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Introduction: Population abundance is amongst the most basic and crucial parameters for the assessment of conservation status of any species. Three species of odontocetes, all represented by local subspecies, inhabit the Black Sea: the Black Sea common dolphin Delphinus delphis ponticus, the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus ponticus, and the Black Sea harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta. Their populations are threatened by multiple factors, including overfishing of their prey, bycatch, pollution and epizootics. Despite this, there are no basin wide estimates for any cetacean species in the Black Sea. Methods: In 2019, a systematic study was carried out under the EU CeNoBS project. Six strata were designed in the waters of Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine, covering most of territorial and offshore waters, which were surveyed between June 19 and July 4. A line transect distance sampling approach was used, following predefined transects within each stratum, achieving a 5% coverage of the surveyed area. A total of 7,344 kilometres of transects were surveyed recording a total of 1,744 cetacean sightings. Design-based abundance estimates were obtained using a Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling (MCDS) approach. Model-based abundance estimates were also derived using a Generalized Additive Models (GAM) approach, linking species sightings with a number of environmental covariates (e.g., bathymetric features, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a) over a grid of 10x10 km. Results and discussion: The uncorrected (for perception and availability bias) estimates obtained through the model-based analysis were 108,283 (CV=0.07) common dolphins, 22,720 (CV=0.15) bottlenose dolphins and 93,808 (CV=0.06) harbour porpoises. These aerial surveys yielded the first insights on overall abundance, density and distribution, providing current regional baseline values and density maps for all three cetacean species of the Black Sea during the summer months, to be used for the elaboration of effective conservation measures and to address national and international requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Purpose. The use of basketball in curricular and extracurricular activities is common in most countries. The research aims to identify the opinions of high school students and the effects and usefulness of basketball on multiple levels: socialization, stress reduction, health and fitness optimization, personality formation, body harmony, etc. Material and Methods. A sample of 259 high school students (124 females and 135 males) from Gorj county, Romania, were included in a sociometric cross-sectional study in the first part of the 2023-2024 school year. All investigated participants partook in physical education lessons with basketball topics. The factor analysis of the applied questionnaire included 14 items within the usefulness dimension, with responses reported on a Likert scale with 5 levels of intensity of opinions. The independent Gender, Area variables and the interaction Gender *Area variables were defined and analysed. Results. Gender differences indicate higher values for males, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Only for flexibility is the opinion of females superior and statistically significant (P < 0.05). Differences between urban and rural are in favour or urban for most items, but still statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). The only items where F values are significant are those related to the role of basketball in the formation of fair-play attitude and the accessibility of basketball as a leisure activity (P < 0.05). The Gender *Area variables interaction indicates only 3 situations where significant differences of opinion are reported (P < 0.05): accessibility of basketball as a leisure activity, effect on effort capacity and fitness level, and effect of basketball on coordination. All these cases indicate higher values of urban males vs rural males and vice versa for females, where rural females score higher than urban females. Conclusions. For the utility dimension, we noted the majority of opinions in favour of basketball, through its various effects on students in adolescence. The most optimistic scores were for the benefits of coordination and speed (components of skill-related physical fitness). This is followed by beneficial effects on health, the formation of fair-play attitudes, physical development and body harmony, facilitating socialization, communication and group integration. The influence of basketball on stress reduction is also viewed with confidence. The effect on improving effort capacity and general level of physical fitness scores moderately. Weaker values are given for influences on intellectual abilities and level of segmental muscle strength. Students give the lowest confidence in the effects of basketball on flexibility and endurance levels. In contrast to the attractiveness factor, for the usefulness dimension, we found less significant differences in opinion between rural and urban females and males. This is an indicator of critical thinking ability and reflects a good level of understanding of the effects of playing basketball on multiple levels in the sample surveyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of resident dentists and new graduates regarding the etiology, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of the main medical emergency conditions. The study included a sample of 152 new graduates and residents in the first, second, and third year of training in Prosthodontics and General Dentistry from the Faculty of Dental Medicine in Iasi, Romania. Their level of knowledge and the attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire with 24 questions, divided into four sections. The differences among groups were identified using the chi-square test (p < 0.05). A high level of knowledge was found among the three groups of subjects for the questions regarding the recognition of clinical signs in hypoglycemic crisis (88–100%), in anaphylactic shock (83.3–94.5%), and the treatment of angina pectoris (76.2–84.2%). In contrast, a low level of knowledge was found for the questions regarding pulse evaluation in the case of an emergency (26.3–35.7%), the parameters of normal breathing (28.9–43%), and the treatment of hypoglycemic crisis (27.8–44.8%). The study indicated that the dentists had a moderate understanding of dental office medical emergencies and preferred practical training over theoretical courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The level of essential minerals in meat is an important factor in human nutrition and health. Meat from responsibly managed wildlife is an alternative raw material with considerable nutritional benefits. Meat from hunted animals has essential and non-essential elements for the human body. It is important to carefully monitor the levels of heavy metals accumulated in the tissues of hunted animals in polluted areas to ensure food safety and environmental contamination. High levels of heavy metals in food and the environment can pose a danger to human health. Methods: The study aims to investigate the levels of essential mineral elements and heavy metals in the muscle tissue and organs of wild boar harvested through the herd density control plan over the last decade in north-eastern Romania. Results and discussion: The statistical analysis indicates that the age of the animals had a significant impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in Longissimus lumborum. In the kidney a highly significant difference in Fe content by sex, with males showing higher values than females. The sex was shown to significantly influence the Mg levels. However, there are concerns about the accumulation of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd), which may hurt the health of game meat consumers in the study area. Cd level it shows significant differences according to both age and sex, with higher concentrations in adults and males. Statistical analysis shows a negative correlation between Fe and Zn concentrations in muscle samples, while a positive correlation was found between Fe and Mn in kidney samples. There was also a positive association between Zn and Cu in muscle samples, but a negative association in kidney samples. Principal component analysis shows significant variation in essential element and heavy metals data between muscle and kidney samples. The loading plot shows a direct correlation between Pb and Cu and between Pb and Cd. However, an opposite correlation also is observed between Cu and Mg, Cd and Mg, and Pb and Mg. HQ (Hazard Quotient) for children compared to adults indicates a potentially higher risk associated with meat consumption among children because children are more vulnerable than adults. We report for the first time, to the best authors' knowledge, various levels of essential minerals and exceeded maximum admitted level of heavy metals in the muscle tissues and kidneys of Sus scrofa ferus from Romania intended for human consumption, moreover, our findings highlight the need for strict monitoring and implementation of appropriate corrective measures, given the significant percentages of muscle and kidney samples exceeding the allowable limits for two of the most common toxic metals in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rowing and kayak-canoeing are water sports that are not among the top preferences of young people in Romania and are not included in school programs, even if sports performances have been achieved in these disciplines on an international level. The purpose of the study is to question physical education teachers from the Danube Delta area, regarding the possibility of including these sports in the school curriculum. The work methodology is specific to cross-sectional studies, by applying a questionnaire structured on 3 dimensions (utility, accessibility and attractiveness). The study group consists of 50 teachers, at the level of which 3 independent variables were defined (gender, teaching degree and length of service). The results identify the following causes that can limit the implementation of these activities: problems related to the material base, the limited involvement of teachers in the promotion of these sports disciplines at the level of schools and local decision-makers, low participation of young people in kayaking-canoeing and rowing activities (as variants of active leisure). However, very good values are obtained regarding the favorable effects of these sports for the level of fitness, body harmony and the fulfillment of the skills in physical education programs, so they can be a viable alternative to other classic sports activities. We did not report significant differences between the opinions expressed by men and women. However, we note the superiority of the scores for the teachers of the Under 20 years career group, at the level of the items of all 3 factors, with some significant differences compared to the Over 20 years career group, so younger teachers are more confident and open to the implementation of kayak-canoeing and rowing in the school curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that negatively influence the state of the populations of the white-tailed sea-eagle in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and in the surrounding areas are both natural and anthropogenic. Between 2009 and 2018, an intensive study of those limiting factors was conducted. During those ten years, we registered 166 nests in the area, out of which 73 had been destroyed or deserted. The reasons were natural factors related to inclement weather in 73.97 % of the cases and anthropogenic factors in the remaining 26.03 %. Six limiting anthropogenic factors were identified: disturbance caused by fishermen and tourists (16.44 %), forestry works (4.11 %), illegal cutting of the tree supporting the nest (1.37 %), construction of a fishing hut near the nest (1.37 %), fires (1.37 %) and agricultural works and human presence (1.37 %). We present also the results of a spatial analysis aimed at disentangling how human settlements affect the distribution of the nests and how unpredictable settings of different kinds of temporary settlements can affect the viability of the nests. Different conservation actions are discussed with the objective of reducing the negative impact of the anthropogenic factors detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of a nest of Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus was carried out using a trail camera and is one piece of a completely unknown jigsaw puzzle of diet and nesting behaviour in Romania. With a hatching success of 75%, we identified 3 hatched chicks from the 4 eggs. During the 10 days of monitoring, 34 preys brought to the nest were identified, with a peak of activity between 11:00--17:00 and a preference for the European Ground Squirrel Spermophilus citellus (61.76%). This was followed by the Domestic Pigeon Columba livia f. domestica and the Common Wood Pigeon C. palumbus (5.88%), and amphibians were represented by the European Green Toad Bufotes viridis (2.94%). There were 10 unidentified prey species (29.41%). We identified the presence of plastic and textile fibres in the nest and the risk of chick suffocation. We also improved our understanding of interspecific interactions and our observations highlighted the mutualism between the three species in the nest: Spanish Sparrow, House Sparrow and LLB. The removal of solitary trees from the agricultural landscape is a major threat in south-western Romania, affecting the breeding population of the LLB, which, as in our case, nests on this type of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense and sustained noise to which we are subjected can cause disorders of the auditory system. It affects especially those who suffer from heart problems, but it also has dramatic consequences on the nervous system. It can cause stress, depression, sleep disturbances, cognitive problems and reduced ability to concentrate. The city of Galati is located in the southeastern part of Romania, in the southeastern part of the county with the same name. Galati ranked fifth in terms of noise pollution and unfortunately the local authorities do not run any noise reduction or control program. Through this paper we want to join those who sound the alarm to the authorities to take concrete measures in order to manage and control noise pollution. Data were collected in different areas of the city of Galati and its surroundings. Equivalent noise level was determined with a professional digital acoustic sound level meter with two frequency filters: "A" and "C". The device can record sound values between 30 dB-130 dB in the 31.3 Hz and 8 kHz range. In general, the sound level exceeded the maximum admissible limit or came close to this value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dentists play an essential role in the treatment of dental and periodontal traumatic injuries by providing early and correct treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the level of knowledge of dental residents regarding dental trauma. The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Dental Medicine within the "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, Romania on a sample of 366 residents in General Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry and Periodontology. To assess their knowledge, a questionnaire was created containing 18 questions about the clinical signs and therapy of dental trauma, with a focus on tooth avulsion. A very low level of knowledge (<25%) was found only for the type of splinting required to maintain an avulsed tooth on the arch. The highest number of correct answers was provided by the residents in Periodontology. Physiological serum as storage medium was recognized by a percentage of 75.9–80% of the subjects, and 60–77% of them recognized pulp necrosis as complication of dental avulsion. The study underlines the need to introduce in the curriculum of all categories of residents additional information, not only in the already existent theoretical form, but also as possible scenarios of various clinical situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Romanian hamster Mesocricetus newtoni is endemic to South-Eastern Romania (Dobruja region) and North-Eastern Bulgaria, and prefers steppic, arid, uncultivated habitats, but is also found in alfalfa fields, less often in corn cultures and field-protecting vegetation belts. Previous studies provide only limited data regarding the diet of this cryptic species. The diet of one family group (one female and four pups) was monitored for 10 days, during the vernal season. The data was collected using camera traps and direct observations, supplemented by photos. Plants were identified at the species level. A vegetation survey was performed in a radius of 25 m2 around the burrows using the pratological method, estimating a percentage of each plant species present in the habitat. A number of 16 plants were identified as part of the diet of the Romanian hamster, mostly herbaceous species within the Brassicaceae family. According to the observations, Erodium cicutarium (Geraniaceae) and Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) were consumed most frequently, followed by Descurainia sophia (Brassicaceae), Sisymbrium orientale (Brassicaceae), Medicago minima (Fabaceae) and Buglossoides arvense (Boraginaceae). In the studied area, 38 plant taxa were determined and characterized as ruderal and segetal (weeds of arable land) plants, mostly native to Eurasia. The purpose of this study is to provide novel data on the diet composition of the Romanian hamster in accordance with plant taxa availability and to emphasize the importance of conservation measures of its preferred habitats, which are crucial to the survival of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Romanian hamster Mesocricetus newtoni is a threatened and cryptic species, with a distribution limited to North-eastern Bulgaria and South-eastern Romania (Dobruja region). Current literature does not provide sufficient data regarding diel activities and behavior of this species, especially under field conditions. In this context, one female M. newtoni, during the rearing period of her four pups, was monitored for ten days using camera traps. For each documented activity, the date, time, age of the individual, type of activity, and duration were recorded. In total, from the 26140 media files, 72968 seconds were recorded as active behaviors. Data analysis revealed that diurnal activity was predominant and documented for all monitored days; however, the animals spent more time per each activity during the night. The nocturnal activity was present but erratic, without significant patterns. No significant differences were observed in the median duration of activities of the adult compared to the immature individuals. Both the adult female and pups spent time exploring the burrow entrance, especially during the day, but immatures were more reserved to leave the burrow than the female. The female used four burrows for rearing the pups. During this time, food storage behaviors and transferring of immatures between burrows, as well as the weaning of the pups were documented. This study demonstrates that M. newtoni exhibits significant diurnal activity, at least in certain ecological and physiological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Butter is the dairy product obtained by processing cream. It is a food rich in nutrients and is characterized by a very high digestibility. In the study carried out in a dairy products processing unit, located in the south of Romania, the technological flow of obtaining different types of butter, as well as their physico-chemical characteristics were followed. Laboratory determinations were carried out regarding the freshness of the butter (organoleptic examination, acidity determination, Kreiss reaction etc.). At the same time, a questionnaire was carried out in which 170 people participated, regarding the consumption of butter, a study performed through the Google forms platform. Following the determination of the acidity of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen butter samples, values below the maximum allowed limit were recorded, all samples being considered compliant, and the butter samples stored at temperatures higher than 4oC exceeded the maximum allowed value from the first days of the deviations temperature, being classified as noncompliant products. This aspect highlights the importance of respecting the storage conditions recommended by the manufacturers. Following the opinion poll on butter consumption, 71.2% confirmed the preference to consume butter in the morning. For most participants, the producing company is the determining factor in the choice of butter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Oltenia, Studii si Comunicari Seria Stiintele Naturii is the property of Museum of Oltenia Craiova and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic variability of Vicia faba germplasm by using varietal diversity in identifying genotypes with morpho-productive traits, disease and pest resistance, weed infestation, which can be used as a model in the development of genetic mixtures in integrated management practices for environmentally friendly, diseases, pests and weeds. Productivity, disease and pest descriptors at 50 Vicia faba genotypes of different biological status (10 obsolete cultivars, 30 local populations, 10 inbreed lines), were determined, by testing in intercropping experiments with small grain cereals and mono-cropping, in two different climatic years under the northeastern part of Romania conditions. The statistical estimators resulting from the unidirectional Anova analysis determined in mono-cropping and intercropping systems a hierarchy of heterogeneity of local populations for productivity traits and degree of attack of faba bean weevil (Bruchus rufimanus) and ascochyta blight (Ascochyta fabae) on seeds, for incidence of micromycete Uromyces viciae fabae and of aphids Aphys fabae in intercropping system. There was a weak competition of Vicia faba species, regarding the presence of weeds compared to small grains cereals variants and potentially beneficial for nitrogen symbiotic fixation by increasing oat productivity, in two years of intercropping with faba bean. By using Euclidean distance and Pearson correlation, in classification of genotypes and morpho-productive traits, diseases and pest in clusters from dendograms, similarities were highlighted between productivity and its components and between attacks to diseases and pests and dissimilarities between genotypes, members cluster three with phenotypic variability with maximum values of productivity traits and minimum attacks to disease and pest resistance compared to the other two clusters with possibilities for use in the development of genetic mixtures programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Oltenia, Studii si Comunicari Seria Stiintele Naturii is the property of Museum of Oltenia Craiova and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The harbour porpoise together with the common dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin are the only cetacean species within the Black Sea. Cases of completely white animals are rare in nature and even more in case of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). When it comes to porpoises, the world-wide spread of such cases is low, and even more within the Black Sea. Thus, only 9 previous cases were recorded, two of which in the Strait of Istanbul. There are several reasons or explanation for skin depigmentation such as albinism, piebaldism, vitiligo and poliosis. Albinism is widespread in the animal kingdom, and the expression is used to refer to a genetic disorder, which is manifested by the lack of body pigments. Genetic studies showed that albinism is caused by a mutation of a gene that regulates the production of melanin, the pigment protein in skin, hair and eyes. The gene inheritance is conditioned by the presence in both genitors. In 1993 an albino harbour porpoise was found stranded on the Eforie Sud beach. The present article brings another sighting, after 27 years, of an anomalously white harbour porpoise in Romanian Black Sea waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that mammals were among the first animals known to man both for his curiosity to understand their way of life, and especially for economic benefits (food, clothing, traction, various industries, the recreational side of hunting), they are still scarcely studied under systematic and taxonomic, biological, physiological, ethological, etc. terms. Clarifications are still needed on the systematic and taxonomic positions of some mammal species in the Romanian fauna. An adequate methodology for assessing mammal populations in general, and those of hunting interest in particular, has not yet been adopted. That is why there are long debates when it comes to the conservation status of some species, about establishing restrictive measures to restore the populations of other species. To understand the need for more in-depth knowledge of mammals, this article delves into their knowledge in the antiquity and the evolution of this knowledge throughout history. We also illustrate the need for theriological research through the Bibliographic List of 454 articles and books published about mammals in Romania's fauna in the last two decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realized investigations intended to evaluate the stand volume and current annual increment for the hybrid black poplar. The research was realized on the surface of 375 parcels, between 2010 and 2015. The following elements were evaluated: consistency, density, volume stand and current annual increment. Statistical analysis methods were used together with many numeric analysis methods. The approximation methods based on using neural networks are not very efficient. Furthermore, the interpolation method through analytical polynomial function with mixed terms used successfully in the systems characterized by significant changes in regard with certain state parameters, was used successfully in this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to present the evolution of the pH values during ovine meat refrigeration/maturation. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, investigations were carried on a total number of 104 ovines (52 lambs and 52 adults) taken from the farm of Horleşti, located in the north-east of Romania, in proximity of the Iaşi municiple. The analyzed muscles are characterized by oscillatory amplitude of recorded values, following a descending trend during the first 48 h, then an ascending trend within the time span of 48-120 h, when meat maturation is stimulated. At the end of the rigidity period it is found that in muscle samples taken from the Karakul breed, the highest glycogen values are found in the Longissimus dorsi, as for Ţurcană they are found in Trapezius pars thoracica. pH values during meat maturation fit within qualitative standards for meat, avoiding undesired effects such as PSE or DFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dumbrăviţa Fishing Complex (Braşov, Romania) represents one of the most important Transylvanian stopovers for the black stork's (Ciconia nigra) fall passage. This study aims to prove the importance of adequate, species-synchronized drainage management of large ponds to maximize site potential as foraging area for black stork fall migrants, as well as to povide detailed recording of a new foraging pattern for this species. Throughout 4 consecutive fall passages (August-September; 2013-2016), black storks were monitored weekly, during evening foraging. Compared to bibliographical data (1995), the assessment of maximum numbers variation revealed a clear increase in numbers for the last 4 years, attributing highest values observed to passagesynchronized drainage of largest ponds. Pond focused analysis of fall passage peak numbers variation highlighted a positive impact of passage-timed water discharge on the occurrence of higher values for foraging groups. Regarding feeding ethology, foraging black storks were observed exclusively along the most vegetated shores, some groups displaying a new foraging pattern: repeated line feeding, deeper water dependent and potentially attributed to water currents. Foraging associations involved three Ardeidae species, with antagonistic behaviour only towards some Ardea cinerea individuals. Lastly, we propose the drainage of large ponds during the moments of maximum intensity for the black stork's fall passage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article also aims to highlight the strategic implications of the long-term global climate change related trends for the development of the agricultural sector in Romania, arguing the need for a smart strategy in terms of climate change. Also briefly presented are the challenges related to climate change and the implications for Romania and the strategic directions assumed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Strategy for Medium and Long-term Agri-Food Sector Development in the 2020-2030 horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of life is and should be an essential component of socio-economic development of a country. This aim is strictly conditioned by the quality of our environment. Due to the fact that people, industry and institutions produce and take things that are no longer useful, that must be a system to monitor all categories of waste. The system should be properly and completely in order to succeed in preventing their environmental impact. The waste on the environment increased very much in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to statistically analyze the main categories of medical waste resulting from medical activities conducted in major hospitals in Galati during 2014. In this paper we present a seasonal analysis of collected data and an analysis of the first three significant waste type's amounts in relative correlations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality depends on the presence of certain gases (CO2, NOx, SO2, etc.), liquid hydrocarbons, solids (powders, pesticides), the content of chemical elements (As, Sb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, etc.), chemical moieties (sulphates, nitrates), etc. This paper presents an investigation in the central Galati area, over about 90 days in order to reach a good correlation between the atmospheric pollutants factor and human activity. The concentrations of nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, different oxides of nitrogen and ozone and benzene were monitored in the central Galati area. As it can be seen, the highest concentration is between the hours of 6-9 and 21-23. Air pollution in urban and industrialized areas is a very topical issue, primarily because of the to negative effects on human health and the quality of environmental components (air, water, soil, vegetation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The otter (Lutra lutra) in Romania uses a wide range of habitats: highland and lowland lakes, rivers and streams, as well as marshes, riparian forests, delta and coastal areas. These habitats lead to a high variability of otter's prey. From December 2012 until July 2014, diet of Eurasian otter was studied based on spraint analysis in Putna-Vrancea Natural Park (n=118 samples) and Lower Siret Valley Natura 2000 Site (n=56 samples), south - east Romania. The Percentage of Occurrence (PO), Relative Frequency of Occurrence (RFO) and Percentage Frequency of Occurrence (PFO) were calculated. Fish (PO = 56.1%) and amphibians (PO = 22.5%) were the primary diet components of otters in Putna-Vrancea, while in Lower Siret Valley, fish (PO = 36.7%) and crayfish (PO = 32.6%) formed the mass of the diet. Fish consumption was all seasons high in Putna-Vrancea, except in winter. In Lower Siret Valley, the highest fish consumption was in the autumn and the lowest in the summer. In Putna-Vrancea, amphibians were more frequently become part of the diet in the spring, while in Lower Siret Valley were during the summer. Crayfish were the primary elements of otter's diet from Lower Siret Valley in the summer, while in Putna-Vrancea remains of crayfish were not discovered in the spraints. The results indicate that the otter's feeding ecology was influenced by environmental factors of the ecosystems where the otters live, such as altitude, climate and different prey fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present there can be noticed a main interest of plant genetic resources users for accessing information related to characterization and evaluation descriptors. Maize genetic resources represented by local populations originating from different areas, represent important useful genes sources for improving species. Their e is possible due to studies and comprehensive measures which can lead to the maintenance of biodiversity and increase its efficiency. The paper presents the results of characterization and evaluation of a total of 61 local landraces with cold test index >80%, selected from a total of 300 studied local landraces. These local landraces can be useful genes sources for maize breeding at low temperature, being a main trait for maize cultivation in wetter and colder areas in Romania. The study shows a high diversity for most of the morphological characterization descriptors of the plant, ear and kernel, physiological evaluation at low temperature resistance of the plantlets, precocity and biochemical evaluation for kernels quality. In order to obtain information, at intervariety level, for maize local landraces studied, molecular characterization was performed by RAPD method (random amplified polymorphic DNA). Many maize local populations with values of characterization and evaluation descriptors of real interest were emphasized. Utilization of these local landraces as starting material can lead to the identification of useful genes sources for improvement of important agronomic characters of maize (yield capacity, precocity, resistance to low temperatures, quality and genetic integrity). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to monitor the well water quality in the southwest area of Galati County, along the Siret River course, and, for this aim, the main 12 chemical parameters were studied. The importance of this undertaking is enhanced by the fact that this water is consumed by the population who, in some cases, is even aware of its poor quality. The paper presents the preliminary results of this important investigation work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) has been confirmed by serological methods during recent years in Romania. In the present study, focus-reduction neutralization tests (FRNT) confirmed Dobrava hantavirus (DOBV) as the causative agent in some HFRS cases, but could not distinguish between DOBV and Saaremaa virus (SAAV) infections in other cases. DOBV was detected by a DOBV-specific TaqMan assay in sera of nine patients out of 22 tested. Partial sequences of the M genomic segment of DOBV were obtained from sera of three patients and revealed the circulation of two DOBV lineages in Romania. Investigation of rodents trapped in Romania found three DOBV-positive Apodemus flavicollis out of 83 rodents tested. Two different DOBV lineages were also detected in A. flavicollis as determined from partial sequences of the M and S genomic segments. Sequences of DOBV in A. flavicollis were either identical or closely related to the sequences obtained from the HFRS patients. The DOBV strains circulating in Romania clustered in two monophyletic groups, together with strains from Slovenia and the north of Greece. This is the first evidence for the circulation of DOBV in wild rodents and for a DOBV etiology of HFRS in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present a new environment monitoring technology through the use of high performance UAVs. Flying wing UAVs are presented with the purpose of monitoring ground features as well as chemical compounds in the surrounding air. A 3D map both qualitative and quantitative can be developed and data fusion between satellite and UAV can be performed in order to increase the resolution of results. Ground monitoring applications are emphasized with an application example for Garboavele forest-natural reservation in Galati, Romania. Furthermore a mathematical model for rectification of aerial photos is presented together with the results obtained when applying the algorithm to photos obtained in Garboavele forest. Numerical modeling for the airfoil used for the flying wing UAVs are presented with both the velocity and the pressure fields. Such numerical analys can be further used for optimization of flying wing UAVs and flight characteristics improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On October 5 2011 saw a unique experiment took place in Romania, which involved the successfully launching a high altitude balloon on the border between the atmosphere and outer space, setting a new record for Eastern Europe: 35 304 m and taking the first photos of the Danube Delta and the Black Sea in the stratosphere . This paper presents the people behind this event. In this mission, was made an interesting documentary with spectacular images made the day of release, both on the ground - the preparation and the actual launch and in space, the camera mounted in the balloon basket, which showed what Romania looks like seen from the space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Waste Management Activity (WM) is an urban action becoming more important in the municipal economy. In many cities, this activity is linked with significant revenues from the selective waste collection services. Because the current economic situation requires an increasing efficiency and profitability in order to succeed in cutting the operational costs, and as an important part of revenue comes from this selective waste collection activity, it should necessarily improve the effectiveness. In the specific case of Galati city which is presented in this article, WM activity has been redesigned. The main aspect is given by the successful implementation of the selective collecting waste management system in order to succeed in reaching the current economic commands. The accomplishment for this system was done in two stages: the first phase was done in a pilot project which implemented the system in a small area of the city; in the second stage, based on the previous results, the selective collecting waste management system was expanded to the entire city. The present study shows briefly the system implementation status and the preliminary on the optimization problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypanis colorata (Eichwald, 1829) (Cardiidae: Lymnocardiinae) is a bivalve relict species with a Ponto-Caspian distribution and is under strict protection in Romania, according to national regulations. While the species is depressed in the western Black Sea lagoons from Romania and Ukraine, it is also a successful invader in the middle Dniepr and Volga regions. Establishing a conservation strategy for this species or studying its invasion process requires knowledge about the genetic structure of the species populations. We have isolated and characterized nine polymorphic microsatellite markers in H. colorata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 28 and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.613 to 1.000. The microsatellites developed in the present study are highly polymorphic and they should be useful for the assessment of genetic variation within this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study, which contains historical data recorded over a period of 40 years, was to identify the main factors that influence and control the level of wood mass production. The main reason was to optimize the management of forest areas and was driven by the necessity to identify factors that can influence most of the volume produced by coniferous forests located in southeast Europe. The data was collected between1980 and 2005 at the National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry, for forests located in the Southern Carpathians, Romania. The studied data refer to the parameters that model forest structure for spruce, fir, pine, and larch. These are the main resinous species found in the Southern Carpathians. The total area covered by these forests is 143,431 ha. At the forest species level, the analysis consists of 16,162 records (corresponding to the elements of the trees), covering an area of 45,008 ha for fir, 4711 ha for larch, 81,995 ha for spruce, and 11,717 ha for pine. The aim of this research has been to investigate and to assess the impact and magnitude of abiotic factors such as altitude and field aspect on forest structures from the main resinous stands located in the Southern Carpathians. Taking into account the size of the database as well as the duration for collecting data, a complete statistical and systematic approach was considered optimum. This resulted from our wish to emphasize and evaluate the influence of each analysed factor on the wood mass production level. The relationship between abiotic factors and forest structure has been analysed by using a systematic statistical approach in order to provide a useful theoretical reference for the improvement of forest management practices in the context of multiple climatic, environmental, and socio-economic challenges. These common characteristics have been found by applying ANOVA and multivariate statistical methods such as PCA and FA methods. A series of parameters were considered in this investigation, namely altitude (ALT), forest site type (TS), forest type (TP), consistency (CONS) etc. In order to obtain a complete image, we have also applied multivariate analysis methods that emphasize the effect size for each database parameter. At such a level of recorded data, the statistical approach ensures a factor level of p <0.001 while the accuracy in evaluating effect size is increased. As such, they influence the spreading and structure of the studied resinous stands to a higher degree, regardless of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of two vessel surveys in 2017 (spring and summer) in order to estimate cetacean abundance and distribution in Romanian Black Sea waters following distance sampling methods. Eight transects, from east to west, perpendicular on the shore line with a total length of 211.95 km, were designed and executed in sea conditions ≤ Beaufort 4 in an area of 1063 km2with coverage of 39.6%. In total there were 275 sightings of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus ponticus), common dolphin (Delphinus delphis ponticus) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) recorded. Both European Union (EU) Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Habitats Directive require Member States to monitor and maintain at favourable conservation status those species identified to be in need of protection, including all cetaceans. This study provides the baseline data on the Black Sea cetaceans in Romanian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries in Iaşi adults aged 35 to 44., Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural area of Iaşi. A total of 928 people were examined. The World Health Organization's caries criteria were used., Results: Caries prevalence was 66.7% and the mean DMF-T index was 10.30. Significant statistical differences in dental caries prevalence were found according to sex, province and urbanization, family income., Conclusion: The worst results were observed in the group of lower income and rural area, indicating a need for the implementation of social policies that address these populations aiming and diminishing the differences in the health-disease process indicators.