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Detection and classification of degradation types is a fundamental activity in road pavement management. Monitoring activities through manual / visual inspections are time consuming, costly and cause safety issues. The introduction of new high-efficiency equipment for the detection and classification of degradation opens a new perspective in the analysis and management of roads. Thus, the automatic monitoring of the road asset introduces new performance indicators and more complex criteria for classifying problems. In this paper, an analysis is presented by referring to examples of measurements in Romania, detection, and classification of the main types of degradation, study, and capabilities of ACD (Automatic Crack Detection). A numerical and experimental study was also conducted to improve the operational optimization of ACD equipment to increase its usability and performance.

Faced with the challenges posed by climate change, Serbian viticulture is looking for sustainable solutions for adaptable production. This study shows that grass is a multifunctional tool for overcoming the challenges of intensive viticulture while maintaining the quality of the grapes. In a three-year research experiment (2020–2022), the maintenance of an inter-row sward in a vineyard with four certified high-quality French Cabernet Sauvignon clones was investigated, and its effects on the ampelographic composition of the grapes and the quality of the grape juice (must) were studied as a function of wine quality. A grass sward was established between the rows as a biological soil management system and as a climate change adaptation measure in a high-intensity viticultural system. A grass–legume mixture was used as an inter-row cover crop, with nitrogen applied in two doses (50 and 100 kg ha−1) in spring. The growth of the grasses responded to the nitrogen fertilisation, which was reflected in the biomass production, surface cover and nitrogen content in the biomass. At the end of the study, the biomass of the grass increased threefold when a high dose of nitrogen was applied compared to the non-fertilised grass. In contrast to the effects of nitrogen on the sward, N has no effect on the quantitative or qualitative parameters of the grapes. Clone 169 was separated for most grape mechanical parameters such as the bunch mass, all berries and the bunch stem; clone 15 showed the best grape juice quality parameters such as the sugar content and glycoacidometric index. The results show an option for climate change adaptation in viticulture that can mitigate the effects of rising temperatures, contribute to soil conservation and carbon storage in biomass and enable timely interventions in vineyards after heavy rainfall by creating accessible paths within the vineyards. The three-year effect of the different nutrient management of the sward in the inter-rows of Cabernet Sauvignon showed that the interaction between the two systems, sward and vine, is low and has no negative impact on the ampelographic and qualitative grape parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae) is an invasive species because of its rapid growth rate, intensive dispersal and ability to adapt to a wide range of environments. It has become an invasive species in the Ostroveni area, an area at the confluence of the Jiu River and the Danube River in the Oltenia region of Romania. This species spreads, climbs and takes over everything in its path. It can also outcompete native plants very quickly as it is a prolific breeder. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the invasive potential of S. angulatus in the forests of the Jiu and Danube confluence area by calculating several indicator values. The results showed that the number of plants varies depending on factors such as location, water availability and shade. They also showed that S. angulatus is a plant that occupies its niche in the ecosystem and has a negative impact on the local flora. Population control should therefore start with early detection, so that control and eradication are less costly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucumis metuliferus E. Meyer ex Naudin belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is an annual vegetable species known as horned melon or kiwano. Fruits are recommended for the daily diet because they provide vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals to alleviate malnutrition and improve human health. In this study, kiwano was cultivated in the climatic conditions of Southwestern Romania, which is characterized by warm summers, lower precipitation, and high temperatures, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and development. The fruits were harvested at three stages of consumption: immature stage (green), intermediate stage (white–yellow) or the mature stage (yellow–orange). They were also subjected to analysis on the productive yield and physical–chemical properties. The results showed that the number of fruits ranged from 13.9 to 15.3 fruits/plant, and their average weight had values from 204 g to 234 g, depending on the harvest stage. The results obtained for bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05), depending on the harvesting stage. The highest values for the antioxidant capacity (140.90 μM TE/100g DPPH) and total polyphenols (48.78 TPC mg/100 g) were recorded in the immature fruit phase, as well as for the carbohydrate content (3.56%), total protein (1.98%), ascorbic acid (4.3 mg/100 g f.w.), and carotene (0.98 mg/100 g) in the mature fruit phase. These results may stimulate interest in the introduction of this species as a niche crop and for consumption as a source of natural antioxidants for the prevention of diseases due to oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris variegata L. (I. lepida Heuffel) (Iridaceae), is usually in the area from the oak forest zone to the beech floor, through meadows, thickets and forest clearings, in open forests, at the edges of forests. It can be easily recognized by its flowers with yellow inner perianth segments and yellow-white outer perianth segments mottled with brown to purple. This species is cited from few places in Oltenia. Following field research in the forest habitats of southern Oltenia, important populations of this species were identified. Such populations were identified in the lower Jiului basin, in the forest of the Segarcea and Perișor Forestry Districts. The species is found especially in the forests of the Quercus cerris and Q. frainetto, in the natural habitat - 91M0 Pannonian-Balkan oak - Oak forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. popularly called Siberian Leopard Plant is a species of community interest with a small area in the mountainous region of southwestern Romania. This rare species of Eurasian origin is found in Appendices II and IV of the Habitats Directive and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. L. sibirica was cited until the start of these studies from 2 locations in the Capățănii Mountains: the basin of the Luncavăț river and the Buila Mountain, being mentioned as a single population with very few individuals. The populations identified in the studied territory are not stable and not well preserved. The populations in that area have a relatively small number of individuals, their size and state of preservation being closely related to soil moisture, nitrogen availability, temperature and lighting are the ecological factors that influence the morphological characteristics of L. sibirica populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few reports related to the presence of Spiranthes spiralis in the Oltenia region in southern Romania. This study develops the information concerning the presence of this type of orchid in Gorj County. The studies on the populations of this orchid species have been conducted in the Natura 2000 site of the Community ROSCI0045 Jiului Corridor. In the researched territory, during the investigations, twelve populations of Spiranthes spiralis were sampled for the first time. In 2022–2023, we studied the distribution of this species and assessed its population densities. Our observations indicate that it is a relatively widespread species in the studied area and its populations are more abundant in meadows, in the Medicagini minimae–Festucetum valesiacae plant community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids are some of the most popular flowers. They are appreciated for their beauty and the varied range of colors and shapes Anacamptis laxiflora ssp. elegans is a "gem of the Romanian landscape" that grows in meadows, forest edges and clearings. The unique characteristics of this orchid species are to be appreciated because of its morphological complexity. Comparative analysis of plant morphological traits indicates that there are significant differences between natural populations of this terrestrial orchid species. A special priority should be given to this type of orchid because they are very common in the habitats of the Oltenia region and have large populations. Their monitoring in the context of global warming is also necessary, and one of the conservation priorities concerns the protection of the habitats in which they occur. Regarding the analysis of character variability according to plant density, it influences the average plant length, stem diameter and leaf number/pl., so the values recorded for these characters have significant differences compared to the values recorded by plants at lower densities of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the bioeconomy on regional and national levels is heavily reliant on the establishment of precise and efficient governance frameworks. These structures encompass a wide range of components, spanning from financial support to regulatory tools and limitations. These mechanisms play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges that emerge during the bioeconomy's growth. In this context, the necessity for continuous research to underpin and guide bioeconomy policies, while also bridging existing knowledge gaps, is glaringly evident. The current study brings a new perspective, using hierarchical cluster analysis as an exploratory approach and a technique for generating hypotheses. Its aim is to assess the progress of EU countries concerning the bioeconomy, including sectors involved in biomass production and conversion. The research draws on data published by the European Commission and Eurostat for the years 2015 and 2020, to capture the changes brought about by the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. The research findings furnish valuable insights into advancements in the bioeconomy and the clustering of countries based on their performance levels. Notably, Belgium and Denmark emerge as standout performers, potentially offering exemplary models of best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruscus aculeatus L. (Ruscaceae), is a shrub with strong, erect stems bearing numerous phylloclades widespread in western, southern and southeastern Europe, in Anatolia and northern Africa. This species is cited from few places in Oltenia. Following field research in the forest habitats of southern Oltenia, important populations of this species were identified. Such populations were identified in the lower Jiului basin, in the forest base of the Segarcea, Perișor and Craiova Forestry Districts. The most important populations with a large number of individuals, increased vitality and good conservation status are found in the Dâlga and Țuglui arboretums. The species is found especially in the forests of the Quercus cerris and Q. frainetto, in the natural habitat - 91M0 Pannonian-Balkan oak - Oak forests (CLAS. PAL.: 41.76). Thirty populations of Ruscus aculeatus were identified and monitored in the Dâlga and Țuglui arbotretums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romanian flora includes a high diversity of orchids, any with a high conservationist interest, but many 0f themnot yet sufficiently investigated from an ecological, phytosociological or genetic point of view. Phenotypically analysis is also scarce and only a few data have been published in relation to the effects of site factors on the morphological and anatomical characteristics of the family Orchidaceae. This study analyses the variability of two populations of Anacamptis coriophora, based on their coenological affiliations, morphological observations and biometrical measurements. The data were collected from two grassland areas in Romania Stoenesti, Vâlcea County and Cobia, Dâmbovița County. The results showed that both populations are influenced by temperature, light and humidity and develop normally under optimal conditions. In the most favorable conditions encountered in Vâlcea county, orchids offer the splendor of flowers for a long time. Orchids in our country usually bloom in March, sometimes lasting until August, they have a delicate appearance, varied colors and the most diverse perfumes. The information obtained regarding the morphological diversity of the two populations could be suitable for designing strategies for their conservation in both locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species have a negative impact on forest, grassland, and agricultural ecosystems around the world, sometimes associating and forming segetal or ruderal plant communities. Exotic species compete with native species and threaten ecosystem stability. The paper presents the results of the investigations carried out in the alluvial forest vegetation in the Danube Valley from Oltenia, between Cetate and Calafat. In this region, the intensive abiotic activity, but not only that, has brought about the invasion of allochtone (invasive alien) species plants in the natural and semi-natural degraded ecosystems, especially in alluvial forest habitats. The species has been found in the following types of natural habitats: 91E0* - Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae); 92A0 - Salix alba and Populus alba galleries; 91F0 - Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus angustifolia along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris); 91I0* - Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heavy anthropic activity has as a result the invasion of allochtones in the natural damaged ecosystems from Romania and the whole Europe. This fact has a negative impact over the genuine evolution and development of natural biocenosis. Invasive species are the real main threats for the agro-biodiversity. Datura is a genus of nine species of poisonous vespertine flowering plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. All species of Datura are poisonous, especially their seeds and flowers. Datura wrightii is an invasive species whose range has expanded greatly in recent years in Romania. According to studies in our country, the species Datura wrightii was identified for the first time in Romania from the Galati County - Foltești, Tg. Bujor, Umbrarești. This species has an aggressive character on biodiversity and we found it in ruderal areas, garbage storage on land, vacant lots, edges of the road. The species has an important anthropogenic impact on herbaceous and woody plant communities and therefore on some types of community interest habitats. D. wrightii has also been used to induce hallucination for recreational purposes. Ingestion of plant material can induce auditory and visual hallucinations similar to those of Datura stramonium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thematic area provided in this paper is situated in the Govora river basin, Vâlcea County. Within this study had been aimed the identification, description, diversity, ecological analysis and monitoring of the herbaceos and wooden plant communities, which belong to the Natura 2000 habitats and implicitly of the rare plant species, vulnerable, endemic whitin Dobriceni and Jgheaburi Forests from the Govora river basin. In this area we identified the following plant communities: Hieracio rotundati-Fagetum (Vida 1963) Täuber 1987 (syn.: Deschampsio flexuosae-Fagetum Soó 1962); Stellario nemorum-Alnetum glutinosae (Kästner 1938) Lohmeyer 1957; Quercetum petraeae-cerris Sóo (1957) 1969 and Carpino-Fagetum sylvaticae (Paucă 1941). According to the targets of this research, a very important place we gave to the complex study of the habitats: 91M0 Pannonian-Balkanic turkey oak sessile oak forests (CLAS. PAL.: 41.76); 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests (CLAS. PAL.: 41.11.); 91E0* Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) (CLAS. PAL.: 44.3, 44.2 şi 44.13.) and 9130 Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests (CLAS. PAL.: 41.13). Considering the place where the study had been located to, the eco-pedo-climatic conditions and the anthropic term exerted I have considered that is necessary to develop some ecological studies (and using statistical methods (UPGMA si WPGMA, STYN-TAX 2000) for the most important plant community - Hieracio rotundati-Fagetum (Vida 1963) Täuber 1987 from this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the investigations carried out in the Turkey oak stands in the Oltenia Plain, whereby a statistically fundamental relation was established between the coefficient of expansion (F) of the stands and its main dendrometric characteristics (diameter - D and height - H), expressed by an equation of the form logF = a0 + a1logD + a2logH, whose coefficients are statistically significant. By demonstrating the joint influence of both dimensional characteristics (D and H) on the coefficient of expansion (F), the influence of the structure of the stands on their production was revealed, thus eliminating the error-generating hypothesis expressed by the identity FD = FH. Finally, for practical purposes, for the area of the study case, tables were developed to determine the coefficient of expansion (F) according to the two characteristics of the tree (D and H). By this way of determining the form factor (F) of the stands, substantial improvements are made to the precision of their volume determination by means of the general formula V = G x H x F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thematic area provided in this paper is situated in the Danube Valley, between the settlements Ciuperceni and Gidici, Dolj County. This area is studied in the Bailesti plain, on the fifth terrace of Danube, part of the Oltenia Plain. Throughout the protected area is under the continental climate with Mediterranean influences. Since geologically in this area meet recent alluvial deposits represented by carbonate sands and sandy deposits of wind origin. In this territory the biodiversity is very rich, the studied area including the protected area of community importance - ROSCI 0039 Ciuperceni-Desa. The most important habiat forest is 91I0 - Euro-Siberian steppic woods with Quercus spp. This habitat is edifies by Quercetum roboris balsicum Paun (1964) 1966 (Syn. Festuca rupicolae-Quercetum roboris Soó (1934) 1937) palnt community that we found in the Arceru (Oveaselor) and Buricliu forest. The forests from this area benefits from the contribution of groundwater, compensate for the lack of water from rainfall and low levels of nutrients in the soil. Considering the place where the study had been located to, the eco-pedo-climatic conditions and the anthropic term exerted we have considered that is necessary to develop some ecological studies (and using statistical methods (UPGMA and WPGMA, STYN-TAX 2000) for the plants communities of the forest habitat from this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thematic area provided in this paper is situated in the protected area ROSCI 0128 (Nordul Gorjului de Est), occupying the southern part of Parang Mountains and the west part of the Capatanii Mountains. In the researched area there are the following Natura 2000 habitats: 9410 - Acidophilous Picea forests of the montane to alpine levels (Vaccinio piceetea), 91E0? -Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae), 91V0 -Dacian Beech forests (Symphyto Fagion), 9110 - Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, 9130 - Asperulo- Fagetum beech forests, 9170 - Galio-Carpinetum oak-hornbeam forests, 91Y0 - Dacian oak-hornbeam forests, 91Q0 - Western Carpathian calcicolous Pinus sylvestris forests, 9260 - Castanea sativa woods, 9150 - Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion, 91L0 - Illyrian oakhornbeam forests (Erythronio-Carpinion). The stability of the forest is determined, in addition to the physiognomy, the composition of the flora, its stage of development, density, structure, and constituent species and especially the vitality of the characteristic species. Forest habitats from the thematic area have a vitality or state of vegetation from normal to low. The health of the trees or plant health is determined by the health and vitality of trees that make up the forest and is expressed by the degree of defoliation of trees or discoloration of the foliage, phenomena of damage or drying trees, tears, windfalls, established by biomonitoring forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigated area is located in Oltenia Plain, in the Valley Jiu at an altitude of 40-60 m.s.m. By the phyto-climatic point of view the Bratovoeti forest is located in the forest Steppe of Oltenia. The Bratovoesti Forest is part of the protected area of community interest ROSCI 0045 Coridorul Jiului, and occupies an area of 904.51 ha. The Bratovoeti forest is located on loess that were formed deep soils with good growth profile: alluvial-soils and luvisols. Also, some areas near shore Jiu, also on sandy rocks (sand and gravel) they have formed shallow soils poor in minerals (entic alluvisoils). In the researched area there are the following Natura 2000 forest habitats: 91E0*-Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae), 91F0-Riparian mixed forests of Quercus robur, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor, Fraxinus excelsior or Fraxinus angustifolia along the great rivers (Ulmenion minoris), 92A0-Salix alba and Populus alba galleries. Of the rare and vulnerable species found in this forests habitats we can mention: Vallisneria spiralis, Utricularia minor, Nymphaea alba, Azolla filiculoides, Typha minima, Orchis purpurea, Epipactis palustris, Galanthus nivalis, Angelica sylvestris, Crocus flavus, Festuca gigantea. The biodiversity of the forest natural habitats from this area is endangered because the human impact is very high, although this area it is included in the important protected areas from Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we made a general presentation of the most important freshwater natural habitats from the Danube and Jiu floodplains, part of Southern of Oltenia, Romania. In the researched area there are the following Natura 2000 habitats: 3130 - Oligotrophic to mesotropic standing waters with vegetation of the Littorelletea uniflorae and/or Isoëto- Nanojuncetea, 3140-Hard oligomesotrophic waters with benthic vegetation of Chara spp., 3150- Natural eutrophic lakes with Magnopotamion or Hydrocharition-type vegetation, 3160- Natural Dystrophic Lakes and Ponds, 3260- Watercourses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation, 3270- Rivers with muddy banks with Chenopodion rubri p.p. and Bidention p.p. vegetation. Six types of freshwater natural habitats of conservative interest have been identified on the Southern of Oltenia, in the Danube and Jiu floodplains (D. Gafta, O. Mountford coord., 2008). These natural habitats are represented by hydrophilous, hygrophylous and mesohygrophylous plant communities. The plant communities that edify the freshwater natural habitats from this area have been analyzed and characterized from the chorological, ecological point of views. They were also examined according to their floristic composition and physiognomy, after the conservation status and human impact. Of the rare and vulnerable species we can mention: Vallisneria spiralis, Utricularia minor, Nymphaea alba, Azolla filiculoides, Typha minima. The phytodiversity of the freshwater natural habitats from Sotheren of Oltenia is endangered because the human impact is very high, although this area it is included in the important protected areas from Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present some aspects concerning the chorology, floristic composition, syn-ecology, and dynamics of the alluvial and lowland hay meadows in the River Timiş basin. Agrostis stolonifera dominates depression areas with high moisture for the entire year, while meadows of Alopecurus pratensis can be found on plane lands that are moist in spring and drier in summer. Lowland hay meadows with Arrhenatherum elatius are fragmentary and are met on the flooding plain terraces and on slightly sloppy lands. On moister lands, not cultivated recently, around the villages, there are frequent coenoses edified by Elymus repens, together with Agrostis stolonifera and numerous species considered weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area under study is located in South-Western Domaşnea - Mehadia Depression (Caraş - Severin County), a typical intra-mountain depression, surrounded by the Almăj, Semenic, and Cernei Mountains. The Cheile Globului Nature Reserve goes along the Globul Craiovei River valley and is flanked by abrupt mountain slopes 100 - 200 m high above the watercourse. The rocky slopes vegetation is represented by four plant associations frequently met: Festucetum rupicolae Burduja et al. 1956, corr. Burduja et al. 1972-1973, Melico - Phleetum montani Boşcaiu et al. 1966, Carpino orientalis - Quercetum cerris Klika 1938 (Boşcaiu et al. 1969), and Syringo - Fraxinetum orni Borza 1958 em. Resmerită 1972 together with other two plant associations identified on smaller areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]