https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/8302 2026-09-20T19:06:35Z https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37152 Impact of organic farming on crop yields, livestock productivity, and food safety FEDOTOV, Ludmila; CAISÎN, Larisa Sustainable agriculture is intrinsically linked to soil fertility, crop yields, and livestock production. Efficient resource management, including soil fertility, and sustainable agricultural technologies such as integrated farming systems are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability of agricultural production. Our research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to optimizing agricultural systems to achieve long-term sustainability, taking into account both agronomic and economic aspects. Materials and methods: Soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine key fertility parameters including organic matter content, pH, and the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A field evaluation was conducted to assess soil health indicators such as the presence of soil fauna, soil density, and soil structure. The yield of various crops was measured under different fertilizer regimes. Data on crop yields were analyzed statistically to identify correlations between yields and soil fertility parameters. Parameters such as animal population size, productivity, age, and health were evaluated. The composition and quality of animal feed were analyzed. An analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between soil fertility, crop yields, and livestock performance. The critical factors influencing the sustainability of the system were identified. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37151 Design and implementation of an image tracking-based augmented reality system for interactive educational applications URSU, Adriana This paper presents the design and implementation of an augmented reality (AR) solution aimed at optimizing educational processes by creating interactive learning environments. The proposed system employs advanced image recognition techniques to identify graphical elements in the physical environment through mobile device cameras and trigger associated digital content. The recognition algorithm is based on feature detection and matching, converting physical images into unique digital feature sets that allow precise activation of AR elements. Within the content creation workflow, augmented elements are developed using graphics engines and digital content editors, including interactive application platforms (Unity), 3D modeling software (Blender), and graphic design and animation tools (Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects). These tools enable the integration of 3D objects, animations, and interactive visual content into a coherent environment compatible with image recognition techniques. The paper details the system architecture, development and integration stages of AR content, as well as usage scenarios applied in real educational contexts. The analysis demonstrates that introducing interactive digital elements increases engagement, motivation, and accessibility of information, contributing to the efficiency of the learning process. Moreover, the proposed solution is scalable and adaptable, allowing rapid development of innovative educational applications and providing a technical framework for the future expansion of AR platforms in education. The obtained results confirm that image recognition and AR integration technologies constitute a viable direction for modernizing educational systems, offering both flexibility in instructional material design and the possibility of interactive assessment of user progress. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37149 Valorization of agri-food by-products in the development of functional probiotic beverages SABĂU, Sebastian; HODEA SILION, Andreea-Mădălina; COJOCARU, Simona; COJAN, Elena; HULEA, Constantina Rada; MIHĂILĂ, Daniela; GEORGESCU, Ana-Maria; MIRILA, Diana-Carmen; SILION, Mihaela; RUBTOVA, Silvia; NISTOR, Ileana-Denisa The valorization of food waste represents a key modern direction in the development of a circular economy. Transforming agri-food by-products into functional products, such as probiotic beverages, provides both nutritional benefits and ecological advantages. Bran, traditional fermented wheat bran broth (borș), grape pomace, and damaged or unsellable wild berries are nutrient-rich resources well suited for fermentation and for producing value-added probiotic beverages.Probiotic beverages are fermented products that contain live beneficial microorganisms, primarily lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) and non-pathogenic yeasts. The fermentation process transforms raw materials into products that are more digestible and microbiologically stable, while enabling microorganisms to synthesize essential compounds, including vitamins (such as B-complex vitamins), polyphenols, carotenoids, and organic acids (lactic, acetic), which exert prophylactic effects on human health. These bioactive compounds primarily improve digestion by promoting a healthy gut microbiota, suppressing putrefactive microorganisms, and supporting intestinal microbial balance. Fermentation also creates a prebiotic environment that promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, enhances intestinal barrier function, and reduces systemic inflammation. Recent studies demonstrate that plant-based fermented beverages also reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and insomnia symptoms due to their antioxidant activity. Moreover, these products support the reduction of adipose tissue and body weight by enhancing sugar metabolism and stimulating intestinal thermogenesis. For example, polyphenols from sea buckthorn and resveratrol from grape seeds inhibit lipid peroxidation, contributing to obesity management by promoting lipolysis and modulating gut microbiota composition. In the academic context, the valorization of agro-industrial waste aligns these beverages with the principles of the circular economy by minimizing post-harvest losses. Current research focuses on optimizing fermentation parameters to maximize probiotic viability, which is essential for substantiating health claims in accordance with EU Regulation 1924/2006. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.utm.md/handle/5014/37148 Ripening-dependent changes in key bioactive compounds of some sea buckthorn cultivars implications for harvest optimization CHETRARIU, Ancuța; DIANU, Irina; MACARI, Artur; OROIAN, Mircea Adrian; NETREBA, Natalia; AVRĂMIA, Ionuț; SANDU, Iuliana; DABIJA, Adriana Sea buckthorn is a sun-loving species prized for its nutrient-dense orange berries, which are extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural sectors. This study investigated four cultivars-Dora, Cora, Mara, and Clara-cultivated in the Republic of Moldova over a 60-day period (August to September), with a focus on the evolution of key ripening indicators: vitamin C, total carotenoids, and organic acids. Ascorbic acid, a crucial bioactive compound, declined steadily as the fruits matured. The Clara, Dora, and Mara cultivars showed an approximately 2.5-fold reduction in concentration, whereas the Cora cultivar exhibited a more pronounced, nearly fourfold decrease, indicating notable genetic differences in nutrient retention. Carotenoid accumulation, responsible for the berries’ antioxidant properties, displayed cultivar-specific patterns: Clara, Dora, and Mara reached peak levels in late August, followed by a decline due to overripening, while the Cora cultivar showed a continuous increase, reaching its maximum at the end of the study period. Malic acid was identified as the predominant organic acid. In addition to shaping the berries’ characteristic tart and astringent flavor, it contributes to stabilizing the antioxidant matrix and enhancing the bioavailability of polyphenols. Overall, the results highlight that the stage of ripening plays a decisive role in defining the biochemical profile of sea buckthorn. The distinct responses observed among the cultivars suggest that harvest timing should be carefully tailored to the intended industrial purpose, whether to maximize vitamin C content or to optimize carotenoid extraction. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z