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

Predicted Habitat Suitability of Scots Pine in Romania

A.M. Alexandru, E. Stoica, P. Garbacea, G. Mihai — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests cover around 28 million hectares in Europe, representing approximately 20% of the commercial forest area. Sudden environmental changes can cause the maladaptation of a species, a reduced fitness, and population decline. This study aimed to identify the main climatic drivers of Scots pine distribution in Europe and to model its current and future habitat suitability in Romania under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) – SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5, with a focus on projected range shifts. The climatic variables that had the highest relative importance were Annual Mean Temperature (BIO1) and Temperature Seasonality (BIO4). At present, more than 70% of Romania (187,000 km2) represents areas with excellent climate suitability (above 80%) for Scots pine. By the end of the century, this area is predicted to diminish to 55,000 km2 – 14,000 km2 (22 – 6%), under SSP 2-4.5 and SSP 5-8.5, respectively. To provide forest managers and policymakers with reliable adaptation frameworks, it is essential to model climate-driven shifts in species distribution. Future modelling efforts should enhance predictive accuracy for Scots pine by integrating additional key environmental variables.

A Protocol for in Vitro Propagation of Quercus Pubescens Willd

M. Cioloca, M. Budeanu, A. Tican, M. Popa, L. Ifrim — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this study, a protocol was developed for the in vitro propagation of Quercus pubescens Willd. Through this research, we aimed to determine how in vitro cultivation conditions, culture medium, and the sterilisation method influence in vitro regeneration response. Explants aseptically disinfected in sodium hypochlorite solution, Benzalkonium chloride, and ethanol were inoculated onto two types of medium (WPM and GD), to which different combinations of plant growth regulators were added. Sterilisation treatment consisting of benzalkonium chloride 1%, 3 minutes + Domestos 20%, 3 minutes + Ethanol 70%, 1 minute led to cultures free of microbial contamination and the highest percentage of viable explants (80%). After one month from the initiation of the cultures, measurements were made regarding microshoot height, number, and length of the leaves. The WPM medium with gibberellin 0.25 mg/l and BAP 1 mg/l positively influenced the growth of microshoots and leaf size, leading to the best results in terms of shoot height (3.27 cm) and leaf length (0.62 cm). On the GD medium, the number of leaves was slightly higher (2.82), but their length was shorter (0.52 cm). The rooted microshoots were acclimatised in the greenhouse, and the survival rate was 84.62%.

Low-Cost and Mobile Lidar Technologies for Forest Inventory: A Review on Accuracy, Efficiency, and Multi-Temporal Monitoring Potential

Jenny M. Morocho Toaza — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Accurate information on forest structure is essential for sustainable forest management, carbon accounting, and ecosystem monitoring. Traditional field-based forest inventory methods are labour-intensive, time-consuming, and have low temporal resolution. Advances in technology (specifically, Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR) – specifically, mobile and low-cost systems of LiDAR - present new opportunities to conduct forest measurements with greater efficiency and repeatability. This study employs a systematic literature review of the application of mobile and consumer-grade LiDAR technology for conducting inventory of forests, with a focus on their accuracy and effectiveness in quantifying key dendrometric variables and their capacity as tools for multi-temporal monitoring. The literature search utilised the PRISMA 2020 framework and was conducted using the PECO framework, identifying studies published between 2015 and 2026. The results show that mobile LiDAR systems, including handheld and smartphone-based systems, can be used to obtain reliable estimates of relevant dendrometric attributes, particularly DBH, under appropriate conditions. Additionally, these technologies improve data collection efficiency in comparison to traditional forest inventory methods; however, they still have limitations regarding the estimation of total tree height due to canopy obstructing measurements and the inability of sensors to measure tree height. The performance of measurement is affected by environmental and operational factors such as seasonal conditions, the density of point clouds, the characteristics of species, and the strategies used to scan. Potentially, the analysis of point clouds over multiple time periods can be used to detect changes in structure; however, the reliability of the analysis is dependent upon data quality and accurate registration relative to one another. Overall, mobile laser scanning with LiDAR is a promising alternative to traditional inventory methods in forestry.

Influence of Material Moisture Content on Noise and Vibration Emissions in Woodworking Power Tools

J.D. Amine, A.P. Azodo — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Noise and vibration generated by woodworking power tools constitute significant occupational hazards in small- and medium-scale workshops. This study quantified the influence of wood moisture content on noise and vibration emissions during machining under controlled conditions. Representative softwood and hardwood species were processed using common woodworking machines under nominal low- and high-moisture conditions (approximately 20 and 80% MC), verified by oven-dry measurements. At 20% moisture, production noise reached 110.1-113.9 dBA for table saw operations and 101.6-109.7 dBA for band sawing and surface planning, while corresponding values at 80% moisture decreased by approximately 4-11 dBA. Machine-level vibration magnitudes ranged from 2.1-3.0 m/s² at 20% moisture and reduced to 0.7-1.0 m/s² at 80% moisture, with operator-position vibration decreasing from 0.6-1.1 m/s² to 0.1-0.3 m/s². One-way ANOVA confirmed that moisture content significantly affected both noise and vibration emissions (p < 0.05). The regression analysis further demonstrated a bounded linear approximation of the directional change in emission magnitude between the two moisture states (20 and 80%), representing a simplified expression of the rate of change within the experimental range. Despite these reductions, exposure levels frequently exceeded occupational thresholds, indicating that moisture control should complement integrated mitigation strategies rather than serve as a standalone solution.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). A Comprehensive Review

P. Fola, A. Olarescu, A. Lunguleasa — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is one of the most advanced and innovative wood-based construction products of the latest decades. Research on this product is still ongoing, and various institutions, companies, and scientists are making new contributions in this field. The present paper is part of the trend of finding new elements that will lead to the expansion of the market and the continued use of this product. The paper provides a synthesis of research in the CLT field, taking into account a series of aspects related to the working technique, wood species and materials often used, as well as their main physical and mechanical properties. Also, some standardisation elements and good practice guidelines are highlighted, without forgetting the assembly part with own joints or specific metal connectors. The main applications of CLT in the construction of multi-story houses based on wood are also emphasised, including floors and ceilings, side and intermediate walls, and even in roofs. Furthermore, the paper discusses some elements of challenges and limitations, recent innovations and current trends, and especially elements of sustainability and life cycle assessment of the global circular economy. The final conclusion of the study is that this product is still in its early stages that coming years will benefit from the construction of light, ecological houses using wood materials such as the CLT structural composite.

The Effect of Thermo-Vaccum Treatment on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of 20 Lesser-Known Timber Species from Sri Lanka

M.D.I. Gangadari, C.K. Muthumala, K.M.T.S. Bandara, F.M.M.T. Marikar — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Wood is a valuable material that is often utilised in indoor and outdoor settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the strength, dimensional stability, and colour of 20 selected timber species, to compare the performance of thermally-modified wood with untreated seasoned wood, and to recommend suitable thermal modification. Modulus of Rupture (MOR), Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Compression parallel to grain (CPN), and wood density were measured in 20 lesser-known timber species grown in Sri Lanka. In addition, moisture content, volumetric shrinkage, water absorption, weight loss, and colour were evaluated. Timber samples were taken at the breast height of mature trees and prepared according to the BS 373:1957 standard [2]. The mechanical properties were measured through the UTM (UTM 100 PC). Thermal modification was done at 180°C and 250 mbar. A paired t-test was carried out to interpret the significant differences between samples, and regression analysis was done to identify the relationship between density and the strength properties of the control and the thermally-modified samples. Due to thermal treatment, MOR and MOE decreased in the treated samples, showing a reduction in bending strength and stiffness, while CPN increased, but these changes were not statistically significant. A strong positive correlation between MOR and MOE was observed in the control samples. It significantly weakened after heat treatment (R² = 0.24 to 0.77), the relationship between MOR and density increased after heat treatment. (R² = 0.14 to 0.37), and the relationship between MOE and density decreased after heat treatment (R² = 0.09 to 0.02). The relationship between CPN and density increased slightly after heat treatment (R² = 0.04 to 0.12), the moisture absorption of the treated samples decreased, but not significantly (p < 0.05), and the timber colour became darker. Heat treatment gently enhanced the physical and mechanical properties of the selected wood species.

Design and Development of an Elderly-Friendly Smart Bed using Quality Function Deployment

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to design and develop an elderly-friendly smart bed using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methodology to systematically translate user needs into technical design specifications. Data were collected from elderly users through interviews and questionnaires to identify customer requirements related to functionality, safety, materials, usability, and intelligent systems. The collected data were analysed using the Product Planning Matrix and the Design Deployment Matrix within the House of Quality framework. The results identified several critical technical requirements, particularly intelligent safety systems, smart convenience features, structural durability, and material quality. Based on these findings, an elderly-friendly smart bed prototype was developed using kiln-dried and chemically treated rubberwood integrated with assistive intelligent systems. The product evaluation indicated a high level of user satisfaction, with an overall mean satisfaction score of 4.29 out of 5.00. The highest-rated features included smart convenience functions, protective corner padding, intelligent safety systems, and structural stability. The findings suggest that QFD provides an effective framework for translating elderly user requirements into practical design solutions. This study contributes to elderly-friendly smart furniture development by integrating safety, assistive technology, and sustainable material considerations into a unified product design framework.

Weight Loss of Chemically Modified Kelempayan (Neolamarckia cadamba) Wood Particles using Alkaline

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The weight loss behaviour of Kelempayan (Neolamarckia cadamba) wood particles that have undergone alkaline chemical alteration is examined in this work. Two particle sizes (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2% for 60 minutes at 30 and 90°C. Particle mass measurements obtained before and after treatment were used to calculate weight reduction. The results showed that the weight loss of the samples was significantly influenced by temperature, NaOH concentration, and particle size (p < 0.05), with smaller particles treated at higher NaOH concentrations experiencing the highest weight losses. Temperature had no significant effect on weight loss, although slightly higher weight loss was observed at 90°C. The particle size and weight loss of the samples showed a strong negative correlation (r = -0.96) according to statistical analysis, indicating that smaller particles are more vulnerable to alkaline degradation because of their larger surface area-to-volume ratio. 0.5 mm particles treated with 2% NaOH at 90°C showed the greatest weight loss (21.00%), whereas 1.0 mm particles treated with 0.5% NaOH at 30°C showed the least weight loss (9.33%). These results emphasise how crucial it is to optimize alkaline treatment conditions to balance minimal material loss with efficient hemicellulose, lignin, and extractive removal. This work establishes distinct correlations between temperature, NaOH concentration, and particle size, offering quantitative insight into the degrading behaviour of Kelempayan under various processing settings. These results provide useful recommendations for enhancing the performance consistency of particleboard and other wood-based composites and for optimising raw material treatment.

Physiochemical and Sensory Perspectives in Obtaining Probiotic Yoghurt With White Mulberries (Morus alba) and Black Mulberries (Morus nigra)

M.A. Constantinescu, M.A. Tita, A. Pristav, A.M. Canciu, O. Tita — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Yoghurt is a food that supplies the body with essential nutrients and has benefits for human health. Plant products have attracted considerable interest in product development due to the secondary metabolites they contain. The aim of the present research is to develop a new dairy product with potential functional properties. The decision was taken to produce a yogurt from cow's milk, with the addition of white and black mulberry powder, which is rich in bioactive compounds. To assess the stability of the product during storage, the following parameters were determined: acidity, pH, water activity, dry matter, and syneresis. The product's acceptability was assessed by conducting a sensory evaluation. The impact of varying concentrations of fruit concentrates incorporated into the dairy product is discernible. The sensory characteristics of the yoghurt samples are found to be at their most intense on the first day of storage. The BMY2 sample obtained high scores for appearance, taste, and odor, while the WMY2 sample obtained high scores for appearance and odor. On days 8 and 16, a decline in the results obtained was observed for all samples evaluated. From a physicochemical perspective, the parameters analysed exhibited stability, thus indicating that mulberries are a promising ingredient for improving the product's quality. This study demonstrates the technological feasibility and physicochemical stability of the samples, which can be attributed to the effectiveness of mulberries in fermented dairy products. The results of the present study could act as a foundation for future research, with a view to the creation of other food products comprising additional bioactive ingredients.

Phenolic and Antioxidant Profile of Red Wines from Different Regions of Bulgaria Aged with Oak Chips

D. Dimitrov, T. Yoncheva — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The phenolic and antioxidant profiles of four red wines (Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend, Carménère/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend) from regions of northern and southern Bulgaria, aged in oak, were determined. Oak chips with different origins and degrees of toasting, as well as different times of contact with the wines, were applied. Different phenolic fractions were determined – the total phenolic compounds (TPC), flavonoid phenolic compounds (FPC), nonflavonoid phenolic compounds (NPC), the total phenolic index (TPI), and anthocyanins (ACNs). The spectral characteristics of the wines and their in vitro antioxidant activity were defined. The highest accumulation of phenols was found in the complex blend Carménère/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc/Merlot, harvest 2022, Harmanli, Southern Bulgaria. In direct relation to the phenolic profile, this wine also exhibited the highest radical scavenging capacity – with a potential to eliminate free DPPH radicals in vitro, reaching 91.43±0.04%. High antioxidant activity (83.14±0.01%) was also displayed by the wine of the Syrah variety from the region surrounding the town of Varna in Northern Bulgaria. The differences in the phenolic composition of the studied wines from the commercial network were the result of varietal characteristics, the type and amount of oak wood used, as well as the contact time. The conducted study enriched the scientific literature with valuable data regarding the phenolic and antioxidant profile, determining the biological potential of wines obtained in contact with oak wood, from grapes of vine varieties from different regions of Bulgaria.

Morphological and Its Molecular Characterisation of Pathogenic Moulds Isolated from Cashews (Anacardium occidentale L.), Togo

L.K. Domedjui, C.F. Diguta, E.K. Kpemoua, K.A. Gbogbo, K. Akpagana — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fungal diseases are among the factors limiting cashew nut production in Togo. This study aimed to isolate and characterise the diversity of mould species associated with 8 fungal diseases of cashews. Therefore, samples (leaves, buds, apples, nuts and bark) showing symptoms of one of these fungal diseases were collected from cashews. Explants taken from symptomatic samples were disinfected and then transferred to PDA medium. The resulting moulds were purified and identified using morphological (growth rate, texture, topography, colour, pigmentation, spore and asca) and ITS molecular methods. A total of 248 moulds were isolated after fungal analysis. Based on morphological characteristics, 33 fungal clusters were formed, of which 8 were identified. Molecular analysis confirmed the results of morphological identification and enabled the identification of moulds that had not been identified due to their non-sporulation. As a result, a total of 27 mould species belonging to 13 genera were identified for alignment with various sequences available from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Colletotrichum, Pestalotiopsis, Lasiodiplodia, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Curvularia and Diaporthe were the most represented genera. This study revealed a specific diversity of pathogenic moulds infecting cashews in Togo. The use of agroecological control methods could contribute to the effective management of the eight fungal diseases studied.

Effects of Natural Cryoprotectants on Preserving the Protein-Lipid Complex of Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus) during Freezing and subsequent Storage

M. Serdiuk, V. Bandura, N. Slobodianiuk — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The research aims to establish the effectiveness of natural cryoprotectants in stabilizing the protein-lipid complex of round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) muscle tissue during freezing and long-term storage at low temperatures. Three types of natural cryoprotectant compositions were used in the study: glucose (2%) + inulin (1.5%); pectin (1%) + rosemary extract (0.3%); honey (3%) + sea salt (1%). Samples were frozen at –35°C and stored for 1, 3, and 6 months at –18°C. The results confirmed pronounced protective effects of all natural cryoprotectants studied, but the pectin-rosemary extract combination proved to be the most effective. The water-binding capacity of the fresh fillet was 79%, while in the control variant, it decreased to 60.8% after 6 months of storage. In samples treated with cryoprotectants, this indicator remained significantly higher – 68.4% (glucose + inulin), 68.9% (honey + salt), and 71.2% in the variant with pectin and rosemary. A similar pattern was observed for freezer weight loss: the control sample showed a gradual increase from 1.8% to 7.9%, while in the variants treated with cryoprotectants, the values were 5.6, 5.0, and 4.2%, respectively. Additional indicators, such as pH, peroxide value, and TBA-active substances, also confirmed a decrease in the intensity of protein and lipid degradation in the treated samples. Thus, natural cryoprotectants, especially the pectinrosemary extract composition, significantly reduce dehydration, slow protein denaturation, and lipid oxidation, preserving the structural and functional properties of round goby during long-term frozen storage. Research findings can be used to develop new environmentally safe technologies for the biopreservation of fish raw materials without the application of synthetic stabilizers.