2025

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.iuls.ro/handle/20.500.12811/5654

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listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Assessing Honey Quality: A Focus on Some Physicochemical Parameters of Honey from Iasi County (Romania)
(MDPI, 2025-02-03) Albu, Aida; Bora, Florin Dumitru; Cucu-Man, Simona-Maria; Stoleru, Vasile; Nistor, Cătălin-Emilian; Brumă, Ioan Sebastian; Rusu, Oana-Raluca
The study of honey in Iasi County reveals its ecological, economic and health importance, emphasizing its unique properties, role in biodiversity and value in promoting sustainable beekeeping and regional identity. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of honey from Iasi County, Romania, analyzing 27 samples collected in 2020 and 2021. The samples include tilia (8 raw, 7 commercial), acacia (2 raw, 2 commercial), rapeseed (3 raw), sunflower (3 raw) and lavender (2 raw) honey. Analyses were carried out under Romanian/EU standards, assessing parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity (free, lactone, total), pH, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), ash and mineral composition (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe). The results revealed significant differences between raw and commercial honeys. Notably, in commercial tilia honey, higher values were found for color (38.58 mm Pfund vs. 24.14 mm Pfund), total acidity (25.93 meq·kg−1 vs. 17.36 meq·kg−1) and HMF levels (8.84 mg·kg−1 vs. 3.68 mg·kg−1). Conversely, water-insoluble solids (0.08% vs. 0.15%) and ash content (0.21% vs. 0.30%) were lower in commercial samples. Potassium was the most abundant mineral detected, while copper and zinc levels were the lowest. Significant correlations were observed between several parameters, including ash with electrical conductivity and HMF with acidity. This study underscores the impact of processing on honey quality and highlights the importance of understanding honey composition for consumers and producers alike.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Consumer acceptance of cultured meat in Romania highlighting sustainable perspectives for both human and pet consumption
(MDPI, 2025-09-30) Petrescu, Silvia-Ioana; Matei, Mădălina; Radu-Rusu, Cristina-Gabriela; Ciobanu, Andrei; Lăpușneanu, Dragoș- Mihai; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
Cultured meat is an emerging innovation with the potential to contribute to sustainable animal production by reducing the environmental and ethical challenges associated with conventional animal farming. In Romania, this new source of protein is viewed with both interest and scepticism, reflecting broader consumer uncertainties about food innovations. Market data indicates that Romania faces a significant deficit in animal protein supply (exceeding 65% for pork, as well as notable deficits in fish and beef), while also recording one of the largest overall trade deficits in pet food. In this context, the present study explored the openness of respondents in northeastern Romania to the consumption of cultivated meat, taking into account both personal diet and pet nutrition. The results showed that 33.2% of participants were fully willing to feed their pets cultured meat products, and 70% supported its introduction to the market, provided that regulatory frameworks ensure product safety and quality. Although Romania does not currently have the legal and technological infrastructure necessary to integrate cultured meat into the food system, these findings highlight the potential role of consumer acceptance in shaping future nutritional strategies aimed at sustainable, high-quality protein alternatives for humans and pets alike.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Advances and Challenges in Smart Packaging Technologies for the Food Industry: Trends, Applications, and Sustainability Considerations
(MDPI, 2025-12-17) Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Pânzaru, Claudia; Mădescu, Bianca-Maria; Poroșnicu, Ioana; Simeanu, Cristina; Usturoi, Alexandru; Matei, Mădălina; Doliș. Marius-Gheorghe
Recent advancements in food packaging have transitioned from passive containment toward innovative smart systems that integrate active and intelligent functionalities to improve product preservation, safety, and consumer interaction. This review examines the evolution of these technologies, focusing on biodegradable polymers and nanomaterial-enhanced substrates that combine environmental sustainability with superior barriers and antimicrobial performance. Developments in embedded sensing systems, including chemical, temperature, and humidity sensors, enable the continuous monitoring of food quality and environmental conditions, supporting extended shelf-life and early contamination detection. Intelligent packaging further incorporates indicators, sensors, and data carriers that enhance transparency and traceability across supply chains. These systems are often connected through blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms for real-time data analysis. The review also addresses consumer engagement via interactive labels and personalized nutritional feedback, along with the economic, behavioral, and regulatory aspects influencing large-scale adoption. Life cycle assessments are analyzed to evaluate trade-offs between enhanced functionality and environmental impact, emphasizing recyclability and end-of-life strategies within circular economy frameworks. Finally, the article discusses current technical challenges while highlighting emerging trends such as AI-driven predictive analytics and IoT-enabled connectivity as key enablers of sustainable, efficient, and safe food packaging systems.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effects of Ecological Sea Buckthorn Powder Supplementation on Egg Production and Quality in Free-Range Moravia Black Hens
(MDPI, 2025-01) Usturoi, Alexandru; Doliș, Marius-Gheorghe; Rațu, Roxana-Nicoleta; Cristina Simeanu; Baltag, Florin; Nistor, Cătălin-Emilian; Pânzaru, Claudia; Radu-Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail; Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Usturoi, Marius-GiorgI
The growing demand for sustainable and healthier egg production systems, combined with the need to reduce the use of synthetic additives in poultry feed, has led to an increased interest in natural feed supplements. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with ecological sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) powder on the performance and egg quality of 600 laying hens of the Moravia Black breed, raised in a free-range system. Three groups were included: one control group with standard feed and two experimental groups supplemented with 1% and 2% sea buckthorn powder. Over 11 weeks, parameters such as egg production, feed consumption, and egg quality, including egg weight, volume, shell thickness, and yolk color, were monitored. The 2% supplementation significantly improved egg production, egg weight, shell strength, and yolk carotenoid content, with stable feed consumption and negligible mortality, confirming the additive’s safety. These results highlight the potential of sea buckthorn powder as a natural feed additive to enhance poultry productivity and product quality, supporting sustainable and healthier egg production.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Feed Sources for Sustainable Aquaculture: Black Soldier Fly (BSFL)
(MDPI, 2025-09-17) Dîrvariu, Lenuța; Barbacariu, Cristian-Alin; Burducea, Marian; Simeanu, Daniel
As global aquaculture is on the rise, the demand for sustainable and high-quality feed ingredients is intensifying. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional fishmeal due to its favorable nutritional profile, waste recycling potential, and low environmental impact. This review explores the novel role of BSF meal in aquafeeds, highlighting its effects on fish growth performance, feed efficiency, and fillet quality. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of lauric acid and chitin are discussed. However, despite its promise, several challenges still hinder the large-scale adoption of BSFL meal in aquaculture. These include regulatory restrictions on substrates, concerns over fish meat quality and safety, consumer acceptance, and the economic and logistical hurdles of industrial-scale BSFL farming. This paper synthesizes current scientific findings and regulatory frameworks, identifies key gaps in knowledge, and discusses the potential of BSFL meal as a sustainable alternative in aquafeeds while addressing its challenges.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Molecular Regulation of Growth in Aquaculture: From Genes to Sustainable Production
(MDPI, 2025-11-28) Șerban, Dana Andreea; Barbacariu, Cristian-Alin; Ivancia, Mihaela; Creangă, Șteofil
The global aquaculture industry produces 91 million tons annually, yet achieving sustainable growth optimization remains constrained by incomplete understanding of regulatory system integration, polyploid genomic complexity, and disconnected molecular-environmental approaches. This systematic review synthesizes 180 peer-reviewed articles (1992–2025) from four databases, revealing that growth regulation operates through integrated multi-level networks: the GH-IGF axis, TGF-β/myostatin signaling, and epigenetic mechanisms responding dynamically to environmental inputs. Research acceleration is evident, with 52.2% of studies published during 2020–2025. Whole-genome duplication events created expanded gene repertoires enabling sophisticated regulatory control while presenting breeding challenges in polyploid species. CRISPR-Cas9 myostatin knockout achieves 15–30% growth enhancement, though practical implementation faces regulatory and economic barriers. DNA methylation and microRNAs enable environmental adaptation and transgenerational trait inheritance, offering complementary approaches to conventional breeding. Climate-resilient strain development requires integrating polyploid breeding methodologies, multi-omics phenotyping platforms, and validated epigenetic markers. Sustainable aquaculture intensification through precision genetics demands coordinated infrastructure development, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and international collaboration to address food security while adapting to climate change. This synthesis establishes research priorities bridging molecular mechanisms with practical applications for sustainable production enhancement.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Effect of dietary wine lees on oxidative stress, egg quality and yolk lipid stability in laying hens fed with a diet rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fats
(Elsevier, 2025-09-20) Mierliță, Daniel; Dărăban, Stelian; Macri, Adrian; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
Wine lees (WLs) are a by-product of the winemaking process, but the valorization of WLs as poultry feed has not yet been achieved. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential benefits of using WLs as a feed ingredient. To this end, we investigated their effects on serum and hepatic markers of oxidative stress and egg quality in laying hens susceptible to lipid peroxidation by feeding them diets enriched in n-3 PUFA. In addition, lipid profile and oxidative stability of the yolk during storage were evaluated. A total of 128 30-week-old Tetra SL laying hens were divided into four groups (n = 32): the negative control (C–) received a standard diet, while the three other groups (positive control, C+; WL2.5; and WL5) received the standard diet supplemented with 5 % linseed oil rich in n-3 PUFA. In the WL2.5 and WL5 groups, WLs were introduced into the diet at levels of 2.5 % and 5 %, respectively. The increased intake of n-3 PUFA induced oxidative stress, which was evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced serum and liver antioxidant enzyme activity. However, these parameters were significantly improved in hens supplemented with WLs. The reduction in n-3 PUFA content in stored eggs was < 19 % in hens fed with WLs, while the reduction exceeded 33 % in the C+ group. In conclusion, WLs can improve egg production and egg quality (yolk color and cholesterol content), the antioxidant status of hens and the oxidative stability of eggs, with the possibility of extending their shelf life.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Mycotoxicological Assessment of Broiler Compound Feed: A Multi-Year Analysis of Five Mycotoxins in a Romanian Feed Mill
(MDPI, 2025-01-02) Lăpușneanu, Dragoș-Mihai; Petrescu, Silvia-Ioana; Radu Rusu, Cristina-Gabriela; Matei, Mădălina; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi that cause massive agricultural losses worldwide and constitute a significant health problem for humans and animals. The aim of this five-year study was to investigate the contamination of compound feed for broiler chickens at all stages (starter, grower and finisher) from a feed mill in Romania with mycotoxins such as total aflatoxins (AFT), deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins (FUMs), ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN). AFT was detected in 49.3–72.2% of the samples with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 5.2 µg/kg. DON was detected in 77.6–98.9% of the samples, with maximum concentrations ranging from 330 to 1740 µg/kg. FUM contamination ranged from 42.7% to 87.2%, with maximum levels between 460 and 1400 µg/kg. OTA was present in 44.2–87.9% of the samples, with maximum concentrations reaching 21.4 µg/kg. ZEN was consistently elevated at all feeding stages, being detected in 86.5–97.4% of the samples, with maximum levels of 89.4 µg/kg. Mycotoxin co-occurrence was common in the samples, with the most common combination of four mycotoxins occurring in 38.51% of the samples. Samples were collected from storage bunkers, homogenised and analysed in certified laboratories, with sampling procedures varying according to batch size to ensure representativeness. Investigation of the transfer of mycotoxins into animal products and the combined effects of mycotoxins on animal health, including potential synergistic or antagonistic interactions, is particularly relevant. This study emphasises the essential role of comprehensive and continuous monitoring of mycotoxins in protecting animal health and food safety.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons in Feed: Corn Silage Contamination in a Romanian Dairy Farm
(MDPI, 2025-04-03) Matei, Mădălina; Simeanu, Daniel; Pop, Ioan-Mircea
This study investigates the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOHs) in corn silage, aiming to assess contamination levels and identify potential sources, including technological and environmental factors. Given the increasing concern regarding the presence of MOHs all over the food chain, this research provides important data on feed safety. A total of 15 corn silage samples were collected from the feed base of a dairy farm. Sampling was performed systematically across silos (top, middle, bottom layers). The analysis was conducted using LC-GC-FID to quantify mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) fractions. Statistical evaluation was applied to determine contamination patterns and potential influencing factors. The findings confirmed the presence of MOSH and MOAH in the analyzed silage, averaging 23.3 mg/kg MOSH and 1.4 mg/kg MOAH, exceeding European Commission guideline limits. Notably, the MOAH fraction, known for its potential toxicity, was detected at significant levels in several samples. The study highlights that corn silage can act as a source of MOSH/MOAH contamination in livestock feed. Technological processes, especially mechanized harvesting and ensiling, and environmental pollution factors appear to be likely the main contributors, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring and preventive measures to mitigate risks in the feed-to-food chain.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
From tradition to precision: leveraging digital tools to improve cattle health and welfare
(Frontiers Media, 2025-04-02) Neculai Văleanu, Andra-Sabina; Sănduleanu, Cătălina; Poroșnicu, Ioana
Traditional cattle production practices relied heavily on manual observation and empirical decision-making, often leading to inconsistent outcomes. In contrast, modern approaches leverage technology to achieve greater precision and efficiency. Advancement in technology has shifted to a new dimension of predictive and monitoring in cattle health management. This review aims at highlighting the available and current digital technologies in cattle health, evaluate their utility in practice, and identify possible future advancements in the field that can potentially bring even more changes to this industry. The paper highlights some of the barriers and disadvantages of using these technologies, such as data security issues, high capital investments, and skills gap. The integration of these advanced technologies is set to play a fundamental role in enabling the livestock industry to meet the rising global demand for high-quality, sustainably produced products. These technologies are essential for ensuring compliance with ethical standards and best practices in cattle care and well-being. In light of these advancements, the application of digital innovations will support the achievement of socially responsible cattle production, while simultaneously maintaining optimal levels of animal health and welfare
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Exploring Aubrac Cattle as a Benchmark for Sustainable and Nutritious Beef Production
(MDPI, 2025-10-13) Mădescu, Bianca-Maria; Matei, Mădălina; Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Bolohan Acornicesei, Ioana; Lazăr, Roxana; Ciobanu, Marius-Mihai; Simeanu, Daniel; Boișteanu, Paul-Corneliu
The Aubrac cattle breed, native to France and increasingly adopted in Eastern Europe, is known for producing tender, flavorful, and well-marbled beef. Despite its growing popularity, limited data exist on its nutritional profile and implications for human health. This study evaluates carcass traits and protein quality in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of male and female Aubrac cattle raised under semi-intensive systems. Special attention was given to essential and semi-essential amino acids, which exceeded FAO/WHO reference requirements by 60.25%, 97.43%, and 221.49% for children, youth individuals, and adults, respectively, confirming superior protein quality. The high amino acid concentration (up to 30.59 g/100 g protein) and biological value confirm superior protein quality. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile reveals a favorable balance between saturated and unsaturated fats, with oleic acid predominance and a moderate atherogenic index, suggesting cardiovascular benefits. These findings support classifying Aubrac beef as a functional protein source with potential health advantages, reinforcing its role in sustainable cattle production, dietary planning, and consumer education. This study provides insights into factors influencing beef quality, connecting cattle breed and production system with nutritional value and health benefits.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Hematological and Biochemical Profiles of Nutria (Myocastor coypus): Implications for Biodiversity Management and Household Rearing Practices
(MDPI, 2025-01-13) Lazăr, Roxana; Boișteanu, Paul-Corneliu; Bolohan Acornicesei, Ioana; Mădescu, Bianca-Maria; Ivancia, Mihaela; Lazăr, Mircea
The absence of standardized reference values for wild rodent species underscores the need for comprehensive hematological and biochemical profiles. This study established robust reference intervals (RIs) for Myocastor coypus raised in captivity, analyzing 30 nutrias (10 males, 10 females, and 10 juveniles) at a private farm in northeastern Romania. Leukocyte (WBC) counts averaged 11.85 (103/µL) in males, 10.51 (103/µL) in females, and 11.63 (103/µL) in juveniles, indicating a consistent immune response. Hemoglobin was 11.81 g/dL in males, 11.97 g/dL in females, and 15.42 g/dL in juveniles, with hematocrit levels around 45%. Juveniles displayed higher MCH (38.59 pg) and MCHC (38.58 g/dL), reflecting growth-related adaptations. Platelet counts were lower in adults. Biochemical findings showed lower cholesterol (14.89 mg/dL) and higher glucose (236.26 mg/dL) in juveniles, indicating intense energy metabolism. Total proteins were significantly elevated in juveniles (33.17 g/dL). Creatinine and uric acid levels were higher in adults, although calcium exceeded reference ranges in males (12.04 mg/dL). Hepatic enzyme ALT was higher in males. These findings establish baseline health parameters for captive nutrias, aiding in monitoring and improving rearing practices.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Sudomotor Dysfunction as an Early Marker of Autonomic and Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study Using SUDOSCAN
(MDPI, 2025-06-10) Anghel, Larisa; Cobuz, Claudiu; Benchea, Laura-Cătălina; Maciuc, Vasile; Cobuz, Maricela; Sascău, Radu-Andy; Stătescu, Cristian
Background: Diabetic neuropathy, particularly in its autonomic form, is often underdiagnosed despite its clinical significance. Electrochemical skin conductance (ESC), measured by SUDOSCAN, offers a non-invasive way to assess the autonomic dysfunction. Methods: A total of 288 diabetic patients were assessed using SUDOSCAN to measure ESC in the hands and feet. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk, were analyzed for correlations with ESC. Neuropathy status was evaluated, and ROC analysis was performed to assess diagnostic accuracy. Results: Sudomotor dysfunction was prevalent, particularly in patients with a diabetes duration exceeding 20 years (p < 0.05). Men showed significantly higher right foot ESC than women (76.5 ± 13.1 vs. 74.0 ± 13.5 µS, p = 0.041). A strong inverse correlation was found between cardiovascular risk score and right foot ESC (r = −0.455, p < 0.001). Left foot ESC also correlated inversely with cardiovascular risk (r = −0.401, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r = −0.150, p = 0.049), while a weak positive correlation was seen with BMI (r = 0.145, p = 0.043). ROC analysis showed the highest area under the curve (AUC) in right foot ESC for autonomic neuropathy (AUC = 0.750, 95% CI: 0.623–0.877, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study is among the few to systematically correlate ESC with validated cardiovascular risk scores in a diabetic outpatient cohort, highlighting its potential as a novel early screening biomarker for autonomic and cardiovascular complications.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Rural Tourism: A Factor of Sustainable Development for the Traditional Rural Area of Bucovina, Romania
(MDPI, 2025-04-16) Simeanu, Cristina; Andronachi, Vasile-Cosmin; Usturoi, Alexandru; Davidescu, Mădălina-Alexandra; Mintaș, Olimpia-Smaranda; Hoha, Gabriel; Simeanu, Daniel
This paper explores an important issue, namely rural tourism, by analyzing the supply and demand of tourism in three rural regions (Gura Humorului, Câmpulung Moldovenesc, and Dorna) in Bucovina, Suceava County, as an alternative economic development for rural areas. The statistical data on tourist traffic in the three regions of Suceava County were taken from the website of the National Institute of Statistics of Romania and analyzed over a period of 10 years (2014–2023). The analysis of the total number of tourist accommodation facilities recorded increases of over 200% in all three regions analyzed. Dynamic analysis of the accommodation capacity in operation, the number of tourists and overnight stays, and the average length of stay was carried out by calculating the absolute and relative indicators with fixed and chained base and average indicators. Despite the increase in the number of tourists and overnight stays, the average length of stay remains relatively low. The calculation of the net utilization rate of the accommodation capacity in operation shows an efficient use of the accommodation facilities in the three regions analyzed. The importance of the research and the originality of this research are closely related to understanding the dynamics of tourism in the rural regions analyzed for the formation of future strategies for sustainable rural development in Bucovina.
listelement.badge.access-status Open Access ,
Melatonin: An Overview on the Synthesis Processes and on Its Multiple Bioactive Roles Played in Animals and Humans
(MDPI, 2025-01-27) Andronachi, Vasile-Cosmin; Simeanu, Cristina; Matei, Mădălina; Radu Rusu, Răzvan-Mihail; Simeanu, Daniel
Melatonin is a natural hormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland of vertebrates, and, secondarily, by other tissues and organs as well. It is deemed a bioactive molecule due to the multiple roles and functions it performs in animals and humans. Research conducted up to 2024 has reported the presence of melatonin in a wide variety of plants and bacteria, as well. This review aims to collect some of the scientific data to identify and describe the main sources of melatonin, and to document the functions and roles it plays in animal organisms. It also includes a description of the main technological and nutritional factors that can positively or negatively influence the synthesis and secretion process of melatonin, which is subsequently transported from the animal body into some food products, such as milk. This paper also includes information on the interaction between melatonin and other bioactive compounds present in animal and human bodies, with the aim of identifying what other functions and roles this hormone performs, and whether it interacts with other substances present in the vertebrate organism.

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