Steliana Rodino
Research Scientist I - Applied Biotechnologies
Biography
I am a Research Scientist with research experience in Biotechnology and Circular Bioeconomy. I have expertise in: integrated circular bioeconomy systems, including digitisation; microbial biotechnologies; plant biotechnologies; environmental biotechnologies; bioeconomy education; agroecology; green nanoparticles.
I have experience as project director; research team member in national and international projects; expert evaluator in national and international programmes; member of international working groups, editor and reviewer for peer-reviewed journals. Other skills I have are: innovation manager; intellectual property; research marketing; project manager; trainer; university management communication.
Publications
| Publication | Authors | data | |
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article
Shifting Vegetation Phenology In Protected Areas: A Response To Climate Change |
Ontel Irina; Avram Sorin; Gheorghe Carmen Adriana; Niculae Mihaita Iulian; Pascu Ionut Silviu; Rodino Steliana | Ecological Informatics, 2025 | |
AbstractThis study comprehensively examined the impact of climate change on vegetation phenology within Romanian protected areas (PAs), focusing on critical phenological indicators such as the start of season (SOS), end of season (EOS), length of season (LOS), position of peak (POP), and photosynthetic metrics, including mean spring (MSP) and mean autumn (MAU). The overarching objective was to quantify the extent to which bioclimatic variables, particularly temperature and precipitation, drive shifts in vegetation phenology and ecosystem dynamics in regionally diverse and ecologically sensitive landscapes. Using high-resolution remote-sensing data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) from Terra satellite (normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and leaf area index (LAI)) combined with climate data from ERA5-Land Climate Reanalysis (2001-2020), this study provides a robust assessment of long-term vegetation trends. Our findings revealed pronounced warming trends and declining precipitation patterns, particularly in Alpine biogeographical regions. These climatic changes have resulted in earlier SOS, extended LOS, and increased seasonal productivity, although region-specific variability is evident owing to local vegetation types and unique ecological conditions. These phenological shifts align with the global trends observed across temperate and Alpine ecosystems in Europe, North America, and Asia, where rising temperatures and altered precipitation regimes drive similar ecological responses. This study highlights that global biodiversity hotspots, such as Romanian PAs, are experiencing phenological alterations that mirror the global patterns of earlier greening, prolonged growing seasons, and ecosystem stress, particularly under drought conditions. This study makes a significant contribution to ecological informatics by integrating phenological metrics with climate models, thereby providing a scalable framework that is applicable to other regions facing similar climatic challenges. |
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article
The Potential Of Sunflower Crop By-Products For Bioenergy Production In Romania |
Voicila Daniela Nicoleta; Rodino Steliana | Romanian Agricultural Research, 2025 | |
AbstractCircular economy principles applied to agriculture sector enhances efficiency by closing production loops, where agricultural byproducts or waste are transformed into valuable inputs for new processes. Transforming byproducts into energy or raw materials can substantially reduce the reliance on natural resources, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster a more sustainable economy that balances environmental well-being with economic stability. In this context, this study is focused on assessing the energy potential of sunflower residues in Romania. The analysis highlighted the regional variability of cultivated area, production and yield in sunflower crops. The maximum biomass potential of the sunflower crop residues at national level was 6,221 kilotonnes, and the maximum energy potential was 102,958 TJ. |
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article
Analysis Of Smart Solutions And Behavioral Nudges: Strategies For Increasing Public Involvement In European Biodiversity Conservation |
Ispiryan Audrone; Venclovien Indre; Pakeltien Rasa; Dautart Anzelika; Kraujutien Ingrida; Rodino Steliana | Management Theory And Studies For Rural Business And Infrastructure Development, 2024 | |
AbstractThis study investigates the application of smart solutions and behavioral nudges to enhance public involvement in biodiversity conservation across the European Union. Smart solutions, such as protected areas, national biodiversity strategies, and regulatory frameworks, are direct interventions that provide a strong policy foundation for conservation. In contrast, nudges, including public awareness campaigns, eco-labeling, and citizen science projects, subtly influence public behavior without mandating specific actions, fostering voluntary engagement. The descriptive and comparative analysis reveals that integrating both approaches leads to more effective conservation outcomes by combining regulatory strength with public participation. Countries that successfully implement a mix of smart solutions and nudges, such as Germany and the Netherlands, achieve higher levels of public engagement and better biodiversity outcomes. The research underscores the imperative for intersectoral cooperation, heightened public consciousness, and comprehensive oversight mechanisms to maximize conservation initiatives. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and community leaders seeking to enhance public involvement in biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable practices across Europe. |
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article
Assessing Economic Viability Of Resilient Sheep Foraging Alternatives In Lowland Regions Of Romania |
Chetroiu R.; Rodino S.; Dragomir V.; Ilie D.M.; Marin A. | Agriculture (Switzerland), 2024 | |
AbstractSheep farming is an important branch of the animal husbandry sector in Europe. In 2023, Romania’s sheep and goat herds ranked third in the European Union, with more than 10 million heads, contributing substantially to the production of meat, traditional cheeses, and wool. However, in the current climate context, with extreme weather events and especially long periods of drought, providing optimal fodder ratio becomes a challenge for farmers. As animal nutritionists provide valid alternatives, consistent with the nutritional requirements of the species, the present work aims to present some economically efficient fodder alternatives to use for milk production in sheep farms of different sizes. The study brings added value to research in the field of using fodder alternatives in animal nutrition through the economic aspects researched because profitability is pursued in any activity, thus completing the technical arguments of previous studies in the literature in the field. Several economic indicators were calculated, such as the total value by categories of expenses, the value of production, the level of profit, and the rate of gross and net return. The analysis demonstrated that regardless of their size, the sheep farms located in lowland areas can reach positive values of profitability indicators when using alternative fodder in animal feeding. © 2024 by the authors. |
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article
Capitalization Of Agro-Food Waste Products Within The Sustainable Bioeconomy |
Rodino S.; Petculescu N.L.; Dragomir V. | Acta Horticulturae, 2024 | |
AbstractThe recovery of by-products and waste resulting from the food chain is a current concern at the European and global level. The capitalization of agro-food by-products represents the core of the sustainable bioeconomy, an important chapter of the European Green Deal. Therefore, the applied research has to focus on the optimization of the recovery processes of bioactive compounds from the food waste and their use in further industrial processes related to food, pharmaceutical, animal husbandry domains, thus achieving sustainable agri-food practices. According to this context, this paper is reporting a brief overview on capitalization of agro-food by products within transition to bioeconomy focused on materials that would be otherwise considered a waste. An exploration of state-of-the art advanced technologies for bringing to market value-added products from agro-food side streams will be presented, based on most frequent occurrence of research topics in scientific literature. The analyzed data showed a significant increase in research related to the topic in the last decade, highly oriented toward environmental pillar of sustainability rather than the economic or social one. This investigation provides an important guidance for further directions on the development of research for valorization of bioactive compounds from the agrofood byproducts and their use in further industrial processes for obtaining multifunctional ingredients. © 2024 International Society for Horticultural Science. All rights reserved. |
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article
Considerations Regarding The Storage Of Agricultural Production In Romania |
Marin Ancuta; Rodino Steliana; Dragomir Vili | Scientific Papers-Series Management Economic Engineering In Agriculture And Rural Development, 2024 | |
AbstractStorage spaces are economic units where complex activities from reception-storage-delivery are carried out, with the aim of ensuring a constant flow of products downstream, in accordance with the food demand of people and of the animals. The aim of the paper is to analyze the main storage capacities in Romania, starting from general information (NIS)database. The research methods used in this study have been the bibliometric analysis, the bibliographic analysis and the statistical-mathematical analysis for the calculation of averages by development regions and counties. Romania's agricultural areas are large, the soil and climate being favorable. However, the infrastructure is deficient, the number of operators dealing with the storage of agricultural production is high, but the average storage capacities are rather medium or small.Medium and long-term estimates show that Romania will also be affected by climate change, which leads to the conclusion that in order to keep harvests in optimal conditions and ensure constant production flows, important steps must be taken to develop this segment of activity.The researchers concluded that storage is the key point of food security around the globe because it ensures the preservation of products in sufficient quantities and of good quality. Romania's membership in the European Union made it possible to use the specific instruments of the Community Agricultural Policy, majorly influencing the agri -food market, increasing the value of services for agriculture. That is why funds were allocated that allowed our country to produce cereals in quantities that exceed the internal need, becoming one of the most important exporting countries in Europe. |
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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 | |
AbstractDesigning 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
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 | |
AbstractThe 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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conference
Organic Agriculture As A Future Strategy For Sustainable Farming |
Popa Ramona Ovidia; Rodino Steliana; Butu Alina | Proceedings Of The International Conference On Business Excellence, 2024 | |
AbstractOrganic agriculture, as a holistic system, aims to maximize the productivity of agricultural sector by integrating tradition, innovation and science, helping to improve the quality of agrifood products reaching the market. One of the most rapidly evolving sectors in the EU is the organic manufacturing industry. Due to the increased interest of consumers it has had a significant increase in the last decade. This paper offers a detailed perspective on organic agriculture in Romania in the context of current European development. We present essential information about the organic sector, current legislation and market data, at national and European level. Official data show that organic agriculture has registered an increase in plant and animal production in recent years in Romania. Although it represents a small part of the cultivated area and total production, organic agriculture is attracting attention due to the principles of sustainable development and the associated economic opportunities. |
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article
Potential Of Agricultural Biomass Valorization For Circular Bioeconomy |
Rodino Steliana | Scientific Papers-Series Management Economic Engineering In Agriculture And Rural Development, 2024 | |
AbstractThis paper assesses the role that cereal crop byproducts could play in a circular economy context in Romania. The study focuses on the quantification of biomass availability using Residue-to-Product Ratio (RPR) and estimating the bioenergy potentials by means of Lower Heating Value (LHV) calculations for a variety of byproducts of vegetal crops. Results show that cereal crop side products an important source of biomass and hence offer opportunities for bioenergy and circular agricultural systems. However, in an effort to balance the approach of biomass utilization, sustainability issues related to soil health and food security are also discussed. This work emphasizes the importance of considering environmental and economic advantages in contributing to a circular bioeconomy. |
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