Laser Ablation Applied for Synthesis of Thin Films: Insights into Laser Deposition Methods

This chapter will focus on laser ablation applied for thin film deposition. The first thin films deposition method based upon laser ablation was pulsed laser deposition (PLD), that could produce thin films out of metals, ceramics and even temperature resistant organics. The need of depositing increasingly complex and delicate materials, lead to radical modifications of PLD and allowed other laser ablation methods to develop. If complex libraries are to be synthesized two or more plasmas will be mixed and the thin films will have a variable composition over surface. This technique is called Combinatorial PLD (CPLD)

RESEARCH ON THE NATURALNESS AND AUTHENTICITY OF SOME WINES EXPRESSED BY MAIN PARAMETERS AND QUALITY INDICES

Wine is a product widely consumed and establishing its authenticity is one of the most important aspects in quality and food safety.The naturalness and authentication, identification of fraud and determination of compliance of the product with the legal specifications on the label are the requirements of consumers and the European Community. In order to optimally solve this problem, the development and harmonization of valid analytical methods at national and European level, but also the establishment and expansion of the database necessary to improve the efficiency of wine control are priorities at international level

Comparative study on the antimicrobial activity of propolis, catechin, quercetin and gallic acid

Propolis, considered one of the most effective natural broad-spectrum antibiotics, which do not induce resistance or destroy the organism’s commensal flora, together with catechin, quercetin and gallic acid (at different concentrations), have been tested against Gram positive bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes ATTC 19615, Stapylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Gram negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, Shigella flexneri ATTC 12022, as well as the yeast Candida albicans ATTC 10231, using the agar diffusion method. Propolis and the three compounds showed antimicrobial potential at most concentrations. The highest sensitivity to propolis (conc. 0.001-1%) was shown by the Gram-positive bacterial strain S. pyogenes, followed by the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, while the other species had an equal and reduced reaction. Gallic acid showed high antibacterial activity on S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. enterica, and a reduced effect on other bacterial strains. The antibacterial efficiency of 3.0224% quercetin was high against the bacterium S. pyogenes and catechin (2.9028%) proved to be the best antifungal, followed by propolis 1%, and quercetin 3.0224%. At certain concentrations, propolis and the three compounds could supplement gentamicin and ampicillin, as they have shown similar or even higher antibacterial efficacy than conventional drugs

Perspectives on the Extension and Diversification of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Assortment by Exploiting Genetic Resources Conserved at The Plant Genetic Resources Bank of Buzău

The present study aims to evaluate the diversification of the current indigenous assortment of the genus Ocimum by obtaining new distinct genotypes with superior quality, following classical intraspecific hybridization and determination of their chemical composition. The germplasm collection contains 63 genotypes of which 27 are genetic stable. Among the stable genotypes, 4 genitors were studied as breeding material. The breeding procedures used were classical hybridization, negative mass selection and segregation. Laboratory analyses were also carried out in terms of chemical composition description. In the present research work, as a result of intraspecific hybridization, 4 new genotypes were obtained to enrich the local assortment of aromatic and medicinal plants of the genus Ocimum in Romania. The new morphotypes obtained have distinct characteristics and superior qualities

Expressivity and Variability of the Cherry Tomatoes Main Characters from Core Collection of Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buzău

The present study aims to phenotypically characterize cherry tomato varieties from core-collection to obtain a new morphotype with distinct phenotypic expressiveness and qualitative characters. Breeding procedures were carried out both in protected and open field for all genotypes under study and the breeding methods used were classical breeding, segregation, and selection.  Following the breeding process, from the segregations obtained, a variety was selected in the F2 generation, genotype L 312 A, which proved to be phenotypically distinct. This genotype is part of the assortment of medium cherry tricolour tomatoes with high firmness, ovoid fruit weighing about 30 g on average, two seed lobes and a length/diameter ratio of 1-1.2. A new tricolour cherry tomato variety was genetically stabilized. It has distinct phenotypic expressiveness and superior quality traits. Prospects aim to approve and patent the variety

Evaluation of the Main Qualitative and Quantitative Characters in the New Genotype of Salsola Soda Studied at the Buzău Plant Genetic Resources Bank

The present study aims to evaluate a new genotype of Salsola soda, a halophyte plant conserved at Plant Genetic Resources Bank Buzau. Soil salinity is becoming the key factor constraining agricultural production, which is why salt-tolerant species are increasingly being considered and will be of great economic importance. Salsola soda is a plant with multiple uses: food, biodesalinant, companion plant in intercrops. Within the group of halophyte plants conserved in the Bank's germplasm collection, the species Salsola soda has been studied with particular emphasis, carrying out phenological observations, biometric determinations and laboratory analyses according to UPOV and IGPRI descriptors. Following the observations, the genotype L3 was genetically stabilized with the following characteristics: plant height of 134 cm average; plant diameter of 109 cm average, green mass of 2078 g average. The genotype studied meets the DUS test, can be cultivated throughout our country, especially on arid and high salinity soils, and can be used in various human food preparations

Aspects regarding the Level of Education in the Context of Sustainable Development

Employers are demanding ever higher levels of training. Higher level qualifications offer the possibility of accessing those opportunities that appear on the labor market. Changes are occurring in all areas of social life. As a consequence of these changes, education is becoming more and more important. Employment rates can be increased by applying flexible learning pathways. Technological changes occur in economic systems, which are based on the updating of skills, abilities and knowledge. Both pre-university education, and especially higher education, have in mind the development of skills and competences. Sustainable development can be achieved through quality education. Through the analysis carried out, the statistical data related to students enrolled in pre-university education, as well as to people who have a tertiary level of education, are highlighted. The comparative analysis gives us a picture of the evolution of these educational indicators

Innovative therapeutic approach to chemical burns produced by vesicants; an experimental study

Vesicants are compounds that cause severe toxic effects on various tissues. Such chemical action causes tissue necrosis, with clinical expression of skin lesions with a burning character and characteristic blisters. Clinical toxic effects of cutaneous vesicles are correlated with the absorbed dose and exposure time. The goals of the study are to evaluate in vitro the skin toxicity produced by the vesicant chemical compound 2-chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide (CEES), to develop a complex antidote formula, and to optimize the therapeutic efficacy by inclusion in controlled release systems. The experimental protocol aims at the in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the vesicant compound CEES and of the optimized complex antidote, using the MTT cell viability test. Optimization of the complex antidote formula was achieved by developing and in vitro and in vivo testing of a fixed combination of active substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, formulated as a solution with cutaneous administration. In vitro cytotoxicity tests on fibroblast cultures revealed the protective effect of the newly developed antidote solution, specifically a dose-related effect in the case of vesicant exposure