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Experimental cultivation of seaweed on the coast of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh: identifying the effects of environmental parameters on seaweed growth
No full textThe current study was carried
out at Rezu Khal to determine the ideal area
for seaweed farming. Additionally, this
investigation uncovered species of
commercially productive and lucrative
seaweed. Temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved
oxygen (DO), conductivity, and Formazin
Nephelometric Units (FNU) of surface water
ranged from 20.9 to 26.2°C, 24 to 26.2‰,
6.45 to 8.5, 92 to 105%, 33,256 to 64,267
μS/cm, and 11.1 to 42.8, respectively.
Phosphate-phosphorus concentrations in
surface water were 2.6–7.6 mg/L, 0.04–0.12
mg/L for nitrate-nitrogen, 0.002–0.04 mg/L
for nitrite-nitrogen, 0.15–0.83 mg/L for
silica, and 0.13–0.28 mg/L for ammonia.
Three seaweed species (Gracilaria
lemaneiformis, Hypnea musciformes, and
Sargassum oligocystum) were cultivated in
the selected areas. Two methods (net and
long-line) were used for the culture. In this
study, 15–20 kg of G. lemaneiformis were harvested every 15 days using the net
method. H. musciformes gained 4 to 12 kg
every 15 days. Although S. oligocystum
thrived nicely, it was challenging to maintain
its viability. The findings of this study
indicate that seaweed farming is feasible and
coastal residents may participate in seasonal
income-generating endeavours in coastal
waters
Organophosphorus Reinforced Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposites Doped with Silver-Loaded Zeolite L Nanoparticles as Sustainable Materials for Packaging Applications
No full textThe sustainable development of innovative eco-friendly multifunctional nanocomposites, possessing superior characteristics, is a noteworthy topic. Novel semi-interpenetrated nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) covalently and thermally crosslinked with oxalic acid (OA), reinforced with a novel organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR-4) derived from co-polycondensation in solution reaction of equimolar amounts of co-monomers, namely, bis((6-oxido-6H-dibenz[c,e][1,2]oxaphosphorinyl)-(4-hydroxyaniline)-methylene)-1,4-phenylene, bisphenol S, and phenylphosphonic dichloride, in a molar ratio of 1:1:2, and additionally doped with silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles (ze-Ag), have been prepared by casting from solution technique. The morphology of the as prepared PVA-oxalic acid films and their semi-interpenetrated nanocomposites with PFR-4 and ze-Ag was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the homogeneous distribution of the organophosphorus compound and nanoparticles within the nanocomposite films has been introspected by means of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was established that composites with a very low phosphorus content had noticeably improved flame retardancy. The peak of the heat release rate was reduced up to 55%, depending on the content of the flame-retardant additive and the doping ze-Ag nanoparticles introduced into the PVA/OA matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus increased significantly in the reinforced nanocomposites. Considerably increased antimicrobial activity was revealed in the case of the samples containing silver-loaded zeolite L nanoparticles
Evidence and challenges in the context of auditing state implementation of the SDG
No full textThe adoption in 2015 by the UN member states of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) outlined a new paradigm at the national and international level, configuring the directions
of action in order to achieve the ideals of peace and prosperity, of eliminating social inequalities against the background
of ensuring increased resilience to climate change, strengthening the role of states as legal guarantors of well-being,
viewed from a holistic socio-economic perspective. However, although the objectives are valid for all states, the
specific way in which national support is ensured for their achievement is not congruent, there are heterogeneous
approaches in this sense, depending on the level of development, political vision, particular national interests, financing.
Also, the implementation of the SDGs requires a comprehensive approach, the establishment of a national strategy in
this regard, the involvement of various state institutions at different hierarchical levels, a set of judicious regulations,
the involvement of civil society in the awareness of the need to achieve these objectives and the establishment of some
indicators depending on time horizons, for the specific sizing of the progress made and the adoption of some strategic
alternatives. In this context, the Supreme Audit Institutions, thanks to their independence, objectivity and
professionalism, are called to bring their contribution in the sphere of measuring the degree of implementation of these
objectives, of providing concrete recommendations and actions, but also of ensuring the transparency of Governments'
actions, of giving assurances that the mandate offered by citizens to the political level is consistent with their
expectations, seen through the lens of the SDGs that form the crucible of ensuring general well-being. Thus, our study
aims to analyze how the Supreme Audit Institutions brought their contribution in the sphere of ensuring by the states the
premises of SDGs implementation, simultaneously with the foreshadowing of future trends and the new sui generis
challenges that they will face in carrying out specific activities aimed at the external audit of the performance of
national policies and programs subsumed in achieving the principles governing the UN 2030 Agenda
Sensorial Characterization of Mutton Products in Membrane Made in the Meat Processing Workshop of USV Iasi
No full textThe paper aimed to produce four different types of sheep meat products with heterogeneous structures in the meat processing workshop of the University of Life Sciences Iasi, which presented as variation factors the type of membrane and the type of product (salami/sausage, imprinted by the membrane used). Two varieties of salami (in collagen and polyamide membrane) and two varieties of sausages (in natural pork and sheep membrane) served as the four samples. The four samples obtained were subjected to sensory analysis, carried out in two stages: the first stage consisted of assessing the products based on the main sensory attributes (appearance, aroma, taste, texture, overall acceptability), and the second stage aimed at describing the products using specific sensory terms included in the CATA (Check-All-That-Apply) test from the perspective of consumer perception. The results obtained revealed sensory attributes characteristic of membrane products with heterogeneous structure, with the CATA test describing the products through positive attributes (colour, aroma, texture), with the differentiation of a firmer, harder texture in the case of natural membrane products, superior juiciness in the case of the S3MC sample, and a slightly brittle texture in the S4MP sample. In terms of the results of the hedonic scale, the sausage samples received a higher score for section appearance (7.91 ± 0.831 for C1MP and 8.00 ± 0.775 for C2MO), compared to the salami samples (7.73 ± 1.104 for S3MC and 7.18 ± 1.168 for S4MP). The overall acceptability was highest for C1MP, which received 8.36 ± 0.674 points, being followed in descending order by C2MO (8.55 ± 0.688), S3MC (8.18 ± 0.751) and S4MP (7.45 ± 0.522)
Mesoporous chitosan nanofibers loaded with norfloxacin and coated with phenylboronic acid perform as bioabsorbable active dressings to accelerate the healing of burn wounds
No full textThe paper reports new chitosan-based nanofibers, designed to address the healing of burn wounds. To this aim, mesoporous chitosan fiber mats were prepared by electrospinning using poly(ethylene oxide) as sacrificial additive, followed by loading with norfloxacin and coating with an antifungal agent via dynamic imine bonds. Dynamic vapor sorption experiment proved intra-fiber mesopores around 2.7 nm, and UV–vis, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy confirmed the norfloxacin embedding and the imination reaction. SEM, AFM and POM techniques displayed semicrystalline nanofibers with average diameter around 170 nm entangled into a non-woven mat. Their mesoporous nature favored a rapid adsorption of fluids up to 17 g/g, and a biodegradation rate fitting the wound healing rate, i.e. up to 30 % mass loss in media of pH characteristic to wound exudate and total degradation in that characteristic to normal dermis. The composite fibers released the NFX and 2FPBA in a controlled manner, and showed antimicrobial activity against gram positive, gram negative and fungal strains. They had no cytotoxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts, and showed biocompatibility on experimental rats. The investigation of wound healing ability on second/third-degree burn model in rats revealed wound closure and total restoration of the fully functional dermis and epidermis
The influence of tillage systems on soil compaction in the corn crop
No full textDuring the last decades, notillage
has started to be used on more and
more areas, being a conservative tillage
system practiced in many farms in the
country. The aim of this study was to
quantify the effects of the no-tillage system
on the physical properties of the soil
compared to the conventional system, in a
plateau area with cambic chernozem soil
under the current climatic conditions in the
north-east of Romania, in order to implement
it in agricultural practice of the studied area.
The soil samples were taken in natural and
undisturbed conditions for bulk density and
moisture content, soil penetration resistance
was determined using the Eijkelkamp
penetrologger. The status of soil compaction,
the various porosity categories, and the soil
moisture content were all determined based
on field and laboratory analysis.
Measurements performed at a depth of 0-40
cm showed a lower bulk density in the
conventional system, and in terms of
variation in values from sowing to
harvesting, there was a maximum increase of
18% in the 10-20 cm soil layer, an
intermediate of 10% in the topsoil and 20-30
cm layers, and a minimum of 1% in the 30-
40 cm layer. Total porosity, which reflects
soil pore volume, is inversely correlated with
bulk density, which means that under
conventional tillage practices, soil
macropore volume (>0.05 cm) was higher
(47.79-60.82% v/v) than under no-tillage
practices (45.90-50.79% v/v) for 0-40 cm
depth at the sowing time. The results
confirm that the no-tillage system conserves
more water in the soil under current climatic
conditions
Synchronization of ovulation (FTET) in Țurcana sheep as embryo recipients
No full textDue to the fact that the farm wants to crossbreed sheep with meat breeds, it was opted for the fastest solution to bring
genetic progress, namely embryo transfer, using sheep from the Turcan breed as embryo recipients and those from the
Suffolk breed as embryo donors, so that finally the batch of receivers after parturition will produce a production of
Suffolk lambs. Following the selection of recipients considering the standard criteria that include: general health,
functional integrity of the genital tract and cyclic activity of the ovaries, two groups were formed for the induction and
synchronization of estrus. The first batch consisted of 20 sheep and the second batch of 20. The first batch was
subjected to a P4-PG-PMSG protocol and the second batch to the P4-PG-GnRH protocol. The two protocols consisted
of the insertion of intravaginal sponges with flugestone acetate in a concentration of 20mg, to induce the progesterone
phase, for 13 days, day 0 of the protocols being represented by the day when the progesterone sponges were applied. In
continuation of the protocol, Prostaglandinf2α was used on day 12 in a double dose, in the morning and in the evening
at a distance of 12 hours in a dose of 0.6 ml/administration/animal. On day 13, the progesterone sponges were removed
and PMSG (Folligon) was administered in the case of the first batch at a dose of 600 IU/animal, and in the second batch
GnRH (Receptal) was administered at a dose of 12 μg/animal ( 3ml/animal) followed by a dose of 600 IU HCG
(Chorulon) 24 hours after GnRH administration. Ovulation was accurately assessed at the time of embryo transfer
through laparotomy, due to the highlighting of the ovaries and their macroscopic analysis in the operative field, after
identifying the CL on the ovary, their appearance and the number of CL on the ovary. However, the assessment of the
rate of entry into heat was assessed 24 hours after the end of the protocol by biostimulating the receptors with the help
of detector rams, thus the ewes that entered in estrus at 12 – 24 hours, 24 – 48 of hours or over 48 hours after
completing the protocol. The results obtained in the case of the first batch having the highest rate of entering in estrus
between 24 - 48 hours being 40%, followed by a rate of 30% between 12 - 24 hours, the lowest rate being 20% that
entered in estrus after 48 hours, the second batch with GnRH had the highest rate of entry into estrus of 60% in the first
12-24 hours and the rate at 24-48 hours, respectively those that entered heat after 48 hours was 20%. Compared
between the two groups, there were differences in the timing of ovulation assessment, as in the case of the first group
with PMSG, a 60% ovulation rate was assessed with well-developed CL, 10% presented CL but these were unsuitable
for embryo transfer, 10% presented ovarian cysts, and 10% did not ovulate, in the case of the second batch an ovulation
rate of 60% was assessed and the rate of 40% represented the animals that did not ovulate, the difference between the
two batches being the fact that it is observed in the case of the first batch rate of 10% with ovarian cysts, which
indicates that the PMSG-based pharmaceutical is causing ovarian cysts. In conclusion, the therapeutic protocol used in
the off-season for the induction of estrus and ovulation in Turcan sheep, in this study, resulted in the detection of estrus
in 90% of the ewes subjected to the protocol, and the ovulation rate was 80% (60% with CL well developed and 20%
were with poorly developed CL), regarding the first batch, and regarding the second batch 100% of ewes in oestrus
were detected, but 60% of them ovulated with CL well developed. These results can be largely attributed to the
reproduction seasonality of the sheep
Dogs as sentinels for West Nile virus? Iasi, Romania exposure
Get PDFWest Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic flavivirus responsible for mild fever to severe, lethal neuroinvasive
disease in humans, horses, birds, and other wildlife species. Since its discovery, WNV has caused multiple human and
animal disease outbreaks in all continents, except Antarctica. Infections are associated with economic losses, mainly
due to the cost of treatment of infected patients, control programmes, and loss of animals and animal products. This
cross-sectional study explored the feasibility of domestic dogs as sentinels to better understand risks of mosquito-borne
diseases in Iasi city
Lanthanum hydroxichloride/anatase composite and its application for effective UV-light driven oxidation of the emergent water contaminant Cetirizine
No full textThis work reports on the successful synthesis of a new composite named TiO2@La(OH)2Cl using a sol-gel and hydrothermal route. This method is considered an inexpensive and environmentally friendly synthetic method to produce materials with controllable size and morphology. A combination of X-Ray powder diffraction, X-Ray photoelectron spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed that the composite is made of micrometric platelets of La(OH)2Cl covered by c.a. 10 nm TiO2 anatase nanoparticles. The activity in photocatalytic reactions was examined through cetirizine degradation under UV-A irradiation. Results of the screening studies confirmed the excellent photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized composite compared to pure anatase and pure La(OH)2Cl, highlighting the positive role of the synergy between the two solids. The composite was further explored in detail in terms of catalyst load, pollutant concentration, water matrix and mechanism of the reaction. The target molecule was completely removed from the aqueous suspension at 2.5 mg/L of pollutant and 0.2 g/L of catalyst load. Also, reaction mechanism evaluation showed the active role of hydroxyl radicals in the degradation of cetirizine by the TiO2@La(OH)2Cl composite. Additionally, phytotoxicity investigations were performed to study the germination of cress seeds for treated and raw solutions. Data revealed that the degradation reaction products for cetirizine were scarcely toxic compared to the untreated sample confirming the usefulness of the photocatalytic treatment with the TiO2@La(OH)2Cl composite. Lastly, all these data demonstrate the excellent catalytic efficiency of the new synthesized material, opening new ways for its use for future applications for water purification
Using the principles of therapeutic gardens in the proposed redevelopment of the green space of the ”prof. dr. Nicolae Oblu” hospital in Iasi
No full textThe paper presents a study on therapeutic gardens with an example of applying their composition rules within a landscaping project proposal for the green space of the Hospital "Prof. Dr. Nicolae Oblu" in Iasi. These therapeutic gardens have been used over the years as specially landscaped outdoor spaces near hospitals or in the inner courtyards of various rehabilitation or treatment centers. These gardens' design and construction principles help improve and heal patients' ailments more quickly and contribute to the well-being of all institution staff and visitors. The same rules and principles underlie the garden design concept of the Iasi Clinical Neurological Hospital, which, through this redesign proposal, has been given the possible status of a public garden with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, which also meets the criteria specific to therapeutic gardens