EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH REGARDING THE HARVEST OF SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM FAM. LAMIACEAE

Medicinal plants from Fam. Lamiaceae are characterized by the presence of compounds that have a high antioxidant activity. The quality of plant material depends on a complex of factors, which also includes harvesting. Applying especially to cultivated species, mechanized harvesting conditions the obtaining of profitable productions of medicinal plants.The paper presents the experimental results obtained in the tests of the Multifunctional equipment for harvesting medicinal and aromatic plants (experimental model) in the crops of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) Respectively Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), both from the fam. Lamiaceae, made on small areas

Valorization on the energy potential of Pistia stratiotes in sustainable agriculture-review

Of late years, aquatic plants have received increased attention due to their energy potential in sustainable agriculture. Pistia stratiotes also belongs to this category. A vital aspect in sustainable agriculture, to which there is a growing tendency, is the use of environmentally friendly methods. Aquatic plants are used as raw materials for various applications, such as food industry, health, agriculture and aquaculture, ecosystem management, being an essential renewable resource. Due to population growth, both developed and developing countries are mainly facing problems related to future energy security and the proper use of natural resources. As the search for renewable energy resource intensifies, there is a growing drive to identify and develop promising, environmentally friendly, low-carbon and low-carbon bioenergy raw materials. Fuel demand is rising, while food costs and waste are gradually rising. It is therefore necessary to address waste management and reduce pollution caused by excessive energy use and industrialization. The current study focuses on the potential for harnessing renewable energy in the Nile lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), namely, highlighting the process of residual biomass, biofuel and compost

Cu and Zn Interactions with Peptides Revealed by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by abnormal extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide depositions in the brain. Among amorphous aggregates, altered metal homeostasis is considered a common risk factor for neurodegeneration known to accelerate plaque formation. Recently, peptide-based drugs capable of inhibiting amyloid aggregation have achieved unprecedented scientific and pharmaceutical interest. In response to metal ions binding to Aβ peptide, metal chelation was also proposed as a therapy in AD. The present study analyzes the interactions formed between NAP octapeptide, derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), amyloid Aβ(9–16) fragment and divalent metal ions such as Cu and Zn. The binding affinity studies for Cu and Zn ions of synthetic NAP peptide and Aβ(9–16) fragment were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both mass spectrometric methods confirmed the formation of metal–peptide complexes while the AFM technique provided morphological and topographic information regarding the influence of metal ions upon peptide crystallization. Our findings showed that due to a rich histidine center, the Aβ(9–16) fragment is capable of binding metal ions, thus becoming stiff and promoting aggregation of the entire amyloid peptide. Apart from this, the protective effect of the NAP peptide was found to rely on the ability of this octapeptide to generate both chelating properties with metals and interactions with Aβ peptide, thus stopping its folding process

Assessment of the Relations for Determining the Profitability of Dairy Farms, A Premise of Their Economic Sustainability

The profitability of dairy farms is a broadly addressed issue in research, for different farming systems and even more so now, when it comes to the issue of sustainability in different agricultural fields. The present study presents an evaluation of the relations used for the determination of profitability of various categories of dairy farms, in terms of size, geographical area, and total milk production. In order to analyze the associated influence exerted on the level of profitability by the selected technical and economic indicators, regression functions were applied. The TableCurve program was used to determine the ideal equation that describes the data entered in a two- or three-dimensional representation. The research results showed that the size of farms and the level and value of milk production are directly correlated with profitability, and the unit cost is inversely correlated with it

Assessment of the Relations for Determining the Profitability of Dairy Farms, A Premise of Their Economic Sustainability

The profitability of dairy farms is a broadly addressed issue in research, for different farming systems and even more so now, when it comes to the issue of sustainability in different agricultural fields. The present study presents an evaluation of the relations used for the determination of profitability of various categories of dairy farms, in terms of size, geographical area, and total milk production. In order to analyze the associated influence exerted on the level of profitability by the selected technical and economic indicators, regression functions were applied. The TableCurve program was used to determine the ideal equation that describes the data entered in a two- or three-dimensional representation. The research results showed that the size of farms and the level and value of milk production are directly correlated with profitability, and the unit cost is inversely correlated with it