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This paper reports on the results of an exploratory study that employed the concurrent think-aloud method to investigate narrative text-creating strategies of multilingual Transylvanian-Hungarians in English, their third language. The study explored the participants' reliance on their different languages as they composed a story in English based on a series of wordless pictures. The study gave special attention to the role of the participants' language of education in the composition process. It also looked at the mental processes for creating content in their third language. Study participants were Hungarian-Romanian bilingual students at two Transylvanian schools whose language of education was Romanian at one and Hungarian at the other. Study findings appear to suggest that the languages used by multilinguals have distinct roles in the process of tackling a composition task in a third-language text. While composing the target language text, study participants used their first language mostly for task identification and self-regulation, and employed their second language, Romanian, mainly as linguistic assistance in the process of creating the target language content.

The phenomenon of injecting drug use is becoming more and more present in our country. With a relatively recent history, the socio-medical implications on the communities of injecting drug users in Romania end up being more and more highlighted. The risks of exposure to HIV or hepatitis infection are directly proportional to the lack of sterile disposable syringes in these communities. The lack of legal mechanisms meant to facilitate the access of injecting drug users to prevention services and continuous monitoring, make most of them vulnerable to exposure to risks. Fear of some coercive measures from the authorities pushes more and more drug users not to declare the combinations of substances they inject. Most of the users arrive late at health facilities refusing methadone substitution treatment. The stakeholders in the field are most often represented by non-governmental organizations, which, however, are outnumbered by the phenomenon. The prevention of drug use, although it can represent a solution, is carried out poorly and has a limited character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing spatial differences in wildlife immunity is the first step to identify environmental drivers of host defense and disease risks. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a model system for ecoimmunology, but spatial differences in immunity have been largely restricted to the invasive range of this global species. We provide an initial test of spatial variation in immune response to phytohemagglutinin in the native range, finding that birds from Romania have greater inflammatory responses than birds from Egypt. Future broad surveys across the house sparrow native range could contextualize these differences and determine underlying drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshwater fishes are in a serious state of decline across the world, making them one of the most threatened groups of vertebrates. The Danube River catchment area in Europe holds the richest freshwater fish community, but our knowledge of the current distribution of these species is limited. Transylvania, the largest region of Romania, is one of the important tributaries of the Danube, from where 77 fish and two lamprey species were recorded until now. Despite this large diversity of freshwater fishes, there is a lack of systematic survey of the fish fauna in this region for the past 50 years. In this study, we present data on the occurrence and distribution of fishes and lampreys collected in Transylvania from 2007 to 2022. This data covers 43% of Romania's surface and includes all major rivers from Transylvania. 65 species of fish and three species of lampreys are recorded, and an additional nine fish species are also reported based on information from competent people. Of the 77 fish and lamprey species recorded 19 (24.7%) are non-native, although their relative abundance was low (5.1%) compared to other similar regions in Europe. The first records of Eudontomyzon mariae, Neogobius melanostomus, Piaractus brachypomus, Pygocentrus nattereri, and Salvelinus alpinus in Transylvanian rivers are presented, as well as the first record of Cobitis elongata outside the Nera River basin (from the Cara? River) and the detection of three new populations of the vulnerable Umbra krameri. Data on changes in distribution that have occurred since the last comprehensive survey 50 years ago are also provided and the importance of our results in conservation planning are discussed, including the designation of new protected areas for freshwater bodies and the compilation of the Romanian Red List of fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community responded promptly by developing effective vaccines. Still, even though effective vaccines against COVID-19 became available, many people did not seem to be in a rush to become immunized. Community protection can be enhanced if more people decide to vaccinate, and thus it is necessary to identify relevant factors involved in vaccination behavior to find better ways of encouraging it. Vaccination behavior is the result of a decision process that might vary according to individual differences in information processing. We investigated the role of cognitive reflection ability and thinking styles in predicting self-reported vaccination behavior against COVID-19. A sample of 274 Romanian participants was surveyed for the present study, out of which 217 (Mage = 24.58, SD = 8.31; 53% female) declared they had the possibility to become vaccinated. Results showed that a higher level of cognitive reflection ability significantly increased the odds of becoming vaccinated. A rational thinking style was not linked to vaccination behavior. However, an experiential thinking style indirectly predicted vaccination behavior by means of attitudes towards vaccination. Since individual differences in information processing are, to a certain extent, linked to vaccination behavior, the design of vaccination campaigns could consider that people have specific information needs and address them as such. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Glioblastomas are the most common tumors of the central nervous system. The incidence of brain tumors is higher in developed countries and is constantly increasing. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinicopathological data of patients diagnosed with glioblastomas from a selected case series. Material and methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted on glioblastoma cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2018 at the Department of Pathology of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Târgu Mureș, Romania. The information was centralized from histopathology reports and focused on the location of glioblastomas and demographic parameters (gender and age of patients). Results: In the studied period, there were 154 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, of which 50.65% were men. The most affected age group was 61–70 years (31.17% of cases). In most cases (49.35%), the glioblastoma was located in the left cerebral hemisphere, and the most affected lobes were the frontal (29.87%), temporal (26.62%), and parietal (14.94%). We could not find a statistically significant association between the distribution of cases by years, gender, and location of the tumor. Conclusions: Glioblastoma is a tumor that involves the left cerebral hemisphere most often and affects both genders over the age of sixty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to identify novel means of increasing the accuracy of the estimated annual indoor radon concentration based on the application of temporal correction factors to short-term radon measurements. The necessity of accurate and more reliable temporal correction factors is in high demand, in the present age of speed. In this sense, radon measurements were continuously carried out, using a newly developed smart device accompanied by CR-39 detectors, for one full year, in 71 residential buildings located in 5 Romanian cities. The coefficient of variation for the temporal correction factors calculated for combinations between the start month and the duration of the measurement presented a low value (less than 10%) for measurements longer than 7 months, while a variability close to 20% can be reached by measurements of up to 4 months. Results obtained by generalized estimating equations indicate that average temporal correction factors are positively associated with CO2 ratio, as well as the interaction between this parameter and the month in which the measurement took place. The impact of the indoor-outdoor temperature differences was statistically insignificant. The obtained results could represent a reference point in the elaboration of new strategies for calculating the temporal correction factors and, consequently, the reduction of the uncertainties related to the estimation of the annual indoor radon concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally accepted that radon emission is strongly influenced by the geological characteristics of the bedrock. However, transport in-soil and entry paths indoors are defined by other factors such as permeability, building and architectural features, ventilation, occupation patterns, etc. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the contribution of each parameter, from natural to man-made, on the radon accumulation indoors and to assess potential patterns, based on 100 case studies in Romania. The study pointed out that the geological foundation can provide a reasonable explanation for the majority of the values recorded in both soil and indoor air. Results also showed that older houses, built with earth-based materials, are highly permeable to soil radon. Energy-efficient houses, on the other hand, have a tendency to disregard the radon potential of the geological foundation, causing a higher predisposition to radon accumulation indoors and decreasing the general indoor air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in intensity and targets of sexual selection on multiple traits has been suggested to play a major role in promoting phenotypic differentiation between populations, although the divergence in selection may depend on year, local conditions or age. In this study, we quantified sexual selection for two putative sexual signals across two Central and East European barn swallow (Hirundo rustica rustica) populations from Czech Republic and Romania over multiple years. We then related these differences in selection to variation in sexual characters among barn swallow populations. Our results show that tail length and ventral coloration vary between populations, sexes, and age classes (first‐time breeders vs. experienced birds). We found that selection on tail length was stronger in first‐time breeders than in experienced birds and in males than in females in the Romanian population, while these differences between age groups and sexes were weak in Czech birds. We suggest that the populational difference in selection on tail length might be related to the differences in breeding conditions. Our results show that ventral coloration is darker (i.e., has lower brightness) in the Romanian than in the Czech population, and in experienced birds and males compared with first‐time breeders and females, respectively. The sexual difference in ventral coloration may suggest sexual selection on this trait, which is supported by the significant directional selection of ventral coloration in first‐time breeding males on laying date. However, after controlling for the confounding effect of wing length and tarsus length, the partial directional selection gradient on this trait turned nonsignificant, suggesting that the advantage of dark ventral coloration in early breeding birds is determined by the correlated traits of body size. These findings show that ventral coloration may be advantageous over the breeding season, but the underlying mechanism of this relationship is not clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in wild and domestic birds from Romania. During 2011-2014, 159 plasma samples from wild birds assigned to 11 orders, 27 families, and 61 species and from 21 domestic birds ( Gallus gallus domesticus, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) were collected. The sera were assayed by two commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) kits for antibodies against WNV and NDV. We found a high prevalence of WNV antibodies in both domestic (19.1%) and wild (32.1%) birds captured after the human epidemic in 2010. Moreover, the presence of anti-NDV antibodies among wild birds from Romania (5.4%) was confirmed serologically for the first time, as far as we are aware. Our findings provide evidence that wild birds, especially resident ones are involved in local West Nile and Newcastle disease enzootic and epizootic cycles. These may allow virus maintenance and spread and also enhance the chance of new outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anatomical variations of the arterial supply of the upper limb are relatively frequent. In case of the radial artery, multiple variations of origin and aberrant course have been described. The objective of this work is the study of anatomical variations of this artery based on a case presentation. Material and methods: We have dissected a formalin fixed male cadaver from the demonstration material of the Anatomy and Embryology Department of UMF Târgu Mureş. Results: The left radial artery has been found to originate from the third segment of the axillary artery, between the roots of the median nerve, covered by the pectoralis maior muscle. In the arm it was accompanied by the median nerve, brachial artery and radial veins. In the elbow region it passed under the aponeurosis of the biceps muscle, and in the forearm it was positioned between the pronator teres muscle and the medial margin of the brachioradialis muscle. Conclusions: The anatomical course described in this case is different from those reported in published studies. Anatomical variations of the radial artery are important in medical practice because it is a frequently utilized graft for surgical myocardial re-vascularization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Breast cancer is a clinically diverse disease, determined by multiple genetic modifications and molecular events, bearing a large number of descriptive characteristics which correlate with the outcome of the disease. The aim of the present study is to compare the clinico-pathological features of young (under or equal to 35 years) and old (over or equal to 70 years) breast cancer patients. Material and methods: We processed the available recorded data of 1334 patients with breast cancer from the archives of the Pathology Department of the Clinical County Hospital Tg.-Mures, and finally included 42 patients in the young age group, and 128 patients in the old age group. Data reviewed included histological type of cancer, tumor size, nodal involvement, histological and nuclear grade, the presence or absence of tumor necrosis, fibrosis, vascular and lymphovascular invasion, and hormone receptor status. Results and conclusions: Young patients represented 3.82% of the total population, while old patients were 20.91%. There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning tumor size, number of involved nodes, histological type, nuclear grade, presence of necrosis, fibrosis, and lymphovascular invasion. The significant differences in histological grade, and ER status conclusively demonstrated that in case of younger breast cancer patients, the disease is more aggressive and developing more extensively. The higher frequency of node involvement and vascular invasion in the old age group was contradictory to literature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-proxy investigation (loss-on-ignition, major and trace elements, pollen, plant macrofossil and siliceous algae) was carried out on the sediment of a crater lake (Lake Saint Ana, 950 m a.s.l.) from the Eastern Carpathian Mountains. Diatom-based transfer functions were applied to estimate the lake's trophic status and pH, while reconstruction of the water-depth changes was based on the plant macrofossil and diatom records. The lowest Holocene water depths were found between 9000 and 7400 calibrated BP years, when the crater was occupied by Sphagnum-bog. Significant increases in water depth were found from 5350(1), 3300(2) and 2700 cal yr BP. Of these, the first two coincided with major terrestrial vegetation changes, namely (1) the establishment of Carpinus betulus on the crater slope and (2) the replacement of the lakeshore Picea abies forest by Fagus sylvatica. The chemical record indicated significant soil changes along with the canopy changes (from coniferous to deciduous) that led to increased in-lake productivity and pH. A further increase in water depth around 2700 cal yr BP resulted in stable thermal stratification and hypolimnetic anoxia that via P-release further increased in-lake productivity and eventually led to phytoplankton blooms with large populations of Scenedesmus. High productivity was depressed by anthropogenic lakeshore forest clearances from ca. 1000 cal yr BP that led to the re-establishment of P. abies on the lakeshore and consequent acidification of the lake water. On the whole, these data suggest that Lake Saint Ana is a vulnerable ecosystem: in-lake productivity is higher under deciduous canopy and litter, and considerably repressed by coniferous canopy and litter. The lake today subsists in a managed environment that is far from its natural state. This would be a dense F. sylvatica forest supplying more nutrients and keeping up a more productive in-lake flora and fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the important issues of family and social cohesion within the Hungarian speaking Baptists of Romania. It aims to present the family and social ethic dynamics within Hungarian Baptist churches in Romania wherein a case study is provided as a tool of presenting the family issues. It attempts to define the areas of conflict between the family in order to provide a biblical perspective on the conflict and to offer a practical solution which mentions that the logic being presented is three dimensional. It further mentions that the issues of abuse and family violence will be discussed through an analyses of the current economic crises, family and structure values, and the emotional crises, which originated in the damage caused by the abuse.

Background: Peripheral nerve injury is a common problem. One potential solution is the use of stem cells to promote nerve regeneration. Traditional nerve repair such as autografts and allografts have limitations due to donor site morbidity and limited availability of donor nerves. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types and can potentially replace damaged cells in the nervous system. Objective: The use of stem cells for peripheral nerve regeneration is an exciting area of research with the potential to revolutionize treatment options for patients with nerve injuries. 3D printed guides from biocompatible materials are selected to be compatible with neural cell cultures and can be modified to support the growth and differentiation of these cells. 3D printing creates complex, anatomically customized structures that guide axon growth in specific directions and support the growth of stem cell-induced neurons. Material and methods: We created a biocompatible 3D printed conduct made of polylactic acid (PLA) to act as a guide for nerve growth and filled it with stem cells obtained from rat adipose tissue. A defect of 10 mm was created at the level of sciatic nerve on 18 Wistar rats and were formed 3 groups. First group (7) were treated with 3D printed conducts filled with stem cells. Second group (7) were tretaed with 3D printed conduct. The third group (4) was the control group. Results : After 12 weeks we harvested the tube with the proximal and distal heads of the nerve for histopathological examination and the tibialis anterior muscle for biomechanical testing. Group with 3D-printed guide and stem cells- with normal nervous structures grown inside the tube, biomechanical the muscle was almost similar with a normal specimen. Group with 3D-printed guide- with nervous structure grown inside but with inflammatory cells and edema and with worse biomechanical results. On control group no nerve regeneration was observed and without biomechanical activity. Conclusions: Nerve regeneration represents a challenging aspect in modern medicine but the histological aspects and the biomechanical tests presented in our experiment are an optimistic sign in the treatment of nerve defects with potential for the future of peripheral nerve surgery.This research was founded by George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mureş, Romania, grant number 510/18/17.01.2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In scalp reconstruction, the utilization of local rotational flap represents a cornerstone in the surgeon's experience. These techniques offer a versatile approach to scalp defects, ranging from traumatic injuries to oncologic resections. Rotational flaps provide the advantage of utilizing nearby tissue with similar characteristics, ensuring optimal aesthetic outcome and functional restoration. By utilizing the topographic characteristics of the scalp this method guarantees effective wound closure and reduces complications. Case Report: The aim of this case report is to present the case of a 54-year-old patient, known with a closed head injury. He was firstly operated in the neurosurgical department in 2023 with bifrontal abscess and subdural empyema evacuation, left frontal osteolytic lesion resection and treatment for osteomyelitis with micro abscess formation. He now refers to plastic surgery department with scalp avulsion and bone tissue exposure on the frontal region. Discussions : The patient is admitted in the Plastic Surgery department for preoperative checkups (cranial CT scan, blood tests, cardiologic and neurosurgical consultation). The scalp's limited elasticity prohibits the direct closure of moderate-sized defects. After adequate preoperative preparation, the following procedures were performed: after the surgical debridement, the size of the defect was assessed, and a flap of matching diameter was outlined next to it. When designing the rotational flaps, it is important to plan for a slightly larger size to accommodate their rotational movement. Careful elevation of the flap within the subgaleal plane is performed, ensuring preservation of the underlying vascularized pericranium. The flap is fixed to the adjacent tissue around the defect and the remaining tissue defect was covered with a split-thickness skin graft (STSG) obtained from the left thigh using a dermatome. The skin graft was attached to the periosteum of the donor site, and a compressive "tie-over" was applied. Avoiding the complications (hematoma, seroma) an active drainage was used under the local flap. The postoperative local evolution was satisfactory, with no vascular complications regarding the rotational flap and a viable skin graft. At discharge the patient was stable, with no local complications. He left the compartment with the following recommendations: compressive "tie-over" dressing for 48 hours, antibiotic therapy, avoiding physical activity and local traumas. Conclusions: The reconstruction process can be done in a single step surgery, reduces the risk of complications and minimizes scarring. Several publications with 13 month follow up support that this can be particularly important in patients with significant medical comorbidities who cannot tolerate a lengthy operative procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Self injection of vaseline or other foreign materials, like mineral oil or paraffin, into the penis is done for the purpose of larger sexual organ. It can lead to a severe complications such as, infection, inflammation, scarring, erectile dysfunction, deformities, and permanent damage to erectile tissue. Such complications can significantly impair sexual function and quality of life. Case Report: 40-year-old male with a history of penile selfinjection of Vaseline over a period of five months. Initial presentation to the urology department where they found foreign mass within penile region. They removed the vaseline along with the penile concomitant with penile degloving. As a consequence of the surgical intervention, the anatomical configuration of the patient's penis underwent alterations, resulting in its burying within the scrotal sac. Subsequently, seeking improvements in functionality, aesthetics, and skin elevation around the penis, the patient underwent reconstructive surgery at the plastic surgery department. During the procedure, foreign injected objects were discovered within the subcutaneous layers, which required partial removal due to adherence or proximity to the scrotum. Utilizing the Zplasty technique, parallel incisions were done for the purpose of elongation and decreasing the tension. The skin was mobilized and multiple cutaneous triangular flaps were repositioned. Furthermore, the excess redundant skin was excised. Scrotal skin flap was used to cover the penile shaft. It is necessary the complete and meticulous lateral dissection of the flaps at a good depth maintaining the skin vascularity. Simple closure of the skin flaps was done after point-to-point haemostasis. This procedure resulted in an augmentation of approximately 6cm in length and improved the contour of the region. Discussions : Indications for penis augmentation are the improvement of self confidance as it is seen in our case, as well. The early stage intervention and the extraction of foreign objects is recommended to avoid the possibility of skin necrosis. Conclusions: Our case report shows the importance of reconstructive surgery and the use of Z-plasty technique. The presented intervention results in a longer and repositioned scar, avoiding a deforming skin contraction. We successfully corrected functional and aesthetic concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The reconstruction of the post-cancerous lesions has multiple methods to choose from. Every patient procedure is tailored for him based on size and area of the lesion. The Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common neoplastic disease of the face. Risk factors are the male gender and an age over 50 years. However, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of female patients. The etiology can be attributed to the long exposure to ultraviolet rays, the light skin and hair color. Objective: This study focuses on the different techniques used in the reconstruction of the face after BCC ablation. We look at the success rate of the complete or incomplete excision and recurrence of the tumor. Also compare the BCC type, size and invasion thickness with risk factors like gender and sun. Material and methods: This retrospective study compares 109 patients presented to the Plastic-, reconstructive- and micro- surgery department of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Targu Mures. The time frame of the study is between 01.01.2022-01.01.2023. The inclusion criteria consist of patients above 18 years and diagnosed with a BCC located on the face. Results : Contrary to expectations, the occurrence rate in males was 49% and in females 51%, and nodular or mixed types of BCC were also equally distributed. 90% of patients were above 50 years of age, with 41% reporting regular sun exposure. In tumors larger than 30mm, 72% mentioned regular sun exposure. In tumors smaller than 30mm, only 33% of patients mentioned a regular sun exposure. Excision success rates were consistent at 70-80% regardless of tumor size. Tumors were most located on the nose (43%), followed by the eyelid (18%) and temporal region (18%). Simple suture, split skin graft, full skin graft, and local flaps were the primary techniques used. 8% of patients experienced tumor recurrence. Among those requiring reexcision due to incomplete tumor removal, the recurrence rate stood at 18%. Post-surgical, 95% showed favorable outcomes, as determined by the surgeon's professional assessment, which considered factors like suture tightness, local inflammatory signs, and ecchymosis extent. 80% underwent successful excision and reconstruction without further intervention. Conclusions: Most of the patients diagnosed with BCC in our clinic had a favorable prognosis after the reconstruction. The data proofs that the sun has an impact on the size of the tumor. BCC rarely present a metastatic behavior and if correctly removed show a lower recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the realm of trauma surgery each traffic accident is unique, testing medical expertise. Objective: The objectives were to preserve and restore functionality of the affected limbs following trauma. Material and methods: We will analyse the case of a 23-year-old woman who was riding a bycicle, got hit bya garbage truck and was directed to the Plastic-Surgery-Departament. She suffered severe injuries, including total crush injury of the right lower limb and partial skin avulsion of the left leg. Four surgical interventions were performed. The initial procedure was conducted urgently upon the patient's arrival. It involved surgical cleansing and assessment of injuries to both lower limbs, coupled with an arteriovenous graft insertion at the right forefoot to prevent amputation. Subsequently, complications arose, leading to the graft's thrombosis. Deliberations involving the patient and her family, led to the decision to perform a second surgery: amputation at the mid-third level of the right calf, facilitating future prosthetic fitting. In the following days, the left lower limb developed necrosis, necessitating a third surgical intervention: necrectomy of the skin around the left knee. Following this procedure, negative pressure wound therapy was initiated in that area. After six days of employing negative pressure therapy, granulation tissue formation around the knee enabled the execution of a fourth surgical procedure: a split-thickness-skin-graft application. By the multitude of post-avulsion complications, a hematoma formed on the outer side of the left hip, prompting another necrectomy during the same operation. Subsequently, negative pressure wound therapy was applied to the hip area as well. Results: In addition, the patient's progress was altered by contamination with pathogenic bacteria, including E.Coli, Pseudomonas Fluorescens/Putida, and the rare Aeromonas Hydrophila. Further surgical management of the left lower limb is planned. Conclusions: The circumstances and severity of the accident give unexpected complications and a prolonged evolution. The prognostic of these crush injury cases is reserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indoor air quality (IAQ) was in the last decades a major topic of scientific research due to evidences of adverse effects of different chemicals on the human health. The retrofit of the existing buildings in order to increase the energy performance without proper implementation may have a negative effect on IAQ. This paper is focused on a comprehensive evaluation of indoor air pollutants in 100 retrofit houses from five Romanian cities, during cold season. Radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbonyl compounds were determined using passive samplers. At the same time, continuous, real-time monitoring of radon and carbon dioxide concentrations, as well as indoor physical parameters, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure and relative humidity was carried out. In 95% of the houses the formaldehyde concentration was higher than the guidevalue. The most present volatile organic compounds were limonene, heptane, carbon tetrachloride, tetradecane and a-pinene. A statistically significant difference in radon concentration was observed between the two sampling methods, which highlights the importance of temporal variability of indoor pollutants. High radon values were correlated with the lack of adequate ventilation, an aspect underlined by high CO 2 concentrations. Additionally, the study finds that indoor air pollutants can be attributed to three main factors: the physical characteristics and usage of the indoor environment (volatile organic compounds and carbonyl compounds), the properties of the sub-slab soil (radon) and the occupational factor (CO 2). Each factor should be treated separately when indoor air quality management is addressed. Image 1 • In 95% of houses the formaldehyde concentration was higher than the guideline value. • carbonyl compounds levels were doubled compared to data recorded by other countries. • 4 VOCs predominant in 83% of investigated buildings. • Significant differences between radon levels in rooms with/without concrete slab. • CO2 levels in moderate correlation with carbonyl compounds, radon and RH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]