Maramures County Research Articles

Comprehensive statistical analysis of causes of death and histopathological diagnosis in medico-legal investigations of sudden cardiac deaths

Background and objectives. Sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) have a significant impact worldwide. Its distribution trends may vary across different communities globally. Consequently, investigating sudden cardiac deaths necessitates a regional, multi-faceted approach. This study aims to ascertain the pathological background of the patients who died in the context of sudden cardiac death and analyze it statistically to generate some trends and define the occurrence of disease. Materials and methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the causes of death for cases from the Legal-Medicine Department of Maramures County, Romania, between 2021 and 2023. From this cohort, we identified and selected cases of SCD and conducted a statistical analysis of the number of cases, gender distribution, age group distribution, and the underlying cardiac pathology that led to this outcome. Results. 276 sudden cardiac deaths (SCD) were identified from 1,186 autopsies. Males accounted for 75% of SCD cases, with a mean age of 58.8 years. Advanced myocardial fibrosis (41.6%) was the most frequent cause, followed by coronary artery disease (18.12%) and acute myocardial infarction (17.4%). Males had significantly more AMI cases (p = 0.045), while females had more coronary artery disease and advanced myocardial fibrosis, though not statistically significant. Conclusions. Sudden cardiac death predominantly affects males, particularly those aged 51–60, with advanced myocardial fibrosis being the most common cause. The gender difference in AMI prevalence was significant, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and diagnostic improvements. Further research in liaison with experts in all fields is required.

Investigation of Sterile Mining Dumps Resulting from Ore Exploitation and Processing in Maramures County, Romania

Abandoned sterile dumps can be a significant source of environmental pollution, therefore the distribution of trace elements throughout mining is vital. Monitoring environmental factors in closed mining perimeters aims to track the quality of discharged waters in the emissary and assess acid mine drainage, the quality of the soil and vegetation, stability, and the condition of the land surfaces within the perimeter of the sterile deposits. One of the primary sources of land, water and air pollution is sterile mining dumps. Knowing the source of pollution is the first step in adequately managing the affected areas. This paper investigates the physical–chemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals in sterile dumps resulting from mining. We studied one sterile dump that was the result of ore processing and whose surface was covered with abandoned mixed ore concentrate (Pb, Zn), located in the Băiuț mining area (Romania), and a second sterile mining dump that was the result of exploration and exploitation work in the Ilba mining area (Romania). In order to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the studied sterile dumps and to determine the concentration of heavy metals, 27 sterile samples and one soil sample were taken from the Băiuț dump. Additionally, 10 sterile samples and one soil sample were collected from the Ilba dump. Aqua regia extractable concentrations of heavy metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. At the same time, using a portable XRF, we analyzed selected samples from each site for total metal concentrations. Furthermore, from each site, one sample was analyzed by FT–IR spectrometry. The pH values in both sterile dumps were highly acidic (≤3.5) and the content of heavy metals was generally increased.

Definition, Role, and Functions of Soil Related to the Knowledge Society and the Someș-Tisa Hydrographic Area (Romania)

In Romania, under the aegis of the knowledge society, we naturally wondered if the soil still had a role, through the functions it fulfills, at the level of local communities. In this context, we set out, starting from the definition of soil as a cosmic–telluric–biotic product with notable valences in the transition of communities from hunting to knowledge-based societies, to make some scientific observations on the importance of soil resources. The research methodology was outlined around the importance and functions of soil in society by presenting the current state of land use in the Someș-Tisa region. As reference points, graphs on the hydrometeorological conditions made using the MeteoBlue application and an archive of the meteorological station in Baia Mare were used, as provided (per an open-access regime) by the Someș-Tisa Water Basin Administration and the Maramures County Council, respectively. Moreover, the research was completed with studies conducted by specialists, most of which were included in the Application Guide of the XVIII National Conference of Pedology held in 2006 in Cluj-Napoca. The research results showed that soil resources were still of vital importance for the communities in the Someș-Tisa area, where agricultural and agrotourism practices predominate. At the same time, it was noticed that the soil resources required increased attention as a result of the pollution resulting from the development of mining activities in large areas. Consequently, the soil resources in the Someș-Tisa area, which closely define the evolution of local communities, should be carefully monitored and subject to good practice guidelines specific to the objectives of sustainable development.

Production and primary processing of grain in the Ung, Bereg, Ugocha and Maramoros counties in the Middle Ages

The present research deals with the medieval grain production and the primary processing of it in Ung, Bereg, Ugocsa and Maramures counties. In the Middle Ages, the primary foodstuff was bread, which could be made from a variety of grains. In today's Transcarpathia, bread was made primarily using wheat and rye, which were crucial parts of the everyday eating. After the founding of the Hungarian state, the branch of the food production underwent a transformation, namely the animal-husbandry was slowly replaced by tillage. With the continuous development of the village system, indoor and outdoor farming were also spreading. Grain was grown on arable land away from the house, which has been a high priority. In order to understand the system based on family farming, principally the number of family members must be calculated, and then the average number of settlements follows from the obtained data, which gives the amount of land required per families and settlements to produce grain for bread. The bread was baked in a two-week cycle, when the family gained 30 kg. The growing crops for bread is the first stage of the process, which is followed by milling, i.e. the second stage. Grinding took place in mills, of which several varieties are separated. In the case of our region, watermills were widespread, of which there are also several types. We separate a stream mill and a floating mill from water mills. In the case of our region, both varieties have been identified. The mills did not work all year round, they could only work at the proper water level. Therefore, neither in winter cold nor in summer the mill could not work, so the grinding of flour needed for bread took place mainly in spring and autumn. Mills were one of the most complex technological machines of the time, the operation and maintenance of which required a specialist with relevant knowledge. Mills can be used for grinding grain, as well as for sawing and grinding wood. By examining the available resources, tens of mills were localized in the four counties, which also sheds light on the technological development of the age.

Knowledge and conservation of Old-Growth Forests: a key issue to face global changes. The case study of Strâmbu-Băiuț - Maramureş (Eastern Carpathians, Romania)

Over the last three decades, worldwide forests have become increasingly the focus of societal and scientific interest. The critical ecosystem services they provide are considered as key elements to mitigate harmful effects of global changes. Most of recent studies highlighted the highest effectiveness of the so-called ‘primary’, ‘natural’ and ‘old-growth forests’ in this struggle due to their specific features (biodiversity and carbon storage capacity). However, in Europe, these forests which represent less than 1% of total forest cover are threatened by unsustainable human activity. Mainly based on pure ecological investigations, most of recent studies have rarely integrated human dimensions so far. Several outstanding issues remain to be addressed about the real nature of the “remaining natural European forests”. Tackling this issue is crucial to know which forest must be conserved and how. In order to improve (i) knowledge about and (ii) conservation and /or sustainable management of such forests, we carried out an integrative and innovative research combining natural, social and human science approaches on a recently classified UNESCO primary beech forest located in the Maramures county (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). First results highlighted that far from being untouched, this current high-value forest results from a long-term co-evolution with local communities. It implies a deeper understanding of the complex interaction between ecological and anthropogenic legacies is mandatory to improve and grant the preservation and sustainability of old-growth forests.

Determining the subgrade reaction modulus. Mathematical approach on case study

Subgrade reaction modulus (k) is the reaction pressure sustained by the soil sample under a rigid plate of standard diameter per unit settlement measured at a specified pressure or settlement. For the design of industrial slabs, the geotechnical engineer should provide two values for the subgrade modulus: the first value will be used for short-term loadings such as lift-truck wheel loads, and the second value will be used for long-term loadings such as uniform storage loads or wide area rack. Unfortunately, there are no direct laboratory procedure in order to determine the value of the subgrade reaction modulus, the only way to determine the value is by field tests or by correlation with other tests. The most common used field test is the plate bearing test. The paper is based on a case study, conducted on a site located in Romania, Maramures county. In order to verify the slab base and to determine the value of k, plate tests according to German norm DIN 18134 were performed on the site of a large logistics center in Baia Mare. Two methods were used for the interpretation of the data from the tests performed on the site. The first method is based on a program designed in Excel, and the second method is based on a program written in Qt Creator, using C++ programming language. At the end a comparison was made between the results obtained with the two use methods. The interpretation procedure presents a series of difficulties based on the form of the resulting function. These issues were addressed in the present study.

Research Regarding the Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste in Maramures County Using Incineration

This paper presents a part of the study referring to exploring Energy Recovery from Municipal Solid Waste in Maramures County. In order to analyze the possibility of energetic recovery of municipal solid waste (MSW), data referring to the management system of MSW from Maramures county were cumulated and processed in a first stage in order to estimate the quantity of municipal solid waste and its composition, which might be recovered energetically. In the next stage, samples of municipal solid waste were collected from landfills, which were submitted to specific processing and analyses. The experimental data were processed and in the end the energy potential of municipal solid waste from Maramures county was found. This study will help stakeholders and those involved in waste management to assess the possibility of energy recovery. The analysis of the study concluded that municipal solid waste in Maramures County is a potential source of renewable energy.

Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior in Sustainable Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Maramures County, Romania

The article explores consumer behavior in the context of sustainable consumption and the changes related to healthy food that have occurred during the pandemic. The study seeks to identify the factors that influenced consumer behavior on the consumption of fruits and vegetables. For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1230 people from Maramures County, Romania. This study evaluates consumer behavior and attitudes on sustainable healthy food consumption; determining factors of consumer behavior are established by the needs, knowledge, selection of quality products, and the degree of culture and education in health diet issues. The study also presents a specific classification for fruits and vegetables in terms of consumer preferences and the clustering of local consumers by their interest in healthy food habits according to consumer culture, consumer loyalty, consumer needs, and consumer knowledge. In this study, it was revealed that consumer behavior consumption is not influenced by age, gender, or education. As a result of the correlation analysis, a positive relation was identified between the consumer preference, consumer attitude, and consumer behavior variables. The results of this study offer practical solutions and directions for future research on redesigning sustainable development of local, traditional foods. The new trend focuses on brand offerings and consumer needs for quality food and shows the consumer’s ethnocentrism and orientation for practical solutions.

Optimizing the Physical Education Lessons for Harmonious Physical Development at Fourth Grade Students Through Dynamic Games

ABSTRACT. Education begins in the moment we are born and continues our entire lives having a crucial part during our school period. This a very important period of time because it is when a child develops forms itself and learns to be conscious that everything contributes to their development as human beings. The approaching methods are very diversified, but between the ages of 7-10 (primary level) are the most appropriate and very handy to complete these tasks. Two of these tasks have the main objectives to develop the motor qualities and the harmonious physical development of children. Through these active games, the objective of Physical Education is completed simultaneously, in an attractive manner, thus helping and shortening the development of these motor skills. The study has been conducted at Baia Sprie Gimnasium School, from Baia Sprie, Maramures county, with a total of forty fourth graders, between the ages of 9-10. The general preparation and result registration of the experiment took place in the school year of 2018-2019. All the tests and measurements were made rigorously during Physical Education lessons. At the beginning of the school year, in September, all the initial tests were made for both class groups. The final tests were carried out in May 1-25. The following research methods were used: observation, experiment, the mathematical and statistical method, the statistical mathematical method.

Implementation of image processing techniques as a tool for form analysis of Romanian folk elements

The present paper proposes a method for an effective analysis of Romanian folk motifs using two basic algorithms – Radius-Vector function (RV) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). For a better accuracy of the analysis, a combination of these methods has been proposed. The authors selected few Romanian folk motifs (embroidered on blouses, skirts called “poale”, front aprons called “zadii”, sleeveless vest) from Bihor, Arad, and Maramures Counties. The vectorization of traditional motifs was made by GIS software.

Global Desert Areas Vs Local Mining Areas from Maramure? County (Romania)

Almost a third of the Earth's surface is occupied by vast stretches of stone and sand, having a torrid climate or, on the contrary, extremely frigid. As such, the regions considered to fall into the category of deserts, which can be hot and arid, semi-arid, coastal, or cold, are of interest for the present study. In the same context, at the level of the Maramure? County surface, a major place is occupied by the areas that have served mining activities, and which, at first glance, have similarities with the specific landscapes of deserts. Starting from the aforementioned, through the present work, we intend to underline, in the form of a comparative study, the main common elements that exist between the naturally formed (globally) and anthropic (locally) deserts, for those the latter considering the areas of Maramures County, affected by the specific mining pollution.

STUDIES CONCERNING THE DETERMINATION OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM IONS IN THE DUMBRAVITA AREA DRINKING WATER (FOUNTAIN WATER)

The paper showcases research conducted with the purpose of determining the Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the drinking water (fountain water) of a common household located in Dumbravita, Maramures County, Romania. The photometric method was used for this goal, as well as a Calcium and Magnesium Photometer. This study argues about implementing cost efficient techniques and precise analysis in order to determine Ca and Mg ions in the water samples.

STUDIES REGARDING THE DETERMINATION OF NITRITE IONS CONCENTRATION IN THE DUMBRAVITA AREA DRINKING WATER (FOUNTAIN WATER)

The paper showcases studies conducted in order to determine the existence of nitrate ions in the drinking water (fountain water) of a common household from the village of Dumbravita, Maramures County, Romania, as well as to determine the Romplumb S.A. wastewater ammonium ion. A Hanna Instruments photo colorimeter for boilers and cooling cannons was used in order to determine the nitrate ions concentration, which is a compact and versatile measuring device that can measure absorption and pH/mV, as well as a HR Hanna Nitrite photometer. Determining the ammonium ion was possible with the help of a multi parameter photo colorimeter, which employs the CAL Check function. In order to determine de nitrate ions concentration in the water samples, a photo colorimeter which employs the "Method selection"," Zero", "Read" and "Timers" functions was used. Using the "Nitrite LR" method, the device displays de nitrite-nitrogen (NO2--N) concentration measured in gg/l, and by accessing the secondary functions using the Chem Frm key, the result can be converted in gg/l of nitrite (NO2-) and sodium nitrate (NaNO2).

Social Support: A Factor of Protection against Stress during Adolescence

The present study focused on the relationship between the adolescent’s perception of minor stress in different domains (school, relationship with parents, managing free time, romantic relationships, work and future) and the social support received from the family, friends, and other important people and perceived as such. The study participants were 525 students, from which 186 masculine and 339 feminine, with ages between 15 and 18, from three high schools from Maramures county. The instruments used for collecting the data were Problem Questionnaire (PQ), by Seiffge-Krenke, which allowed us to identify the stress perceived in different domains, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), by Gregory Zimet, for evaluating the social support perceived from family, friends or other important people. From the analyses done, it results the fact that adolescents who registered a high score regarding the social support perceived from family members, evaluate the issues with parents, issues regarding the managing of free time, self-issues and issues on their whole as being less stressful in comparison with the group which reports a lower level of social support perceived from the family. On the other hand, high values of social support perceived from friends represent a protection factor only in the case of the problems which adolescents have with themselves, in comparison with the group which declares that has a low social support from friends. Finally, the article underlines the need to educate the teenagers and parents as well in receiving and giving social support, as a factor of protection against problematic life situations.

Research Concerning the Fighting of Polystigma rubrum Fungi under the Climate Conditions of Șomcuta Mare Area

In this study, our goal was to survey the influence of the climate conditions, the behavior of the Centenar and Anna Spath varieties on the attack of the Polystigma rubrum fungi during the two experimental years (2013, 2014), in order to make recommendations for new plantations. Nine fungicides were tested, being determined their biologic efficiency, in order to identify the most efficient products. The experimental research was performed during 2013 and 2014, in a fruit tree farm belonging to SC Pomicola SA trade company in Somcuta Mare, Maramures county. The attack was calculated by determining the frequency, intensity and the attack degree. The agrometeorological data were recorded using the AgroExpert system, for surveying the biology of fungi. The linear-interrupted laying method was used, each made up of 5 plants/variant in three repetitions/product. The biologic efficiency of the tested products was lower at the Anna Spath variety than at the Centenar variety due to its sensitivity; the recommended products: Folicur Solo 250EW, Dithane M45 and Syllit 400 SC were the most efficient in the fungi combating.

Green wastewater treatment technology for agritourism business in Romania

This article describes the first implementation of green treatment technology for wastewater from agritourism facilities in Romania. The general concept was based on the principles of a nature-based treatment system (NBTS) developed, tested and successfully operated in cold climate in Norway. Two NBTSs, each constituting a three-element system equipped with a septic tank, a pre-treatment section and a filter/wetland bed, were constructed and set in full operation in Mara and Vadu Izei villages (Maramures County, Northern Romania, Carpathian Mountains). Both systems revealed sufficient adaptation to wastewater treatment during the first year of operation. The highest removal rates of BOD5, CODCr, Ntot and Ptot reached 93–97%, 94–98%, 97–98% and 98–99%, respectively. In addition, these parameters did not exceed their permitted values in effluents discharged to water bodies. Both systems demonstrate integrated measures of ecological engineering implemented as “treatment gardens” perfectly suited to the tourist facilities, rural surroundings and cultural landscape of the region.

'A Thousand and One Reasons to Hope': A D’Var Torah on Parshat Emor

I originally presented a version of this talk at a gathering in the city of Sighet, Maramures County, in Transylvania, Romania. Sighet once had a large and vibrant Jewish community, making up almost half the population of the city. In May 1944, the Jews of Sighet were deported to Auschwitz, where most were gassed on arrival. Elie Wiesel was also born in Sighet. He survived the death camps and insisted that the world never forget. Jewish tradition has long tried to suppress the sort of “cult of the dead” found in other cultures. Indeed, Parshat Emor emphasizes that the kohanim, the religious functionaries of pre-Rabbinic times, were ritually excluded from involvement with the rituals of death. There is one momentous exception, however, to this Jewish diffidence about death. That exception is collective tragedy. The horrors that have too often blasted their way into Jewish history have all powerfully and poignantly shaped Jewish religious life, ceremony, and liturgy. Yet there is something remarkable about the Jewish rituals of collective tragedy. They are never left to marinate in their own bitterness. The tradition consistently juxtaposes them against expressions of hope or even redemption. These juxtapositions are profoundly mysterious. Our expressions of hope do not negate our tragedies. They do not elevate them. Nothing can perfume over the stink of death. We must not fall into the heresy of claiming that tragedy and horror and suffering are somehow redemptive. But Jewish tradition does demand that we attach them, however hard and paradoxical it is, into a larger story of redemption. In exploring this theme, my talk engaged with Elie Wiesel’s insistence that, even in our despair over the Holocaust, we “must invent a thousand and one reasons to hope.” It also called on important insights from Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, the Czech Christian theologian Tomas Halik, and the American philosopher Josiah Royce.

Heavy metals accumulation in riparian vegetation in Baiut metallogenic area, Maramures county (Romania)

Heavy metals accumulation in riparian vegetation in Baiut metallogenic area, Maramures county (Romania)

Studies Regarding the Combat of the Braches Burns Produced by the Phomopsis Vaccinii at Blueberry Bushes Cultivated in Maramures County

This study has examined the response of two species of the blueberry bushes: Elliot and Bluecrop cultivated in the climate conditions of the years 2014 and 2015 to the attack of the Phomopsis vaccinii; we have also testedand determined the biological efficiency of three fungicide products in order to recommend the best of them to be used in the bushes treatment. The attack was calculated by determining the disease frequency (F%) and its intensity (I%). We also calculated the biological efficiency for the three selected products, considered as being the best ones. We utilized the interrupted-linear setting method which consists of 5 plants/three repetitions / product and we monitored 3 plants from each repetition; 2 marginal plants were for untreated control. Our analysis of the two species pointed that the Bluecrop species has a much higher sensitivity against the pathogen than the one discovered in the Elliot species. The calculation of the biological efficiency proved that the best product Funguran OH 50 PW (90,5%) was followed by Alcupral 50 PU (88,8%) and the Copac ( 86,2%) for the Elliot variety, occupied the last place; the same hierarchy with smaller values was found for the Bluecrop variety.

The Hygienic Quality of Raw Romanian Goat Milk Depending on the Milking Season

The milk samples were yielded by manual milking from a goat farm that was maintained in extensive system, at monthly intervals during the production period (spring, summer, autumn). Goat milk from a traditional stall in the Maramures County, depending on the lactation period and the season has been analyzed in this study. The milk samples were collected aseptically and transported in laboratory for microbiological analysis. During springtime, when milking is done three times a day, and the amount of milk is higher, the total number of germs is 77.8×103 CFU/ml. A smaller number compared to the number of microorganisms recorded in the summer (97.3×103 CFU/ml) when milking is done twice a day and there are higher temperatures. During autumn, in the conditions of low milk production, at the end of the lactation period and when the samples are harvested only once a day, the number of microorganisms was 81.5×103 CFU /ml. Somatic cells from milk indicating an excess of the normal values especially towards the end of the lactation period. Particular attention should be paid to hygiene conditions when handling milk, to improve its quality. Thus, goat milk has a higher bacterial load (SPC) during summer, and SCC exceeds the recommended limits, especially in the autumn.