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The transition toward a green economy and sustainable development has become a priority for countries aiming to mitigate environmental degradation and promote economic resilience. In Kosovo, the integration of System for Information Management (SIM) into institutional and sectoral frameworks remains a critical component for enabling informed decision-making, resource efficiency, and environmental accountability. This paper explores the role of SIM in strengthening institutional and operational capacities to suppor...

This research explores whether multilingual education can boost understanding and involvement in environmental and earth sciences. The central question is whether having different languages in schools helps students grasp different scientific ideas better. A mixed-methods approach was used, gathering qualitative data from interviews and focus groups with teachers and students. Academic performance and how engaged students were in multilingual classrooms were also measured quantitatively. It turns out that students...

Biomass-produced biocarbon has low surface functionality and a reduced pore volume, these properties reduce the performance of the biocarbon and limit its applications. Among the various surface engineering strategies, oxidation leads to both an increase in pore volume and surface functionality, by introducing oxygen-containing chemical groups. This study presents a short review of the oxidation pathways in surface engineering of biocarbon materials, evaluates the controlling factors, such as key parameters, that ...

Tourism is essential to Latvia's sustainable territorial development, fostering infrastructure improvements, regional economic growth, and social cohesion. However, the sector has experienced major disruptions over the past seven years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer behavior, and geopolitical instability. This study examines tourism development trends in Latvia, identifying key changes, challenges, and prospects in the context of sustainability. In 2019, the number of tourists in Latvia was 2...

Mediterranean cities are characterized by an intense culture of outdoor living, yet empirical research on urban heat island (UHI) dynamics within these environments remains limited. This study investigates the cooling performance of urban vegetation during a typical summer day across three newly redesigned coastal promenades in Albania. Employing a mixed-methods approach combining experimental, semi-experimental, and comparative analyses the research integrates urban morphology assessments, climatic datasets, in-s...

The effects of climate change are affecting agriculture in many areas through changing weather, such as unexpected temperature swings and changes in rainfall that threaten food supplies and rural life. Western Romania has its own weather problems, such as long droughts mixed with unpredictable rains, and generally these conditions are starting to slow down agricultural production, which means farmers need to rethink the way they farm. When rains stop being reliable, groundwater can act as a buffer; it helps to kee...

Sea level change and global sea level rise are slow but persistent changes. They should be evaluated as a sign of ongoing climate changes. The Black Sea is a semi-enclosed sea, with the only connection to the world's oceans being the narrow Bosphorus Strait. The influence of climate changes in such an environment will be grater. Sea level observations on the Bulgarian part of the Black Sea are carried out by numerous tide gauge stations. The most indicative of them, with the most complete set of measurements, is t...

The global society, while continuing operation within the acceptable load on the planet, will not be able to meet the material needs in the future. The circular economy (hereinafter referred to as the CE) may have great potential in solving environmental and economic problems. It is necessary to adopt a system-wide approach aimed at restructuring economic and social relations. The transition to CE will help to save natural resources, minimize waste generation, contribute to achieving a zero-waste society, reduce e...

Aquaculture sector holds significant potential for ensuring food security, supporting economic growth, and contributing to the sustainable use of marine resources within the European Union (EU), aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Below Water . However, the potential of aquaculture is constrained by multilevel challenges, including environmental externalities, regulatory complexities, and social acceptance. These challenges are exacerbated by underlying tensions between goals for growing the ...

This research confronts the linguistic hegemony within geoscience education, which systematically marginalizes non-native English speakers and constrains global capacity building. Moving beyond merely identifying this barrier, the research proposes and evaluates concrete multilingual strategies to foster a more equitable and effective discipline. Through qualitative investigations, including interviews with educators, students, and professionals, and a systematic review of existing resources, we identify both best...

In today-s world, increasing urbanization poses challenges to the environment and quality of life in cities. This article examines the importance of urban ecology for sustainable urban planning and the transformation of urban landscapes. By integrating ecological principles into planning, cities can become more resilient and adaptable to climate change. Sustainable urban planning focuses on reducing negative environmental impacts, improving quality of life, and creating socially just spaces. Green infrastructure r...

Figs (Ficus carica) are renowned for their high antioxidant content and rich nutritional profile. They are an excellent source of vitamins (particularly vitamins A, C, K, and B-complex), essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron), fiber, and bioactive compounds that offer numerous health benefits. Due to these properties, figs contribute to improved digestion, better blood sugar regulation, and enhanced cardiovascular health. Sausages are a widely enjoyed food, which inspired us to reimag...

This paper presents two AI-based case studies aimed at enhancing data-driven approaches to urban planning in relation to diverse topographical conditions towards sustainable development strategies and new urban typologies. The first case study employed a genetic algorithm to identify optimal spatial arrangements for agriculture, photovoltaic energy generation, and urban structure development. The analysis was conducted across three distinct Slovak topographies: riverlands, mountainous areas, and the existing urban...

This study investigates shoreline dynamics and morphodynamic variability along the Kavatsi coastal sector (Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast) through a multi-temporal analysis spanning the 1980s to 2025. By integrating legacy topographic maps, aerial orthophotos, and recent high-resolution Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) photogrammetry (2020-2025), five representative beach-dune systems were assessed: Kavatsite-North, Kavatsite-South, Smokini-North, Smokini-South, and Camping Veselie Beach. UAS-derived orthophotomos...

The development of UAV-based (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) diagnostic methods has created new opportunities for evaluating high-rise and industrial structures. While traditional multirotor drones are commonly used for visual and thermal inspections, their limited authority control reduces precision when operating close to complex surfaces. This review paper examines the capabilities of omnidirectional UAVs (omnicopters), which offer full control across six degrees of freedom by decoupling translation from rotation. S...

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become essential platforms in domains such as logistics, environmental monitoring, surveillance, agriculture, and disaster management. The growing complexity of missions and the increasing demand for autonomy highlight the critical role of trajectory optimization, which ensures safe, efficient, and adaptive navigation in dynamic environments. Path-planning algorithms form the core of this capability, enabling UAVs to avoid obstacles, minimize energy consumption, and accomplish ...

Human activities on a global scale are increasingly generating substantial quantities of solid waste. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a significant worldwide initiative to reduce waste production and reuse existing waste, including non-recyclable plastics, industrial waste, sewage sludge, hazardous waste, municipal waste, among others. To ensure environmental quality, further treatment of waste is essential to prevent its accumulation in landfills. For waste materials that cannot be recycled or for w...

The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect on temperature dynamics across various locations within the city of -ilina during the year 2024. The results reveal significant differences in temperature gradients between urban and rural areas, with urban zones such as Nemocnicna Street and the Vlcince housing estate exhibiting up to 16.6 % slower cooling rates on summer evenings compared to the rural locality of -ilinska Lehota. This phenomenon is attributed to the increased he...

Urban soil contamination with heavy metals is a growing environmental concern due to its adverse effects on human health, ecosystem stability, and soil productivity. The primary sources of this pollution include industrial activities, vehicular emissions, atmospheric deposition, mining operations, and improper waste disposal. As heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) accumulate in the soil, their persistence and low mobility make them difficult to degrade or rem...

Remote sensing techniques are increasingly used in land surface monitoring processes. The development of satellite systems has led to increasingly complex research in terms of analysis and monitoring of large land areas, with reduced costs and high efficiency. In this research, a satellite scene from 03.07.2024 taken over by the Landsat 9 remote sensing system was used, the scene identifier being LC09_L2SP_186028_20240730_20240731_02_T1, WRS_PATH 186 and WRS_ROW 28, UTM projection system, Datum WGS84, Ellipsoid WG...

The use of remote sensing images in territorial analyses is increasingly used with the development of remote sensing systems. Due to the fact that there are numerous remote sensing systems, both open source and paid, these instruments are widely used in monitoring large areas in order to analyze the dynamics of land use changes. In the present study, an analysis of the ATU Moravita, Timis County, Romania, was carried out based on remote sensing images taken from the Landsat 8 satellite system. Based on the 11 spec...

The submitted paper focuses the issue of using a new technology of Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) sensors in practice for dosing organic fertilizers based on their composition. The HarvestLab 3000 system was tested in a selected enterprise in terms of its usability in practice. In 2021, an experimental plot was selected in a conventional company situated in the southern part of Czech Republic. The HarvestLab 3000 system with the NIR technology was used for the variable (VR) dosage of digestate as a basic fertiliz...

The relevance of this research stems from the critical importance of protecting environmental rights under conditions of martial law. Violations of these rights can lead to long-term environmental degradation and adverse impacts on public health. As of the 1000th day of the war, environmental damage to Ukraine caused by the aggression of the Russian Federation has reached an estimated USD 70 billion. Approximately 3 million hectares of forests have been destroyed, over 6,500 environmental violations recorded, and ...

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of 3D-printed concrete is challenging due to complex geometries and layer-dependent material heterogeneity. Photogrammetry captures surface geometry, but its outputs cannot be directly linked to NDT values. This study presents a workflow that integrates photogrammetric models with rebound hammer measurements and applies radial basis function (RBF) interpolation to visualize near-surface strength. Each measurement point is matched to its 3D coordinates on the mesh, enabling consistent ...

The study aims to analyze the vulnerability of the water supply within the water resources management system of the Tundzha River basin. It evaluates available water resources and the possibilities for their management, with a focus on the hydrological efficiency and economic feasibility of management strategies, as well as the social implications of their implementation. The methodology includes the application of a water resources balance for the entire catchment to assess the correspondence between resources an...

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant environmental issue especially in countries like Bulgaria that currently has 486 closed and abandoned mining waste facilities including tailings, dumps and heaps. Some of them are thoroughly investigated and known for their low pH levels and high metal and metalloid concentrations. The most conventional active treatment method for AMD involves neutralization through the use of different reagents. However, a significant limitation in the application of this method is the la...

The study examined the sorption properties of beech, chestnut, and pine sawdust, as well as pine pellets, focusing on their ability to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. The kinetics of sorption were analyzed using CuSO4-5H2O and FeSO4-7H2O solutions (10?5-10?- M) over 1, 2, 4, 24, and 48 hours. Sorbents were modified with HCl and NaCl, and their efficiency was evaluated by measuring pH and electrical conductivity before and after sorption. Chestnut sawdust demonstrated the highest sorption capacity, ...

The present study examines working capital as a key indicator of financial sustainability. The focus is placed on its role in ensuring the resilience of enterprises operating within the chemical industry in Bulgaria. Given the sector's cyclical volatility, the research emphasizes the necessity of effective working capital management as a prerequisite for maintaining corporate liquidity and solvency. From a theoretical perspective, the study explores the nature and scope of working capital, its structural component...

Microbial immobilization is a promising strategy for various applications, including environmental remediation and bioprocess engineering. However, the efficacy of immobilization largely depends on the characteristics of the carriers. Biomass wastes are renewable and abundant resources that can be subjected to hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) for hydrochar production, a resulting carbonaceous material with a porous structure. This porous architecture offers extensive surface area and facilitates the colonization a...

This study aimed to investigate carbon storage dynamics in pure pine, oak, and mixed forests within a one-hectare area. Tree samples were collected to measure their weight, size, and density. Each type of forest was estimated how much carbon is hold per hectare. The findings revealed significant differences in carbon storage capacities among them. Pure oak forests emerged as the top carbon reservoirs, with 57% of their trees' mass comprising carbon. Pure pine forests followed closely with 51% carbon storage. Inter...

One of the priorities in professional education, including the training of future geography teachers, is related to ensuring a quality and innovative educational process based on the competence approach and modern innovative educational technologies. In this regard, the present study aims to investigate the pedagogical effectiveness and educational potential of design thinking in the professional training of future geography teachers. The main goal is to enhance the academic performance of students by providing a ...

This paper presents a multidisciplinary approach to analyzing data from Telegram for early warning information regarding cyber threats. With the proliferation of hacktivist groups utilizing Telegram to disseminate information regarding future cyberattacks or to boast about successful ones, the need for effective data analysis methods is paramount. The primary challenge lies in the vast number of channels and the overwhelming volume of data, necessitating advanced techniques for discerning pertinent risks amidst th...

The geometric levelling of the highest order has been the main method for many scientific and engineering tasks for more than 150 years. One of them is the monitoring of the recent vertical movements of the Earth-s crust. In order to understand the low of accumulation of the discrepancies in levelling lines, many investigators have planned and performed various experiments and analysis through the years. As a result, the systematic effects of many sources of measurement errors have been studied, and partly or full...

Carbon emission has increasingly become a topic of the day. Carbothermic reduction processes and energy generating units have for years used generic carbonaceous materials contributing to high carbon pollution. Ongoing investigations are showing good prospects. This paper corroborates a comprehensive review on the potential of biochar as an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional carbon sources in pyrometallurgical processes, addressing the environmental ithreats caused by fossil fuel use, such as gr...

Lava tubes are natural underground structures formed by volcanoes during magmatic eruption events. Their exploration has aroused undeniable interest in the scientific community because of their potential as future habitats capable of hosting human missions in the Solar System. Indeed, there are significant topographic features that indicate the existence of lava tubes on the Moon and Mars, offering natural shelter and environmental insulation for permanent planetary settlements. The article summarizes the geologic...

This paper presents the monitoring of an eroding phenomenon (gully) near Ciurila, Cluj County, Romania, using UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technologies. In this sense, the monitoring results through sustainable and non-invasive technologies are presented, following four cycles of observations, carried out between June 2019 and April 2021. The paper aims to present the advantages and limitations of such a study, as well as the importance of monitoring erosion phenomena...

Since early times the civilization used to record and store their information about accumulated knowledge, everyday life necessities and other important things. Starting with clay tablets, stones and paper as a more advanced technology followed. Since that moment this trend made its way through centuries until nowadays, with new technological capabilities resulting in the form of digitalization. The paper discusses nuances of the terms, such as digitization, digitalization and digital transformation in scientific ...

The research uses monthly water flow in river watersheds within Danube-s river basin - Ogosta, Iskar, Yantra and Rusenski Lom rivers, as pilot basins. The water flow indicators describe river flow regime and hydrological streamflow characteristics. Our article describes the determination of environmental flow limits on surface water abstractions in Bulgaria. Monthly river flow is characterized by annual variability due to climate factors and anthropogenic impacts. Furthermore information from hydrometric stations ...

Kazakhstan is on leading position in the world in terms of reserves and mining of copper ores. There are 30 deposits with approved reservest. Nowadays, the copper industry of the Rrepublic is provided with a raw material base. Among them, the Zhezkazgan deposit remains unique in terms of reserves and a set of components. The main geological and industrial types of copper deposits (in terms of mining) are deposits of copper sandstones (58%), copper pyrite (17.1%), copper porphyry (8.2%), scarn (4.2%), etc. In the t...

In Kazakhstan, the main porphyry copper deposits are located in the Northern Balkhash region. The Konyrat, Aktogay, Aidarly, and Borly copper-porphyry deposits have been explored and exploited in this area. The main reserves of the country's copper raw materials are associated with these deposits. The Eastern Balkhash region is part of the North Balkhash ore zone. Previous studies on the Eastern Balkhash region focused on the Aktogay region and did not pay due attention to the southern part of the East Balkhash re...

Nature-based Solutions represent a set of powerful tools that are intended to reconcile often conflicting economic and nature conservation goals. Rapid infrastructure development threatens biodiversity globally. In this context application of Biodiversity Net Gain strategies start to gain traction. One possible approach to achieve the Net Gain outcomes is to apply Nature-based Solutions. It is, however, important to understand that application of the solutions does not guarantee biodiversity outcomes that could co...

Hydrogen is gaining popularity as a fuel source for more and more fields around the globe. The use of hydrogen for transport represents one of the important applications of this chemical substance, in this sense the development of infrastructures, but especially the safety of hydrogen filling stations representing an important element. Using hydrogen to power transportation can reduce harmful ozone-depleting emissions while improving air quality. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can help improve air quality and solve c...

Plastic waste pollution represents extensive threats to ecosystems and human health. A lot of plastic waste enters the ocean or ends on landfills, where it threatens the ecosystem. Therefore, it is crucial to find methods for its effective disposal or reuse. A significant amount of plastic can be found in personal protective equipment used to protect against viral infections and transmission, for example during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article focuses on the utilization of plastic waste by mixing it with beech ...

If a few years ago climate change was a new and fanciful concept and not everyone was aware of its entire action range, today we are witnessing increasingly pronounced climate change. At the European Union level are many political initiatives in order to mitigate the climate change so the next generations to have the same changes to a good environment. All the efforts must be put into shifting the development to a more sustainable one. There are different drivers that interfere with the climate. Among energy, tran...

The paper presents a medium-temperature modular pyrolysis plant generating electricity from syngas (SG) produced by air conversion of pyrolysis liquid and fed into the electrochemical generator (ECG) battery. Electric output of the plant and district water heater is 100 kW and 126 kW, respectively. The main power characteristics of the plant are determined by physicochemical modeling and energy budgeting methods. Specific consumption of pyrolysis liquid to produce electricity and heat is shown as 108 g/kW-h (169 g...

Livestock barns are integral to modern agriculture, providing essential environments for raising animals. The air quality in these barns directly impacts livestock health, quality of production and environmental sustainability. Trends in key metrics such as gas concentrations, particulate matter levels, humidity content, and temperature can influence the overall health of livestock, barn operations, and broader ecological factors. Understanding these trends and their interrelationships is crucial for managing barn...

Air pollution is a major problem related to human health and the protection and quality of the environment. Increasingly emphasis is placed on the problems associated with fine dust particles, without paying enough attention to the potential problems associated with the increase of microorganisms in the ground air layer. The present pilot study aims to establish the dynamics in the number of microorganisms at different height in the ground air. Six hot spots and six green zones were analyzed at a distance from the...

Constructions extending over large areas or distances raise problems regarding their setting out, because these elements are determined in the official projection of Romania, namely the 1970 Stereographic map projection. For the territory of our country, this produces distortions from -25 cm/km to approximately +64 cm/km in terms of distances and between -5 sq. m/ha and +12.76 sq. m/ha in terms of areas, depending on the distance from the projection pole and, implicitly, from the circle of zero distortions. For th...

As part of the experimental studies carried out in the Department of Civil, Environmental Engineering and Architecture of the University of Cagliari, to identify the best techniques for recovering of combustible materials, contained in the waste resulting from the dismantling of the anodes of spent electrolytic cells used in the production of primary aluminium, to be concentrated by flotation, work was first carried out to reduce the size of the waste, in order to give it a particle size that would allow it to be ...

The issues related to the use of products generated from Continuously Operating Reference Station (CORS) for precise positioning are the main focus of the study. Geodetic measurements were conducted at a real site, and different types of data provided by commercial CORS networks were compared - Network Real Time Kinematic (Network RTK) via VRS, generated data for subsequent processing (Virtual Rinex), and raw data from a physical station. The current national regulations, as per [1] , were adhered to, and the aim ...