2020

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/1939

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Exploring the statistical association between the economic, environmental and innovative areas of performance: The case of European Union agriculture
(National Agricultural Research and Development Institute, 2020-01) Coca, Oana; Mironiuc, Marilena; Pânzaru, Radu-Lucian; Crețu, Alina; Ștefan, Gavril
The importance of innovation in agriculture is supported by the effects that innovation has on the growth of the sector's performance in relation to its efforts. The aim of the paper is to identify and to analyse the statistical association between the indicators of agricultural performance, regarding the economic, environmental and innovative aspects at European Union level (EU-28). For this, a study on agriculture from the 28 EU countries was developed using the information available in Eurostat statistics during 2006-2016. To address the research problem, the association analysis and correlation analysis as data analysis methods were used. The data were processed using the functions of IBM SPSS - Version 20. The analysis of the relations between the three areas of agricultural performance, namely economic, environmental and innovative, highlighted the following aspects: i) on average, there was an inverse relationship between economic performance and the environmental one; ii) on average, attracting borrowed capital and increasing indebtedness can enhance the innovative processes in agriculture; iii) the increase in economic performance was positively correlated with the intensive use of agricultural land and high levels of investments in technology. A rich economy has the financial resources to invest in research - development - innovation activities in the agricultural sector, which stimulates the economic performance of farmers and others companies in the related fields. The statistical survey highlighted the direct link between the general level of development of a country's economy and the innovative capacity of the strategic sector represented by agriculture.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
The impact of the crisis generated by COVID-19 on the population concerns. A comparative study at the level of the European union
(Vilnius University, 2020) Ștefan, Gavril; Coca, Oana; Creangă, Diana-Elena; Mursa, Gabriel-Claudiu; Mihai, Costică
Over time, people have strived to improve continually the process of resource allocation so that they can enjoy an increasingly better standard of living, despite the scarcity of resources. In the long run, the improvement of the material and spiritual condition of man depends on the process of economic development, which is a defining feature of human history. However, the process of economic development is not continuous, it is threatened by various factors. One of these factors, of a non-economic nature, is the pandemic. The purpose of this article is to highlight the impact generated by the COVID-19 pandemic on the population's concerns about its standard of living in the countries of the European Union. Through a quantitative analysis, the authors aim to explain the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on GDP and the main concerns of the population regarding the possible decline in living standards, caused precisely by the decline in GDP. In addition, the authors highlight the vulnerabilities of the European economy to such a crisis and propose, in summary, some policies to limit its negative effects.
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Germination potential and pollen tube growth in Galanthus nivalis L.
(Elsevier, 2020-02-04) Pădureanu, Silvica; Patraș, Antoanela
The present research studies the pollen biology of snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis L.), from the point of view of pollen’s germinating potential and length growth of pollen tubes at two temperatures: 18 °C and 4 °C. The germination was conducted “in vitro” on nutritive mediums containing different concentrations of sucrose (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 40, 50, 70, 100%). The pollen germination was optimum (more than 90 %) on nutritive mediums containing 15 % and 20 % sucrose, at both studied temperatures, after 24 h. In parallel with germination potential, the adaptation of male gametophytes to the two temperatures was analyzed. The longest pollen tubes were formed on 10–25% sucrose mediums at 18 °C and on 10–15% sucrose mediums at 4 °C, and they were maintained also after 120 h since pollen inoculation. For these concentrations, the pollen tube length was similar at both temperatures. In conclusion, 18 °C is suitable for long tubes formation using a largest range of sucrose concentration than 4 °C. In fact, in most plant species, low temperatures not only inhibit pollen tube growth, but also induce flowers abortion. Present results bring new evidences that the snowdrop’s male gametophyte is genetically settled to have a normal development at low temperatures. The optimal germination rate and pollen tube growth at 4 °C highlight the vernal character of the pollen of G. nivalis.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The influence of conservative tillage systems on physico-chemical properties and yield under a cambic chernozem from Northeastern part of Romania
(National Agricultural Research and Development Institute, 2020) Burtan, Lavinia; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Jităreanu, Gerard; Calistru, Anca-Elena; Răus, Lucian; Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Sîrbu, Carmen-Eugenia; Cioroianu, Traian-Mihai
The long-term experiment was carried out during 2005-2018, with samples collected on the experimental farm of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in the city of Iasi (47º07` N latitude, 27º30` E longitude). The soil under investigation is classified as Cambic Chernozem (WRB) with a clay-loamy texture. Initial physical characteristics of the soil on 0-20 cm depth were: bulk density 1.33 g.cm-3, pH (1:2.5) 6.23, clay 364.2 g.kg-1, silt 263.2 g.kg-1, loam 372.6 g.kg-1, humus 2.95%. In the last 5 years a continuous maize cropping system was used. The tillage treatments included: (1) No-till: direct drilling in untilled soil with a disc drill without previous removal of residues, using a FABIMAG FG01 seeder (NT); (2) a reduced system using a chisel at 22-25 cm depth, after harvest without overturning the furrow (RT); (3) moldboard ploughing after harvest to a soil depth of 28-30 cm (CT). The crumbled and loosened soil was turned over and thereby residues were fully incorporated into the soil. After the harvest of pre-crop, stubble breaking (disking to the depth 10 cm) was used. Seedbed preparation was applied using a compactor after chisel and conventional tillage. In spring the weeds were suppressed by total herbicides before seeding. Crop-specific fertilization was performed according to good agricultural practice. Combine harvest was performed in October (between 5th and 28th) using a Wintersteiger Delta Plot Combine. Tillage systems affected soil penetration resistance (PR) under maize crop only for certain soil depths. At 0-5 cm depth, the highest value (0.78 MPa) was recorded on no-till system, whilst in the case of the other two variants the values ranged from 0.56 to 0.61 MPa. In CT variant at 30-40 cm, we noticed a compacted layer (2.54 MPa) indicating the existence of hardpan.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
First report on the effect of Meloe spp. larvae invasion on Apis mellifera carpathica bees in some apiaries in Romania
(University of Bucharest, 2020) Rădoi, Ion; Milea, Florentin-Gheorghe; Lagunovschi Luchian, Viorica; Șapcaliu, Agripina; Bodescu, Dan; Demircan, Vecdi
During the program monitoring bees’ health state it was possible to detect an invasion of triungulin larvae of Meloe spp. against melliferous bees (Apis mellifera carpathica) in apiaries from the South and East regions of the country. We evaluated 35 apiaries (550 bee colonies) located in all the regions of the country, and found the presence of triungulinosa in 8 of them (22.86%). A number of 173 bee colonies have been affected (31.45%), while 54 colonies (9.81%) registered massive depopulations. Evaluation of the melliferous flora in the areas adjacent to the apiaries showed a considerable number of triungulin larvae on the florescence of the plants in the South-East area. Bees’ infestation with triungulin larvae of Meloe spp. was diagnosed as singular morbid entity in six apiaries (five in the East and one in the South), while in the other two infested apiaries, the presence of the triungulin larvae was accompanied by other morbid entities, such as the nosemosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an attack of the triungulin larvae against Apis mellifera carpathica colonies in Romania.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Vine shoots waste – new resources for bioethanol production
(University of Bucharest, 2020) Șenilă, Lăcrimioara; Neag, Emilia; Torok, Iulia; Cadar, Oana; Kovacs, Eniko; Țenu, Ioan; Roman, Cecilia
The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition of eight vine shoot waste (VSW) varieties (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Feteasca Regala, Busuioaca de Bohotin, Muscat Ottonel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Feteasca Neagra and Feteasca Alba) regarding cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, ash, moisture, mineral, protein, elemental analysis for the production of bioethanol. The highest cellulose and hemicellulose content (almost 65%) suggests that the VSW varieties can be used as raw material for bioethanol production. The most abundant minerals found in the VSW samples were Sr, Fe and Mn, which are indicators for vineyard production in Romania. The autohydrolysis fractionation method was applied for the separation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic sugars from the VSW varieties.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Measuring the big five personality traits effects on manager’s propensity to take risks
(Vilnius University, 2020) Anastasiei, Bogdan; Vodă, Ana-Iolanda; Florea, Nelu; Costuleanu, Carmen-Luiza; Clipa, Cătălin-Ioan
This paper aims to analyze the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and managers' propensity to take risks. The items used in the questionnaire to assess the Big Five inventory were grouped into five large dimensions: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness. The risk taking orientation was measured based on two dimensions: profit vs. safety and bold growth vs. moderate growth. Several hypotheses have been tested on a convenience sample of 154 Romanian managers, using correlation, exploratory, and confirmatory factor analysis and causal (structural) model. Results show that extraverted managers are more prone to look for profit maximisation to the detriment of safety, while conscientious managers are susceptible to concentrate on safety, adopting cautious behaviors.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Agri-wastes as a low-cost adsorbent for nicosulfuron herbicide
("Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, 2020) Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Calistru, Anca-Elena; Motrescu, Iuliana; Bulgariu, Laura; Jităreanu, Gerard
The contamination of aquatic and terrestrial environments by pesticides is highlighted by their possible toxic properties and poor biodegradability on the environment. The development of low cost by products from agricultural sectors as a suitable solution for contaminated areas remediation is of great environmental interest. Straw wastes can be considered as a promising alternative to remove different chemical compound that are environmentally toxic. In this study, some materials derived from agricultural (agri)-wastes (wheat and corn straw) in mixture with soil, were investigates as potential adsorbents for nicosulfuron removal. After mineralization (850 C) and KOH activation to obtain the biochars, the samples were structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Interaction studies between nicosulfuron - biochars and soil were performed at various concentrations and pH of 7. The adsorbent capacity was evaluated using batch sorption test and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The characterization results showed different functional groups present in the structure of these biochars while surface analysis showed an increase of surface roughness. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second order mechanism describes the kinetics of nicosulfuron herbicide. The results obtained highlight the importance of agri-waste as a natural adsorbent, being a solution for the removal of nicosulfuron from contaminated environments.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Modified Biochar—A Tool for Wastewater Treatment
(MDPI, 2020-10-11) Kopecký, Marek; Kolář, Ladislav; Konvalina, Petr; Strunecký, Otakar; Teodorescu, Florina; Mráz, Petr; Peterka, Jirí; Váchalová, Radka; Bernas, Jaroslav; Bartoš, Petr; Filipov, Feodor; Bucur, Daniel
Global deposits of concentrated phosphates, which are a necessary source for the production of phosphate fertilizers, are limited. These reserves keep getting thinner, and every day, large amounts of phosphorus end up in watercourses. In this study, we verified that modified biochar (saturated with FeCl3 solution and then neutralized with NaOH solution) can adsorb significant amounts of phosphorus from wastewater. Moreover, the agrochemical qualities of sludge water from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, struvite, phosphorus-saturated biochar, and iron(III) phosphate from a reused biochar filter were tested in this study. We determined the amount of mobile phosphorus as well as the amount of extractable phosphorus and its five fractions. It was found that modified biochar can hold one-third of the phosphorus amount contained in the commonly used agricultural fertilizer simple superphosphate (1 × 105 g of modified biochar captures up to 2.79 × 103 g of P). Moreover, plants can more easily access phosphorus biochar fractions than struvite, which is formed spontaneously during sludge management. The results of this research prove that the proposed method of recycling phosphorus from wastewater can be applied in technological practice.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of the Antifungal Activity of Gold–Chitosan and Carbon Nanoparticles on Fusarium oxysporum
(MDPI, 2020-08-06) Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Ursu, Elena-Laura; Ursu, Cristian; Ulea, Eugen; Cazacu, Ana
Nanoparticles are implemented in different biotechnological fields, and there is interest in their use in plant biology. Nanotechnology can help overcome the persistent limitations of using conventional fungicides in the management of plant diseases, contributing to a safer environment. Hence, this study is focused on evaluating the behavior of nanoparticles on two different strains of Fusarium oxysporum, which have a wide-ranging occurrence in tomato production and account for important economic losses. Fusarium oxysporum is an ascomycetous fungus that is well-known as a soilborne plant pathogen, adapted to any soil type, and it lives in different forms on organic materials. Gold–chitosan and carbon nanoparticles were suspended in potato dextrose agar growth media, and their antifungal activity was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after incubation by measuring the diameter of fungal colonies. The results showed that the nanoparticles have antifungal properties against F. oxysporum, the fungal colony growth diameter being reduced. Likewise, it was observed that the colony diameter was smaller when the nanoparticle concentration increased. However, in the case of one F. oxysporum strain, the highest nanoparticle concentration applied during the experiment’s execution was not able to completely inhibit fungal growth.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Bioethanol Production from Vineyard Waste by Autohydrolysis Pretreatment and Chlorite Delignification via Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation
(MDPI, 2020-06-03) Șenilă, Lăcrimioara; Kovacs, Eniko; Scurtu, Daniela-Alexandra; Cadar, Oana; Becze, Anca; Șenilă, Marin; Levei, Erika-Andrea; Dumitraș, Diana-Elena; Țenu, Ioan; Roman, Cecilia
In this paper, the production of a second-generation bioethanol from lignocellulosic vineyard cutting wastes was investigated in order to define the optimal operating conditions of the autohydrolysis pretreatment, chlorite delignification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). The autohydrolysis of vine-shoot wastes resulted in liquors containing mainly a mixture of monosaccharides, degradation products and spent solids (rich in cellulose and lignin), with potential utility in obtaining valuable chemicals and bioethanol. The autohydrolysis of the vine-shoot wastes was carried out at 165 and 180 °C for 10 min residence time, and the resulted solid and liquid phases composition were analysed. The resulted liquid fraction contained hemicellulosic sugars as a mixture of alpha (α) and beta (β) sugar anomers, and secondary by-products. The solid fraction was delignified using the sodium chlorite method for the separation of lignin and easier access of enzymes to the cellulosic sugars, and then, converted to ethanol by the SSF process. The maximum bioethanol production (6%) was obtained by autohydrolysis (165 °C), chlorite delignification and SSF process at 37 °C, 10% solid loading, 72 h. The principal component analysis was used to identify the main parameters that influence the chemical compositions of vine-shoot waste for different varieties.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Sustainable biomass pellets production using vineyard wastes
(MDPI, 2020-10-26) Șenilă, Lăcrimioara; Țenu, Ioan; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Corduneanu, Oana-Raluca; Dumitrachi, Emanuel-Petru; Kovacs, Eniko; Scurtu, Daniela-Alexandra; Cadar, Oana; Becze, Anca; Șenilă, Marin; Roman, Marius; Dumitraș, Diana-Elena; Roman, Cecilia
Vineyards waste has a great importance as biomass, a renewable source of energy. In this paper eight vine shoot varieties were used for the production of pellets by densification of feedstock materials with four ranges of moisture contents (6–8%, 8–10%, 10–12% and 12–15%). A moisture content of 10% gave durability higher than 97.5% and a calorific value greater than 17 MJ kg−1 and the small durability was obtained for 6–8% moisture. The study shows the significant influence of water during densification. The physicochemical and energetic properties of pellets were evaluated in accordance with ISO 17225-6 (2014). The obtained pellets were also structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM analysis showed the formation of carbon microsphere after pelletization, due to the increase of bulk density and durability of pellets. Also, XRD analysis revealed the crystallinity of cellulose, while TGA analysis showed a total decomposition of pellets. The obtained pellets were burned in a domestic boiler and the flue gases were measured. The preliminary results showed that the vineyard residues had higher emissions, but below the admitted limits, with the exception of carbon monoxide content. The obtained results suggested that the biomass wastes can be used for the production of pellets, aiming to enhance the research for the manufacturing of these sustainable biofuels with some remarks regarding risk of corrosion and slag formation during prolonged use.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
State and progress of Andean lupin cultivation in Europe: a review
(2020-07-18) Bebeli, Penelope J.; Lazaridi, Efstathia; Chatzigeorgiou, Tilemachos; Suso, Maria-José; Hein, Waltraud; Alexopoulos, Alexios A.; Canha, Gonçalo; Van Haren, Rob J.F.; Jóhannsson, Magnús H.; Mateos, Carmen; Neves Martins, João; Prins, Udo; Setas, Filipa; Simioniuc, Dănuț-Petru; Talhinhas, Pedro; Van den Berg, Merlijn
Lupinus mutabilis is an important source of protein in different Andean countries, and its use in diets, particularly those of less wealthy individuals, has been observed for thousands of years. There is an increasing demand for protein crops suitable for Europe and this species is a potential candidate. Assessment of Lupinus mutabilis genetic material in European conditions started more than 40 years ago, with the characterization of a vast number of accessions from the Andean region. In this review, abiotic and biotic constraints to L. mutabilis cultivation in European soil and climatic conditions are discussed, and cultivation management practices are suggested. The beneficial interaction of L. mutabilis with Bradyrhizobium strains in the soil and various pollinator species is also discussed, and the effect of abiotic stresses on these interactions is highlighted. Prospects of alternative uses of L. mutabilis biomass in Northern Europe and opportunities for breeding strategies are discussed. In conclusion, the different approach to crop modeling for Southern and Northern European climatic conditions is highlighted.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The energy and environmental potential of waste from the processing of hulled wheat species
(MDPI, 2020-12-01) Bernas, Jaroslav; Konvalina, Petr; Burghilă, Daniela-Vasilica; Teodorescu, Răzvan-Ionuț; Bucur, Daniel
Organic farmers farming on arable land have often had, in addition to the cultivation of common species of cultivated crops (such as wheat, rye, triticale or potatoes), interest in the cultivation of marginal crops such as hulled wheat species (Einkorn, Emmer and Spelt wheat). The production of marginal cereals has seen significant developments in the European Union related to the development of the organic farming sector. Just the average annual organic production of spelt in the Czech Republic reached more than 9000 tons in 2018. The cultivation of these cereals requires post-harvest treatment in the special method of dehulling. The waste emerging after dehulling of spikelet (i.e., chaff) accounts for about 30% of the total amount of harvest and can be used as an alternative fuel material. When considering the energy utilization of this waste, it is also necessary to obtain information on the energy quality of the material, as well as environmental aspects linked to their life cycle. For evaluating the energy parameters, the higher and lower heating value, based on the elemental (CHNS) analysis, was determined. The environmental aspects were determinate according to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology where the system boundary includes all the processes from cradle to farm gate, and the mass unit was chosen. The SimaPro v9.1.0.11 software and ReCiPe Midpoint (H) within the characterization model was used for the data expression. The results predict the energy potential of chaff about 50–90 TJ per year. The results of this study show that in some selected impact categories, 1 kg of chaff, as a potential fuel, represents a higher load on the environment than 1 kg of lignite, respectively potential energy gain (1 GJ) from the materials.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of Aroma Compounds in the Process of Wine Ageing with Oak Chips
(MDPI, 2019-12-10) Dumitriu Gabur, Georgiana-Diana; Teodosiu, Carmen; Gabur, Iulian; Cotea, Valeriu V.; Peinado, Rafael Andres; López de Lerma, Nieves
Many modern alcoholic beverages are subjected to ageing processes during which compounds extracted from wood contribute decisively to the overall beverage character. Wines represent a perfect example of beverage in which ageing is a crucial technological manufacturing step. During winemaking, producers accelerate chemical changes in wine composition by traditional and alternative methods, such as the use of oak wood barrels and/or oak wood chips. Our research aimed to investigate the overall volatile composition and sensory quality of red wines aged for two timeframes, namely, 1.5 and 3 months, and with two technological variants, i.e., American and French oak wood chips. Red grapes from the Feteasca neagra (Vitis vinifera) variety were harvested from a vineyard in the North-East region of Romania. Stir bar sorptive extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SBSE–GC–MS) was used to extract minor aromas present in wine samples. The results showed clear di erences between wines treated with American and French oak chips. Furthermore, ageing for 3 months increased the concentration of cis-whiskey lactone and guaiacol in American oak-treated wine samples. For wines aged with French oak chips, we observed higher concentrations of furfural, 5-methylfurfural, 4-vinylguaiacol, and trans-whiskey lactone. The increased presence of chemical compounds in wine aged with French oak chips generated prominent smoky, licorice, and toasty aromas, whereas in wines aged with American oak chips, notes of vanilla, toasty, and cacao aromas were noticed. Moreover, red wines aged with American and French oak chips were discriminated by chemometric analysis, which confirmed the evolution of aroma compounds.

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