JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE

TTT2I3 ORGANIC CRYSTALS – A PROMISING PLATFORM FOR LOWDIMENSIONAL THERMOELECTRIC DEVICES

2026-03-04T13:44:27+00:00

In this paper, we provide an analysis of quasi-one-dimensional organic crystals of TTT₂I₃(tetrathiotetracene-iodide) with respect to their thermoelectric properties. An advanced physical model was employed. The main Hamiltonian of the model includes the electronic and phonon contributions, electron-phonon interactions, and an impurityscattering term. To capture charge transport between molecular chains, the model was extended to a three-dimensional framework. Numerical simulations were conducted to evaluate electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity, thermoelectric power factor, and figure of merit as functions of carrier concentration, temperature, and impurity content. Additionally, the Peierls structural transition in the TTT chains was analyzed, allowing determination of the critical transition temperature. The dispersion of renormalized phonons was examined in the random phase approximation for different temperatures.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF PART RECONDITIONING BY WELDING

2026-03-04T13:50:43+00:00

The restoration of machine functionality through the reconditioning of worn parts is an effective method of reducing repair costs and time, eliminating the need to purchase replacement parts and, in some cases, extending the service life of components. The process includes stages such as cleaning, defect identification, determination of material properties, and the selection of suitable reconditioning methods and materials. Due to its versatility and low cost, welding is used in more than 80% of metal reconditioning cases. The article presents the stages, procedures, and technological parameters of part reconditioning by welding, the criteria for selecting the appropriate processes, and the analysis of possible defects, while also providing recommendations for their prevention.

SENSING LAYER TECHNOLOGIES AND NETWORKING ON THE INTERNET OF MEDICAL THINGS

2026-03-04T13:57:00+00:00

Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) apply engineering principles and design to medicine and biology to improve healthcare outcomes. This interdisciplinary field bridges engineering and medicine by integrating the innovative and analytical strengths of engineering with medical and biological expertise, resulting in more effective approaches to diagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients. This article focuses on exploring the key components and strategies of the sensing layer in the IoMT, including medical devices, smart sensors, biomedical sensors, wireless technologies, communication protocols, and the associated challenges of reliability and security. Several critical factors must be taken into account when designing IoMT sensing layer networks, such as body movement, temperature variation, energy efficiency, transmission range and heterogeneous environments.

AUTOMATED WEB APPLICATION TESTING BASED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

2026-03-04T14:05:04+00:00

The evolution of web technologies and the increasing complexity of digital systems have transformed web application testing into an indispensable component of software quality assurance. Traditional automated testing frameworks – based on scripting and static data – remain effective but face scalability and adaptability challenges. This study hypothesizes that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs) and reinforcement learning, can significantly improve the efficiency and autonomy of testing processes. The paper aims to analyze comparatively traditional and AIassisted methods for functional testing of web applications, using a synthesis of recent academic and industrial research. The analysis identifies the main advantages of AI-based testing, such as rapid test generation, extended coverage, and enhanced adaptability, while highlighting limitations related to transparency and integration within continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) environments. The findings contribute to a better understanding of intelligent automation in software testing and provide guidance for quality assurance (QA) professionals and researchers toward adopting sustainable AI-driven testing practices.

APPLICATION OF 2D TRANSFORMATION MODELS FOR THE CONVERSION OF HISTORICAL TOPOGRAPHIC PLANS FROM SOROCA CITY, REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

2026-03-04T14:09:07+00:00

The integration of historical geodetic data into the national spatial data infrastructure represents an essential step for valorizing cartographic heritage and ensuring the interoperability of modern reference systems. The present study has as its main objective the transformation of coordinates from the local Soroca system, historically used on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, into the national coordinate system MOLDREF99, compatible with European Terrestrial Reference System 1989 (ETRS89). The proposed methodology is based on the application of 2D mathematical transformation models — Helmert (4 parameters) and Affine (6 parameters) — for the conversion of topographic plans at scale 1:500 from Soroca city. Twelve common geodetic points were used, identified both on vectorized plans and in the national GeoData database, and the transformation parameters were calculated using the least squares method and validated on eight independent points. The comparative analysis demonstrated that both models offer similar precision, with mean square errors of approximately 0.002 m and RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of 0.0226 m in the X direction and below 0.008 m in the Y direction, values that fall within acceptable limits for cadastral and topographic works at scale 1:500. The obtained results demonstrate the feasibility of coordinate transformation without direct field measurements, using exclusively existing cartographic resources and the national geodetic database, thus contributing to the development of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) and the valorization of cartographic heritage for cadastral applications, territorial planning, and urban development.

THE ROLE OF STRUCTURAL COHESION IN CLAY SOILS IN THE EVALUATION OF SOIL BASES BEARING CAPACITY

2026-03-04T14:12:29+00:00

The article examines the causes of bearing-capacity failures in foundations of buildings and structures situated on sloping areas in Republic of Moldova, focusing on the response of Sarmatian clay foundation soils, which exhibit time-dependent strength reduction and variations of shear resistance when subjected to prolonged loading. The experiments included tests on undisturbed monolithic samples using a direct shear apparatus at various levels of normal stress, as well as an evaluation of residual and long-term strength in accordance with the principles of the physico-technical theory of creep. The obtained data indicate that the investigated clays are characterized by a significant structural cohesion (average value of approximately 60kPa) and a relatively low internal friction angle of 7-12° (average around 9°). It was established that the application of long-term loads leads to a pronounced reduction in shear strength parameters: the long-term strength reaches approximately 40kPa, while the residual strength is on the order of 20kPa. Calculations of ultimate bearing capacity showed that, depending on the applied stress level, the permissible bearing capacity of the foundation may decrease by 2.5-3 times compared to the initially determined values. These findings highlight the need to account for time-dependent strength degradation when designing foundations on Sarmatian clays and emphasize the importance of accurately determining soil strength parameters, particularly the structural cohesion.

PLANT-BASED PROTEINS: SOURCES, EXTRACTION METHODS AND FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVES FOR THE SUSTAINABLE FOOD INDUSTRY

2026-03-04T14:19:17+00:00

Current research in the food industry highlights the importance of alternative protein sources in the context of global population growth and the need to reduce the negative impact of raising animals, producing animal proteins, on the environment. Plant proteins represent a sustainable, affordable and beneficial option for health, with high potential to replace animal proteins in the food industry. Plant sources rich in protein include legumes, cereals, pseudocereals, oilseeds, green leaves, algae and, more recently, insects. They differ considerably in protein content and amino acid profile, and their strategic combination can ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients. Legumes offer high protein content, but are deficient in sulfur amino acids. Cereals, although lower in protein, bring technological benefits and can complement the amino acids missing from legumes. Pseudocereals have a higher nutritional value than conventional cereals, while green leaves and algae offer a high proteins intake and compounds with antioxidant potential, although they require advanced technologies to overcome extraction limitations. Extraction methods play a decisive role in the yield and quality of plant proteins. Conventional techniques are efficient but can cause denaturation and provide low yields. On the other hand, emerging methods allow the recovery of proteins in larger quantities, preserving their functional and technological properties.

EFFECT OF GRAPE SKIN INCORPORATION ON THE QUALITY OF A DAIRYBASED FROZEN DESSERT

2026-03-04T14:27:17+00:00

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

THE USE OF BIOPROTECTIVE YEASTS TO REDUCE SULFITE CONSUMPTION IN WINEMAKING

2026-03-04T14:32:04+00:00

EU Regulation 2019/934 and consumer demand for "low-sulfite" wines necessitate alternative microbiological preservation strategies. Non-Saccharomyces yeasts— Metschnikowia pulcherrima and Torulaspora delbrueckii—suppress spoilage organisms through multi-pathway bioprotection (iron chelation, nutrient competition, oxygen depletion, cellcontact inhibition) without compromising fermentation or wine composition. This study presents the first Moldavian field trial validating bioprotective yeast efficacy. White wine must from Codru region (Glera and Fetească Regală cultivars) was inoculated with Zymaflore Égide TDMP and subsequently fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analysis was performed by ISO 17025-accredited laboratory (LTPA). Results demonstrated 32–50% SO₂ reduction vs. traditional baseline. Volatile acidity (0.43–0.44 g/L) remained at 40% of EU threshold, confirming acetic acid bacteria suppression. Heavy metals and sodium levels remained significantly below regulatory limits, confirming market compliance. Bioprotective yeasts represent a validated, commercially proven alternative for Moldavian white wine production, aligning with global sustainability trends and enabling premium market positioning.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN VITICULTURE

2026-03-04T14:38:27+00:00

Every technological innovation is a step forward in the development of human society. Almost all areas of life have been affected by the digital industry, including winemaking. The digitization process is widely implemented in order to obtain high-quality products, increase crop yields, verify counterfeit wine products, and automate the work process. Any digital technology can be used for the benefit of mankind, and the use of drones in winemaking is already accepted and recognized. The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) has launched a new digital monitoring center with the aim of identifying key trends in digitalization and how new technologies can be applied in the vine and wine sector. The initiative aims to provide updates on digital/technological trends in the vine and wine sector. This paper analyzes various digital technologies used throughout the value chain: vineyard, winery, and distribution. Artificial intelligence, robotics, satellite imaging, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are some of the technologies included. For each of these, a definition has been included, as well as their application in the wine sector and their future prospects. Digital transformation offers the wine sector an opportunity to gain efficiency, transparency, productivity, open up to new business models/value propositions, and improve sustainability.

APPLICATION OF GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETRY(GC-IMS) TO CHARACTERIZE VOLATILE SIGNATURES OF FETEASCĂ NEAGRĂ WINES FROM THE IGP ȘTEFAN VODĂ REGION

2026-03-04T14:48:22+00:00

Wine aroma is a key determinant of quality and typicity, shaped by complex mixtures of volatile compounds. Traditional methods such as GC-MS provide detailed chemical information but are often time consuming and less suited for rapid terroir studies. This study hypothesized that gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) can differentiate wines from neighboring vineyards within the same protected geographical indication (PGI). The objective was to evaluate its applicability for profiling volatile compounds in wines from three vineyards of the PGI Ștefan Vodă region in Moldova. Microvinification was carried out with Fetească Neagră grapes harvested at technological maturity in 2022, and the resulting wines were analyzed by GC-IMS. Three dimensional spectra, two dimensional projections, differential mapping, and fingerprint plots revealed vineyard specific volatile profiles. Wine from Purcari was characterized by higher levels of esters, Cimișlia by carbonyls and terpenes, and Căușeni by higher alcohols and acetate esters. These results confirm that GC-IMS can capture subtle vineyard level differences and provide unique chemical fingerprints.