Strategy, Education, Documentation & IT (SEDI)

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is a global priority, and recent advances in medical technology offer promising opportunities to address these challenges. All of our group’s work addresses topics related to early cancer diagnosis and management, with a focus on the use of biomarkers and advanced technologies involving AI-assisted imaging analysis methods.
Ovarian tumors and gastric cancer are analyzed to better understand tumor behavior, prognostic factors and possible therapeutic interventions. Ovarian cancer research highlights the use of neural networks and deep learning systems for accurate tumor detection and segmentation, contributing to early diagnosis and improved survival rates. In parallel, gastric cancer studies emphasize the importance of biomarkers, both in tissue and soluble form, for early diagnosis, assessment of prognosis and optimization of personalized treatments, including immunotherapy. All these contributions converge towards the creation of precise, minimally invasive and effective solutions for the management of oncological diseases.

Our Research Department specializes in leveraging advanced data analysis and computational intelligence techniques to drive innovations in healthcare. Combining expertise in machine learning, deep learning, oncology, and signal processing, our team excels in transforming raw data into actionable insights. We focus on medical image analysis, feature engineering, and pattern recognition to enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. By integrating these advanced methodologies, we aim to improve healthcare outcomes and develop robust decision support systems that empower medical professionals in making informed decisions.

Additionally, the members of the Department of Strategy, Education, Documentation, and IT (SEDI) collective carry out activities in the following areas:

Implementation of managerial control standards.
Maintenance and updating of the website www.virology.ro.
Proper functioning of the computing equipment in the institute.
Optimal management of the book and periodical fund.

MIHAELA CHIVU-ECONOMESCU, PhD

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER I

Expertise area includes oncology, immunotherapy, Intracellular signaling, targeted antitumor therapy, immunology, and immune response during

LORETTA ICHIM, PhD

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCHER III

Expertise area includes: machine learning and deep learning approach for medical image analysis, feature engineering,

Demonstration of intelligent decision support for pandemic crisis prediction and management within and across European borders

Acronym: STAMINA

Strategy, Education, Documentation & IT (SEDI) Publications

Preda M., Tanase B.C., Zob D.L., Gheorghe A.S., Lungulescu C.V., Dumitrescu E.A., Stanculeanu D.L., Manolescu L.S.C., Popescu O., Ibraim E., Mahler B. The Bidirectional Relationship between Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Lung Cancer. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2023, 20, doi:10.3390/ijerph20021282.

75. El-Khatib M., Popescu D., Teodor O., Ichim L. Intelligent system based on multiple networks for accurate ovarian tumor semantic segmentation. Heliyon Sep 2024, 10, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37386. IF=3.4; Q1

74. El-Khatib M., Popescu D., Teodor O.M., Ichim L. New trends in ovarian cancer diagnosis using deep learning: A systematic review. IEEE Access Sept 2024, 12, 116587-116608, doi:10.1109/access.2024.3434722. IF=3.4; Q2

73. Ichim L., Dinu S., Popescu D. Decision fusion-based system for automatic face emotions recognition. Proceedings of the Intelligent Systems Conference (IntelliSys), April 2024, pp. 743-757, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-47724-9_49

72. Ichim L., Mitrica R.I., Serghei M.O., Popescu D. Detection of malignant skin lesions based on decision fusion of ensembles of neural networks. Cancers Oct 2023, 15, doi:10.3390/cancers15204946. IF=4.5; Q1

71. El-Khatib M., Teodor O.M., Popescu D., Ichim L. Identification of benign tumor masses using deep learning techniques based on semantic segmentation. In Proceedings of the 17th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (IWANN), Ponta Delgada, PORTUGAL, Jun 19-21, 2023; pp. 529-540.

70. Pirlog C.F., Costache R., Parosanu A.I., Slavu C.O., Olaru M., Popa A.M., Iaciu C., Nita I., Motatu P., Cotan H.T., Oprita A.V., Costache D., Manolescu L.S.C., Nitipir C. Restricted mean survival time-can it be a new tool in assessing the survival of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors? Diagnostics May 2023, 13, doi:10.3390/diagnostics13111892. IF=3.0; Q1

69. Zugravu C.A., Medar C., Manolescu L.S.C., Constantin C. Beer and microbiota: Pathways for a positive and healthy interaction. Nutrients Feb 2023, 15, doi:10.3390/nu15040844. IF=4.8; Q1

68. Preda M., Dinu R.S., Prasacu I., Manolescu L.S.C. SARS-Cov-2 infection anxiety, knowledge and attitudes in university degree pregnant women from Romania-a cross-sectional observational survey in the first two pandemic years. Vaccines Jan 2023, 11, doi:10.3390/vaccines11010035. IF=5.2; Q1

67. Preda M., Tanase B.C., Zob D.L., Gheorghe A.S., Lungulescu C.V., Dumitrescu E.A., Stanculeanu D.L., Manolescu L.S.C., Popescu O., Ibraim E., Mahler B. The bidirectional relationship between pulmonary tuberculosis and lung cancer. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Jan 2023, 20, doi:10.3390/ijerph20021282.

66. Pirlog C.F., Parosanu A.I., Slavu C.O., Olaru M., Popa A.M., Iaciu C., Nita I., Motatu P., Horia C., Manolescu L.S.C., Nitipir C. Nivolumab hypersensitivity reactions a myth or reality in solid tumors-a systematic review of the literature. Current Oncology Dec 2022, 29, 9428-9436, doi:10.3390/curroncol29120741. IF=2.6; Q3

65. Manolescu L.S.C., Zugravu C., Zaharia C.N., Dumitrescu A.I., Prasacu I., Radu M.C., Letitia G.D., Nita I., Cristache C.M., Gales L.N. Barriers and facilitators of romanian HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination. Vaccines Oct 2022, 10, doi:10.3390/vaccines10101722. IF=7.8; Q1

64. Preda M., Manolescu L.C.S. Romania, a harbour of HIV-1 subtype F1: Where are we after 33 years of HIV-1 infection? Viruses-Basel Sep 2022, 14, doi:10.3390/v14092081. IF=4.7; Q2

63. Pasarica D., Gheorghiu M., Serban M., Toparceanu F., Ichim L., Badiu C. Response of inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6 and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) in patients with secondary peritonitis. Febs Open Bio Jul 2022, 12, 195-195. IF=2.6; Q4

62. Otelea M.R., Zugravu C., Rascu A., Arghir O.C., Manolescu L.S.C., Mates D. Coronasomnia in employees without a direct contact with COVID-19 infected patients in their workplace. Healthcare Jul 2022, 10, doi:10.3390/healthcare10071194. IF=2.8; Q3

61. Manolescu L.S.C., Zaharia C.N., Dumitrescu A.I., Prasacu I., Radu M.C., Boeru A.C., Boidache L., Nita I., Necsulescu A., Medar C., Cristache C.M., Chivu R.D. Covid-19 parental vaccine hesitancy in Romania: Nationwide cross-sectional study. Vaccines Apr 2022, 10, doi:10.3390/vaccines10040493. IF=7.4; Q1

60. Radu M.C., Manolescu L.S., Chivu R., Zaharia C., Boeru C., Pop-Tudose M.E., Necsulescu A., Otelea M. Pregnancy in teenage Romanian mothers. Cureus Journal of Medical Science Jan 2022, 14, doi:10.7759/cureus.21540. IF=1.2; Q3

59. Manolescu L.S.C., Zaharia C.N., Dumitrescu A.I., Prasacu I., Radu M.C., Boeru A.C., Boidache L., Nita I., Necsulescu A., Chivu R.D. Early Covid-19 vaccination of romanian medical and social personnel. Vaccines Oct 2021, 9, doi:10.3390/vaccines9101127.IF=4.961; Q2

58. Radu M.C., Boeru C., Pop-Tudose M.E., Necsulescu A., Dumitrescu A., Iancu C.F., Nita I., Limbau A.M., Zaharia C. Human papillomavirus infection at the time of delivery. Cureus Journal of Medical Science Jun 2021, 13, doi:10.7759/cureus.15364.IF=N/A; Q3

57. Sorescu A.A., Nuta A., Ion R.M., Grigore M., Nistor C.L., Suica-Bunghez I.R. Purple kohlrabi peel, a natural material for eco-friendly silver and gold nanoparticles. Environmental Engineering and Management Journal Apr 2021, 20, 605-611.IF=0.858; Q4

56. Buia S., Popescu D., Ichim L., Ieee. Blood vessel segmentation in retinal images using neural networks. In Proceedings of the 12th International Symposium on Advanced Topics in Electrical Engineering (ATEE), Mar 2021.doi:10.1109/ATEE52255.2021.9425035

55. Radu M.C., Dumitrescu A.I., Zaharia C., Boeru C., Pop-Tudose M.E., Iancu C.F., Chivu R.D. Teenage pregnancies and childbirth experience in Romania from the midwives point of view. Cureus Journal of Medical Science Mar 2021, 13, doi:10.7759/cureus.13851.IF=N/A; Q3

54. Sorescu A.A., Nuta A., Ion R.M., Radu G.I., Nistor C.L. Phytosynthesis, kinetics and antioxidant activity of Waltham butternut squash aqueous extracts and metallic nanoparticles thereof. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Interdisciplinarity in Engineering (INTER-ENG), Oct 2019, 46. doi:10.1016/j.promfg.2020.03.092

53. El-Khatib H., Popescu D., Ichim L. Detection of cancerous lesions with neural networks. In Proceedings of the 15th International Work-Conference on Artificial Neural Networks (IWANN), Spain, Jun 2019, 377-389.doi:10.1007/978-3-030-20518-8_32

52. Sorescu A.A., Nuta A., Grigore M., Andrei E.R., Radu G.I., Iancu L. Antioxidant activity of environmentally – friendly noble metallic nanoparticles. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Sciences (ICAS), May 09-11, 2019, 1426, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1426/1/012046

51. Stefan A.M., Popescu D., Ichim L., Ieee. Upper limb orthosis – image analysis for elbow range of motion. In Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Advanced Topics in Electrical Engineering (ATEE), Mar 2019, doi:10.1109/atee.2019.8724869

50. Jianu S.R.S., Ichim L., Popescu D., Ieee. Automatic diagnosis of skin cancer using neural networks. In Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Advanced Topics in Electrical Engineering (ATEE), Mar 2019, doi:10.1109/atee.2019.8724869.

49. Safca N., Popescu D., Ichim L., Elkhatib H., Chenaru O. Image processing techniques to identify red blood cells. In Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), Oct 2018, 93-98.

48. Jianu S.R.S., Ichim L., Popescu D., Chenaru O. Advanced processing techniques for detection and classification of skin lesions. In Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on System Theory, Control and Computing (ICSTCC), Oct 2018,498-503.

47. Sorescu A.A., Nuta A., Ion R.M., Nitu S.G., Radu N., Teodorescu S. Complex nanoconjugate materials obtained from eco-friendly gold and silver nanoparticles and zinc phthalocyanine derivatives. In Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Advanced Topics in Optoelectronics, Microelectronics, and Nanotechnologies (ATOM-N), Aug 2018,10977, doi:10.1117/12.2324928

46. Ester C., Cerban R., Iacob S., Pietrareanu C., Constantin G., Paslaru L., Ichim S., Lita M., Vadan R., Grancea C., Ruta S., Gheorghe C., Popescu I., Gheorghe L. The role of beta-7 integrin and carbonic anhydrase ix in predicting the occurrence of de novo nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in liver transplant recipients. Chirurgia Jul-Aug 2018, 113, 534-541, doi:10.21614/chirurgia.113.4.534.

45. Ichim L., Popescu D., Ieee. Road detection and segmentation from aerial images using a CNN-based system. In Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing (TSP), Jul 2018, 311-314.

44. Cirneanu S., Ichim L., Popescu D., Ieee. Improvement of optic disc localization using gabor filters. In Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing (TSP), Jul 2018, 294-297.

43. Ichim L., Popescu D. Flexible university-industry cooperation in Romanian program innovation checks as support for increasing SME competitiveness. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN), Jul 2018, 359-367.

42. Ichim L., Popescu D. The university-industry-government partnership in romanian program bridge grant for increasing the quality of research in technical higher education. In Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI), Nov 2017, 5613-5619.

41. Bubulac L., Ichim L., Popescu D., Purcarea L.V., Cirneanu S., Lazar G., Popa-Velea O. Detection and management of student stress in the learning process. In Proceedings of the 10th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI), Nov 2017, 6537-6544.

40. Caramihale T., Popescu D., Ichim L. Interconnected neural networks based on voting scheme and local detectors for retinal image analysis and diagnosis. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Image Analysis and Processing (ICIAP), Sep 2017, 753-764.

39. Ichim L., Popescu D. Retinal image segmentation based on weighted local detectors and confusion matrix. In Proceedings of the 40th International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing (TSP), Jul 2017, 654-658.

38. Caramihale T., Popescu D., Ichim L., Ieee. A neural-network based approach for exudates evaluation in retinal images. In Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Advanced Topics in Electrical Engineering (ATEE), Mar, 2017, 268-273.

37. Caramihale T., Popescu D., Ichim L., Ieee. Detection of regions of interest in retinal images using artificial neural networks and k-means clustering. In Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Applied Electromagnetics and Communications (ICECOM), Sep 2016.

36. Popescu D., Ichim L., Caramihale T. Detection of exudates and hemorrhages using an efficient criterion for feature selection. In Proceedings of the 39th International Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Processing (TSP), Jun 2016, 711-715.

35. Ichim L., Popescu D., Cirneanu S., Ieee. Combining LBP and co-occurrence matrix information to accurate recognition of the optic disc in retinal image. In Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Development and Application Systems (DAS), May 2016, 254-259.

34. Daniela P., Toparceanu F., Gheorghiu M., Serban M., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Pasarica S.A., Bara C. Neurotrophin 3 (nt-3), interleukin-6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (tnfα) in various human pathologies. Febs Journal Sep 2014, 281, 147-147.IF=4.001; Q2

33. Ichim L., Dobrescu R. Characterization of tumor angiogenesis using fractal measures. In Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Control Systems and Computer Science, May 2013, 345-349. doi:10.1109/CSCS.2013.18

32. Marinescu P., Manolescu L.S.C. Association of Hepatitis B infection in patients with HIV encephalopathy. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Nov-Dec 2012, 17, 7817-7824.IF=0.363;Q4

31. Pasarica D., Gheorghiu M., Bleotu C., Toparceanu F., Mahler B., Serban M., Ichim L., Djeska C.S., Bara C. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and neurotrophin 3 (Nt-3) dynamics in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and COPD. Febs Journal Sep 2012, 279, 307-307.IF=2.250;Q2

30. Zgura I., Beica T., Frunza S., Frunza L., Ganea P., Ungureanu F., Negrila C., Nuta A., Sorescu A.A., Bunea I., Zaharia C.N. Nanostructured siox layers as substrates for liquid crystal local ordering. I. Functionalization to bind bovine serum albumin. Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials-Rapid Communications Mar 2011, 5, 318-323.IF=0.304;Q4

29. Galatescu A., Alexandru A., Zaharia C., Kovacs S. Ontology-based Modeling and Inference for Occupational Risk Prevention. In Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Advances in Semantic Processing (SEMAPRO), Oct 2010, 205-210.

28. Zgura I., Beica T., Frunza S., Frunza L., Cotirlan-Simioniuc C., Ungureanu F., Gheorghe N., Rasoga O., Velula T., Zaharia C. Nanostructured gold layers. Iii. Functionalization of gold layers obliquely deposited onto polystyrene substrate. Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Aug 2010, 12, 1729-1738.IF=0.412;Q4

27. Pasarica D., Toparceanu F., Gheorghiu M., Mahler B., Serban M., Berghea C., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Bara C. Neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) loses the immunomodulatory role in chronic diseases. Febs Journal Jun 2010, 277, 180-180.IF=3.129;Q2

26. Pasarica D., Gheorghiu M., Trandafir T., Ichim L., Toparceanu F., Bleotu C. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and neurotrophin 3 (NT-3) dynamics in children with meningitis and encephalitis. Febs Journal Jun 2010, 277, 99-99.IF=3.129;Q2

25. Bumbea H., Vladareanu A.M., Radesi S., Vintilescu A., Roman V., Ciufu C., Hotnog D., Arama V., Onisai M., Popov V.M., Baluta C., Cazaceanu O., Voican I., Cisleanu D., Marinescu C., Arama S., Rafila A., Streinu-Cercel A., Nicolescu A., Gaman M., Ichim A., Begu M. Viral infectious in chronic lymphoproliferative disorders-immunophenotypic changes. Haematologica-the Hematology Journal Jun 2010, 95, 612-612.

24. Zgura I., Beica T., Frunza S., Rasoga O., Galca A., Frunza L., Moldovan A., Dinescu M., Zaharia C. Nanostructured gold layers. Ii. Gold deposition onto polystyrene substrate. Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Feb 2010, 12, 354-359.IF=0.412;Q4

23. Beica T., Frunza S., Zgura I., Frunza L., Cotarlan C., Negrila C., Vlaicu A.M., Zaharia C.N. Nanostructured gold layers. I. Deposition by vacuum evaporation at small angles of incidence. Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials Feb 2010, 12, 347-353.IF=0.412;Q4

22. Toparceanu F., Rusu R., Ichim L., Pasarica D., Chivu M. Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and ceruloplasmin (CP) as serum markers to distinguish between bacterial and viral neuroinfections. Child Care Health and Development Jan 2010, 36, 80-80.IF=1.308;Q3

21. Cheorghiu M., Pasarica D., Bleotu C., Toparrann F., Ichim L., Trandalir I. Rol of neurotrophin-3 on the innate immunity cytokines in patients with ischemic stroke. In Proceedings of the 2nd European Congress of Immunology (ECI), Sep 2009, 545-+.

20. Daniela P., Mihaela G., Traian T., Constantin B., Mihnea S., Loretta I., Coralia B., Mihai S. Correlation between neurotrphin 3 and interleukin 10 in the prognosis of viral and non viral neuroinflammation to the central nervous system. Febs Journal Jul 2009, 276, 216-216.IF=3.601;Q2

19. Pasarica D., Gheorhiu M., Trandafi T., Bara C., Serban M., Toparceanu F., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Stoian M. Relation of neurotrophin 3 (nt-3) with interleukin 6 (il-6) in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CFS) from patients with viral neurological infections. Febs Journal Jun 2008, 275, 317-317.IF=3.139;Q2

18. Gheorghiu M., Pasarica D., Bara C., Trandafir T., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Alaicescu M., Popa C., Stoian M. Serum versus cerebrospinal dynamic of neurotrophin 3, tumoral necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and interleukin 10 in patients with ischemic stroke. Febs Journal Jun 2008, 275, 306-306.IF=3.139;Q2

17. Pasarica D., Gheorghiu M., Bara C., Trandar T., Serban M., Toparceanu F., Bleotu C., Ichim L., Stoian M. Cytokine profile in acute neuroinflamation. Febs Journal Jul 2007, 274, 190-190.IF=3.396;Q2

16. Gheorghiu M., Slavoaca D., Pasarila D., Bara C., Tranadafir T., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Alaicescu M., Pop C., Stoian M. Neutrotrophin 3 and inflammatory cytokines dynamic in patients with ischemic stroke (is) – preliminary results. European Journal of Neurology Sep 2006, 13, 52-52.IF=2.437;Q2

15. Pasarica D., Gheorghiu M., Bara C., Serban M., Trandafir T., Toparceanu F., Ichim L., Bleotu C., Popa C., Alaicescu M., Stoian M. Neurotrophin 3, tumoral necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6 and acute phase proteins in patients with ischemic stroke. Febs Journal Jun 2006, 273, 244-244.IF=3.033;Q2

14. Zaharia C.N., Cristea A. A micropopulational modelling of a viral epidemic by using a special neural network. In Proceedings of the 15th Medical Informatics Europe Conference (MIE 99), Aug 1999, 682-685.

13. Zaharia C.N., Cristea A., Ciuca I., Moisil I. From a complex neural network with many components to an aggregated simpler neural network. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Neural Networks and Expert Systems in Medicine and Healthcare, Sep 1998, 109-115.

12. Cristea A., Zaharia C.N., Ciuca I. Simulation of a micropopulational epidemic evolution using a special neural network. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Neural Networks and Expert Systems in Medicine and Healthcare, Sep 1998, 133-139.

11. Cristea A., Zaharia C.N., Simionescu I. Simulation by neurocomputing of the local quasi-independent epidemics evolution and of their composition in an overall viral epidemics. In Proceedings of the 10th European Simulation Multiconference, Jun 1996, 1079-1083.

10. Cristea A., Zaharia C.N. Objects, interactions and processes oriented data or knowledge – bases. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Concurrent Engineering and Electronic Design Automation, Apr 1994, 337-342.

9. Zaharia C.A., Marcus E. Use of fluorescamine for the determination of the molecular flexibility of immunoglobulin by fluorescence depolarization. Revue Roumaine De Biochimie 1982, 19, 301-307.

8. Zaharia C.N., Horer O.L., Tarabasanumihaila C., Giurgea M. Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric investigation of aggregation of some anthraquinone derivatives. Talanta Jan 1979, 26, 65-66, doi:10.1016/0039-9140(79)80159-9.

7. Tarabasanumihaila C., Zaharia C., Floru L., Urseanu F., Marculescu B. Heterocyclic compact condensed systems .4. Linear bis pyrazolo 2,3-d , 8,9-d trans-quinacridone. Revue Roumaine De Chimie 1978, 23, 1079-1084.

6. Zaharia C.N., Tarabasanumihaila C. Assay of interaction between some new aromatic-compounds and proteins. Revue Roumaine De Biochimie 1977, 14, 219-224.

5. Zaharia C.N. Stereofluorimetric analysis of excitation and emission in a fluorescent sample. Studii Si Cercetari De Fizica 1977, 29, 643-646.

4. Zaharia C., Tarabasanumihaila C. Some aspects concerning interactions of organic-molecules in solution. REVISTA DE CHIMIE 1977, 28, 1042-1045.

3. Horer O.L., Zaharia C.N., Marcu A. TERBIUM FLUORESCENCE IN AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS OF NUCLEIC-ACIDS. Revue Roumaine De Biochimie 1977, 14, 175-179.

2. Zaharia C.N., Tarabasanumihaila C. Absorption and emission electronic-transitions of quinacridonic chromophore – influence of some structural and medium factors. Revue Roumaine De Physique 1976, 21, 359-370.

1. Zaharia C.N., Tarabasanumihaila C. Spectral studies of some linear trans-quinacridonic derivatives – electronic-spectra. Revue Roumaine De Physique 1975, 20, 769-780.