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New insights into the application of fungal biomass for Chromium(VI) bioremoval from aqueous solutions using Design of Experiments and Differential Evolution based Neural Network approaches
No full textNew investigations were carried out to demonstrate the ability of Trichoderma viride dead biomass for the bioremoval of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The gathered experimental data were initially modelled considering both adsorption and reduction kinetic models, followed by equilibrium models. In the next step, Design of Experiments method (DoE) and a Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm were applied for determining the optimal Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models which are able to correlate the process efficiency with the experimental conditions. In addition, DE (in combination with the previously determined ANN) was used to obtain the optimal working conditions for maximum process efficiency. These optimization procedures allow setting various process parameters and working conditions which ensure the maximum bioremoval efficiency. DoE highlighted that all the study parameters have statistically significant individual influence on Cr(VI) bioremoval efficiency and, for example, at pH 2 and a temperature of 50 °C, 100% of Cr(VI) is bioremoved if the biosorbent dosage is 10 g/L, considering a minimum contact time of 2 h and given a maximum initial concentration of 122.5 mg/L. According to the ANN model, a contact time set at 24 h yields optimal values for Cr(VI) bioremoval by dead biomass considering pH 1.00, 3 g/L biosorbent dosage, 23 mg/L metallic ion concentration and a temperature of 50 °C. pHpzc, FT-IR and SEM-EDX analyses were included for biomass characterization and to underline the bioremoval mechanism of Cr(VI). Our results are providing a solid basis for the development of technologies for detoxification of contaminated effluents
Biological characteristics of the species of Echinacea purpurea L. cultivated at the Agrobiological Station State University Of Moldova
Get PDFIn this paper are the results of studying of the morphological structure of Echinacea purpurea L species cultivated for
two years in indigenous bioecological conditions. In this period of time was analyzed biomass accumulation of different
plant parts in different stages of vegetation. The results showed that the dynamics of biomass accumulation in all three
parts of the plant has increased capacity as well as the number of flowering shoots, both in the first year of cultivation
and in year two. This proves about an increased adaptability to indigenous bioecological condition
The divergence of the system of association horizon notation of soils widespread in the Republic of Moldova
Get PDFThe World Reference Base (WRB) is the international standard for the soil classification system approved by the
International Union of Soil Sciences. As far as possible, diagnostic criteria are matched with those of existing systems
so that correlation with national and previous international systems is as simple as possible. The WRB is not intended to
replace national soil classification systems, but to be a tool for better correlation between national systems. The aim of
this work is to identify and highlight the divergence of the system of notation of the association horizons of soils with
similar properties or attributes spread over the territory of the Republic of Moldova. Some of which, characterized by a
combination of attributes reflecting common, widespread results of soil formation processes, are thus, identified and
found in the fourth edition of the WRB which was launched in 2022. Ambiguities in the notation of association
horizons for soils of the Republic of Moldova, need to be correlated in a more concise way and closer to the WRB being
officially recognized also by the public authorities of the country. As diagnostic materials will serve the factors that
significantly influence soil formation processes based on their distinctive characteristics. This paper provides an
overview of the nationally diagnosed association horizons compared to those in the world, which could be useful for
students of agriculture, forestry and engineering. In this case, the proper identification and linking of diagnostic
association horizons to the new World Reference Base will facilitate the national soil classification system in naming
and describing soils, as well as the creation of legends for specific land use soil maps. It is hoped, that this publication
will contribute to the awareness and understanding of the role of the universal soil science system for the general public
and the scientific community
Accumulation of Heavy Metal Ions from Urban Soil in Spontaneous Flora
No full textThis study aimed to analyse the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions in plants of spontaneous flora. An urban area was established from which soil samples were taken and analyses were performed on the content of heavy metal ions. The soil samples were collected from Iasi’s urban area to determine the heavy metal concentrations, obtain maps of sensitive land, and determine the content of heavy metals in spontaneous flora and transfer these into an aqueous extract. The investigation of heavy metal ion levels in certain plants revealed the following: (i) all plants from the Brassicaceae accumulate heavy metals, and B. juncea has a great ability to accumulate and transfer Cu, Cr(VI), Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn towards the shoots; (ii) heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn) were present in variable concentrations, with mint and nettle being notable for their increased level of iron and thyme, and rattle for its zinc levels; (iii) toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) are present in low concentrations in plants as well as in infusions, except for in primula and plantain, which do not have high levels of Pb and Cd. The results showed that values exceeded the maximum recommended values in areas with industrial pollution. Taking into account the potential for the bioaccumulation of heavy metal ions by plants from spontaneous flora and their use as medicinal plants, it is recommended, based on the studies conducted, to harvest and use plants from soils that do not contain heavy metal ions
Landscape design process of a private events venue garden in Iasi county, Romania
No full textDue to urban acceleration and current social and economic development, gardens have begun to receive increased attention from society. Just as therapeutic gardens can be designed for hospitals or green relaxation spaces for employees, gardens can also be designed for event locations. Private event venues have begun to pay more attention to green space around buildings to provide attendees with green areas to relax and socialize. More and more event locations are located on the city's outskirts, thus offering the opportunity to create perspectives with natural views. In the present work, it was desired to design a private garden for events with multiple purposes (civil weddings, christening parties, marriage parties, corporate parties, etc.), in the Iasi city, Romania, on the shores of Lake Ciric II. The design style adopted had sinuous forms and minimal intervention on the existing tree vegetation. The proposed vegetation was represented by deciduous trees that will provide decoration through shape and color and by shrubs grouped in compositions that will provide decoration in all seasons
Comparative study of the effect of dry and wet aging on beef meat colour parameters during maturation
No full textMeat colour remains one of the most important quality parameters influencing consumers and attracting the attention of meat scientists around the world. The objective of this scientific article was to follow the colorimetric differences produced by two types of maturation - wet and dry, on meat from intensively reared cattle. Colorimetric tests were performed on samples of the beef round for a 20-day maturation period, the first sample being analyzed less than 24 hours after slaughter and the others on days 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 of maturation. Colorimetric measurements were performed both on the meat surface and in sections for both types of maturation. The colour of beef outside showed non-significant differences (p > 0,05) between the two types of maturation studied for all three colorimetric parameters studied (L*, a*, and b*), with highly significant differences (p < 0.001) only between the type of maturation and advancement of maturation (TM*Days) for the same colour parameters. As regards the colour of the beef round in the section, the differences identified were highly significant (p < 0.001) for the parameters L* and b*, but significant (p < 0.05) for the parameter a*. As for the colour on the outside of the meat, highly significant differences (p < 0.001) were identified between the type of maturation and the advancement of the maturation period in the section of the beef round
Bread dough rheology study by monitoring energy parameters
No full textThe operation of kneading dough for bakery is complex, being influenced by many factors, among which we mention
the type of flour used, the amount of water added, the kneading temperature, the speed of the mixer's active organs, the
duration of kneading, etc. In the kneading process to obtain the dough, a series of physical changes occur in the
structure of the protein networks. Through kneading, the rheological properties of the dough change due to the
movement of the protein groups, and the amount of gluten that can be washed decreases. In this study we compared the
standard method of determining the rheological properties with the farinograph and the direct method using a mixer
common in the bakery industry where we monitored the energy parameters to finally determine the farinographic curve.
The results obtained on the farinographic curves show that the direct method with the mixer is identical to that obtained
by the standard farinographic method, with the mention that the latter must be used initially to calibrate the direct
method
Use of Spirulina platensis and Curcuma longa as Nutraceuticals in Poultry
No full textSince the banning of antibiotics in animal feeds (2006), there has been an increase in the number of studies looking for alternatives to stimulate the gut immune system. The main objective of our review article is to underline the nutraceutical properties of Curcuma longa and Spirulina platensis in the broiler chicken industry, and the experimental data were obtained by analyzing literature sources. Spirulina platensis is widely recognized as a valuable protein source, containing approximately 55–70% protein, 25% carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and 18% fatty acids. It is also rich in various vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B12, vitamin C, gamma-linolenic acid, phycocyanins, tocopherols, chlorophyll, beta-carotenes, carotenoids, exhibiting positive effects on growth performance, gut integrity, and immunity. The anti-inflammatory effect of spirulina supplementation at different levels showed a decrease in caspase-3 and the TNF-α immunolabeling index; a reduction in IL-1β, IL-2 and IFN-γ; and an increase in the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4. Spirulina inhibits the synthesis of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-gamma in addition to the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzymes. Turmeric also positively influences the growth, egg production, and overall health of chickens. Curcumin, the most potent component of turmeric, possesses additional pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, and anticancer effects. Its immunomodulatory properties greatly enhance the immune system response, acting as a natural antibiotic against pathogens and decreasing levels of proinflammatory interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-2, IL-18, and TNF-α
Evaluation of Poly(vinyl alcohol)–Xanthan Gum Hydrogels Loaded with Neomycin Sulfate as Systems for Drug Delivery
No full textIn recent years, multidrug-resistant bacteria have developed the ability to resist multiple antibiotics, limiting the available options for effective treatment. Raising awareness and providing education on the appropriate use of antibiotics, as well as improving infection control measures in healthcare facilities, are crucial steps to address the healthcare crisis. Further, innovative approaches must be adopted to develop novel drug delivery systems using polymeric matrices as carriers and support to efficiently combat such multidrug-resistant bacteria and thus promote wound healing. In this context, the current work describes the use of two biocompatible and non-toxic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and xanthan gum (XG), to achieve hydrogel networks through cross-linking by oxalic acid following the freezing/thawing procedure. PVA/XG-80/20 hydrogels were loaded with different quantities of neomycin sulfate to create promising low-class topical antibacterial formulations with enhanced antimicrobial effects. The inclusion of neomycin sulfate in the hydrogels is intended to impart them with powerful antimicrobial properties, thereby facilitating the development of exceptionally efficient topical antibacterial formulations. Thus, incorporating higher quantities of neomycin sulfate in the PVA/XG-80/20-2 and PVA/XG-80/20-3 formulations yielded promising cycling characteristics. These formulations exhibited outstanding removal efficiency, exceeding 80% even after five cycles, indicating remarkable and consistent adsorption performance with repeated use. Furthermore, both PVA/XG-80/20-2 and PVA/XG-80/20-3 formulations outperformed the drug-free sample, PVA/XG-80/20, demonstrating a significant enhancement in maximum compressive stress
Physico-Chemical Characterization, Phenolic Compound Extraction and Biological Activity of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Canes
Get PDFAnnual grapevine pruning produces large amounts of unused waste as woody canes. The current study is aimed at the sustainable valorization of viticultural waste by establishing phenolic compound extraction conditions, composition, and biological potential of crude and purified cane extracts of three Vitis vinifera L. cultivars growing in temperate climate conditions. Grapevine canes proved to be rich in carbohydrates and minerals; chlorophyll and carotenoids were also quantified. The highest yield of phenolic compounds was obtained when dry canes (100 mg/mL). These findings indicate that grapevine canes represent a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, that are currently insufficiently known and not exploited to their true functional and economic potential