Marian Butu
CS I - Biotehnologii Aplicate
Biografie
Sunt cercetător științific gradul I cu peste 25 ani experiență în cercetare în Bioinformatică, Biotehnologie și Bioeconomie. Am expertiză în dezvoltarea de: platforme și sisteme (bio)informatice; soluții IT&C și instrumente digitale; baze de date specializate; (eco)biotehnologii; biomateriale avansate; modelare, simulare, testare și analiză in silico.
Am experiență ca director proiecte naționale și internaționale; membru în echipa de management și de cercetare în proiecte naționale și internaționale; expert evaluator proiecte în programe naționale și internaționale; membru în grupuri de lucru internaționale, editor și recenzor pentru jurnale de specialitate. Alte competențe pe care le dețin sunt: manager inovare; proprietate intelectuală; marketingul cercetării; manager de proiect; formator; manager sisteme de management al calității.
Publicatii
| Publication | Authors | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
article
Assessing The Effectiveness Of Twin Transformation In Lithuanian And Romanian Agriculture: A Comparative Analysis |
Alesiuniene Kristina Sermuksnyte; Vencloviene Indre; Ispiryan Audrone; Pakeltiene Rasa; Kraujutiene Ingrida; Butu Marian | Romanian Agricultural Research, 2025 | |
RezumatThe twin transformation in agriculture, integrating digitalization and green practices, is pivotal for achieving sustainability in the European Union (EU). This study examines the economic impacts of adopting digital and green technologies on farms in Lithuania and Romania. A comparative analysis highlights variations in adoption rates, investment levels, and operational savings across these countries. Lithuanian farms exhibit costefficient strategies, achieving significant profitability improvements with moderate investments, while Romanian farms engage in high-cost initiatives, reflecting differences in farm size, access to funding, and policy frameworks. The results reveal high adoption rates for digital technologies, with over 76% of farms in both countries utilizing tools such as data analytics software. However, barriers including high costs, limited funding access, and technical knowledge gaps persist, particularly in smaller farms and in Romania. Operational savings are predominantly moderate (5-10%), with significant savings exceeding 20% being rare. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy measures, including enhanced financial support, capacity-building programs, and scalable technological solutions. These interventions are crucial for addressing disparities and fostering inclusive adoption of twin transformation practices. The findings provide a foundation for developing strategies to ensure sustainable and resilient agricultural systems in the EU, with broader implications for global agricultural transitions. |
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article
Modelling The Transition To A Circular Agriculture- A Systems Dynamics Perspective |
Pop Ruxandra; Rodino Steliana; Dragomir Vili; Butu Marian | Romanian Agricultural Research, 2024 | |
RezumatDesigning efficient and sustainable pathways for ensuring the transition to a circular economy is one of the main challenges to which an answer must be found, regardless of the economic sector, activity field or geographic area of interest. In order to improve the planet natural resource conservation systems, the main representative institutions and policy makers have implemented a series of strategies and directives, all over the world. From a simple crossing through relevant documents, assumed at global level such as: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, United Nations 2015, regional level: The New Circular Economy Action Plan, EC 2020 or national level: Recovery and Resilience Plan of Romania, 2023, the main common denominator it can be identified- focusing on finding the optimal balance between the environmental resources rational exploitation, protection and developing competitive economy systems. The bioeconomy involves the use of renewable biomass, including raw material obtained from different categories of secondary products, for the production of finished products in the economy. Interest in the bioeconomy has grown over the last decade, and this study analyses the potential of biomass and circular bioeconomy models in the agricultural sector, using systemic modelling approaches. In this sense, studies and models of bioeconomy and circular economy applied at the regional and European level are presented, specifically for dynamic system modelling methods. Finally, we propose studying a circular bioeconomy pilot model for sunflower production in Romania, highlighting the potential of biomass and secondary products from this crop. The use of sunflower by-products in various applications, such as animal feed, biofuels, functional food ingredients or bio-composite materials, underlines their importance in promoting circular economy practices. |
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article
National Rural Development Programme-Nrdp 2014-2020 Contribution To Market Integration Of Small And Medium-Sized Farm Production In Romania |
Tudor Monica Mihaela; Dragomir Vili; Butu Marian | Scientific Papers-Series Management Economic Engineering In Agriculture And Rural Development, 2024 | |
RezumatThe Romanian system of small and medium farms generates significant amounts of agricultural raw materials, an important part of which remains outside the market. On the other hand, Romania registers ever-increasing deficits in the trade balance with food products for which, however, it would have sufficient potential to be covered from national resources. In the current context of frequent crises and external shocks affecting the flow of goods and the availability of food globally (pandemics, armed conflicts, blockages in international transport, price volatility resulting from the growing demand for food for food from an increasingly large global population), increasing autonomy in ensuring food from internal sources appears as a necessity for ensuring economic and social stability. Agricultural policies are called to contribute to this goal by supporting a better integration of Romanian farm products in national agrifood chains. The paper aimed to carry out an assessment of Romania's vulnerability to food insecurity caused by dependence on agri-food imports during the 2013-2022 period, supplemented by an analysis of the contribution of the National Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 to the reduction of this risk. The study caried out an literature review on the analysed topic and a descriptive analysis of secondary statistical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics- regarding the trade balance and by the Payments and Interventions Agency for Agriculture- regarding the public intervention through NRDP 2014-2020. The study showed that, during the analysed period, Romania consolidated its position as a supplier of agricultural raw materials with low added value and, on the same time, its dependence on processed food imports significantly increased. NRDP measures have had low effectiveness in reducing food insecurity risks. The authors recommend re-shaping of public policy to support the local processing sectors for which the trade balance registers the largest deficit and for which Romania already supports the increase in the performance of primary production. |
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article
Optimization Of Modern Agricultural Crop Production Systems In The Context Of Circular Economy |
Rodino Steliana; Pop Ruxandra; Dragomir Vili; Ursu Ana; Butu Marian | Romanian Agricultural Research, 2024 | |
RezumatThe proper management of nutrient use in modern agricultural practices is of paramount importance. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as the three essential nutrients for crop growth, play pivotal roles in ensuring healthy and productive agricultural systems. Farmers meticulously calculate and apply these nutrients to optimize crop yields, but a heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers can lead to imbalances and environmental challenges. Managing nutrient use efficiently is not only crucial for enhancing crop productivity but also for achieving economic efficiency by reducing input costs and minimizing environmental externalities. With a specific focus on the Circular Economy Action Plan and the food, water, and nutrients category, the article highlights the significance of nutrient management, particularly in the agricultural context. It underscores the necessity of moving towards organic farming practices to enhance nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Overall, it provides a valuable overview of nutrient management and its relationship to the circular economy, agriculture and environmental protection. |
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article
Quantitative Approach To Influencing Drivers For Sustainable Agriculture Development |
Dragomir Vili; Bolboasa Bianca; Rodino Steliana; Butu Marian | Scientific Papers-Series Management Economic Engineering In Agriculture And Rural Development, 2024 | |
RezumatThe need to address the complex exchanges between natural resource efficiency and economic growth has become increasingly discussed in worldwide strategies and position papers. Resource depletion, environmental challenges and climate change are just a few topics related to fast industrialization and economic expansion. The question is how information regarding crops, climatic factors, or solutions used in plant treatment are managed. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the scientific environment regarding quantitative indicators and models for the assessment of sustainable agriculture practices. The study is based on a bibliometric analysis made using Web of science database and processing using biblioshiny environment from R package. The most relevant works and influential authors in the field of quantitative modelling for sustainable agriculture were identified and a set of indicators and metrics for evaluating efforts in transitioning towards sustainability were synthetised. Integrating practical data into quantitative models can provide insights into trends, correlations, or even predictions, and the results obtained serve as inputs for decision-makers. |
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conference paper
Recovery Of Critical Metals From Mine Tailings |
Butu A.; Morais P.V.; Butu M.; Avram S.; Rodino S. | Springer Proceedings In Business And Economics, 2024 | |
RezumatThe availability of primary resources correlated with waste production from exploration and mining activities will remain a need to satisfy the growing global demand for raw materials. The present research started with the idea that tailings and wastes from mining can be considered mineral reserves. The project aimed to increase the efficiency of resources through the recycling of residues and their integration into a circular economy concept. Special emphasis is placed on processing mine tailings to turn them into a valuable source of secondary raw materials. This is an important step toward sustainability and reducing the negative impact on the environment. This chapter presents the objectives targeted by the REVIVING research project. Therefore, the aim was to obtain improved models for efficiently recycling metals from residues in selected case study mines, based, for the first time, on the manipulation of the microbiome existing within autochthonous tailings, using molecular data to promote the bioleaching bacterial populations, and innovative hydrometallurgy, using negative pressure. The study aimed to cover the entire cycle of obtaining metals, from secondary sources to the production of a marketable product. It also aimed to enable the efficient recycling of tailings and reduce the residues generated by the mining process, thus contributing to the reconnection of raw materials to society. The ultimate goal of the project was to find alternative sources of critical metals, as these are vulnerable to disruption of supply because their core source is restricted to just one or two regions of the world, and they are difficult to substitute within the specific technologies that use them, being vital raw materials in various new and green emerging industrial processes. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024. |
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article
Romania'S Rural Digital Transformation And Implications For Agriculture |
Butu Marian; Dragomir Vili; Badan (voicila) Daniela Nicoleta | Scientific Papers-Series Management Economic Engineering In Agriculture And Rural Development, 2024 | |
RezumatThis paper aimed to analyzes the development of access to the internet in Romania for the last decade highlighting digitalization in rural areas. The main indicators studied in this research are: household access to the Internet in different regions of Romania and in the EU, and internet usage of households in Romania and the EU, analyzed in their dynamics in the period 2014-2023, based on Eurostat data. The results proved an increase in internet connectivity across three tiers of location: cities, towns, and rural areas. While internet reached almost the entire population of the cities, this has been more than doubled in rural areas: from 41.08% in 2014 to 88.12% in 2023. Despite these increases, Romania still ranks behind most the EU countries regarding overall digitalization, particularly at a rural level. In this context, the rapid increase in rural internet access indeed points to an improvement in digital infrastructure, but further investments in improving the gap will be required. The study, therefore, highlights the importance of sustained efforts toward improving rural digital literacy and connectivity for all, but in particular for embracing digital agriculture technologies. |
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article
Challenges Of Digital Transformation In Agriculture From Romania |
Rodino Steliana; Butu Marian; Butu Alina; Lazar Catalin; Ciornei Laurentiu; Simion Petruta-Simona | Romanian Agricultural Research, 2023 | |
RezumatAgriculture plays a crucial role in Romania's economy, a fact that accelerates the search for ways to maximize production yield and profit. The aim of the paper is to study the characteristics of the transformation of agriculture in the context of digitization. Research methods include scientific and theoretical approaches to assess the state of agriculture and its potential in the context of digitization, such as system and situation analysis. The current stage of agricultural development is characterized by a significant transformation of management and production processes due to the introduction of digital technologies. The experience has convincingly shown that the traditional forms of development of agricultural production have practically exhausted themselves. In the new conditions of financial and economic activity, the scientific and technological progress becomes decisive. In agriculture, the digital transformation has a significant impact on material and human resources, increases the productivity of crops, improves the quality of agricultural and livestock products. The digitization of agriculture is extremely important, because it is a source of agricultural economic growth and can become a strong incentive for the innovative development of the sector. Investments in the development of digital infrastructure in rural areas can improve the living conditions of the rural population, with local authorities solving more efficiently the problems within their competence. Also, the digitalization of agriculture will promote the development of small farms in rural areas and contribute to the diversification of the rural economy. |
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article
Consumer Preferences In The Purchase Of Agri-Food Products: Implications For The Development Of Family Farms |
Dumitru Eduard Alexandru; Sterie Cristina Maria; Rodino Steliana; Butu Marian | Agriculture-Basel, 2023 | |
RezumatThe purpose of this study was to investigate the preferences of Romanian consumers when purchasing agri-food products, with a focus on products from family farms, and to identify pathways for promoting family farms' outputs for enhancing the development of rural areas and the local economy. For this, a survey was carried out using a questionnaire as the main tool. Firstly, the data collected were analysed from a descriptive point of view. Then, multiple linear regression and the chi-square test were used to determine the relationships between variables, and ANOVA was used to identify significant differences between groups. The results revealed that consumers with a higher level of education are more confident in certified products and are better informed, with a greater ability to distinguish certified from non-certified products through logos. Finally, the results indicate an opportunity for family farms to sell their products for a higher price within a secure market, mainly in urban areas. However, for this to happen, it is necessary to implement a quality scheme, highlighting the origin and originality of the product (product obtained from a family farm, including logo) coupled with awareness campaigns on the advantages that this product has, both for the consumer and the farmer or the region it comes from. These aspects could improve the development of rural areas from all points of view. |
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article
Global Research Progress And Trends On Critical Metals: A Bibliometric Analysis |
Butu Alina; Rodino Steliana; Butu Marian | Sustainability, 2023 | |
RezumatIn the perspective of observing the latest worldwide and European strategies toward green transition and delivering a secured access to local resources, the objective of this study was to analyze the research progress on critical materials and, more specific, critical metals and review the future research hot-topics for critical metals. Consequently, a bibliometric analysis for the assessment of the current state of the art research, future trends as well as evolution through time of the critical metals research was performed in the present work. The study included four phases of work: (i) search string selection, (ii) data collection, (iii) data processing, and (iv) data interpretation. A total of 433 publications on critical metals were collected from Scopus database between 1977 and 2023, with an increasing yearly trend and a burst in 2013. The data retrieved showed a significant increase in publications related to the topic in the last 10 years. The results show that research interest is concentrated around six critical areas: (i) bioleaching as an important process of critical metal recovery, (ii) circular economy concepts and recovery of critical metals by urban mining from e-waste, (iii) resource recovery from waste landfills as urban mines, (iv) targeted studies on various critical elements (copper, zinc, gallium, silver, lithium), (v) rare elements as industry vitamins and, (vi) coal deposits and coal ashes as an alternative source of critical metals. This analysis could provide important guidance for further directions on the development of research for recovery of critical metals. |
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