Search

In the summer 2019 ichthyofauna was investigated in 4 localities sites of Lower Romanian Mureș River: Lipova, Sâmbăteni, Semlac and Nădlag. The status of fish fauna and presence of community interest species (An. II, III and V / H.D.) inside of ichthyocenoses, as abundance and frequency, anthropogenic impact, were assessed. In all 4 sites it were recorded 23 fish species included some species reported by authorized persons and fisheries literature in lower Mures River. From 23 species 7 are community interest fish species (Leuciscus aspius, Barbus petenyi, Romanogobio kessleri, R. vladykovi, Rhodeus amarus, Zingel zingel and 1 sturgeon’s species Acipenser ruthenus. Fish fauna was dominated in abundance by Alburnus alburnus, Squalius cephalus and Chondrostoma nasus, but in biomass by Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Leuciscus aspius, Chondrostoma nasus and Silurus glanis. Main anthropogenic pressures consists legal and illegal overfishing, ballast activity and pollution.

Due to the worldwide decline of the sturgeon population, stocking programmes were developed for many of these species. The critically endangered anadromous sturgeon populations inhabiting the NW Black Sea and spawning in the Lower Danube River are not an exception. Despite no knowledge of the genetic diversity of the remnant populations, the Romanian supportive stocking programme started in 2005, along with the fishing ban in 2006. These actions were aimed to restore the wild sturgeon populations, spawning in the Lower Danube River. This paper presents and discusses the sturgeon supportive stocking programme implemented in Romania and its achievements. Our screening revealed that the minimum effective number of breeders (Ne) could not be achieved for beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) in 2006 and for Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) throughout the entire programme due to the lack of spawners in the wild. Evaluation of the supportive stocking programme success revealed a good survival rate and adaptation of fish stocked to the wild conditions in the river and sea. It showed that two of the species, beluga and stellate sturgeon (A. stellatus) still spawn naturally in the wild, and their populations are in a good genetic shape, so far, having in mind the habitat decline due to the dams constructions on the river and the post genetic bottleneck recovery. Russian sturgeon population do not exhibits any improvement sign so far. The lack of its spawning events in the wild is still noticed, as the majority of fish captured during the evaluation are of hatchery origin, first generation from wild spawners. Therefore, for beluga and stellate sturgeon, the conservation measures should be revised based on the genetic structure of the spawners and a well-defined breeding schemes. For Russian sturgeon the supportive stocking programme should continue, being highly demanded in order to produce a continuum age structured population. The crucial moment for sturgeon conservation will be when hatchery reared specimens return in the river as adults and participate in the spawning events, an event which should be expected within the next years. Overall, the return of the reared individuals in the river as adults and their participation in the spawning events is expected to produce a real change in the Danube sturgeon species fate with a long-term ripple effect.

In the present study, 4 specimens of sturgeons from stocking-programmes was recorded,out of a total 34 Danube River upstream-migrants towards their spawning grounds. The catches were recorded over a period of 42 days of scientific fishing on an area of 50.23% of the Danube River width. Three out of four native species were recorded during scientific fishing: 4 Huso huso, 27 A. stellatus and 3 A. gueldenstaedtii. CWT reading showed that all four individuals from stocking- programmes were males, three A. gueldenstaedtii and one A. stellatus. The captured specimens represent not only the first registered individuals returning to their home river but also a real chance for restoration of the A. gueldenstaedtii population into the Danube River. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in the world when the return of stocked sturgeons to their home river is reported. Consequently, identifying the main factors which have enabled this is crucial and represents a real breakthrough in sturgeon conservation. Our data suggest that the stocking program success is more likely dependent on the presence of wild individuals from whom stocked individuals can “learn” the way to the spawning grounds, than on the intrinsic traits of the stocking programme. Therefore, there is a need for additional studies to further understand if this return is an isolated case or it is the beginning of a better future for Danube River sturgeon populations. More information is also needed to assess the contribution of the stocked individuals to spawning events.

The article presents a study on the genetic variability of Lower Danube River young of the year (YOY) beluga sturgeon or Huso huso using mtDNA markers. The study involves genomic DNA extracted from the fin clips of the species by proteinase K digestion and purification using chloroform. Results showed the existence of the successive arrival of groups of YOY beluga sturgeon. The data suggest the successful spawning of females beluga from the same generation.

Iatrogenic tracheobronchial ruptures most frequently occur during tracheal intubation, but they can also be produced during tracheobronchial endoscopy or thoracic surgery. The clinical presentation can be brutal, with respiratory failure, cervical emphysema, pneumothorax and hemoptysis. There are also less symptomatic presentations. The diagnosis is confirmed by bronchoscopy. The therapeutic approach can be differentiated, surgical or conservative, although the criteria are not universally accepted. This article aims to review the indications and therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the transesterification of three types of waste cooking oil (WCO) with methanol and ethanol was studied using alkali catalyzed process. The catalyst used in this study was sodium hydroxide. The effects of temperature, catalyst amount, alcohol to oil ratio, and the time of reaction on the yield were studied. The temperature and the catalyst amount were the most important factors affecting the yield of biodiesel. Also the process exhibited some sensitivity to the level of free fatty acids (FFA) in the WCO and to the type of alcohol. The yields of methyl esters varied from 97% with the lowest acidity (0.4% FFA WCO) to 76% with the highest acidity (3.25% FFA WCO). The ethyl esters yields were lower and the difference increased with the level of FFA in the oil, the maximum yield was 95% and 73% with the lowest and the medium acidities respectively and no reaction was registered with the highest one. The chromatographic analysis of the produced biodiesel showed high contents of fatty acid methyl esters varying from 96.5% to 98%. The physical-chemical characteristics of produced biodiesel were studied and compared to the European norm, EN 14214. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Most of the previous researches concerning the effect of the trap color on the captures proved that the bark beetles are strongly attracted to dark colored traps. In 2010, a series of experiments with Intercept® traps of different colors were performed, for which in addition to captures, the release rates of pheromones and the temperatures achieved in traps were determined. It was found that in dark colored traps (black and brown) which captured more insects, the dispensers released pheromones with higher rates than in light colored traps (white and yellow), due to higher temperatures inside them. Therefore, the catches may be influenced especially indirectly by the trap color, which influences the release rates of pheromones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we study one of the most important bark beetles of spruce, namely the six-spined spruce bark beetle (Pityogenes chalcographus L.). For this species of Scolytinae we tried to achieve two main objectives: testing the efficiency of two types of synthetic pheromones and study of the local flight dynamics of this insect. Therefore, it is necessary to know the local characteristics of the flight of the six-spined spruce bark beetle in order to be able to intervene at the moment when the population begins its outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration and behavioral studies conducted on large fish species often imply electronarcosis and tagging activities. Even if individuals are anaesthetized, tagging operations require considerable handling efforts and, moreover, the likelihood of inducing stress, which usually affects the individual’s fitness, or even injuries, is proportional to body size. To decrease stress and the likelihood of injuries to large fishes during tagging operations as much as possible, it was developed a novel system that involves an electronarcosis device coupled with a handling tube. This system was designed and tested in 2009 by the DDNI and had as a result a significantly decreases of the time required for conducting the tagging operation for more than 50 adult sturgeons of different species (sterlet, stellate sturgeon, beluga sturgeon and Russian sturgeon).

In a world where the energy demand is increasing daily, energy efficiency and renewable energy play a major role. Our research comes to help fighting the biggest problem that our world is facing today, global warming. This study aims to evaluate the energy potential of biofuels obtained from camelina sativa in order to reduce fossil fuel dependence, greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. Camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is a cruciferous oilseed plant belonging to the Brassicaceae (mustard) family with the common name false flax and gold of pleasure. Since camelina can grow under different conditions without being a competitor of food land, this energetic plant can be used for production of both, firstand second-generation biofuels. In our study we determined the elemental analysis of the subproducts obtained from camelina sativa, through experimental tests, and we built a mathematical model to determine the calorific power and to simulate the burning of the biofuels into a steam generator in order to analyse the energy potential. The results show us that the biofuels obtained from camelina sativa can represent an alternative to fossil fuels and should be considered in the transition to green energy.

The NW Black Sea basin supports sympatric population of beluga (Huso huso), stellate sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and Russian sturgeon (A. gueldenstadetii). These ecologically similar fish exhibit varying life strategies during their extended juvenile period andappear to overlap at some stages within the marine coastal waters. The aim of the study was to assess the distribution and genetic diversityof sturgeons feeding in the Black Sea coastal area of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (DDBR) during 2012. A total number of 76sturgeons (70 stellate , 5 beluga and 1 Russian sturgeon) were captured during three fishing expeditions along the Romanian Black Sea coast of the DDBR using two fishing methods: active (pelagic trawling) and passive fishing (bottom set trammel nets). A high number of stellate sturgeonswere captured in Sahalin and Zatoane areas highlighting their importance as feeding sites for all life stages of this species. Capturing of only 5beluga sturgeon specimens suggested that coastal waters are less important feeding areas for this species. Genetic diversity of stellate and beluga sturgeons was assessed by PCR-RFLP of mtDNA D-loopregion. Six out of ten composite haplotypes were detected in stellate sturgeons and twocomposite haplotypes in beluga sturgeons. Further studies on the dynamics of sturgeon population, on behavioural and ecological factors influencing the seasonal distribution are prerequisite for improved management and sustainable use of these resources of the Black Sea.

Contemporary society faces nowadays major changes in perceptions, values and rules. In the‘80’s, many companies and corporations implemented new concepts – sustainability, responsibility andaccountability. Ten years later, Social Accountability International and other similar organizationsconceived and promoted the responsibility and accountability standards – SA8000 and AA1000. Thesestandards help the corporations and the companies to implement better communication campaigns withtheir stakeholders. This paper wants to disclose the contain of these standards and how they areimplemented in the Romanian corporations, in the context of the Romanian European Integration.

This article critically analyzes the reasons for developing international business activities in CEE. Primarily a short overview of global strategy is presented. In order to succeed in today's global Marketplace, a company must be able to quickly identify

In this article is presented, with the help of graphics, a logistic flow for palletizing and wrapping operations. The loaded pallets are transported by means of a roller conveyor. Creating the virtual model for the conveyer allows us to emphasize the compatibility elements between on the one hand the mechanical assemblies of the flow components and on the other hand the subassemblies of the conveyer structure. The paper has focused on the presentation of the conveyor specific assembly and how are placed the sensors on the mechanical structure of the conveyor. Finally, the main working phases are graphically presented within the flow, highlighting the loaded pallet positions in the flow.

This paper presents the 3D virtual model of the numerical control machine Modustar 100, in terms of machine elements. This is a CNC machine of modular construction, all components allowing the assembly in various configurations. The paper focused on the design of the subassemblies specific to the axes numerically controlled by means of CATIA v5, which contained different drive kinematic chains of different translation modules that ensures translation on X, Y and Z axis. Machine tool development for high speed and highly precise cutting demands employment of advanced simulation techniques witch it reflect on cost of total development of the machine.

The aim of this work is to highlight the influence of UV light on the hydrolysis reaction of nifedipine (NIF) in the presence of alkaline solutions. In this context, the photodegradation of NIF in the absence of alkaline solutions caused (a) a change in the ratio between the absorbances of three bands in the UV-VIS spectra localized at 224-240 nm, 272-276 nm and 310-340 nm, assigned to the electronic transitions of -COOCH 3 groups, -NO 2 groups and a heterocycle with six atoms; (b) a red-shift of the photoluminescence (PL) band from 458 nm to 477 nm, simultaneous with an increase in its intensity; (c) a decrease in the ratio of the Raman line intensities, which peaked at 1224 cm -1 and 1649 cm -1 , associated with the vibrational modes of -C-C-O in the ester group and C=C stretching; and (d) a decrease in the ratio between the absorbances of the IR bands, which peaked at 1493 cm -1 and 1223 cm -1 , associated with the vibrational modes of the -NO 2 group and C-N stretching. These changes were explained considering the NIF photodegradation reaction, which leads to the generation of the compound 4-(2-nitrosophenyl)-2.6-dimethyl-3.5-dimethoxy carbonyl pyridine. The interaction of NIF with NaOH in the absence of UV light was demonstrated to induce changes in the vibrational mode of the -C-C-O bond in the ester group. The photodegradation of NIF after its reaction with NaOH induces significant changes highlighted in its (a) UV-VIS spectra, by the shift of the absorption band at 238 nm; (b) PL spectra, by the supraunitary value of the ratio between the emission band intensities at 394-396 nm and 450 nm; (c) Raman spectra, by the change in the ratio between the intensities of the lines that peaked at 1224 cm -1 and 1649 cm -1 from 0.61 to 0.49; and (d) FTIR spectra, by the lowered absorbance of the IR band at 1493 cm -1 assigned to the vibrational mode of the -NO 2 group as a result of the generation of the nitroso compound. These changes were explained considering the hydrolysis reaction products of NIF, as the nitroso compound is converted to a lactam-type compound. The photodegradation reaction rate constants of NIF and NIF after interaction with NaOH were also reported. The decrease in thermal stability of NIF samples after interaction with NaOH, as well as of NIF after exposure to UV light compared to NIF prior to exposure to UV light, was demonstrated by thermogravimetry, and the key fragments were confirmed by mass spectrometry.

Insect and disease outbreaks in forests are biotic disturbances that can profoundly alter ecosystem dynamics. In many parts of the world, these disturbance regimes are intensifying as the climate changes and shifts the distribution of species and biomes. As a result, key forest ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, regulation of water flows, wood production, protection of soils, and the conservation of biodiversity, could be increasingly compromised. Despite the relevance of these detrimental effects, there are currently no spatially detailed databases that record insect and disease disturbances on forests at the pan-European scale. Here, we present the new Database of European Forest Insect and Disease Disturbances (DEFID2). It comprises over 650,000 harmonized georeferenced records, mapped as polygons or points, of insects and disease disturbances that occurred between 1963 and 2021 in European forests. The records currently span eight different countries and were acquired through diverse methods (e.g., ground surveys, remote sensing techniques). The records in DEFID2 are described by a set of qualitative attributes, including severity and patterns of damage symptoms, agents, host tree species, climate-driven trigger factors, silvicultural practices, and eventual sanitary interventions. They are further complemented with a satellite-based quantitative characterization of the affected forest areas based on Landsat Normalized Burn Ratio time series, and damage metrics derived from them using the LandTrendr spectral-temporal segmentation algorithm (including onset, duration, magnitude, and rate of the disturbance), and possible interactions with windthrow and wildfire events. The DEFID2 database is a novel resource for many large-scale applications dealing with biotic disturbances. It offers a unique contribution to design networks of experiments, improve our understanding of ecological processes underlying biotic forest disturbances, monitor their dynamics, and enhance their representation in land-climate models. Further data sharing is encouraged to extend and improve the DEFID2 database continuously. The database is freely available at https://jeodpp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ftp/jrc-opendata/FOREST/DISTURBANCES/DEFID2/., (© 2023 The Authors. Global Change Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Over the last few decades, globalization and global trade have increased the risk of the vehiculation of invasive organisms, which has had multiple negative effects, both economic and ecological. Through this study, we aimed to produce a report on the first record of the invasive scale insect Pulvinaria hydrangeae (Stein. 1946) in Brașov County in central Romania. It was found on two native tree species: sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus ) and linden ( Tilia cordata ). In this paper, we (i) highlight the list of possible hosts, (ii) provide a general outlook on infestations and (iii) review the control options for this particular pest. Because early detection and quick reporting are the most important actions in the successful management of invasive species, in general, we also provide a synthetic morphological description of the adult female specimens and ovisacs. Due to natural occurrence, our findings highlight the potential risks posed by the infestation of this insect to native tree species belonging to the Acer and Tilia genera. Because of the temperate climate in Romania and the fact that females are wingless, the new infestations will probably be made through the vehiculation of infested plants, rather than through natural spreading. However, because of global warming, the chances of this species surviving during the winter are likely to increase, making northern expansion of the cottony hydrangea scale feasible.

This article's objective is the synthesis of new composites based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and TiO 2 nanowires (NWs) as free-standing films, highlighting their structural and optical properties. The free-standing TPU-TiO 2 NW films were prepared by a wet chemical method accompanied by a thermal treatment at 100 °C for 1 h, followed by air-drying for 2 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicated that the starting commercial TiO 2 NW sample contains TiO 2 tetragonal anatase (A), cubic Ti 0.91 O (C), and orthorhombic Ti 2 O 3 (OR), as well as monoclinic H 2 Ti 3 O 7 (M). In the presence of TPU, an increase in the ratio between the intensities of the diffraction peaks at 43.4° and 48° belonging to the C and A phases of titanium dioxide, respectively, is reported. The increase in the intensity of the peak at 43.4° is explained to be a consequence of the interaction of TiO 2 NWs with PTU, which occurs when the formation of suboxides takes place. The variation in the ratio of the absorbance of the IR bands peaked at 765-771 cm -1 and 3304-3315 cm -1 from 4.68 to 4.21 and 3.83 for TPU and the TPU-TiO 2 NW composites, respectively, with TiO 2 NW concentration equal to 2 wt.% and 17 wt.%, indicated a decrease in the higher-order aggregates of TPU with a simultaneous increase in the hydrogen bonds established between the amide groups of TPU and the oxygen atoms of TiO 2 NWs. The decrease in the ratio of the intensity of the Raman lines peaked at 658 cm -1 and 635 cm -1 , which were assigned to the vibrational modes E g in TiO 2 A and E g in H 2 Ti 3 O 7 (I TiO2-A /I H2Ti3O7 ), respectively, from 3.45 in TiO 2 NWs to 0.94-0.96 in the TPU-TiO 2 NW composites, which indicates that the adsorption of TPU onto TiO 2 NWs involves an exchange reaction of TPU in the presence of TiO 2 NWs, followed by the formation of new hydrogen bonds between the -NH- of the amide group and the oxygen atoms of Ti x O 2x-mn , Ti 2 O 3 , and Ti 0.91 O. Photoluminescence (PL) studies highlighted a gradual decrease in the intensity of the TPU emission band, which is situated in the spectral range 380-650 nm, in the presence of TiO 2 NW. After increasing the TiO 2 NW concentration in the TPU-TiO 2 NW composite mass from 0 wt.% to 2 wt.% and 17 wt.%, respectively, a change in the binding angle of the TPU onto the TiO 2 NW surface from 12.6° to 32° and 45.9°, respectively, took place.

Solanum bulbocastanum is a wild potato species, intensively used in potato breeding programs due to its resistance to environmental factors. Thus, its biochemical profile and putative human health-related traits might be transferred into potato cultivars aimed for consumption. This study aims to assess the phytochemical profile and the selective cytotoxicity of an S. bulbocastanum extract against breast cancer cells. Dry leaves were subjected to ultrasonication-assisted extraction in methanol [70%]. The phenolic and glycoalkaloid profiles were determined by HPLC-PDA/-ESI+-MS. The volatile profile was investigated by nontargeted ITEX/GC-MS. The extract was tested against three breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, MDA-MB-231, HS578T) and a healthy cell line (HUVEC) by the MTT assay, to assess its selective cytotoxicity. The phenolic profile of the extract revealed high levels of phenolic acids (5959.615 µg/mL extract), and the presence of flavanols (818.919 µg/mL extract). The diversity of the volatile compounds was rather low (nine compounds), whereas no glycoalkaloids were identified, only two alkaloid precursors (813.524 µg/mL extract). The extract proved to be cytotoxic towards all breast cancer cell lines (IC 50 values between 139.1 and 356,1 µg/mL), with selectivity coefficients between 1.96 and 4.96 when compared with its toxicity on HUVECs. Based on these results we conclude that the exerted cytotoxic activity of the extract is due to its high polyphenolic content, whereas the lack of Solanaceae -specific glycoalkaloids might be responsible for its high selectivity against breast cancer cells in comparison with other extract obtained from wild Solanum species. However, further research is needed in order to assess the cytotoxicity of the individual compounds found in the extract, as well as the anti-tumor potential of the S. bulbocastanum tubers.

In this paper, new results on the degradation of losartan potassium (LP, ( 1 )), in the absence and presence of excipients, which was induced by UV light, the acid character of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and alkaline medium, respectively, are reported through correlated studies of FTIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence and dielectric spectroscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of LP and the drug marked under the name Lorista (LO) are characterized by intense emission bands, peaking at 378 nm and 380 nm, respectively, accompanied by low intensity bands with a maximum at ~450-460 nm. Photodegradation of LO in a solid state is evidenced by a decrease in the intensity of the PL band at 380 nm, a variation that originates both in the adsorption of water vapors from the air and in the interaction of LP with excipients such as cornstarch, silicon dioxide and cellulose. The LP-water interaction is described, taking into account the main electrical parameters, i.e., complex dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity. Photodegradation of LP and LO also induces an increase in the intensity of the emission band, at ~450-460 nm. The influence of acid and alkaline medium on the LO degradation is analyzed using phosphate buffer (PBS) and NaOH solutions, respectively. In both cases, a decrease in the intensity of the PL band, at 380 nm, is reported. The intensity diminution of the PL spectra of NaOH-reacted LP and LO is the result of the formation of the photodegradation product N-methanolamide-{[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)(1,1'-biphenyl)-4-yl]methyl} ( 2 ). This compound was proven by the studies of FTIR spectroscopy achieved on LP and NaOH-reacted LP. The appearance of the IR band at 1740 cm -1 and the increase in the absorbance in the IR band at 1423 cm -1 indicate that the photodegradation product ( 2 ) contains the C=O and C-OH functional groups.

Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg, 1836), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894) and Neoclytus acuminatus (Fabricius, 1775) are invasive species reported in Romania, but their current distribution is poorly known. The research aim was to provide new information on this issue. A survey was conducted over the period 2015-2017 in 82 locations, using flight-interception traps and bottle traps, baited with different attractants. Data obtained in our other unpublished studies were also taken into account. A total of 35,136 I. duplicatus beetles were collected in 30 survey locations. The highest captures were in the log yards of some factories processing logs of Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.). Considering all known records so far, most of these are in the eastern part of Romania, where an outbreak took place during the years 2005-2014, mainly in spruce stands growing outside their natural range. During the survey, 4259 specimens of X. germanus were collected in 35 locations, but in our other studies the species was found in 13 additional places. It was collected at altitudes of 18-1200 m, and the largest catches were from beech stands, growing at 450-950 m. N. acuminatus was found in only six locations, in the western and southern parts of the country, at low altitudes, in tree stands composed of Fraxinus excelsior L., Quercus spp. and other broadleaf species, as well as in broadleaf log yards. The results suggest that I. duplicatus is established in most parts of the Norway spruce's range, X. germanus is still spreading in the country, with some areas having quite high populations, while N. acuminatus is present only in the warmest regions of the country.

In this work, new optical evidences concerning the changes induced of the UV light on pantoprazole sodium (PS), in solid state and as aqueous solution, are reported by UV-VIS spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. New evidences concerning the products of the PS photodegradation pathways are reported by the correlated studies of thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry. The influence of the excipients and alkaline medium on the PS photodegradation is also studied. New aspects regarding the chemical mechanism of the PS photodegradation in the presence of the water vapor and oxygen form air and the alkaline medium are shown. Our results confirm that the PS photodegradation induced of the water vapors and oxygen from air leads to the generation of 5-difluoromethoxy-3H-benzimidazole-2-thione sodium, 5-difluoromethoxy-3H-benzimidazole sodium, 2-thiol methyl-3, 4-dimethoxypyridine and 2-hydroxymethyl-3, 4-dimethoxypyridine, while in the alkaline medium, compounds of the type of the 2-oxymethyl-3,4-dimethoxypyridine sodium salts are resulted., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

New aspects concerning the photodegradation (PD) of ampicillin are reported by photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering and FTIR spectroscopy. The exposure of ampicillin in the absence (AM) and in the presence of the excipient (AMP) to UV light leads to an intensity diminution of the photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra and the emergence of a new IR band at 3450 cm -1 . The photoluminescence studies demonstrate that the AM PD is amplified in the presence of excipients and an alkaline medium. In this last case, the PD process of AM involves the emergence of new compounds, whose presence is highlighted by: (i) the emergence of the isosbestic point at 300 nm in the UV-VIS spectra; (ii) a change in the ratio between the absorbance of IR bands situated in the spectral ranges 1200-1660 and 3250-3450 cm -1 ; and (iii) a change in the ratio between the intensities of the Raman lines localized in the spectral ranges 1050-1800 and 2750-3100 cm -1 . A chemical mechanism of the PD processes of AM in an alkaline medium is proposed.

Ips typographus Linnaeus, 1758, the most important pest of Norway spruce ( Picea abies Linnaeus, 1753) from Eurasia has damaged, in the last decades, a large area of forest in Romania. Associations between beetles and their symbiotic fungi are well known compared to beetle-mite relationships. The objectives of the study are to determine: (i) the diversity of mites species associated with I. typographus in a local outbreak from Central Romania; (ii) the mite's preferences concerning the body parts of their carriers; and (iii) how phoresy changes during seasonal flight activity of the host. A total of 7896 adult I. typographus were analyzed and six mite species (both adults and immature stages) were found: Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus Berlese,1920, Proctolaelaps fiseri Samsinak, 1960, Trichouropoda polytricha Vitzthum, 1923, Histiostoma piceae Scheucher, 1957, Uroobovella ipidis Vitzthum, 1923, and Uroobovella vinicolora Vitzthum, 1926. Most mites were observed under the carriers' elytra (46.8%), while 26.7% and 25.8% were seen on the thorax and elytral declivities, respectively. Mite phoresy peaked in the spring corresponding to the dispersal flight of the carrier. A smaller peak in phoresy occurred in the summer during the second beetle generation.

Introduction: Diaphragmatic injuries are produced by blunt or penetrating thoracoabdominal trauma. They are potentially life-threatening due to the herniation of abdominal organs into the pleural cavities and severe associated lesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the clinical presentation and management of patients admitted with diaphragmatic rupture in our institution. Material and Method: We performed a 5-year retrospective study of patients admitted with acute blunt or penetrating diaphragmatic rupture in the Department of General Surgery of "Bagdasar- Arseni" Emergency Hospital. We have studied sex, age, mechanism of trauma, side-location, timeto-diagnosis, concomitant injuries, surgical treatment and outcome. Results: Fifteen patients (8 males, 7 females, mean age: 42 years) with diaphragmatic rupture (left-side: 13, right-side: 2) following blunt (8 patients) or penetrating (7) trauma were included. Patients with blunt diaphragmatic injury had larger tears and abdominal viscera herniation was observed in 6of these cases. A direct suture was performed for all 15 patients. Laparotomy was the surgical approach preferred in most of the cases. Mortality rate was 20%, mainly caused by severe associated lesions. Conclusion: Although traumatic diaphragmatic lesions are frequently associated with severe cerebral and thoraco-abdominal trauma that is also the main cause of death, a prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to good outcome., (Celsius.)

The treatment and disposal of tyres from vehicles has long been of considerable environmental importance. Studies have been undertaken to reduce their environmental impact. In this study, an alternative gas was produced from automobile tyre wastes by the means of a controlled pyrolysis. To do so, a novel catalytic system was designed with the aim of increasing the rate of conversion and improving the quality of the pyrolysis products. This work aimed also to reduce the severity of the overall reactions, by using powder catalysts (MgO, Al 2 O 3 , CaCO 3 , and zeolite ZSM-5) uniformly distributed on two layers of oyster shells (OS) particles. The catalyst/tyres mass ratio was kept for all the tests at 1/30. The pyrolysis reactor was maintained at 500°C and the influence of each catalyst and of the number of shell beds (0, 1 or 2), on the yield and composition of the derived products, was examined. The gas yields could contribute by 1.2% of total consumption in Tunisia. Furthermore, some combinations could upgrade the derived gas and made it possible to use it as such or with the minimum of post-treatment. It was found that, with the use of supported catalyst, the gas produced is 45% greater compared to classical thermal pyrolysis. The Heating value of the produced gas was also improved by the use of supported catalysts; it was found 16% greater with the use of Al 2 O 3 /OS compared to non-catalytic pyrolysis. When compared to the gas obtained from only one catalytic supported bed, the sulfur content was reduced by 80% with the use of CaCO 3 /OS on two catalytic beds., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Osteosarcomas are the most frequent primary malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. Like brain metastases in osteosarcomas, the bowel metastases are very rare. We present the case of a 23-year-old female patient, diagnosed and operated in 2008 of osteosarcoma at the tibia, for which she had sessions of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, but presented lungs metastases for which she underwent surgery in 2014. Then, in March 2015, she was diagnosed with an intracranial expansive process, an osteosarcoma metastasis, for which a total ablation of the tumor was performed during the early postoperatory period, being transferred to the General Surgery Clinic for abdominal pain, abdominal distention, vomiting, and lack of intestinal transit regarding faeces and intestinal gas. Both clinically and imagistically, the diagnosis was of bowel obstruction. This was the reason for performing surgery, thus discovering a bowel obstruction secondary to a metastasis of the terminal ileum and liver metastases that were confirmed as osteosarcoma metastases from an anatomopathological and immunohistochemical point of view. The bowel metastases and the osteosarcoma brain metastases are very rare entities and, their association, most often with young patients, is exceptional. However, bowel metastases must be taken into account as a possible cause of bowel obstruction in patients with osteosarcoma., (Celsius.)

Animal fat residues (AFR) from waste water were used as feedstock to produce biodiesel by a two-step acid-catalyzed process. Treatment of the AFRs with 5.4% (w/w) of 17 M H2SO4 at a methanol/AFR ratio of 13:1 (50%w/w) at 60 °C converted more than 95% of the triglycerides into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with an acid value (AV) of 1.3 mgKOH/gbiodiesel. Response surface methodology indicated that a lower AV cannot be reached using a one-step acid catalyzed process. Thus a two-step acid catalyzed process was employed using 3.6% catalyst and 30% methanol for 5 h for the first step and 1.8% catalyst and 10% methanol for 1 h in the second step, resulting in a yield higher than 98% and an AV of 0.3 mgKOH/gbiodiesel. The product thus conforms to the European norm EN14214 concerning biodiesel., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this paper, pyrolysis and hydroliquefaction processes were successively used to convert CCB-treated wood into bio-oil with respect to environment. Pyrolysis temperature has been optimized to produce maximum yield of charcoal with a high metal content (Cu, Cr, and B). The results obtained indicate that the pyrolysis at 300 °C and 30 min are the optimal conditions giving high yield of charcoal about 45% which contains up to 94% of Cu, 100% of Cr and 88% of B. After pyrolysis process, the charcoal has been converted into bio-oil using hydroliquefaction process. The optimization approach for the yield of bio-oil using a complete factorial design with three parameters: charcoal/solvent, temperature and hydrogen pressure was discussed. It is observed that the temperature is the most significant parameter and the optimum yield of bio-oil is around 82%. The metal analysis shows that the metals present in the bio-oil is very negligible., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Acipenseriformes are composed of 25 sturgeon species and two paddlefish species distributed exclusively in the northern hemisphere. The Danube River and the Black Sea were originally inhabited by six sturgeon species but two are extinct and only four are still reproducing currently in the Lower Danube: Huso huso, Acipenser stellatus, A. gueldenstaedtii and A. ruthenus. Sturgeon species hybridize more easily than other fish and the determination of pure species or hybrid status is important for conservation and for breeding in fish farms. This survey demonstrated that morphological determination of this status is not reliable and a molecular tool, based on eight microsatellites genotypes is proposed. This method, based on three successive statistical analyses including Factorial Correspondence Analysis (FCA), Structure assignation and NewHybrids status determination, showed a high efficiency in discriminating pure species specimens from F1, F2 and two kinds of backcross individuals involving three of the four reproducing Lower Danube sturgeon species.