• Energy Research

Food waste is one of the biggest societal problems in the globe due to its detrimental consequences on the environment. According to estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organization, this comes to about 1.3 billion tonnes per year. The current study aims to produce sustainable food products with high nutritional value by incorporating food waste. For the extraction of economically relevant products such as dietary fibers, biopolymers, natural antioxidants, and food additives, potato and carrot peel represent an inexpensive, valuable, and conveniently available resource. Cheese is a functional dairy product that people eat for its high nutritional content, which aids in the treatment of conditions including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and digestive problems in addition to giving them energy. Thus a control sample and 10 samples of melted cheese with various amounts of potato and carrot peelings were prepared. To explore the nutritional value of potato and carrot peels in melted cheese, an analysis was conducted on the fluctuation of physicochemical (acidity, pH, dry matter, water activity, and salt content) and enzymatic (L-lactic acid, lactose, D-glucose, and D-galactose) parameters. Consumer acceptability of the products was assessed by textural and sensory analysis. During the whole storage period, the samples of melted cheese with potato and carrot peels recorded higher values than the control sample, the results obtained for them being better. Samples with added potato or carrot wastes were more stable over time, as compared to control samples.

The present study was designed to determine the changes in the chemical composition of kefir enriched with encapsulated volatile oils by enzymatic methods and the antimicrobial activity of volatile oils. Using encapsulated volatile oils (fennel, mint, and lavender) and cow’s milk, we created three different forms of kefir. To highlight the antiseptic capacity of the volatile oils, we performed their antimicrobial analysis on three types of molds (Geotrichum candidum, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillus niger) and one Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli). The technique used to determine antimicrobial activity was Kirby–Bauer. The changes in the chemical composition of kefir samples with encapsulated volatile oils were analyzed using enzymatic methods and were compared with a control sample of kefir. The main analyzed chemical compounds were lactose, D-glucose, D-galactose, acetic acid, ethanol, L-lactic acid, and L-glutamic acid. The kefir samples enriched with volatile oils obtained superior results compared to the control sample during the whole analysis period. The main advantage of using encapsulation is that the bioactive compounds of the volatile oils are gradually released in the kefir sample due to the protection provided by sodium alginate. As a result, products with high nutritional values were obtained that are beneficial to the consumer’s health and have a longer shelf life thanks to the volatile oils’ antimicrobial properties.

Abstract This scientific article aims to assess the link between defence expenditures and sustainable development in Romania. As the world faces increasingly complex security challenges and environmental concerns, it becomes crucial to examine the interplay between defence investments and sustainable development goals. The study focuses specifically on Romania, a country that has been undergoing significant economic and political transformations since joining the European Union. The analysis employs a comprehensive framework that integrates economic, social, and environmental indicators to evaluate the sustainability implications of defence expenditures. Using data from various sources, including national statistics and international databases, this study examines the trends in defence spending in Romania over a specified period. The research investigates the potential trade-offs between defence investments and sustainable development outcomes by considering key dimensions such as economic growth, social well-being, and environmental impact. By examining the case of Romania, valuable insights can be gained regarding the challenges and opportunities in balancing defence expenditures with sustainable development priorities. The study not only provides a comprehensive analysis of the current situation but also identifies potential pathways for enhancing the sustainability of Romania’s defence sector. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable security fostering a more resilient and sustainable future.