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The present study aims to assess the soil quality on a hydrocarbon power plant site in Arad, Romania. It investigates the evolution of heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr) to establish source-related risks. For this purpose, the Global Pollution Index (GPI) was used, calculated for soil sampling points in the licensed area, and the database of monitored indicators was processed. Sampling was carried out annually between 2011 and 2020. An Individual Pollution Index (IPi) was calculated for each heavy metal and reference value, taking into account the Geochemical Background Level (Bi) specific to Romania. The correlation between these indices and the degree of pollution for each soil sample monitored was carried out to the legal provisions. Heavy metal concentrations (Cs, i) were evaluated in relation to the national legislation for less sensitive land use. Finally, the GPI was determined, and based on these values, the overall soil pollution status was assessed. Based on the determined CFi values and the corresponding Toxicity Factors (Ti) of heavy metals, the environmental impact was assessed by environmental risk analysis using the Risk Indices (ERi and R.I.) method. All the analyzed indicators were within the legal limits during the studied period, except Cd, where the alert threshold was exceeded in 2019 and 2020.

The present study focuses on current knowledge of the local tap water and sewage systems among the citizens of three western Romanian localities. Only one of the considered localities in this study, namely, Pecica, partially benefits from access to a centralized tap water and sewerage system. The interest in this subject was caused by a procedure initiated by the local authorities to develop and improve the aforementioned infrastructure. The investigation methodology consisted of an online survey. The generated feedback was optimal for determining the general level of residents’ awareness of water and wastewater quality and the means for informing decisions of community interest. Nearly 75% of the interviewed persons declared that they had not been informed about future regional investments. The results indicated the necessity of raising the residents’ awareness about water quality and its importance for health, daily activities, and the environment. Only a few of the interviewees could provide concrete and accurate values for water quality parameters.

This article addresses two perspectives of responsibility: as an element of taking action and as ethics towards one’s fellow citizens and the environment. These aspects have been used since the beginning of the pandemic. In this context, we wanted to determine the mechanism that triggers increased responsibility. We have considered two possible initial processes: one external and one learned from the family in early childhood or trained/learned during studies. Based on that, three concerns were brought to our attention. First, we targeted the impact of the pandemic on respondents’ degree of responsibility for their livelihoods. Second, we wanted to determine to what extent the new situation increased the interviewee’s involvement only in some activities. The third statement called into question the causal relation between the influence of extrinsic elements on a highly educated person’s degree of responsibility. The focus group was the active population of the industrial sector in the North–West border area of Romania. The data obtained are the result of the sociological survey implementation. The people in the region were subject to several new limiting external factors. The results show that the unique challenges up to that point made them more accountable for their actions in a situation that affected them directly (pandemic). It also can be underlined that lifelong education is important in forming healthy principles of responsibility.

The present paper focuses on the colour changes of freshly peeled/sliced fruits by using vacuum-impregnation of the apple slices with freshly prepared fruit juice and their mixture with two types of honey with the role of inhibition of the enzymatic browning of the apples. These syrups have the advantage of inhibiting the enzymatic browning of the fruits due to their high content of organic acids. The change in the colour of the fruits was monitored by using a colorimetric system, CIELAB. The obtained results were used to identify the best vacuum-impregnation solution for the preservation of the apple slices that can be marketed.

The current study is focusing on the evaluation of the quality of surface water from the Siret hydrographic basin. For this purpose, was used the Global Pollution Index (I*GP), which was calculated for eleven water sampling points from Siret Basin. The sampling was performed for a period between the years 2010 and 2014. In the study were considered the following physicochemical parameters: pH, dissolved oxygen, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, nitrogen compounds, phosphorus, iron, manganese, cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, copper, zinc, and chromium. A specific quality index was calculated by considering the provisions of the law and an evaluation score was determined for each of the monitored water parameters. Finally, the global pollution indexes were determined, and based on these values could be evaluated the water pollution state. The results show that the situations when the pollution is creating discomfort effects on the environment are below 20 % (18 %), while the situations when is observed distress on some life forms are around 2 % (based on 474 collecting days, during the studied period).

The purpose of this study is to reveal the chemical and biochemical characteristics and the potential aromatherapy applications of the essential oil (EO) of Salvia officinalis (common sage) within a hospital environment. The chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Three types of sage EOs were included in this study: two commercial oils and one oil obtained by in-house hydrodistillation. Based on the findings, these EOs were included in different chemotypes. The first two samples were similar to the most common chemotype (α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole > β-thujone), while the in-house sage EO revealed a high content of 1,8-cineole, borneol, α-thujone, similar to the Dalmatian type. The latter sample was selected to be evaluated for its antioxidant and medical effects, as borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene, is known as a substance with anesthetic and analgesic effects in traditional Asian medicine. The study suggests that the antioxidant capacity of the sage EO is modest (33.61% and 84.50% inhibition was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively), but also that the inhalation of sage EO with high borneol content by hospitalized patients could improve these patients’ satisfaction.

The present investigation focuses on a possible alternative to reduce grape pomace’s negative impact on the environment by exploiting its capacities for wastewater remediation. Therefore, three directions are followed: (1) the characterization of white grape byproducts’ antioxidant and antiradical properties; (2) the determination of organophosphorus compound concentration that might be present in the samples; and (3) the evaluation of the possible use for wastewater remediation. The grape pomace was used for obtaining different extracts considering different extraction conditions. The hydroalcoholic extracts have an increased amount of total phenolic content. The lyophilized hydroalcoholic extract showed high total phenolic content (159.52 mg/100 g) and low organophosphorus content (0.257 ± 0.015 nmol). The lowest DPPH antiradical-scavenging activities were obtained for the extracts in ethanol obtained from refrigerated pomace (0.055) and for dried pomace (0.045).

The monitoring of environmental pollution requires fast, reliable, cost-effective and small devices. This need explains the recent trends in the development of biosensing devices for pollutant detection. The present review aims to summarize the newest trends regarding the use of biosensors to detect environmental contaminants. Enzyme, whole cell, antibody, aptamer, and DNA-based biosensors and biomimetic sensors are discussed. We summarize their applicability to the detection of various pollutants and mention their constructive characteristics. Several detection principles are used in biosensor design: amperometry, conductometry, luminescence, etc. They differ in terms of rapidity, sensitivity, profitability, and design. Each one is characterized by specific selectivity and detection limits depending on the sensitive element. Mimetic biosensors are slowly gaining attention from researchers and users due to their advantages compared with classical ones. Further studies are necessary for the development of robust biosensing devices that can successfully be used for the detection of pollutants from complex matrices without prior sample preparation.

One of the agro-industry’s side streams that is widely met is the-keratin rich fibrous material that is becoming a waste product without valorization. Its management as a waste is costly, as the incineration of this type of waste constitutes high environmental concern. Considering these facts, the keratin-rich waste can be considered as a treasure for the producers interested in the valorization of such slowly-biodegradable by-products. As keratin is a protein that needs harsh conditions for its degradation, and that in most of the cases its constitutive amino acids are destroyed, we review new extraction methods that are eco-friendly and cost-effective. The chemical and enzymatic extractions of keratin are compared and the optimization of the extraction conditions at the lab scale is considered. In this study, there are also considered the potential applications of the extracted keratin as well as the reuse of the by-products obtained during the extraction processes.

This review explores the application of graphene-based materials (GBMs) in biomedicine, focusing on graphene oxide (GO) and its interactions with peptides and proteins. GO, a versatile nanomaterial with oxygen-containing functional groups, holds significant potential for biomedical applications but faces challenges related to toxicity and environmental impact. Peptides and proteins can be functionalized on GO surfaces through various methods, including non-covalent interactions such as π–π stacking, electrostatic forces, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces, as well as covalent bonding through reactions involving amide bond formation, esterification, thiol chemistry, and click chemistry. These approaches enhance GO’s functionality in several key areas: biosensing for sensitive biomarker detection, theranostic imaging that integrates diagnostics and therapy for real-time treatment monitoring, and targeted cancer therapy where GO can deliver drugs directly to tumor sites while being tracked by imaging techniques like MRI and photoacoustic imaging. Additionally, GO-based scaffolds are advancing tissue engineering and aiding tissues’ bone, muscle, and nerve tissue regeneration, while their antimicrobial properties are improving infection-resistant medical devices. Despite its potential, addressing challenges related to stability and scalability is essential to fully harness the benefits of GBMs in healthcare.

The paper presents a comparative study of the behaviour of 97% polyamide/3% elastane socks, named functional socks, and of 70% cotton/27% polyamide/3% elastane socks, called classic socks, both type used for moderate-intensity physical activity. Nowadays, the question always arises about what socks to wear: classic 100% cotton socks, cotton/polyamide/elastane socks, or polyamide/elastane socks. The wearing comfort of the socks is the determining factor in choosing the optimal variant. The functional socks are made of 100% synthetic yarns and are appreciated due to the properties of absorption and rapid transfer of moisture from the body to the environment. The classic socks are made of cotton or cotton yarns mixed with synthetic yarns, giving better wearing comfort compared to functional socks through the high moisture absorption capacity. But due to the small capacity to transfer moisture from the body to the outside environment, wearing for a long time can produce discomfort as a result of the humid environment that is created. The two types of socks were evaluated through a series of analyses as follows: weight per piece, optical microscopy, hygroscopicity, hydrophilicity, elasticity in the direction of stitches' rows and degree of compression. The analysed data led to the conclusion that functional socks have superior elasticity and comfort properties compared to the classical ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a study of the behaviour of rib 1:1 and 2:2 knitted fabrics made of 100 % cotton yarns during different solicitations and treatments. The studied knits were grey and finished fabrics obtained on large circular knitting machines in the form of tubular metreage. Grey knitted fabrics were deposited for relaxation, 72 hours in folded condition, in an air-conditioned room in accordance with standard atmosphere parameters. After relaxation, the knits were finished in regular factory parameters and optically brightened. Several aspects were analyzed, namely: vertical density and the mass per square meter; the tesile strength in the direction of the rows of stitches, hydrophilicity and whiteness degree. For grey rib 1:1 and 2:2 knitted fabrics, the vertical density after relaxation increases by 60 % compared to the vertical density on the knitting machine. By finishing, the values of vertical density have almost double values compared to the vertical density on the knitting machine. The established vertical density on the knitting machine is decisive for the mass per square meter, the dimensional stability and the shape after several cycles of wear and washing. The rib 2:2 structures combine elements specific for plain and rib knitted fabrics, which is why they are less balanced in terms of internal tensions. Because of that, this structure behaves differently than rib 1:1 structure during the tensile strength solicitations. The applied Uvitex BLH optical brightener gives to the cotton knitted fabrics an eminent appearance which is called whiter than the whites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of economic development - ecological balance rises numerous and complex problems for the textile industry. It is known that all textile processes need important quantities of water and chemicals. This situation generates large amounts of wastewater which cannot be further use without additional treatments because of the environmental problems. The issue of environmental protection has become an essential part of the textile industry development strategy. Many studies in the field present alternatives for the conventional scouring to reduse water pollution. The applied ecological strategy is focused on process optimization and pollution prevention. The paper presents a comparison of the physico-chemical parameters of the wastewater resulted from the various scouring treatments applied on a cotton/hemp fabric. Three types of scouring treatments have been carried out: two with enzymes for which a commercial enzyme product, a washing agent and EDTA or sodium citrate as complexing agents were used, and one classical scouring treatment with sodium hydroxide. The main physico-chemical parameters of the residual water analyzed were: pH, salinity, turbidity, TDS (total dissolved solids), conductivity, chemical oxygen demand (CCOMn), total dissolved oxygen and dry residue. From the two enzymatic treatments, the values of physico-chemical parameters of the residual water were in accordance with the legislation in case were the sodium citrate was used. For the alkaline treatment, the data were even with 100 % higher compared to enzymatic treatments. For some parameters, higher values were registered also for the enzymatic scouring where EDTA was used as a complexing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-active peptides (MAPs) possess unique properties that make them valuable tools for studying membrane structure and function and promising candidates for therapeutic applications. This review paper provides an overview of the fundamental aspects of MAPs, focusing on their membrane interaction mechanisms and potential applications. MAPs exhibit various structural features, including amphipathic structures and specific amino acid residues, enabling selective interaction with multiple membranes. Their mechanisms of action involve disrupting lipid bilayers through different pathways, depending on peptide properties and membrane composition. The therapeutic potential of MAPs is significant. They have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, making them promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. MAPs can selectively target cancer cells and induce apoptosis, opening new avenues in cancer therapeutics. Additionally, MAPs serve as drug delivery vectors, facilitating the transport of therapeutic cargoes across cell membranes. They represent a fascinating class of biomolecules with significant potential in basic research and clinical applications. Understanding their mechanisms of action and designing peptides with enhanced selectivity and efficacy will further expand their utility in diverse fields. Exploring MAPs holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies against infections, cancer, and drug delivery challenges.

Climate change will determine a sharp increase in carbon dioxide in the following years. To study the influence of elevated carbon dioxide on plants, we grew 13 different species and varieties from the Brassicaceae family at three carbon dioxide concentrations: 400, 800, and 1200 ppmv. The photosynthetic parameters (assimilation rate and stomatal conductance to water vapor) increase for all species. The emission of monoterpenes increases for plants grown at elevated carbon dioxide while the total polyphenols and flavonoids content decrease. The chlorophyll content is affected only for some species (such as Lipidium sativum), while the β-carotene concentrations in the leaves were not affected by carbon dioxide.