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In today's world, shopping represents a significant part of everyone's life. The interaction between the customer and store staff has grown to be more critical than ever. To facilitate a pleasant and engaging shopping experience, we acknowledge a market gap and a real competition for developing innovative tools that can be used by both parties: the customers, which need their requirements fulfilled, and the store staff, that can use these tools to satisfy customers' needs further by targeting the correct audience....

Drought is a phenomenon with a possible negative effect on agroecosystems. It can cause significant impact and damages on crop, when the water balance is seriously affected. But additional harmful effects can be observed also on the whole agroecosystem. This is connected to the land surface and vadose zone, to the physical and chemical properties of soil and water; to the adjacent organisms, etc. To prevent and mitigate the possible dangerous effects of importance is best to know all the specifics of the drought p...

The aim of the paper is to propose some financial scenarios for recovery of natural disaster damages based on insurances and credits. In recent years, there has been an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters worldwide. It is well known that natural disasters can affect companies by damaging or completely destroying their material assets. This leads to a partial or complete economic activity interruption of the affected companies. The study focuses on the direct material damage to the companies...

In the present study, in laboratory conditions, a series of experiments were conducted to study the immobilizing ability of peats of Electrochemical Plant (Zelenogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia). It has been found that the studied sorbents have a significant sorption capacity and a reliable conservation ability towards uranium ions that prevent its spread outside the sludge storage. For quantitative characterization and calculation of sorption coefficients, laboratory experiments were conducted for three samples o...

To date, there is an increase in the incidence of skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases, despite the variety of treatment methods. One of the promising class of biomaterials for the treatment of skin diseases can be coatings based on hydrogels. The purpose of this study was to obtain collagen-acrylic hydrogels with various technological parameters (varying the synthesis temperature and the degree of neutralization of acrylic acid) with the specified properties by radical polymerization. The chemical structure of t...

Urbanization today is accompanied by an increasing interest in outdoor recreation and nature-oriented tourism. The topic becomes interesting in light of the most popular world practices to develop nature-oriented tourism and recreation in special protected natural areas. Specific spatial consequences for the sustainable development as for urbanized areas both for reserves are discovered. The territory of a reserve becomes a place of environmental stress (consider the goals of nature reservation), as well as social...

A ventilation system is defined by performing air exchanges between the indoor and outdoor environment with the purpose of creating environmental conditions as close to the required thermal comfort conditions. Before installing a fan, it is necessary to analyze the space in which it is to be used and the method of compensating the exhaust air (mechanically with another fan or naturally with dimensioned grids). The most important factors to consider when choosing a fan are: the volume of the space, the number of sh...

The information obtained during remote sensing of our planet from space is used by a large complex of Earth sciences (in geography, geology, volcanology, geoinformatics, cartography, climatology, meteorology, oceanology, seismology, etc.), to solve applied problems in many areas of human activity and in other purposes. These «other» objectives generally refer to various aspects of military applications. Along with the obvious necessity and importance of using space methods in cartography and geodesy (recognition a...

More sensitive methods to determine chemicals in food enable us to assess the contaminant danger in the product. It is of help when evaluating the speed and conditions of their formation in the food and studying long-term carcinogenic and acute toxic effects on the body. The results of exposure to contaminants on the body as biomarkers of the effect in a controlled experiment on laboratory animals and the further use of the results obtained in the risk assessment might serve as conditions for establishing or revie...

Water crises have become more and more frequent in recent years. In fact, the ongoing climate changes have led very often to periods of drought, which, together with the increasing of groundwater exploitation, leads to a depletion of thess resources, which are fundamental for human life. Most of the most important springs, in the world, are located in karst areas. Specifically, for a large part of the Mediterranean region, karst springs play an essential role in water supply systems. The quantitative analysis of k...

The Guli and Bor-Uryakh massifs, a part of the Siberian Large igneous province (LIP) are mafic-ultramafic intrusive complexes, with strong alkaline affinity. They contain deposits of apatite and are also known to be source rocks of Os-Ir-Ru placers. These massifs are of great interest for petrologists worldwide, as they are composed of an unusual variety of rocks (dunites/olivinites, shonkinites, melilitites, alkali syenites and carbonatites) and being coeval with Siberian trap volcanic rocks, including diamondife...

With the economic development of the European seas and rivers, there was a sharp increase in demand for services and transport. Maritime transport is one of the least expensive methods of transport, unlike road, rail or air transport and has a number of advantages in terms of the size of the goods transported and the increased safety of freight transport. Many of the sea routes have among their destinations river ports, which hold a large part of the year traffic of ships. In the European waters we find a diversit...

Intensification of forest management is required due to contrasting trends of growing demand to use renewable materials and boost carbon sequestration, while simultaneously decreasing area of managed forest. Additionally, increasing frequency of natural disturbances creates difficulties to ensure production of high-quality saw-logs. One of the strategies to overcome (or at least minimize) the negative impacts is establishment of low-density plantations, intended for relatively short rotation (c.a. 50 years). Aim o...

Bulgaria's European presidency has put forward a proposed step-by-step plan compared to relations in the Balkans. Improving relations is related to important aspects - infrastructural, economic, social and cultural. This is a great effort from all Balkan pages. Rethinking the past and outlining the future can be achieved through a common strategic goal or goals. The settled forces of the border towns and the business relations between them will reach tendencies for depopulation of some regions in Bulgaria. Such a ...

The purpose of this article is to present the algorithmization of the scenario planning process, based on cognitive methods of economic and mathematical modeling. The methods are based on the etiological diagnostics of synthesizing economic and non-economic indicators, exponential smoothing of the explanatory factors, and the results of the regression analysis. They will allow constructing multivariate scenarios (realistic, pessimistic, and optimistic) of the agrarian sector of Ukraine's economy. The assessment of...

The global climate emergency has among its main causes the emission of large quantities of CO2 due to human activities. There are many policies implemented so far worldwide, but as the Union Square climate clock in the heart of Manhattan highlights, a greater effort is needed. The work of Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd shows, with its countdown, how much time we have left to limit carbon emissions before we reach a point of no return. According to the World Green Building Council, 39% of total energy-related carbon emi...

The laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effect of the angle of stratification on the strength properties of samples of anisotropic shale and siltstone containing sandstone interlayers under shear loading with coupled compression in this paper. The samples of shale and siltstone were tested at various combinations of the orientation of bedding angles ? relative to the sample axis and the orientation of angles of shear plane ? relative to orientation of the stratification of samples. The experimental c...

The paper presents the results of research on the radiation balance of coniferous forest ecosystems in the mountain Crimea. Based on open reanalysis databases and the geoinformational modeling results, the elements values of the radiation balance of coniferous forest ecosystems located in different landscape zones and levels are calculated. It is found that for the period from 1983 to 2013 the values of the radiation balance of the mountain Crimea coniferous forest ecosystems vary from 1641.8 to 1836.4 MJ/m2?year....

The natural zeolites (NZs) are low-cost natural materials, available in large quantities in different parts of the world, with good mechanical and thermal properties, ion exchange capacity, ability to adjust pH, high surface area and adsorption capacity. Despite their wide range of applications, the use of NZs is limited in industrial processes (where synthetic zeolites are preferred) due to presence of impurities in their structure and the properties which could not be optimized by nature. These limitations can b...

This study is investigating the influences and effects of the chaotic exploitation of mineral aggregates and its direct impact on the evolutionary forms of the Siret River. The study is important due to the decommissioning of agricultural land caused by river erosion in the area of Gala?i County. After the comparative analysis of the new topographic plan with the old soil map, we identified how the area, exploited by private companies in order to extract mineral aggregates, i.e. sand and gravel mostly used in the ...

When developing oil fields, water flooding is often used to displace oil. In this case, effective oil production is possible with a detailed study of hydrodynamics in the reservoir. Recently, organic phosphors have been used for these purposes, which are pumped into the formation through injection wells. The spectral characteristics of the excitation (absorption) and luminescence of produced water with phosphors can provide information on the hydrodynamic relationship between injection and producing wells and the ...

The Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model is widely used to forecast non-stationary time series data. In a model of ARIMA (p, d, q), AR is autoregressive, p is the number of regression terms, MA is the moving average, q is the number of moving average terms, and d is the difference time to make the data a stationary series. It can be used to forecast the trend of geomagnetic disturbances. Firstly, the non-stationary historical data xt is processed by the d difference to develop the stable histori...

The research and evaluation of calcium oxide nanoparticles? (CaO) accumulation and toxicity when ingested orally were carried out. The results, obtained after the study of CaO nanopowder by scanning electron microscopy method, demonstrate, that a large proportion of particles in its composition have a size of up to 100 nm, a rounded shape and a smooth surface, while the microparticles of the chemical analog have a cubic shape with a rough surface. According to the death rate, LD50 values were calculated for male W...

Waste disposal and management is one of the urgent issues faced by mankind at the current stage of development. Waste car tires pose a significant threat to the environment, which makes their efficient processing particularly important, as the volume of this type of waste generated each year worldwide is estimated at more than 10 million tons, of which 1 million tons are produced in Russia. A review of the car tire, wood, textile, and plastic pyrolysis products is presented. The products of pyrolysis include pyrol...

In this work, the physical parameters of near Earth objects (NEO) are studied. The search for parent bodies of low-activity small meteor showers ? k-Cygnids, ?-Cancrids, and Virginids are performed among asteroids that could be faded comets. For k-Cygnids by all the catalogues of meteor orbits 2 asteroids are selected ? 153311 2001MG1, 385343 2002LV, whose orbits provide from 90% to 100% compliance with meteoroids? orbits of a shower. The 2012LL9 is only selected by 3 catalogues of meteor orbits. By catalogue of A...

This study is devoted to studying the properties of a new polymer sorbent based on polyvinyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose using infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The influence of calcium chloride on the performance characteristics of the sorbent, such as oil capacity, floatation, moisture content and polymer degradation, is studied. The cross-linked matrix has improved properties: increasing the oil capacity and flotation time, retention of the structure when the sorbent is on the water s...

The paper presents the results of mineralogical and technological research of tailings produced during processing of rare-metal columbite ore of the prospective Zashikhinskoe deposit. The grain size analysis of a tailings sample showed that the most part of the material is represented by fine-grained particles with 53.3% yield of size fraction -0.045 mm. Mineral composition of the tailings is mainly represented by quartz, albite and microcline. Total content of minor minerals, such as muscovite, columbite, cryolit...

This paper proves news about the argillized (bentonitized) deposits that are part of a complex distribution of volcanic rock types occurring in the Gurasada region. These are the oldest deposits of volcanic origin crops out in the Gurasada open pit. Above these are volcanic deposits of andesitic composition represented by pyroclastic breccias, rare tuff levels and lava flows. The site observations, petrographic, XRD, RAMAN spectroscopy and chemical analyses indicated the formation of the bentonite deposit by weath...

The problem of obtaining compositions, that would act as biomaterials and fit all demands, is well-known. One the branch of application materials such is the hydrogels. High retention capacity of water and physiological fluids, sufficient physio-mechanical properties and safety of usage are ones of the most relevant specifications for medical hydrogels. It is quite hard to develop such formulations. Perspective initial substances for synthesis are gelatin (peptide native to human collagen) and tannin (natural comp...

Geophysical surveys of wells represent a wide range of methods, the rational integration of which make it easier the solution of geological problems. In this article, the authors investigate the issue of identifying the parameters of hydraulic fractures. This method is one of the frequently used methods for increasing well productivity. Modifications of nuclear logging and the possibility of acoustic logging are considered on the example of data before and after hydraulic fracturing in carbonate and sandstone depo...

Currently, particular attention is paid to the study of connection between geophysical phenomena and technogenic processes. At the same time, the structural parameters of the Earth?s internal structure and its core, change in natural characteristics of water basins as well as dynamics of oil and gas deposits are being investigated. This paper describes a new method for studying geophysical phenomena depending on the state of large water basins. With this purpose, we conducted a correlation analysis between astrome...

Conveyor belts are used for a long period of time in the industry branches where potentially explosive atmospheres could occur. The use of conveyor belts in industrial spaces with danger of explosive atmospheres, implies fulfilling by these of certain safety requirements, in order to prevent the ignition sources of explosive atmospheres. The need to provide the highest level of protection in the industrial spaces with danger of explosive atmospheres led, on the one hand, to the use of conveyor belts with adequate ...

In a study over a two-month period, identifying the volatile compounds of potential odorous substances (hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.), which periodically spread in the area adjacent to the Free Port of Riga and have a negative impact on the quality of life and health of residents of these areas. Potential sources of odours were identified as far as possible and the results obtained were assessed in the context of complaints from citizens and the results obtained in the reference measur...

Urban noise is affecting an increasing number of people and this is why it is becoming a major environmental issue, being a known fact that it affects all human activities and constitutes a stress factor with negative effects on health. It can affect the population both physiologically and psychologically, having an influence on the elementary activities such as sleep, rest, study and communication. Noise in the environment - a harmful and unwanted sound from the outside - is spreading, both in duration and in geo...

Geodynamic processes and seismic activity are considered to be the prime driver of horizontal and vertical movements of the Earth's crust in the Balkan Peninsula. One proven method for continuous monitoring of ground deformations is the use of data from active radar remote sensing. These data are the basis for the creation of interferometric images (IFIs) for quantitatively assessment the recorded ground movements of the Earths? surface within a fixed time interval. For this research a set of IFIs were created for...

Stormwater presents a significant problem in urban areas, especially in large cities. The intensified formation of impermeable surface leads to suppressing permeable-vegetation areas and, subsequently, substantial changes in the area's hydrological, environmental, and ecological characteristics. By changing the city's spatial structure, there may be an increase in flood peak, volume of runoff, and rising pollution in urban stormwater. As a result of this phenomenon, the aquatic environment can be degraded by chang...

The aim of the work is to create methodological provisions to justify the safe parameters of the thermal regime in permafrost rocks during the construction of underground complexes of small power nuclear plants in the Arctic region. The idea of the study is to assess the thermal regime of long-span mining excavations using mathematical modeling methods. To ensure the stability of underground mine excavations at the construction stage in the permafrost, the authors verify the use of various heat-protective systems....

The development of rural areas is important for the economy of any country. In Latvia, the development of rural areas depends on economic growth in the key industries for the rural areas ? agriculture and forestry. Accordingly, it is important to use the various support instruments of the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for rural development, which include financial support not only for agriculture but also for forestry. Therefore, the overall aim of the present research is to assess the use o...

Saline lakes located on the territory of Kulunda lowlands with semi-arid climate are unique ecosystems, geochemical features of which are constantly under the pressure of intense evaporation. Their hydrological and chemical balance, however, strongly depend on inflow from rainfalls, groundwaters and rivers. Surface and groundwaters of Kulunda lowland are formed under the influence of soda salinization and are characterized by an alkaline environment. The salinity often exceeds 1 g/L and can reach 2.5 g/L. Major io...

The area of intensively polluted territories in the world has been constantly increasing. The ecological situation within such territories is rather difficult. As to Russia one of these territories is the Urals. It is the populated region with a lot of wastes after very long period of mining activity (extraction of gold, platinum metals, salts, coal, diamonds, precious stones, copper, iron, oil, etc.). The special litho-monitoring program is worked out by the Perm University scientists with the purpose to control ...

Sustainable agriculture allows to solve many problems related to the development of rural areas - first of all, food security, economic well-being of agricultural entities, the formation of industrial and social infrastructure, the preservation of rural traditions and peasant way of life, and much more. The environmental aspect of sustainable development is particularly important, as further population growth is directly linked to increased exploitation of land and natural resources. According to the FAO, agricult...

The Russian Federation has the largest Arctic coastline and the highest level of population among the other Arctic nations. The Arctic region of the Russian Federation occupies the territory of more than 3 million square kilometers. It is the Mother land of more than 2 million people. The Arctic zone is a unique geographical, climatic and ecological region. It is considered to be a special object of the state administration. The importance of the sustainable development in the Arctic region is determined by the na...

Nowadays petroleum industry has a clear trend of depletion of conventional resources in traditional producing regions. As countries and petroleum companies are looking for the new directions of the development there is a need for evaluation and forecast of development of regions with high petroleum potential. The research focuses on one of such regions ? Easter Siberia of Russia. The region on one hand holds large resource potential that can provide base for sustainable development of the area and country in gener...

Climate change, Paris agreement and following strategies for sustainable environment are key direction in 21st century, in order to have an environment and economy to live in for this and next generations. This topic is on the agenda of several high-level task forces at United Nations (UN) and the European Commission (EC). While some definitions and terms are still blurred and unclear, there are already several measurement indicators, which are monitored. One of 17 UN sustainable development growth (SDG) goals, nu...

Modern society receives 93% of food products owing to the fertile soils. Today, the areas of fertile soils decreases gradually, while the world population increases. Soil degradation is a global process, the problem, which worries all countries of the world more or less. Soil degradation in Georgia is the result of the climate-relief peculiarities, activity of geodynamic processes, uncontrolled forest felling and inappropriate agricultural practice (incorrect irrigation, melioration, excess use of pesticides and m...

The article deals with a set of regional problems that require early adoption of political, environmental, institutional and scientific solutions to ensure sustainable development of the Kaliningrad region. The main problems are the imperfection of the legislative system, in which watercourses and lakes have different ownership forms to make it difficult to determine legal liability for the condition of water object. The imperfection of local management systems and the irrational separation of powers between autho...

Cleaning contaminated soil from heavy metals is a very important issue for Ukraine at present. Soil pollution is considered to be the result of metallurgical and chemical industries, as well as the irrational application of chemical plant protection. The goal of the studies was investigation of effectiveness of phytoremediation with co-cultivation of herbaceous plants as one of decontamination methods. An innovative method of cleaning soil from heavy metal contamination using a combination of switchgrass and peren...

We analyze the micro-seismic noise recorded at five seismic stations ? DEC, DJJ, FMP, MWC and RPV. They operate within CI: Southern California Seismic Network (SCSN), USA. The data set is collected from 01 July 2018 till 31 July 2019 and all seismic events with a magnitude Mw?4 are excluded. Our main goal is to find the effects of seismic noise synchronization between different seismic stations using data relevant to the vertical seismic components. The width of the multifractal spectrum, the spectral exponent and...

The aim of this work is to experimentally study the synthesis of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers by catalytic pyrolysis of methane-hydrogen mixtures, as well as to develope a kinetic scheme that takes into account the accelerating and suppressing effect of hydrogen on pyrolysis. Carbon nanotubes were synthesized in a laboratory kinetic setup with a vertical quartz reactor at a temperature of 700?. The oxide system (Fe0.45Co0.15Al0.40)2O3 obtained by combustion method was taken as a catalyst. The hydrogen concentra...

The research of 2D carbon-based nanomaterials has become very intensive since the discovery of graphene. Many different preparation procedures of graphene and graphene derivatives have been reported. The aim of this paper was to prepare and characterize partially oxidized graphite oxides, which were prepared from nanographite by adding different amounts of potassium permanganate as an oxidizing agent. The C/O ratio was evaluated from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and elemental a...