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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...

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...

Climate change and increasing drought frequency pose major risks to legume production in Southeastern Europe, threatening food security and sustainable land use. This study evaluates chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) as a climate-resilient alternative to common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under the pedoclimatic conditions of Southwestern Romania. A bifactorial field experiment (species - preceding crop) was conducted in 2023 (favorable year) and 2024 (drought year). Results showed that chickpea maintained significant...

The purpose of the study is the evaluation of the bioeconomic potential of Western Romania in terms of determining the main agricultural and forestry products and the amount of available organic waste and by-products that can be integrated into the circular bioeconomy. The NUTS 2 administrative region West Romania consists of four counties: Timi?, Arad, Cara?-Severin and Hunedoara, which in total have more than 1.8 million hectares (ha) of agricultural land and large forested areas- a significant but not well expl...

The circular economy represents a systemic change in the economic model towards more efficient use of resources, reduction of environmental externalities and support of innovation. This article analyses the economic impacts and opportunities associated with the implementation of the principles of the circular economy in the European and Czech contexts. Based on a systematic literature review, analysis of strategic documents and selected empirical studies, the macroeconomic benefits, impacts on the labour market, b...

The European Union-s (EU) ambition to accelerate the transition to renewable energies imposes the shift toward ecological mobility has become a key and very challenging task. High niche models of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are the flagmen in makers- competition but they are not accessible to the mass consumers. Mini and compact Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are expected to play an increasing role in reducing urban congestion and emissions while promoting affordable and efficient transportation solutions. ...

Climate change is becoming an increasingly significant factor in the global economy, requiring urgent adaptation of economic systems and strategies. The impacts of climate change on the economy are multifaceted, ranging from physical damage to infrastructure to more subtle effects on the labor market and the prices of basic resources. At the same time, these changes create new opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth. One of the immediate impacts of climate change is extreme weather events that lead to ...

The retention of rainwater runoff through green roofs provides a number of positive effects in achieving resilient urban infrastructure. The most significant benefits include adaptation to climate changes, such as alternating between intense rainfall and droughts, as well as reduced capital and operational expenditures for sewer systems. The primary objective of this research is to analyze the mitigation effect on the run-off from an extensive green roof in the Sofia (Bulgaria) area for the first time. To accompli...

Climate change poses a significant challenge to infrastructure worldwide, with asphalt pavements particularly vulnerable due to their temperature-sensitive properties. Jordan-s pavement infrastructure faces escalating challenges due to climate change, including rising temperatures and increasing environmental stressors. This study investigates the impact of climate change on asphalt road pavements in Jordan, focusing on the period from 2020 to 2050. Using advanced machine learning algorithms integrated with mathem...

In line with global trends and concerns regarding pollution and climate change, the transition towards non-polluting energy sources is on the rise, favoring clean/renewable energy while reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal. This shift is essential for lowering carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Governmental efforts, through policies and regulations (such as carbon taxes and subsidies for renewables), focus on decarbonizing the energy economy. Meanwhile, companies are investing in renew...

Coastal zones are among the most climate-vulnerable environments, exposed to extreme weather events, sea level rise, accelerating coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic vulnerability. As these pressures intensify, adaptation strategies have moved beyond engineered infrastructure toward nature-based solutions restoration interventions that work with ecosystems. One of most spread nature-based coastal restoration are seagrass and saltmarsh recovery, dune and wetland rebuilding, and integrated watersh...

Future planetary sustainability depends on the capacities of today s learners. Environmental education must therefore foster durable understanding and sustained motivation, yet many topics impose high cognitive demands while competing for pupils interest. This theoretical paper presents a practical evaluation framework for comparing educational comics with information-equivalent expository text across four outcomes: memory, conceptual understanding, enjoyment/motivation, and perceived cognitive load. Grounded in C...

The research investigates the commercialization potential of algal biostimulants in the Baltic Sea region, considering the existing regulatory framework. Using quantitative analytical methods and a comprehensive literature review, the study assesses the economic, environmental and regulatory impacts of biostimulants. The results show that, on average, algal biostimulants can increase crop yields by 17.9%, generating additional income of пїЅ179,000 per 1,000 ha, reduce fertilizer costs by 15%, saving пїЅ45,000, and...

Research on rural community attachment, satisfaction and social capital is extensive. Recent work has sought to include attitudes toward local ecosystems as an additional dimension of rural community social relations. We use a social survey of households in four Major Land Resource Areas in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to establish the association between attachment, satisfaction and social capital and attitudes toward the local environment, with measures of specific knowledge concerning recovery of the ...

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a promising energy carrier, but its storage poses significant safety challenges. One of the most common storage methods is the use of high-pressure Type I steel cylinders, where hydrogen is kept in gaseous form at variable pressures up to 1000 bar. Cylinders used in industrial processes are usually equipped with pressure or temperature-pressure relief devices, while transportation units often lack such protection. In accident scenarios, especially under fire exposure, cylinde...

Based on literature survey and M. Porter's diamond a system of internationally comparable indicators is substantiated, which characterizes the competitiveness of forestry at national level of fourteen European union (EU) member states. The indicators are as of 2022, and are: area of wooded land per capita; growing stock per hectare; net annual increment per hectare; roundwood removals under bark per hectare; output of forestry per hectare, labour productivity, net entrepreneurial income per hectare, gross fixed ca...

Nowadays, sound grazing management is an essential prerequisite for efficient use of agricultural land. As it facilitates the preservation of plant biodiversity, soil properties and natural habitats, grazing management contributes to sustainable agriculture through maintaining ecological sustainability and environmental quality. Grazing (stocking) density of livestock has a profound impact on soil health, including its overall biochemical and microbial properties. If its chosen level is higher than the -carrying c...

Accurate estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is critical for carbon accounting in high-altitude ecosystems, where variability in soil properties challenges the use of standardized conversion factors. This study assesses the validity of the Van Bemmelen conversion factor (1.724) for estimating SOC from soil organic matter (SOM) across contrasting Andean ecosystems within the upper Pastaza River watershed in Ecuador, with a primary focus on paramo. A total of 109 soil samples were collected at 30 cm depth using ...

This study presents a comparative analysis of the performance of three gas measurement devices used to detect toxic gases generated by the detonation of ANFO explosive. The study was conducted following the operational procedure PI-102, which complies with the requirements of the SR EN 13631-16:2005 standard for detecting and measuring toxic gases produced by explosions. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of the devices in monitoring key toxic gases released during detonation. The e...

The aim of this paper is to present a multi-criteria analysis of three software tools for simulation and design of conveyor systems: ExtendSim, Sidewinder Conveyor Design and Tecnomatix Plant Simulation. The evaluation is based on five key criteria: hardware requirements, visualization and 3D animation, functional breadth, user-friendliness, and level of proficiency. The decision-making process identified Tecnomatix Plant Simulation as the most suitable tool, achieving the highest score of 51.91%. A dynamic simula...

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...

A pivotal role in pollution control and climate change mitigation within the transportation sector, particularly in internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, plays the catalytic converters. It functions by converting harmful emissions into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. This process reduces key pollutants that contribute to both air quality degradation and climate change. The catalytic converter thus serves as a critical technology in improving urban air quality and mitigati...

According to Albania's geographical classification, the Mati River belongs to the North Central Highlands. From a climatic perspective, this region is characterized by significant variations in temperature and precipitation due to its diverse geographical altitudes, ranging from 1800 meters above sea level to 0 meters at the estuary. Hydrographically, the Mati River basin is distinguished by a dense network of water courses, particularly in its middle and lower sections, where ultrabasic formations dominate. Addit...

Honey is rich in glucose and fructose, making it a quick source of energy. Honey has antimicrobial properties, can help digestion, has a probiotic effect, can soothe digestive irritations, is often used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats, having a soothing and antibacterial effect, contains antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals in the body. Polyfloral honey is produced by bees from the nectar of several species of flowers, hence the name "polyflora". The physicochemical analyses carried out ...

With the growing interest in using hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source, the processes of obtaining, transporting and storing it are becoming increasingly relevant. In the event of industrial technological breakdowns, rapid and efficient intervention in hazardous environments requires the selection of specialized personnel, capable of operating in extreme conditions. Interventions in potentially explosive atmospheres require not only rigorous technical training, but also optimal physical and psycholog...

The results of comprehensive ground-space monitoring of geodynamic processes in the area of the former Mirgalimsay deposit (Kentau, Kazakhstan) are presented. The objective of the study is to develop a monitoring and early warning system for hazardous surface deformations under conditions of mine flooding and changes in the hydrogeological regime. Monitoring was carried out using static GNSS measurements (41 benchmarks) and multi-temporal interferometric analysis of archival Sentinel-1 radar images using Persisten...

The present paper presents the transfer to the virtual environment and CFD analysis of physical experiments on the explosions of air-hydrogen mixtures carried out on a transparent stand, in the shape of a rectangular spiral. The shape of the stand was designed with the intention of directing the explosion process of the fuel mixture on a rectangular-spiral trajectory, with angles of 90 degrees. The free volume inside the spiral was sectioned by four foiled shutters into four ignition/combustion chambers, the first...

The relevance of interdisciplinary integration and the application of an interdisciplinary approach in the contemporary educational context is driven by the need to develop and enhance key competencies among students. This necessity also stems from the fact that the formation of critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills is inherently linked to the establishment of causal relationships across different fields of knowledge. Knowledge and skills acquired in isolation within individual disciplines and subj...

The study presents a data-driven approach to support sustainable tourism in Gauja National Park, Latvia, as a case study, by analysing sustainable transport, especially active mobility. While the benefits of active mobility are well documented, its potential in rural protected areas, such as Gauja National Park, is often overlooked. This study integrates multiple datasets, including Strava user-tracking data, automated physical passers counters, and existing infrastructure data, to create a robust Geographic Infor...

This study investigates the propagation of hydrogen explosions in confined environments, focusing on the influence of geometry on explosion dynamics. Experimental models were developed to analyze the impact of spatial constraints on pressure rise and flame acceleration. Key parameters, including maximum pressure, flame front velocity, and pressure rise rate (dp/dt), were monitored and analyzed. The results highlight that changes in propagation direction significantly influence explosion behavior, leading to higher...

The geomagnetic field varies in time and space, being a signal composed of periodic and non-periodic elements and is monitored in a tri-axial system within the geomagnetic observatories of the INTERMAGNET network across the planet. In the work, based on these data, we use for spectral evaluation (Fourier, wavelet, signal decompositions in approximations and details with various functions on different levels, etc.) in order to analyze different geomagnetic phenomena (such as: geomagnetic storms, disturbances, etc.)...

The concept of green consumption is becoming increasingly important as climate change and sustainable development principles influence both individual consumer behaviour and business strategies. However, given the growing awareness of environmental challenges, green purchasing is still limited. Although consumers often claim to want to buy green products, their actual behaviour often differs from the declared values. This paper presents the findings of a study which aims to analyse the main factors hindering consu...

Digital and green innovations in rural tourism and agricultural entrepreneurship is crucial according to sustainability nowadays. Consumers are more interested in enterprises that are responsible and proactive towards sustainable development goals through their activities. This study aims at exploring consumer perceptions of sustainable and smart territorial development through nationwide telephone survey. This study explores consumer attitudes towards sustainability, greenwashing, and digitalization in the contex...