Nature contemplation has been shown to have many benefits for well=being, from the restorative effects on the nervous systems, to the support for self-regulation. The objective was to explore the details of the effects of nature contemplation on the awareness and acceptance of the here-and-now experience, the way of turning towards oneself, in a caring or critical manner, and the feeling of self-fulfillment resulting from meeting personal needs. To accomplish the objectives, we conducted a quasi-experimental study, exploring the effects of watching a film from nature compared to a creative exercise and a non-treatment condition, and a correlational study, investigating the associations of some facets of self-compassion, congruence, and mindfulness. When compared to the non-treatment condition, watching the film from nature, resulted in higher scores on the self-disparagement scale of self-compassion, and, when compared to a creative exercise, it resulted in lower feelings of internal congruence. The self-care dimension of self-compassion was positively associated with the awareness in general, and awareness of personal incongruences in particular, and negatively with the acceptance of the here and now experience, while the self-disparagement was positively associated with self-care and the awareness of personal incongruence, and negatively with the acceptance of present experience.
Bioactive food compounds represent the foundation of functional foods, playing a key role in supporting human health. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of natural sources of bioingredients, advanced techniques for the identification of bioactive compounds, and their use in the fortification of bakery products. The study highlights current trends in the integration of plant-based ingredients—such as tubers, legumes, pseudocereals, and fruits—as well as pure compounds including vitamins, minerals, fibers, and proteins into bread and biscuits. The aim is to improve their nutritional profile and to address global nutritional deficiencies. Based on a literature review covering the period 2016–2025, the effects of fortification on dough rheology, fermentation processes, final product structure, and shelf stability are evaluated. The paper emphasizes the beneficial effects of functional compounds (e.g., ascorbic acid) on gluten gas retention capacity, alongside technological challenges such as crumb structure alteration, reduced dough extensibility, and the potential impact on product shelf life. A broader overview of the complex interaction between bioingredients and baking processes is presented, stressing the need for adapted technological strategies like microencapsulation and recipe optimization. The conclusions support bakery product fortification as a strategic direction in the development of functional foods, offering significant nutritional and functional benefits to public health.
Although Romania's climate is known as "moderate continental", in recent years extremely large variations have occurred (total amount of precipitation from one year to another, its distribution throughout the year), which determines water deficits frequently associated with heat during the growth and development of wheat on the chernozem of Caracal. To study the variability of some of the characters involved in drought resistance of winter wheat, 220 common wheat varieties of different origins were used. The presentation of the pluviometric regime was made based on the Angot index, an index that expresses how rainy the month is in relation to the overall precipitation in a year. The frequency of months was determined according to the drought intensity classes. Based on the average yields obtained in the period 2020-2024, a restricted common assortment was established. Starting from this, were analyzed the relationship between the average yield and the Angot index, the reaction of varieties to contrasting water supply conditions, the interaction of temperatures x precipitation in the May-June period (Triboi model, 2008) and the influence of water stress on production, productivity elements (number of grains/ear, weight of grains/ear, TKW) and production quality (TW, protein).
Obtaining new winter wheat genotypes is of particular importance in wheat improvement, by increasing production, quality and resistance to the pedoclimatic conditions of the area. Being created under the conditions of ARDS Pitești, winter wheat lines exhibit increased resistance to aluminum ions found in the arable layer. Aluminum ions affect plants because they block the necessary mobile phosphorus, which is why it is necessary to apply amendments based on CaCO3. The studied material was represented by the Ursita variety, considered the control variant, and 4 new winter wheat genotypes, represented by lines A4-10, A44-13, A95-13 and A57-14. The experiment is of the AxBxC trifactorial type, where factor A is represented by the genotype, factor B, the variants that were treated in the seed and the untreated ones, factor C-different fertilization doses, organized according to the randomized block method in 4 repetitions. The results were statistically processed using the parameters: production, protein content, gluten content, hectoliter mass.
The increasingly variable yields of field crops are due to increasing climate change in recent years. Thus, an important objective of breeding programs in the country and abroad it consists of improving the adaptability to drought and heat of field plants (especially maize). As a result of research, it has been found that drought and heat are very dangerous for corn, as they occur during and after pollination, as well as at different stages of grain filling. In order to reduce losses, it is recommended to identify and use genotypes that can provide an increase and stability of the harvest regardless of the climatic conditions. Thus, emphasis is placed on the expansion of early hybrids in production. Breeding maize for early sowing requires basic germplasm with germination capacity and vigorous growth under low temperature conditions. The purpose of this research, in which we used as research material 19 early inbred lines and the Suceava M Hybrid (control); was to evaluate and identify inbred lines with tolerance and adaptability to adverse conditions. Of all the lines analyzed, the L19 line showed considerable adaptability to the dry climate, evidenced by the highest level of production, supported by a higher number of rows per cob.
For 3 years (2021-2023) on the chernozem of Caracal, the influence of the Ympact biostimulator on the winter wheat variety Glosa was studied through the prism of numerous characters classified according to phenophases as follows: plant growth and development (number of sprouted plants/m2, number of siblings/plant, total plant biomass in spring, root biomass in spring, height); formation of generative organs (number of fertile siblings/m2, spike length, number of grains/spike, weight of grains/spike), production formation (number of spikes/m2, number of grains/m2, mass of 1000 grains); harvest production and its quality (production, total plant biomass, harvest index, hectoliter mass). In addition to Ympact, the biostimulator Kerafol was also tested, both in two doses and 2 variants not treated with biostimulator. The correlations calculated for the entire experiment showed that production was correlated with the number of siblings/plant, root biomass, grain weight/ear, total dry biomass and harvest index, and those calculated strictly for the variants treated with Ympact revealed strongly positive correlations with the number of plants/m2 and total dry biomass.
In this study, taxonomic investigations were conducted on six lichenized fungi species from Robert Island (Antarctic Peninsula). The anatomical and morphological characteristics of the specimens were examined, along with molecular data. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primers were used as molecular markers for six species. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequences obtained from both the collected specimens and reference data from GenBank. The phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary tree construction were based on the Maximum Likelihood method. As a result of the study, the following lichenized fungi species were identified: Austrolecia antarctica Hertel, Lecanora polytropa (Ehrh.) Rabenh., Placopsis antarctica (Nyl.) I.M.Lamb, Rhizocarpon geminatum Körb., Rhizocarpon polycarpum (Hepp) Th.Fr., Usnea aurantiacoatra (Jacq) Bory
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) is recognized for its rich profile of bioactive compounds and its broad potential in promoting health. Gaining deeper insights into these properties can help maximize its use within the food industry. The fruit is notably abundant in biologically active substances, especially (poly)phenols and terpenoids. Researchers indicates that various food processing methods can significantly impact the concentration and efficacy of these compounds. From a health perspective, both in vitro (laboratory-based) and in vivo (animal or human) studies have demonstrated that elderberry exhibits a variety of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral (particularly against influenza), antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective activities. These effects are believed to occur through modulation of key cellular signaling pathways and molecular targets. Despite the encouraging evidence, clinical trials confirming these health benefits in humans are still relatively scarce. Nonetheless, elderberry remains a promising natural ingredient with strong potential for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals designed to help prevent or manage chronic health conditions. The objective of this study is to analyze the plant productivity and fruit quality of two edelberry cultivars in Mărăcineni, Argeş.
Romanian consumers are open to new things, but the dairy market is highly competitive, with companies constantly looking for new products to attract customers. However, Romanian consumers are embracing this trend. This research aims to identify the direct and indirect factors influencing consumers' intentions to purchase and consume cow's milk versus plant-based alternatives. Data were collected online using Google Forms (n = 450), and a conventional sampling technique was employed to reach consumers. The study explores consumer behaviour towards dairy milk versus plant-based alternatives, focusing on purchase patterns, marketing, motivations for purchase, and the influence of socio-demographic factors. The results suggest that the nutritional and health benefits of milk and milk alternatives motivate consumers. 67% prefer milk, while 31% are open to plant-based alternatives — figures reflecting the current market size. In conclusion, Romanian consumers are open to new products, but intense promotion and attractive marketing strategies are needed to increase their intention to purchase dairy or alternative products.
Barberry species' flowers, fruits, and leaves are widely consumed due to their rich nutritional content and positive effects on health. This study determined the leaf mineral content levels of Berberis crataegina DC. genotypes collected from Kayseri province in the center of Turkey. The study material consisted of 10 genotypes collected from the Alidağı region of Kayseri province. A total of 13 mineral substances (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, and Zn) were determined in the leaves of the genotypes. The mineral content of leaves differed among genotypes. The most abundant mineral substances in Barberry leaves were determined as Ca (906.32 - 3017.62 mg/kg), Mg (250.75 - 950. 50 mg/kg), K (240.50 - 850.50 mg/kg), P (150.50 -350.00 mg/kg), S (60.30 - 175.75 mg/kg) and Na (40.25 - 95.50 mg/kg). The leaves' lowest mineral substances were Ni (0.20 - 0.05 mg/kg) and Cu (0.85 - 1.95 mg/kg). As a result of the study, it was observed that barberry leaves growing naturally in the region have rich mineral content.
Strawberry is one of the important berries grown widely in the world. In parallel with the increase in strawberry production, the need for quality strawberry seedlings also increases. This study was carried out on the Kabarla strawberry variety. The study investigated the effect of 4 treatments (Control, Glycine + Humic acid, Glycine + IBA, Humic acid + IBA) on strawberry seedling production. The study was designed according to the randomized block trial design with three replications for each application and six plants in each replication. Strawberry seedlings were planted in the first week of May, spacing 50 cm x 1 m. Applications were carried out 4 times with an interval of 15 days when the first stolons on the plants were ready for rooting. Seedlings were divided into three quality groups: A+, A, and B. At the end of the study, it was determined that all applications positively affected the number and quality of strawberry seedlings. While the Humic acid + IBA application was found to be the most effective application to obtain A+ quality seedlings, the Glycine + IBA application was found to be the most effective application to obtain A and B quality seedlings.
This study explores a sustainable strategy for recovering and assessing the bioactivity of resveratrol from Burgund grape pomace. Wet and dried pomace were milled and subjected to microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with 99.9% ethanol (1:10 w/v, 20 min). Wet pomace yielded a slightly higher total polyphenol content (6.25 mg GAE/g) than dried samples (6.13 mg GAE/g). UHPLC analysis confirmed resveratrol levels of 0.047–0.055 µg/mL in wet pomace, exceeding those in dried samples. Antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) correlated strongly with polyphenol content. In silico profiling indicated compliance with Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, high intestinal absorption (~91%), moderate permeability, CYP3A4-mediated metabolism, and a favorable safety profile. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of MAE and underline the therapeutic potential of resveratrol, supporting grape pomace as a reproducible, ethical, and eco-responsible resource.
Elaeagnus angustifolia L., is a shrub species widely used for therapeutic purposes. This plant's edible fruits are a rich natural source of bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids, whith antioxidant, provitaminic, and protective effects against chronic degenerative diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the beta-carotene and lycopene content in aqueous extracts from dried fruits of E. angustifolia L., as influenced by extraction temperature (ambient, 50 °C and 80 °C). Following thermal treatment and purification via solid-phase extraction (SPE), carotenoids were quantitatively determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), employing atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) for detection. The results revealed a significant increase in the carotenoid concentration correlated with extraction temperature, with peak values of 105.8 µg/g beta-carotene and 190.2 µg/g lycopene in the extract obtained at 80 °C. That moderate heat treatment boosts the release of oil-loving pigments from the plant material, even in water-based systems and without the use of organic solvents. This study outlines an efficient, environmentally friendly and reproducible extraction method. Elaeagnus angustifolia L. fruits possess a high potential as a raw material for the creation of functional food products, antioxidant dietary supplements, and standardized phytopharmaceutical extracts.
The species Eurygaster integriceps (suun pest) has a biological cycle that is significantly influenced by climatic conditions. Diapause, which lasts between 8 and 9 months, is divided into two stages: aestivation (during the warm season) and hibernation (during the cold season). Aestivation ranged from 3 to 4.5 months during 2020-2024, and hibernation gradually decreased from 7 months in 2020 to 4 months in 2024, reflecting milder winters. These changes indicate an adaptation to changing climatic conditions and a greater potential for impact on crops. Spring season migration begins in April, and mass migration occurs when temperatures exceed 10°C, lasting between 55 and 75 days, depending on the year. The time of migration from field to forest is longer than the migration in the opposite direction. In 2024, migration was faster, suggesting possible climate change. The species prolificacy increased steadily between 2020 and 2024, from 25% to 50%, influenced by fat consumption and feeding conditions. Feeding of plants in the grass family favors efficient reproduction, and embryonic development differs significantly, so in 2024 it was considerably extended (25 days). The essential processes of the bedbug are supported by warm, dry and bright conditions, while cold and wet weather, accompanied by winds, limit them. These conditions are fundamental for migration, sexual maturation, feeding, reproduction, hatching and development. Their effective management is essential for the management of infestations. In addition, nutrition has a significant restrictive role when the growth of the host plant progresses ahead of the pest cycle, inhibiting its normal development.
In 2023, 10 arthropod harvests were carried out in the pea crop, collecting 77 taxa and 1962 specimens. The most abundant species were Dermestes laniarius (277 specimens), ants (274 specimens) and Coccinella septempunctata (265 specimens). The largest harvest was achieved at the first harvest, with 447 specimens, dominated by Coccinella septempunctata (128 specimens). Regarding the classes, Insecta was the best represented, with 1801 specimens (91.79%), followed by Arachnida (157 specimens, 8%) and Diplopoda (4 specimens, 0.2%). The insect orders included Coleoptera (1109 specimens), Hymenoptera (365), Orthoptera (117), Lepidoptera (80), Heteroptera (74), Diptera (55) and Neuroptera (1). Among arachnids, Opiliones (152) and Acari (7) were encountered, and among diplopods only the order Julida (4) was encountered. In 2024, 6 harvests were carried out, collecting 70 taxa and 2041 specimens. The largest groups were Diptera (447 specimens), Coccinella septempunctata (268) and Opatrum sabulosum (176). The richest harvest was the first, with 575 specimens, dominated by Opatrum sabulosum (172). The classes had a similar distribution to the previous year: Insecta (1865 specimens, 91.38%), Arachnida (169, 8.28%) and Diplopoda (7, 0.34%). The collected insect orders were Coleoptera (1039 specimens), Hymenoptera (180), Orthoptera (143), Lepidoptera (4), Heteroptera (48), Diptera (447) and Homoptera (2). Among arachnids, Opiliones (162) and Acari (7) were identified, and among diplopods, Julida (7 specimens). Thus, both seasons demonstrated a significant biodiversity, with the predominance of insects, especially Coleoptera and Diptera, highlighting the ecological structure of the pea agroecosystem.
Eurygaster integriceps, commonly known as the sunn pest, begins its biological activity in the second decade of April, when adults emerge from hibernation at temperatures of 12–16°C, with mass flights occurring on sunny days at temperatures above 18°C. Males appear a few days before females, and the migration to wheat fields is completed by May. After feeding, mating takes place, and females lay between 70 and 100 eggs, grouped in batches of 14, on leaves, stems, and preferably on emerging spikes. Egg hatching occurs within 7–15 days, from early May to mid-June. The larvae go through four instars and three molts, followed by the nymph stage. The full development cycle lasts 30–40 days, with new adults emerging between the second half of June and July. These adults feed intensively for about 10 days to accumulate fat reserves necessary for hibernation, after which they migrate to deciduous forests. Comparative studies between Gorban and Țuțora (2020–2024) reveal differences in the development rate, influenced by microclimatic conditions: maturation occurs faster in Gorban, while delays in hatching, larval development, and adult emergence are observed in Țuțora.
Coridorul Jiului is a Natura 2000 area located in the south-western part of Romania, benefiting from a climate with sub-Mediterranean influences that favours the presence of thermophilous species of the genus Cerambyx. Observations carried out in May-September 2022-2023 led to the identification of four species of Cerambyx, out of the five species present in the Romanian fauna: C. cerdo, C. miles, C. welensii, and C. scopolii. Although the suitable habitat is represented by forests with secular trees, the species have also been recorded in younger oak habitats, 50, 60 and 70 years old, with prematurely aged trees, due to the present in the area of forests planted on sandy soil that provides a poor nutrient environment for the trees. The species C. cerdo recorded the highest numerical abundance values, 154 individuals, compared to 4 and 7 individuals, respectively, for the other three species. The species populations are particularly notable in habitat 91M0 in Dealul Branului-Bâlteni (north of the area) and Dâlga (south of the area). Our observations reveal that the oak forests in southwestern Romania are an important reservoir for populations of Cerambyx species, contributing to the conservation of longicorns biodiversity under the implementation of appropriate forest management strategies.
The assessment of the damage caused by the Eurygaster spp. genus in wheat crops was carried out during the period 2020-2024, analyzing their impact on grain quality. In 2020, a significant attack was recorded in the localities of Comarna, Prisăcani and Dolhești, where most of the grains were affected, and the frequency of infestation varied between 0.1-1% and 3.1-4%. In 2021, the attack was more extensive, with a large number of grains affected, and the localities of Prisăcani and Dolhești recorded severe infestations, with over 80% of the production affected in the categories 2.1-3% and 3.1-4%. In 2022, a positive trend was observed in some areas, with a decrease in the intensity of the attack, especially in the localities of Comarna and Răducăneni. In 2023, the attack continued, but was less severe than in previous years, with a significant decrease in affected grains in the higher infestation categories. In 2024, a low level of infestation was recorded in most localities, with a decrease in severe attacks. The data suggest increased efficiency of control measures and less favorable conditions for pest development. However, the constant presence of attacks highlights the need for continued protection measures to limit the economic impact on wheat producers.
The effects of heat stress on the relative water content (RWC), turgidity loss, total soluble protein (TSP), SDS-PAGE protein profiles, and heat shock protein of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. "Kandil") leaves were studied. During the seedling stage, leaf samples were obtained from the plants and subjected to heat stress treatments in a water bath at 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 °C in 30-minute increments. Heat stress tolerance (LT50) was then computed. The results revealed that the LT50 value for the bell pepper cultivar was 41.2 °C. As temperature rose, leaf RWC decreased and turgor loss increased. The TSP content was higher in the 35 and 40 °C treatments compared to the control group, a significant decrease was observed at 60 °C. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed various polymorphic protein bands ranging from 7 to 54 kDa. The HSP60 antibody identified a band around 54 kDa under all temperature treatments. Moreover, the intensity of 54 kDa protein in plants at 35, 40, and 55 °C was higher than in the control group. Furthermore, the strength of this band fell considerably at 60 °C. These results suggest that the 54 kDa protein may play a role in enhancing HST in bell pepper plants.
The genus Lunaria L. belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is of interest to humans due to its numerous properties. This study aimed to investigate Lunaria redivivus's tolerance to high temperatures, low positive temperatures, and soil salinity by germination of the seeds. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were established: assess the high-temperature tolerance, low-temperature tolerance, and salt tolerance of Lunaria rediviva by measuring the percentage of germinated seeds under these conditions. Seeds were germinated in the Petri dishes. Six different concentrations of the salt were used. A seed was considered germinated if it produced a root. This species is not tolerant of high temperatures for germination. The tolerance to the low positive temperatures is at a medium level. A salt concentration of 2% totally blocked germination. A low salt concentration (up to 0.5% of salt) does not significantly influence the germination of the seeds. At a 1% salt concentration, seed germination was very low. Overall, the salt tolerance of Lunaria rediviva is moderate.
