2024

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/4533

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 52

listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
An insightful exploration on the achievement of the sustainable rural development goals: A study case Valea Lupului commune, Iași County, Romania
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest , Romania, 2024) BOLOHAN (COCIORVĂ), Roxana-Mihaela; BACTER, Ramona-Vasilica; BOLOHAN, Ioana; ȘTEFAN, Gavril
The paper aims to comprehensively examine the critical role of rural development in the broader framework of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Employing a robust mixed-methods research design, we explore global and regional rural development policies through a cross-cutting analysis. The primary objective is to uncover the profound and positive impact of specific interventions on critical SDG indicators, with a particular focus, on poverty reduction, improved access to education and healthcare, and significant progress in agricultural productivity. Our research uses a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analysis, qualitative insights from community engagement sessions, and spatial analysis using GIS-based mapping. Preliminary results show a promising correlation between sustainable agricultural practices and meeting the SDGs, with a 30% reduction in food insecurity rates, while the qualitative insights indicate a notable increase in community cohesion and empowerment, highlighting the impact of rural development on well-being. Summarising these multi-faceted findings, our study highlights the symbiotic relationship between rural development initiatives and the SDGs. The imperative for context-specific and adapted strategies is evident from the spatial analyses, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, integrated and locally informed approach to achieve sustainable and equitable overall development. The paper advocates the recognition of rural development as a key driver for positive change in pursuit of the SDGs, providing valuable insights for policy makers, practitioners and researchers
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Impact of Global Food Security Index Adjustments in the Context of Major International Challenges
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest , Romania, 2024) Boghiţă, Eduard; Viziteu, Ştefan; Donosă, Dan
Food security relies on interconnected social, economic, and biophysical systems to meet human nutritional requirements. Addressing risks is crucial for building resilience in food systems and ensuring long-term food security. Some major challenges include climate change, financial risks, and political instability. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from shocks, is increasingly important. To enhance long-term food security, we must build better food systems that can absorb and adapt to climate change and other risks. The proposed study aims to evaluate adjustments to the Global Food Security Index, providing recommendations for improving global food security policies. Identifying gaps in the Index and accurately reflecting the complexity of the global food system are essential outcomes. Access to affordable food is foundational for social well-being and stability. Higher-income households can better cope with temporary price increases, while low-income households require safety nets. The FAO Food Price Index reached an all-time high in March 2022, impacting developing countries facing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and resource inadequacy. Rising food prices before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine exacerbated the situation. Financial risks, currency depreciation, conflict, and political instability threaten food access. The Global Food Security Index revealed trends, including a decline in food affordability between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, agriculture’s expansion, particularly in developing countries, faces challenges due to degraded land. Soil health plays a critical role in food system resilience by retaining moisture and minimizing erosion and nutrient loss. Sustainable agricultural practices and natural resource protection are vital for long-term food security
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Capitalization with Agricultural Machines vs. Services for Agriculture
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest , Romania, 2024) Bodescu, Dan; Coca, Oana; Păduraru, Ștefania-Beatrice; Mihalache, Roxana; Ștefan, Gavril
The purpose of the research is to determine the specific capital costs of carrying out agricultural work with the farmers'own agricultural machines compared to the costs of agricultural services. A stratified sample based on economic size was used, consisting of 60 farms specialised in large crops from the NE and SE development regions of Romania. The novelty elements of this research consist in the fact that the analysis of the efficiency of the use of agricultural machinery uses a shadow cost—the opportunity cost—to determine the specific income of the use of agricultural machinery. The results show that small farms spend more than twice as much to carry out agricultural work with their own agricultural machinery. The average expenses per ha specific to the agricultural works carried out by farmers with their own agricultural machines recorded an average of 376.3 euro/ha for farms with a size smaller than 100 thousand SO and 186.5 euro/ha for farms with a size greater than 700 thousand SO. For a representativeness level of 69.3%, farms with a size smaller than approx. 578 thousand SO register losses if they carry out agricultural work with their own agricultural machines. This threshold can be appreciated on an area of approx. 854 ha cultivated with grain corn, common wheat, and rapeseed in equal proportions. Using the rationales and cost analysis models presented can help farmers make rational investments and strengthen informed demand in the agricultural services market.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Plot Quality Rating as a Result of Innovation Management in the Artificial Intelligence Society
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest , Romania, 2024) Baciu, Mădălina-Andreea; Viziteu, Ștefan; Brezuleanu, Stejărel
The plot quality rating of seed research industry is of great importance for most trials and experiments, trying to bring data to validate or invalidate a trait, or to see how a trait is getting variability. Still today, the plot quality is a manual assessment, requires a lot of time, and the decision based need to be taken in a short time for creating space for actions. There is a switch of plot quality rating assessment, from conventional to modern, based on imaging. Many multinational companies who business in agriculture, mostly in breeding and research and development, are now, more and more attracted by the drone use as a proof of AI (artificial intelligence). The importance of a plot quality rating is high, from the pure reason it participates in the data validation, standardization, and governance as a science decision. In this area of research, imaging can be very useful and having strong benefits for the final customers. This need provided by AI comes with the imaging concept, based on drone flights and interpretation. The drone is most of the time a commercial one, but the sensor itself is multispectral, able to deliver different layers with interest for the farm. The farm decision or the research team, evaluate the plots by using a application developed by Sentera (USA), named Field Agent. This app represents today the most advanced plot evaluation, and the use of it is quite simple, most of the time deductible for the professional agronomist. As a POC (Proof of Concept), we have used the AI to bring more reliability into the data at farm level, specifically for corn seed production, where we were able to have a stand count (for female and male), tassel identification (target is to develop it for female rows, detasseled), and yield prediction together with disease and pathogens control under the Power Distribution Board (PBD).
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Improving economic efficiency on degraded permanent meadows by various management system
(University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest , Romania, 2024) Acatrinei (Dumitriu), Simona; Stavarache, Mihai; Gavrilă, Cristian-Sorin; Vacarciuc, Elena-Manuela; Dudău, Ana-Maria; Bouruc, Daniela; Stavarache, Elena; Paraschivu, Mirela; Sălceanu, Călin; Brezuleanu, Stejărel
The purpose of this research is to study the possibility of enhancing the multifunctionality of permanent degraded grasslands by overseeding, with special look on economic efficiency. The experience that is the subject of the research was organized in the Research and Development Station for Meadows, Vaslui area, on a Dichanthium ischaemum (L.) Roberty meadow. In the study area there are large areas of permanent meadows, at different stages of degradation, due to the positioning on surfaces with different degrees of inclination, eroded or subject to erosion process, due to abandonment or non-rational use, with an inappropriate load of animals and failure to apply maintenance or improvement measures. Due to these aspects, the production is small and the floral composition is dominated by species with medium and low fodder value. In order to increase the production of permanent grassland in the area, it was considered necessary to apply organic fertilizers, and their effect was compared to that of abandonment, mulching or simple use, and with overseeding measures. Biological material used (a mixture of: 70% Bromus inermis Leyss. + 30% Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. - 30 kg·ha-1 + 25 kg·ha-1). Total expenses, net income and profitability rate (rate of return) were calculated. The lowest costs were recorded when the biomass was only harvested, no other action being performed. When overseeding and fertilization were overlapping the costs were the highest, the economic efficiency being carried close to zero, but more likely, the effect of fertilization has been greatly diminished due to poor climatic conditions.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Alien plant species distribution in Romania: a nationwide survey following the implementation of the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species
(Pensoft Publishers, 2024-05-24) Anastasiu, Paulina; Miu, Iulia V; Gavrilidis, Athanasios A; Preda, Cristina; Rozylowicz, Laurențiu; Sîrbu, Culiță; Oprea, Adrian; Urziceanu, Mihaela; Camen-Comanescu, Petronela; Nagoda, Eugenia; Memedemin, Daniyar; Barbos, Marius; Boruz, Violeta; Cîșlariu, Alina; Don, Ioan; Fagaraș, Marius; Frink, Jozsef Pal; Georgescu, Ioana Mihaela; Hâruța, Ovidiu Ioan; Hurdu, Bogdan-Iuliu; Matis, Attila; Milanovici, Sretco; Muncaciu, Sorana; Neacșu, Alina Georgeta; Neblea, Monica; Nicolin, Alma Lioara; Niculescu, Mariana; Oroian, Silvia; Pop, Oliviu Grigore; Răduțoiu, Daniel I; Sămărghițan, Mihaela; Simion, Ioana; Soare, Liliana Cristina; Steiu, Corina; Stoianov, Emilia; Strat, Daniela; Szabo, Anna; Szatmari, Paul Marian; Tănase, Corneliu; Mirea, Marian D; Manta, Nicolae; Sîrbu, Ioana M
Background Biological invasions pose an increasing risk to nature, social security and the economy, being ranked amongst the top five threats to biodiversity. Managing alien and invasive species is a priority for the European Union, as outlined in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Alien plant species are acknowledged to impact the economy and biodiversity; thus, analysing the distribution of such species provides valuable inputs for the management and decision-making processes. The database presented in the current study is the first consolidated checklist of alien plant species that are present in Romania, both of European Union concern and of national interest. This database complements a prior published distribution, based only on records from literature, bringing new information regarding the occurrence of alien plants in Romania, as revealed by a nationwide field survey. We consider this database a valuable instrument for managing biological invasions at both national and regional levels, as it can be utilised in further research studies and in drafting management and action plans, assisting stakeholders in making informed decisions and implementing management actions. New information We present the results of the first nationwide survey of alien plant species in Romania, conducted between 2019 and 2022, in the framework of a national project coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests and the University of Bucharest. The present database complements and updates the database published by Sirbu et. al (2022), which included occurrence records published until 2019. The new database includes 98323 occurrence records for 396 alien plant species in 77 families, with most species belonging to the Asteraceae family. One alien plant species in our database, the black locust Robinia pseudoacacia L., had more than 10,000 occurrence records. The distribution database also includes information on newly-reported invasive alien plant species of European Union concern in Romania (i.e. the floating primrose-willow Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H.Raven) and documents the presence of plants in 44 additional families compared to Sirbu et al. (2022). Each entry includes information on species taxonomy, location, year, person who recorded and identified the alien plant, geographical coordinates and taxon rank.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Exploitation of red beet peel powder as a natural food ingredient in whey-fruit based beverage
(Taylor & Francis, 2024-11-13) Stoica, Florina; Rațu, Roxana-Nicoleta; Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Motrescu, Iuliana; Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Râpeanu, Gabriela; Aprodu, Iuliana; Țopa, Denis-Constantin; Jităreanu, Gerard
Scientists and food producers are studying the potential of utilizing different by-products as highly nutritious food components to meet consumers’ growing demand for healthier and natural goods. Beetroot belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is highly rich in antioxidants, specifically phenolics and betalains with excellent health properties. The peel of red beetroot, which is generally discarded, has a high concentration of bioactive phytochemicals (betalains, dietary fibers). These compounds are well-known for their strong antioxidant effects, improving cardiovascular health, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing immunological function. Incorporating red beetroot peel (RBP) powder into whey-fruit-based beverages is a promising method to improve nutritional content and sensory attractiveness. This study investigated the influence of adding RBP to whey-fruit-based beverages, specifically examining its effects on physicochemical and phytochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity, color, microbiological, and rheological attributes, and consumer preference. The RBP extract exhibited high amounts of total polyphenols (1239.35 ± 0.51 mg GAE/100 g dw) and antioxidant activity (90.02 ± 0.22%). The findings indicated that RBP had a notable impact on the antioxidant capacity (16.38 ± 0.37 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP1, 26.69 ± 0.10 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP3, 36.75 ± 0.31 μmol TE/g dw for BRBP6) of the beverages and enhanced their color without negatively impacting their sensory characteristics. The dynamic oscillatory rheological measurements revealed that beverage supplementation with increasing amounts of RBP obtained stronger networks with solid-like viscoelastic behavior. Using RBP powder as a natural food ingredient in whey-fruit-based beverages enhances their nutritional value and promotes sustainable food processing by making use of by-products from the food industry into innovative food options.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Influence of Soil Texture on Carbon Stocks in Deciduous and Coniferous Forest Biomass in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Oka–Don Plain
(MDPI, 2024-11-17) Sheshnitsan, Sergey; Odnoralov, Gennadiy; Tikhonova, Elena; Gorbunova, Nadezhda; Sheshnitsan, Tatiana; Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Caruso, Gianluca
Forests play a crucial role in climate change mitigation by acting as a carbon sink. Understanding the influence of soil properties on carbon stocks in forests is essential for developing effective forest management strategies. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of soil texture on carbon stocks in the biomass of deciduous and coniferous tree stands of a forest-steppe ecotone. Soil samples were collected from 55 soil pits, and forest inventory data were obtained from eight permanent sample plots. The results showed that the distribution of mechanical particles in soils, particularly the stocks of silt and clay, significantly influenced the accumulation of carbon in tree stands. The stock of silt and clay was shown to increase with an increase in the diversity of tree species in forests and carbon stocks in forest stands. While soil organic carbon stocks did not exhibit a clear relationship with tree stand carbon stocks, a strong positive correlation (r = 0.802, p < 0.05) was found between the stocks of fine particles in the 2 m root-inhabited soil layer and the carbon stocks in tree biomass. The study provides a classification of forest types based on soil texture, which can facilitate differentiated forest management strategies for enhancing the carbon sequestration potential of forest ecosystems in the forest-steppe zone.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Stainless Steel Deposits on an Aluminum Support Used in the Construction of Packaging and Food Transport Containers
(MDPI, 2024-11-11) Radu, Steluța; Toma, Ștefan-Lucian
A series of chemical elements from the chemical composition of the packs of liquid food products migrate inside them or they combine with other chemical elements existing in the food, resulting in chemical compounds that worsen the quality of the food. In the present paper, layers of food stainless steel were deposited using thermal arc spraying on an aluminum alloy substrate to stop the migration of aluminum ions inside liquid food products. The physical-chemical and mechanical properties of the protection system: stainless steel layer used in the food industry (suggestively called: food-grade stainless steel)—aluminum substrate were investigated, and then the organoleptic properties of the food liquids that came into contact with the deposit were evaluated. It was found that food-gradestainless steel deposits have low porosity (3.8%) and relatively high adhesion and hardness, which allows complete isolation of the substrate material. The investigations carried out on the properties of food liquids that come into contact with the stainless steel deposit revealed the fact that it perfectly seals the aluminum start. The food-grade stainless steel coating (80T) was much better and safer for preserving dairy products maintaining a constant acidity up to 17 degrees Thorner, wines (with an average acidity of 3.5–4 degrees), juices (with natural pigments), and oils (with a good absorbance level correlated with clarity). This aspect suggests that the created system can be successfully used to manufacture containers for the transport of liquid products.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of the Wear Properties and Corrosion Resistance of 52100 Steel Coated with Ni/CrC by Cold Spraying
(MDPI, 2024-01-21) Lupu, Fabian-Cezar; Munteanu, Corneliu; Müftü, Sinan; Benchea, Marcelin; Cimpoeșu, Ramona; Ferguson, Gehn; Boese, Sam; Schwartz, Patricia; Istrate, Bogdan; Arsenoaia, Vlad-Nicolae
Coatings deposited by the cold particle gas spray method have shown significant potential for enhancing the properties of metals. We investigated the wear characteristics and corrosion behavior of 52100 steel coated with a mixture of Ni/chromium carbide (Ni/CrC) particles. These coatings exhibited high density and were devoid of cracks, closely adhering to the substrate’s surface. Microscratch resistance testing revealed strong resilience, with the apparent friction coefficient exhibiting multiple peaks as the displacement varied. The determination of the friction coefficient, utilizing linear and rotational sliding tests, displayed a brief transition period. This occurred as the apparent contact area expanded until it reached an equilibrium state, with the large asperities being smoothed out and the remaining particles on the sliding track acting as an abrasive material, resulting in higher friction coefficient values. Electro-corrosion tests confirmed the near-intact condition of the deposited layer. Few compounds were detected in the electrolyte solution, resulting in significantly lower oxidation in the layer compared to the base material.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Current Trends of Polymer Materials’ Application in Agriculture
(MDPI, 2024-09-27) Lewicka, Kamila; Szymanek, Izabela; Rogacz, Diana; Wrzalik, Magdalena; Łagiewka, Jakub; Nowik-Zajac, Anna; Zawierucha, Iwona; Coseri, Sergiu; Puiu, Ioan; Falfushynska, Halina; Rychter, Piotr
In light of the growing plastic waste problem worldwide, including in agriculture, this study focuses on the usefulness of both conventional, non-degradable plastics and environmentally friendly bioplastics in the agricultural sector. Although conventional plastic products are still essential in modern, even ecological agriculture, the increasing contamination by these materials, especially in a fragmented form, highlights the urgent need to search for alternative, easily biodegradable materials that could replace the non-degradable ones. According to the literature, polymers are widely used in agriculture for the preparation of agrochemicals (mostly fertilizers) with prolonged release. They also play a role as functional polymers against pests, serve as very useful super absorbents of water to improve crop health under drought conditions, and are commonly used as mulching films, membranes, mats, non-woven fabrics, protective nets, seed coatings, agrochemical packaging, or greenhouse coverings. This widespread application leads to the uncontrolled contamination of soil with disintegrated polymeric materials. Therefore, this study highlights the possible applications of bio-based materials as alternatives to conventional polyolefins or other environmentally persistent polymers. Bio-based polymers align with the strategy of innovative agricultural advancements, leading to more productive farming by reducing plastic contamination and adverse ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. On the other hand, advanced polymer membranes act as catching agents for agrochemicals, protecting against environmental intoxication. The global versatility of polymer applications in agriculture will not permit the elimination of already existing technologies involving polymers in the near future. However, in line with ecological trends in modern agriculture, more “green” polymers should be employed in this sector. Moreover, we highlight that more comprehensive legislative work on these aspects should be undertaken at the European Union level to guarantee environmental and climate protection. From the EU legislation point of view, the implementation of a unified, legally binding system on applications of bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable plastics should be a priority to be addressed. In this respect, the EU already demonstrates an initial action plan. Unfortunately, these are still projected directions for future EU policy, which require in-depth analysis.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Circular Approach of Using Soybean Biomass for the Removal of Toxic Metal Ions from Wastewater
(MDPI, 2024-12-19) Ferțu, Daniela-Ionela; Ciobanu, Alina-Alexandra; Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Motrescu, Iuliana; Ahmad, Iftikhar; Nacu, Gabriela; Bulgariu, Laura
The discharge of industrial effluents containing toxic heavy metals in water sources has serious consequences for human health and the environment, and biosorption appears to be an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative that can be used for wastewater treatment. The use of different types of agricultural waste as biosorbents for the removal of toxic heavy metals, although an alternative, is quite difficult to apply in practice because these wastes have many other uses. Based on these considerations, in this study, soybean biomass (SB), soybean waste biomass obtained from oil extraction (SBW), and biochar obtained from soybean waste pyrolysis (BC-SBW) were tested as biosorbents for removing Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions, in batch systems. Under optimal conditions (pH = 5.4, 4.0 g biosorbent/L, room temperature (25 ± 1 °C), contact time = 180 min), the biosorption capacity increases in the order SB < SBW < BC-SBW for both metal ions (Pb(II) ions (69.43 mg/g < 99.81 mg/g < 116.83 mg/g) and Cd(II) ions (25.63 mg/g < 36.12 mg/g < 49.10 mg/g)), indicating that BC-SBW has the highest efficiency in removing toxic heavy metals. In addition, experiments on wastewater samples have shown that, in addition to significantly reducing the content of heavy metals, BC-SBW also significantly improved other quality indicators (such as pH, TSM (total suspended matter), COD (chemical oxygen demand), BOD5 (biochemical oxygen demand)), compared to the other biosorbents (SB and SBW). Quantitative evaluation of the biosorption performance of each biosorbent (SB, SBW, and BC-SBW) shows that BC-SBW has a real chance of being used on an industrial scale for wastewater treatment. All these aspects allowed the development of a circular approach for the use of soybean biomass in the removal processes of toxic heavy metals. This approach minimizes the shortcomings of using biomass as a biosorbent and increases the chance of using these materials in industrial practice.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The Influence of Competition Between Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., Grown in Simple Mixtures, on the Quality of the Fodder
(MDPI, 2024-12-09) Vîntu, Vasile; Zaiț Grapan, Teodora; Samuil, Costel; Nazare, Adrian-Ilie
The aim of this research carried out in the period 2021–2023 was to analyse the influence of competitiveness between Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., cultivated in simple mixtures, on the quality of the fodder obtained, under the conditions of the northern Romanian forest steppe. In the experiment organized at the Ezăreni Student Research and Practice Station of Iasi University for Life Sciences, at an altitude of 117 m, with coordinates 47°07′27″ N latitude and 27°30′25″ E longitude, on a cambic chernozem soil, with 2.40% humus, 0.178% Nt, 26 ppm PAL and 242 ppm K in the 0–30 cm layer, two factors were studied, namely the cultivation system used, with five graduations: a1—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (100%—control); a2—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (75%) and Trifolium pratense L. (25%); a3—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (50%) and Trifolium pratense L. (50%); a4—Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%); and a5—Trifolium pratense L. (100%), and mineral fertilization, with five graduations, respectively: b1—unfertilized (control), b2—N50P50; b3—N75P75; b4—N100P100; and b5—N150P150. The obtained results showed that the process of interspecific competitiveness was greatly influenced by the percentage of participation in the sowing norm of the species in the mixture and the biological peculiarities of the species under study, as well as the climatic conditions specific to each agricultural year, with consequences for the quality of the feed. The crude protein quantity (QCP) obtained in the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%), fertilized with N150P150, was higher by 788.7 kg·ha−1 than that in the control variant, represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), unfertilized. The lowest values of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were recorded in the variants where the Trifolium pratense L. species was present and low doses of mineral fertilizers were used, determining a better quality of the forage. In the third year of vegetation, relative forage quality (RFQ) had values of 113.7 in the variant represented by the mixture of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) + Trifolium pratense L. (75%), unfertilized, and only 91.2 in the variant represented by the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species (100%), fertilized with N150P150.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Advances in Cellulose-Based Hydrogels: Current Trends and Challenges
(MDPI, 2024-12-20) Tofănică, Bogdan-Marian; Mikhailidi, Aleksandra; Samuil, Costel; Ungureanu, Ovidiu C.; Fortună, Maria E.; Ungureanu, Elena
This paper provides a solid foundation for understanding the synthesis, properties, and applications of cellulose-based gels. It effectively showcases the potential of these gels in diverse applications, particularly in biomedicine, and highlights key synthesis methods and properties. However, to push the field forward, future research should address the gaps in understanding the environmental impact, mechanical stability, and scalability of cellulose-based gels, while also considering how to overcome barriers to their industrial use. This will ultimately allow for the realization of cellulose-based gels in large-scale, sustainable applications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effect of Transplanting Time and Nitrogen–Potassium Ratio on Yield, Growth, and Quality of Cauliflower Landrace Gigante di Napoli in Southern Italy
(MDPI, 2024-05-17) Tallarita, Alessio Vincenzo; Cozzolino, Eugenio; Salluzzo, Antonio; Sekara, Agnieszka; Pokluda, Robert; Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Vecchietti, Lorenzo; del Piano, Luisa; Lombardi, Pasquale; Cuciniello, Antonio; Caruso, Gianluca
Research has been increasingly focusing on the preservation of the biodiversity of vegetable crops under sustainable farming management. An experiment was carried out in southern Italy on Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis, landrace Gigante di Napoli, to assess the effects of two transplanting times (9 September and 7 October), in factorial combination with five nitrogen–potassium ratios (0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2; and 1.4) on plant growth, yield, and quality of cauliflower heads. A split-plot design was used for the treatment distribution in the field, with three replications. The earlier transplant and the 1.2 N:K ratio led to the highest yield, mean weight, and firmness of cauliflower heads which were not significantly affected by both transplanting time and N:K ratio in terms of colour components. The 1.2 N:K ratio led to the highest head diameter with the earlier transplant, whereas the 1.0 ratio was the most effective on this parameter in the later crop cycle. The highest nitrate, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations in the heads were recorded with the earlier transplanting time. Antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and polyphenol content increased with the rise of the N:K ratio. The element use efficiency was constantly negative with the N:K increase for nitrogen and was augmented until the 1.2 ratio for potassium. The results of our investigation showed that the optimal combination between transplanting time and N:K ratio is a key aspect to improve head yield and quality of the cauliflower landrace Gigante di Napoli, under the perspective of biodiversity safeguarding and valorisation.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Selenium Improves the Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Grown in Hydroponics
(MDPI, 2024-12-11) Skrypnik, Lyubov; Feduraev, Pavel; Golubkina, Nadezhda; Maslennikov, Pavel; Antipina, Maria; Katserov, Dmitriy; Nebreeva, Sofia; Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Tallarita, Alessio Vincenzo; Caruso, Gianluca
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is one of the most commercially popular aromatic spices which has long been used in folk medicine as a medicinal plant due to the presence of a wide group of bioactive secondary metabolites. The experimental data available to date indicate that plants of individual species within the Lamiaceae family implement different strategies for the absorption and distribution of selenium (Se) and differ in their metabolic response to Se treatment. In this regard, the present study investigated the effect of Se application (in the form of sodium selenate) at various concentrations (2.0, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 μM) on the growth and accumulation of Se in oregano plant shoots and roots, as well as on nutritional components and secondary metabolites in shoots. The addition of Se to the nutrient solution at concentrations of 2–20 μM did not adversely affect the growth and accumulation of biomass in the oregano plants, which were characterized by a significant ability to transfer Se from roots to shoots (the translocation factor was >2). The Se treatment enhanced the nutritional proprieties of the oregano and, particularly, it stimulated the accumulation of carbohydrates and proteins (by 30 and 17%) and minerals (calcium and manganese). The total contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, luteolin-7-glucoside and its derivatives, catechin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, rosmarinic acid and oleanolic and ursolic acids, as well as the percentage of essential oil, showed a dose-dependent increase in the oregano under the Se treatment. Changes in the relative content of the four main components of oregano essential oil (sabinene, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, and (Z)-β-ocimene) under the Se treatment were not significant. The relative proportions of β-caryophyllene oxide and terpinen-4-ol increased with Se concentration augmentation in the nutrient solution. The obtained results indicate the prospect of using Se at 5–20 μM concentrations in nutrient solution in hydroponically grown oregano to produce Se-biofortified plants with higher levels of health beneficial compounds and antioxidant activity without yield reduction.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
GIS-Based Agricultural Land Use Favorability Assessment in the Context of Climate Change: A Case Study of the Apuseni Mountains
(MDPI, 2024-09-17) Săvan, Gabriela; Păcurar, Ioan; Roșca, Sanda; Megyesi, Hilda; Fodorean, Ioan; Bilașco, Ștefan; Negrușier, Cornel; Bara, Lucian-Vasile; Filipov, Feodor
With an emphasis on the effects of climate change, this study offers a thorough GIS-based assessment of land use favorability in the Apuseni Mountains. The Apuseni Mountains, a region characterized by its biodiversity and complex terrain, are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which threaten both natural ecosystems and human activities. The territory of 11 territorial administrative units was selected for the investigation because it shows more of an anthropogenic influence due to the migration of people to mountainous areas following the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the amount of anthropogenic pressure in this area. Factors that describe the climate of the study area, the soil characteristics, and the morphometric characteristics of the relief were used to create a classification for the present on classes of favorability and restrictiveness for the plots of land, using a quantitative GIS model to determine the favorability of the land for the main crops and agricultural uses. The current land favorability was thus initially obtained, taking into account current temperature and precipitation values and using the SSP1-1.9, SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5 scenarios for the 2020–2099 time frame. The results indicate a variation in the statistical classification of the land for different favorability classes, a decrease of 4.7% for the high favorability class for pastures, an estimated decrease of 4.4% for grassland, and in the case of orchards, the situation reflects a fluctuating variation. There is a decrease of 6.4% in the case of the very low favorability class according to SSP2-4.5 (in the case of reaching an average temperature of 12.7 °C and an annual precipitation of 895 mm), and in case of high and very high favorability, there is an increase in plots falling into better high favorability classes of up to 0.7%.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Spectral Study of Some Metabolites Involved in the Adaptation Reaction of Bitter Cucumber (Momordica charantia) to Saline Stress
(MDPI, 2024-03-22) Ostaci, Ștefănica; Slabu, Cristina; Marta, Alina-Elena; Covașă, Mihaela; Miniață, Iulia; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina
Momordica charantia (bitter cucumber) is a tropical and subtropical plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Salinity is a major problem that limits plant growth and biomass production. The aim of this work was to determine the salinity tolerance of bitter cucumber, through the spectral analyses of some metabolites involved in their response to abiotic stress factors. To carry out the experiment, two varieties of bitter cucumber and three experimental lines were subjected to saline stress by applying treatments with saline solutions in different concentrations (control—0 mM NaCl; V1—100 mM NaCl; and V2—200 mM NaCl). After applying the treatments, analyses were carried out on the amount of free proline (Pro), ascorbic acid, and aromatic amino acids. For proline and ascorbic acid, the tendency was for their concentration to decrease in the variants treated with saline solutions" with "the tendency was for their absorbance to decrease in the variants treated with saline solutions. The differences between the controls and the treated variants, as well as between the studied genotypes, highlight their capacity for resistance and adaptation to saline stress.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Evaluation of the Resistance of Bitter Cucumber (Momordica charantia) to Saline Stress through Physical, Biochemical, and Physiological Analysis
(MDPI, 2024-08-23) Ostaci, Ștefănica; Slabu, Cristina; Marta, Alina-Elena; Jităreanu, Carmenica-Doina
Momordica charantia is a climbing plant often used in traditional medicine to treat a large number of diseases, including diabetes. Salinity is one of the main stressors faced by plants, affecting almost half of irrigated agricultural land and constantly increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the resistance of some bitter cucumber genotypes to salt stress by means of dry matter analysis, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, malondialdehyde content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and potassium (K)/silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca)/silicon (Si) atomic ratios. Two varieties of bitter cucumber and three experimental lines were used for the experiment. Treatments with different saline solutions (100 mM of NaCl and 200 mM of NaCl) were applied and compared with an untreated control (0 mM of NaCl). The analyses revealed an increase in the dry matter content of the varieties subjected to salt stress. The Line 4 genotype showed an increase of up to 37.2% compared to the control when treated with 200 mM of NaCl. Following the analysis of the chlorophyll a content, a 38% decrease in its amount compared to the control was observed when treated with 100 mM of saline and 58.6% when treated with 200 mM of NaCl in genotype Line 4. Line 3 showed an increase in the chlorophyll a content compared to the control by 53% in the case of saline treatment with 200 mM. After the analysis of the chlorophyll b content, a 44% decrease was revealed in the case of Line 4 in the variant treated with 100 mM compared to the control and a 61% decrease in the 200 mM NaCl treatment. The highest increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde was recorded in the case of Line 4 in the variant treated with 200 mM of NaCl by 41% compared to the control. The maximum quantum yield of PS II decreased in the treated variants compared to the control plants. The most pronounced difference compared to the control was registered in the case of Line 4, where the treatment with 100 mM of NaCl caused a decrease of 16%, and the treatment with 200 mM caused a decrease of 25%. In the case of the atomic ratio, significant decreases in K and Ca were observed in the NaCl-treated variants. The observed differences between the values obtained for each studied genotype highlight the different degrees of their resistance to salinity.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
The Effect of Including Sea Buckthorn Berry By-Products on White Chocolate Quality and Bioactive Characteristics under a Circular Economy Context
(MDPI, 2024-10-05) Murariu, Otilia-Cristina; Lipșa, Florin-Daniel; Cârlescu, Petru-Marian; Frunză, Gabriela; Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Cara, Irina-Gabriela; Murariu, Florin; Stoica, Florina; Albu, Aida; Tallarita, Alessio Vincenzo; Caruso, Gianluca
The by-products of the extraction of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) concentrated juice may represent a functional food ingredient for white chocolate production, as a rich source of bioactive compounds. The effects of six treatments derived from the factorial combination of two types of by-products (with oil or without oil) and three different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), were assessed on rheological, quality, colour, antioxidant, and mineral properties of chocolate. The 15% addition of full powder led to the highest values of max firmness, total shear energy, shear energy, cohesiveness, gummosity, dry matter, and ABTS, compared to the untreated control, but the two highest concentrations of the oil-deprived powder resulted in the protein content increasing. The full powder addition always raised fat levels. Both the ‘L’ and ‘a’ colour component as well as total carotenoids, β-carotene, lycopene, and vitamin C increased with the rise of H. rhamnoides powder addition, compared to the untreated control. The opposite trend was shown by the ‘b’ colour component and pH, whereas polyphenols and antioxidant activity attained higher values with the oil-deprived powder. The content of potassium decreased upon the 15% addition of the Hippophae rhamnoides by-product powder, compared to the untreated control, whereas calcium and magnesium increased. The 15% H. rhamnoides full powder elicited the augmentation of phosphorus content in chocolate, compared to the untreated control, contrary to the effect of the oil-deprived powder on P and Zn. The employment of SBB by-products highlights the great potential for manufacturing innovative functional foods with high nutritional value, such as chocolate.

Browse

Recent Submissions