Northern Part Of Romania Research Articles

The road to circularity: What managers need to implement circular economy?

Starting from ’90, when the concept of circular economy (CE) was launched and defined for the first time, humanity made only a few steps to accept, understand, and implement it in business, strategic and operational management, and daily activities. We still face a big resistance against the adoption of this concept because it dramatically changes the economic paradigm and impels us to rethink and act differently, compared with the past. It is not a question if we want to adopt and implement the principles of the circular economy; the question is how quickly and how efficiently we are able to do this, in the context of continuous environmental degradation, and intensification of the pressure on the non-renewable resources. The paper is included in complex research to identify the actual situation and problems associated with the implementation of the circular economy in the Northern part of Romania and to propose solutions for enhancing the adoption of the concept in daily business practices. After the characterization of the local economic environment and proposals for circular economy models adapted to the industry and service branches existing in the region (published in a previous paper), this paper continues the research and aims to identify and analyze the managers’ opinions regarding the implementation of the CE. The findings show a poor level of knowledge of the concept and the possibilities of implementation, but a big willingness to improve the environmental performance of the business through any available techniques, including circular economy practices.

GEOMATIC TECHNIQUES APPLIED FOR REMOTE DETERMINATION OF THE HAY QUANTITY IN AGROSILVOPASTORAL SYSTEMS

The paper presents a descriptive model, applicable in agricultural theory and practice, for determining the quantity of alfalfa hay obtained from a land surface, using remote investigations, by geospatial methods and means. The working algorithm was tested in a rural area located in the northern part of Romania, in the Humor Depression, and the data acquisition was made with DJI Phantom 4 Pro - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle equipment. For the automated calculation of the amount of alfalfa hay harvested from a certain surface and stored as haystacks, the following steps were carried out: processing the images acquired with the drone to obtain the point clouds, determining the 3D model of the haystacks, calculating the volume of hay stored in the stacks and converting the volume in quantity of hay/surface. As a result of the measurements and calculations carried out, a quantity of hay of 11.96 tons/ha was obtained, data verified and validated by the researches from the specialized literature. Compared with the agronomic methods, the use of the geomatics techniques, to determine the quantity of hay harvested from an agricultural area, presents a series of practical and economic advantages: they exclude the manual measurements in the field and, therefore, the displacements on extended surfaces; reduce the working time; have high precision because, for the estimation of the haystacks volume, three-dimensional models are used, instead of the traditional mathematical formulas. At the same time, geospatial data is acquired through drone flying, which can be used in other types of analysis. The working algorithm can also be applied to other studied objectives or research topics.

Spatial assessment of flash‐flood vulnerability in the Moldova river catchment (N Romania) using theFFPI

AbstractThe identification of the areas vulnerable to flash floods is one of the greatest challenges in flood risk management for both the scientific world and decision‐makers. Its importance is underlined by the European Directive 2007/60/EC, which sets out the general framework of public policies to reduce the impacts of floods on the development of local communities. This research was conducted in the Moldova river catchment, located in the northern part of Romania, in the Carpathian Mountains, where half of the administrative‐territorial units record floods annually. The methodology used the Flash Flood Potential Index (FFPI) which has been computed based on the correlation of various factors which have a direct impact on the surface runoff. Each geographical factor has been represented on a 30 m grid and the data aggregation has provided the spatial hazard model for floods. In addition, the impact of deforestation on flood events was also analysed. The result of the FFPI was compared with the official flood records of the local authorities from our study area. The results constitute a methodological instrument, complementary to the classical ones, for the elaboration of the flood hazard maps, with a special importance given to the modelling of this type of hazard in the area with no structural defence measures.

Investigations regarding the degradation state of a Romanian country road

This study is aimed to identify and to describe some of the most common types of pavement degradations that may develop on some Romanian county roads. According to the road safety management system, The County Direction of Road and Bridge Administration has the responsibility to ensure the traffic conditions, by preventing or repairing any degradation that may have adverse effects on the ride’s safety and comfort. The most common types of degradations that can be identified on the Romanian county roads are: block cracks, longitudinal / transverse cracks, joint stepping, rocking, joint sealant defects and local declines. The process of interventions for restoring the road safety condition is continuous and span through the entire lifecycle of the structure (planning, design, build, operate, maintain and decommission). In order to illustrate the degradation state and to identify the most appropriate type of intervention required to restore the road safety condition, a case study is presented. The latter consists in a county road located in the Northern part of Romania (Suceava County), designated with the route number DJ 177A. The viability of the road was evaluated based on visual inspections and laboratory testing of its component materials. Based on the experimentally results several intervention works were suggested.

Geographic Distribution, Phenotype and Epidemiological Tendency in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients in Romania.

Background and objective: The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over the past years in Romania has been on the rise, but epidemiologic data are lacking. The aim of this study was to define the characteristics of IBD, the trends and phenotype among IBD patients in Romania. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective study over a period of 12 years, from 2006 to 2017. All patients diagnosed with IBD on clinical, radiological, endoscopic and histological features were included. We divided the country into eight regions: west (W), north-east (NE), north-west (NW), south-east (SE), south-west (SW), south (S), central (C) and Bucharest-Ilfov (B), and data were analyzed accordingly. Results: A total of 2724 patients were included in this database, but only 2248 were included in the final analysis, with all data available. Of the 2248 patients, 935 were Crohn’s disease (CD), 1263 were ulcerative colitis (UC) and 50 were IBD-undetermined. In UC phenotypes we observed more frequent left-sided colitis (50.5%, p < 0.0001), and in CD phenotype we observed more frequent colonic and ileo-colonic localization (37.8% and 37.6%, p < 0.0001). The region with the most IBD cases was NE (25.1%) and with the least IBD cases was SW (4.9%). UC was found more frequently in NE (32%), while CD was found more frequently in Bucharest (28.6%). Conclusions: In Romania, ulcerative colitis is more frequent than CD. UC is predominant in the northern part of Romania, while CD has become predominant in the southern part of the country. IBD occurs more in the male population, and in urban and industrialized areas. There are differences between the regions in Romania regarding IBD phenotypes, gender distributions, age distribution, treatment, smoking status and complications.

A Romanian case study of clothes and accessories upcycling

The present paper aims to investigate the practice of upcycling and redesign. The study draws on the multiple organizations involved in the redesigning activities. The organizations selected for the study are located in the northern part of Romania. Semi-structured interviews along with direct observations were used to collect information. The paper provides practical insights to upcycling process.Various kinds of redesigned products are made out of consumer and industrial wastes such as redesigned clothes, accessories for ladies, handbags, ladies purses and office stationery. Upcycling is generally considered as economically non-feasible. However, this study has found contradictory results. The demand-based redesign activities can help an organization to earn a profit. Two out of three selected organizations are able to self-sustain. One of the organizations is newly entered into the Romanian used clothing markets and ables to compete with existing players. This study could be seen as one of the early attempts to empirically explore the practice of textile and accessories upcycling practice in Eastern Europe. The findings from the current case study can provide several useful insights for other similar companies to make redesign activities profitable.

A Romanian case study of clothes and accessories upcycling

The present paper aims to investigate the practice of upcycling and redesign. The study draws on the multiple organizations involved in the redesigning activities. The organizations selected for the study are located in the northern part of Romania. Semi-structured interviews along with direct observations were used to collect information. The paper provides practical insights to upcycling process.Various kinds of redesigned products are made out of consumer and industrial wastes such as redesigned clothes, accessories for ladies, handbags, ladies purses and office stationery. Upcycling is generally considered as economically non-feasible. However, this study has found contradictory results. The demand-based redesign activities can help an organization to earn a profit. Two out of three selected organizations are able to self-sustain. One of the organizations is newly entered into the Romanian used clothing markets and ables to compete with existing players. This study could be seen as one of the early attempts to empirically explore the practice of textile and accessories upcycling practice in Eastern Europe. The findings from the current case study can provide several useful insights for other similar companies to make redesign activities profitable.

A Romanian case study of clothes and accessories upcycling

The present paper aims to investigate the practice of upcycling and redesign. The study draws on the multiple organizations involved in the redesigning activities. The organizations selected for the study are located in the northern part of Romania. Semi-structured interviews along with direct observations were used to collect information. The paper provides practical insights to upcycling process.Various kinds of redesigned products are made out of consumer and industrial wastes such as redesigned clothes, accessories for ladies, handbags, ladies purses and office stationery. Upcycling is generally considered as economically non-feasible. However, this study has found contradictory results. The demand-based redesign activities can help an organization to earn a profit. Two out of three selected organizations are able to self-sustain. One of the organizations is newly entered into the Romanian used clothing markets and ables to compete with existing players. This study could be seen as one of the early attempts to empirically explore the practice of textile and accessories upcycling practice in Eastern Europe. The findings from the current case study can provide several useful insights for other similar companies to make redesign activities profitable.

A Romanian case study of clothes and accessories upcycling

The present paper aims to investigate the practice of upcycling and redesign. The study draws on the multiple organizations involved in the redesigning activities. The organizations selected for the study are located in the northern part of Romania. Semi-structured interviews along with direct observations were used to collect information. The paper provides practical insights to upcycling process.Various kinds of redesigned products are made out of consumer and industrial wastes such as redesigned clothes, accessories for ladies, handbags, ladies purses and office stationery. Upcycling is generally considered as economically non-feasible. However, this study has found contradictory results. The demand-based redesign activities can help an organization to earn a profit. Two out of three selected organizations are able to self-sustain. One of the organizations is newly entered into the Romanian used clothing markets and ables to compete with existing players. This study could be seen as one of the early attempts to empirically explore the practice of textile and accessories upcycling practice in Eastern Europe. The findings from the current case study can provide several useful insights for other similar companies to make redesign activities profitable.

UNCONTROLLED DISCHARGES OF MINE WATER FROM CLOSED MINING PERIMETERS

In the northern part of Romania, in the former mining perimeters there have been significant leakage of mine waters that have severely affected the environment. The paper presents the causes and consequences of these uncontrolled leaks loaded with heavy metals. Issues related to minimizing the long-term consequences of this serious phenomenon on the part of the authorities are highlighted.

Evaluation of quality parameters and of natural radionuclides concentrations in natural mineral water in Romania

This paper presents the results of radiometric measurements and the main physical–chemical parameters obtained on samples of natural mineral water commercially available. The water samples originate from the Bucovina region, which is located in the northern part of Romania. Gross alpha and beta activities were measured for screening purposes and for guidance to the competent authorities in determining whether the water can be used for human consumption. Activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, 232Th and 226Ra were also determined, as well as the associated effective dose. The mean effective doses for an adult member of the public in Romania derived from the intake of naturally occurring alpha or beta radionuclides (40K, 238U, 232Th and 226Ra) in natural water varies between: 0.66 and 2.17 (µSv/year) for 40K; 1.12 and 1.71 (µSv/year) for 238U; 1.79 and 3.95 (µSv/year) for 232Th and 5.75 and 20.61 (µSv/year) for 226Ra. This assessment on natural mineral water springs from the Bucovina region updates data on the activity concentrations and effective doses due to intake of natural radionuclides for Romania.

Pedological Data from The Ciceu–Năsăud Hills Area, Northern Romania

The Ciceu–Năsăud Hills represent the northeastern branch of a larger physiographic unit called the Someş Tableland located in the northern part of Romania. The soil cover of this area consists mainly of Luvisols and Alisols (Udalfs) and Cambisols (Udepts) developed on eluvial–colluvial parent materials derived from Oligocene sandstones and conglomerates. The principal environmental features of these soils are their advanced acidity and low base status, partly inherited from the parent material but also accentuated by the dominant pedogenetic processes (lessivage and/or base depletion). The pedo-environment provided by the present day soil cover is well preserved in the Năsăud Hills, where land cover consists of forests and grasslands, while in the Ciceu Hills it is damaged by soil erosion and landslides as a consequence of the dominant arable land use and advanced deforestation.

Radon levels assessment in some Northern Romanian salt mines

Due to their low radioactivity background, underground salt mines spaces offer a unique possibility for speleotherapy use. The knowledge of radon concentration levels in such underground environments is essential for therapeutic purposes of different respiratory and rheumatic diseases. In order to develop speleotherapy in Romania, this paper presents the results of an indoor radon concentration levels survey in some salt mines in Romania. The survey was carried out using radon monitor Pylon AB-5 system methodology validated by a CIS-P5M system. In order to investigate whether differences in depth and microclimate parameters translate into significant differences in salt mine indoor radon concentrations, have been chosen three salts mine test sites placed in the Northern part of Romania (Turda, Cacica and Ocna Dej) in stable areas of the mining field at 32-120 m depth. Environmental microclimate conditions (mean values of air temperature 10-14.5 C, air humidity 65-80%, air velocity 0.2 m/s saline aerosols and low microbial factors) have anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties and recognized therapeu- tically effects on human body's health. Air temperature is one of the most important factors which need to be con- sidered when carrying out a survey of indoor radon con- centrations in salt mines because temperature largely determines close spaces ventilation rates, and ventilation habits are known to have significant effects on indoor radon concentrations. The analyzed environmental conditions and recorded low levels of indoor mean radon concentration (6.9 ± 0.39 and 96.5 ± 4.76 Bq/m 3 ) demonstrated the best suitability of the investigated three salt mines in Romania for speleotherapeutic applications.

ASSESSMENT OF NITRATE POLLUTION IN FIZES WATERSHED

River streams together with the adjacent riparian zones constitute essential multifunctional elements of the ecological network worldwide. Water Framework Directive demands a concerted approach towards the goal of achieving a good ecological state for all water bodies across Europe. Nitrate pollution is an issue that all Member States confront. It can be asserted that the sources of nitrate pollution are diffusing (multiple such discharges which are difficult to locate), while the main polluters (farms) are sensitive to everything that affects their economic viability. Fizes watershed, tributary of Somes catchment is located in the northern part of Romania and covers a surface of approximately 562 km2, with an average altitude of approximately 400 m. Nitrate concentration, together with other species of mobile nitrogen were measured in surface water along the Fizes watershed. The main pollution sources are represented by sediments generated by erosional processes and transported in the water bodies, and diffuse pollution sources originated from agricultural activities and the improper septic systems of the localities Through its features of relatively low antropic pressures and with little structural changes, Fizes watershed represents a natural laboratory for designing and implementing programs of restorations of watersheds in agricultural landscapes.

Data on Hypogaeus fungi of Romania

The authors present data on Hypogaeus fungi species collected on the territory of Transylvania in the northern part of Romania. The data refer to the morphology, ecology and chorology of 10 species, some of them found first on the territory. For each species the indications of place has been found and the date of collection already published. The exsicated material is kept in the authors' collection.