North-East Region Of Romania Research Articles

Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis D Virus in the North-East Region of Romania.

The hepatitis D virus (HDV) superinfection of individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes severe liver damage and the poorest long-term prognosis among viral hepatitis. This is attributed to the unique pathogenic mechanisms of HDV characterized by a direct cytopathic effect on hepatocytes and a significant impairment of the host immune response. The HDV genotype largely influences the extent of the pathogenic mechanisms with consequences on disease progression towards cirrhosis, liver decompensation, or hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, identifying the circulating HDV genotypes in European regions with high prevalence, such as Romania, is crucial for effectively managing the long-term liver health. Here, we report the first comprehensive HDV study in Romania that clinically characterizes 82 patients and performs HDV genotyping by combining the nested-PCR reaction with sequencing analysis in 49 samples with an HDV-RNA load higher than 5000 IU/mL. While all isolates in our study belong to the HDV-1 genotype, the phylogenetic analysis based on sequence data from GenBank reveals the presence of the following potential three groups: (i) Italy and France; (ii) Spain; and (iii) Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and Germany. This broad clustering highlights the recent surge in migration to and from Western Europe and the Middle East. Equally important, no differences in viral markers, clinical and paraclinical parameters, or treatment options were observed between these identified clusters. Nevertheless, this study considerably advances the understanding of hepatitis D epidemiology and clinical aspects in Romania.

Patients' Satisfaction Regarding Oral Healthcare Services in the North-East Region of Romania: A Preliminary Questionnaire Survey.

By combining quantitative and qualitative survey methods with a PSQ, this study aims to augment ongoing initiatives to enhance dental patients' experiences by painting a more comprehensive depiction of patients' level of satisfaction. When asked about their overall level of satisfaction 77.1% of the patients said that they received excellent services from office personnel and 72.2% said they trust their doctors. Assessing patient satisfaction in the realm of dental service quality is crucial for enhancing service quality and accuracy, which would benefit both patients and dentists and, ultimately, improve public health.

Recent Dynamics of Suburban Advancement and Building Densification in Relation to Landslide Exposure in the Main Cities of North-East Romania

We live in a complex and highly dynamic risk society, and given the massive environmental changes, exposure to hazards has become a critical concept that is part of all risk assessments made from a spatial perspective. In urban studies, evaluating exposure to different risk phenomena influences targeted policies and planning that can shape cities while making them safer. As in other post-socialist countries, in Romania, cities have had a highly divergent recent evolution, including processes such as urban shrinkage, the suburban advancement of cities, and urban sprawl. Focusing on seven cities from the North-East Region of Romania, the current paper is an exploratory study regarding the dynamics of exposure to landslides in relation to suburban advancement and densification of cities. Using the official statistics, available GIS databases and information based on satellite images illustrating urban land use changes in the last 20 years, the paper includes a general overview of the overall evolution of urban areas against landslide probability, followed by a more in-depth assessment of specific areas that were subject to functional change and currently include buildings that are susceptible to be affected by landslides. The results and conclusions converge towards the idea that the identified exposed areas, where actual ground movements are currently registered, need special attention from experts and authorities to identify and manage risks. The significance of our findings is underscored by their potential to inform and guide more effective territorial management and urban land use planning strategies.

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE SUSTAINABILITY OF WINE PRODUCTION AND THE STRUCTURE OF WINE CONSUMPTION IN THE NORTHEAST REGION OF ROMANIA

This study was carried out with the aim of investigating and analysing different aspects related to viticulture and wine production in the northeast region of Romania. The methodology focused on the use of statistical data and field research, with an emphasis on the impact of potential climate change on wine production and consumer preferences. The analysis of the evolution of vine cultivation in the northeast region of Romania was carried out using statistical data on grape harvest, area planted to vines and wine production. The results showed significant changes in these indicators over the period analysed (2013-2022), reflecting the dynamics of the wine industry in the region. A survey of a sample of 50 respondents provided relevant data on their preferences. Analysis of this data revealed information on preferred wine types, consumption habits and purchasing preferences. Although the population‘s preference for white wine is evident, climate change may pose a challenge for the region, and in the future, it may be necessary to adapt vineyard locations and cultivate vine varieties more suitable for red wine production. These issues have important implications for planning and developing the future of the wine industry in the northeast region.

Epidemiology, clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with Covid-19 and acute limb ischaemia - A single center study.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical and paraclinical characteristics and outcomes of Covid-19 positive patients presenting in the Emergency Department (ED) with and treated for acute limb ischaemia (ALI) during a 2-year period. This retrospective study was conducted in the ED of St. Spiridon County Clinical Emergency Hospital in Iasi, north-east region of Romania. The patients included in this study presented in the ED between March 1st, 2020 and February 28th, 2022 with ALI and Covid-19. During the study period, a total number of 141018 patients were evaluated in our ED, 8578 (representing 6,08%) patients being diagnosed with Covid-19. Of them, 98 (1.14% of all with Covid-19) presented ALI. The mean age was 70.9 ± 10.23 and 67.3% of the patients were males. At admission, 57% of patients had Covid-19-related pneumonia, identified on X-ray or CT scan. Of all patients, 81 (82%) were diagnosed with ALI in lower limbs with 10% of them having affected both limbs. 95% of the patients presented comorbidities, the main being cardiac (85%), diabetes mellitus (37%), vascular (24%) and neurological (22.6%). Non-survivor patients were more likely to have Covid-19 pneumonia on chest X-ray or CT scan, 92% versus 44% (OR 15, CI 3.3; 68, p < .01), lymphopenia 96% versus 70% (OR 10.2, CI 1.30; 80.9, p < .01), a NLR over 9.77% versus 30% (OR 7.5, CI 2.6; 21.4, p < .01), acidosis 65% versus 33% (OR 3.8, CI 1.4; 9.7, p < .01), abnormal AST, 69% versus 29% (OR 5.4, CI 2; 14.5, p < .01) and secondary amputation, 38.5 versus 11.1% (OR 5, CI 1.7; 14.7, p < 0.1). Overall, the mortality rate was 26.5%. The prevalence of ALI in patients infected with Covid-19 who were evaluated in our ED was 1.14%. The highest mortality rate was probably related to Covid-19 pneumonia. We observed that patients with Covid-19 pneumonia, lymphopenia, a NLR >9, metabolic acidosis, increased AST at ED admission and secondary amputation had a higher mortality.

Integrating Ecotourism into Regional Development: A Study on Natura 2000 Sites in the North-East Region of Romania

Integrating Ecotourism into Regional Development: A Study on Natura 2000 Sites in the North-East Region of Romania

PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISATION OF EXTENDED-SPECTRUM BETA-LACTAMASES AND PLASMID-MEDIATED QUINOLONES RESISTANCE IN Enterobacteriaceae ISOLATED FROM COMPANION ANIMALS

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health concern worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Enterobacterales producing beta-lactamase (TEM, SHV, OXA) or extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), as well as plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones (PMQR) (qnrA, qnrB, qnrS) in companion animals from the northeast region of Romania. A total of 124 faecal samples were collected aseptically from healthy dogs attending the veterinary practice for vaccination and cultivated on Brilliance ESBL medium (Oxoid, UK). The ESBL production testing was performed using the combination disc test. The identification of Enterobacterales strains was achieved using molecular identification and based on biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Identification of genes encoding for beta-lactamase enzymes and genes encoding plasmid-mediated resistance to quinolones was performed by PCR according to the protocols previously described. After ESBL screening, 31 (31/124; 25%) extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant Enterobacterales were obtained, and 67.74% (21/31) of them were confirmed as ESBL-producers. Regarding the Enterobacterales species, 27 (27/31; 87.1%) were Escherichia coli and 4 (4/31; 12.9%) strains were Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the ESBL-producing isolates, the blaCTX-M-1 gene group was predominant (58.82%), followed by the blaCTX-M-9 group (41.18%). The blaTEM, blaSHV and blaOXA gene groups were identified in 54.83%, 29.03% and 3.22% of the analysed strains, respectively. The prevalence of PMQR genes was 22.58% and consisted only of qnrS (19.35%) and qnrA (3.22%) genes. The prevalence of ESBL strains related to the total number of analysed samples was 16.93% (21/124). The findings show a significant prevalence of ESBLs and PMQR genes in Enterobacterales strains isolated from the faeces of healthy dogs, implying that pets may pose a risk of transmitting ESBL strains to other animals or owners.

Religious Tourism and Sustainable Development of the Economy in the Context of Globalization in the Northeast Area of Romania

The present study aims to demonstrate the significance of religious tourism and its impact on both the economy and socio-culture. Religious tourism provides a sacred and spiritual environment that has the potential to shape the motivational state of individuals searching for cultural and religious landmarks and destinations to support their spiritual well-being. Hence, it is imperative to maintain close relationships between religion, culture, and tourism as they play a crucial role in promoting spirituality and human development, particularly in the context of globalization and sustainable economic development. In the latter part of the paper, research was conducted to formulate strategies aimed at the development of religious tourism in the northeast region of Romania, which is an economically underprivileged area with significant untapped tourist potential. The findings suggest that via improvements in infrastructure, the creation of a favorable business environment, enhanced promotion, development of accommodation facilities, and improvement in services, the area can achieve a higher quality of life and sustainable development.

Strategic Planning and Preparation of Projects for Accessing Structural Funds for 2021-2027. Lessons Learned or History Repeating?

The papers makes an analysis, with a focus on the North-East Region of Romania, of the stage of the drafting of strategic documents at national level and their correlation with regional and county planning documents, at the end of 2022. The analysis is carried out both in terms of the regional and local strategic documents, correlated with the national ones, as well as in terms of the perception held by some of the most important regional actors. The questions that the article pursues in its research approach are: How do we evaluate the preparation of projects for the new programming period 2021-2027 from the point of view of strategic planning and correlation with the documents adopted at the national/regional/local level? and . How do local actors perceive the influence on the absorption of European funds the drafting and adoption of strategic documents at national and regional level after the start of the programming period? The conclusions of the research: after two programming periods, there are still difficulties in connecting the priorities of the strategies and the preparation of local projects for accessing European funds based on the national and regional strategic documents.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Children: A Possible Reason for Headache?

(1) Background: The correlation between infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and headache has been argued and explored for a long time, but a clear association between the simultaneous presence of the two in children has not been established yet. In this study, we aimed to explore this relationship in children from the Northeast region of Romania. (2) Methods: A retrospective study exploring the correlation between children having H. pylori infection and headache or migraine was conducted on a batch of 1757 children, hospitalized over 3 years in a pediatric gastroenterology department in Northeast Romania. (3) Results: A total of 130 children of both sexes had headache. From 130 children, 54 children (41.5%) also presented H. pylori infection. A significant association between headache and H. pylori infection (χ2; p < 0.01) was noticed. (4) Conclusions: More studies are needed on this relationship, and we emphasize the importance of further analyses, as they present great clinical importance for both prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The Consumption Analysis of Economic Media at the Regional Level in a Developing Country

This research aims to analyze how the media can favor economic development at the regional level, observing how mass media reports on the economy are relevant to Romania’s population, and if the content provided stimulates economic development action. Mass media is one of the main channels of information for many companies, and the acquisition of correct and qualitative information generates informed decisions. Additionally, the mass media has the role of producing changes in the behavior of the consuming public, and in its culture, and can improve its educational level. Although the variety of information sources, which has been improved over time by technology, does not guarantee their use, the mass media, through the information it provides, can change attitudes and values, and lead to a higher standard of living. The present study includes both qualitative and quantitative methods, which look at the media and its effects on companies. Through two surveys, data were collected on how the population relates to the information obtained from the mass media, as well as how the mass media is used by the companies in the Northeast Region of Romania. The benefits and challenges that companies encounter while using social networks have thus been determined. Additionally, the qualitative method was used, in order to be able to observe whether there are significant differences in the use of social networks to develop an emerging business, in terms of the male-female ratio.

P103 Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during the COVID-19 pandemic in North-East region of Romania

P103 Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest during the COVID-19 pandemic in North-East region of Romania

Are Structural Funds a Real Solution for Regional Development in the European Union? A Study on the Northeast Region of Romania

Economic development has been a major priority for the European Commission, with significant amounts of Structural and Cohesion Funds being allocated in this direction. With the enlargements of the Union in 2004, 2007 and 2013, the Regional Development Policy faced a new challenge, with the disparity between new members and the community average being a notable one. The literature is divided with respect to the impact generated by funds allocated through the Regional Development Policy, as some authors claim the existence of positive effects, others identify conditional positive effects and other authors identify only negative effects and say that the whole support system needs to be rethought. This research presents an empirical approach to the issue of the effectiveness of the European Community’s support system for business environments. An analysis is performed at the microeconomic level in order to quantify observable effects at the level of the SMEs that have benefited from non-reimbursable financial aid. The data obtained indicate that Structural and Cohesion Funds for business environments have a significant effect in the medium and long terms, contributing to the achievement of the general objective of the Regional Development Policy (reducing economic disparities between EU member states).

Comparative Multi-Criteria Assessment of Hydrological Vulnerability—Case Study: Drainage Basins in the Northeast Region of Romania

Hydrological vulnerability (HV) is a (changing) underlying condition in all drainage basins, depending on the dynamics of the potentially dangerous hydrological phenomena, the particularities of drainage networks, land use patterns, and processes that shape landforms in extensive periods. The socioeconomic attributes and the hydrotechnical infrastructure add up to the manifestation of this type of vulnerability. In this paper, we assess the HV levels of 81 drainage basins in the NE of Romania for three distinctive periods (1990–1999, 2000–2009, 2010–2018), using a multi-criteria approach. Two classical multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods were combined in order to evaluate the HV according to factors that refer to floods and hydrological drought occurrences, hydrotechnical structure coverage, the drainage network, land use, and landforms characteristics. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to weigh these factors and the resulting relative importance values were integrated in the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), by which the alternatives represented by the catchments were ranked. The attenuation of the HV through time follows an East–West direction, from the lower elevations of the Moldavian Plateau to the heights of the Carpathians. Hydrological droughts are more likely to occur in the Eastern part of the analyzed territory, while the western section displays a certain propensity for floods. The results may be used by local and national authorities in order to improve the hydrological risk mitigation strategies, and to develop more targeted water management projects, properly calibrated to the conditions of the Northeast Development Region in Romania.

Entrepreneurship, Support of Human Development. Case Study on Administrative and Support Activity and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities in the North-East Region of Romania

Entrepreneurship, Support of Human Development. Case Study on Administrative and Support Activity and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities in the North-East Region of Romania

Actors and key resources in facilitating the transition of students from one school cycle to another

Currently, many researchers are focusing on the educational environment to assess the impact of the pandemic on the educational success of pre-university or even university students. Most of the hypotheses are related to the influence of the alternative teaching methods used during the pandemic on the school results, on the socio-emotional situation and on the resources available to students and teachers to respond better to the new format of teaching and assessment in times of crisis. In this context, it is highly unlikely that the results of such studies will be interpreted in light of the challenges already existing in a pre-pandemic education system. The paper we propose brings into question exactly this general context, offering researchers a benchmark in their analyzes regarding the impact of the pandemic on the Romanian educational environment. We base our approach on the results of a qualitative research undertaken in educational institutions in the North-East Region of Romania. The research included interviewing 60 teachers, using the in-depth interview to capture the difficulties that students and teachers face in successfully ensuring the school transition. The results of our study highlight aspects related to key actors that can support the successful implementation of the school transition, existing barriers and resources needed to facilitate the school transition.

Women’s Participation in the Local Government as Voters, Candidates and Mayors in the North East Region of Romania

Most of the studies focus on the high representation of women in politics such as in Parliament, Government or Euro Parliament, while little attention is given to the local government despite its importance within the national politic system. Therefore, the aim of this research is to better analyze, observe and understand the dynamics of women’s participation at the electoral process in the local government as candidates and winners, but also as voters in the North East Region of Development of Romania. The focus is on the progress made or not toward gender equality in political decision making in the 32 years of democracy. More precisely, how substantial are the changes, after 7 elections, regarding the number of women that chose to run for elections, to what extent were they voted and how high is the success rate of success when compared to the male-candidates. The methodology consists in descriptive analysis of the political representativity, depending on the identified evolution trends, correlated with the Regions of Romania and political parties. To carry out this study, quantitative and qualitative methods were combined. The analyzed data for the local election from 1996 to 2020 focus on the studied area-North East Region which has the highest level of female mayors when compared with the others. The results show an under-representation of women in local government with a percentage of 6.34% female mayors, 1 percentage higher than at national level (5.33%). Moreover, 84.20% of administrative units have never had a female mayor. Also, the women’s rates of success are lower (15.28% in 2020) when compared to their male counterparts (22.26%) (ROAEP).

Demographic ageing vulnerabilities in the North-East Region of Romania

Demographic ageing vulnerabilities in the North-East Region of Romania

A case based, combined LCA and S-ROI methodology for sustainable mining in the Suceava County, Romania

LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is a useful tool in decision-making for most businesses that opt for sustainability and offers the possibility to compare different products, processes, and value chain scenarios, both real and hypothetical. Coupled with S-ROI (Sustainable Return on Investment), the LCA has a great potential in using available data for existing mining sites in the North-East Region of Romania to assess the economic, social and environmental benefits of certain sustainability measures on a local and regional level. The article will explore this approach of combining the two methodologies: LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and S-ROI (Sustainable Return on Investment), with necessary adjustments according to the characteristics of the local mining activities, to show key investment areas that can improve the value chain of copper exploitation and preparation in the mining perimeter Mănăila. The case of the copper mine in Mănăila offers a great opportunity to apply the current LICYMIN (Life Cycle of Mining) research and to use available Ecoinvent data for the copper ore by comparing the current value chain scenario with a proposed scenario that includes a different location for a mining ore preparation unit, closer to the quarry. The results will give an insight into the potential social and economic impact (the measure can translate into a higher local employment rate, better social stability, lower transportation costs, etc.) as well as the environmental impact (reduction of GHG emission, pollution, and energy efficiency) of the suggested changes.

Updated Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in the North East Region of Romania after 35 Years of Chernobyl Fallout. Is There a Link between?

Thyroid cancer (TC) represents a worldwide problem, the consistent growth of the incidence increment issues about management of risk factors and curative treatment. Updated statistical data are not complete in the North East region of Romania and need to be improved. Therefore, through this study, we aim to renew the existing data on thyroid cancer. We conducted a retrospective study covering a period of 10 years. Data were collected from a hospital information system (InfoWorld) between 2009 and 2019. Patients’ age groups were stratified in relation with the age at the moment of the Chernobyl event. A database was obtained (Microsoft Excel) and statistical correlations were applied. In the studied period, 1159 patients were diagnosed: 968 females and 191 males, distributed by region, with the highest addressability in Iasi (529), followed by neighboring counties. Age distribution displayed that most of the thyroid cancers were in the range 4060 years old (50.94%), followed by 60–80 years old (32.41%). Most patients were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma 63.10%, then follicular 14.7%, medullary 6.74% and undifferentiated 1.02%. Romania was in the vicinity of the radioactive cloud at Chernobyl fallout, so we must deliberate whether the increased incidence of thyroid cancer in the age group 40–60 years is associated with radiogenicity (iodine 131) given the fact that over has 35 years and the half-life of other radioisotopes like Caesium-137 and Strontium -90 is completed.