Social Fieldwork Research : Child Participation in Justice Report - Romania

A national analysis of the situation of children involved in judicial proceedings (as victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings, and as part to the civil proceedings) in Romania, conducted within the ‘Child Participation in Justice’ project of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA). The research report, built on a mixed-methods large scale study (desk-research, 53 interviews and two focus-groups), showed that Romania was lacking a proper juvenile justice system or even a justice system that is adapted to the needs of the child

Geological and ecological assessment of the exposure degree of the Zăton-Bulba karst system (Mehedinţi Plateau) to anthropogenic hazards: intrinsic vulnerability and biodiversity study

The Mehedinţi Plateau represents an area highly marked by the intensity of the karst processes and by the diversity of the exokarst and endokarst features. The analyzed area includes two parallel limestone bars, developed on the Carpathian structures direction (NNE-SSW). The geological and geomorphological research, guided by a working protocol similar to that of the EPIK method, highlighted the role played by the lithology, structure, tectonics, epikarst and protective cover, related to the infiltration conditions, flow parameters and impact area of a potential contamination event; also, we carried on microtectonic studies on the Bulba Valley, Peşterii Hill, Podul Natural Cave and Bulba Cave. In addition to the results obtained following the EPIK method protocol, we bring forward data concerning the water quality, performing hydrogeochemical analyses on water samples collected from the main sources in the region. Our research has been focused on TDS, on cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, NH4+) and on anions (HCO3-, Cl-). We conclude by modelling the cumulative abundance and the species richness of the harvestmen (Opiliones) in the studied area, under different degrees of human impact on habitat

Preliminary study on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar joints of aluminum alloy and pure copper by FSW

Aluminum and copper are two common metals and Al-Cu joints are commonly used in the power industry. Overlay joints of 3105 aluminum alloy and commercially pure copper were produced by FSW, microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated. A combination of optical and scanning electron microscopy is used to characterize the microstructures in the copper and heat affected zone in the aluminum near the fusion line. The hardness distribution was analyzed and residual stresses were measured at the stir zone, copper side and aluminum alloy side

Waterbody availability and use by amphibian communities in a rural landscape

Rural landscapes in central and eastern Europe provide valuable ecosystem services and support high levels of biodiversity. These landscapes face an increasing pressure from human development and changes in agricultural practices. Pond-breeding amphibians and their breeding habitats are especially vulnerable to land-use changes. We studied waterbody use by amphibians in a rural landscape from Haţeg Geopark, Central Romania, a region where large areas are still under traditional land use. We surveyed 55 waterbodies, characterized them and their surrounding terrestrial habitats with 22 variables. Amphibians were more sensitive to waterbody-related variables than to landscape parameters. Man-made waterbodies had lower species richness than natural ones, but often represent the only breeding habitats available. The low importance of the landscape variables for amphibians is the result of traditional and environment-friendly land management, which maintains a mosaic landscape where the optimal terrestrial habitats for amphibians are still well represented

Comparing three body condition indices in amphibians: a case study of yellow-bellied toad Bombina variegata

Body condition is important because it is correlated with population and habitat quality parameters. Since the direct measurements are either lethal or unreliable, a wide range of non-lethal body condition indices has been proposed. The aim of our study was to apply and compare three body condition indices (Fulton's index, relative body condition mass index and residual index) using body size indicator - body mass data for 24 populations of the yellow bellied toad (Bombina variegata). The condition index should be independent of body size indicator, in this case snout vent length (SVL). Therefore we tested all three indices for the statistical independence of SVL and for the normality of distribution. Fulton's index violated the independence assumption, whereas the relative body condition mass index did not have a normal distribution. Residual index was found both independent of SVL and normally distributed. Moreover, the residual index highlighted biological significant differences on the basis of altitude and season. Our results recommend the residual index as a useful tool in amphibian monitoring and conservation

Food level and light conditions affect the antipredator behavior in larvae of a stream-breeding amphibian

Understanding how long-term changes in environmental conditions influence the way that individuals cope with threats is essential in the context of behavioral adaptation to a rapidly changing world. However, little is known about the behavioral responses to predation risk for individuals that experienced different environmental conditions for extended periods of time, such as food levels and light conditions. In this experimental study, we tested whether previous long-term exposure to different food levels (low versus high) and light conditions (0-hour light versus 8-hour light) play a significant role in shaping the antipredator response (i.e., the probability of emerging from the refuge and the distance moved) to stimuli from caged larval dragonflies, in larvae of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). Specifically, we quantified behavioral differences in the response to predation risk in larval salamanders that were reared in the laboratory for two months under controlled food and light conditions. The results of this study showed that the interaction between food level and light conditions affected the antipredator behavior of the larvae. Fire salamander larvae maintained at low food levels and in 8-hour light conditions emerged from the refuge with a higher probability (i.e., took more risk) than larvae maintained at high food levels and all other combinations of light conditions. Thus, our results highlight the complexity of antipredator responses, pointing attention to the fact that interactions among environmental factors are likely to determine the magnitude of antipredator response

Food level and light conditions affect the antipredator behavior in larvae of a stream-breeding amphibian

Understanding how long-term changes in environmental conditions influence the way that individuals cope with threats is essential in the context of behavioral adaptation to a rapidly changing world. However, little is known about the behavioral responses to predation risk for individuals that experienced different environmental conditions for extended periods of time, such as food levels and light conditions. In this experimental study, we tested whether previous long-term exposure to different food levels (low versus high) and light conditions (0-h light versus 8-h light) plays a significant role in shaping the antipredator response (i.e., the probability of emerging from the refuge and the distance moved) to stimuli from caged larval dragonflies, in larvae of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra). Specifically, we quantified behavioral differences in the response to predation risk in larval salamanders that were reared in the laboratory for 2 months under controlled food and light conditions. The results of this study showed that the interaction between food level and light conditions affected the antipredator behavior of the larvae. Fire salamander larvae maintained at low food levels and in 8-h light conditions emerged from the refuge with a higher probability (i.e., took more risk) than larvae maintained at high food levels and all other combinations of light conditions. Thus, our results highlight the complexity of antipredator responses, pointing attention to the fact that interactions among environmental factors are likely to determine the magnitude of antipredator response

DOI:10.2298/ABS0703233G ON SOME ONISCIDEA AND DIPLOPODA FROM THE RETEZAT MASSIF. FIRST RECORD OF PORCELLIUM PRODUCTUM FRANKENBERGER, 1940

The Oniscidea and Diplopoda from the Retezat Massif are relatively well studied, the Diplopoda being better known than the Oniscidea. Up to now, only two species of Oniscidea were recorde