Browse

With the dynamic development of the internet, we are observing the development of modern technologies to facilitate the quality of public life in urban spaces. Therefore, in the context of urban development and urban space management, the concept of "smart city" has emerged, aspiring to be one of the most important research areas and topics of the 21st century. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technologies play a key role in the development of smart cities, particularly in the area of environmental protection....

Accurate, real-time characterization of drilling fluid rheological properties, such as plastic viscosity, yield stress, and gel strength, is vital for optimizing oil and gas drilling operations and advancing sustainable exploration. This study assesses advanced sensor technologies - ultrasonic sensors, inline viscometers, optical flow analyzers, and microfluidic sensors-for automated, real-time measurement of these properties in water-based, oil-based, and synthetic-based muds. Experiments utilized a closed-loop f...

This study describes the use of a soybean oil oleogel structured with beeswax (4-6% w/w) as a fat replacer in gluten-free millet flour-based muffins. The oleogel was incorporated into the muffin formulation by replacing 100% of the conventional fat. The dough rheology was analyzed to evaluate changes in viscoelastic behavior, and the muffins were evaluated for their sensory and textural profile. The results indicated that the oleogel maintained the desired dough rheology and produced muffins with acceptable textur...

This study explores the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify groundwater retention potential within a 130 km- study area, leveraging high-precision LiDAR measurements and data from 150 wells. By integrating advanced geospatial technology with extensive field data, this approach offers a unique methodology for analyzing groundwater retention. AHP was employed to assess several key geographical factors, including the Topographic Position Index (TPI), slope, hydrographic network density, la...

Natural hydrogen (H2), produced through geological processes in the subsurface, is a potential energy source and is a substantial element of the global energy strategy for a smooth transition to carbon neutrality. The review of the published papers concerning the results of the natural hydrogen exploration, which have been carried out over the past few years, shows that the petroleum system concept could be transformed for the exploration of natural hydrogen. The present research is a case study for applying this ...

Wastewater filtration is a physical or mechanical process used to remove impurities from wastewater. It initially involves the removal of suspended solids, bacteria and debris, leading to water clarification and producing safer water for discharge or reuse. Biofiltration adds the microbial metabolism of pollutants to the simple physical removal of solids. Common biofilter materials include inert media such as plastic, ceramic or zeolite, selected for their high surface-to-mass ratio, as biofilm-based processes occ...

Arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) are highly toxic, carcinogenic elements from the same group of periodic system. They occur naturally as oxyanions, predicting their affinity to anionactive adsorbents in aqueous environment. The differences in adsorption properties of arsenate (AsO43-) and antimonate (Sb(OH)6-) were tested on natural adsorbents (zeolite, biochar, birnessite, hydrated ferric oxides - HFO) in their original and iron (Fe) or manganese (Mn) - modified forms, using the model solutions of AsO43- and SbO43-...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significant potential to enhance resource efficiency and reduce environmental costs. Nevertheless, AI systems-especially large language models (LLM)-are energy-intensive and resource-demanding. The ecological cost stems not only from the energy required for training and inference, but also from the infrastructure needed to sustain AI operations, including data centers and cloud services. From a socio-psychological point of view, it is extremely relevant to understand what beliefs i...

By elaborating this work, we want to highlight the advantages of using photovoltaic panels in Dumbravita area, Timis county, Romania, and what is the impact of using these panels on the environment. In the analysis of the commune, we follow aspects starting with the geographical location, natural resources, which highlight that the weather in Dumbravita has the potential and capacity to expand for the use of photovoltaic panels in as many homes as possible, so as to ensure a high quality of life for its inhabitant...

Technical installations in explosive hazard environments have specially designed characteristics to ensure safe operation in such atmospheres. For safety reasons, it is essential to maintain the integrity of these special features throughout the entire lifespan of the installations through maintenance and inspection processes. In this operation it is necessary to use safety tools. These tools must be assessed and certified in accordance with the applicable requirements of the current legislation, regulated by Dire...

The fish farming infrastructure in the Danube Delta, including the Popina Fish Farm Enclosure, has been significantly impacted by environmental factors, particularly due to climate change. Located in the northeastern part of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, near the Chilia arm and the Black Sea, this enclosure once played an important role in aquaculture activities. Currently, the main threat to the area is the high water levels of the Chilia arm, which place constant pressure on the protective dykes, increasin...

Global climate change is intensifying hydrological variability and water scarcity, increasing the need for adaptive irrigation in small agricultural catchments. This study applies the analogue-river approach to evaluate the irrigation potential of the small lowland Kulpe River in northern Lithuania, which lacks discharge observations. Long-term flow data (2006 2021) from the hydrologically similar Daugyvene River were used to estimate the Kulpe s discharge parameters. The mean annual discharge was 1.18 m /s, corre...

Heavy metal pollution, particularly lead contamination, poses significant environmental and public health risks in urban areas. This study investigates the spatial distribution of lead in snowmelt within Jelgava, Latvia, to identify pollution sources, assess potential environmental impacts, and provide insights into urban pollution management. From 2020 to 2024, snow samples were collected from diverse urban locations, including highways, railway-adjacent zones, industrial districts, and residential areas. Inducti...

The combination of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural networks, comprehensive trend analysis, and standardized pan evaporation measurements creates the capability for understanding and predicting regional evaporation dynamics in the context of climate change in this study. Based on the thorough examination of this study in the Slovak Republic's Vah river basin the K-means clustering analysis revealed three different patterns of evaporation behaviour (1.5-3.2 mm/day); the seasonal analysis revealed that peak evap...

The global economy is confronted with a myriad of risks, encompassing economic instability, climate change, social challenges, and technological transformations. These risks pose significant threats to companies, their financial health, and long-term sustainability. In the era of globalization and heightened awareness of environmental and social issues, sustainable development has emerged as a critical component of business operations worldwide. To address these challenges, organizations are increasingly adopting ...

This article focuses on the effectiveness and robustness of facial classification systems in the field of biometric identification. Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life, with more and more users employing it across various domains. In the field of security, AI is used, for instance, in cybersecurity and risk analysis. It is also integrated into surveillance systems, particularly for facial recognition. A comparative analysis of three convolutional neural networks-GoogLeNet, ResN...

This study applies an adapted Living Planet Index (LPI) to assess long-term trends in fish populations in the Veleka River (southeastern Bulgaria) from 2010 to 2024. Based on standardized electrofishing data across seven stations, 11 native and naturalized species were analyzed using log-transformed abundance time series. The LPI declined from 1.0 in 2010 to 0.28 in 2024, indicating a 72% reduction in average fish abundance. Potamodromous species (e.g., Barbus cyclolepis, Chondrostoma vardarense) exhibited decline...

The identification of degraded territories has become an important component of spatial planning and development in the world, because land, both as a territory and as a natural resource, is limited, so much attention is paid to its efficient and sustainable use. There is no single definition of what constitutes a degraded territory. An important feature that characterizes these types of territories is their low value and limited use possibilities their full use cannot be initiated or continued without improvement...

The egg is an animal-derived food with remarkable nutritional value, providing a balanced intake of essential nutrients and high digestibility, making it suitable for all age groups. This study aims to analyze the impact of different hen-rearing systems on egg characteristics, including their mass, the proportion of components (egg white, yolk, shell), and the content of minerals and metals. To determine the quantity of metals in the various egg components (shell, egg white, yolk), the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) met...

Global climate change and the need to transition to clean energy sources have brought green hydrogen to the forefront of regional and international energy strategies. Green hydrogen offers a low-carbon solution that can support decarbonization in the heavy industries, transportation, and industry sectors, and renewable energy sources can be integrated into its production. The Danube River is one of the primary hydrological axes in Central and Southeastern Europe, playing a strategic role in the region's energy and...

The research was carried out to examine the influence of tributary inflows on the hydrochemical properties of the Svete River, which traverses intensive agricultural regions. Sixteen monitoring sites were selected along the main channel and at major tributary junctions. Water samples were collected monthly from surface layers (0 5 cm) over a one-year period, and concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and selected metals were evaluated. A multi-parameter probe and an inductively coupled plasma optical ...

The tectonic setting of Albania, influenced by the collision with the Adria microplate, is divided into two structural domains: an external compressional zone and an internal extensional one. Two main fault systems characterize the region-the longitudinal system (NW-SE to NNW-SSE), consisting of thrust and reverse faults, and the transversal system (NE-SW), comprising strike-slip faults. The Lushnje-Elbasan transverse fault, oriented NNE, is associated with the Dumrea diapiric dome and the Elbasan Quaternary grabe...

Floods are among the most common natural disasters in Slovakia, often causing extensive material damage and posing a serious threat to human lives. Given their frequency and potential negative consequences, it is essential for municipalities to have an effective flood risk management system in place. Municipal preparedness for flood management is a key factor in minimizing damage and involves various measures, such as the implementation of an early warning system, the development of evacuation plans, systematic pu...

In modern industry, the safety of employees and equipment in potentially explosive environments is a major challenge, such as in companies handling hydrogen and other flammable gases. In this context, the selection and psychological assessment of emergency personnel and the mental health of employees are essential elements for team safety and success of emergency interventions. The paper aims to propose a potential methodological framework for the assessment of relevant psychological traits in these professions, u...

Apple peels represent a significant source of bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting effects, including polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fibers, vitamins, and essential minerals. Due to their high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, apple peels exhibit remarkable antioxidant activity, contributing to the development of functional foods and to the reduction of chronic disease risks such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional properties ...

This article analyzes the impact of flood events on fire brigade response activities concerning vehicles using alternative energy sources, with a particular focus on electric vehicles. Given the increasing number of electric vehicles and the observed rise in the frequency and intensity of floods attributed to climate change, the probability of these vehicles becoming submerged is increasing, posing specific challenges for fire brigades. The analysis focuses on the risks associated primarily with electric shock and...

The present study investigates the impact sensitivity of high explosives used for civilian applications, with the primary objective of assessing key safety parameters in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2014/28/EU and the harmonized European Standard SR EN 13631-4:2005. Using a RENAR-accredited methodology (Procedure PI-84), the sensitivity to mechanical shock was determined through a series of standardized drop-weight tests performed with the Soneta BFH 12A impact testing apparatus. The explosive mat...

Explosives are used in a wide range of industrial, military and civil applications, and their behavior under extreme temperature conditions is a key aspect for safety and reliability. The present study analyzes the influence of extreme temperatures on the stability and reactivity of explosive materials, highlighting the critical factors that can lead to degradation, changes in sensitivity or accidental triggering. In the research, experimental methods and numerical modeling were used to evaluate the thermal behavi...

Vaccinium myrtillus L. (European blueberry) hydrophilic extracts (Vm) are valuable raw ingredients for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The high content of antioxidant compounds in blueberry can be exploited for obtaining more stable biomaterials. The goal of the study was the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH-, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycryl-hydrazyl) of autochthonous blueberry (C-mpeni, Romania) and stabilizing of the Vm by nanoencapsulation in cyclodextrins (CD). Kinetic parameters were also ev...

In healthcare facilities, the microbiological quality of air is crucial for health safety, as it determines the type and amount of microorganisms present indoors. Poor air quality is linked to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), affecting both patients and staff. Contributing factors include inadequate infection monitoring, gaps in sanitary protocols, and insufficient preventive measures. HAIs are a major challenge for modern healthcare, affecting 5-15% of hospitalized patients. Indoor air quality significant...

This paper presents a comprehensive framework of benchmarks for teaching biodiversity within the Bachelor of Ecology program at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, addressing the urgent need for effective educational standards amidst the escalating biodiversity crisis. The proposed benchmarks aim to integrate interdisciplinary and contextually relevant teaching practices, aligning environmental education with international standards while reflecting the unique ecological and conservation challenges of Georgia...

The use of binders in pelletization is important not only for optimizing the mechanical properties of the pellets but also for improving their combustion behavior. Binders can affect the calorific value, ash formation and emissions during energy conversion. An important factor in efficient pellet production is ensuring appropriate flow properties of the mixture, which impact dosing uniformity, process stability and the overall energy requirements. This study investigates the effects of four binders - flour, starch...

The Black Sea ecosystem is increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures, including the accumulation of organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These contaminants,known for their persistence and toxicity, pose serious risks to marine biodiversity and food safety. The increasing presence of hydrocarbons in marine ecosystems poses a significant threat to biodiversity and sustainable fisheries. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of polycycli...

This study assesses low-cost biochars produced from locally available agricultural residues, corn (BC-corn) and straw (BC-straw), as reactive sorbents for in situ groundwater remediation of vinyl chloride (VC). Biochars were obtained by slow pyrolysis under inert atmosphere and characterized by N2-BET at 77 K, CHNS, FTIR, XRD, and SEM/EDS. Sorption experiments were performed at 20+/-2 C in a synthetic aqueous matrix and in Danube alluvial groundwater containing elevated VC (11.6 to 17.8 ug/L) with typical backgrou...

Romania and the Republic of Moldova have a long-standing tradition of grape cultivation, one of the agricultural sectors that is highly sensitive to climate change. As the growth and development of grapevines are strongly dependent on the regional bioclimatic dynamics, this study presents projected climatic changes over Romania and the Republic of Moldova under three of the latest climate scenarios. The analysis focuses on ten biometeorological indices relevant to grapevine development (e.g. mean annual air temper...

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are a key component in achieving high energy performance in building envelopes. Despite their thermal efficiency, ETICS facades are frequently affected by biological surface degradation caused by microbial growth, primarily algae and fungi. This phenomenon is closely linked to hygrothermal dynamics, where moisture availability, condensation events, and limited surface drying play a critical role. The presented study maps the conditions contributing to biologica...

Biologically active food products have demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining health and ensuring well-being. In recent years, these foods have been enriched with the addition of probiotics, polyphenols, vitamins, peptides or other substances with health benefits. The importance of probiotics in restoring the balance of intestinal microbiota has led to their increasing use by consumers. Thus, food products augmented with various probiotic strain formulas have been developed. A problem that always arises i...

The continuous accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere represents one of the greatest challenges to achieving a sustainable and circular carbon economy. Traditional capture technologies based on aqueous amines are effective but suffer from high energy penalties, corrosion, and environmental toxicity. In contrast, bio-based polymers offer renewable, low-impact alternatives for CO2 capture and subsequent transformation. Chitin and its deacetylated derivative chitosan emerge as particularly promising d...

Preservation of natural values is among the major concerns of residents of bioregions. The present research identifies such values by applying the normative approaches of environmental ethics and aesthetics. From the ethical perspective, disagreements can arise from the fact of value pluralism, as there is a variety of natural and other values that cannot be easily quantitatively compared and harmonized. Local communities see natural values not so much through scientific concepts such as biodiversity but directly,...

This study presents the controlled blasting method used to excavate the buffer zone between a new connection tunnel and an active sewage tunnel operating at full capacity at the Tuzla Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant in Istanbul, owned by ISKI. Treating up to 650,000 m- of wastewater daily for a population of 2.6 million, the plant required new treatment units to be connected to the existing system due to increased capacity needs. Since the existing 2,200 mm-diameter sewage tunnel, built in 1998, cou...

Within the Project -National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC)-, funded by the European Union Next Generation EU (PNRR), Spoke 2 Activity 3 Task 3.2, the Research Unit of CNR IRSA Taranto (Italy) monitored the growth performances, microbiological and nutritional quality as well as PAHs and PCBs content of the invasive Atlantic pearl oysters Pinctada radiata in the Gulf of Taranto. Oysters were located in lanternets in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA) system and co-cultured with polychaetes and macroal...

The transformation towards a green economy represents one of the main challenges of contemporary society in the context of climate change, structural changes in the labor market and sustainable development. While technological and legislative innovations are a necessary prerequisite for this transformation, a key factor for its successful implementation is systematic capacity building at the individual, institutional and systemic levels. This article focuses on the area of green economy building, through a theoret...

With the growing challenges of climate change and the depletion of natural resources, the transition to a green economy is not only necessary but also urgent. To ensure a sustainable future, it is important to build capacity by educating future leaders to lead the transformation in different sectors of the economy. This article examines the importance of education and training in creating sustainable leaders who are ready to meet the challenges of the green transition. The green economy combines economic growth wi...

The environmental impact of the long-standing fossil fuel, namely coke as a reducing agent has been a challenge in the pyrometallurgical industry for decades. The threats that it poses have become increasingly unbearable. Few attempts on different biochar have been conducted and their impact on the quality of slag investigated. More improvements are still underway for industrial scale use. The current project evolves on the reducing capabilities that spent malt waste biochar in the reduction zone during carbotherm...

The goal of the study was the obtaining of Castanea sativa Mill., CS (sweet chestnut) antioxidant extracts and lipid fractions from skin and pulp, followed by nanoencapsulation in cyclodextrins (CDs). The nutritional and medicinal values of fruits are mainly due to the presence of low-gluten carbohydrates, vitamins, as well as essential fatty acids (FA), including omega-3. In this study, the KG variety was subjected to the Soxhlet separation of the lipid fractions (petroleum ether) and antioxidant polyphenols (eth...

Mesoporous solids include metal oxides, silica, phosphates and other materials. They may contain various acidic and basic sites which are, in combination with metal nanoparticles, metal atoms, functional groups, etc., could be efficient multifunctional catalysts for cascade reactions. In this shot review, the most important aspects of such catalysts that furnish their catalytic activity and selectivity for cascade reactions in biomass processing discussed. A combination of one metal with another or with metal oxid...

This article aims to assess the effectiveness of existing adaptation strategies. The primary issue that will be highlighted is the inadequacy of the adaptive measures identified to address the various economic challenges. The study's results highlight the need to revise and enhance existing adaptation strategies to incorporate effective measures that stabilise economic performance and mitigate the costs associated with adapting to and coping with climate change challenges in the country. The study will highlight t...

The article presents the results of using multi-zone space survey materials from different spacecraft to distinguish different types of land cover and establish their boundaries and changes in their sizes over time. Space images from Sentinel, Landsat, Proba V, and TERRA/MODIS devices were used, which differ in spatial resolution, rotation frequency, and orbital period. Changes in the sizes of the established types of land cover over time are an indicator that allows assessing the nature and intensity of the impac...

Soil is an essential component of ecosystems, one of the most important natural resources and a significant factor in maintaining ecosystem health and biodiversity. Since 2002, the LUCAS (Land Use/Cover Area Frame Statistical Survey) project has been regularly implemented in the European Union to obtain data on changes in land cover and land use patterns, various environmental indicators, as well as indicators characterizing soil properties. Field studies were conducted and soil samples were taken within the frame...

A global challenge of our nowadays life is dealing with micro- and nano-plastic particles (MNPs), due to wide spreading all around us, persistence over the years, and toxic character, contributing to adverse effects on human health. As one of the biggest polluters worldwide, the textile industry including mechanical and chemical processes of fibers and garments generates various contaminants in the indoor air, including -white pollutants- with micro-nano plastic particles MNPs. This paper presents some methods for...