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Complex energy systems, in the current period of transition to a climate-neutral society, comprise two fully functional subsystems, that of fossil fuel-based production and that of production from renewable energy sources. The functional coexistence of these subsystems is achieved due to the capture of the CO2 component from flue gases through the energy vector represented by green H2. This takes on both the role of energy accumulation and the role of transforming the CO2 component, captured during the combustion ...

In the context of sustainable development and the urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of the construction industry, the reuse of recycled concrete waste in mortar formulations has emerged as a promising strategy. However, the incorporation of such waste materials typically leads to diminished mechanical performance, primarily due to the reduced chemical activity of the recycled aggregates. To address this drawback, nanoparticles have gained attention as functional additives capable of restoring or ev...

Sclerocarya birrea (marula) is a key multipurpose species in West African agroforestry and silvopastoral systems, essential for ecological stability, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihoods. This study examines phenotypic variation in growth traits of S. birrea in northern Ferlo, Senegal, across three sites: Amaly, Tessekere, and Labgar. Field measurements focused on morphometric parameters influencing tree growth, including diameter at breast height, canopy diameter, and total height. Multiple regression...

The health of soil, groundwater, air and the entire environment of inhabited areas depends largely on the intensity of agriculture and its systems. In order to achieve the desired quantity, quality and economic profitability, it is necessary to apply large amounts of unnatural, often chemical substances in the production process in order to achieve the desired and profitable harvests. These are mainly industrial fertilizers, which, when used for a long time, can contaminate all components of the environment. Altho...

This article examines the impact of electric and electromagnetic fields on the accuracy of GNSS technology, particularly in environments with overhead high-voltage and power lines. Although this factor is often overlooked, it can significantly affect the quality of received signals and, consequently, the accuracy of measurements. Electromagnetic interference caused by the presence of power lines can lead to signal distortions, reduced positioning reliability, and, in some cases, complete signal loss. The study foc...

Potassium (K) is a crucial mineral nutrient that plays a significant role in various physiological and metabolic processes in plants. Disruptions in potassium supply can severely impair vegetative development, making efficient potassium fertilization strategies essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. As the most abundant inorganic cation in plant cells, potassium is vital for proper physiological functioning, primarily existing as a free ion (K?). It is indispensable for several physiological func...

Climate change represents one of the major environmental problems of our time (IPCC, 2021), significantly affecting plant water regimes and agricultural production. Increased temperatures, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns lead to reduced soil water availability (Allen et al., 1998), increasing the urgency for efficient and precise irrigation management. As traditional methods based on soil moisture or empirical models become less effective under variable climatic conditions (Jones, 2004), th...

The transition to renewable energy is a high-priority agenda across Europe, particularly in Northern Europe. This shift is critical for achieving both environmental and economic sustainability. Northern Europe, with its high energy consumption and strong support for green policies, has the potential to lead in this transition. However, the region faces a unique set of social and ecological challenges that, if not carefully addressed, could undermine the sustainability of proposed solutions, harm natural ecosystems...

Cattle are considered one of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in livestock farming. The calculation method has been used until now. No data on how well the calculations correspond to the real situation, and how to influence this in practice. The need for real data is becoming increasingly important as farming intensification relates to GHGs and sustainability. The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in cows- breath/burp (BB) in ...

The utilization of renewable materials has raised worldwide interest regarding biodegradable polymers, proving important scientific, ecological, and economic relevance. Biopolymers are versatile materials used in various applications due to their high strength, low weight, and minimal environmental impact. However, their characterization for understanding their properties requires extensive experimental measurement. In this context, conventional research is improved by the integration of artificial intelligence (A...

The recycling of old extractive dumps as filler and aggregate in civil and road construction is considered a conventional recycling method. In contrast, the use of extractive waste as an admixture in cement or as a precursor additive in clinker manufacturing represents an upcycling approach. Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 has shifted the paradigm of waste upcycling by highlighting the dissipative loss of critical raw materials contained not only in extractive waste but also in other waste types when recycled without aw...

Settlement risk is a critical concern in geotechnical engineering, especially for infrastructure on soft, variable soils. Traditional settlement estimation methods often rely on deterministic parameters, which can lead to overly conservative designs or, conversely, an underestimation of potential risks. While probabilistic approaches have been proposed to account for uncertainty, they often rely on simplified stratigraphic assumptions such as horizontal layering that limit their realism. This study addresses that ...

Within the framework of the iAMP-Hydro EU project, two dedicated work packages address the challenges of inflow and power forecasting for both run-of-river hydropower plants and large hydropower reservoirs. These tasks aim to improve short-term and medium-term operational planning by integrating advanced data-driven techniques into hydrological forecasting chains. Five initial validation sites, three located in Spain and two in Greece, were analyzed using a suite of statistical and machine learning techniques, inc...

A continuing concern in tourism and tourism studies is cultural change. Culture is frequently reshaped after the creation of tourist destinations. This does not, in fact, represent a loss of culture, taking into account the fact that hard, pragmatic work is being done in cultural production, which is, in fact, a response to the demands expressed by tourists, work that is constituted in solid economic and livelihood alternatives for communities. Cultural change has been a permanent concern in tourism. New cultural ...

Propellant powders represent a very important category of explosive substances that enter into the composition of ammunition, with military and civil purpose, in general in all systems where it is necessary to perform a progressive mechanical work. Propellant powders are widely spread in the military field and deflagration is the main form of explosive transformation. Propellant powders, also called colloidal powders, are homogeneous mixtures containing one or more energy-providing substances. Due to their imprope...

Nanoclay is increasingly being integrated into construction materials to enhance their mechanical properties. This advanced material improves the durability and strength of concrete, making structures more resilient to environmental stresses. Research shows that incorporating nanoclay into asphalt can improve its performance and longevity in road construction. The paper focuses on laboratory research on the effect of nanoclay adding on bitumen binder properties. The changes in penetration, softening point, and vis...

The mining industry is facing increasing pressure to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and adapt to modern technological trends. One of the key challenges is the effective management of logistics, particularly the transportation of raw materials within mining operations. This paper addresses the application of simulation software as a strategic tool for solving logistics problems in the mining sector. Using event-based simulation, the research analyzes transport processes in the Hradova quarry in Kosic...

The present research contextualizes the hospitality industry within the broader framework of the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities). It emphasizes the importance of hospitality enterprises as maintainers of socio-ecological resilience in local communities, thereby ensuring stable employment, supporting regional development, and preserving the cultural landscape. In regions affected by high e...

In the last century human society has registered huge development in all human-related fields, fact that has been possible without doubt by designing technological applications with the usage of diverse natural resources, especially energy ones. Anyway, recorded progress, especially in technological fields, was feasible because of using fossil fuels for electric and thermal energy supply, which resulted besides positive impacts in undesired environmental pollution. Currently most debated effect by CO2 emissions is...

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly promoted as collaborative tools for advancing circular economy (CE) strategies with climate-neutral outcomes. However, current research at the intersection of PPPs, circularity, and decarbonization remains fragmented, scattered across sectors, and lacking conceptual synthesis. This study proposes a systematic review of the literature to map how PPPs support circular practices and whether these initiatives report climate-related benefits. Using Scopus as the prima...

Pyrite tailings from operating industrial facilities, beyond their primary component, frequently contain valuable base metal minerals (e.g., Co, Ni, Cu) that are in constant demand and are critical for 'green energy' technologies. Despite the comparatively low concentration of Ni and Co in these tailings, their overall reserves are potentially significant. The objective of this study was to investigate the recovery of nickel, cobalt, and copper from leach sulfuric solutions derived from nickel-cobalt-bearing pyrit...

Peatlands are crucial carbon sinks, but their degradation through extraction and drainage results in substantial greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem disruption. This study investigates groundwater level dynamics in a 16.4-hectare extracted peatland in Central Latvia to assess hydrological conditions relevant for restoration. Groundwater levels were monitored from May 2023 to May 2024 using TD-Diver loggers installed in six wells. The data reveal pronounced spatial and seasonal variability, with precipitation an...

This study investigates the influence of meteorological variables on evapotranspiration (ET) using a novel lysimeter design. ET was measured with three specially constructed lysimeters made from water containers equipped with geotextile bags filled with sand and colonized by grass cover (Red fescue and Perennial ryegrass). The use of geotextile lysimeters provides a simple and robust tool for ET quantification under outdoor conditions and also reflects the structural principle of evaporation beds (ET-beds), used f...

This study evaluates the radioecological condition of soils in the vicinity of major industrial enterprises in Georgia, focusing on contamination by radionuclides (K-40, Cs-137, Sr-90) and heavy metals. Three key industrial regions: Rustavi (metallurgical and chemical industries), Bolnisi (polymetallic mining), and Gardabani (energy production) were selected as research sites. Spectrometric analysis was performed using the Atomtex Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICPE-9820) in compliance with GOST standards. T...

The rational use of natural resources is an urgent task not only in the oil and gas sector, but also in all sectors of production. This paper presents procedures for the preparation and purification of extracted oil-containing wastewater and stormwater from suspended solids, as well as various salts dissolved in water with the supply of coagulant solutions: iron sulfate or aluminum sulfate and soda ash to adjust the pH value. The conducted research and measures for the treatment of stormwater and carbonaceous wast...

Brewer-s spent yeast is a valuable by-product of the food industry that can be used for the extraction of bioactive compounds like beta-glucan. This paper aimed at establishing the optimal addition level of beta-glucan extracted from brewer spent yeast in pasta made of wheat flour with different protein content. For this purpose, dough texture, pasta nutritional composition, cooking behavior, pasta firmness and color were evaluated. The increase of beta-glucan level resulted in a proportional decrease of cooked pa...

The accumulation of glass waste has become a significant environmental concern worldwide, with millions of tons of glass discarded annually. Although glass is 100% recyclable, a substantial proportion still ends up in landfills due to inefficient collection systems, high processing costs, or limited market demand for recycled glass. In recent years, researchers and environmental policymakers have intensified efforts to identify alternative applications for this inert but non-biodegradable material, particularly in...

Sheep farms in the Banat Mountain area, to be economically efficient, need to use the plant resources of the pasture at optimal parameters, without degrading natural environmental factors through good consumption management practices. The new models of sustainable management of the use of plant resources for sheep feed are intended to contribute to reducing the impact of sheep exploitation on pastures on the natural environment through good practices for obtaining efficient meat and milk production from ?urcana sh...

In light of the gradual transition toward sustainable and green economy, the valorization of various agricultural residues has been drawing more attention. The leftover products from agricultural processing can be easily turned into a CO2-neutral biofuel. The subsequent deployment of nutrient-rich ash as fertilizer helps to keep a closed cycle of minerals and promote circular economy. This practice, however, comes with its drawbacks: excessive particulate matter (PM) emissions being among the most alarming. The pr...

Land improvements refer to measures and works carried out on agricultural or non-agricultural land to increase its value, sustainability and productivity. These improvements are intended to optimize land use, increase efficiency and support economic development. The purpose of this research was to describe the redesign of an irrigation canal, to present the necessary measurements, and to record the results. In this study, we have presented the steps necessary for measuring an irrigation canal and for drawing up lo...

The present article assesses the reliability of a water supply system that is fed by one of the large dams in Bulgaria and supplies water to three large settlements in the northeastern part of the country. The system consists of a water main with a length of about 25 km and three pumping stations. For each of the settlements that are supplied by this water supply system, the water has to be pumped by pumping stations to the pressure reservoirs. In recent years, the region has been experiencing significant drought,...

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are foundational to critical national infrastructure, operating vital processes in sectors such as water treatment, power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing. As these systems become increasingly integrated with information technology through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), they face growing risks from cyber threats. As Bulgaria accelerates the integration of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar, wind, and gas-to-power systems, the cybersecurity of t...

Higher education must equip graduates with competencies that transcend disciplinary boundaries. This paper examines research literacy as a foundational pillar of sustainable higher education, with a focus on integrating Earth science and social science through interdisciplinary research. Drawing on bibliometric analysis of global, European, and Latvian publications, curriculum reviews, and survey data, the study identifies significant disparities in the way research methodology is taught and applied across institu...

This paper starts from an economic reality regarding the transportation situation and aims to introduce a scientific approach in a field that, in our country, has received more interest from a legislative perspective than a technical one. Transportation, in its broadest sense, has developed alongside human civilization and has incorporated throughout history all elements of its technical and scientific progress. However, in addition to the major benefits that have established transportation as a standalone and hig...

In light of the current challenges faced by rescuers during intervention operations, it is essential to place special emphasis on modernizing training infrastructure. Rescuers are often exposed to difficult and unpredictable conditions, whether operating in surface industries or underground environments. Adequate training and constant updates of training equipment are fundamental to ensuring both efficiency and safety in emergency interventions. The use of modern equipment and advanced technologies not only enhanc...

The purpose of this research is to identify the existing environmental problems at the level of the analyzed region and to propose possible solutions to reduce these problems. The main methods used in the creation of the article are the documentary research carried out with the help of the secondary analysis of quantitative data within the Research Center "Business management and entrepreneurial development" within the University, as well as a questionnaire on the perception of residents on environmental pollution...

We are interested in mushrooms mainly for two reasons: for the substances they contain and for their natural abilities. Therefore, they are used as food, as sources of health-promoting and medicinal substances, and as agents for restoring, strengthening, and revitalizing the environment. These are the main reasons why we must continually deepen our knowledge of mushrooms and use them wisely. Among the mushrooms used in remediation processes is Ganoderma lingzhi, originally from China. The physiological activity of...

Since July 2023, the research institute VUHU has been the investigator of the European reclamation project REECOL. The first part of the paper summarizes the results of the successful completion of the working package WP3, which was led by VUHU and finished in 2024. Within four sub-tasks, the current reclamation situation in the individual project countries was mapped. The main part of the paper evaluates the research within the framework of another working package WP5 focused on short-term and long-term monitorin...

In these article, we discusses the analysis of the profitability of investments in energy storage batteries, in the context of injection policies in the grid in Romania. The study compares the compensation and energy sale regimes for prosumers and producers depending on the installed capacity, thus showing the impact of market prices and tax regulations on the return of investment (ROI). The case study has three scenarios, each with specific formulas for calculating ROI depending on the price of the stored energy ...

With rapid urbanization and growing populations, cities around the world are facing multiple challenges related to the environment, public health and quality of life of citizens. In this context, green infrastructure appears not only as a solution but also as a way to revitalize urban spaces by restoring natural ecosystems and improving the vitality of urban areas. Green infrastructure encompasses a network of natural and semi-natural elements that are integrated into urban planning and management. It includes a v...

Investing in ensuring the quality and safety of movement on highways is not a one-time process. Institutions charged with ensuring quality crossing surfaces must constantly monitor and repair the highway network so that it remains in the best possible condition. Because the funds available to maintain the highway network are limited, it is essential that decisions taken to maintain and rehabilitate the highway network are spent justifying each intervention. Layer management systems at the network and project level...

The most effective way to ensure drinking water quality and protect public health is the implementation of a preventive, risk-based approach to water supply management. This approach encompasses all stages, from the water source to the consumer, and can be applied across all water supply systems, regardless of their size. The EU Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184) emphasizes the importance of this concept. This study assesses and analyzes the risk of groundwater contamination at the water supply so...

The article discusses possible ways to increase the potential of small-scale mining of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Currently, their share in the structure of the country-s mining sector does not exceed 1-2 percent, compared with 15-30 percent in a number of foreign countries. The article shows that for the development of small-scale mining in the region, having a large number of different potential small-scale deposits, there is a need to develop a scientifically based concept of their use, with changes in a ...

The sludge layer formed during the first stage of French vertical flow constructed wetlands is a crucial component in achieving high removal efficiencies of water pollution, including suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, nitrogen, and phosphorus. In the Czech Republic, persistent challenges with insufficient sludge layer development on the first stage have limited treatment performance due to the combined sewerage system. To address this, a pilot-scale experiment was conducted focusing exclusively on the form...

Agroecology, which merges ecological principles with agricultural practices, offers a pathway to food security while ensuring environmental sustainability. However, its implementation faces challenges stemming from ineffective ecological resource monitoring, predetermined climate conditions, and insufficient real-time data for precision farming and well-informed decision-making. The aimed first, to develop models that monitor soil health and predict crop yields under different agroecological conditions powered by ...

Practicing rural tourism in mountain areas represents an essential element in their sustainable development, offering economic, social and environmental opportunities that contribute to the revitalization of these regions, the reduction of economic gaps and the value of natural and cultural heritage. This study aims to identify the impact that the development and promotion of rural tourism has on rural mountain communities. The article makes an innovative contribution to understanding how responsible tourism activ...

All nuclear power plants in Slovakia can effectively prevent emergencies caused by technical or human error. Before commissioning, they must demonstrate to the Nuclear Supervisory Authority that the plant can respond to even extremely unlikely events. The design of the plant has safety systems that will prevent damage to nuclear fuel and the release of radioactive substances so as not to endanger human health and the environment. The maximum design accident for a WWER-440 reactor is a rupture of the main circulati...

In the presented scientific work, a scenario forecast for the long-term perspective of water level changes in Lake Balkhash, one of the largest drainless lakes in Central Asia, is carried out. The study takes into account the impact of projected climatic changes based on CMIP6 data and the impact of socio-economic factors, including water management activities. A water balance model was used as the main tool to quantify the role of surface inflow, precipitation and evaporation in shaping the hydrological regime of...

As a result of rapid climate change, forest ecosystems are transforming, leading to insect outbreaks, such as the large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis L.). In Europe, the pine weevil is considered one of the most significant pests of coniferous trees, causing substantial financial losses estimated at around - 120 million annually. To limit or reduce the impact of this pest, it is essential to take preventive measures; otherwise, in unprotected stands, the extent of damage can reach 60-80%. Damage caused by the weev...

The modern lifestyle exerts a range of negative effects on human health, while the growing prevalence of chronic diseases and the state of contemporary therapies highlight the critical need for healthy nutrition. A significant portion of both food products and pharmaceutical preparations currently in use contain synthetic ingredients, many of which are associated with adverse side effects. Consequently, global demand for natural, ecologically clean food products and therapeutic agents has increased substantially, ...