BrainMap

Mrs. Gabriela Cristea

Dr.

Senior Researcher - INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Researcher | Scientific reviewer

Web of Science ResearcherID: C-3918-2012

Expertise & keywords

Back to the egg: hen eggs authentication and traceability - a focus on provenance and specific characteristics Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-2406 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); AVIS COLLECTION SRL (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/egg-storry/

Abstract:

EGG STORY project scope is to develop a chemometric model, as a new integrated approach, using innovative fingerprinting techniques, on the chain water-soil-forage-egg, to obtain the best markers which will certify the origin and distinguish the specific qualities of „S.C. AVIS COLLECTION S.R.L.” hen eggs in order to promote these foodstuffs on national and EU level for future registration as PGI, taking into account that these eggs are already certified as “mountain product” since 2020. Eggs belong to the products covered by EU regulation 1308/2013 on the common organization of the agricultural markets.

By now in Romania, there are only 6 products certified as PGI. Proof of provenance has become an important topic in the field of quality, traceability and consumer protection. Stable isotopes fingerprinting looks as the most feasible way to establish the geographical origin of food products.

Project scope is in accordance with „Enjoy, it’s from Europe” - the new EC promotion policy, which aims to support producers in the agro-food sector, because there is a good potential, but not yet exploited in Romania, for the recognition and promotion of local brands through their inclusion in the EU quality schemes. The innovative model will start from TRL 2 because the approach that will be used had proved to be effective for wine, vegetables, milk and cheese authentication. After the project implementation, TRL 4 will be reached because during the project lifetime, this new chemometric model will be developed and validated by our research team in order to emphasize the uniqueness elements of investigated eggs. The model validation will be made through the application of EU acknowledged analytical methods (Isotope Ratios Mass Spectrometry, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Gas Chromatography, and advanced chemometrics),which are already implemented in our laboratory. Model testing will be accomplished by analysis of unknown hen eggs samples sold on Romanian market

Wine fingerprint recognition based on spectroscopic methods and Artificial Intelligence Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2021-1095 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/winerec-ai/index.html

Abstract:

One of the most important questions in enology and prevention of wines adulteration are related to the correct assessment of geographical origin, cultivar and vintage. Apart from the continuous improvement of analytical methods, an important aspect is related to the development of reliable data processing tools. Metabolomics represents the comprehensive and nonselective analytical chemistry approach aimed to prove a global description of all the metabolites present in a biological sample at any given time. The main methods of metabolomic analysis rely on spectroscopic detection. Two basic approaches are used in metabolomics: target and nontargeted (profiling and fingerprinting) analysis. Presently, the main analytical techniques that are used for food metabolomics studies are nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as well as mass spectrometry (MS)- based techniques. Beside these, Raman spectroscopy also proved a high potential for the development of new recognition models for food and beverage differentiation and starts to benefit by an increase interest from research and control laboratories in this regard. Nowadays, an emerging step in the development of food and beverages authentication tools is given by the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for the construction of recognition models with respect to predefined criteria (i.e. geographical origin, cultivar, vintage). The project aims the development of an innovative web application for wine authenticity control which will rely on new recognition models for wine discrimination according to geographical origin, cultivar and vintage. The models will be built using artificial intelligence (AI) for the advanced data processing of the 1H-NMR and Raman spectra. Different Machine Learning algorithms (ML) will be used for the models’ development. The approach based on which the best recognition models will be built will be further used for the web application development.

Pork meat authentication - from farm to table, we'll meet the meat Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare pentru stimularea tinerelor echipe independente - TE-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2021-0060 2022 - 2024

Role in this project: Project coordinator

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/romeatmarkers/

Abstract:

Meat is one of the most important basic foodstuffs in human nutrition, being an important source of protein. World meat production is expected to double by 2050. Pigs red meat is consumed worldwide, representing about 36 % from world meat production. Romanians are important pork meat consumers, the annual mean quantity consumed per capita being around 36 kg. Pig breeding represents a traditional activity in Romania. The traceability of meat represents an important issue, due to the fact that it might poses a high influence on consumer perception about its quality. The scope of the project is to develop chemometric models to identify the differentiation best markers for the geographical origin, animal’s diet, and fatty acids profiles of Romanian investigated pork meat samples, in order to promote this food on unique market. Regarding the originality and novelty of Ro-MEAT-MARKERS project, so far, no official multi-isotopic analysis methods in the authentication of animal products exist. IRMS, as investigation method, will be corroborated with ICP-MS, GC-FID and chemometrics. We aim, also, to determine the fatty acids profile for Bazna pig versus those grown in intensive conditions, in order to promote Bazna pig indigenous race and its special characteristics. Besides recognized statistical treatments (like LDA), artificial neural networks (ANNs) will be used.

Metabolomic approaches – challenges and a step forward in honey recognition. Call name: P 4 - Proiecte de Cercetare Exploratorie, 2020
PN-III-P4-ID-PCE-2020-0644 2021 - 2023

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/honeyomics/

Abstract:

At EU level, the demanded honey quantities are not satisfied by internal production. As a result, significant quantities are imported from other countries outside EU (i.e. China, Argentina) which need a rigorous control, honey being the third most adulterated product in the world. Its price tendency will be directly reflected in the rarity of a certain honey type, either in terms of geographical or botanical origin. In this case, the temptation of passing some counterfeit, cheap honeys under the label of some exclusive ones, in order to gain an illegal profit exists among some sellers or unfair producers. In this context, this project aims the development of new chemometric models able to differentiate among honeys with distinct geographical and botanical origin and also to detect honey adulteration through the addition of cheaper honey types to much rare honey varieties. Metabolomic approches based on vibrational (IR, Raman) and fluorescence spectroscopies will be developed, their classification potential being compared and validated based on acknowledged methods like isotope and elemental profiling. The large generated experimental data sets will be processed using supervised chemometric techniques (LDA and SIMCA) as well as artificiall intelligence (Machine Learning). The development of predictive models able to differentiate among distinct honey varieties and to identify adulterated samples using Machine Learning will represent a novelty at international level.

Transylvanian spirits – from story to local fingerprint Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2019-1699 2020 - 2022

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/transyprint/index_files/index_ro.htm

Abstract:

The project scope is to strength the expertise of our laboratory, through the development of new analytical services, able to assure the fruits distillates authentication, with respect to the geographical and botanical origin, based on acknowledged and emerging techniques for this purpose.

To achieve the main scope of the project, the identification of isotopic and elemental fingerprint of some Transylvanian distillate types (plums, pears, apples, cherry and apricots) will be performed. Thus, this project will allow the development of the first Romanian database which would contain traceability markers for the correct classification of Transylvanian fruits spirits. By the corroboration of this markers, through supervised chemometric methods, the development of chemometric models able to differentiate among geographical origin as well as, the fruit variety which was the precursor of obtained distillates will be generated.

The novelty elements of the project at national and international will consist in: i) The first isotopic and elemental fingerprinting of Transylvanian fruit distillates with the main aim of their further certification in accordance with the EU legislation; ii) Development of new chemometric models for geographical and varietal origin discrimination of distillates; iii) Application of metabolomics (based on vibrational and 1H-NMR spectroscopies) for the classification with respect to geographical origin and variety of Transylvanian fruit spirits; iv) Identification of specific fingerprint of Transylvanian distillates with respect to the fruit variety which was used as raw material.

The achievement of project objectives will contribute to the international and national promotion of the Transylvanian distillates based on scientific argument, using different dissemination tools (i.e. paper publication in high impact ISI journals, results presentations in scientific events as well as to the economic environment).

Underwater geological structures prone to the generation and accumulation of biogases - associated geo-biogeochemical processes Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0178 2018 - 2021

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA - GEOECOMAR

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU GEOLOGIE SI GEOECOLOGIE MARINA - GEOECOMAR (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MARINĂ "GRIGORE ANTIPA"-I.N.C.D.M. CONSTANŢA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE - DEZVOLTARE PENTRU FIZICA SI INGINERIE NUCLEARA " HORIA HULUBEI " - IFIN - HH (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: https://sites.google.com/view/ubiogas

Abstract:

In comparison with the accumulations of thermogenic methane, the accumulations of biogenic ones are formed in more predictable geological settings. At global level it has been assessed that more than 20% of the total methane reserves are biogenic. In the last decade in Romania the interest for the biogenic methane has increased constantly and the most important discovery, with reserves that can cover the entire needs for methane of Romania for 6-8 years, is methane of biogenic origin. This finding of biogenic methane is in the Domino geological structure, offshore Black Sea, in the Romanian economic exclusive zone.

The present research program, uBioGas, by its 3 projects: (10 Plio-Quaternary geological structures favorable to the generation and accumulation of biogenic methane in the Romanian zone at the Black Sea; (2) Determination of bio-geochemical parameters associated to the geological structures evidenced in the project (1), requested for 1D modelling of the methane generation processes and development of analogies regarding the generation and accumulation processes that take place in the Plio-Quaternary pile of sediments.

(3) Paleogeographic evolution of the studied region, in the framework of nowadays and Quaternary environment - climate changes, their influence against the processes of generation and accumulation of methane.

According with the project’s topic and with the structure of the consortium that performs the research program, the project is an interdisciplinary one, with researchers from geosciences (geologists, geophysicists, geochemists), natural sciences (chemistry, physics, biology), from almost all Romanian regions.

The projects valorize the available Romanian research infrastructure, but will also contributes to the further development of it, by adding new equipments and updates to the ones needed to perform the researches, in accordance with the global developments, including the training of researchers in using the new technologies.

A new chemometric approach for white wines authentication, based on unconventional markers Call name: P 2 - SP 2.1 - Proiect experimental - demonstrativ
PN-III-P2-2.1-PED-2016-1025 2017 - 2018

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/chemwine/

Abstract:

One of the most important questions in enology and prevention of adulteration in wine are grape varieties, geographical origin of wine and year of vintage assessment. The falsification may be more or less sophisticated and the quality of falsification as well as its cost increases with the improvement of analytical methods, and there is always a competitive technical race between the falsifier and the researcher in the detection of food adulteration.

The general objective of project is to increase the analytical capacity of Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography and Ion Physics Laboratory from National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Cluj-Napoca, in terms of wine authentication capabilities, by the development of new lab-validated models that would be possible to be transferred to economic agents together with the existing accredited methods for which our laboratory is already recognized at European level like Official Laboratory for Wine Control. The novelty degree of the proposed project is given by the corroboration of some unconventional techniques for white wine authentication with new chemometric methods for the processing of analytical data, using various fuzzy algorithms.

Determination of contaminants in edible agricultural products using modern mass spectrometry or rapid immunoassay Call name:
2016 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/pncdi/contagri/

Abstract:

This project proposes the application of high precision analytical methods (ICP-MS, IRMS, GC-MS) in terms of quality and food safety, with particular reference to foods for infants and young children (infant formula, juices, fruit smoothies and vegetables) commercialized in supermarkets from Romania and China, respectively. The first aim of this project is the development and application of advanced techniques for the determination of chemical contaminants, essential and potentially toxic elements present at trace levels; secondly, isotope ratio method that allows objective verification of the origin and food quality. An important objective of this cooperation is considered training of young researchers in the interdisciplinary research groups in high-performance scientific laboratories. The novelty of the approach lies in the combination of several analytical methods ICP-MS, IRMS, GC-MS. Through this project we aim to establish a first contact between the two groups scientific research partner in the project and also obtain international visibility of scientific results both in terms of collaborative development of scientific papers and the development of new analytical methods. Results will contribute to improving the quality of foods for infants and children, in order to protect the health of future generations.

Organic vs. Conventional agriculture? – Applications of isotopic techniques in vegetable traceability assessment Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - RUTE -2014 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2014-4-0934 2015 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru159/index.htm

Abstract:

The main objective of the project is the implementation of new techniques / multi-isotopic methods, for vegetables authentication and traceability, corroborated with metal content and pesticide residues, in order to control the quality and traceability of such products. Besides the main scientific objective of the project a special interest is given to the formation of a young researcher team in the field of food security and also, the accreditation extension of our laboratory for isotopic analysis for vegetables authentication and traceability assessment. IZOGREEN project will use the isotopic fingerprint for independent checks or fill of gaps on quality, traceability and proper labeling of vegetables commercialized on Romanian market. The project aims the identification of most suitable markers or association of markers that allows differentiating between organic vegetables and vegetables obtained through conventional agriculture and also, that could distinguish between vegetables grown in greenhouses and those from field. Thus, this project will implement, for the first time in Romania, isotopic fingerprinting of Transylvanian vegetables, using isotopic ratios of stable light isotopes. The project will have a major role in the transfer of know-how, training of young researchers and the optimization of the latest analytical methods in the field. Founding this project, would allow the formation of a young research team in the field of food safety.

DEVELOPMENT OF INOVATIVE METHODS, IMPLEMENTATION OF FUNCTIONAL AND DEMONSTRATIVE MODELS IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ON THE UNIQUE MARKET THE TRADITIONAL CHEESES MANUFACTURED IN TRANSYLVANIA Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA 2013 - call
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2013-4-2067 2014 - 2017

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); COMPANIA DE INFORMATICA APLICATA S.A. (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE (U.M.F) Cluj-Napoca (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.cianet.ro/tradfood

Abstract:

Part of the interdisciplinary applied research, the TRAD_FOOD project aims to develop innovative ways to certify molecular and biochemical markers specific for traditional dairy products obtained in Transylvania, in order to use them for authenticity certification of these products on the European market. The methods of processing the traditional dairy products are an integrated part of the folklore of the region that imposes its particularities through geographical printing. The nowadays consumers’ require traditional dairy products obtained in safety and quality conditions, healthier and more nutritious, adapted to the modern society. The lack of innovative methods currently implemented in Romania for geographical printing of dairy products leads to the insufficient exploration of this domain by the traditional producers found in regions with specific character.

In order to facilitate the maximum exploitation of this significant area of production and to help out the producers, the purpose of this project is to test and implement biochemical and molecular methods to certify the authenticity and origin of products, taking as study model various cow and sheep cheeses obtained in Transylvania. These methods will be used further for certifying other similar products obtained in other regions of the country. Thus, the project will implement for the first time in Romania, the isotopic print of cheese obtained in Transylvania by using the reports of easy stable isotopes (2H/1H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O). The isotopical print of animal dairy product by using complementary methods such as IRMS and ICP-MS techniques is new for Romania and also worldwide. This project is also aiming to test and validate molecular techniques – such as PCR to certify the DNA of the species – and the IEF technique to identify the milk protein specie-specific. These methods are currently the safest techniques to establish and confirm the species and the authenticity of food products; however they are not used in our country. The quality of the raw material and of the end-products will be assessed through the PCR technique. By implementing these methods in the dairy production chain, in every stage of milk processing, a data base will be formed which can develop the knowledge of the producers, as well as of the control authorities. The analytical methods of the gathered biochemical data will be based on chemometrical testing, this way assuring the accuracy of the evaluation.

The complexity of this project is also given by its interdisciplinary character, various competences being needed in fields like physics, food chemistry, biology, pedology and hydrology. The methods used in determining the Romanian cheeses’ uniqueness are of high precision, in full development in the UE, so that the project can be considered an interdisciplinary one of high complexity. The added value of the project resides in the development of traditional rural production from Transylvania area by conceiving a methodological model of authentication and by submitting for accreditation validated methods for certifying the traditional cheeses in order to commercialize them on the unique market. The results are validated through: the elaboration of a practical guide for authentication; elaboration of innovative methodological models transposable in other production food chains; identification and proposal of patentable ideas along with the publication of articles in ISI indexed journals. Along the scientific impact of this project brought by originality and complexity, we underline the social-economical dimension through the development of small traditional producers and the protection of the honest workers as well as the educational dimension, by involving and training for research the PhD students, post-doctoral students and the ones found in the continuous college learning programs.

Modern Cascade for 13C Cryogenic Separation Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-0591 2012 - 2016

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA DIN CLUJ - NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); ELECTRONIC APRIL APARATURA ELECTRONICA SPECIALA S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: http://roxana-eu.wix.com/sepcas-13c

Abstract:

The enriched carbon isotope 13C is widely used in numerous applications. One of the methods used to increase its natural concentration is through the cryogenic distillation of the carbon monoxide in high distillation columns. Very little information exists nowadays regarding the construction, principle of operation, mathematical model or control system. The present project proposes a novel method for raising the natural concentration by using three separation columns of medium height connected in a cascade fashion. To reduce the energy consumption and increase the performance of the plant, the cascade is packed in the same vacuum jacket and uses the same condenser, a construction that increases the efficiency of gas transfer between the single-columns. However, the advantage of the construction comes with serious problems in terms of monitoring and automatic control of the entire plant.

Due to the complexity of the cascade, its strong nonlinear and multivariable character, with large time constants and variable time delays, the problem of accurate modeling and control design becomes very important. The present project, apart from the technological novelty, offers significant possibilities for developing identification algorithms and closed loop control structures. The final objective of the project resides in the actual implementation of control algorithms on the three columns, as well as an overall optimal supervisory control system designed in order to increase the efficiency of the separation process.

The expected results, apart from the scientific ones (new algorithms, complete mathematical model of the cascade, novel control structures), include a functional separation cascade, completely monitored and automatically controlled using dedicated measuring equipment and dedicated control devices. The end product of the present project consists in a higher competitivity on the isotope market and a price reduction of 13C labeled compounds.

AUTHENTICATION AND TRACEABILITY OF FRUIT JUICES USING ISOTOPIC METHODS. (IZOJUICE). Call name: Projects for Young Research Teams - TE-2010 call
PN-II-RU-TE-2010-0121 2010 - 2013

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICA SI MOLECULARA INCDTIM DIN CLUJ NAPOCA

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICA SI MOLECULARA INCDTIM DIN CLUJ NAPOCA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICA SI MOLECULARA INCDTIM DIN CLUJ NAPOCA (RO)

Project website: http://itim-cj.ro/PNCDI/ru121/

Abstract:

THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT NEW MULTI-ISOTOPIC METHODS FOR AUTHENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT NEW MULTI-ISOTOPIC METHODS FOR AUTHENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY OF FRUIT JUICES IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE QUALITY OF THESE. BESIDES THE MAIN OBJECTIV OF THE PROJECT AN IMPORTANT GOAL IS TO FORM A YOUNG TEAM OF RESEARCHERS WELL SPECIALIZED IN THE FIELD OF SAFETY AND FOOD SECURITY AND ALSO TO EXTEND THE ACCREDITATION OF OUR LABORATORY TO FRUIT JUICES ISOTOPIC ANALYSES. THE PROJECT WILL USE THE ISOTOPIC FINGERPRINT OF THE FRUIT JUICES TO VERIFY THE QUALITY, TRASABILITY AND ACCURATE LABELING OF FRUIT JUICES FROM THE DOMESTIC MARKET. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO HAVE AN ECONOMICAL IMPACT, BECAUSE IT WILL ALLOW THE APPLICATION OF THE NEW GENERATED METHODS TO THE ECONOMICAL FIELD, AFTER THAT THESE METHODS WILL BE ACREDITATED. THE IDENTIFICATION OF NATURAL JUICES ADULTERATION AND THESE TRASABILITY IS A DIFFICULT TASK AND UNTIL NOW THERE IS NO WAY TO GIVE UNAMBIGUOUS RESULTS CONCERNING THEIR ORIGIN AND AUTENTICITY. HENCE THE NEED TO DEVELOP NEW PRECISE COMPLEMENTARY METHODS IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH THE AUTENTICITY AND TO DETECT THE ADULTERATION OF FRUIT JUICES. THE NEW MULTI-ISOTOPIC METHODS (MI) THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED IN THIS PROJECT WILL BE A NOVELTY IN THE FILD AT NATIONAL LEVEL WHILE LINKING THEM WITH THE ANALYSIS OF TRACE ELEMENTS IS A NEW LEVEL BOTH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONALLY. THE GUARANTEE OF THE PROJECT REALISATION IN THE BEST CONDITIONS IS GIVED BY THE FACT THAT THE TEAM IS FORMED BY COMPETENT RESEARCH STAFF, HAVING SCIENTIFIC RESULTS THAT ARE RECOGNIZED IN THE FIELD OF SAFETY AND FOOD SECURITY. ALSO, THE RESEARCH TEAM POSSESS EXPERIENCE IN TERMS OF TEAM WORK TO ACHIEVE THE PROPOSED SCIENTIFIC OBJECTIVES, TEAM MEMBERS BEING INVOLVED IN A LARGE NUMBER OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECTS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE EXISTENCE OF THE ENTIRE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTITUTE A PREREQUISITE FOR MEETING ALL OBJECTIVES.

Defining the aromatic profile of wines from indigenous varieties by gas chromatography and isotopic techniques, as authentication element of these products on the European market Call name:
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Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

Traceability of food using isotopic methods. Case Study: Honey and Wine Call name:
PNCD PNII – 52140/2008 2008 - 2011

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII CRIOGENICE SI IZOTOPICE - I.C.S.I. RAMNICU VALCEA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

The study of the biodiversity of spruce and fir forests from Natura 2000 protected areas through multidisciplinary modern methods Call name:
PNCDI II 31-015/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI BIOLOGICE CLUJ FILIALA A INCDSB BUCURESTI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE CERCETARI SI AMENAJARI SILVICE (RO); UNIVERSITATEA TRANSILVANIA BRASOV (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://www.icbcluj.ro/proiecte/proiecte-incheiate/conbiodiv

Abstract:

The project focused on the study of floristic, phytocoenologycal, phytohistorical, genetic, geochemical, enzymologic and fauna diversity at local and regional levels, using modern multidisciplinary methods, at European level; we have worked to substantiate scientifically the development of the protected area network Natura 2000. The achievement of these objectives requires a large number of specialists and development of human resources. The results have a great degree of applicability, scientifically but also practical and socio-economical. The study of intra-specific biodiversity is nowadays one of the main research targets at European and also world level. Through the planned research activities, we targeted the solving of complex problems connected to forest ecosystems evolution as a result of climatic changes and human pressure. We have selected two taxa, spruce and fir, of great scientific and economical importance, dominant in mountain ecosystems of the Romanian Carpathians.

Methane fluxes at the lithosphere-atmosphere interface in hydrocarbon-prone areas. Implications for the greenhouse gases atmospheric budget Call name:
PNCDI II 31094/2007 2007 - 2010

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA BABES BOLYAI (RO); UNIVERSITATEA BUCURESTI (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO); Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia Roma (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website: http://enviro.ubbcluj.ro/site%20flux/flux%20baciu/flux%20engleza.htm

Abstract:

The aim of FLUX project is the measurement in a rigorous and systematic manner of the geogenic methane emissions in hydrocarbon-prone areas and the comparison with natural sinks, in order to assess the balance of this important greenhouse gas. The main methane sources and sinks have been identified and quantified in numerous published papers and IPCC reports. Recent researches developed in several countries, with the consistent contribution of the present consortium, have shown that the geogenic methane emission, concentrated as visible macroemissions, or diffuse microemissions in soil, is significantly contributing to the atmospheric methane budget.

The geogenic methane emissions, according to the actual estimations, are in the order of 35-44 Tg y-1 CH4, out of a total of 270 Tg y-1 CH4 natural emissions, comparable to sources considered to be very important, as oceans, methane hydrates and termites. However, the rigorous measurements available today are very scarce, and the present project represents an important contribution in documenting the importance of the geologic source in the methane atmospheric budget.

Preliminary measurements ran by the consortium suggest the Transylvanian Basin is an ideal location for implementing a complex measurements program, in order to estimate the amplitude of the geogenic emission in a hydrocarbon-prone area. In areas without emissions, the microbiologic processes consume atmospheric methane, generating a negative flux. In hydrocarbon-prone areas, the quantities of methane generated by geogenic emissions are exceeding the consumption in soil, generating a positive flux.

The main contribution of the project will be the re-evaluation of the balance resulting from the combination of the two fluxes. In this way, important data will be obtained, useful for assessing the importance of geogenic sources in the atmospheric methane budget. These data will be submitted to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and to the international scientific community.

Ultra-sensitive monitoring of pollutants based on tandem systems with unconventional detectors Call name:
CEEX MENER 614/2005 -

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners:

Affiliation:

Project website:

Abstract:

The study of the role of the terrestrial ecosystems as carbon sinks and in decreasing of the carbon dioxide emissions Call name:
PNCDI / Program CERES 2004 - 2006

Role in this project: Key expert

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE DEZVOLTARE PENTRU TEHNOLOGII IZOTOPICE SI MOLECULARE I N C D T I M (RO)

Project website:

Abstract:

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