Gates represent an important component of the Romanian domestic life since historical times. They function as a barrier between the sacred family space from inside the household and the space and potential dangers from outside it. Traditional wooden gates have been inscribed with specific elements, thus functioning simultaneously as a household utility and conserving a common identity through their symbolism. Szekely gates represent a lesser-known and studied element of ethnocultural heritage, although the area where they are located has been in the last few years and will probably continue to be a very dynamic and sought after tourism destination. The wooden Székely gates, found in areas inhabited by this ethnic minority, represent a true accumulation of both Romanian and Székely rituals and symbols. The aim of the study is to highlight the importance of the gates for the traditional ethnographic heritage of this ethnic minority with real implications for the development of local cultural and heritage tourism. The objectives of the study consist in identifying the main areas of distribution for Székely gates in Transylvania, the significance of their main symbols and the level of their current national and international promotion. The research methodology included direct observations, GIS techniques, and field investigations. The results of this exploratory study show the location of the traditional Székely gates and their diversity, and the coexistence of a Romanian symbolism with one that is exclusively local through specific motifs and colours. This diversity and coexistence of symbols gives the possibility of inserting Székely gates as added cultural values into an already visible and viable tourism area.
Several health researchers have emphasised the effects of socio-economic factors on population health outcomes. Many studies have been demonstrating the relationship between socio-economic conditions and individual health, as they have stated that deprived population are more likely to have a higher rate of morbidity and mortality due to different diseases. This study examines the association between socioeconomic deprivation and health outcomes among the population from urban and rural communities in Ialomi a ţ County (Romania). The research is based on statistical and spatial analysis, using indicators related to socio-economic deprivation (economic status index, housing endowment index, education level index and) and indicators related to health outcomes. Preliminary results showed the expansion of deprived areas, overlapping areas with precarious population health, generally areas with high incidence of respiratory and digestive diseases, high mortality due to infectious diseases.