Technical University of Moldova

Urban forests serve as representations of nature within city landscapes. Green Forest, spanning 5,198,412 square meters, has been incorporated into the Municipality of Timișoara's public domain and designated as a forest park. This fact increased green space per capita and enriched biodiversity within Timișoara's landscape architecture. This study explores the diversity of Green Forest trees and highlights their contribution to the urban landscape. Statistical methods, including comparative and linear relationships analyses, were employed to assess significant variations in the dendrometric parameters of the analyzed tree species: mean tree height, mean trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), tree age, and stand density. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were applied to uncover underlying patterns in the data. Using ArchiCAD and Lumion, high-quality 3D visual representations were developed for an ecological education area, an active recreation region, and a passive recreation area within Green Forest. Due to their morphological characteristics and phenotypic traits, the predominant tree species include Quercus robur, Quercus cerris, Quercus rubra, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus campestris, and Robinia pseudoacacia, which contribute to Timișoara's urban aesthetic. Moreover, the results of the dendrometric analysis provide a foundation for further research in urban ecology. A key practical application of this study is landscape design renderings, which provide detailed and realistic visualizations to effectively communicate the design and functionality of Green Forest's spaces. If implemented, these developments will encourage public engagement with nature, promoting mental and physical well-being within the community.

This research investigates the quality and safety of vacuum-packed chilled rabbit meat. The study evaluates organoleptic, physico-chemical, and microbiological parameters of rabbit meat stored under vacuum conditions at 0-4 °C for a defined period. The results demonstrate that vacuum packaging effectively extends shelf life, preserving meat's safety and quality. After the full storage period (10 days, plus an additional 3-day reserve period), the meat maintained acceptable organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical stability, and microbiological safety. Laboratory analyses confirmed that chilled rabbit meat is safe for consumption and complies with all current regulatory requirements.

The valorisation of winemaking by-products is an important approach for the development of functional foods. This study investigated the effect of grape skin powder (GSP, 0–10%, m/m) incorporation on the quality of a laboratory-scale dairy-based frozen dessert prototype. Five formulations (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10% GSP) were evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, oxidative stability, colour parameters, microbiological quality and sensory acceptability. Increasing GSP levels led to a progressive decrease in pH (6.72– 5.62) and a slight increase in fat content (26.25–27.66%), while dry matter remained above 54%. Lipid oxidation during frozen storage was reduced in GSP-fortified samples, with peroxide values decreasing from 1.70 meq O₂/kg fat in the control to 1.36 meq O₂/kg fat at 10% GSP after 28 days. Pronounced colour changes were observed (ΔE* = 37–55), associated with grape skin anthocyanins. Functional enrichment was confirmed by increased total polyphenol content (up to 139 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (up to 33.6%). Moderate GSP addition (2.5–5.0%) was associated with lower microbial counts, while higher levels introduced additional indigenous microflora. Sensory evaluation indicated good overall acceptability, with the 5% GSP formulation providing the most balanced profile. Overall, grape skin powder shows strong potential as a functional ingredient for dairy-based frozen desserts.

Over one billion children globally are exposed to violence each year and 55 million European children experience violence in their lifetime. Parenting interventions are a key strategy to reduce child maltreatment and promote child outcomes. Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children (PLH-YC) is an in-person parenting program, tested for use in Romania, Moldova, and North Macedonia. Implementation experiences across these settings highlighted key barriers and facilitators to scale-up, including (a) program factors: program length, session duration, home visits, incentives, online delivery; (b) political factors: political will, decision-maker turnover, international politics; and (c) service environment factors: facilitators, human resources, travel infrastructure, recruitment, referral pathways, and scale-up avenues. Drawing on these lessons, this practice note shares practical recommendations for others working to scale parenting interventions in South-East Europe and similar contexts.

Abstract Disparities in formal bioinformatics training exacerbate the global skills gap, impeding the democratized application of advanced genomic technologies. To bridge this divide, we introduce a scalable, hybrid training framework designed to rapidly accelerate regional bioinformatics capacity. We exemplify this approach through the Eastern European Bioinformatics and Genomics (EEBG) workshop series — a cross-disciplinary initiative that pairs international faculty with local institutions to deliver modular, hands-on curricula. Functioning as a structured knowledge-transfer pipeline, the series has catalyzed a sustainable educational ecosystem, evidenced by the establishment of multiple independent summer schools across the region. The assessment of the 2025 EEBG workshop in Kraków, Poland, validates the model’s viability; participant metrics confirm high efficacy in skill acquisition (mean satisfaction: 4.4/5.0) and community building. Crucially, the hybrid delivery mode dismantled geographic barriers, serving as a vital mechanism for maintaining scientific continuity for researchers facing displacement and crisis. Synthesizing these outcomes, we define the core features of a replicable blueprint for scientific readiness in resource-constrained environments. We conclude by presenting a strategic roadmap — organized around infrastructure standardization, governance sustainability, and geographical expansion — for adapting this regional proof-of-concept into a global export-ready model, offering a critical path toward ensuring universal access to genomic innovation.

The European Union provides unprecedented support to developing regions and autonomous territorial communities in the Republic of Moldova through the “Economic Recovery Plan for Moldova,” emphasizing the need to implement ambitious reforms for the benefit of citizens and to strengthen health systems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the current state of the healthcare system in the Transnistrian region and highlighted the urgent need to integrate it into the European digital ecosystem. The digital transformation of the economy and the healthcare sector in the Eastern Partnership (EaP) regions constitutes a strategic objective, with significant implications for interregional cooperation, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, and community wellbeing. In this context, the implementation of the Living Lab concept was proposed through an innovative public–private partnership model aimed at modernizing “Family Medicine Centers” and facilitating electronic interactions of the G2C, G2B, and G2G types. Such an approach would enhance the interoperability of information systems and strengthen cooperation among universities, local administrations, businesses, and civil society. The study’s conclusions underscore the considerable potential of digital transformation to improve healthcare service delivery and economic collaboration, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life in the region.

Primary hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening endocrine disorder in dogs. Affected animals may present with clinicopathological features mimicking acute kidney injury (AKI). The challenge in diagnosing hypoadrenocorticism arises from its highly heterogeneous and non-specific clinical presentation, including acute kidney injury (AKI). This retrospective observational study aimed to evaluate dogs presenting with AKI and to identify cases in which primary hypoadrenocorticism was the underlying etiology. Thirty-four dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury were evaluated at the Clinical Hospital for Companion Animals of the “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Life Sciences, Iași, Romania, among which three (8.8%) were endocrinologically confirmed to have primary hypoadrenocorticism. The evaluation protocol included a complete clinical examination, hematological, biochemical, and hormonal investigations, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, and an ACTH stimulation test. These dogs exhibited hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, a reduced sodium-to-potassium ratio, and azotemia at admission, closely resembling intrinsic AKI. Following fluid therapy and hormone replacement, rapid normalization of electrolyte and renal parameters was observed. These findings support hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance as the primary mechanisms underlying reversible prerenal azotemia in these cases. If not diagnosed early, this condition has a significant risk of progressing to acute tubular necrosis. The findings highlight the need for careful differentiation between primary AKI and renal dysfunction secondary to Addison’s disease, as well as the importance of promptly initiating hormone replacement therapy. In conclusion, hypoadrenocorticism should be considered in dogs presenting with AKI and electrolyte imbalance. Early endocrine evaluation and prompt initiation of targeted therapy are essential to avoiding misdiagnosis and optimizing clinical outcomes.

Poultry farming ranks among the most rapidly expanding sectors of global agriculture, significantly contributing to food availability, improved dietary quality, and economic stability in rural areas. The sector’s efficiency stems from short production cycles and the ability to convert agricultural by-products into high-quality protein, energy, and essential nutrients. Despite these benefits, the growing scale of poultry production raises serious environmental concerns, including intensive use of land and water, high feed demand, and impacts on greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrient balance, and water quality. This study examines the poultry industry in the Republic of Moldova, where it forms a crucial component of the agricultural economy. Drawing on recent statistical data and scientific literature, the article reviews production dynamics, farm structures, and technological adoption, offering a comprehensive overview of the sector’s current state. The findings highlight both the sector’s essential role in strengthening food security and rural livelihoods and its susceptibility to resource limitations and environmental pressures. The analysis emphasizes the importance of implementing precision livestock farming technologies, improving biosecurity, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices as key strategies for long-term sector resilience. These insights aim to support policymakers and stakeholders in developing effective strategies to ensure a competitive and sustainable poultry industry in Moldova.

The design of the sales space is one of the essential components of modern commercial activity, influencing purchasing behavior, the image of the store and the economic efficiency of the retail activity. In the context of the evolution of digital commerce, new technologies and changes in consumer preferences, the strategies for organizing and designing the commercial space are going through a complex process of transformation. The article analyzes the main contemporary trends in the design of sales spaces, emphasizing digitalization, sustainability, personalization and customer experience.