Publicatii USAMV Cluj-Napoca (University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine / Universitatea de Ştiinţe Agricole şi Medicină Veterinară din Cluj-Napoca)
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Microbiological and Physicochemical Characteristics of a New Functional Beverage
Get PDFFermented fruit and vegetable drinks are among the oldest products consumed worldwide, while in recent years much attention has been paid to identifying their functionality. This paper highlights the functional potential of a novel fermented beverage with kefir granules in terms of chemical and biological profiles impacting human health. Several experimental prototypes were comparatively analysed using spectrophotometric, physicochemical, and microbiological analyses. The acceptability of the consumption of the new fermented drink assortment based on nettle powder with kefir granules and added raspberry/mango was carried out on a sample of 109 people, consumers of fermented drinks. The results of the analyses show that the beverage shows high microbiological characteristics during the first days of storage, after which an increase in the microbiological load is identified
Comparative Analysis on Eco-productive Technologies for Modern Timber Harvesting in Contrast with Classical Ones
Get PDFThe purpose of the paper is to carry out a comparative analysis of modern eco-productive technologies for logging timber in relation to classical technologies. The paper aims to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, to examine their impact on the environment and the efficiency of the harvesting and collection processes. The present work has an applicative character, it is based on real data taken from the Forest District of Izvorul Someșului Mare, in which the analysis of the collection variants and the technical-economic project regarding the logging timber mass in the felling area are presented, depending on the characteristics of the working conditions in the felling area. The analysis was carried out in the felling area 2027 Ciungi, Forest District of Izvorul Someșului Mare, Bistrița-Năsăud County, consisting of compartments 109A, 109B and 110A. In the case of modern technologies, the KMS Konrad mobile tower cableway-skidder and Woodliner Konrad self-propelled carriage were used, Ponsse HS-15 and Ponsse Bison S-15 equipment, and for the classic ones, the skidding technology and the 2012 articulated forestry tractor were used
Use of Ecoplates in Soil Polluted with Heavy Metals
Get PDFGlobal concern revolves around the persistent attributes of harmful non-biodegradable contaminants, especially heavy metals and metalloids, which draws attention to environmental pollution. As regards to soil ecosystem, microorganisms have a significant impact on heavy metal concentrations, either actively or passively. Heavy metal toxicity profoundly impacts the metabolic activities of microbial communities, leading to disruptions in essential cellular processes. Heavy metals interfere with the enzymatic reactions necessary for energy of metabolism, nutrient cycling, and organic matter degradation, resulting in reduced microbial growth and activity. The Biolog Ecoplate method is used as an effective tool for assessing microbial activity. The potential use of Biolog Ecoplate in the study of microbial community structure and diversity in heavy metal-polluted soil was investigated. In order to achieve this goal, multiple keywords combinations were used to filter the most important results in the field. In metal-contaminated soils, the use of Biolog Ecoplate has led to notable changes in microbial community composition, marked by increased populations of resistant and metal-reducing microorganisms
Morpho-physiological Characteristics under Salinity Stress of Triticum aestivum L. var. Alex
Get PDFThe aim of the study was to highlight morpho-physiological changes like plant height, spike characteristics and stomata features in wheat induced by salt stress. Seeds of wheat var. Alex were sown, in mezo-phyto-cosmos, in five repetitions, under six saline doses, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mM NaCl. The experiment was conducted under field conditions. The assessments including plant height, arista, and spike length were taken and evaluated at the end of the experiment. Adaxial stomatal imprints have been sampled and the stomata density (number of stomata/mm2) and their size were assessed under the microscope. Wheat morphological parameters were affected by the highest salinity dose. Plant height was significantly reduced in the 60 and 75 mM NaCl doses by 16% and 20%. The spike length showed a significant reduction only in the highest saline dose treatment. Arista length registered the highest value in the 15 mM NaCl treatment with 23% more compared to the control. Stomata density reported the highest value in the 15 mM NaCl treatment, significantly higher compared to the 0 mM NaCl dose. The highest salinity doses significantly reduced plant height and spike length. Arista length and stomata density showed similar patterns
Emerging technologies in polyphenol analysis: from traditional methods to -omics approaches
Get PDFRecent advancements in analytical technologies have revolutionized our ability to characterize, identify, and quantify polyphenolic compounds in complex biological matrices. This comprehensive review examines the transformative journey from traditional analytical methods to cutting-edge -omics approaches in polyphenol analysis. We critically evaluate the evolution from conventional spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques to sophisticated high-throughput platforms integrating mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and artificial intelligence. Particular attention is given to emerging technologies such as miniaturized systems, real-time monitoring platforms, and advanced bioinformatics tools that are reshaping the landscape of polyphenol research. The review also addresses current challenges in method standardization, data integration, and validation while highlighting opportunities for future technological developments. By synthesizing recent progress in analytical methodologies, this review provides valuable insights for researchers in food science, nutrition, natural products chemistry, and related fields, emphasizing how these technological advances contribute to our understanding of polyphenol composition, bioactivity, and potential health benefits
Public Perception of Red Clover’s Uses in Phytomedicine and Phytopharmacy
Get PDFRed clover is an important perennial allogamous plant from the Fabaceae family that plays a significant role in agriculture, health and environmental sustainability worldwide. This study aims to evaluate people's knowledge of the medicinal properties of red clover and their opinion on its use in medicine. The study was carried out on people from Cluj-Napoca, using an online questionnaire developed in Google Forms. The survey link was randomly sent via Messenger, WhatsApp and Gmail platforms between October 1 and December 1, 2024. A total of 110 participants took part in the study. The questions from section B showed good consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.723. Most respondents with high knowledge of red clover’s medicinal use were from medical (10.3%) and related fields (86.3%), and they obtained their information mostly from internet (43.6%). Most respondents believe that red clover-based medicines offer health benefits (52%) and would consider using them based on a doctor's recommendation (57%). Overall, people expressed interest in the use of red clover, highlighting the plant’s importance for health
Impact of Organic Fertilization on Polyphenolic Content in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) Genotypes from Romania
Get PDFSilybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. is a major source of active principles, but also a plant that perfectly meets the needs of sustainable agriculture. The present research analyses the efficiency of organic fertilization for the increase of active principles in the fruits of milk thistle cultivated in the area of Măciuca, southern Vâlcea County, Romania. The aim of this work was the spectrophotometric determination of the total polyphenols content (TPC) of five different genotypes of milk thistle (Prahova, a1; Secuieni, a2; Iași, a3; Dacia Plant, a4; Brașov, a5) both unfertilized, and treated with organic fertilizers. Significant quantitative differences were identified between the five populations of Silybum marianum, the genotypes "Dacia Plant" fertilized and "Prahova" unfertilized presenting the highest TPC (18.87 mg GAE/g, 18.15 mg GAE/g, respectively). Fertilization did not necessarily have an impact on the accumulation of polyphenols in the fruits, but the climatic and soil conditions, as well as the genetic background being able to influence the quality of the milk thistle fruits
Therapeutic Insights into Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Phytochemical Composition, Bioactive Properties, and Health Benefits
Get PDFBlack pepper (Piper nigrum L.), hailed as the "King of Spices," holds a prominent place not only in culinary practices but also in traditional and modern medicine. This review brings together new information about the different phytochemicals in black pepper, its bioactive properties, and its medical uses. It focuses on piperine and essential oils, which are two of its main bioactive components. The spice encompasses a rich composition of alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids, contributing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The botanical characteristics, cultivation patterns, and economic importance of Piper nigrum are reviewed, alongside its extensive use in treating respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammation. The bioavailability-enhancing effects of piperine, which amplify the absorption of drugs and nutrients, are emphasized. Also, black pepper essential oil has many health benefits, such as protecting neurons, lowering blood sugar, and fighting cancer. These benefits are mostly due to compounds like β-caryophyllene, sabinene, and limonene. While the pharmacological potential of black pepper is well-recognized, this review highlights critical research gaps, including the need for standardized methodologies and robust clinical trials. By synthesizing data from multidisciplinary studies, this work provides a comprehensive outlook on the multifaceted applications of black pepper, laying a foundation for future innovations in health and industry
Grape Pomace Valorisation: Nutritional Properties and Sustainable Applications in Agriculture and Food Technology
Get PDFThe wine industry generates a significant amount of waste, producing over 14 million tons of by-products from wineries in Europe alone. The resulting waste has an acidic composition and high levels of polyphenols. Thus, it is resistant to decomposition, making it an environmental threat. Grape pomace contains important nutrients for valorisation, which are dietary fiber, proteins, lipids, and polyphenols. This review summarizes the nutritional composition of grape pomace and discusses various strategies for its sustainable utilization, including animal feed, composting, advanced extraction techniques of phenolic compounds, fermentation, and food fortification. The current review aims to underline the importance of grape pomace valorisation in terms of environmental sustainability and human health, thereby justifying further research and implementation in this field
Response of Intercropping Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) with Cowpea and Nitrogen Application on Growth and Yield of Sorghum
Get PDFSorghum grain yields have remained low despite the emergence of higher yield varieties, due to inadequate soil fertility, unsuitable cropping patterns, and restricted nitrogen fertilizer application (N). Cowpea integration and N utilization in sorghum-based cropping systems are likely to boost yield. However, knowledge of the impacts of sorghum-cowpea intercropping, nitrogen usage, and their interactions on companion crop performance is lacking. The effect of sorghum-cowpea intercropping and three N rates on the growth and yield of two sorghum varieties (ETS 2752 and ETS 4946) and two cowpea varieties (Keti and Bole) was investigated in RCBD with a split-plot arrangement, replicated three times. Sorghum grain yield was positively correlated with harvest index, fertile tiller m-2, leaf area index, panicle weight, and CGR. Sorghum/cowpea intercropping was more productive than sole (LER>1). ETS 2752 was superior to ETS 4946 in terms of growth and yield, hence it is recommended to farmers for commercial production. Therefore, the sole cropping system and N addition were effective in enhancing growth and grain yield of sorghum and cowpea, hence recommended for commercial production of ETS 2752. Intercropping is only recommended for sorghum production to improve household food security since it improves land productivity (LER>1)