2021

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/3110

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Northeast Romania water resources management in the context of climate change issue - Iaşi County case study
(NARDI FUNDULEA, ROMANIA, 2020-11) Corduneanu, Flaviana; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Balan, Isabela-Elena; Balan, Ioan; Boți, Ioan; Pricop, Claudiu; Crețu, Alina; Bucur, Daniel
After 1980, drought became a cyclic phenomenon that has spread over subtropics and mid-latitudes ecosystems and society. Agriculture and domestic or industrial water supply are the fields that received the most severe damage. Climate change in terms of water supply was expressed through UNESCO 1979 Aridity Index, which identified critical areas and periods affected by drought in north-eastern Romania. The most vulnerable areas, where the annual rainfall amount is usually less than 500 mm/year, are the most prone to severe droughts. However, as a result of the extension of built surfaces, the urban areas of the region are very affected by drought. For agricultural management, as well as for general water supply, the aridity in north-eastern Romania needs to be investigated at seasonal and monthly scales, using also other indices. Northeastern Romania is a region rich in surface water resources: the annual discharge volumes of Prut River and its tributaries reached 1.917 billion m3 in the year 2017. In the, the demand for industrial water supply has diminished, while the big demands came from fish farms. Two billion m3 from Prut River in its main tributary, Jijia were transferred, for water supply of the Ciobarciu wetland in 2017.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Use of fertigation systems for environmental safety of solanaceae species under protected spaces
("Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Romania, 2021) Corduneanu, Oana-Raluca; Stoleru, Vasile; Roșca, Radu; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Băetu, Marius; Țenu, Ioan
The degradation of agricultural ecosystems began with the application of intensive agriculture, which cannot be separated from the problems related to it. In this context, it is more important than ever to dismiss any polluting technology, in order to defend the healthy agriculture concept and to model life based on the existing natural cycles. The aim of study was to achieve an equally balanced eco-system, based on self-regulation instead of major human intervention. To achieve this goal, at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Iasi it was organized an experiment in randomized blocks, with three repetitions on two species in tunnels, using different methods of irrigation and fertilization with average impact. The results obtained highlight that fertigation leads to sustainable yields because of the controllable application of water and nutrients, with direct long term positive implications in reducing soil compaction and salinization. The use of microorganisms-based fertilizers leads to significantly increased yields and, on the long term, enrich soil composition.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Environmental concern factors and consumers' purchase decision on the local agri-food market
("Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Romania, 2021) Robu, Maria; Robu, Alexandru-Dragoș; Chiran, Aurel
This study is addressing topics related to sustainable consumption and aims to identify and rank the decisional factors involved in the process of purchasing local eco-friendly agri-food products and to analyse to what extent the incidence of eco-friendly agri-food consumption is influenced by five factors: income, age, gender, education, living area. Thus, the paper presents the results of a market research regarding the consumer behaviour of agri-food and the willingness of adopting a more sustainable diet, in one of the developing regions of the European Union: the North-East Region of Romania, Ia.i County. Our substantive findings indicate that personal benefits (taste, perceived health benefits and freshness) are the main motivations driving sustainable consumption, while environmental conditions did not reach such a great significance. The results show that, in general, people are not well informed about the environmental implications of their diet. Their environmental attitudes are not aligned with their actual purchase practices: although the majority of people declare they are preoccupied with environmental protection, the driving motivations of agri-food purchase do not necessarily imply environmental concern factors, such as transportation, reusable/recyclable package or the wish to protect the environment. The study shows that women are more willing than men to change their consumption behaviour of agri-food products in order to contribute to a sustainable environment. Also, elderly people are more determined to purchase agrifood produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. Findings from this research lead to understanding the multiple factors that consumers consider in making purchase decisions of environmentally sustainable agri-food. Educational campaigns should be implemented in order to grow awareness about how our diet and food choices can address climate change.
listelement.badge.access-status Metadata only ,
Non-thermal plasma T-shaped reactor for activated water production
("Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, Romania, 2021) Burlică, Radu; Astanei, Dragoș; Crețu, Daniel-Eusebiu; Dîrlău, Iuliana-Delicia; Beniuga, Oana; Pădureanu, Silvica; Patraș, Antoanela
Non-thermal plasma is an innovative, eco-friendly technology, being considered as an emerging technology in many research fields. This work presents an analysis of the influence of different parameters on the energy efficiency of a T shaped non-thermal plasma reactor for plasma activated water generation. The tests were performed on four distinct designs (T1, T2, T3, T4) of this type of reactor for which the following input parameters were varied: frequency (60, 150 and 250 Hz), water flows (5, 10, 15 and 20 mL/min) and gas flows (1 and 2 L/min Ar). It has been shown that the configurations T3 and T4, whose discharge is generated between the gas inlet and outlet electrode, are less efficient compared to designs T1 and T2, where the discharge is generated between the water inlet electrode and the outlet electrode. It was also considered the influence of the polarity of the pulse power supply where the reverse polarity (T2 design) records significant values at the gas flow of 1 L/min. The carrier gas was argon, which has been chosen in order to avoid radical quenching reactions by other molecular species, such as nitrates and nitrites, generated in the atmospheric air plasma.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Implicit chaos in complex systems in the form of period doubling through harmonic mappings
(Bucharest: Politehnica Press, 2021) Agop, Ștefana; Păun, Vladimir-Alexandru; Ștefan, Gavril; Petrescu, Tudor-Cristian; Agop, Maricel; Păun, Viorel-Puiu
In the Multifractal Theory of Motion, in the form of Schrödinger – type “regimes”, non – linear behaviors of a complex system are analysed. Then, in the non - stationary case, symmetries of SL(2R)-type for structural units of any complex system can be highlighted. These become functional, for example in the form of period doubling "synchronization mode". This “mode” can mime a possible scenario toward chaos (period doubling scenario), without concluding in chaos (non – manifest chaos).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Adulteration of natural honey and the nutritional effect
(Mattioli 1885, 2021-10-07) Radu, Steluța; Cojocaru, Elena; Cojocaru, Cristi; Lupu, Diana-Elena
Council Directive 2001/110 / EC (1) defines honey as the sweet natural substance produced by Apis mellifera bees. Honey contains especially different types of sugars, especially fructose and glucose, as well as other substances, such as organic acids, enzymes and solid particles resulting from honey collection. (1). It is an aqueous solution rich in sugary substances up to 80% represented mainly by glucose and fructose that come from the floral nectar, extrafloral, manna and other sources, collected by bees and stored in honeycombs. The enzymes, which the bees introduce into the nectar, have the ability to split sucrose, maltose, melioidoses, raffinose, melibioses', this process lasting for many years. The transformation of the nectar by the bees into honey is then accompanied by the exchange and replacement of the content of useless acids, with the release of the surplus water. The pH value of the matured shoulder varies from 3,5-5.5, depending on its floristic origin. The bees depend exclusively on the plant world for their nutrition and, therefore, throughout the active season, they make sustained efforts to provide food, both for immediate needs and for reserves (2). Typically, the bees feed on nectar, honey, pollen, water and for the use of larvae and quail feeds, in addition, milkweed is used. Except for the water, the honey and pollen are stored as reserves. Artificially, a wide range of food can be used in bee feed: the sugar syrup and sherbet, the cough sugar, the powdered sugar mixed with yeast, the powdered milk, delipidated soybean meal, corn pollen, various cereal flours, medicines as well as herbal supplements. From nectar, manna or sweet juices, which are found in the different parts of plants and trees, in combination with some substances that are born in the salivary glands of bees, honey is obtained, which the bees deposit in the honeycomb cells. Subsequently, the honey is stored in the honeycomb cells and left in the air for a while, through evaporated water. Finally, these cells are tightly sealed with some wax caps (3). In this research we performed experiments on medium samples of acacia, linden, coriander, sage, manna, polyflower honey (average tests of honey from Nord East Region of Romania) and we detected minor inaccuracies related to the level of dextrin in sage honey, as well as a low level of sucrose in sage honey and acacia honey.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Valorization of vine tendrils resulted from pruning as densified solid biomass fuel (briquettes)
(MDPI, 2021-08-16) Țenu, Ioan; Roman, Cecilia; Șenilă, Lăcrimioara; Roșca, Radu; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Băetu, Marius; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae; Dumitrachi, Emanuel-Petru; Corduneanu, Oana-Raluca
Concerns over the past few decades have focused, more than ever, on finding and implementing efficient, handy, and renewable sources to reduce pollution. Biomass, in general, and biomass from annual vine cuttings, are renewable sources that can be used by a large amount of the population. Biomass densification in the form of briquettes is an efficient method of obtaining a biofuel with the same characteristics as wood. The production of densified material as a briquette consists of sampling, drying naturally, chopping, grinding and briquetting the vine cuttings. The obtained results showed that the size of the briquettes met the requirements imposed by the standard, with a length between 185 mm and 400 mm and a diameter of 58 0.75 mm, the humidity of the briquettes varying between 5.42%, at Sauvignon Blanc and 7.98% for Pinot Noir, while the durability of the briquettes registered minimum values of 98.17% for Muscat Ottonel and a maximum of 99.14% for Feteasca Neagra, and a unit density with values between 1227 kg/m3 for Feteasca Alba and 1389 kg/m3 for Pinot Noir. The conclusions of these experiments are promising, showing that the densification of biomass from vines cuttings qualifies within the standard requirements for obtaining a valuable biofuel.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of keratin/bacterial cellulose based scaffolds as potential burned wound dressing
(MDPI, 2021-02-24) Radu, Cezar-Doru; Vereștiuc, Liliana; Ulea, Eugen; Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Vulpe, Vasile; Munteanu, Corneliu; Bulgariu, Laura; Pașca, Aurelian-Sorin; Tamaș, Camelia; Ciuntu, Bogdan-Mihnea; Ciocan, Mădălina; Sîrbu, Ionela; Gavrilaș, Elena; Macarel, Ciprian-Vasile; Istrate, Bogdan
The study presents the preparation and characterization of new scaffolds based on bacterial cellulose and keratin hydrogel which were seeded with adipose stem cells. The bacterial cellulose was obtained by developing an Acetobacter xylinum culture and was visualized using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and elementally determined through EDAX (dispersive X-ray analysis) tests. Keratin species (β–keratose and -keratose) was extracted by hydrolytic degradation from nondyed human hair. SEM, EDAX and conductometric titration tests were performed for physical– chemical and morphological evaluation. Cytocompatibility tests performed in vitro confirmed the material non-toxic effect on cells. The scaffolds, with and without stem cells, were grafted on the burned wounds on the rabbit’s dorsal region and the grafts were monitored for 21 days after the application on the wounds. The clinical monitoring of the grafts and the histopathological examination demonstrated the regenerative potential of the bacterial cellulose–keratin scaffolds, under the test conditions.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Adsorption performance of modified fly ash for copper ion removal from aqueous solution
(MDPI, 2021-01-16) Buema, Gabriela; Harja, Maria; Lupu, Nicoleta; Chiriac, Horia; Forminte, Loredana; Ciobanu, Gabriela; Bucur, Daniel; Bucur, Roxana-Dana
The initial characteristics of Romanian fly ash from the CET II Holboca power plant show the feasibility of its application for the production of a new material with applicability in environmental decontamination. The material obtained was characterized using standard techniques: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, and thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The adsorption capacity of the obtained material was evaluated in batch systems with different values of the initial Cu(II) ion concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time in order to optimize the adsorption process. According to the experimental data presented in this study, the adsorbent synthesized has a high adsorption capacity for copper ions (qmax = 27.32–58.48 mg/g). The alkali treatment of fly ash with NaOH improved the adsorption capacity of the obtained material compared to that of the untreated fly ash. Based on the kinetics results, the adsorption of copper ions onto synthesized material indicated the chemisorption mechanism. Notably, fly ash can be considered an important beginning in obtaining new materials with applicability to wastewater treatment.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The behavior of dairy consumers in short food supply chains during covid-19 pandemic in Suceava area, Romania
(MDPI, 2021-03-11) Brumă, Ioan-Sebastian; Vasiliu, Codrin-Dinu; Rodino, Steliana; Butu, Marian; Tanasă, Lucian; Doboș, Sebastian; Butu, Alina; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
In Romania, there is an emerging market of dairy products delivered through short food supply chains. Although this distribution system has existed since the communist period, and even though more than three decades have passed since then, the market fails to be mature, subject to taxation, or achieve a high diversity in terms of dairy categories, with a consolidated marketing culture that has significant effects on the regional socio-economic environment. The aim of this study was to observe whether the Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has influenced consumer behavior regarding dairy products delivered directly from producers in Suceava County, Romania. The research is based on a survey conducted between April and May, 2020, and the analysis relies on both quantitative and qualitative methods (namely, anthropological and ethnographic). From the provided responses, it a change was observed in the future buying behavior on short food supply chains, in a positive sense. One of the key findings was that family represents the main environment for passing on the values that influence the buying behavior. Another key finding was that the behavioral changes on the short food supply chains exert pressure on their digital transformations.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Environmental remediation of metribuzin herbicide by mesoporous carbon-rich from wheat straw
(MDPI, 2021-05-27) Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Filip, Manuela; Bulgariu, Laura; Răus, Lucian; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Jităreanu, Gerard
Contemporary farming practices and rapid industrialization over the last few decades, have raised significant soil and water pollution with extreme toxic effects to humans and ecosystems. The widespread and inefficient use of pesticides, which surpass the soil’s self purification capability, has accelerated soil pollution. In this study, wheat straw biochar was obtained using the traditional pyrolysis technique and its characterization; in addition, the adsorption efficiency of metribuzin was investigated. Biochars’ physical and chemical characteristics were qualified using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A batch sorption test and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry were also used to assess the biochar efficiency. SEM and FTIR confirmed the highly reactive surfaces of biochar, establishing efficient biomass conversion in low-oxygen conditions. The adsorption process showed best fit with pseudo second-order kinetic and Langmuir models, suggesting a chemisorption procedure and monolayer-type removal. Regarding its environmental and agricultural application, wheat straw biochar can be advanced as a recommendation solution for further research, which is fundamental for soil rehabilitation and the immobilization of contaminations.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Heavy metals assessment in the major stages of winemaking: Chemometric analysis and impacts on human health and environment
(Elsevier Ltd., 2021-04-15) Dumitriu Gabur, Georgiana-Diana; Teodosiu, Carmen; Moroșanu, Irina; Plăvan, Oana; Gabur, Iulian; Cotea, Valeriu V.
Wine contamination with heavy metals may pose long-term human health risks and environmental damages. This study evaluated the frequently detected heavy metals (HMs): Cr-Chromium, Fe-Iron, Cu-Copper, Mn-Manganese, Ni-Nickel and Zn-Zinc in the winemaking stages of white (Grasă de Cotnari) and red (Fetească neagră) wine varieties. Samples from wines and wastewaters were collected at eight different winemaking stages and HMs quantification was done by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed that, in white wines Pb, Cu and Cr concentrations decreased during winemaking processes, while in red wines only Pb and Cu levels were reduced. A progressive increment was observed for Ni and Fe in white wines and for Cr, Ni and Fe in red wines, during winemaking. In the final winemaking stage of white wines, Fe and Mn concentrations were 3826 and 1493 μg/L, respectively, while in red wines, 1136 and 1256 μg/L, respectively. Analysis of wines consumption safety was performed according to the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients (THQ). EDI values of the analysed white wines ranged from 0.0032 to 6.2217, and for red wines from 0.0004 to 2.6919. THQ values below 1 suggested that moderate wine consumption does not have negative impacts on human health.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Long term impact of different tillage systems on carbon pools and stocks, soil bulk density, aggregation and nutrients: a field meta-analysis
(Elsevier Ltd., 2020-12-25) Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Coroi Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Jităreanu, Gerard
Intensive tillage frequently has adverse impact on soil physical quality and soil organic carbon stocks in temperate regions. A consequence of this has been a reduction in crop production over the years demonstrating the necessity of effective and sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and pools, soil bulk density, aggregation and nutrient availability under different tillage systems (no-tillage, chisel and conventional tillage), based on a long field experiment. After 10 years of crop rotation, in 0–30 cm soil depth, no-tillage system had higher total organic carbon over conventional tillage treatment. Plots under no-till and chisel treatments in 0–10 cm depth, had 7–13%, 34–35% and 9–15% higher non-labile fraction (Cfrac4), very-labile fraction (Cfrac1) and total organic carbon (TOC), respectively compared to that of conventional ones. Also, no-till system had higher passive carbon pool and carbon management index than conventional system. In addition, the conservative tillage, reduced soil bulk density compared with conventional tillage in the surface layer. The stability of slow-wetting and room storage aggregates from conservative tillage were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than conventional tillage. Overall, stability of soil aggregates is improved under conservative tillage. Tillage system, crop rotation and residues, increased soil available nutrients N, P and K in the 0–10 cm depth, with the highest values in no-tillage system. Therefore, conservation tillage could be recommended as a tillage practices that improve fertility soil characteristics and production sustainability.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Concentric double hollow grid cathode discharges. Spectral investigations and phenomenological approach
(IOP Publishing, 2021-08-19) Konrad Soare, C.T.; Enescu, F.; Dimitriu, Dan-Gheorghe; Dobromir, M.; Teodorescu Soare, Eugen-Gabriel; Mazzanti, F.; Irimiciuc, Ștefan-Andrei; Ioniță, C.; Schrittwieser, Roman
A discharge plasma is created by simultaneously biasing two concentric spherical grids with axisymmetric orifices. In this geometry, space charge structures in the form of multiple quasi-spherical luminous plasma bodies appear simultaneously inside and around the cathodes. The plasma formations are highly interdependent supplying each other with the particle flow and current closure necessary for the maintenance of the discharge. To diagnose these structures, space-resolved cold Langmuir probe measurements and optical emission spectroscopy investigations were performed in the axial direction allowing for the mapping of the axial profiles of plasma potential, electron temperature and density, ion density and optical emission. The existence of an accelerating double layer in the vicinity of the holes has been confirmed here, and in previous research (Teodorescu-Soare C T et al 2016 Phys. Scr. 91 034002; Schrittwieser R W et al 2017 Phys. Scr. 92 044001; Teodorescu-Soare C T et al 2019 Int. J. Mass Spectrom. 436 83). Besides the assessment of the relationship between discharge conditions and plasma parameters in the novel cathode system, the importance of a multiple concentric cathode discharge configuration is revealed for deposition applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Functional quality of improved tomato genotypes grown in open field and in plastic tunnel under organic farming
(MDPI, 2021-06-29) Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Brezeanu, Creola; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina; Robu, Teodor; Irimia, Liviu-Mihai; Trofin, Alina-Elena; Popa, Lorena-Diana; Stoleru, Vasile; Murariu, Florin; Brezeanu, Petre-Marian
In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg 100 g􀀀1 FW. In contrast, the content in -carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg 100 g􀀀1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg 100 g􀀀1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg 100 g􀀀1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Dissection of quantitative blackleg resistance reveals novel variants of resistance gene Rlm9 in Elite Brassica napus
(University of Western Australia, 2021-11-18) Vollrath, Paul; Chawla, Harmeet S.; Alnajar, Dima; Gabur, Iulian; Lee, HueyTyng; Weber, Sven; Ehrig, Lennard; Koopmann, Birger; Snowdon, Rod J.; Obermeier, Christian
Blackleg is one of the major fungal diseases in oilseed rape/canola worldwide. Most commercial cultivars carry R gene-mediated qualitative resistances that confer a high level of race-specific protection against Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal fungus of blackleg disease. However, monogenic resistances of this kind can potentially be rapidly overcome by mutations in the pathogen’s avirulence genes. To counteract pathogen adaptation in this evolutionary arms race, there is a tremendous demand for quantitative background resistance to enhance durability and efficacy of blackleg resistance in oilseed rape. In this study, we characterized genomic regions contributing to quantitative L. maculans resistance by genome-wide association studies in a multiparental mapping population derived from six parental elite varieties exhibiting quantitative resistance, which were all crossed to one common susceptible parental elite variety. Resistance was screened using a fungal isolate with no corresponding avirulence (AvrLm) to major R genes present in the parents of the mapping population. Genome-wide association studies revealed eight significantly associated quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosomes A07 and A09, with small effects explaining 3–6% of the phenotypic variance. Unexpectedly, the qualitative blackleg resistance gene Rlm9 was found to be located within a resistance-associated haploblock on chromosome A07. Furthermore, long-range sequence data spanning this haploblock revealed high levels of singlenucleotide and structural variants within the Rlm9 coding sequence among the parents of the mapping population. The results suggest that novel variants of Rlm9 could play a previously unknown role in expression of quantitative disease resistance in oilseed rape.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Alternative winemaking techniques to improve the content of phenolic and aromatic compounds in wines
(MDPI, 2021-03-11) Dumitriu Gabur, Georgiana-Diana; Teodosiu, Carmen; Gabur, Iulian; Cotea, Valeriu V.; Peinado, Rafael Andres; López de Lerma, Nieves
In this study, a complete physical–chemical analysis was performed for Feteasca neagra wine, aged with oak staves. Red wine samples were taken from grape varieties grown in Northeast Romania and produced during 2013 vintage. At the end of the fermentation process, four oak mini staves (1 cm width 10 cm length 1 cm thickness) from heavy toasted French oak were added to 5 L of red wine. Samples were aged using two time periods, respectively at 1.5 and 3 months, in a room at 14–16 C. Results showed that the initial content of total phenolic decreased during ageing, from 931.1 mg catechin/L at 1.5 months to 775.4 mg catechin/L at 3 months. In contrast, the initial content of total antioxidant activity increased after the same period of ageing to 13.3 mM Trolox as compared to the aged wines for 1.5 months, at 12.8 mM Trolox. The corregram representing the relationship between the total phenols, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and their fractions and CieLab parameters was performed. Thirty-seven minor volatile compounds were quantified by stir bars sorptive extraction and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SBSE-GCMS). An increase in odor activity value (OAV) with ageing time was observed, especially for fruity, fatty and woody series. The oak staves used in ageing processes can contribute positively to the aromatic profile of wines and could be considered a good choice for producing short-aged wines.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Assessment of Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) genotypes for improved frost tolerance
(MDPI, 2021-02-13) Simioniuc, Dănuț-Petru; Simioniuc, Violeta; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Van den Berg, Merlijn; Prins, Udo; Bebeli, Penelope J.; Gabur, Iulian
Spring frost poses a challenge for all major crops and, in the case of Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) can cause severe damage or even total loss of the crop. Within the LIBBIO project consortium, we conducted a series of experiments in order to develop a suitable protocol for screening lupin germplasm under frost-simulation conditions. Four lupin accessions, one Lupinus albus and three Andean lupins were used in the experiments (L. albus Mihai, L. mutabilis LIB 220, LIB 221, LIB 222). Seedlings at four developmental stages were challenged with five different levels of ‘frost’ stress from low (􀀀2 C) to high (􀀀10 C). Notably, young seedling (cotyledons just breaking through the soil surface) showed little evidence of frost damage for temperatures down to 􀀀6 C. At 􀀀8 C, however, damage was evident, suggesting a cold tolerance threshold occurs at this temperature. Interestingly, for later developmental stages, when the first and second leaves were visible, notable differences were observed starting at 􀀀6 C. The results indicate that the plant growth stage is an important parameter when screening for frost tolerance in germplasm. Overall, by identifying Andean lupin genotypes adapted to high abiotic stress factors, farmers will be able to use it as a reference crop with potentially a commercial interest from the food sector, or cosmetics, and biofuel industries.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Environmental performance in EU countries from the perspective of its relation to human and economic wellbeing
(MDPI, 2021-12-02) Ulman, Simona-Roxana; Mihai, Costică; Căutișanu, Cristina; Brumă, Ioan-Sebastian; Coca, Oana; Ștefan, Gavril
The actual development challenges impose new criteria of national performance evaluation, the concept of wellbeing tending to be measured not just in terms of economic and social dimensions, but also vs. the environment. Accordingly, considering the national environmental performance among the EU countries in 2006–2019 period, we grouped them and concentrated on the clusters registering the highest and lowest levels, analyzing how the components of the human and economic dimensions influence it. Applying panel data models, our main results emphasized that, firstly, for the countries with a better environmental performance, sufficient drinking water, safe sanitation, education, gender equality, and good governance were significant; in the countries with the lowest levels of environmental wellbeing, sufficient food, sufficient to drink, education, and income distribu tion were insignificant, while the remaining components were relevant. Secondly, in both groups of countries, organic farming and public debt were significant; nevertheless, differences were observed for genuine savings and employment, for which the peculiarities of economic activities seemed to be materialized as different influences upon environmental wellbeing. Our study draws alarm signals regarding the development patterns applied in the EU, seeming to have results that strengthen the sustainable goals, but not sufficient for exceeding the traditional growth-oriented model.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Examining the influence of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants processed by Euphore installations on the quantity and quality of rapeseed and soybean production
(MDPI, 2021-03-24) Chiorescu, Esmeralda; Filipov, Feodor
Sludge management is a complex issue due to the environmental standards. It is required that the wastewater treatment activity be in close connection with the controlled recovery and stor age of sludge. Thus, by using sludge in agriculture, nutrients essential for plant development can be recycled and some soil properties can be improved. The purpose of this paper was to present some results on the influence of municipal sludge treated and processed in a Euphore plant on the quan tity and quality of rapeseed and soybean production. This technology allows for the recovery of the constituents of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, and copper. Our experimental data revealed that the obtained yield of Pioneer PT225 rapeseed hybrid was 5200 kg/ha in the variant treated with the Euphore process compared to that of the control variant at only 2356 kg/ha. For the Condor variety soybean crop, the highest average number of pods obtained per plant was 195.3 compared 88 pods per plant in the control variant. Thus, the sludge obtained from urban wastewater treatment plants processed using the Euphore method is a good source of macro and micronutrients in agriculture, without having a negative impact on the environment.

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