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The paper presents the impact of variable environment acidity and low temperature on the stability of biosensor receptor layer component BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). With the use of UV/Vis spectrophotometer, absorption spectra in range (250-300nm) was taken to study conformational changes of the protein with time after exposition to different factors. The results showed an increase in absorption, associated with the conformational changes of BSA with time. A significant decrease in the absorption intensity was note...

Metal-based catalysts have shown promising applications and effects in different thermal enhanced oil recovery (THEOR) to improve oil recovery from oil reservoirs. Also, catalysts were chosen due to their exclusive properties, such as high surface area to volume ratio, high degree of dispersion in porous media and high catalytic activity. This study is aimed at developing a catalytic-enhanced oil recovery for heavy crude oil using in-situ combustion method in the presence of catalyst. In order to that, we synthesi...

The monitoring data of groundwater quality in a vast area in north central Bulgaria indicates concentration of hexavalent chromium above the maximum contaminant level set in Directive 98/83/EO. Hexavalent chromium contamination of the groundwater is of a great concern, since this groundwater is the main drinking water source for more than 25 small villages in the region. Field tests were conducted in order to determine the mineral and chemical composition of soils and rocks near four of the villages. Exploratory d...

Large reserves of forest resources (according to UN estimates, the area of forests in the Russian Federation, is 8.5 million km?) have provided a significant development of the forest industry. Together with large investments in the timber industry complex, it became possible to optimize the technological processes, machines and equipment of enterprises. At the same time, it is also necessary to solve the issues of the most rational forest management. Sustainable forest management assumes limiting of the volume of...

The paper presents observations of solution of the sustainable forestry problem in terms of the Arkhangelsk region. One of the sustainable forestry guidelines is appropriate restraining of the forest harvesting. The volumes of logging in the Arkhangelsk region constitute about half of the allowable wood removal. One of the reasons of the harvesting volumes insufficiency is low density of forest roads network, therefore the accessible areas alongside the existing roads are depleted. The forest roads network should ...

In industrial plants many types of combustible dusts are generated, processed, handled and stored. When ignited, they can burn rapidly and with a considerable explosion force, when mixed with air in proper proportions. This is the reason why adequate precautions have to be adopted, to ensure that all equipment and protective systems are appropriately protected so that the security level from these installations to be high. The establishment and implementation of protection measures is primarily aimed at preventing...

The evacuation time of occupants in a fire event is a particularly important parameter, both for the development of emergency evacuation plans and in the post-event investigation. To estimate this time, the classic approach uses alarm / evacuation trials. These simulations involve the allocation of human and financial resources and have the disadvantage of not being able to cover a wide range of technically possible critical scenarios. Moreover, it has been shown that in real fire cases, human behaviour can be sig...

Considering the increasing generalized pollution and tightening of environmental protection regulations, it is necessary to constantly optimize the treatment technologies, in order to meet the quality standards when discharging wastewater into surface water. The paper presents a study on a wastewater treatment plant in Romania that serves a municipality with a population of approximately 400,000 inhabitants, having a sewerage network working in a unitary system. The main indicators of the waste water quality (flow...

In special applications it is necessary to correlate the obtained data about the state of a process in which the Joule effect is involved by passing an electric current through a conductive material. The multiplier effect due to increased resistance with temperature may require particular attention in monitoring the process, thus requiring automatic decision-making processes so that the modification of the conductive material properties does not affect the entire chain of the process. We propose a system for monit...

The parametric study carried out focuses on the impact of the type of glazing and its layout on the interior temperatures of a habitat. Different thicknesses, orientations and even different colors have been taken into account. The procedure for calculating the main parameters for the simulation and which correspond to each type of glazing is done via WINDOW7.3. Several simulations have been carried out for each case by EnergyPlus (dynamic simulation program of the building). Through the results of the simulation,...

The need to provide the highest level of protection in the industrial spaces with explosion danger led, on the one hand, to the development of new types of dissipative textile materials with protective role against static electricity and, on the other hand, to the development of test methods of these materials for the purpose of assessing compliance with the requirements specific to prevent the initiation of explosive atmospheres. The assessment of the compliance of the dissipative textile materials used at the ma...

In order to reduce the negative impact of PVC on the environment, it is becoming popular to produce composite materials based on PVC filled with various natural fillers. For example, bentonite as filler in a polymer matrix can absorb volatile toxic components and accelerate the degradation of PVC. Also in this paper, natural polysaccharides pectin and starch are considered as fillers. Pectin and starch are also capable of accelerating biodegradation of PVC. Nevertheless, the thermal stability of the resulting poly...

The work presented in this article is based on the formulation and research of the mechanical and thermal properties of self-compacting concretes (SCC) made from the cement industry waste. This waste is of high alumina, finely ground and incorporated as filler. Mechanical testing in compression and in tension by splitting has been performed and that in the compare to control concrete specimens. To examine the performance of our concrete at high temperatures we have introduced two sample a concrete witness and the ...

The effect of using manufacture waste asphalt shingles (WMAS) to mineral-asphalt mixtures besides their utilization is to reduce the amount of the new bituminous binder added to hot mix asphalt. This publication presents studies on asphalt mixtures with an increased up to 4% amount of WMAS additive with the simultaneous use of 2 types of added paving bitumen, i.e. 50/70 and 70/100. The aim of the paper is evaluation of the basic mixture properties in a wide range of operating temperatures, as a part of the HMA tes...

This work, which was conducted in the Chettaba forest, focuses on the sylvicultural treatment of Pines during its first natural regeneration. It will ultimately emphasize the importance of forestry sustainability. This sustainability consists of the rational management that should begin right after the exploitation as well as during all stages of growth. In fact, it appears that during the past couple of years, forestry exploitation seems to occur in destructive and illegal ways and that restoring processes are no...

The impact of the extreme atmospheric conditions in the context of climate changes is a topic often studied at a global scale. The aim of the presented work is to analysis the extreme wind condition at a much smaller scale represented by the Black Sea area. For this perspective, the presented paper presents a comprehensive picture of the extreme atmospheric conditions along the coastlines of Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine. More precisely, eight geographical locations were analyzed, together...

Considering the widespread pollution and the need for taking drastic measures to protect the environment, it is necessary to constantly optimize the treatment stages within the wastewater treatment plants in order to meet the quality standards when discharging wastewater into surface water. The paper presents a study on a wastewater treatment plant in Romania that serves a municipality with a population of approximately 400,000 inhabitants, having a sewerage network working in a unitary system. The study followed ...

Space weather can be monitored from the ground (astronomic/astrophysics observations and geomagnetic observatories) and from space (satellite data). Optical instruments (telescopes on the ground) recording the number of sun spots, as well as to viewing aurora, but these observations are affected by the weather from Earth's atmosphere. Observation from space does not have such a limitation. In the last years,satellites and spacecraft have monitoring the space weather. Through cooperationbetween European Space Agenc...

One of the main mechanisms that determine the deterioration of salt stability is the occurring of fractures as a result of the influence of mining pressure. Aspects of rock salt cracking can be observed both in situ and laboratory tests on rock samples collected from the mining works. Cracking parameters are determined for different conditions: age pillars, excavation technology, how has the bearing size, depth of mining and other random aspects. Geomechanical assessment of underground workings made in rock salt m...

Derived from the results of experimental modeling of physicochemical processes of solvent extraction of extra-viscous oil (EVO) from the reservoir model, the composition, which provides a 96% extraction of the oil from Ashal?chinskoe deposit, has been chosen. The composition represents the mixture of large-capacity petrochemical products. It includes the fraction of light aliphatic hydrocarbons, ethylbenzene distillation residue, and the mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons at a 0.50:0.25:0.25 ratio. The latter inhibi...

The unique properties of aerogels make them promising materials for use in various industries. The production lines, which are currently organized by foreign companies, are aimed at obtaining exclusively monoliths and blankets of aerogels of certain sizes. However, for many potential applications, forms other than monoliths, namely particles, are required. In many works, the prospects and relevance of the use of organic aerogel particles for pharmaceuticals (drug delivery systems), medicine (medical products), foo...

The development of the agricultural industry and increasing demands for bio-based products adds pressure on natural resources, such as water and soil. Soil is non-renewable resource and provides many ecosystem services, namely food and biomass production, water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration and habitats for biodiversity. The simultaneous achievement of socio-economic and climate policy objectives is challenging and requires careful management of soils as a pivotal resource. In Latvia, the ke...

The main aim of this paper is to investigate possibility of use evapotranspiration (ET) data derived from the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) based on Earth Observation (EO) and local meteorological station (Eddy Covariance -EC - flux tower) data to improve simulation of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for catchment with significant area of wetland, case study of the Upper-Biebrza catchment (North-East Poland). The Upper-Biebrza SWAT model was set for 1951-2016 in which potential evapotrans...

Open cast coal mining is inevitably accompanied by a significant technological interference in the environment. This requires the due (during the technological process) restoration of the disrupted balance and the forming of a new environment consistent with the ecological requirements. Environment protection is one of the priority tasks for Mini Maritsa Iztok EAD. The environment protection legislation in force is strictly observed at the Company. The use of water to support mining operations, and waste water rep...

Due to its properties, lightweight, strength and corrosion resistance aluminum and its alloys are chosen for building various industrial equipments that are used in different specific environments. Aluminum and its alloys cannot escape from corrosion and it requires a proper handling. Aluminum and its alloys will corrode very quickly after cleaning so any treatment must be swift to prevent corrosion becoming trapped under the base coating layers. Aluminum corrodes almost immediately forming an oxide layer that wil...

The overall objectives for business sustainability have become increasingly more important for companies, and for stakeholders of the company. Socially responsible companies must be involved in creating and developing sustainable businesses, which gives them competitive advantages and added value. The theoretical frame of the paper is based on the model of value chain. Each element of the chain explores the Corporate Social Responsibility issues, adopted/designed by each functional department of the companies, ori...

Sustainable plant production refers to groups of production practices that lead to high yields but without damaging the environment and biodiversity. Sustainable crop production includes methods of growing food in a responsible manner avoiding application and dependence on chemically produced fertilizers and pesticides. The latter means development of approaches that lead to environmentally mild inputs based on the production-consumption-recycling principle. Biofertilizers are an important tool to achieve sustaina...

Sustainable plant production refers to groups of production practices that lead to high yields but without damaging the environment and biodiversity. Sustainable crop production includes methods of growing food in a responsible manner avoiding application and dependence on chemically produced fertilizers and pesticides. The latter means development of approaches that lead to environmentally mild inputs based on the production-consumption-recycling principle. Biofertilizers are an important tool to achieve sustaina...

The European Commission is investing in EU industry for a modern, clean and fair economy. Innovation is a key factor in the competitiveness of European industry. Following the European experience, the aim of the article is to identify sustainable innovative directions for the development of the oil and gas sector in the context of global trends. The article shows that the period from 2014 to the present time is characterized by the fact that in a situation of a drastic decline in oil prices, the world oil and gas ...

Wood was the most common source of energy on earth, being gradually replaced by fossil fuels. Given that the wood used in the generating stations comes from properly managed forests, then the carbon emitted from the chimneys can be annihilated by the carbon that is absorbed and used by the freshly planted trees. Wood can therefore be considered as carbon neutral. It remains to be seen if this theory is actually verified. Once it was decided to classify wood as a renewable source, its consumption increased exponent...

In the context of the increasing concern on controlling carbon emissions, global warming and in order to reduce energy consumption, buildings design must take into account the criteria of energy efficiency and the use of local renewable resources imposed by EU requirements for 2020. Thermal insulating materials based on natural fibers as building materials are increasingly being studied for their low environmental impact and availability. The present paper reviews the state of the art of research on the influence ...

This paper presents a joint research program conducted by the scientific contribution of Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic) and the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Romania aiming at developing sustainable Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC) mixtures for using in concrete New Jersey barriers. The research program included an assessment on the fresh and hardened properties of: C25/30, C35/45, C40/50, and C50/60 strength classes of concrete mixtures to be used in the prefabrication of concrete ...

This study focused on the synthesis and characterization of L-proline polymer composite that will be tested for mild steel corrosion protection. Poly(butylene succinate) extended with 1,6-diisocyanatihexane (PBS) and L-proline were utilized to the synthesis of poly(butylene succinate)-L-proline composite. Solution polymerization was used as the method to get the amorphous water soluble polymer composite; and was characterized by FTIR, XRD and SEM. SEM-EDX of the polymerized composites was performed and the % count...

Formation of gas hydrates is a problem in the petroleum industry where the gas hydrates are responsible for the blockage of flow lines, valves and well heads, thereby causing great loss of production and other severe safety hazards to the oil and gas industry. This topic is the most challenging subject in flow assurance problems in oil and gas industry. Kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) are water-soluble polymers that are used to prevent gas hydrate blockages and they have been used in the field successfully. In t...

Surfactant flooding is a significant method used in enhanced oil recovery to reduce the amount of oil in pore space of matrix rock. These materials are injected to mobilize heavy oil by lowering the interfacial tension between oil and water and/or by the wettability alteration from oil-wet to water-wet. A various of cationic, anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants have been studied. Although surfactant/polymer flooding is one of the most promising methods available to recover residual and remaining oil, it...

Metal oxide pillared interlayered clays (PILCs) possesses several attractive properties, such as constant high porosity with presence of both micropores and mesopores, thermal stability (up to 450В°C), surface acidity and catalytic active components - metal oxide pillars. Thanks to these specific characteristics of PILCs they can be used either as catalyst or as catalyst support in a wide range of catalytic applications, including catalytic cracking processes. In this work Fe-pillared interlayered clays (Fe-PILCs)...

In the last time developments in technological field have happened in a pretty rapid tempo, humanity having actually over the years the conviction that these developments will have only positive desired effects. Without any doubt this progress has assured in the past the increase of humanity quality of life by using technologies for different specific human activities. Anyway 1972 after publishing the first report to the Club of Rome ?The Limits to Growth? it was finally understood that besides wanted effects of t...

At present, more 900 million tons and 630 million tons of crushed tailings of copper ores are accumulated in tailings storages of Jeskasgan and Balkhash ore-processing plants, respectively. Micromineralogical studies of tails in cemented polished sections are showed the following copper minerals: chalcopyrite is the most common among them and the amount of its grains in cemented sections varies from 30 to 50 %; covellite - from 5 to 20 %; chalcocite - from rare grains to 20 %; bornite - from 4 to 25 %. Other miner...

The aim of this research is to teach ethical decision-making to future economists by solving the problem of advertising to children shown in the in the English-language documentary ?Consuming Kids?. Research methods included analysis of literature on the issues of what is ethical/unethical and the decision-making process, and the evaluation of 14 business reports written by students. The writing task entailed looking into the problem of the negative effects of advertising to children and preparing a report to the ...

Characteristics of educational technology used at the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography focused on C++ programming language teaching students of geodetic specialties are presented. The new C++ programming course for geodesy and cartography students has been developed. This course is geared towards the needs of geodesy and cartography department of higher school. The current task is to elaborate a wide geodetic collection of tasks for C++ programming exercises. The need to develop a specialized C++...

Applying sustainable development principles interferes with various spheres of human life. The greatest attention is paid to housing, transport, health protection, pollution, etc., i.e. areas noticeable by ordinary residents. Less emphasis is placed on the area of sustainable technical infrastructure. Minimum attention is paid to maintenance, operation, and repairs; and we may in this case often experience emergency maintenance only. Most operators and owners of the technical equipment have recently reported incre...

Sintioana, the component of the Sinmartin commune, Cluj County, it was necessary to execute operations at legal, economical and technical level. This operation was done successively on cadastral sectors. The present paper deals with the study of the technical operations necessary for the introduction of the real estate cadastre, as well as the achievement of the site and delimitation plans for each building in part, from four cadastral sectors of within the built-up area of Sintioana. In order to take over the tec...

The paper presents and analyses different solutions to determine the alignment to be taken into account in designing forestry roads in order to prevent and remove the effects of natural calamities. The proposed solutions take into account the area of the forestry roads in order to integrate them harmoniously in the region landscape. The paper also presents a case study concerning the solutions adopted to remove the effects caused by the natural calamities in the summer of 2016 on certain forestry roads in the Timi...

Underground waters in St. Petersburg are strategic reserve of drinking water. Dense urban development, motor transport and industrial enterprises directly affect the quality of groundwater. In addition, groundwater can also carry pollutants into the Gulf of Finland. The main purpose of this article was to assess the state of groundwater in the coastal part of St. Petersburg. The study was based on the processing of laboratory analyzes primary results of water samples collected in the framework of state monitoring ...

The Murmansk region is in the group of the old industrial regions of the Arctic zone. Mining, metallurgical, chemical and other industries have been intensively developing in the region since the 1930s. The main environmental problems of the region include pollution of the environment and waste generation. Staff of the Department of Geoecology and Nature Management of St. Petersburg State University has conducted monitoring studies in the impact area of the Severonickel since 2001. According to the wind rise monit...

Technological and material analysis of construction works helps to achieve the intended goals set for a given undertaking taking into investment not only time and cost factors. It is worth considering the choice of a design solution in terms of material and work technology. The authors exchanged the benefits of the analysis of the technological and material performance of construction works for both the investor and the contractor. They presented the evaluation method using the selection of appropriate criteria. A...

When metal structures are manufactured, the heat cycle introduced by the applied welding technology can cause structural changes in the base material, as well as residual stresses, which under certain circumstances can lead to changes in the shape of the structure. This paper analyses certain possibilities to avoid and reduce the stress level and the distortions in the welded structure by applying various welding technological methods. The paper presents the results obtained after the fillet welds were made using ...

For the development of the aviation industry companies more and more important becomes the issue of sustainable development. It was found that the technology creativity can play an important role in minimizing the negative impact of aviation companies on the environment, for example by initiating and realization of innovative projects related to environmental protection. Technology creativity gives rise to a new perspective on the development of contemporary enterprises, in particular for high-tech enterprises tha...

Technology entrepreneurship should be understood as a strategic mechanism of the organization?s development, while the core of this development is the use of modern technologies and social processes constitute an indispensable frame. In other words, an organization, as an entity of technology entrepreneurship strategy, is a catalyst for technology ventures, ranging from a technological idea to the market product. A model of technology entrepreneurship as a long-term mechanism for development of an organization is ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has now become a reality and, in many areas, it is already used, being very secure. The advantages of AI are unlimited and do not only influence everyday life, but also in all industries. This includes the automotive industry, which could lead to faster mode of transport and a significant reduction in the number of accidents and harmful CO2 emissions. Communication with a car now has a variety of different functions, most of which use the cloud - a relatively new idea - and everything ...