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Micro-Raman spectra of the hematoxylin-eosin stained tissue have been recorded and analyzed for both normal and carcinoma colon samples from nine patients in order to evaluate the compatibility of H&E staining with Raman spectroscopy of tissue. An additional aim was to evaluate if the "normal" tissue from various geographical locations is the same in terms of Raman signal from equivalent samples reported in the literature. FT-Raman signal of the formalin -fixed tissue was used for comparison. The overall Raman signal of stained tissue is a superposition of Raman scattering intensity from staining agents, tissue and auto-fluorescence of the tissue and staining agents. Due to the different Raman cross section of the species, the superposition giving the overall Raman spectral shape is not a linear combination, i.e. subtracting the Raman signal of staining agents does not necessarily result in the Raman signal of unstained tissue. Moreover, the H&E staining agents showed less influence on the overall tissue signal, allowing identify specific Raman bands of tissue. The major influence on the overall signal was produced by the resins (biomount, xylene), which are not compatible with the tissue Raman diagnostic. Vibrational analysis results of the H&E stained tissue samples point out the capability of the Raman techniques to evaluate the enormous archival tissue material available in clinical diagnostic laboratories and could further better assist the histopathology conclusions with high specificity and sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking into account the advantages of Maximum Likelihood Method (most precise estimation), the statistical properties of MLEs (unbiasedness, consistency, efficiency, invariance, asymptotic normality) this paper aim is to present MLE in the context of estimate the recombination fraction r in linkage analysis. Maximum Likelihood Method follows some steps: specifies the likelihood function; takes derivatives of likelihood with respect to the parameters; sets the derivatives equal to zero and finally generates a likelihood equation, that maximized provides the most precise estimation of the recombination fraction. Generally, it is solved by iterative procedures, if no, closed form solution exists for likelihood equation. In this work we discuss comparatively two iterative optimization methods useful in computing MLE of the recombination fraction: Newton-Raphson method and Fisher's Method of Scoring. We implemented these two methods in Maple application and we illustrated them by an example: the estimation of the recombination fraction in the case of the Morgan (1909) experiment on fruit flies. The Maple code for these two methods connected with the Morgan example is given in the appendix. We can not guarantee which of the two presented methods give us an optimal maximum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper presents a logistics model delivery in Cluj County. In our analysis we considered five locations in the county and one found out how many ofthe total 16 stores are in the coverage ofthe above mentioned warehouses. An origin-destination cost matrix was designed for the delivery of the goods from the warehouse to all stores within a 35 minutes delivery time. Coverage was calculated based on driving time, direction of travel being from the warehouses, not towards them; U-turns are not possible and one-way direction restrictions were observed. For the design of this logistic model, one has used the extension of ArcGIS Network Analyst of ArcGIS software used in the spatial analysis on network type structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population can get involved in waste management process if proper educated in adequate acting towards products one uses, especially when it becomes waste. Furthermore, their involvement can improve by learning how to collect their waste in a selective way. Taking these aspects into consideration, the paper presents a raising awareness campaign that was developed in schools from Cluj-Napoca City and its results. It aimed to teach pupils theoretical and practical aspects regarding waste management and especially good practices in selective collection of waste, as a first step in recycling and other type of material recovery. "Be green for the environment. Learn to select your waste" was a project that joined forces of private companies, students and also public authorities in order to improve environmental aspects by increasing young population involvement in waste management process. In order to have a better perspective upon social reality - young people's knowledge and behavior related to waste management process, the survey method based on questionnaires was used. The obtained data were statistically processed. The questionnaires applied to pupils during the project highlighted the fact that pupils are not aware of their role in waste management process although they have basic knowledge on the issue. The supervising period of the way schools that took part to the project collect they waste showed that they are more aware of that, as institution, fact that gives pupils a good example and platform to improve their behavior in this matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solar radiation distribution on Earth's surface is strongly influenced by topographic factors and surface features such as elevation, surface orientation, slope and slope shape, shadows determined by topographic features. All these factors in turn affect the quantification of the light environment. Modeling the solar radiation can be extremely efficient in understanding the spatial and temporal variation of solar radiation over landscape scales. Spatial Analyst extension provided by ArcGIS allows us to analyze the effects of sun on a geographical area for specific time periods. In this paper we propose to represent the amount of solar radiation on a geographical area (Stowe, Vermont), during a period of three months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manner in which young people set academic achievement goals, engage in academic tasks, and relate to success or failure has a decisive influence on how they shape their educational identity. What motivates adolescents and emerging adults to engage in learning commitments? How are their motivational orientations related to their identity development? Kaplan and Flum (2010) argued that it is important to analyze identity and achievement goal orientations together in school-aged populations. The present research comes as an empirical extension to the necessity of linking the two dimensions, in an attempt to better understand how achievement goal orientations are associated with identity processes in emerging adulthood. The 2X2 achievement goal framework (Elliot & McGregor, 2001) and the process-focused identity model (Crocetti, Rubini, & Meeus, 2008) were employed. Gender and educational level differences (high-school versus university students) for achievement goals and educational identity processes were investigated. Also, we analyzed how different academic goal orientations predict educational identity processes, in high-school and university students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring and assessment of the degree of conscious sedation experienced by patients is important for both clinical practice and in research. Whereas clinical monitoring remains the gold standard for safety in patient care, numerous measures are available to supplement this and to provide quantitative data on level of sedation. This manuscript provides an overview of existing measures of the degree of sedation. Scales that have been used in published research were identified from a search of Medline and Google Scholar, and for each scale we identified the characteristics of the scale and degree to which the reliability and validity of the scale had been measured. A total of 35 different measures of degree of sedation were identified. Data on reliability and/or validity were unavailable for many. The Ramsay Sedation Scale emerged as a brief measure with good psychometric and which has been widely used. It is recommended as an adjunct to practitioner assessment in clinical care. For research purposes the Sedation Agitation Scale for adult patients and the Observer's Assessment of Alertness/ Sedation Scale for adults or children showed promise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we will make some statistical inferences based on likelihood technique, LS analysis, t-test, F-test, regarding the genetic control of some quantitative traits variation in a backcross or in a F2 population of gladiola. The datasets representing the trait considered are simulated using logistic growth curves. The processing of data were performed using Statistics Toolbox in Matlab and the results reveal the existence of significant QTL responsible for the trait analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factor analysis (principal components analysis is a factor method) of downsizing the complexity of data and fixing the number of principal components to be retained in the final model. In this paper we present the usefulness of Principal Components Analysis in the agriculture. Data we have used in this paper were taken from a public database, namely the National Institute of Statistics of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note was studied the soil moisture distribution at different depth and sites using the principal component analysis and SixPack free software. This method provides information used to emphasize the principal component of the soil moisture that allows characterizing all other soil moister samples at different depth and sites using principal component obtained following the singular value decomposition of the covariance matrix for the matrix that organize the initial sets of measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light energy is very important in the study of fundamental plants and biophysical processes such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf temperature, respiration. The mathematical model for the physics of the photon transport is given by Maxwell's equation that describes electromagnetic wave theory. There are many factors involved in the quantification of the light environment in a plant canopy due to the spatial and temporal variability of radiation (Baldocchi et ah, 1985; Criveanu, 2005). In biometeorology there are important leaf energy balances and photosynthesis. The model considered in our paper assumes three dimensional canopy and stochastic theory for the transfer of the photons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present contribution seeks to explain variation in the degree of acceptance of corrupt acts by taking into consideration both individual characteristics and societal ones. We used a large dataset covering 43 European countries and employed multi-level models in order to disentangle the compositional and contextual effects. Our main findings suggest that young single Europeans with no occupation but with material possibilities are more likely to consider corrupt acts as being acceptable. The presence of a partnership and of children as well as high confidence in the governance bodies of a country makes corrupt acts less acceptable. In addition, the society where one lives is also important: individuals living in the former soviet countries display on average higher acceptance of corrupt acts than individuals living in the former communist block or in long established democracies. This conclusion holds also after controlling for how widespread corruption is in these countries or how high their income inequality is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of this study I have determined the way in which have been taken the European Directive2006/43/CE concerning the International Standards of Audit in the national legislation in Romania and Spain. Then i have realised a comparative analyses International Standards of Audit which refer to the audit Report, applicable in Romania and the Technical audit norm applicable in Spain, analyses where i have identified a series of differences. At the end of research we found out that the identified differences are not significant and therefore it has been demonstrated the research hypothesis, according to which in Romania and Spain have been made important steps in harmonising the financial audit process, so that the juridical and professional frame in the two countries presents several similitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supraventricular arrhythmias are common in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Among them, atrial fibrillation (AF) plays an important role, especially in terms of negative hemodynamic consequences and embolic risk. Aim - To identify predictive factors of AF presence in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and to quantify their predictive power. Secondary, these factors have been pursued with the overall risk of death and how the presence of AF influences the long term evolution of these patients. Materials and methods - The retrospective study included 348 patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, in sinus rhythm, divided according to etiology in subgroup A - non-ischemic etiology - and subgroup B - ischemic etiology -. Patients were followed clinically, ECG, echocardiography for a mean of 60.1 months (4-126 months). Statistical analysis was performed using EpiInfo 6.0, EpiInfo 3.5.1 (CDC Atlanta, USA) and MedCalc 12.2.1.0 (Medcalc Software BVBA, Belgium). Results - During follow-up, AF was identified in subgroup A and subgroup B as paroxystic AF in 7% and 5% respectively, and permanent AF in 12% and 10% respectively of patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis (Cox) showed a good prediction of paroxysmal AF for 2 parameters in univariate analysis: left ventricular end diastolic diameter (HR = 2.7, p <0.05) and presence of mitral regurgitation (HR = 2.7, p <0.05); predictive power was better for grade 3 mitral regurgitation (HR = 3.78, p <0.05). In multivariate analysis, only the presence of grade 3 mitral regurgitation maintains its prediction power. Best predictors of permanent AF were NYHA functional class at baseline (HR = 1.74, p <0.05), LA diameter (HR = 7.96, p <0.005), presence of mitral regurgitation (HR = 2.14, p <0.05), also the predictive power was better for grade 3 mitral regurgitation (HR = 2.47, p <0.05). None of these parameters reach statistical significance in multivariate analysis. NYHA functional class >3, LV ejection fraction >35%, presence of mitral regurgitation greater than grade 2 or systolic pulmonary artery pressure >60mmHg had high specificity (70%, statistically significant only for the presence of any type of fibrillation), while QRS duration =110ms, LV end-diastolic diameter >63mm, LV end-systolic diameter >47mm, LA diameter >41mm had high sensitivity (over 70%, statistically significant only for LA diameter in relation to installation of permanent AF). Conclusions - This study identified as predictive factors of paroxysmal AF ventricular end diastolic diameter >63mm and presence of mitral regurgitation, while permanent AF was associated with heart failure NYHA class, LA diameter and presence of mitral regurgitation. With a high enough prevalence, AF is a condition that can contribute to lower quality of life and heart failure worsening. Overall mortality, on the other hand, was not significantly influenced by the presence of AF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium (Li)- induced polyuria is due to resistance of the medullary collecting duct (mCD) to the action of arginine vasopressin (AVP), apparently mediated by increased production of PGE2. We previously reported that the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2-R) antagonizes the action of AVP on the mCD and may play a role in Li-induced polyuria by enhancing the production of PGE2 in mCD. Hence, we hypothesized that genetic deletion of P2Y2-R should ameliorate Li-induced polyuria. Wild-type (WT) or P2Y2-R knockout (KO) mice were fed normal or Li-added diets for 14 days and euthanized. Li-induced polyuria, and decreases in urine osmolality and AQP2 protein abundance in the renal medulla, were significantly less compared with WT mice despite the lack of differences in Li intake or terminal serum or inner medullary tissue Li levels. Li-induced increased urinary excretion of PGE2 was not affected in KO mice. However, prostanoid EP3 receptor (EP3-R) protein abundance in the renal medulla of KO mice was markedly lower vs. WT mice, irrespective of the dietary regimen. The protein abundances of other EP-Rs were not altered across the groups irrespective of the dietary regimen. Ex vivo stimulation of mCD with PGE2 generated significantly more cAMP in Li-fed KO mice (130%) vs. Li-fed WT mice (100%). Taken together, these data suggest 1) genetic deletion of P2Y2-R offers significant resistance to the development of Li-induced polyuria; and 2) this resistance is apparently due to altered PGE2 signaling mediated by a marked decrease in EP3-R protein abundance in the medulla, thus attenuating the EP3- mediated decrease in cAMP levels in mCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paperwork presents a model of transportation network which uses a package of programs allowing the creation, processing, integration, analysis and posting of geographical data at various levels. ArcGIS was used, extension ArcGIS Network Analyst, with which the area of influence of an economic objective on any location from the map may be identified, representing the network, as well as the data base obtained following the Digital Romania National Project. In the model created by the road network 16 points of interests were added on the map of Cluj County, divided into two themes: Agricultural holdings: Aghireş, Baciu, Beliş, Berind, Floreşti, Huedin, Steluţa; Livestock holdings: Apahida, Cojocna, Copăceni, Dej, Iclod, Floreşti, Răscruci, Someşeni, Tureni. The modelling of transportation network from this paperwork contains three phases: a) The travel of path through all points of interest having as starting and return point the city of Cluj-Napoca without barriers and without the optimization option; b) The introduction of several restrictions on the previous path; c) The optimization of path with barriers, as well as without them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction and the development of the web 2.0 technologies have facilitated the collaboration between the departments of a company or between companies. This implies that about agile businesses should be able to adapt too many situations and to choose optimal solutions. In this context one can take into account the process of building teams of experts regardless of the location that should solve certain tasks. However, it can be considered that building teams means putting together different characters, temperaments and cultures and this process is not always successful. For this reason the purpose of this paper is to describe an evaluation model of the satisfaction level of the agile teamwork members and implicitly of the companies involved. This research is using the heterogeneous algebras theory for defining a solution for the reunion of a team of individuals such as the team should achieve optimal performance levels. As a result, the paper presents a set of rules that should be fulfilled in order to create an efficient team. This research will be helpful for the implementation of the main engine of a tool that can be used for building agile teamwork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previous study of soil moisture is an important factor in hydrological context. Most of the models assume that the initial moisture is constant but most of the time this assumption is more theoretical one. In this paper the focus on the spatial pattern of soil moisture because when an area is recurrent survey for soil water content the sites can be fixed where the soil is consistently wetter or consistently dryer than the average across the studied area, depending of the experiment interest. The spatial pattern study was made over one transect during three consecutive years from April to October in each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the main procedures used to create a geodatabase of a geographic informational system. Once settled the database scheme for a city, the data maintenance becomes much easier and getting information on the land is faster. Also, using editing in ArcMap makes possible the highlighting of the geodatabases advantages over coverages and shapefiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public funding to non‐governmental development organisations (NGDOs) influences their allocation choices regarding preferred recipient countries for development aid. Instead of strict poverty‐orientation criteria for aid allocation, NGDO country choice becomes increasingly aligned with bilateral priorities. Based on original data on Dutch aid delivery to developing countries, combined with detailed information on NGDOs financial structure and country characteristics, we analyse whether and how donor dependency and public subsidies influence NGDO country choice. Independent NGDOs appear strongly inclined to follow public aid priorities. This is attributed to risk‐avoidance and complementarity‐seeking of independent NGDOs and deliberate non‐alignment for identity‐seeking of dependent NGDOs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze the influence that the European integration process has had over the banking efficiency levels in those countries which have recently experienced more intensely the European integration process. For this purpose we have analyzed, using stochastic frontier models (SFA), applied to panel data, bank efficiency levels of a sample of 240 banks from 12 countries during the period 2000 to 2008. The results sustain the hypothesis that the European integration process has significantly improved the efficiency levels in these countries. However, the improvements haven't appeared simply by the accession to the EU, but have appeared during the process. In order to illustrate the results, we have analyzed the banking system in Romania in the context of the European integration, a country which because of the delay in the initiation of the reforms, despite belonging to the EU, it hasn't still recorded the essential improvements in banking efficiency associated to this process that the other new members have already experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was observed in this paper an alternative solution for marketing Romanian ecologic products in the virtual space. In this context, we will describe a prototype for the business development using the Internet tools, in order to reach potential customers from a larger area, including other countries. The paper includes a statistical study by which it was intended to measure the success rate of selling ecologic product versus non ecologic ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We will present in this paper the importance of Romanian ecologic products database. In this context, we will describe a prototype for the business development using the Internet tools, in order to reach potential customers from a larger area, including other countries. The paper includes a statistical study by which we intend to measure the success rate of selling ecologic product versus non ecologic ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we build a geographical information system used to study the hydric erosion of Chinteni area from Cluj County. The geo-database of our GIS contain information about vegetation, soil profiles characteristics and soil moisture for the interest sites. The digital terrain model was obtained from terrain dataset that was build from geo-database. The area affected by water erosion was predicted using spatial analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to Vygotskian theory, individuals develop within particular cultural groups. Then, as adults, they are likely to integrate in work groups with features similar to their original formative group. The Internet has revolutionised social organisation and business patterns to bring forth collaboration as a major asset. Our study draws on theories of collaboration-based learning originally developed by Lev Vygotsky and aims to extrapolate them to the business environment. Based on Vygotskian theory and on the stakeholders' interest influence matrix, we will design a method of developing work groups within a company by means of Web 2.0 technologies. By means of statistical analysis, we will determine the optimum configuration for grouping interested stakeholders. Finally, we will set up a mathematical model for organising the required relationships for the correct functioning of a work group that uses Web 2.0 tools to build relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, it has been demonstrated that mechanical dyssynchrony is not related to electrical dyssynchrony. We hypothesized that a new QRS width cutoff could be easier to use as a first step in the selection of patients with inter- and intraventricular dyssynchrony. Methods: We included 58 patients with DCM. Electrocardiographic (PR interval and QRS width) and echocardiographic (left ventricular dimensions, systolic and diastolic function, dyssynchrony parameters) data were evaluated in all patients. Results: According to QRS width, we divided the study population in two groups: Group 1, 25 patients having a narrow QRS (≤120 ms), and Group 2, 33 patients having a wide QRS (>120 ms). Patients in Group 2 had larger left ventricles, with similar systolic function and more severe diastolic dysfunction than patients with narrow QRS. Interventricular dyssynchrony was more frequent in group 2 (54.5% vs 20%, p =0.01), while intraventricular dyssynchrony was highly prevalent in both groups (82.1% vs 72%, p =0.48). A QRS>140 ms best predicted the presence of interventricular dyssynchrony (sensitivity 78.2% and specificity 63.6%), while a QRS>150 ms best predicts intraventricular dyssynchrony (sensitivity 48.6% and specificity 80%). Conclusions: Intraventricular dyssynchrony has a high prevalence in patients with DCM, irrespective of the QRS width. Using a higher QRS width cutoff (150 ms) might help in patient selection for CRT. Electrocardiography and echocardiography can be combined into a selection algorithm for patients receiving resynchronization therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents an original method, as well as a calculus mode of the main hydraulic parameters, for the transfer of the aeolian power from the nacelle of the tower to its base. The system proposes the existence in the nacelle of a two-, three- or poly- phased sonic generator, from which the obtained energy is transferred by some pipes to the base of the tower, where this can be easily transformed in electric energy. The paper treats the two-phase variant. An important consequence of the proposed solution is the reducing of the costs for setting up for the equipments mounted in the nacelle, as well as the maintenance and reparation costs, as well. Also, the protection and safety of the workers who exploit the tower is increased, while the cost of the aeolian generator is substantialy reduced by decreasing the mass of the mobile equipments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the beginning of this paper, we are presenting the way in which the apparition and the development of the Internet can be used to sustain the development of the Romanian agritourism. Then it continues with the presentation of a prototype of a agritourism pension web site that can be a part of a Business to Consumer approach. The paper ends proposing the authors' solutions for the weak points of this field and by indicating the future research directions within the Romanian expanding virtual space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this note we make a connection between diffusion equation and equations of Darcy and Richard used in study the soil hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results from this paper are components of a wide study entitled "Capitalization of the land affected by landslide". Our interest in this paper is to determine the soil porosity and to emphasize the connection with soil aeration and productivity of the land. Adequate root respiration requires that the soil be aerated. We connect the porosity of soil with landslide and soil structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Herein, we investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and overweight/obesity status, insulin resistance (IR), systemic inflammation as well as oxidative stress (OS). Anthropometric and laboratory assessments of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and glycemic, pro-inflammatory and OS biomarkers were performed in a sample of 47 patients with T2DM who were divided into categories based on overweight and degree of obesity. The main findings were: the overweight/obesity status correlated negatively with the degree of serum 25(OH)D deficiency (ρ = −0.27) with a trend towards statistical significance (p = 0.069); the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was significantly different (p = 0.024) in patients with 25(OH)D deficiency, as was total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with severe serum 25(OH)D deficiency as compared to those with 25(OH)D over 20 ng/mL (TOS: p = 0.007, OSI: p = 0.008); and 25(OH)D had a negative indirect effect on TOS by body mass index (BMI), but BMI was not a significant mediator of the studied relationship. In a setting of overweight and increasing degree of obesity, patients with T2DM did not display decreasing values of 25(OH)D. Subjects with the lowest values of 25(OH)D presented the highest values of BMI. Patients with 25(OH)D deficiency were more insulin resistant and showed increased OS but no elevated systemic inflammation. The negative effect of 25(OH)D on TOS did not seem to involve BMI as a mediator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by various fungi. A very important category of mycotoxins are aflatoxins, considered to be the most dangerous in humans. Aflatoxin B1, well known as a favorable factor in the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in humans, is the most controversial of all mycotoxins. Aflatoxins, found in naturally contaminated food, are resistant to degradation by heat. Current food processing practices and conventional storage conditions do not completely eliminate aflatoxin contamination from the food supply chain. Long storage food products—such as peanuts, pistachio, nuts in general, and dried fruits—are susceptible to aflatoxins contamination. The type of plastic material can influence the concentration of aflatoxins during storage due to the permeability to gas and moisture exchange with the external milieu. Nuts in general and dried fruits are consumed in large quantities worldwide. Therefore, herein we investigated the effect of plastic material on the total aflatoxins and aflatoxin B1 content in 64 samples of nuts and dried fruits packed and stored in low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The method consisted in a cleanup procedure using immunoaffinity columns coupled with RIDASCREEN FAST immunoenzymatic competitive assays based on the ELISA technique. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and multiple comparisons tests were applied. From the total analyzed samples, 14.06% exceeded the maximum admitted European levels for total aflatoxins. The highest concentrations of total aflatoxins were obtained from samples packed in LDPE, followed by PP, PE, and PET. Aflatoxin B1 was detected in all samples packed in LDPE, PP, and PE. Most of the samples packed in PET had concentrations <1 µg/kg. These results indicate that nuts in general packed and stored in LDPE are more prone to contamination with aflatoxins, while PET is more suitable for maintaining the quality and safety of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Momordica charantia (bitter melon) belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, a climbing vine which is commonly seen growing on walls and shrubs in the tropics. To demonstrate the result of studies which shows that the plant used as stomachic, carminative, tonic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, in rheumatoid arthritis and gout, the present investigation was carried to characterized a principal components of plant using FT-IR technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using information and communication technology in rural areas contributes to human development and to poverty reduction in these areas. The study aims to assess the access to ICT of the rural population in Romania between 2007-2013. The main parameters analyzed were the share of households from rural area to a computer and those with access to Internet at home. The data were provided by the National Institute of Statistics. The results show a progress in the analyzed period, however, insufficient compared with other rural areas from EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of medical rehabilitation in the neuropathic pain.

Carmoisine is a food coloring found in many foods, with several restrictions. The aim of this work was to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of blood in Wistar albino laboratory rats after oral administration of carmoisine every day for 6 weeks by dissolving the additive in water. The effect of temperature on parsley was also studied, drying it at different temperatures, then observing at what temperature the amount of ascorbic acid was maintained in the greatest proportion. At most haematological parameters, higher values were observed in rats in the 100 mg carmoisine group compared to the control and parsley groups. Similarly, the biochemical parameters analyzed showed higher values in rats in the group receiving 100 mg carmoisine compared to the control group, and parsley administered to rats was able to bring mean values closer to those obtained in the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the frequent occurrences of mycotoxins in cereals, this study assessed the presence of trichothecenes in 121 samples from Romanian markets. These samples were divided into five groups based on product type: (1) bread and bakery products containing white flour, (2) half-brown bread with whole wheat flour, (3) brown bread containing rye flour, (4) pasta, and (5) raw wheat. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was used to detect 13 different mycotoxins, which included the Type A compounds HT-2 toxin and T-2 toxin, as well as the Type B compounds deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. Results indicated trichothecene contamination in 90.08% of our samples, with deoxynivalenol predominating by at least 78% in each examined group. Co-occurrence of three or four trichothecenes were found in 23.85% of our samples. Our study underscores the necessity of consistent monitoring of staple foods to prevent the intake of harmful trichothecenes by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop lactose-free orodispersible tablets with loratadine for patients with lactose intolerance. Materials and methods: Seven compositions (F1-F7) of 10 mg loratadine were prepared in form of orally disintegrating tablets, by direct compression, using croscarmellose sodium and pre-gelatinized starch in various concentrations as superdisintegrants, diluted with microcrystalline cellulose and combined with mannitol and maltodextrin as binder agents. The tablets had been studied in terms of their pharmacotechnical characteristics, by determining: the weight uniformity of the tablets, their friability, breaking strength and disintegration time, drug content and the dissolution profile of loratadine. The statistical analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism Software Inc. As dependent variables, both the hardness of the tablets and their disintegration ability differ between batches due to their compositional differences (as independent variables). DDSolver were used for modeling the kinetic of the dissolution processes by fitting the dissolution profiles with time-dependent equations (Zero-order, First-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Peppas-Sahlin). Results: All proposed formulas shows rapid disintegration, in less than 15 seconds, and the dissolution loratadine spans a period of about 10 minutes. Akaike index as well as R2 adjusted parameter have demonstrated that the studied dissolution profiles are the best fitted by Zero-order kinetic. Conclusion: In conclusion, association of croscarmellose sodium (7.5%) with pre-gelatinized starch (6%) as superdisintegrants and mannitol as the binder agent (35%), positively influences the dissolution properties of loratadine from orally fast dispersible tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]