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Journal of

EcoAgriTourismJournal of

EcoAgriTourismBulletin of Agri-ecology, Agri-food, Bioengineering and Agritourism

Vo

l. 1

1 (

2015

) N

r. 1

(3

0)

Biodiversity

CalitaTerra

Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality

Ideas and Concepts

Sanogeneous Food

News

Journal of EcoAgriTourismISSN: 1844-8577

*

Journal of EcoAgriTourism is a follow up, by translation in English of

“Revista de EcoAgroTurism” ISSN 1841-642X, first issued in 2005

1. Biodiversity capitalization and Tourism application

Biodiversity and Agriculture Technologies Environment

Biodiversity and Fores ResourcesLandscape Management and

Development of Tourism Industry

Rural Tourism, Agri-tourism

2. Bio-food and Public Health and Culinary Production

Eco-biotechnologies and Minimal Processing in Food Industry

Minimal Gastronomic Energineering

Sanogeneous Food and Preventive Therapies

Traditional Food and Ethno-Pharmacology

3. Management and IT&C in Agri-Food, Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Telecommunications, GIS, GPS in Agriculture and Forestry

Information Technology in Tourism- Software Applications

Travel and Tourism Industries and Hotels and Restaurant Management

Communication and Entertainment in Tourism

4. Agri-food and Tourism Equipment

Agricultural and Biotechnologies Installations and Equipment

Hotel and Restaurant Equipment

Agricultural and Tourism Transports

Installations and Equipment in Tourism Buildings

International Conference on New Research in Agri-food and Tourism

BIOATLAS 2016 www.rosita.ro/bioatlas

SELECTED PAPERS FROM THE 3rd NEEFOOD CONGRESS

20-23 May 20153rd NEEFOOD CONGRESSGlobal and Local Challenges in Food Science and Technologyhttp://neefood2015.rosita.ro

Editor: Gaceu L.

http://http://

Published by:

Co-editor: Romanian Society for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food, Environment and Tourism

Transilvania University PressPublisher Address:500091 Brasov, B-dul Iuliu Maniu 41 ATel: 0268-476050Fax: 0268-476051E-mail: [email protected]

Str. Castelului nr. 148, 500014, Braşov, ROMANIATel.&Fax.: +40-268-472222www.rosita.ro

Journal published by the Faculty of Food and Tourism, “Transilvania” University of Brasov.

Journal's Director

Editor-in-Chief

Scientific Board

Technical Board

:

:

:

:

Prof. Romulus GRUIA Ph. D.

Prof. eng. Liviu GACEU Ph. D. Habil.

Dr. Gilles Bedoux, FranceProf. Dr. eng. Werner Hofacker, GermanyProf. Dr. Ray F. Iunius, SwitzerlandProf. Dr. eng. Petru Alexe, RomaniaProf. Dr. Eng. Miklos Herdon, HungaryProf. Dr. Sukmanov A. Valerij, UkraineProf. Dr. Maria Isabel Bernuga, SpainProf. Dr. eng. Stefan Stefanov, BulgariaProf. Dr. Simionescu Dumitru, RomaniaProf. Dr. Dumitru Mnerie, Romania

Simona SOICAOana Bianca OPREA Raisa SAMOILARaducu MICUBernadett DENESCristina RUSUNicoleta TINEAAndrei APARASCHIVEIAmalia ADAMLuiza VOICILA

Translator:

EcoAgriTourism, in the light of its multidisciplinary character, is a wide-open journal which brings together the opinions of specialists from both academic and economic environment, fostering fruitful collaborations.

The journal's structure covers all aspects of the fields approached, the focus being on original and current researches with applications in agriculture, food industry and rural tourism. Collaborators may feel free to undertake biological and technical aspects as well as aspects with social, cultural and environmental impact. Information of general interest is also welcome for the agriecology-food-tourism axis.

Prof. Romulus Gruia Ph. D.

The Journal of EcoAgroTurism aims at approaching analyses, methodologies, options and references within the journal's framework.

Department of Ecobiotechnologies and Equipment for Food and AgricultureTransilvania University of Braşov

Bd. Eroilor nr. 29, 500036, Braşov, Tel & Fax: 0268-415326, Tel: 0268-413000/161 ISSN: 1844-8577

Main research direction: “Agriculture, Biotechnologies, Food and Tourism Development”

Romanian Society for Information Technology in Agriculture, Food, Environment and Tourism (ROSITA)

Department of Ecobiotechnologies and Equipment for Food and Agriculture

http://http://

Journal of EcoAgriTourism Vol. 11, no. 1 2015

1

EDITORIAL

New perspectives...

The Agri-Food sciences, together with Applied Ecology and Tourism Industrymake it possible for the “ecoagritouristic” domain to move to another research level inTransilvania University of Bra ov. Is relevant that, in addition to the BIOATLASInternational Conference, which became well known in the last years in over 30countries from several continents, in 2015 It was organized another large-scaleInternational Conference: 3rd NEEFOOD Congress Brasov, Romania.

The third edition of the NEEFOOD Congress (North and East European Congress onFood) was organized in Brasov between 20 and 23 May. The event involved the participationof significant international institutions, as EEFOST, IUFOST, GHI, EHEDG, ELSEVIER.

Over 200 participants were presented with the opportunity to get updated on the stateof the art of national and international research on food, from multiple perspectives: ecologyand biodiversity, public and health promoting policies, management, specific regulations, ITapplications, and modern technologies employed in the food industry.

The congress included four other events meant to introduce the activities of severalimportant scientific bodies: The European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group Seminar(EHEDG), The Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) Seminar, The Sixth Symposium onEthnopharmacology, The NUTritional LABeling Study in Black Sea Region CountriesSeminar.

We note with joy that this event coincided with the jubilee of the Journal ofEcoAgriTourism, which after 10 years of activity publishes valuable scientific articles asa result the Journal is indexed in International Data Base since 2009.

Hence, there are serious prerequisites for new step toward advanced research.

Journal of EcoAgriToursim Vol. 11, no.2 2015

2

Global Harmonization Initiative - GHI

In an attempt to eliminate hurdles, a network of scientific organizations has launched aglobal initiative to facilitate harmonization of food safety regulations and legislation. Theobjective is to discuss, globally, the scientific issues that buttress the decisions made byindividual governments and international regulatory bodies in order to achieve globalscientific consensus on such issues. The Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) WorkingGroup anticipates that elimination of the regulatory differences will make it more attractivefor the private sector to invest in food safety R&D, consequently strengthening thecompetitiveness of each nation's food industry and of the industries supplying the food sector.Harmonizing global regulations will facilitate the application of new technologies,encouraging the food industry to invest in such technologies to ensure better safety andquality for consumers!

BackgroundFounded in 2004 as a joint activity of the US-based Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)

International Division and the European Federation of Food Science and Technology(EFFoST), the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI) is a network of scientific organizationsand individual scientists working together to promote harmonization of global food safetyregulations and legislation.

Drivers for Global Harmonization of Food Safety LegislationThere is no question that the more the avenues of global trade widen, the higher the

probability of “traffic jams” in worldwide commerce. Barriers to trade in the form ofdiffering—and sometimes, conflicting—country-by-country import/export rules andrequirements, can and do make it difficult for food businesses to get traction in overseasmarkets. Food safety concerns are frequently cited by individual nations as underpinning thejustification for their legislative acts and rulemaking—and for erecting trade barriers andother measures that have the impact of curtailing free trade. Unfortunately, in some cases, thescience used to inform and bolster food safety policymaking is insufficient, inconsistent orcontradictory, creating a roadblock to the promulgation of laws that have a clear and evidentbenefit to protecting public health. Differences between countries in food safety regulationsand laws also trigger a red light to the advances offered by science and technology. Thoughmany food companies throughout the world have contributed significantly to research anddevelopment (R&D) efforts and costs of food safety technology, industry is understandablyhesitant to apply newly-developed capabilities on an international scale in an uncertain, maze-like regulatory environment.

GoalsWith support and participation of its individual members and member organizations, the

GHI's Working Group has conducted a series of meetings at which members have formulatedapproaches to critically (re-)evaluate the scientific evidence used to underpin existing globalregulations in the areas of product composition, processing operations, and technologies ormeasures designed to prevent food borne illness.

For more information about the Global Harmonization Initiative and its efforts to feedpeople and fuel innovation through harmonization of science-based global food safetyregulations, please visit us online at www.globalharmonization.net.

http://www.globalharmonization.net


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SUMMARY

Editorial

1 New perspectives...Romulus GRUIA

Biodiversity

5

9

Medicinal Flora and Conservation Issues of Plant Resources of “ âpova”Reservation in Republic of MoldovaGhendov V., Ciocarlan N., Izverscaia T.

Mountain Modulization Process, as Bioeconomic Revitalization Element inthe Romanian CarpathiansR. Gruia

CalitaTerra

21

35

Development of Innovative Biodegradable Packaging System to ImproveShelf Life, Quality and Safety of Fresh ProductsL. Moldovan, G. Pantea

Potential of Using Biomass Resources in Pyrolysis Systems to Obtain Heatingin Rural Communities from RomaniaA. Filipovici, D. Tucu, M. Adam

Health Generating (Sanogeneous)

42

46

Unhealthy Food Consumption at Children from Rural Areas from Republic ofMoldovaA. Zaporojan, V. Zepca, M. Tarcea, A. Jucov

Isostatic Pressing as a way to Increase the Shelf Life of Plant Products (onExample of Cultivated Mushrooms Pleurotus Ostreatus (Fr.) Kumm)V. N. Sorokopudov , N. I. Myachikova

Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality

49Engineering and Ethics of the Menu – Activity Optimization Elements in theRestauration SystemG.I. Florescu R. Gruia

Ideas and Concepts

63

70

80

88

The Label Of Organic Products - Means Of Promoting. European AndNational Regulatory FrameworkL. Manea

Romanian consumers behavior regarding Food Labeling - Short analyse inthe frame of Irses - 318946 ProjectO.B. Oprea , O. Ti a , C. Georgescu

Determination of the Opening Force of Cardboard Boxes by SpeciallyDesigned Experimental DeviceS. Stefanov, N. Arabadzhieva, W. Hadzhiiski

Ecological Significances in the Dynamics of the “Blue Energy” Concept forthe Holistic Relation Man-NatureR. Gruia, A. T. Bogdan, E. Tuluca


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96

101

Considerations for Ecological Construction and Organization ofConstructionGh. C. Spirchez

The Romanian “Green Kid” Initiative: Food, Education, and FunL. Alexandru

News

107 Montanology

Journal of EcoAgriTourism Biodiversity Vol. 11, no. 1 2015

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MEDICINAL FLORA AND CONSERVATION ISSUES OF PLANTRESOURCES OF “ ÂPOVA” RESERVATION IN

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

GHENDOV V., CIOCARLAN N., IZVERSCAIA T.

Abstract: The research was conducted in order to identify and document the medicinalflora, including rare and threatened species, in the Landscape reservation “ âpova”. Thespontaneous vascular flora in studied area comprises 571 species of higher plants of 332genera and 81 families. Among them, 279 plant species contain a wide variety of chemicalcompounds making them important from pharmacological viewpoint; 85 of them belongingto 36 families and 75 genera are commonly used to treat different ailments. There were 38rare species revealed in the floristic composition, protected in Republic of Moldova, 29species are included in the Red Book of Romania. Others 17 species are protected inUkraine. Four species are threatened on European level and included in the European RedList of plants.

Key words: medicinal flora, conservation status, “ âpova” reservation;

1. Introduction

The protection of medicinal plant resourceswas not identified as a major concern ofconservation organizations until 1984 [9].Medicinal plants are an essential part of primaryhealthcare in most of the world and itscontinuous unregulated harvest in manydeveloping countries is viewed with alarm therapidly increasing loss. The Global BiodiversityStrategy recognized the importance ofconserving medicinal plant biodiversity [20].

Medicinal plants are both a source of incomeand a source of affordable healthcare. InRepublic of Moldova as a developing country, insome areas local healthcare needs are satisfiedprimarily using raw materials from medicinalplants. The collection of medicinal plants mustbe guided by an accurate knowledge of thebiology of the species concerned, and steps mustbe taken to avoid over-exploitation, and thecollection of rare or otherwise endangeredspecies [13]. The conservation status of plants isone of most widely used indicators for assessingthe condition of ecosystems and theirbiodiversity. It also provides an important tool inestablishing priorities for species conservation.

At the global scale, the best source ofinformation on the conservation status of plantsis the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [11,12]. The Red List is designed to determine therelative risk of extinction, with the main purposeof cataloguing and highlighting those taxa that

are facing a higher risk of extinction. It providestaxonomic, conservation status and distributioninformation on taxa that have been evaluatedusing IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria:Version 3.1 [10]. The breeding of medicinalplants with desirable agronomic and therapeuticchemical derivatives makes it possible toconserve and selectively utilize highly valuablein-situ germplasm and ex-situ germplasm inbotanic gardens, and in field seed banks.

Cultivation allows production of uniformmaterials whose properties can be standardizedand from which crude drugs can be obtainedunadulterated. Data on plants held in botanicgardens is most readily accessible and a usefulstarting point. However, the knowledge andcollaboration with farmers and traditional healthpractitioners would be very helpful inidentifying, implementing and managing futuremedicinal plant cultivation. Many medicinalplants grow well on marginal, remote anddegraded lands with low monetary inputs.

Intensive studies are needed on selectedmedicinal plants in order to determine optimumenvironmental requirements for sustainableproduction.

2. Methods

The research was conducted during 2007-2013 in the Landscape reservation “ âpova”situated in central part of Moldova (Orheidistrict). All selected plant species are native to


6

local flora and the taxonomy followed by therecent taxonomical literature [2, 3, 8, 15, 16, 19].Voucher specimens of the plants are lodged inthe Herbarium of Botanical Garden (Institute) ofASM (Chisinau). The present account includesall the taxa that are listed under: Environmentallegislation of the Republic of Moldova (1996-1998) [14]; The Red Book of the Republic ofMoldova (2nd edition) [18]; Red Data Book ofUkraine [17]; Red Book of vascular plants ofRomania [7]; European Red List of VascularPlants [1]; The Annexes of the Habitats Directive[6]; Bern Convention [5]; under The Conventionon International Trade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and Flora [4].

3. Results and discussions

The flora of the Republic of Moldovacomprises over 1820 species inhabiting one ofthe most fragmented landscape in Eastern Europewith only a tiny fraction of its land surface thatcan be considered as wilderness [8, 15, 16].Landscape reservation “ âpova” is a protectedarea of national interest (mixed type naturereserve: flora, fauna, geological and landscape),located in Orhei district in vicinity of âpovavillage, territory in administration of Orheiforestry and “Lalova” agricultural enterprise.

The spontaneous higher vascular flora instudied area comprises 571 species, belonging to332 genera and 81 families, most of which(70.22%) are forest and grassland (steppe) plants.The field investigations and the survey of thescientific references allowed identifying 279plant species in the area that contain a widevariety of chemical compounds making themvery important from pharmacological point ofview. The most representative families areAsteraceae (44 sp.), Lamiaceae (25), Rosaceae(16), Fabaceae (16) and Brassicaceae (15species). In fact, only 85 of them belonging to 36families and 75 genera are commonly used totreat different ailments. Most of them areherbaceous, mainly perennial plants. The rawmaterials are used in many different forms: fresh,powdered, infusions, decoctions, tincture etc. Inthe most of the cases the vegetal matter is used asinfusion. The most important medicinalproperties of species in the area are anti-inflammatory, astringent, expectorant, diuretic,cholagogue, hypotensive, cicatrizing. The vastmajority of them are mainly used for the diseasesrelated to digestive system followed by urinary

and respiratory disorders.Eleven genera (Salvia,Artemisia, Mentha, Geum, Ajuga, Teucrium,Plantago, Thymus, Potentilla, Lamium, Prunella)are widely represented and distributed in studyarea. Among species with high frequency andabundance that can be harvested and valorizedwithout damaging their natural populations arefollowing: Ajuga reptans, Mentha longifolia,Lamium purpureum, Salvia aethiopis, S.nemorosa, Scutellaria altissima, Stachys annua,Potentilla reptans, Teucrium chamaedrys,Thymus marschallianus, Taraxacum officinalisetc. Some of them (Arctium lappa, Aristolochiaclematitis, Artemisia annua, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chelidonium majus, Cichorium intybus,Crataegus monogyna, Equisetum arvens,Fraxinus excelsior, Geum urbanum, Humuluslupulus, Lamium amplexicaule, L. purpureum,Matricaria recutita, Plantago lanceolata,Polygonum aviculare, Rosa canina, Sambucusnigra, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica etc.)showed wide distribution, frequently occurringas weeds around human settlements andconsidered as important medicinal plant resourcefor traditional use. There were 38 rare speciesrevealed in the floristic composition, protected inMoldova at the national level, 29 species areincluded in the Red Book of Romania. Others 17species are protected in Ukraine. Notable is thepresence of four species threatened on Europeanlevel and included in the European Red List ofplants – Angelica palustris, Koeleria moldavica,Lilium martagon and Schivereckia podolica.Some rare and threatened therapeuticallyimportant species (Asparagus officinalis,Astragalus glycyphyllos, Dryopteris filix-mas,Fragaria vesca, Galanthus nivalis, Helichrysumarenarium, Lilium martagon, Primula veris,Veratrum nigrum) are cultivated in ex-situconditions in the Botanical Garden (I) of ASM inorder to protect them and to observe theirreproductive behavior and accumulateexperience on their agro technology. In table 1the rare medicinal plants are given inalphabetical order, each with the indication of thelist (or lists) which it is included as follows:Environmental Legislation of the Republic ofMoldova – ELRM; The Red Book of theRepublic of Moldova (2nd edition) – RBRM; RedData Book of Ukraine – RDBU; Red Book ofvascular plants of Romania – RBVPR; IUCNRed List Category (Europe) – IUCN-EU; TheAnnexes of the Habitats Directive – HD;


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Convention on the Conservation of EuropeanWildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention)– BC; under The Convention on International

Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andFlora – CITES; limit of natural distribution andtherapeutic effects.

Table 1. Threatened medicinal species in “ âpova” reservation

Latin name

Rare in BlackSea region

Rare onEuropaean lavel

Lim

it of

nat

ural

dist

ribu

tion

Medicinal properties

EL

RM

RBR

M

RD

BU

RBV

PR

IUC

N-E

U

HD

BC

CIT

ES

1. Amygdalus nana L.(Rosaceae)

+ simulates respiration andimproves digestion

2. Asparagus officinalis L.(Asparagaceae)

+ + antispasmodic, cardiac,diuretic, demulcent

3. Asparagus tenuifolius Lam.(Asparagaceae)

+ + young shoots used asvegetable

4. Asparagus verticillatus L.(Asparagaceae)

+ + young shoots used asvegetable

5. Asplenium ruta-muraria L.(Aspleniaceae)

+ astringent, ophthalmic,emmenagogue

6. Asplenium trichomanes L.(Aspleniaceae)

+ expectorant, laxative,emmenagogue

7. Astragalus glycyphyllos L.(Fabaceae)

N anti-asthmatic, cardiotnic

8. Carpinus betulus L.(Betulaceae)

S-E haemostatic, ophthalmic

9. Cystopteris fragilis (L.)Bernh. (Athyriaceae)

+ anthelmintic

10. Dentaria bulbifera L.(Brassicaceae)

S nervous affections,epilepsy

11. Dryopteris filix-mas (L.)Schott (Dryopteridaceae)

+ S anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antiviral

12. Fragaria vesca L. (Rosaceae) + S antidiarrheal, astringent,diuretic, laxative

13. Fritillaria montana Hoppe(Liliaceae)

+ + + N-E source of alkaloids

14. Galanthus nivalis L.(Amaryllidaceae)

+ + + + + + N emmenagogue

15. Helianthemum nummularium(L.) Mill. (Cistaceae)

S used in Bach flowerremedies, ingredient inRescue remedy

16. Helichrysum arenarium (L.)Moench (Asteraceae)

+ cholagogue, diuretic,stomachic, skin

17. Lilium martagon L.(Liliaceae)

+ + S cardiac, expectorant,diuretic, emollient,

18. Polygala sibirica L.(Polygalaceae)

+ + analgesic, expectorant,hemolytic, kidney

19. Populus tremula L.(Salicaceae)

S anti-inflammatory,febrifuge, stimulant

20. Primula veris L.(Primulaceae)

+ anti-anxiety, sedative,antispasmodic

21. Scorzonera austriaca Willd.(Asteraceae)

+ + young leaves and rootsused as a vegetable

22. Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz(Rosaceae)

+ + E anti-rheumatic,hypoglycemic


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Conclusions

Out of the total of 571 vascular plants, anumber of 279 species have been documented formedicinal use with the most representativefamilies: Asteraceae (44 sp.), Lamiaceae (25),Rosaceae (16), Fabaceae (16) and Brassicaceae(15 species). And only 85 of them, belonging to36 families and 75 genera, are commonly used totreat different ailments. There were 38 rarespecies revealed in the floristic composition,protected in Moldova at the national level, 29species are included in the Red Book of Romaniaand others 17 species are protected in Ukraine.Four species (Angelica palustris, Koeleriamoldavica, Lilium martagon, Schivereckiapodolica) are threatened on European level andincluded in the European Red List of plants. Ninerare and threatened medicinal species (Asparagusofficinalis, Astragalus glycyphyllos, Dryopterisfilix-mas, Fragaria vesca, Galanthus nivalis,Helichrysum arenarium, Lilium martagon,Primula veris, Veratrum nigrum) were includedin ex-situ collections of the Botanical Garden(Institute) of ASM in order to preserve them andaccumulate experience on their behavior inculture conditions.

References

1. Bilz, M., at al.: European Red List ofVascular Plants. Luxembourg. PublicationsOffice of European Union, 2011.2. Cerepanov, S.K.: Sosudistyie rastenija Rossiii sopredelinyh gosudarstv. Sankt-Petersburg,1995, 990p;3. Ciocârlan, V.: Flora ilustrat a României:Pteridophyta et Spermatophyta. Bucure ti.Editura Ceres, 2009, 1141p.4. CITES. Convention on International Trade inEndangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.Secretariat, 2011, http://www.cites.org/5. Convention on the Conservation of EuropeanWildlife and Natural Habitats. Bern, 1979.http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm.6. Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992on the conservation of natural habitats and ofwild fauna and flora, O.J.L206, 22.07.92.

7. Dihoru, Gh., Negrean, G.: Cartea Ro ie aplantelor vasculare din România. Bucure ti.Editura Academiei Române, 2009, 630 p;8. Gheideman, T.S.: Opredeliteli vysshihrastenii Moldavskoi SSR. Kishinev. Shtiintsa, Ed.III, 1986, 637p;9. Hamman, O.: The Joint IUCN-WWF PlantsConservation Programme and its Interest inMedicinal Plants. In: Akerele O., Heywood V.and Synge H. (Eds) Conservation of MedicinalPlants. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,UK, P. 13-24.10. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria:Version 3.1. Species Survival Commission,Gland, Switzerland, 2001.11.IUCN. Guidelines for application of IUCNRed List Criteria at Regional Levels: Version3.0. Species Survival Commission, Gland, 2003.12.IUCN. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.www.iucnredlist.org. 2011.13. Lambert, J., Srivastava, J., Vietmeyer, N.:Medicinal plants. Rescuing a Global Heritage.World Bank technical paper Nr. 355,Washington, DC, 1997, 61 p.14.Legisla ia ecologic a Republicii MoldovaSocietatea Ecologic „BIOTICA”, 1999, 233 p.15.Negru, A. Determinator de plante din floraRepublicii Moldova. Chi in u, Editura Universul,2007, 391 p.16.Negru, A., abanova, G., Cantemir, V.,Gânju, Gh., Ghendov, V., Baclanov, V.: Plantelerare din flora spontan a Republicii Moldova.Chi in u. CE USM, 2002, 148 p.17.Red Data Book of Ukraine. VegetableKingdom. Ed. by Ya. P. Didukh. Kyiv:Globalconsulting, 2009. 912 p.18.The Red Book of the Pepublic of Moldova. 2ndedition. Chi in u. Î. E. P. „ tiin a”, 2001, 287 p.19.Tutin T., et al.: Flora Europaea. Cambridge:Cambridge University Press. Vol. 1-5. 1964-1980, et 2nd edition, Cambridge, vol. 1. 1993.20.WRI/IUCN/UNEP. Global BiodiversityStrategy. World Conservation MonitoringCentre, Cambridge, UK.

23. Staphylea pinnata L.(Staphyleaceae)

IV

+ S seeds are edible

24. Veratrum nigrum L.(Melanthiaceae)

II analgesic, vermifuge,emetic, expectorant

http://www.cites.org/http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Ht


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MOUNTAIN MODULIZATION PROCESS, AS BIOECONOMICREVITALIZATION ELEMENT IN THE ROMANIAN CARPATHIANS

R. GRUIA1

Abstract: The paper proposes to describe a mechanism of systemic evolution of eco zonediversity from the Romanian Carpathians by applying the process of modulization, inrelation both with the history past of Dacia terracing, and especially with the future ofmountain economy. Based on the Theory of Eco emergent Integronics, the analyses is madein idea of the principles of the dynamics of modulization, which makes possible theachievement of modules through integronic and emergent restructure. In this context, in thestudy there is analyzed and described the mountain module, as a structural entity ofcomplex and hyper complex systems of the mountain zone, itself representing the basic”cell” of the dynamics of systemic integration necessary in generating socio-economicviability. There are applied the principles of integronic management and of multifunctionalagriculture and there is analyzed the manner and place in which the dynamics of ecoemergent integronic manifests itself (synergic, synchronic, syncretic and emergent), so thatit may result a series of solutions concerning the re-balance between mountain ecosystemcomponents (forests, pastures, husbandry, water, rural space etc.). The module may bemethodologically regarded as a territorial "bioreactor" (the analyses of raw materials, ofprocessed products and of wastes), so that the new acquired modular systemic structuremay be quantified, also eMergetically and respectively, there may be established themodule typology and efficacy.

Keywords: bio-ecomy, Carpathian eco zones, emergence, integronics, mountain module,landscape management.

1 Transilvania University of Brasov, associate Member Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independen ei54, 050094 Bucharest, Romania

1. Introduction

The concept of systemic evolution has beenapproached for a long time. For instance, in thetheory of dissipative structures Ilya Prigogine (inthe years after 1960) affirms that, for complexdynamic systems, disequilibrium represents thenecessary condition for development (or systemgrowth), i.e. systems far from balance. Thephrase „far from equilibrium” is, in fact, theequivalent for non linearity. Dissipativestructures spread their own energy in order to re-create themselves in new organization forms, inconditions of disorder and confrontation withamplification of noise level. These systems oweinner properties to reconfigure themselves so thatthey may exploit new information. Thus, opensystems exchange energy, matter or informationwith their environments and, when pushed “far-from-equilibrium”, create new structures and anew order. Aspects concerning systemic evolution arediversified through several directions, such as:

analyses of evolution modality of complexsystems (linear or non linear evolution), analysesof emergent interrelations of the matter(Substance, Energy, Information), morphologicanalyses of systemic substances (of the forms)through the study of complexity, analyses offunctioning in dynamic equilibrium of complexsystems (for example of ecosystems),respectively of control mechanisms (regulationand self regulation) etc., indicated references byGruia (2002b), Gruia and Gaceu (2003).

Restructure dynamics may be approached inthe bioeconomic model based on modulizationprocess and indicates important elements ofsystemic evolution, with application at mountaincomplex systems. We remind in this direction themost important characteristics of a complexsystem, properties that are involved under a formor another in the process that we are speakingabout: (a) a complex system is not a whole madeof parts, but a whole made of other wholes; (b)then system components locally interact: anycomponent does not directly react with all the


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others, but only with the neighboring ones; (c)the global behavior of the system is well definedand is independent from the component internalstructure. In this context it becomes possible themodulization dynamics of the mountain zones,the achieved ”module” representing anotherwhole that locally interact, independently ofglobal behavior and, of course, well defined (welldelimited, parameterized, monitored andcontrolled). The complex system modulizationtheory indicate references by Gruia (2010a)represents an assembly of hypothesis, laws andconcepts, organized in a logic approach, whichdescribe and explain the systemic process ofmodulization and its result, respectively of thesystem restructuration and resizing throughemergent integration. The modulization process has as work basis thetheory of eco emergent integronics , indicatereferences by Gruia (2009a), which brieflyapplies the principle of emergent integration(synergic, synchronic, syncretic and emergent),in direct relation with eco-energetic analyses andconcept (eMergetic). Here, the emergy of a formof energy defines available energy of atransformation or a system, indicate references byPillet and Odum (1987), which constitutes one ofthe methodological principles of the theoryapplications. Starting from these theoreticalaspects, the modulization process, through theconcept of emergent integronics and, respectivelythe principle of emergent integration, approachessubstance, energy and information (S,E,I) flowsthat cross systems from the perspective of theeco-energetic analyses, of cogeneration andeMergetic sustainability. It is thus defined the model of restructuration(of change) and the type of functioning of thesystem modulization process, having asapplications of interest especially the moredifficult to analyze systems, namely complexsystems and with dissipative structures, amongwhich we mention ecosystems, agri-ecosystemsand environment-economy systems, indicatereferences by Gruia (1998, 2002a), Szabo et al.(2005). From what has been mentioned it is observedthat the basic objective of this paper is linked tothe elucidation of the modulization processapplied to the mountain zones and to theunderstanding of the running directions, either at„macro” level, or at „micro” level, in relationwith the type of modulized subsystem of theanalyzed complex system, module resulting by

integronic restructuration and emergentintegration, having the systemic evolution as aresult. In our opinion, as framework solutions, weconsider two to be essential: on one hand,superior valorization of the mountain areathrough macro-modules, where maybe pedoclimate and, implicitly, temperatures maybecome optimal for agriculture in the perspectiveof climate changes, and, on the other hand,agriculture in controlled environment and spaceof micro-modular type. For both variants, we aresure that the optimization of the activity will belinked to the modulization process.

2. Material and Method

The approached method proposes to apply thetheory of complex system modulization in orderto decipher systemic evolution, mainly aiming toelucidate the mechanisms of efficient ”piloting”(integronic management) of subsystems or of thewhole typologically restructured system as a”module”. There are approached scientific andmethodological aspects that sustain thisapproach: the emergence theory, the generaltheory of integration, the concept of ecologicmodernization and others. The method puts intoevidence ”the modulization process”, sustainedby the concept of emergent integration andintegronic restructuration, then it describes aseries of aspects concerning ecologic emergencythrough systemic eco-modulization, based on thegeneral theory of the integration of ecologicemergency or of eco emergent integronics.Methodologically, speaking about newlyintroduced terms/notions, indicate references byGruia (2002, 2009), there is imposed a goodunderstanding of the used notions: bioeconomics,modulization, integronic restructuring, macro-modulization, micro-modulization and others.

3. Results and Discussions

On the basis of complex system modulizationmentioned before, it may be explained a model ofthe passing process towards superior forms oforganization of complex and hyper complexsystems form mountain zones, in order to put intoevidence and holistically quantify new forms oforganization, in the idea of optimally „piloting”the respective systems, indicate references byGruia (1995,1998). The idea of link between theintegration manners, of change of hierarchicstructures and of new forms materializes itself by


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the dualism „integration-emergency” indicatereferences by Bunge (1984), Constantinescu(1986) and others. In essence there are three reference momentsthat contribute to the modulization process: (a)the mechanism of flowing (as for exampleenergy flow on principles linked to Constructallaw, indicate references by Bejan (2000), i.e. „inorder that a system may survive in time, itsconfiguration must evolve so that it offers thebest access for the currents that flow through it“,(b) the integration mechanism, based on thegeneral theory of integration and on the basis ofthe principle of emergent integration, i.e. in thesituation when a system is also regulated from afunctional point of view is organized, then thesystem is integrated; on the contrary, when thesystem functioning is disorganized, then thesystem is disintegrated and (c) the restructuringmechanism, respectively the approach from anew perspective of a module phenomena andprocesses, as well as the potentiality of theinterrelations between the system elements, inorder to put into evidence and quantify thesenew, superior phenomena of organization”mountain modular unities”, i.e. simplifiedsystems in detectable perimeters, with flows andmonitored and controllable flows. As it has been precised, the modulizationprocess refers to the idea of ”passing” from adimension into another one at systemic level,achieving, from bioeconomics i.e. eco-economicperspective, mountain modules by formation,restructuration and concentration, both fromspatial point of view (material, substance) andenergetic and informational one. Themodulization dynamics is ascendingly put intoevidence by organization, concentration andclearer and clearer delimitation of the area andperimeter of the given system, concomitantlywith the related externalities, from material,ecologic, human and financial nature. It imposesthus the modularization action, respectively theaction to modulize (itself) and its result, being inconcordance with the idea of ”dimensioning” and”redefining”. In the second step there isconcretized the notion of ”modulization”, whichrepresents the action of the structuring processand its result, respectively of resizing andemergent integration, through the flowingphenomenon, of integration and integronicrestructuring of complex systems, with an everbetter delimited perimetering, face to the initialnon homogeneous estate similar to a complex anddiffuse mosaic, having the growth in

concentration, in performances, in visibility andcontrollability towards a new quality of superiororder as an effect. Under this context it must be mentioned, withinthe modulization process, that thereconcomitantly increase both the quantity and thequality of information from the system, i.e. thecomplex system becomes better organized and, asa rule, more simplified, but more labile anddependent on energy. As it is known, complexityis defined as the number of „links" andinteractions that may be established betweensystem subunits, which may be also representedas the number of retroactions (feed-backs) thatmay be established between the mentionedelements. The modulization dynamics we arereferring to has, through the concept, a reducednumber of interactions and retroactions, when werefer to production fields of ecologic, biologicand technique, technique and economic nature, asfor example are mountain modules or differenttypes of ecosystems. Therefore, the model of the modulizationprocess may be better understood in its dynamicsif we refer to ecosystems and to their "eco-modulization". The higher is the ecosystemanthropization degree, the more evidentlymanifests the modulization process. A primeeffect is, for example, the restructuringconcomitantly with the system perimeterdelimitation and highlight, through emergentresizing and integration, indicate references byGruia (2009b). On this idea, the mechanisms acomplex or hyper complex mountain system goesthrough in the development of the modulizationprocess have as a result the apparition of aperfectly controlled module, with highproduction capacity and in dynamic equilibrium,based on the mechanisms of eco emergentintegronics in synergic, synchronic, syncretic andemergent connection. The starting point indefining the architecture of a mountain moduletoo is represented by the basic situation and itscharacteristics given by the achievement of thediagnosis of the given system.

3.1. Synthetic data of diagnose of the mountainzone from Romania, as a landmark in themodulization process

Without entering into details, we consider ituseful to stock take several data concerning theCarpathian Mountains, indicate references byRey (2008), in order to have a starting landmarkfor the expected modulization process:


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Relief - fretful, with about 300 depressions;proportion of the mountain zone: 37,9 %(from the national territory)

Mountain surface: 90.240 km² (37,9% afterNordRegio), 74.000 km² (32%) officialdelimitation Romania/2004.

Climate: temperate-continentalMountain population: 3.600.000 inh. (15,4%)Human settlements: 824 localities (744communes, 80 towns and municipalities, with3560 villages) and about 950.000 homestead(815.000 agric active).Territorial fund: 7.325.600 ha (about 2, 9mil. ha agric and 4 mil. ha forestry vegetation– from which 1.280.000 ha natural pasturesand 938.000 ha meadows). 53000 ha arableland; for a homestead, the average surfacevaries after the altitude: 2,5 ha at 600-700 mand 3,5-4,5 ha at over 800 m.Husbandry: Over 1,4 million inhabitants areanimal breeders (about 40 % of the mountainpopulation).Cattle: 750.000 heads (2004).Sheep: 1.998.000 headsFace to 1990 – there are dramatic losses ofeffectives : about 35% at cattle and about 50%at sheep (with zones of 80%).Management of mountain zone has hadduring the last two decades more negativethan positive aspects, which imposes to findsolutions in order to revitalize this area.Population income: from agriculture (30-40%), pluri activity and social assistance.

From what has been presented it is observedthe complexity of the Carpathian Mountains, butalso the possibility to imagine mountain modulesof a large typological and functional variety, inorder to increase the socio-economicattractiveness of the mountain zones. But in orderto fix certain principles of the approach, a seriesof specifications is necessary.

As a historic evolution, it is known the factthat, until 1990, mountain agriculture had beenmarginalized from political reasons (being a noncollectivized zone). In fact, the homesteadshadn’t been modernized (stables, mechanizationand others); mountain husbandry was, as a rule,practiced with mediocre animal races, theteaching system had remained misfit andscientific research almost absent. After the year1990 there has begun excessive exploitation ofthe forests and mining (which had been

substantially reduced), mineral waters, smallindustries, handicraft, tourism and servicesoutline mountain economy. There have beenregistered massive losses of jobs after 1990,which represents a cause of the migration of thelabor force in different European countries.Sanitary assistance and teaching system areassured – at a general level. Rural mountainteaching system is not adapted at the specificityof the mountain agri-environment. Withoutexaggerating, one may speak about ademographic catastrophe of the mountain zonesin Romania.

Among the causes that impose revitalizationby moudulization processes, for the increase ofthe mountain zone attractiveness, one mayremind the fact that, after the year 2000, it isregistered the exodus of the mountain rural youthand agricultural abandon, in an alarming growth,and certain previewed measures after theadherence at the EU are a lot insufficient to stopor attenuate the installed demographic erosion.The result is the non profitability, derisory pricesfor milk and meat, under monopole conditions.The deviation from the economy of animalbreeding in the immediate damage of forest, and,on the other hand, excessive forest cut (for arapid profit or lack of alternatives for existence)have led to large flooding, landslides,accentuations of climate changes, dramaticreductions of cattle and sheep effectives andothers.

Pursuant to these causes there may besynthesized a series of consequences upon theenvironment: -contribution in pronounced loss oforganic fertilizers from ruminants; -alarmingqualitative degradations of the pasture andgrassland flora with high fodder value; -grievousimpairment of high social utility biodiversity; -invasion of plants without fodder value.Exaggerations in the name of biodiversity byprotecting certain plants – as Nardus species,forest moss, fern and others; - excessivemultiplication of certain wild animals thatproduce damage in agriculture and mountainhusbandry: bears, wolves, wild boars.

As a gratifying aspect, after the year 1990 andespecially after the year 2000, mountain tourismand agro tourism have been in positive evolution,but it is worrying the fact that agricultural andcultural traditions, significant though in themountain zone, are in pronounced degradationand alienation from authenticity.

Concerning the energetic and industrial fieldfrom the mountain zone, the impact upon the


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HOLISTSYSTEM OF

THECARPATHIANMOUNTAINS

SYSTEMSMOUNTAINCOMPONENTS,REPRESENTED BYNATURAL ANDANTHROPISEDMOUNTAINECOSYSTEMS

Subsystemsecosystemiccomponents,represented bymountaincvasianthropisedmoduleles

ORGANISM TISSUES specialised cells

Fig.1. Place of mountain modules ("specialized cells") inthe structures of the Carpathian Mountains

environment is considerable. Industry needs rawmaterials, from where the construction of certaintransportation network (railway, highway,underground or air, pipes for oil or natural gases,electric cables etc.).

Supported thus in its development, industryhas territorially expanded, independently fromenergetic sources or from those of raw materials,bringing on huge transformations in thegeographic scene of the mountain area, so that: -mining brings big modifications of the scene, anddigging galleries may cause landfall that seem tobe incisions in land; - depositions of blank thatstand in the proximity of mines often bringsignificant modifications to the scene, these onestaking hill dimensions; - mines in the open (inquarries), with stripping of nonproductive abovestrata, which may become tens of meters thick,radically change the aspect of places, destroyingfirst the fertile soil; - modern industry is theresult of a radical transformation of old craftsindustry, boosted by mechanization, by newenergetic sources; - geographic scenery changesare due to the fact that almost all industrialbranches consume much water, from where thenecessity of adduction through pipes or ofcreation of new large reservoirs nearby; -hydropower waterfalls that turn the water powerinto energy, modify sceneries and influenceecosystems; - development of new generalactivities of man with consequences that in

different manners affect the most variedecosystems (deforestations, illegal hunting andfishing etc), which also lead to scenery andexpected mountain modules modification.

Under this context it imposes to find solutionsin order to bioeconomically revitalize themountain zone from Romania, a model beinglinked to the modulization of this area.

3.2. Dynamics of mountain ecosystemic andeco-economic modulization

The change of mountain sceneries andecosystems becomes inevitable if there is pursuedthe increase of socio-economic attractiveness.But it is very important the way how thesechanges are made, i.e. with an ever more reducedimpact or even without destroying the naturalenvironment and all its components. Mountain modules we are describing areessentially structural elements of mountainecosystems, as a kind of „cell with differentfunctional typologies and specializations in anorganism", i.e. modules in a whole representedby the mountain zone (fig.1).

Without entering into details, we specify anapplication of the modulization process, namelyin case of environment-economy systems specificto the mountain zone. Anthropogenic ecosystemshave a simplified structure, with increasedenergetic support in order to maintain


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equilibrium under the conditions of achieving theobjective for which they have been created, i.e. ahigh productivity, indicate references by Gaceuand Gruia (2003) i.e. Though they structurallydiffer, man, by profoundly knowing naturalecosystems, he may permanently improve thestructure of his own ecosystems through moduleshe imagines.

Thus an eloquent example is represented bymodular agriculture, indicate references byGruia (2010b), i.e. agro-ecosystem modulizationand, more precisely, of their economicexpression, respectively of the eco-farms, of theunities of non destructive alimentary processingor of trade of agro-alimentary bio-eco-products,restructuration with high potential for the agro-alimentary eco-economic system of the decadesto come. Otherwise said, it results that integronicrestructuring is a process whose dynamicsdifferently evolves in function of themodulization level or degree.

This aspect becomes more evident in case ofmountain ecosystems and of related agroecosystems, having an eco-economic support. Weare first referring to the level of large agroecosystems, concretized by eco-farms as well aslarge production agro-modules, with not verywell shaped perimeter; indicate references byGruia (1998). Then we refer to the modulizationof certain ”mini-ecosystems” of the type ofcertain relatively small agri-modules, with wellshaped perimeter, being in fact question aboutproduction modules in totally controlled by manspace and environment, aspects widely describedby the model of modular agriculture. From what has been specified it results the eco-economic importance of the mountainmodulization process in the dynamics of complexsystems, as well as the fact that this processconstitutes in itself a necessary instrument in themanagement of Manmade ecosystems, especiallyon the principles of integronic management, i.e.in harmonious piloting of all components, havingas a result their effective management.

The generic awareness of the modulizationprocess means an important step for theproductive activity in the future, especially if wetake into account climate, ecologic, economicand social provocations, i.e. the transition fromthe green economy to the blue economy, byobtaining mountain eco-bio-products, as anexpression of the eco-economy specific to thesustainable development of the 21st century.

3.3. Mountain modules

The mountain landscape, formed of specificecosystems, is the environment that differsthrough an own grouping of component elements(relief, climate, waters, soil, vegetation, faunaetc.) and which, together with anthropogenicelements compile the mountain module.

THE MOUNTAIN MODULE constitutes andcombines structural elements of the mountainecosystem in dynamic equilibrium, or those of anenvironment-economy system, a bioeconomywith harmonious contribution, with ecologic andeconomic efficacy between its componentsrepresented by forests, pastures, husbandry,agricultural cultures, water, small production andservice sphere, rural space and local community.

At the conceptualization of mountainmodules, the element that influences the sceneryaspect is represented by the relief, thoughvegetation or human habitations have a morevisible character. That is why we will analyzemountain modules in function of altitudegradient.

In order to achieve mountain modules, manuses a series of methods and techniques: ofproduction, of organization, of orientation, ofeducation etc. In order to correctly understandhuman relations (therefore also with agriculture,with ecologic tourism, with plants, with animals,etc), it is very important that people get anadequate, solid and multilateral education.The mountain area becomes a strategicprovocation for the next decades. In the year2000, The European Union decided, through theLisbon strategy, to make the old continentbecome the most competitive and dynamiceconomy of the world, taking into account theglobalization process. In this global strategy, it iscertain that the mountain, with its specificagriculture and alimentation, with the zoneattractiveness through tourism, little industry,biodiversity, cultural and spiritual elements,should have a privileged place. It is previewedthat in about four decades there will be doubledthe world demand of food and water, under theconditions of climate and socio-politic changes.That is why there must be found an eco-bio-geo-economic model capable to bring its contributionto problem solving. The model we are describingenters on this direction, the mountain probablybeing one of the world salvation reserves. In thisdirection, for Romania, the Carpathian Mountainsshould be the priority. If for the authorities theidea is to be discussed, for the specialists it is


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about a big provocation. That is why themountain zone modulization becomes opportune.

Therefore, the model will have to cover allactivities possible to go on in mountain zones andto respond to a series of large objectives (table 1).

Table 1. Frame objectives for the mountain modelsCrt. MAJOR OBJECTIVES SPECIFICATION

1 Assurance of mountain zoneattractiveness

Mountain modules will have to contain, in different combinations,the agro-husbandry production, food processing, culinaryproduction, mountain tourism and leisure, small industry andnatural richness valorization (ex. hydro energy), specifictransportation and telecommunications, education, culture, healthsystem, environment protection etc.

2 Assurance of alimentarysecurity of human populationfrom mountain zones

Agriculturalists, as applicants of the new modular model, will haveto emphasize both provocation concerning quantity, assuringproviding regularity with a large scale of mountain products, andquality, guarantying consumers to respect sanitary traceability andsecurity norms.

3 Integration of the model innational and worldwidemarket, taking into accountthe competition of the bigmountain world powers

Mountain modules from the Carpathians will have to sustainoriginality and tradition in the ever fiercer competition. Forinstance mountain agriculture and gastronomy, developing theircompetitiveness, must be able to cover more and more alimentaryneeds of the tourist chain.

4 Contribution of the model tothe struggle against climatechanges and to theenvironment improvement

Climate changes induce the idea of deforestation of large zoneswhere the climate is very hot, with an ever more intense recovery ofthe regions at the 45 parallel and, at the same time, at mediumtowards high altitude. There become important the modules of thehill, plateau, pre mountain and mountain zone, from theCarpathians, with ambitious objectives in order to find solutions tocounter the climate heating. It is taken into account to preservenatural resources as a condition of the perennial of the mountainzone attractiveness.

5 Participation at territorialarrangement

The new bioeconomic and socio-economic models of the mountainzone, especially with agricultural modules integrated in the sceneryand territorial management, must contribute to keep jobs at locallevel, as well as to maintain economic activity in isolatedgeographic zones (as for example the high and alpine mountainones).

Taking into account that agriculturer-entrepreneurs live from their work and the needsof the world market show that this is possible, itis necessary that new models sustain and becapable of certain necessary interventions. Weare referring to a series of actual aspects whichmust be taken into account, namely structuraldifficulties of the sheep breeding sector, milk indifficult zones and mountain agriculture. A basicexample in the modulization of high altitudezones is represented by the mountain agri-module, because it becomes efficient tounderstand the development of agriculture andalimentation on production modules.

3.4. Mountain agri-modules

The mountain agri-module represents theconventional measure unit for the determination

of the proportions of a complex bioeconomicsystem of mountain environment-agriculture-alimentation type or of high altitudeagroecosystems type and which assure theexecution of their production function in dynamicequilibrium, through own structure andregulation and self regulation mechanisms.

We consider that, for the mountain agri-module, the offered models of sustainableagriculture represent „the launching ramp” in anevolution of the mountain agriculture. Thesemodules will in principle aim to eliminate theactual imbalances and to achieve an agreementbetween environment and economy, between theactivity developed by man in the agri-food fieldand the sustaining of this technical-economicactivity by the natural surrounding environmentthrough the so-called „externalities” (goods andservices of the environment „labor”), indicate


16

references by Hall et al. (1995), Matsuda andKuboca (1983), Odum (1983), Pillet and Odum(1987).

Eco-emergent integronics, at conceptualbioeconomic level, leads towards understandingcertain totally new forms of agriculture, such asmodular agriculture model are, indicate

references by Gruia (2010b). Thus, there may beimagined mountain agri-modules of differenttypes (table 2), including as complex systems offood production, having as entrance data in thesystem, dynamic conditions of climate anddemographic change expected for the decades tocome.

Table 2. Classification elements of mountain agri-modulesCrt. CRITERION CLASSIFICATION OBS.1 After altitude Mountain modules at

medium altitude500-1600 m

Mountain modules at highaltitude

1600-2500 m

2 After thecontrol degree

Uncontrolled mountainmodules

- practically classic mountain agro ecosystems,depending on natural climate and on bad weather (coweco-farms, sheep farms and related sheepfolds etc.)

Semi-controlled mountainmodules

- systems that presuppose the presence of earth and soilbiocenoses in spaces of greenhouse type, solariums,production halls

Totally controlledmountain modules

- agro-modules from high or alpine mountain zoneswithout practicable land, but with water, energy(especially electric) and culture environmentdependence- modules of energetic and industrial type

3 After theproductiontype

Mountain agri-modules - of vegetal production and/or of mushroomproduction, especially from horticulture field- of animal production, regularly with species of smallanimals, poultry, pigs, other species in the future aswell-of mixed production, as for example: vegetal,husbandry, fish, plus food processing

Industrial mountainmodules

- of alimentary industry- of energetic industry- of raw material industry

4 After themodule size

Mountain micro-modules - with potentiality to develop and transform peasanthouseholds in micro-enterprises

Medium mountainmodules

- important economic level, regularly throughintegration on horizontal

Mountain macro-modules - large efficiency and efficacy, on wide natural areas,with good production conditions, regularly throughhorizontal and vertical integration (primary agro-husbandry production, energetic, industrial andprocessing production, marketing)

From the typological multitude of themountain modules presented in the above table,we will exemplify in figure 2 an industrialmountain module on the direction of food

processing indicate references by Rey (2011),that may represent a model for different subregions or mountain eco-zones.


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a. b.

Fig.2. Mountain module model industrial associative platformfor eco-bio-mountain products type

a. principle scheme: A – cheese factory; B – vegetal processing factory;C – slaughterhouse and meat processing; D –refrigerant storehouse; E – regional

storehouse; F - annexes, social, utilities; G – shops and offices; H – Water pools; I –ways of access; J - parking; K – green spaces; L – washing station and auto disinfection;

b. model - overview.

In principle the mountain modules will haveto be complex systems of the mountain micro-module type, energetically autonomous on solarand wind basis, capable or recycle rain and usedwater, to transform waste and manure in naturalfertilizers, to organize a culture rotation in orderto allow earth regenerate without chemicalfertilizers. Also there must be imagined agrohusbandry technologies on short circuits, with a

maximal simplification of the system ofagricultural machinery, of means oftransportation, rethink sanitary systems etc. It isalso essential the GIS integration indicatereferences by Krause et al. (2005) andapplications of IT modular development, and asan example may be given the principle schemefrom figure 3 indicate references by Reynoldsand Acock (1997), Porter et al. (1999).

Fig.3. Schematic of an overview of the modular structure

Stipulated modules will put into value themountain agri-food potential taking into accounta series of pragmatic conditions: -SEPARATION from other products, from nonmountain zones; - ORGANIZATION ofproducers in valorization associations, with owncapacities of transformation and marketing; -correct, motivating PRICES, for milk and meat –raw material; - PROMOTION “local brand” at thelevel of mountain pools for eco-bio-mountainproducts; - technologic REORINTATION that

may be brought to the mountain zone and farmmodernization – with accent on animal andproduct hygiene; - DVELOPMENT of positiveexternalities and of montanology technique,economic, sociologic research and specialistformation; - LEGISLATION by protective legalsupport and specific organization for agro-husbandry economy and mountain environment; -agro-forest constant dynamic EQUILIBRIUMand benefic cooperation of both fields.


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3.5. Integronic management of mountainmodules

The Earth could feed only 1,5 billion people,i.e. only 25% from all the planet inhabitants! Inthis context, to approach issues referring to “theshare of natural in the economy” and, implicitly,of ecosystem piloting, especially of integronicmanagement indicate references by Gruia (2006)with applications in agro-ecosystems case or inthe eco-farms one are of a stringent actuality. Mountain modules mostly apply themanagement of principle of the green economy,which presupposes creation and modification ofpublic policies and settlements necessary tosustain initiatives and affairs oriented towards thereduction of pollutant emissions in theenvironment. In spite of the progress registered inthis field, we begin to be aware that GreenEconomy is only a step in the direction of thetransformation of social-economic developmentparadigms. This new paradigm is the BlueEconomy, indicate references by Pauli (2009).

Integrated sustainable management applied tothe new paradigm makes affairs that function onthe principles of Blue Economy render possiblethe covering of everybody basic needs, butwithout non rationally exploiting naturalresources and, at the same time, under conditionsnot to give up a certain living standard andmodern services. The Blue Economy model is theone of circular economy that leads to efficiencyand efficacy, based on the principle that says that“Blue Economy favors the transition from aneconomy based on the product to an economybased on the system”. If management has represented the basicactivity for economic explosion specific topostindustrial society, understanding a long termequilibrium of the transition towards „metabolic”society (biologic-informational) based on greeneconomy converted towards Blue Economy canbe guaranteed only by a new model, that we havebeen promoting for a certain time, namely themanagement integronic one indicate referencesby Gruia (2013). This approach is applied in thebioeconomic context of the idea that structurallevels take into account, in different integrationdegrees S, E and I in piloting complex systems,in a process in synchronic and syncreticdynamics, in essence based on emergent andsynergic integration. Thus, the management ofthe mountain module cannot and must not bereduced to substance (S) or matters, but will haveto be reconsidered in being more comprehensive,

by more evident opening towards energy (E) andinformation (I), indicate references by Soran and

erban (1988), Stancovici (1983), Witcomb(1972). Piloting in this case will not be onlyeconomically more efficient, but will becomeeffective in relation with the system, indicatereferences by Ayres and Kneese (1969),Constantinescu (1986), Gruia (2000, 2001),Gruia and P stârnac (1991). Thus, the first stepis made towards understanding the productionmodules as complex systems, including mountainagri-modules of ”mini-ecosystem” type of foodproduction in controlled environment and space,when in mountain environment appear majorpedo climate modifications.As targets of the integronic management appliedat mountain modules we remark the functioningdirection on principles of sustainabledevelopment and of the environment protection,on the basis of reprojecting technologies andintegrated politics. The module may bemethodologically regarded as a territorial"bioreactor" (the analyses of raw materials, ofprocessed products and of wastes), so that themodular systemic structure newly acquired to bequantified, including eMergetic and, respectively,to be typologically established and moduleefficacy. In this direction it may be underlinedthe role of the environment labor in economicprocesses and to take it into consideration inmanagement together with human labor, when inparameterization the mountain module emergeticparameters are used that synthesize the realeconomic process and the sustainability ofcomplex systems indicate references by Gruia(2001), as a basis of the strategy of the integronicmanagement. Among these parameters wemention: the degree of energy concentration, themonergy, the macro-price of energeticexternalities, real labor, systemic efficacy,sustainability coefficient and others. Thecoordination of all theoretic elements and ofpractical aspects in the expected module maytrigger the emergent integration necessary to thepassing to a superior level of organization, to amanagement which has as a result the increase ofthe eco-bioproduct (alimentary and non-alimentary) quality from the mountain zone.

Conclusions

The generic awareness of the modulizationprocess means an important step for theproductive activity in the future, especially if wetake into account climate, ecologic, economic


19

and social provocations, i.e. the additionaltransition from Green economy to Blue economy,with the obtaining of alimentary and non-alimentary mountain eco-bio-products, as anbioeconomic expression of the eco-economyspecific to the sustainable development of the21st century. The mountain module represents structuralcomponents of mountain ecosystems in dynamicequilibrium, or of the Environment-EconomySystems, with harmonious relation, with ecologicefficacy and economic efficiency between itselements formed by forests, pastures, husbandry,agricultural cultures, water, small production andservice sphere, rural space and local communityand others, as a sort of "cells with functionalspecializations", i.e. modules in a wholerepresented by the mountain zone. The bioeonomic level i.e. technologic andsocio-economic model of the mountain moduleshas in view the fact that there are complexsystems with different typology, energeticallyautonomous (including on solar and wind basis),capable to recycle rain and used water, totransform waste and manure in natural fertilizers,to organize culture rotation in order to allowearth to regenerate without chemical fertilizers;also it must be imagined industrial or agri-husbandry technologies on short circuits, withmaximal simplification of agricultural machinesystem, of the means of transportation, but also torethink sanitary systems, GIS integration andutilization of the applications of IT modulardevelopment. The mountain module may be regarded frombioeconomical point of wiew, as a territorial"bioreactor" (analyses of raw materials, ofprocessed products and of wastes), so that newlyacquired modular systemic structure bequantified, including eMergetically and,respectively, be established module typology andefficacy, which may underline the role ofenvironment labor in economic processes and totake it into consideration in management togetherwith human labor and in quantification throughemergetic parameters: degrees of concentrationof energy, monergy, energetic externality macro-price, real labor, systemic efficacy, sustainabilitycoefficient and others.

References

1. Ayres, R.U., Kneese, A.U., 1969. Production,consumption and Externalities, AmericanEconomic Review, no.3, pg.59;

2. Bejan, A., 2000: Shape and Structure, fromEngineering to Nature – Cambridge UniversityPress.3. Bunge, M., 1984: tiin i filozofie, EdituraPolitic Bucure ti, 246-278, 296-318.4. Constantinescu, P., 1986: Sisteme ierarhizate,Editura Academiei RSR, Bucure ti, 12-15, 56;5. Gruia, R.,1995: Cercet ri privind pilotajulecosistemelor zooproductive, teza doctoratUSAMV, Bucure ti6. Gruia, R., 1998: Managementul eco-fermelor,Editura Ceres Bucure ti, 36-68, 74-86, 126-159;7. Gruia, R., 2000. Conceptul de sustenabilitateemergetic , Simpozionul “Managementulmediului urban i industrial în contextul integr riieuropene”, Universitatea Transilvania Bra ov, 29sept.,pag.15-18;8. Gruia, R., 2001. Parameters of the emergeticsustainability applied in the management of theecosystems, CIOSTA – CIGR V Congress,Cracow, Poland;9. Gruia, R., 2002: Ecoemergetic Theory insustainable development, Editura Universit iiTransilvania Brasov, ISBN 973-635-022-3.10. Gruia, R., 2002 a: Study concerning therelation between energy and information in themanagement of the agroecosystems, ProceedingsInternational Conference Energy efficiency andAgricultural Engineering, Rousse, Bulgaria,Aprilie 4-6;11. Gruia, R., 2002 b: The concept ofcogeneration in the sustainable development.Applications at the agro-alimentary sysrem,Proceedings 5-th International Conference ofFood Science held, University of Szeged,Hungary, Oct. 24-25;12. Gruia, R., (2009 a), Theory of EcoemergentIntegronics (General Theory of EcologicalEmergence Integration), The 2nd InternationalConference on Environmental and GeologicalSciences and Engineering – WSEAS,Proceedings ISSN: 1790-2769, ISBN: 978-960-474-119-9, Transilvania University of Brasov,Romania, September 24-26, 168-172.13. Gruia,R.,2009 b: Solu ii la schimb rileclimatice: Agricultura modular , comunic. tiin .La Sesiunea anual de comunic ri InstitutulNa ional de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Cartof iSfecl de zah r , Bra ov, 9 dec.2009.14. Gruia, R., (2010 a): Theory of complexsystems modulization, EnvironmentalEngineering and management Journal, GheorgheAsachi Technical University Iasi, ISSN 1582-9596, Vol.9, nr.12, 1623-1628.


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15. Gruia, R., (2010 b): Modular agriculture –paradigm of globalization dynamics within thecontext of climatic and scientific changes,Environmental Engineering and ManagementJournal, Gheorghe Asachi Technical UniversityIasi, ISSN 1582-9596, Vol.9, nr.12, 1601-1606.16. Gruia, R. (2013): Bazele managementului idirec iile viitoare de evolu ie, Editura Lux Libris,Bra ov, ISBN: 978-973-131-230-9, 140-143.17. Gruia, R., Gaceu, L., 2003: Studiu preliminarprivind modelarea sistemelor M-E, A 6-a Conf.Na . BIOTASAS, Bra ov 31 mai, 157-159;Gruia, R., P stârnac, N., 1991. Ferma de animaletratat ca ecosistem zooproductiv, Ed. Ceres,Bucure ti;18. Gaceu, L., Gruia, R., 2003: Utilizareafunc iilor de transfer în teoria ecoemergetic , cuaplica ii în agroecosisteme, A 6-a ConferinNa ional BIOTASAS, Bra ov,mai, 160-165;19. Hall, C.A.S. et al., 1995: Maximum Power,the Ideas of Applications of H.T.Odum,University Press of Colorado (Chapter 17, 21, 22– Broat, LC, Olsen SB, Brown MT, et al.)20. Krause, P., Kralisch, S. and Flugel, W.-A.,2005: Model integration and development ofmodular modelling systems, Advances inGeosciences European Geosciences Union ©2005 Author(s). This work is licensed under aCreative Commons License, SRef-ID: 1680-7359/adgeo/2005, 4, 1–2.21. Matsuda, S., Kuboca, H., 1983. EnergyConsumption in Agriculture, EnergyDevelopment in Japan, Tokyo, nr.5, 273-286;Odum, E.P., 1983. Basic Ecology.SaundersCollege Publishing, Philadelphia PA, U.S.A.;22. Pillet, G., Odum T.H., 1987: E3-Energie,Ecologie, Economie, Georg Editeur Geneve,Suisse;

23. Porter, C.H., Braga, R., Jones, J.W., 1999:An Approach for Modular Crop ModelDevelopment, Agricultural and BiologicalEngineering Department, University of Florida,Gainesville, Florida, Research Report No 99-0701, August, 3, 2-13.24. Rey,R., 2008: Studiu comparat al strategiiloreuropene privind zonele montane, cu referirespecial la zona Carpa ilor române ti, AcademiaRomân , Sec ia de tiin e economice, juridice isociologie, Institutul Na ional de Cercet riEconomice, Centrul român de economiecomparat i consens, (cod 01.2007-2008),Sintez –referat/2008, Oct.15.25. Rey,R., 2011: Mediul montan în rela ie cueco-sanogeneza studiu de caz: Carpa ii României,Seminar Ziua Mondial a mediului, AcademiaRomn - INCE-CBAS, iunie 14.26. Reynolds, J.F. and B. Acock. 1997.Modularity and genericness in plant andecosystem models. Ecological Modeling 94: 7-16.27. Soran, V., erban, M.E., 1988. Bioeconomia– o nou tiin de grani , Ed. tiin ific iEnciclopedic , Bucure ti;28. Stancovici, V., 1980: Filosofia integr rii,Editura Politic Bucure ti, 115-124, 167-189,236-247;29. Stancovici, V., 1983: Filozofia informatiei,in Inteligenta artificiala si robotica, EdituraAcademiei Bucuresti, 315-35430. Szabo, F.S., M tie , V., Teu an, V., 2005:About the integreted design Process inMechatronics, Confer. tiin ific Univ. PetruMaior Tg. Mure 10-11 Nov., p.370-372.31. Witcomb, D., 1972. Externalities andWelfare, Columbia University Press, New York.

Journal of EcoAgriTourism CalitaTerra Vol. 11, no. 1 2015

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DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGINGSYSTEM TO IMPROVE SHELF LIFE, QUALITY AND SAFETY OF

FRESH PRODUCTS

L. MOLDOVAN1, G. PANTEA2

Abstract: Currently smart packaging technology depends on package based indicators.Recent developments in ‘Thermomorphic adhesives’ could be utilized in the development ofpackage based indicators that utilize the third dimension and addition of a feedback system,improve the traceability of packed products.At present current package based feedback systems send information back to the computerterminal, for example state of the art in relation to this type of technology is a temperatureprofile recorder that can be analyzed on a computer terminal. A possible evolutionarymethod from this current state may involve a sensor mechanism that identifies a longtime/temp lag or in a batch, or in the room it is being stored in. The new RFDI technologiesenable modern labeling systems for food packaging. Active and intelligent packaging havemany advantages than the common used methods:• Reduce product wastage, monitor atmosphere, temperature or food inside a pack.Nanotechnology using different means of indicators like varnish or coatings for plasticsmaterials to indicate time, temperature inside the package.• Active and intelligent packaging is often applied using existing techniques:labeling or pick & place. New products, such as nano-coatings, anti-microbial solutions,tags for all kinds of applications and particularly printed electronics will require newequipments functionalities.

Sustainability of the new packaging methods consists in:• Extended shelf life of the packed product;• Improvements of the equipment for the food packaging;• Guaranteeing packaging quality and a better preservation of the product.Product presentation and information are key factors, brands are mostly defined by theirpackaging methods.

Keywords: active packaging, food safety, food traceability, intelligent packaging

1 SC RODAX IMPEX SRL, str. Sadului 35, district 5, Bucharest, Romania, [email protected] RODAX IMPEX SRL, str. Sadului 35, district 5, Bucharest, Romania, [email protected]

1. Importance of packaging in improvingshelf life of the products

Packaging plays a vital role in any modernintegrated product supply system. It does notonly protect product integrity and properties from

the production line to the consumer: impact onhealth and safety), but also facilities production,distribution and storage. Packaging technology iscurrently making huge strides in the developmentand application of new products and processes.

MPDERN PACKAGING

GLOBALISEDMARKETS

NEWPACKAGINGCONCEPTS

ECO-FRIENDLYPACKAGINGSOLUTIONS

BIODEGRADABLEPACKAGING

FOOD/PACKAGINGSYSTEMS

INNOVATIVETECHMOLOGIES

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Packaging is an integral part of food processingand preservation and influence the product shelf-life. The packaging material can affect theproduct by physical and chemical modificationsbecause of the particles migration into thealiments. In the case of the food, it is essential tomaintain the quality and safety of the food duringthe transportation and storage, and extend theshelf-life of the product. The container is theresponsible for protecting the food from themedium, preserving it from physical, chemicaland microbiological factors such as: oxygen,moisture, light or microbial contamination thatcould affect the quality of the product. The modern packaging equipments enablerealization of different types of packaging,ensuring the main characteristics needed by thefood packaging sector:

Collective packaging (more products in asingle pack);Portioned packaging (a single use pack);Packaging in recipient;Aerosol packaging (under pressurepackaging);Vacuum packaging;Packaging in controlled atmosphere (thematerial is impermeable to gases);Modified atmosphere packaging (use ofN2, CO2, O2 to realize the modifiedatmosphere, the protective gas is inaccordance with the packed product);Skin packaging (food products likecheese, meat, etc);Aseptic packaging (a sterilized product isintroduced in a sterilized package);Contractible films packaging (skinpackaging is obtained under vacuum andits aim is to realize permeability tooxygen);Extensible films (there are similar tocontractible films without using tunnels);

In selecting the packaging material there aretaken in consideration the materialscharacteristics and its made an analyze of theirimportance.

Factors in selecting packaging materials In selecting the packaging materials there aremany factors which influence this decision,product sensibility;

The characteristics of the packedproduct: nature, size, mass, etc;

The transportation and the storageconditions;The packaging method;The market factors: distribution time,package size, cost;The economic factors: cost of theproduct, biodegradability, recyclability.

One of the most important packaging method isthe intelligent packaging, which offers manyadvantages: improve food safety, extends shelflife of the products, freshness indicator,communicate with the consumers using differentindicators for temperature, duration of storage,etc.). Active Packaging: incorporates componentsthat wood release or absorb substances into orfrom the packed food or the environmentsurrounding the food. Intelligent Packaging: monitor the conditionof packaged food or the environment surroundingthe food (regulation (EC) No 1935/2004). Active and intelligent packaging (SmartPackaging)• Brand owners keep to protect their brands &reduce product wastage, have explored‘intelligent or active’ packaging. Smart labels, forinstance to monitor atmosphere, temperature orfood inside a pack. Next stage is nano technologywith ink or coatings for plastics materials. RFIDTags & inks are another way brand owners“protect” their products in store;• Active and intelligent packaging is oftenapplied using existing techniques (Egg: labelingor pick & place). According to Active &Intelligent Packaging Association, new products,such as nano-coatings, anti-microbial solutions,tags for all kinds of applications and particularlyprinted electronics will require new machinefunctionalities. The intelligent packaging method use:freshness indicators, spoilage indicators,tampering indicators, temperature and timeindicators. Increasing use of senses in intelligentpackagingCurrently existing smart packaging technologydepends on sight based indicators. This precludesany benefit to blind, visually or mentallyimpaired individuals. Recent developments in‘Thermomorphic adhesives’ could be utilized inthe development of package based indicators thatutilize the third dimension and the sense of touch.In a different developmental direction and linkingin with the addition of feedback, potential exists


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for numerous consumer packaging feedbackproducts. Controllability

At present current package based feedbacksystems send information back to the computerterminal, for example state of the art in relation tothis type of technology is a temperature profilerecorder that can be analyzed on a computerterminal. A possible evolutionary jump from thiscurrent state may involve a sensor mechanismthat identifies a long time/temp lag and activatesa cooling device either in the pack, or in a batch,or in the room it is being stored in.

Sustainability• Good business sense - using less energy, rawmaterials, water etc. goes straight to the bottomline, still key as food manufacturers try to meettheir Courtauld commitments (UK) & corporatesustainability & responsibility targets• Most quick wins already made, future gainsoften small incremental improvements tomachinery in the future• Guaranteeing packaging quality & minimizingcostly re-work is particularly critical.

Packaging is the ‘enabler’ for shoppingas we know it today – ssupermarketscould not exist without itProduct wastage in the supply chain isnow minimalProduct presentation and information arekeyBrands are mostly defined by theirPackaging systemMany markets owe their existence todevelopments in packaging

2. Factors influencing the packaging qualityeuropean legislation regarding packaging

Food contact legislation for the packagingmaterial or for separate components of compositepackaging material: EU Directive 89/109/EECregarding ``materials which come into contactwith foodstuffs``, EC 10/2011, CEN standardsrelated to the essential requirements are:

EN13427, EN13428, EN13429, EN13430,EN13431, EN13432,PACKAGE DESIGN. Sustainable methods forfood packaging Changing and more complex lifestyles havealso strongly influenced packaging design.Pre-cut, pre-portioned, smaller, ready to consumeproducts are increasingly popular, reflecting theimportance of convenience to today's customers.Blister packs, microwaveable packs, zipperedpouches, contoured shapes and carry handles onouter packs are just some examples of this trend. Logistics: Key logistics changes to thepackaging industry will see increased customerchoice, faster product delivery, increasedmanufacturing and inventory controls andincreased supply chain management efficiency.In the very near future many packagingcustomers will have online access to theirsuppliers manufacturing logistics systems, as wewill to theirs. This will enable relatively seamless progressfrom initiation of product requirement, through toorder placement, manufacturing, delivery,invoicing and distribution. New technology: Smarter packagingcompanies around the world are alreadyusing new technology to take costs out of theirown systems. And they're using Internet links toimprove their relationships and performance withcustomers. And it's in our type of industry—business tobusiness—that will see the biggest impact ofcomputer technology and e-commerce. It's thosepackaging companies who don't get proactiveabout their Internet strategies who will findthemselves being passed over by their customers. The preliminary model is an attempt of linkingexisting models in product design anddevelopment together. The right side is the issues related to the valuechain; where the product is produced anddistributed, the packaging/product is developedin cooperation, and the sender of the product. On


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the left side the need of the end user and thecommercial communication are integrated.

Product design in accordance with theenvironment protection (eco-design). Eco-designis an approach to design of a product with specialconsideration for the environmental impacts ofthe product during its whole lifecycle.Package design with extruded materials In the manufacture of conventional packages,the need of adequate gas and vapor barrier,mechanical strength, seal ability, printing, etc. isresolved by designing multilayer structures. Inactive packaging, the release of the agent can becontrolled by a suitable design of the packagingstructure. This design is dependent on the type ofagent, the type of polymer matrix, but overall, onthe packaging requirements of the food product. When the active extruded film presents ad-equate antimicrobial activity and provides therest of packaging requirements of the packagedproduct, the active packaging system may beconstituted by a monolayer film of the activematerial but this is not the general case. If theactive agent is toxic as occu

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