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The concern about the environmental contamination by 241Am is caused by the fact, that its half-life period is longer and its mobility is much higher than that of parent plutonium. That is why in soils and sediments the specific activity of the radionuclide increases over time. The alpha-decay energy of 241Am and the relatively short lifetime of the isotope create high specific radioactivity and thermal yield. In bottom sediments, the ratio of 241Am to 241Pu increases every year. All these factors result in a high...

The article compares power gains from horizontal polycrystalline and vertical monocrystalline photovoltaic installations operating under identical, real-world conditions in the city of Olsztyn. The study was conducted between 1 October 2014 and 31 August 2017, excluding a monthly downtime period between 24 January 2016 and 2 March 2016 which occurred due to unexpected technical difficulties. The paper analyzes the long-term efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic installations under the real...

Hydrostatic transmissions create compliance between rigid functional parameters of a power-machine, e.g. an electric motor, and flexible functional parameters of the work machine, e.g. a crane hoist. Hydrostatic transmissions equip fixed or mobile machinery and guidance systems for: aviation, artillery, wind turbines, hydraulic turbine blades, etc. Any hydrostatic transmission includes at least two positive displacement machines: a pump, called transmission пїЅprimaryпїЅ and a motor, called transmission пїЅseconda...

According to the geological maps of southern Spitsbergen, faults commonly run parallel to the glacier valleys' axis. General faults orientation is N-S and NNW-SSE. This may suggest, that the origin of glacier valleys is related to tectonics due to development of structural landforms on individual faults. The network of ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles based on measurements on three glaciers of southern Spitsbergen: Recherchebreen, Hansbreen and Werenskioldbreen, was processed and interpreted for the presenc...

permanent concern of the researchers regarding the environment protection and the improvement of life quality in order to sustain the society development is orientated to viable solution for reducing the global warming. The main contributor to this negative phenomenon is represented by the carbon dioxide (CO2). This gas results in various processes, such as fossil fuels combustion or as a by-product from bio-hydrogen production. Also, the carbon dioxide is one of the main contaminants of natural gas and usually it...

Nanomaterials have become so popular thanks to new and unique properties differing them from their classic counterparts. One of the nanomaterials which is commonly used nowadays is graphene and its derivatives. This paper demonstrates the results of laboratory-scale experimental works on the influence of ultra highly concentrated single-layer Graphene Oxide (HCGO) on properties of water based-mud (WBM). GO is a mono-layer of sp2-hybridized carbon atoms derivatized by a mixture of carboxyl, hydroxyl and epoxy funct...

This paper analyzes the causes of groundwater breakthrough occurred during the excavation of deep pit in the central part of the city at the territory, which was being developed since the 14th century. Particular attention is paid to historical aspect of this area contamination and its impact on negative transformation of the underground space components such as soils, groundwater, gases, and microbiota. It is shown that the specificity of hydrodynamic and hydrochemical conditions has fundamental importance for as...

The comfortable room environment and thermal comfort depends on internal factors and influences on the human organism. People are very sensitive to changes in indoor climate conditions. The body reacts feeling of thermal discomfort for some fluctuations. Thermal comfort is given by the air temperature and radiant heat, air velocity and relative humidity in the room. The main impact of these factors on the comfort level of individuals depends on the activity and type of clothing. Dantec ComfortSense system offers t...

The overall objective of the project is to increase the energy efficiency in public Government buildings in Kosovo through implementation of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in 140 (140 out of 369 total number of government building stock) public buildings in Kosovo. The updated European Energy efficiency directive sets the energy efficiency target of 30% for 2030 including measures to update the Directive and make sure the new target is met. All European countries have set their national policies a...

The pastoralism, with tradition in the history of the Romanian people, embraces various forms. In this viewpoint, the entrance with animals on pasture is linked to the Orthodox religious holiday, Saint George, celebrated on the 23rd of April. In the Romanian people tradition, too, the entrance with animals on the pasture is carried out in spring, after the flowering of the blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) present in protection belts or green fences that delimitate parcels in the studied area. Under such circumstance...

Constant economic development has an influence on the global emission of greenhouse gases. Having experienced natural disasters, e.g. floods and droughts, most of the highly developed countries became more conscious about their impact on the environment. In 2014, the global CO2 emission accompanying fuels combustion and industrial processes totaled to 35.669 billion tonnes, in that 298.131 million tonnes in Poland[15]. The counteracting climate changes in view, in March 2007 the European Parliament assumed an ener...

The maritime territories play a significant environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreational role. It is therefore important to achieve a balanced, sustainable development to ensure equal opportunities for the population of all regions, bridging any gaps between the territories. Special attention is paid to developmental directions and opportunities of the maritime territories. The purpose of this research study is to identify the factors affecting development of the maritime territories of Latvia, perfo...

The moderate-size earthquake with local magnitude 5,7 which occurred on November 22, 2014 in Vrancea region, at 41 km depth, is the largest crustal event instrumentally recorded at the bending of the Eastern Carpathians. Using the method developed by [2] termed the Hash method, (incorporated in Seisan software) we obtain the focal mechanisms for earthquakes that occurred in Vrancea region associated with the seismic sequence of November 22, 2014. We have examined the main shock and 29 aftershocks that occurred aft...

Grasslands, as specific components of the hill area from the West of Romania, belong, according to latitudinal and altitudinal zonation, to different vegetation zones, in concordance with the environmental conditions and implicitly with their own vegetal formations. Grassland classification in a certain vegetation zone offers very important information on biocenoses and biotopes, and also on its пїЅagronomicпїЅ characteristics (productivity, grazing capacity, maintenance, etc.). This study may be considered a theo...

In nature simultaneous manifestation of several processes takes place: diffusion and filtration of hydrocarbons, their emergence, overflows along tectonic fractures, etc. Other things being equal, the dispersion of gas accumulations occurs much faster than oil accumulation, due to greater mobility (migration ability) gases, better solubility in water, higher diffusion capacity, etc. All these natural processes that can lead to the redistribution or destruction of oil and gas accumulations take place mainly over a ...

The article emphasizes that the important features of sustainable development in its multifaceted nature. It refers to a number of sciences, including economics (including logistics and transport), social and natural. The idea of sustainable development is integrated at the stage of planning, implementing and controlling infrastructure projects. The basic purpose of infrastructure projects is to balance the fundamental elements of the system that shape the future of the human society on earth: the environment, soc...

The paper deals with problem of analyzing the changes between the extent of the territory, which is affected by the release of ammonia from the stationary source and the changing atmospheric conditions in this territory. To determine the extent of threatened area the ALOHA program environment as a spatial decision support tool was applied. As a scenario the release of ammonia from the tank, i.e. tank wagon staying at the freight railway station in Zvolen. The results of the analyses confirmed the fact the atmosphe...

Co-operation of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic cells or micro-wind turbines) with 230V receivers, eg LED substitutions of traditional light sources, requires the conversion of low voltage direct current electricity to 230V AC. Various designs of DC/AC converters intended for island operation and synchronized with the power grid were tested. The Hioki 3196 energy quality analyzer was used for the study. The stand-alone systems are used in voltage converters of very simple solutions converting DC power to AC...

EOR thermal processes involve both introducing of warm fluids in oil reservoirs through injection wells and also extraction of warm/cool fluids through production wells. A model that describes the process for heat transfer from the fluids flowing through the well at its contiguous environment, and the calculation of the temperature along the well can be used in various applications of heat transfer aspects, especially when the bottomhole equipment of the well doesnпїЅt allow measurement. This paper presents a mode...

This study presents functional and nutritional properties of the tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L), an ideal source for health promoting compounds. In this paper eleven cultivars of tomatoes were studied that were grown in greenhouses in Oltenia (Romania), which were differentiated between them by shape, size and colour of the fruit. For biochemical determinations, fruit samples were collected at physiological maturity. It was determined the content in soluble dry matter, total dry matter, vitamin C, content in ma...

This work is devoted to the synthesis and study of catalytic properties of mono- (Pd, Au) and bimetallic (Au-Pd) polymer-based catalysts of alkynol hydrogenation. Selective hydrogenation of alkynol C5 (2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol) was studied over Pd, Au and Au-Pd catalysts supported on hypercrosslinked polystyrene of MN100 type bearing amino-groups. Synthesized Au/MN100 catalyst was shown to be promising for triple bond hydrogenation: more than 96% selectivity with respect to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol at 95% of the substra...

The flysch Carpathians presents geological medium that is especially difficult for deep recognizing with use of geophysical methods. Complex geological structure of folded orogeny and connected with it distribution of physical parameters generate ambiguous and frequently unreadable seismic image. In such circumstances looking for independent support for geological interpretation of seismic sections is purposeful, for example using magnetotelluric data. Magnetotelluric measurements were carried out along the select...

Well logging is usually used for monitoring the technical condition of the wells. This means whether there is degradation of the casing (potential subsurface damage of well) or not and uncontrolled overflow behind casingпїЅs strings. Measurement is able to cover both the static state of change saturation and the dynamic process of the ongoing spill in the relevant horizon. Furthermore, if there are monitored overlying horizons because of gradual overflow and saturation of the storage gas caused untightness of well...

The depletion of light hydrocarbon resources and increasing the amount of heavy oil reservoirs drive petroleum companies to produce high viscous oil by unconventional methods, particularly thermal methods. Presently increasing the efficiency of thermal applications is a vital task. This paper discusses the influences of catalytic (introduction of catalytic precursors and H donor with amount of 1 wt% on oil) and non-catalytic aquathermolysis to the group composition and properties of extra-heavy oil from пїЅAshalch...

Sulphate is the specific anion present in the acid rock drainage (ARD). Although sulphate is considered benign or with low toxicity, some countries have set limits for the wastewater discharged to natural receivers, often 500 mg/L or 600 mg/L. By conventional treatment of the ARD with calcium hydroxide, some gypsum can precipitate, depending on the ARD initial sulphate content, but the conformity for sulphate will not be achieved, because the concentration correlated to gypsum solubility exceeds the limit value by...

The relationship with pet has been for many years in the attention of researchers, with studies which approached the relationship under very different aspects. Researches has focused on the multiple benefits of different stages of individual development (from kindergarten to elders), on gender influences over many related issues (animal attachment, involvement in animal welfare activities), on the therapeutic aspects (positive influences on cancer patients, depression, etc.) and, last but not least, the positive c...

A leading cause for offshore decommissioning is connected with assessment of increasing level of risk due to progressive structural damage and danger potential, in both structural and technological collapse, taking into account the environmental conditions and operational loads for which structure undergoes. The purpose of this paper is to express the vulnerability due to fatigue phenomenon of structural elements - studied on a model corresponding to self lifting Romanian offshore platform "Gloria" - as annual yie...

In installations in which flammable substances are processed, transferred or stored, explosive atmospheres generated by flammable gasses, vapors and mists or combustible dusts can occur. The assessment of these installations and equipment within is very important in order to verify the implementation of measures that lead to minimizing the risk of ignition of explosive atmospheres and occurrence of an explosion. In Romania, technical installations that operate in environments with hazard of explosive atmospheres m...

In Europe, the knowledge and measures regarding self-protection in case of emergency is very poor in general. Within the population, young people aged 7 пїЅ 12 require a special approach, as their knowledge and behavior is different from adults. Their perception of accidents and disasters needs to be educated through an efficient teaching program. Therefore, a first step in developing such a tailored education program is to assess the natural hazards in European countries, with a special focus on the hazards that ...

PutnaпїЅVrancea Natural Park (38,204 ha) is located in the eastern part of Romania, the upper part of Putna River Basin (Curvature Carpathians). It includes valuable complex forest ecosystems, mountain meadows, also known for the large variety of flora and fauna. Over the past almost thirty years, the study area was subject to diverse natural and man-made environmental stressors which had significantly influenced land use/cover changes with a particular impact on forest-covered areas. The current paper is seeking ...

First results about crustal models were obtained from various geophysical and seismological methods applied in Romania in the last part of XX century. A thorough interpretation of these data lead to the first partial models of crustal structure in the western part of Romania. In the first years after 2000 two regional seismic refraction lines were performed within a close cooperation with German partners from University of Karlsruhe. One of these lines is Vrancea 2001, with 420 km in length, almost half of the eve...

One of the main objectives of EU energy policy is to increase the share energy from renewable sources to 20% by 2020, in view of increasing this share in the coming years. Sustainable and perspective source in diversification of share and its increasing are targeted grown energy crops. In Slovak regions, the share of the renewable sources in the gross final energy consumption is only 11.6%. Potential for growing energy crops is in all Slovak regions. In terms of soil factor is the possibility of growing on an area...

Assessments conducted by the various failures analytical groups shows that failures of cylinder liners, piston rings and pistons all related to combustion chambers share the highest proportion every year in Marine Main Engines failure statistics by component part, conversely, excessive wear of cylinder liners and piston rings of Main Engines and problems associated with scuffing have frequently occurred. To solve these problems, it is necessary to conduct analytical assessments on a variety of data such as actual ...

In system of sustainable and safe development of regions one of the major tasks is scientific justification of a control system of health of the population at the expense of risk assessment to health of the population from negative impact of factors of the environment. One of the leading factors of anthropogenous impact on health is aerogenic. The paper studies public health risk assessment from the chemicals emitted city's largest enterprises. The analysis is performed on the basis of the qualitative and quantita...

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the serum biochemistry of value intervals for the most commonly used energetic biochemical variables of European mouflon from a game reserve in the eastern part of Slovakia. From biochemical variables, glucose (GLUC), cholesterol (CHOL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TRIGL) were analysed. The obtained values may be of use for the health assessment of Moulton in further studies. Methods: During the research between 2...

During operation of underground gas storage there is the possibility of a gas leak under certain circumstances. It can be caused by leakage of gas from underground gas storage due to the untightness of injection/withdrawal or observation wells. This leakage of gas can be happened in the case carrying out cementation of casing string in low quality. Presented article focuses on the control of wellпїЅs tightness using pressure measurements on annular casing. The aim of pressureпїЅs measurement on casing strings is t...

Labour protection involves the safety and health of employed individuals. It has to be one of the priorities for any employer, as employees are a resource to be cared about and made satisfied. In Latvia, regardless of the requirements of law, the State Labour Inspectorate revealed 10 815 violations of the labour protection legislation in 2014. Besides, in the period 2010-2014, the number of accidents at work annually increased, reaching 1763 in 2014, of which 213 accidents led to serious health disorders, while 41...

This paper presents an assessment of power generation losses of a hydropower plant (HPP) due to an imposed reservoir management plan and comparisons in terms of monetary value with the existing management plan but with an eutrophic reservoir. The study case is represented by Gole?ti reservoir, which is a shallow reservoir in Romania, and the associated HPP. Gole?ti reservoir is an artificial lake of medium size, which has a 55пїЅ106 m3 volume and a maximum depth of 32 m. Its use is complex: it allows flood control...

The Moravian Karst, situated in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, is the most extensive and most developed karst area in the Bohemian Massif. To protect its unique environment, the Moravian Karst was declared a Protected Landscape Area in 1956. Despite the protection, pollution occurs in some disappearing streams both on the earthпїЅs surface and underground, in caves formed by karst processes. The aim of the study was to assess the hydrochemical status of several selected streams and identify the sources of...

In the article provided assessment of water supply sufficiency of agricultural lands of South Kazakhstan which is the region of pasturable livestock farming and irrigated crop farming. The regional specific of irrigation of pasturable land and arable land is described, the sources of water supply are determined and their technical condition is estimated, the territories where irrigation of agricultural lands assessed as critical are detected. The solution of such tasks will allow to work out scientifically justifi...

The areas of gold mining in Kemerovo region in Russia are highly transformed by technogenic processes connected both with the ore extraction and processing (dressing). In Kemerovo region there are two former gold mining areas characterizing by strongly altered landscape and pollution by toxic chemical elements. There are two types of waste storage in these territories пїЅ waste dumps and tailings. The waste storage sites have definite impact on the surrounding environment leading to the changes in geochemical feat...

In central and western Poland in the rural areas there is a lot of lignite deposits, which utilization by building mining and power complexes could give impetus to development. The paper attempts to evaluate the impact of their construction by comparing socio-economic development indicators and quality of life conditions of residents in two regions. In the area of Belchatow, in which operates the largest lignite mine and the lignite fired power plant (commune Kleszczow) and commune around deposit Gubin-Brody with ...

The problem of recreational use of forest areas in modern conditions has gained special relevance. This is due to the following reasons: increase in neuro-psychological stress, number of stressful situations and the desire of the people to remove these loads, i.e. to improve their psycho-physiological state in a forest; development of the road network and means of transport; a variety of landscapes and a wide range of recreational opportunities (recreation, collecting of mushrooms, berries, balneological effect of...

Bucharest-Ilfov Development Region is located in the central part of the Romanian Plain and includes the Bucharest municipality (the capital of Romania) and Ilfov County. Man-made hazards can involve casualties and environmental pollution, also being recognized for the generated social, environmental and economic impacts. The current study entails the regional assessment of multiple man-made hazards (sometimes referred to as technological hazards) in one of the most developed Development Regions in Romania, i.e. B...

In all countries, many practical observation and theoretical studies are devoted on the soil and water erosion. However, there are still significant shortcoming in theoretical and experimental parts due to the underestimation of its physical causes and excessive enthusiasm of "empirical formulas", which is not often taken into account the elementary physical conditions in erosion processes, so the responses are not very accurate. There is also other useful model which is called GIS; the model is very powerful to e...

The main and typical changes in the natural complexes of tundra and forest-tundra in the areas of development of oil and gas fields were considered. Assessment of the stages of transformation of plant communities and soil cover due to anthropogenic load has been characterized. With the development of gas and oil fields in the north, pollution leads to a significant transformation and degradation of natural complexes. However, these violations are insignificant in area and localized. Various mechanical disturbances...

The Vrancea seismogenic zone is real menace not only for Romania but also for the neighbouring countries. Vrancea earthquakes cause casualties mainly in northern Bulgaria. Vrancea source is rather active one пїЅ more than 10 quakes with magnitude 5.1 < Mw < 7.0 (depth of hypocenters of 40 to 154 km) occurred during the last 30-ty years. In the last decade the Vrancea quakesпїЅ impact on our territory have been thoroughly recorded by the digital stations of the National Strong Ground Motion (SGM) Network of Bulgari...

The article presents the fossil fuels combustion effects in terms of the dangers of increasing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Based on the bibliography review the negative impact of increased carbon dioxide concentration on the human population is shown in the area of the external environment, particularly in terms of the air pollution and especially the impact on human health. The paper presents biomass as the renewable energy alternative source to fossil fuels. Biomass can be an essential alternative to fo...

The dominating feedstock for biodiesel production is still a vegetable oil and cost of the oil composes 80-85% of the production costs, therefore the development of the more efficient methods for biofuel production from vegetable oil remains crucial. The transesterification of oil proceeds with the production of side product: glycerol, which cannot be a part of the composition of fuel. Chemical interesterification of oil with alkyl acetate produce a mixture of fatty acid esters and triacetin. Triacetin is a fuel b...

Different operations, such as fleshing, trimmings, cuttings and chips from hides, causes leather industry in being one of the most environmental пїЅunfriendlyпїЅ sectors. Moreover, the treatment of sewage waters brings up also the problem of mud which is related with the appearance of biodegradation process of organic waste, followed by the emission of greenhouse gases, especially methane and nitrous oxide. All these wastes also imply a terrible smell and a strong land contamination. The large quantity of wastes, ...