Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brasov. Series II: Forestry • Wood Industry • Agricultural Food Engineering

Variation in Wood Density Among Picea abies Provenances in the Romanian Carpathians

2024-06-25T10:00:49+00:00

Wood density is an intricate trait that encapsulates water transport, growth, and productivity. It is probably the most used parameter to deduce wood quality. In this study, the wood density of 81 European provenances of Norway spruce tested in three provenance trials from the Romanian Carpathians was analysed and compared at 49 years after planting. We also analysed the correlations between wood density and the provenances’ geographic coordinates, as well as other traits, such as diameter at breast height, total height, and survival rate. For the genetic variance analysis of the wood density in each provenance trial and across sites, linear mixed models were used. Significant differences between the Norway spruce provenances regarding wood density were found only in the Dorna Candrenilor trial, where the mean wood density per provenance had values ranging from 0.311 ± 0.030 g/cm3 to 0.356 ± 0.019 g/cm3. No significant correlations between wood density and the provenances’ geographic coordinates were found. Negative correlations were found between wood density and the other traits analysed. Provenances with good performances in provenance trials could be used in assisted migration.

Timber Traceability and Sustainable Transportation Management: A Review of Technologies and Procedures

2024-06-25T10:21:41+00:00

There has been considerable research on sustainable forest management due to its importance in ensuring the long-term health of the forests and its industries. Traceability is an important tool to ensure that the wood and wood-based products are produced in a legal, sustainable, and ethical manner. Therefore, various technologies were implemented within the supply chain to monitor and trace the wood with the aim of fulfilling the traceability objectives. Using a systematic literature review, this paper provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art on the technologies and procedures used in timber traceability and transportation management. It debates traceability tradition and advanced methods such as smart marking, QR (Quick Response) codes, DNA fingerprinting, smartphone apps, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), machine learning, and computer vision since these technologies enable the integrity of the supply chain by documenting the source of wood and following up on the wood in all the stages, beginning from the standing tree until the final customer. The paper also reviews the advancements in wood transportation management systems, including spatial databases, GPS (Global Positioning System), and fleet management systems, which ultimately lead to real-time monitoring and optimisation of transportation routes, leading to improved efficiency and minimal environmental impact. The review results acknowledge that financial constraints, infrastructure limitations, data management uncertainties, acceptance and compliance issues, and stakeholder commitment are still challenges to implementing traceability technology in the forestry sector. Moreover, this review not only highlights how traceability systems promote responsible forestry practices, ensure sustainable timber sourcing, and develop supply chain management, but also the advantages of utilising these technological advances at economic, social, and environmental levels.

Leucojum vernum in Intorsurii Mountains (South- Eastern Carpathians)

2024-06-25T10:31:16+00:00

This study investigates the population structure and ecology of the species Leucojum vernum (spring snowflake) in Întorsurii Mountains, South-Eastern Carpathians, where was supposed to be extinct. The research objectives were: (1) to identify the species in Popii Valley, (2) to estimate its population size, (3) to map the species extent, (4) to delineate the species ecological niche, (5) to identify and describe the vegetation types where the species grows, (6) to identify the co-occurring species as indicators of suitable habitat for L. vernum, and (7) to assess the species conservation status in Popii Valley and in Romania. Identification and description of the species population relied on an intensive survey in the whole watershed of Popii Valley. A detailed vegetation map of the Popii Valley watershed was created. For the description of the species habitat, 27 sampling plots were used. The species ecological preferences were drawn by means of the indicator species analysis, climate and geological maps. Climate suitability was checked by projecting the analyzed population in the bioclimatic envelope of L. vernum in Romania, using principal components analysis (PCA) ordination and classes of aridity index. The assessment of the conservation status followed the principles and methodological standards for monitoring protected species at the European Union and global level. In the studied area L. vernum was found in four forest associations, on moist and nutrient-rich soils. The indicator species of the suitable/unsuitable habitats were identified with the help of the phi coefficient of association between species. The population size and species habitat are in favorable conditions, although signs of bulbs collection for gardening were observed. These findings were discussed in a national and global context. An updated map for species extent in Romania was provided in order to support the assessment of the global and national IUCN category.

Project-Based Teaching in the Online Medium: Advantages and Disadvantages – Conclusions after an Online Study Module for Design Students

2024-06-25T10:45:01+00:00

In the paper, an analysis is made of an implemented short study module “Design Project” for the students of the “Engineering Design” Bachelor program from the University of Forestry in Bulgaria. The aim of this publication is to reveal the process, its failures, and its successes. The dynamics and evolution of the design process were followed during the five days of the study module. The interaction between the students themselves, the teaching staff and the sponsor was observed. To this end, the results of an inquiry are presented. In the conclusion, attention is directed to the online implementation of the Design Project and its influence, as a result of specific conditions (last year of study, the implementation of the Teams platform, the participating teaching staff, and the sponsor) which created the necessary environment for the event. It was found that the online module probably helped for a more concentrated and productive activity, and for the smooth procedures of the event without any waste of time.

An Authentic Example of Ottoman-Era Wooden Summerhouses; Cemil Topuzlu Kiosk

2024-06-25T10:59:54+00:00

The beginning of the 18^th century is known as the “Westernization Period” in Ottoman architecture. It was in this period that Western-born architectural movements found their way into the Ottoman Empire. This was also a time in which new types of structures emerged in Ottoman architecture as the Western influence continued to permeate both religious and civil architecture. This impact also affected the Ottoman culture of housing, leading to important changes in residential structures. The new cultural elements arriving from the West began to be apparent in the plans, facades, interiors, and decorative components of the homes of the affluent, most of which were built by Western architects. This was a time in which lifestyles were changing, and especially in the capital of Istanbul, a rich assortment of residential architecture was expressed in styles that included the Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic, Orientalism, Art Nouveau, Eclecticism, Swiss Châlet, and Late Victorian. One of the new types of structures that appeared in this period was the summerhouse. While these houses belonged to the wealthy Ottoman elite and reflected the traditional Ottoman residential fabric in their plans and styles, a large number carried the architectural characteristics of the summerhouses and mansions of the West. The aim of this article is to describe an authentic example of the group of wooden summerhouses that were outstanding products of Ottoman residential architecture in the 19^th century, at a time when the Empire’s cultural norms were turning toward the West. The characteristics of the plans of these buildings, the configuration of their facades and decorative elements will be presented, as will other information on the wooden summerhouses of the period.

Assessment of the Furniture Board Ecological Footprint: Case Study of a Woodworking Enterprise in the Carpathian Region of Ukraine

2024-06-25T11:06:48+00:00

Understanding a product's ecological footprint has become incredibly important, as its assessment supports efforts to promote sustainable practices. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific environmental impacts of woodworking enterprises and their products. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the ecological footprint of a typical product from a woodworking enterprise in the Carpathian Economic Region of Ukraine. A middle-sized wood-processing enterprise was used as a case study. To achieve this objective, the study quantified the land area directly involved in producing 1 m³ of furniture board. Also, the concept of a "virtual area" of land, essential for CO₂ absorption resulting from the transportation of raw materials for the production of 1 m³ of furniture board, was applied. Then the methodological approach to determine the "virtual area" of land necessary for the absorption of CO₂ generated during the production of electricity which is spent on the operation of the main technological equipment and electricity consumption to produce 1 m³ of furniture panel is considered. The overall ecological footprint of producing 1 m³ of furniture board at the studied woodworking company is estimated as equivalent to 0.492 ha of forested area, from which only 3% of area is represented by direct land use - area used to produce wood for furniture board production.

Improving Quality Control Measures in the Dairy Industry: Utilizing Dynamics of Dirt Resistance Factor (Rd) Value and Time of Effective Bacterial Contamination Prevention

2024-06-25T11:25:49+00:00

The number of customer complaints related to decreased quality of dairy products was the background of this study. Objective: (i) examined the effect of the highest dirt resistance factor (Rd) on the number of bacterial contaminants in finished goods; (ii) examine the effect of time on the growth of bacterial contaminants in the fouling layer of UHT pipes when not in operation. The research method was based on the mathematical derivation of the formation process of Rd in the form of an equation. Bacterial species were analyzed using the Operation Taxonomic Unit (OTU) with 16S rRNA. The ANOVA test was used to determine the mean value, standard deviation and the Tukey LSD post hoc test to see the difference in heat balance and bacterial growth. Findings: (i) During the UHT sterilization process, the Rd value (0.0205 h.Ft2.F.Btu-1) had an impact on total bacterial contamination >20 Cfu.mL-1; (ii) In the event of engine damage or malfunction of the heater on the UHT. Time had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the number of lactic acid bacteria in the fouling layer in UHT pipes. Conclusion: The study recommends a sanitation schedule every 110 minutes (± 2 hours) or Rd value around 0.0205 h.Ft2.F.Btu-1.

The Impact of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts on Grape Must Fermentation: Comprehensive Study

2024-06-25T11:52:25+00:00

This study investigates the impact of non-Saccharomyces Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast on the fermentation process of grape must in the production of white dry wine, specifically focusing on two grape varieties, 'Aligote' and 'Chardonnay'. The fermentation was carried out using two different methods, co-inoculation and successive fermentation, both under laboratory and microvinification conditions. The physicochemical parameters of the resulting wines, such as total sugars, ethanol, volatile acidity, and total acidity, were analyzed. Sensory evaluation of the wines demonstrated that successive fermentation with the inoculation of Saccharomyces yeasts after reaching 3% vol. alcohol concentration contributed to an improved quality, complex aroma, and balanced taste of the wine, as indicated by high organoleptic scores. These findings suggest that the combination of Torulaspora delbrueckii yeast with indigenous yeast strains can enhance the overall quality of white dry wine.

The Gliadin Analysis by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography of Traditional Fermented “Hamoum” Wheat in West Algeria

2024-06-25T12:08:55+00:00

Our ancestors had always used food fermentation without having a scientific explanation. Their natural phenomena with therapeutic potential became interesting only in the early twentieth century. A comparative study between the electrophoretic profiles of wheat proteins of fermented wheat type Hamoum (FWH) and regular unfermented wheat (NUW) was performed to identify the effect of fermentation realized by the traditional technique using underground storage (locally named Matmora) for 12 months. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was performed after the sequential extraction of different proteins (albumins/globulins, gliadins and glutenins). The results showed a total degradation of the regular wheat proteins after fermentation. Fermented wheat type Hamoum (FWH) could be a good alternative for people with disorders related to gluten ingestion as compared to regular unfermented wheat (NUW).

The Influence of the Concentration of Gelling Agents on the Structural-Mechanical Properties of Composite Fruit Jellies from Pears

2024-06-25T12:30:43+00:00

This study aims to evaluate the influence of the different types of gelling agents at various concentrations on the structural-mechanical properties of composite fruit jellies. Sodium alginate, iota-carrageenan and low-esterified amidated pectin were used as gelling agents at four different concentration levels for the preparation of composite jellies. All the structural-mechanical properties of obtained jellies were determined by a penetration test with a texture analyzer. The rupture force is reduced in the highest extent when the concentration of low-esterified amidated pectin (LEAP) increases, while the lowest change was observed when the content of sodium alginate increases. The highest values of rupture force of the composite jellies to the control were obtained at the maximum concentration (1.6%) of added iota-carrageenan. Increasing the concentration of iota-carrageenan made the composite jellies harder and more elastic. The addition of sodium alginate and LEAP made them softer compared to the control sample. Regardless of the type and the concentration of the added gelling agents in the composite jellies, their adhesiveness was significantly higher compared to the control sample.

The Phytochemical Quantification and Pharmaceutical Potential Evaluation of Different Solvent Extracts of Sesbania aculeate

2024-06-25T12:40:35+00:00

The present study aims for screening phytochemical content and exploring antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer potential of different solvent extracts of different parts of Sesbania aculeata. The highest extract yield obtained for the ethanolic extract with the highest amount of the phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols and flavonoids) tested. Ethanolic extracts (20.8-31.1 mm zone of inhibition) showed best antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria and also the highest antioxidant activity tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing activity. The anticancer activity of ethanolic extracts tested against human oral cancer cell line SSC-29B and human kidney cancer cell line 786-O, where only seed coat extract which showed anticancer potential while other extracts showed negligible activity.

Studies on Different Drying Techniques to Utilized it for Powder Properties for Dried Dill (Anethum graveolens)

2024-06-25T12:52:22+00:00

Fresh dill (Anethum graveolens) was dried using a recirculating tray dryer (RTD) and cross flow dryer (CFD) at 35°C, 40°C and 45°C, respectively to determine the best drying treatment and temperature combination for the preparation of dried dill powder. The dried dill was subjected to a grinding process to obtain powder, its engineering properties and techno-functional properties were analysed. The dill powder displayed significant differences in techno-functional properties and engineering properties. The dill dried at 40°C using CFDT2 resulted in better technofunctional and engineering properties as bulk density - 114.4 kg/m3, tap density - 130.6 kg/m3, Carr Index - 12.40, Hausner Ratio - 1.141, swelling power - 0.29, dispersibility - 27.72, water holding capacity - 14.83, oil holding capacity - 35.65, foaming Capacity - 34.97, foam stability - 1.96, emulsion capacity - 55.14, water solubility index – 0.23 and water absorption index – 0.14, respectively. Compared to samples of RTDT1 (35°C), RTDT2 (40°C) RTDT3 (45°C), the samples CFDT1, and CFDT3 findings showed increasing and decreasing trends which kept on changing with drying technique and temperatures. However, it can be concluded that CFDT2 found better results compared to other samples.