic acid was not the only organic acids found in the leaves, with citric and fumaric acids also present, showing that there is a higher metabolic diversity in leaves. On the other hand, fruits contained high levels of certain high value phenolics such as rutin (169.78 mg/100 g), catechin (55.43 mg/100 g) and chlorogenic acid (43.64 mg/100 g). In general, leaves of M. germanica collected in the end of October can be considered as an innovative, reproducible and sustainable source of ingredients for functional foods, whereas fruits can be considered as a source of targeted polyphenols.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
From Resilience Diagnosis to Investment Prioritization: An Integrated Composite-Indicator Framework for Place-Based Agricultural Policy Across Romania’s NUTS-2 Regions
(MDPI, 2026-08-09) Ispas, Geta-Mirela; Butnariu, Andreea; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
The agricultural sector is increasingly exposed to a complex set of climatic, economic, and institutional pressures, indicating that resilience assessment alone is insufficient; investments must also be strategically directed toward strengthening resilience. In response, this study proposes an integrated framework for assessing the resilience of crop farms and supporting the strategic screening and relative prioritization of investments at the regional level. The framework is applied to Romania, which is administratively organized into eight NUTS-2 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) development regions. The framework combines a Farm Resilience Composite Index (ICRF)—structured around five interconnected pillars (productive, economic, technological, ecological, and organizational)—with a Strategic Resilience Investment Score (SRIS), designed to translate resilience diagnostic outcomes into strategic screening and relative investment priorities. The methodology integrates normalized regional sub-indicators, expert-based weighting, and catch-up gap measures relative to the observed regional benchmark. It further incorporates complementarity and substitution relationships among sub-indicators, thereby capturing the systemic nature of resilience. Robustness is ensured through sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo simulations, and a leave-one-region-out jackknife procedure. The results indicate that investment priorities are not driven solely by the magnitude of regional deficits. Instead, they emerge at the intersection of catch-up needs, systemic relevance, and the stability of outcomes under uncertainty. Across all regions, production stability, access to the agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS), and farm-level digitalization consistently emerge as cross-regional priorities. Moreover, at least two of the three initial priorities are retained in 55 of the 56 leave-one-region-out comparisons, indicating a high degree of robustness. In contrast, ecological, economic, and organizational indicators exhibit greater territorial specificity. Overall, the ICRF–SRIS framework provides a transparent and analytically grounded tool for supporting place-based agricultural policy and guiding investment allocation in the context of post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Determinants of Labor Productivity and Economic Sustainability in Romanian Family Farms Across Different Economic Size Classes: Literature Review and Sectoral Analysis
(MDPI, 2026-08-26) Boicu, Cristian-Constantin; Ungureanu, Bianca-Antonela; Cuciureanu, Bianca-Maria; Chihulcă, Monica; Balazs Gligan, Petra; Ungureanu, George
Romanian agriculture is characterized by fragmented land structures, limited capitalization, and high labour dependence, conditions that may constrain the economic performance of family farms. This study integrates two complementary components: (i) a systematic literature review conducted within the PRISMA 2020 framework, synthesizing evidence from 34 empirical studies concerning Romanian and Central and Eastern European family farms; and (ii) an original sectoral analysis based on publicly available Eurostat data for 2016–2025, including national trends and NUTS-2 regional comparisons. The reviewed evidence indicates that market integration, production specialization, technological adoption, investment capacity, and human capital are frequently associated with stronger labour-productivity outcomes, whereas land fragmentation and surplus labour are more frequently associated with weaker performance, particularly among smaller farms. The Eurostat analysis identifies an overall upward, although fluctuating, trajectory in nominal agricultural output and gross value added per AWU. The polynomial models provide a descriptive fit to these temporal patterns but do not identify their causal determinants. Overall, the findings support a size-differentiated interpretation of labour-productivity patterns and underline the relevance of targeted policies addressing the different structural conditions of Romanian family farms.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Biomechanical Evaluation of Patient-Specific Titanium Fixation Systems for Segmental Le Fort I Osteotomy: A Finite Element Analysis
(MDPI, 2026-09-07) Onică, Neculai; Baciu, Elena-Raluca; Onică, Cezara-Andreea; Țurcanu, Florin-Emilian; Ispas, Geta-Mirela; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Golovcencu, Loredana; Murariu, Alice
Patient-specific Ti–6Al–4V fixation systems are increasingly used to stabilise the maxilla following segmental Le Fort I osteotomy; however, the biomechanical responses of complete locking and non-locking patient-specific fixation configurations remain insufficiently characterised. In this study, two patient-specific plate designs (a standard design and a reduced, minimally invasive design) were analysed by linear-elastic finite element analysis, each with locking and non-locking screws. Because they were developed for different indications and evaluated in distinct patient-specific anatomical models, between-model comparisons were considered descriptive. Vertical forces of 97.6, 206.9, and 257.0 N were applied bilaterally to the incisor and premolar regions, and the equivalent von Mises stress and total displacement were evaluated in the bone, plates, and screws. All results scaled linearly with load. Within the standard model, the locking configuration exhibited slightly greater bone, plate, and screw displacement than the corresponding non-locking configuration. Within the reduced model, it exhibited lower maximum bone, plate, and screw displacement by 16.4%, 19.2%, and 16.3%, respectively. Solver-reported local stress maxima were concentrated at the screw-head/plate-hole transition; because these isolated peaks were contact- and mesh-sensitive, they were not used to quantify relative screw loading or predict yielding. The modelled locking and non-locking fixation configurations therefore exhibited different, model-dependent displacement patterns. Further controlled simulations and experimental validation are required to determine the clinical relevance of these findings.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Anemometer for Agricultural Pneumatic Installations: With Application in the Design of Combine Harvester Cleaning Systems
(MDPI, 2026-09-01) Dumbravă, Ionuț-Alexandru; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Roșca, Radu; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Tanasă, Alexandru-Ioan; Țenu, Ioan
The cleaning system of combine harvesters is an important component whose efficiency directly depends on the uniform distribution of the air velocity profile on the sieve surface. However, the experimental evaluation of the air flow rate is often limited by the high cost and the impossibility of simultaneous multi-point acquisition using commercial anemometers. This paper presents the design, development, and calibration of a low-cost anemometric sensor, based on an NTC thermistor, intended for aerodynamic optimization in the design and laboratory testing phase of cleaning systems. The proposed system replaces the need to use Wheatstone bridges by combining a constant current source, a 16-bit ADC converter, and an RC filter, allowing it to resolve fine voltage variations at low velocity. The algorithm integrates temperature compensation in the 3rd degree polynomial equation by simultaneously reading the environmental temperature using a digital sensor with an accuracy of ±0.1 °C. Experimental validation on the bench against the reference anemometer testo 405i showed excellent agreement (R2 = 0.998, mean bias = 0.017 m/s, and a maximum error of ±0.08 m/s), falling within the tolerance of the reference anemometer. By the ability to use multiple sensors and parallel acquisition in real time, the proposed solution offers an alternative for 2D/3D aerodynamic mapping of sieves under controlled laboratory conditions for the design of combine harvester cleaning systems.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of the Azotofertil Biostimulant as a Nitrogen-Based Fertilization Strategy for Solanum lycopersicum L. and Capsicum annuum L.
(MDPI, 2026-08-15) Marta, Alina-Elena; Stoica, Ștefănica; Covașă, Mihaela; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina
The continuous growth of the global population and the need to ensure food security require the development of sustainable agricultural technologies capable of maintaining crop productivity while reducing environmental impact. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria belonging to the genera Azotobacter and Azospirillum have attracted increasing interest due to their ability to improve plant nutrition and stimulate physiological processes associated with growth and productivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the commercial biostimulant Azotofertil, based on Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum lipoferum, on the agrophysiological response of tomato and pepper plants, in comparison with conventional nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three fertilization treatments and three biological replicates for each crop species. Soil pH, cultivable Azotobacter spp. populations, plant height, photosynthetic pigment content, vitamin C content, and total yield were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan’s multiple range test (p < 0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis. The application of Azotofertil significantly increased the abundance of cultivable Azotobacter spp., photosynthetic pigment content, and vitamin C content, while no statistically significant differences were observed for soil pH or plant height. The most pronounced effect was observed for photosynthetic pigment content, which increased by 26% in tomato and by 21% in pepper compared to the control.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Temporal Persistence of the Biological Effects of a Seed-Applied Biostimulant on Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Germination and Early Growth Under Extended Pre-Germination Soil Drought
(MDPI, 2026-08-22) Bolohan, Diana-Elena; Apostol, Maria; Răus, Lucian
Delayed post-sowing watering may leave treated wheat (Triticum aestivum) seeds in dry soil for several weeks before germination begins, raising the question of how long the effects of seed-applied biostimulants remain biologically active under these conditions. This study evaluated the persistence of the biological effects of a seed-applied biostimulant, applied alone (BS) or combined with a triticonazole-based fungicide (TBS), after delayed watering of wheat seeds. Seeds were watered immediately after sowing or after 2, 3, 4, or 5 weeks and evaluated in Petri dishes and growth pots. Compared with the untreated control, BS and TBS reduced mean germination time by up to 9.4 h and 8.7 h, respectively (p < 0.05), while also promoting greater seminal root development after prolonged exposure to dry conditions. In the pot experiment, treatments including the biostimulant maintained greater root dry weight at both BBCH 11 and BBCH 12, indicating that a measurable stimulatory response was still observed beyond germination and early seedling establishment. The strongest responses were observed when watering was delayed by 2–3 weeks, remained evident after 4 weeks, and declined after 5 weeks of dry sowing conditions. Under the conditions of this experiment, the results demonstrate that, although the biostimulant supports early root system development after moisture restoration, the magnitude of the treatment response is conditioned by the duration of the pre-germination waiting period.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Physicochemical, Quality, Antioxidant and Sensory Attributes of Innovative Functional White Pan Bread Manufactured from Wheat Flour Fortified with Broccoli Plant Parts
(MDPI, 2026-09-25) Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Calistru, Anca-Elena; Murariu, Florin; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Stoica, Florina; Albu, Aida; Golubkina, Nadezhda; Caruso, Gianluca; Frunză, Gabriela
Innovative aliments obtained upon integration of plant-based ingredients for producing nutraceutical-enriched functional food under the perspective of sustainable management have been drawing increasing importance within the scientific community. Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of the addition of broccoli plant part powder (stalks and inflorescences) at different concentrations (3%, 5% and 10%) into dough on textural, porosity, quality, antioxidant and sensory characteristics of ‘White Pan Bread’. The rising addition (from 3 to 10%) of broccoli stalks and inflorescences into ‘White Pan Bread’ led to a gradual decrease in most textural properties and color components of dough, crumb and crust, as well as dry matter and water activity. Contrary, mineral substances, pH, acidity, and the antioxidant compounds and activities showed increasing trend. Among the sensory features, the scores of general bread aspect as well as crumb texture, structure, aeration, sweetness and aroma aspects decreased with the increasing broccoli powder integration. The latter augmentation fostered crust and crumb flexibility, freshness, sulfur, cruciferous and plant notes. Overall, manufacturing broccoli-enriched bread allows to create a novel functional aliment with less crumb softness and color intensity, importantly characterized by enhanced mineral and bioactive properties within the sustainability framework.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Linking Soil–Orchard Fruit Quality and Circular Food Innovation Through the Valorization of Dried Cherry Pomace in Dairy-Based Spreadable Products
(MDPI, 2026-05-29) Rusu, Mariana; Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Motrescu, Iuliana; Stoica, Florina; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Jităreanu, Gerard
This study explored the link between orchard-derived cherry quality and circular food innovation through the valorization of dried cherry pomace. Sweet cherry fruits from the cultivars Van and Stella, grown under the pedoclimatic conditions of north-eastern Romania, were evaluated for physicochemical traits, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and heavy metal content. In parallel, cherry pomace obtained during juice processing of cultivar Van was freeze-dried, characterized, and incorporated into dairy-based spreadable formulations at 5% and 10% addition levels in order to assess its bioactive potential. The results showed clear cultivar-dependent differences, with Van exhibiting a superior bioactive profile, including higher total polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity than Stella. Heavy metal concentrations in fruits remained below the maximum allowable limits, while health-risk indices indicated no significant non-carcinogenic risk (HI = 3.18 × 10−2). The dried cherry pomace powder was characterized by high dietary fiber content (49.83 g/100 g dw), substantial total polyphenols (1046.80 mg GAE/100 g dw), anthocyanins (123.27 mg C3G/100 g dw), and antioxidant activity (21.43 μM TE/g dw). Its incorporation into dairy-based spreadable products significantly improved ash, carbohydrate, fiber, phytochemical content, and antioxidant activity, with the 10% level showing the highest functional enhancement. Sensory evaluation indicated that the 5% formulation achieved the most balanced and preferred overall sensory profile. Overall, the findings support dried cherry pomace as a valuable functional ingredient and highlight a practical circular strategy for reconnecting cherry by-products with value-added food applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Emerging Technologies in Rural Development: A Scoping Review of Current Knowledge
(MDPI, 2026-05-15) Butnariu, Andreea; Ispas, Geta-Mirela; Fehér, Levente; Bejenaru, Alexandru-Emil; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
Emerging technologies offer significant opportunities for sustainable rural development; however, their applications have not been systematically mapped across all dimensions of sustainability. This scoping review aims to identify, classify, and synthesize the literature on emerging technologies in rural development, structured around four pillars: economic, social, environmental, and governance. Eligible studies included English-language scientific articles published between 2015 and 2025 that propose solutions based on emerging technologies in rural contexts, identified in the Web of Science Core Collection database, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data extracted from the 129 eligible articles were synthesized in thematic tables and comparatively analyzed for each pillar. Results indicate an accelerated growth in publications after 2020, with machine learning, deep learning, and the Internet of Things dominating applications such as precision agriculture, telemedicine, and water management. Critical gaps persist in biodiversity monitoring, climate adaptation, elderly care services, and rural circular economy, with the governance pillar remaining the least represented. This study proposes an integrated framework and a knowledge map to guide future research and public policies toward balanced and sustainable rural transformation.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Chitosan-Based Technologies in the Food Industry: Functional Properties, Advanced Applications, and Future Perspectives
(MDPI, 2026-06-18) Crivei, Ioana-Cristina; Rațu, Roxana-Nicoleta; Veleșcu, Ionuț-Dumitru; Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Stoica, Florina; Balint, Andreea-Bianca; Pavel, Ina-Iuliana; Crivei, Luciana-Alexandra
Chitosan, produced through deacetylation of chitin from crustacean byproducts and, increasingly, fungal biomass and insects, is attracting food-sector interest because it combines antimicrobial activity, antioxidant capacity, biodegradability, and film-forming behavior in a single polymer. This review discusses how source, molecular weight (MW), degree of deacetylation, solubility, and charge density shape its performance in food systems. The paper then follows the main technological routes now tested or used: edible films and coatings, hydrogels, cryogels, nanoparticles, microcapsules, and hybrid matrices. These formats can protect fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and dairy foods, while also supporting beverage clarification, emulsion control, release of natural antimicrobials or antioxidants, and freshness monitoring in active or intelligent packaging. The evidence indicates strong promise, especially where microbial growth, lipid oxidation, moisture transfer, and short shelf life remain limiting factors. Yet, wider industrial use is still slowed by water sensitivity, sensory effects, raw-material variation, cost, process scale-up, and regulatory alignment. Future work should move beyond laboratory efficacy and address reproducible production, food-specific validation, and consumer acceptance.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Design and characterization of sustainable mortars incorporating industrial waste–derived materials
(Nature Research, 2026-03-04) Caftanachi, Mihaela; Vrabie, Mihai; Harja, Maria; Bucur, Roxana-Dana; Bucur, Daniel
Environmental pressures necessitate finding alternatives to Portland cement using alkali-activated aluminosilicate materials. Mortars containing different types of class F fly ash (Romania and Canada), furnace slag, silica fume and sand, activated with 5.1 M potassium hydroxide solution and 40% sodium silicate solution. Three mixes were tested (Mix 1 – fly ash Romania, Mix 2 - fly ash Canada and Mix 3 – fly ash Canada and slag). The activators were chosen to develop materials with high mechanical strength. The activation process occurred at controlled laboratory conditions (20 ± 2℃ and 65% relative humidity). Mix 3 showed the highest strength values of 43.8 MPa and a flexural strength of 7.4 MPa after 28 days. Mix 2 had a compressive strength of 26.0 MPa, in contrast to 8.3 MPa for Mix 1. The addition of blast furnace slag (Mix 3 vs. Mix 2) nearly doubled the compressive strength values. Proposed mixes are an effective alternative to cement mortar that reduce waste, through valorization of industrial by-products and diminish carbon dioxide emissions by 30%. Microstructural analyses (SEM and XRD) confirmed the formation of reaction products consistent with the observed mechanical strength. The developed mixes show promising mechanical performance and contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in construction materials.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effect of Lupin Flour Incorporation on the Quality Characteristics of Chicken Meat Sausages
(MDPI, 2026-06-08) Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Ciobotaru, Mihai-Cătălin; Manoliu, Diana-Remina
The incorporation of plant-based protein ingredients into processed meat products represents a promising strategy for reformulating meat products while addressing sustainability and resource efficiency concerns within the food industry. This study investigated the effect of sweet lupin flour incorporated at 2%, 4%, and 6% substitution levels on the quality characteristics of chicken meat sausages. Four batches were produced: a control (CB0%) and three lupin-enriched formulations (CLS2%, CLS4%, CLS6%), and evaluated for proximate composition, pH, water activity, colorimetric parameters, Warner–Bratzler shear force, and sensory acceptability. Lupin flour incorporation significantly modified all parameters, increasing ash, fat, carbohydrate, and energy content while moderately reducing moisture and protein. A progressive decrease in pH and water activity was observed alongside a colorimetric shift toward higher lightness and yellowness, with total color differences exceeding the visual perceptibility threshold of 5 at CLS4% and CLS6%. Shear force and work of cutting increased proportionally with substitution level, reflecting structural reinforcement of the protein matrix. Sensory evaluation confirmed that 2% substitution maintained overall acceptability within the positive range of the hedonic scale, while 4% remained acceptable but with some sensory decline, and the 6% received scores below the scale midpoint. These results suggest that lupin flour can be incorporated at up to 4%, while maintaining overall sensory scores within the positive range of the hedonic scale, supporting its potential as a plant-derived ingredient in the reformulation of poultry-based processed meat products.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Proteolytic Tenderization of Pork Loin with Papain and Bromelain and Its Physicochemical and Sensory Effects
(MDPI, 2026-06-15) Ciobotaru, Mihai-Cătălin; Anchidin, Bianca-Georgiana; Manoliu, Diana-Remina; Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Boișteanu, Paul-Corneliu
Improving tenderness in whole-muscle pork products remains a technological challenge, particularly when natural processing strategies are preferred over conventional additives, as texture is regarded as one of the most important quality attributes influencing consumer perception and acceptance of meat products. This study investigated whether two plant proteases, papain and bromelain, incorporated into a red algae-based brine containing Palmaria palmata could enhance the quality of injected pork loin without compromising microbiological safety or sensory acceptance. Seven batches were produced: a control sample and six enzyme-treated samples containing papain or bromelain at 0.015%, 0.030%, and 0.045%. Overall, the enzymatic treatments had a limited effect on proximate composition. However, a modest decrease in fat content was observed, from 3.09% in the control sample to 2.70–2.82% in the samples treated with the highest concentrations of papain and bromelain (0.045%). In contrast, instrumental color and texture were strongly affected. Enzyme-treated samples became lighter, less red, and less saturated, with redness decreasing from 13.07 in the control to 5.19–6.66 in the highest-dose treatments and total color differences reaching 8.66. The most relevant effect was observed in texture, where papain and bromelain markedly reduced shear force, shear work, hardness, gumminess, and chewiness; shear force decreased from 26.22 N/cm2 in the control to 10.78 N/cm2 and 9.38 N/cm2 in the batches treated with the highest enzyme concentrations. During refrigerated storage, total viable counts increased gradually but remained low, with a maximum of 4.56 × 102 CFU/g, while Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes were not detected. Sensory analysis further showed that enzymatic treatment improved perceived tenderness and juiciness without reducing overall acceptability. These findings indicate that papain and bromelain can be used as natural tenderizing tools in injected pork loin, offering a promising route toward cleaner-label meat products with improved texture and preserved microbiological quality.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Assessing Farm-Level Digital Maturity in European Agriculture: The Digital Farm Index and Investment Barriers to Agriculture 4.0
(MDPI, 2026-07-22) Ailioaei, Claudiu-Ovidiu; Dumitraș, Constantin-Dragoș; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
The transition toward Agriculture 4.0 aims to improve farm performance and sustainability; however, existing macroeconomic indicators do not fully capture the depth of farm-level digital adoption. This study proposes the Digital Farm Index (DFI) as a tool for assessing digital maturity and regional disparities in European agriculture. The research combines bibliometric mapping of the scientific literature with an empirical DFI assessment for 18 European Union Member States using Eurostat data. The empirical assessment utilizes multiple linear regression, log-linear scale modeling, and hierarchical clustering to analyze adoption patterns and structural determinants. The index integrates four dimensions: connectivity, precision agriculture, robotics, and farm management information systems (FMIS). Results indicate that adoption is concentrated in larger farms, as area-weighted digital maturity (DFI-Hectares) consistently exceeds farm-level adoption (DFI-Farms). CAPEX-based cost modeling suggests the existence of a technological indivisibility threshold, whereby digitalization may become an entry barrier for fragmented farms with limited economies of scale. Multiple linear regression suggests an East–West structural trend: while farm size influences the territorial diffusion of technology, a more consolidated regional innovation ecosystem appears more relevant for farm-level adoption. Findings also highlight a hardware–software imbalance and limited use of data-driven managerial tools. Support policies should therefore move beyond equipment subsidies and include technology transfer networks, digital skills, and managerial data-integration tools.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
What Drives Renewable Energy Adoption in EU Countries? Evidence on the Differential Effects of Economic, Structural and Energy Factors
(MDPI, 2026-04-30) Jităreanu, Andy-Felix ; Mihăilă, Mioara; Costuleanu, Carmen-Luiza; Mărcuță, Alina; Mărcuță, Liviu ; Tudor, Valentina-Constanța ; Micu, Marius-Mihai ; Arion, Iulia-Diana
The transition to renewable energy is a central objective of the European Union’s energy and climate policies, yet adoption rates differ significantly across Member States. This study analyses the economic, structural, and energy determinants of renewable energy adoption in the EU-27 over the period 2008–2023, using panel data models with country and year fixed effects and clustered standard errors. The results indicate that the relationship between renewable energy and its main determinants is limited and heterogeneous across countries. Most explanatory variables do not exhibit consistent and statistically significant effects across model specifications. In particular, research and development expenditure does not show a robust impact, while GDP per capita is associated with negative coefficients in several specifications, suggesting the presence of structural constraints and path dependency. Energy-related variables also display weak and unstable relationships. The findings suggest that renewable energy adoption is shaped by context-specific and heterogeneous dynamics rather than by uniform drivers. The study contributes by highlighting the limited explanatory power of standard macroeconomic indicators and supports the need for differentiated policy approaches across Member States.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Field Performance and Wear Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) Coated Discs Used in Agricultural Disc Harrows
(MDPI, 2026-01-01) Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Munteanu, Corneliu; Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Istrate, Bogdan; Benchea, Marcelin; Melnic, Iurie
The wear performance of coated and uncoated harrow discs was evaluated under real agricultural field conditions in order to assess the long-term effectiveness of three atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) systems: a Cr2O3–SiO2–TiO2 ceramic coating, a WC/W2C–Co carbide coating, and a Co–Cr–Ni–W–C alloy coating. In contrast to most previous studies focused on laboratory testing or short-term trials, the present work provides a comparative long-term field evaluation over 50 ha per disc (1000 ha total) under identical operating conditions in quartz-rich Argic Luvisol soil. Disc wear was quantified through periodic mass-loss and diameter measurements, complemented by microstructural and SEM analyses. The uncoated disc exhibited the most severe degradation, with a total mass loss of approximately 700 g and rapid acceleration of wear after the first 5–10 ha. The ceramic-coated disc showed the highest durability, limiting mass loss to approximately 390 g, corresponding to a reduction of about 44%, and maintaining the largest residual diameter after field operation. The Co-based alloy provided intermediate performance (~16% mass-loss reduction), while the carbide coating showed limited improvement (~7% reduction) due to microcracking and weak carbide–binder interfaces. The results demonstrate that, under real field conditions, coating microstructural integrity is more critical than nominal hardness, and highlight the superior effectiveness of ceramic APS coatings for extending disc service life in abrasive agricultural soils.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Improving the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Agricultural Ploughs Through Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) Thermal Coatings
(MDPI, 2026-07-21) Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Munteanu, Corneliu; Istrate, Bogdan ; Ianuș, Gelu; Marian, Grigore; Nazar, Boris; Marian, Teodor; Benchea, Marcelin; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae
This paper presents experimental investigations carried out on components belonging to agricultural plough assemblies, which undergo significant mechanical loading during soil tillage operations. Due to severe operating conditions, ploughs are subjected to abrasive wear and impact stresses, so that enhancing these properties translates into improved performance, accompanied by a lower failure rate and, consequently, reduced downtime in agricultural activity. In order to upgrade the material properties of the active parts that come into direct and sustained contact with the soil—and which are therefore most vulnerable to degradation—surface thermal coatings were applied by means of Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) deposition, with the aim of extending service performance and component lifespan. The mechanical properties of the deposited coatings were assessed through hardness testing (approx. 204 HV) and microscratch behaviour evaluation (COF > 1). In addition, microstructural examinations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy to characterise the surface condition following the thermal deposition process. The findings confirm that thermal coatings represent a viable technical solution, enabling not only the improvement of plough component properties, but also the possibility of reconditioning worn parts by compensating, through thermal deposition, for the material loss caused by soil-induced wear during field operation
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Enhancing Dielectric, Electrical, and Gas Sensing Properties of CaFeO3−δ Through Sintering Temperature Optimization
(MDPI, 2026-03-17) Benatia, Amina; Gouitaa, Najwa; Țurcan, Ina; Gheorghiu, Felicia; Ursu, Laura-Elena; Leontie, Liviu; Mitoșeriu, Liliana; Ahjyaje, Fatima Zahra; Lamcharfi, Taj-dine; Abdi, Farid
This research aims to investigate the modifications of the structural, dielectric, and sensing properties of CaFeO3−δ ceramics produced by solid-state reaction induced by varying sintering temperatures in the range of 1000–1200 °C. A single crystallographic orthorhombic (Pcmn) structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction with Rietveld analysis, both for the powders and sintered ceramics, irrespective of the sintering temperature. The increase in the sintering temperature induces better densification and a larger grain size. Dielectric measurements reveal a pronounced enhancement of the relative permittivity, reaching 2 × 105 at 1 kHz and 330 °C for the sample sintered at 1200 °C/4 h. This composition also displays the highest electrical conductivity, 0.4 S/m at 1 MHz. Cole–Cole analysis indicates a clear deviation from ideal Debye behavior, while the relaxational features of the dielectric permittivity suggest a strong correlation between the dielectric response and Fe-related conduction mechanisms. Gas sensing tests show that the ferrite ceramics exhibit consistent ethanol response trends. The ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h achieved the highest sensitivity, of 56.28%, which can be attributed to its higher density, larger ceramic grains, and reduced low-frequency conductivity. The CaFeO3−δ ceramic sintered at 1200 °C/4 h shows a combination of high permittivity, enhanced conductivity, and strong ethanol sensitivity, making it a promising material for dielectric components, capacitive devices, and gas sensing applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Field Performance andWear Behavior of Atmospheric Plasma Spraying (APS) Coated Discs Used in Agricultural Disc Harrows
(MDPI, 2026-01-01) Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Munteanu, Corneliu; Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Istrate, Bogdan; Benchea, Marcelin; Melnic, Iurie
The wear performance of coated and uncoated harrow discs was evaluated under real agricultural field conditions in order to assess the long-term effectiveness of three atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) systems: a Cr2O3–SiO2–TiO2 ceramic coating, a WC/W2C–Co carbide coating, and a Co–Cr–Ni–W–C alloy coating. In contrast to most previous studies focused on laboratory testing or short-term trials, the present work provides a comparative long-term field evaluation over 50 ha per disc (1000 ha total) under identical operating conditions in quartz-rich Argic Luvisol soil. Disc wear was quantified through periodic mass-loss and diameter measurements, complemented by microstructural and SEM analyses. The uncoated disc exhibited the most severe degradation, with a total mass loss of approximately 700 g and rapid acceleration of wear after the first 5–10 ha. The ceramic-coated disc showed the highest durability, limiting mass loss to approximately 390 g, corresponding to a reduction of about 44%, and maintaining the largest residual diameter after field operation. The Co-based alloy provided intermediate performance (~16% mass-loss reduction), while the carbide coating showed limited improvement (~7% reduction) due to microcracking and weak carbide–binder interfaces. The results demonstrate that, under real field conditions, coating microstructural integrity is more critical than nominal hardness, and highlight the superior effectiveness of ceramic APS coatings for extending disc service life in abrasive agricultural soils.

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