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The present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial potential of syrups derived from the buds of indigenous Romanian conifers, specifically silver fir (Abies alba) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). The research is motivated by the increasing clinical interest in natural bioactive compounds as viable alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic pharmaceutical agents. By utilizing traditional extraction methods on raw materials harvested from natural forest ecosystems, this work seeks to characterize the therapeutic and ...

The presence of flammable and/or combustible substances in various industrial production processes generates in most cases potentially explosive atmospheres, which transforms a regular work environment into an explosion risk area, directly influencing the way in which equipment intended to be used in these areas is designed, installed and maintained. In areas where potentially explosive atmospheres may form due to the presence of flammable and/or combustible substances, technical equipment must be used whose casin...

This study evaluates the impact of NPK fertilization on soil chemical properties, nutrient dynamics, and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yield under field conditions in Western Romania. The experiment was conducted on a chernozem soil, where different fertilization rates were applied to assess their influence on key soil parameters, including pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, and selected microelements. Soil samples were collected at different growth stages of sunflower and analyze...

The paper aimed to present the quality of some soils from the West Region from Romania. The soil types who were studied occupied a surface of 4.013 ha in Arad Department. The main soil types who was founded in this area is Chernozems on 75.54% from the surface, Haplic Phaeozems on 2.43% from the studied surface, Pelosols on 7.66% from the surface, Vertisols on 13.15% from the surface, Gleysols on 0.36% from the surface and Solonetz on 0.86% from the studied surface. This paper presents a synthesis of the limiting ...

Celery (Apium Graveolens var. Rapaceum) is a tasty and aromatic vegetable, part of the Apiaceae family. It is an important horticultural crop, being rich in nutritional value. It is cultivated worldwide both for food and for use in the pharmaceutical industry. This medicinal vegetable hosts a valuable source of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, aromatic compounds, organic acids, tannins. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral composition of celery root using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), but also...

This research addresses the design, integration, and validation of a complex methodology for wetland monitoring, using as case studies two peat bogs located in the Maramures Mountains Natural Park, Romania. The study is part of a larger research effort concerning the assessment of the current ecological status of internationally important wetlands in the trans-Carpathian region of Romania, Ukraine, and Slovakia, through the development of an integrated monitoring system based on advanced geomatic technologies. Thi...

According to the European Environment Agency, soil is involved in providing more than 90% of the total production related to human nutrition, animal feed, textile fibers and fuels, while also providing the raw material for all kinds of other related activities, such as horticulture and construction. In order to monitor soil quality, it is necessary: common analyzes for all types of soils (with soil samples in disturbed and undisturbed structure) and typical soil analyzes (for soils: unsaturated with basic cations,...

In recent years, growing consumer interest in traditional and minimally processed foods has encouraged the development of artisanal meat products with improved nutritional characteristics. Among these, pork pate remains a widely consumed product whose quality is strongly influenced by formulation and raw material selection. The sustainable use of animal-derived resources, including nutrient-rich organs, has gained increasing relevance in food production, as these materials are still insufficiently valorized, their...

Technical installations in explosive hazard environments have specially designed characteristics to ensure safe operation in such atmospheres. For safety reasons, it is essential to maintain the integrity of these special features throughout the entire lifespan of the installations through maintenance and inspection processes. In this operation it is necessary to use safety tools. These tools must be assessed and certified in accordance with the applicable requirements of the current legislation, regulated by Dire...

Biologically active food products have demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining health and ensuring well-being. In recent years, these foods have been enriched with the addition of probiotics, polyphenols, vitamins, peptides or other substances with health benefits. The importance of probiotics in restoring the balance of intestinal microbiota has led to their increasing use by consumers. Thus, food products augmented with various probiotic strain formulas have been developed. A problem that always arises i...

The protective clothing used by workers during the performance of work tasks is subject to the electrification process. The electrification process of protective clothing results in the generation of significant amounts of electrostatic charges both on the outer parts of the protective clothing and on the users' skin, as a result of specific mechanisms for generating electrostatic charges such as electrification by contact or induction. The formation and accumulation of electrostatic charges as a result of the ele...

The stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and purple dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) are widely distributed plants, known for their medicinal and nutritional properties. Urtica dioica is particularly valued for its significant mineral content, being widely used in traditional medicine and agricultural practices. Similarly, Lamium purpureum presents notable medicinal properties and typically occupies comparable ecological functions. Calcium is critically important for developing cell walls, growth of plant cells as well a...

Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a vegetable with high nutritional value, which is cultivated mainly for the consumption of its roots, used as a spice in the preparation of dishes, being appreciated for its rich fiber content, as well as for vitamins and bioactive compounds. The paper aims to assess the differences between raw and cooked parsnip, based on its nutritional composition, focusing on the content of amino acids, fatty acids and essential vitamins, as well as on how these components influence health. Parsni...

This research was conducted for six years, in experimental fields located in B-rzava Plain, West part of Romania. The purpose of this research was to observe if a mixture of manure and calcium carbonate can improve some fertility indicators of soil. The monitored soil fertility indicators were: pH, humus content and nitrogen index. The mixture applied on the experimental field contain 20 t/ha cow manure and 4 t/ha calcium carbonate, being distributed in the first experimental year and in the fourth experimental ye...

Potassium (K) is a crucial mineral nutrient that plays a significant role in various physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Disruptions in potassium supply can severely impair vegetative development, making efficient potassium fertilization strategies essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. As the most abundant inorganic cation in plant cells, potassium is vital for proper physiological functioning, primarily existing as a free ion (K?). It is indispensable for several physiological func...

The impact of abandoned mines on the water environment is a significant concern due to the long-lasting ecological and health effects associated with mining activities. Numerous scientific studies highlight that abandoned mines pose substantial threats to local water quality through the release of toxic substances and heavy metals into adjacent ecosystems. The zones of the 2 mines have been subject to various environmental and hydrological assessments, particularly concerning the effects of mining activities on wa...

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and ecosystem stability by influencing nutrient cycling and water retention capacity. Climate change, manifested through rising temperatures, extreme precipitation variability, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, directly affects the dynamics of SOM decomposition and accumulation. This paper examines the mechanisms by which these climatic changes impact SOM stability, emphasizing their effects on agricultural and natural so...

Figs (Ficus carica) are renowned for their high antioxidant content and rich nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of vitamins (particularly vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex), essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron), fiber, and bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. Due to these properties, figs contribute to improved digestion, better blood sugar regulation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. Sausages are a widely enjoyed food, which inspired us to reimag...

Urban soil contamination with heavy metals is a growing environmental concern due to its adverse effects on human health, ecosystem stability, and soil productivity. The primary sources of this pollution include industrial activities, vehicular emissions, atmospheric deposition, mining operations, and improper waste disposal. As heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) accumulate in the soil, their persistence and low mobility make them difficult to degrade or rem...

A potentially explosive atmosphere exists when a mixture of air, gases, vapours, mists or dust combines in a way that can ignite under certain operating conditions. Hydrogen is the special gas in this context. Those who have knowledge of the properties and flammability of hydrogen will recognize that hazards due to explosive atmospheres must be assessed more and more frequently as the element is utilized, and, if necessary, appropriate protective measures must be taken. In this kind of atmosphere, special attentio...

This study aims to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization (FF) on the yield and quality of sunflower seeds. Foliar fertilization (FF) applied to sunflower crops can have significant impacts on seed yield and quality, influencing their chemical composition and nutritional values. Unlike soil fertilization, which delivers nutrients through the root system, foliar fertilization supplies nutrients directly to the leaves, ensuring a rapid and efficient absorption of essential elements during critical growth stage...

This study investigates the effects of foliar fertilization (FF) on the yield and quality of corn grains, utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to optimize foliar treatment applications. The PCA approach enabled the identification of the most effective FF formulation for enhancing grain production and quality. The experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the university's experimental field, evaluating seven treatment variants, each with distinct chemical compositions labelled from V1 to V7, along with...

An attack with a "improvised" explosive device (IED) is when someone uses a bomb and/or destructive device to cause damage, render someone helpless, harass, or divert attention. Terrorists, criminals, vandals, suicide bombers, and rebels all utilize IEDs. IEDs can take many different shapes because they are improvised; they can be as simple as a pipe bomb or as complex as a sophisticated weapon that can inflict significant damage and casualties. IEDs can be transported or carried in a car; they can also be deliver...

Our study explored the impact of adding avocado to chicken liver pate, focusing on both nutritional composition, oxidative stability and organoleptic (sensory) characteristics. By incorporating avocado, we aimed to create a healthier, more nutritious alternative to traditional pate. Nutritional analysis included determining protein, fat, minerals, water, salt, carbohydrate content, and energy value. The results showed that adding avocado led to a decrease in fat content and an increase in beneficial omega-3 fatty ...

A genuine and urgent need is to prevent and treat bacterial diseases primarily caused by germs that have developed antibiotic resistance. These factors led to several studies focusing on alternate or supplementary antimicrobial methods. With the expectation that, unlike antibiotics, they will be effective without causing resistance, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in antimicrobial substances made from natural resources, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and peptides. The present study invest...

The removal and collection of dust particles from the air discharged into the atmosphere by industrial plants processing, transporting and storing dusty materials is an important objective for employers to prevent air pollution according to environmental legislation and employee safety regulations. Where the dust in question is flammable and may generate an explosive atmosphere, measures must be taken to prevent explosion and/or limit the effects of explosion. To this end, proper assessment of the risk of explosio...

Rapeseed meal is a valuable source of protein for animals feeding. It can be used as an alternative to soybean meal in the mixtures of combined feeds intended for farm animals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition of the rapeseed meal intended for use in the feeding of monogastric livestock. 70 samples of rapeseed meal arrived at the Laboratory of Chemical Analyses for Animal Nutrition, were analysed. The following values were obtained for the main nutritional co...

The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical, chemical and rhelogical characteristics of vegetable milk of soybean (soymilk homemade prepared, and some types of soymilk purchased from Romanian supermarkets). Soymilk is an alternative to dairy products and it has long been a traditional drink in China, Japan and other parts of Asia. The soybean (Glycine max) is the most important bean in the world, providing a wide range of vegetable proteins. Soybean is an important source of many bioactive compounds, w...

Copper has a fantastic role in the organism, indifferent if its mammalian, plant, bacteria or yeast, functioning as a cofactor in enzymes involved in various processes. In agriculture, different copper compounds are used as fungicide to protect plants from fungal diseases. In humans the role of copper is also crucial, as it is an essential trace element being involved in many processes as well as a cofactor for several enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, iron metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis, playin...

This paper analyses the environmental impact produced by fish and meat canneries. The TULCO SA factory in Tulcea County is presented as a case study. Located on the Danube banks, it has a guaranteed and permanent source of fish and meat; fish from the Danube and fish farmers and pork and beef meat from a nearby breeding complex. Some specific analyzes of the impact on wastewater, air, and soils are illustrated. Impact on wastewater is detailed for the production of canned fish and pork and cattle meat, at differen...

The article includes the results obtained in the growth experiments during the postembryonic development period of the North American sturgeon species Polyodon spathula. The experiments took place in the years 2020 and 2021. Sturgeon larvae aged 5 days old, obtained through artificial reproduction at SCDP Nucet, were stocked and raised until the age of 35 days in two variants, in concrete tanks (useful volume -120 m3 /tank), located in the pilot station intended for fish culture experiments from the SCDP Nucet gen...

The continuous development of human society from a technical-economic point of view is closely related to the increase in energy consumption. However, this implies the rapid depletion of existing fossil fuels and an accelerated increase in global pollution. At the moment, to counteract these impediments, one of the most important sources that can be used for the purpose of energy production, without having a negative impact on the environment, is hydrogen. Due to the fact that, when mixed with air, hydrogen can ge...

Tomatoes (Solanum Lycopersicum) are fruits rich in bioactive substances, especially compounds with antioxidant characteristics. Tomato fruits are a source of vitamin C, having beneficial properties for health. Current indications lead us to the conclusion that tomato fruits are potential candidates for the study of bioactivity, as well as for functionally developed fruits. The activity of these bioactive compounds is to combat the activity of free radicals. Tomatoes are the most popular vegetable crop in the world...

The application of nitrogen fertilizers in the form of urea tends to increase acidity, especially on low pH soils, and as a result can lead to increased aluminum toxicity, which can adversely affect not only soil properties such as microbial activity, but also productivity. Application of different types of urea with inhibitors to reduce nitrogen losses would result in a different carbon response to fertilizers applications for the same soil type because of differences in soil micro-environment, including microbia...

A significant seismic sequence started on 13 Feb. 2023 at 14:58 GMT with a mainshock of 5.2 ML located at 17 km depth and at 14 km distance NW from Targu Jiu city. The first shock was followed by 16 aftershocks with magnitudes between 2.1 and 3.4 after which a second mainshock of magnitude 5.7 was triggered next day, 14 Feb., at 13:16 GMT. The largest acceleration at the second shock (105.25 cm/s2) was recorded at Gura Zlata station as well. The seismic events hypocenters are established by several methods. First ...

The use of pig slurry as fertilizer has a clear impact on farm-level energy input requirements, being a correct and natural way of its decomposition and also contributing to the reducing of the amount of chemical fertilizers used, which, in addition to the high cost, may leads to the pollution of the areas where they are applied. Swine sludge could provide between 38 and 61% of the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in chemical fertilizer. The purpose of the work is to determine the changes that the application of...

This study aims to determine the specific fingerprints of cauliflower and broccoli available on the Romanian market based on mathematical models and chemical analysis (moisture content, minerals content, total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenols content). These vegetables (cauliflower and broccoli) are considered essential for the human diet due to their bioactive content and nutritional value. The content of minerals and antioxidant compounds varies depending on their varieties, environmental conditions, r...

The largest aluminum factory in Eastern Europe is located near Slatina. Before Romania acceded to the EU in 2007, many environmental protection rules were omitted in this area. The paper analyzes the water table pollution along the Olt River for about 15 km. There are considered the tributary flows on the river, the concentration of discharged pollutants, and the pumping regime from the catchment front. It is built at about 500 m from the river, on the left bank, parallel to the river, and consists of 44 wells, of...

Achieving profitable crop production milestones hinges on the establishment of a robust soil fertility program. Such programs demand foresight and meticulous planning. To ensure the profitability and efficiency of wheat cultivation, it is imperative to provide the right amount of essential plant nutrients precisely when and where the crop requires them. The application rates of fertilizers hold little significance if these vital nutrients are not distributed at the appropriate locations and times. Wheat, in partic...

The rise of bacterial resistance to currently employed antibiotics is causing growing concerns for public health. The emergence of highly resistant bacterial strains results in the ineffectiveness of antibiotic treatments against many bacterial infections. As a result, there is an ongoing quest for new antimicrobial agents. This pursuit can take two main directions: one involves the design and synthesis of novel agents, while the other involves exploring natural sources to uncover previously undiscovered antimicro...

Urtica dioica L. is a multi-functional plant commonly known as stinging nettle, which has been used as wild vegetable for centuries. Stinging nettle is a highly nutritious vegetable due to its increased use in different food products and its health-promoting properties. Nettles are highly adaptable occurring in most common areas from unpolluted to highly polluted areas, along stream banks, farmland and also in highly disturbed areas. In hot areas, they prefer sites in partial shade, but accept to grow also in full...

Many processes involving dusts, suspended or accumulated, have the potential to lead to fire, explosion or decomposition in the presence of oxygen and an ignition source. The risk of dust explosions increases as more and more products take the form of dusts or require the use of dusts during manufacture. In spite of extensive research and development to prevent and mitigate dust explosions in the process industries, this phenomenon continues to represent a constant hazard to industries including manufacturing, usi...

The processing, transport and storage of flammable materials in the form of dust generates an explosion risk due to the possibility of initiating potentially explosive atmospheres created by dust suspended in air with various ignition sources, some of which may be their own installations. As explosions can cause human casualties and severe property damage, the explosion risk assessment and the application of appropriate measures by manufacturers and users of installations to prevent the ignition of explosive atmos...

Herbal teas are a popular beverage, that can be prepared very easily (by pouring hot water on various dried herbs). It is very important to monitor and develop a screening methodology for detecting the metal content of both tea plants and herbal tea. A variety of bioactive phytochemicals in the human diet are from f plant-based foodstuffs. Due to their minor side effects, the medicinal plants are widely used to treat many human diseases. Polyphenols, the most abundant components in tea, determine the quality and h...

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the role played by different wastewater treatment technologies in the dairy industry in the context of the challenges of sustainable development: water scarcity and conservation of water resources, the constant growth of the population and the costs of wastewater treatment in centralized systems, increasing constraints and stricter environmental protection regulations. In this sense, the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants belonging to a number of 8 factories was ...

The paper presents the effect of zeolitic volcanic tuff on soil fertility as a consequence of treating soil with zeolitic tuff supplies (clinoptilolite rich tuff). This high silicon tuff type and the essential features of the clinoptilolite has generated in time changes in soil properties like soil reaction, an effective pH buffering, increase of water absorption and cation exchange properties. The effect of using three different doses of zeolitic volcanic tuff, with and without ammonium nitrate addition as fertil...

Waste and by-products from the food industry put pressure on the environment. FAO defined food losses as losses along the food chain between producer and market, while safe and nutritious food is thrown away as waste. About a third of the food produced is wasted. A significant amount of food is disposed of as waste, especially in developed countries, and this also means the disposal of resources used to produce food. Food waste is not only an economic problem, but also an environmental and moral problem. Food dive...

Fish oils with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are gaining increasing interest in the food and nutraceutical industry, due to their important functional properties for human beings- health improvement. The most important PUFAs have at least two double bonds placed on the carbon chain. These include ?-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahaxaneoic acid (DHA). Microencapsulation is a technique used to protect the bioactive compounds from oxidative damage, to ensure their ...

Aromatic plants have been one of the important concerns of man since the beginning of his existence. Seasoning plants, due to the presence in their composition of active principles with antibacterial and antifungal effect, allow a better preservation of food, a fact that over time has played an important role in preventing possible infections. Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color and supports plants in absorbing energy and nutrients. Chlorophyll is found in most green plants and vegetable...

A good soil fertility program requires vision and planning. Achieving cost-effective and efficient wheat production involves providing sufficient amounts of plant nutrients when and where the crop needs them. Wheat is a particularly demanding crop for fertilization, which reacts positively to the application of fertilizers. Cereal consumes moderate amounts of nutrients due to the fact that its roots explore a smaller volume of soil. The influence of foliar fertilizers for different crops is diverse and depends on ...