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When designing hydraulic, power and civil structures, special attention is paid to the study of the stress-strain state (SSS) of foundations from the soil environment. The operation of such structures often leads to changes in the SSS of the soil base, which can affect their stability. It is known that the SSS of soil bases significantly depends on the physical and mechanical properties of soils, hydrogeological conditions of the environment and the type of loads, in particular on the filtration of groundwater, ma...

This study focuses on the assessment and monitoring of the stress-strain state (SSS) of rock masses under conditions of increasing open-pit mining depth. It examines the influence of natural stresses on the stability of rock formations and the consequences of their disturbance during mining operations, including the risks of deformation and collapse. Particular attention is given to modern geomechanical monitoring methods, which include both direct and indirect (geophysical) approaches, as well as the use of compu...

Starting in 1992, the Romanian mining industry underwent a restructuring process, which involved the closure of a significant number of mining perimeters. Without conducting a critical analysis of the causes that led to this extensive action and its resulting effects, it can be considered that some mining units, whose minimum geological reserves ensure exploitation for at least 10 years, could have real prospects for promoting solutions that guarantee economic efficiency, at least at the national level. In support...

In 2021 there were approximately 227,360 ha of abandoned land in Latvia. Bauska district has very fertile soil and active farmers, but despite this, agricultural lands are being afforested. The aim of the research is to analyze and evaluate the reasons and results of afforestation of agricultural lands in Bauska district in order to assess under what afforestation conditions the forest is most successfully grown. Seven properties were afforested in 2019, with a total area of 23.48 ha. Each property was divided int...

The aim of this study is to identify an appropriate management practice applicable to permanent grassland ecosystems located in the low-altitude area of the Western Plain of Romania. To achieve this objective, a comprehensive study was conducted, initially focusing on determining the main soil types and their characteristics. The next stage involved performing soil analyses to identify the natural reserve of macroelements. Subsequently, the type of plant association that defines the permanent grassland ecosystem w...

The article aims to advance the concept of agroeconomics as a pivotal driver of sustainable development, efficient resource utilization, and economic stability-an area of both theoretical and practical significance, given its central role in the ongoing sustainability of the sector. Research methodology: In light of global challenges like population growth, climate change, and finite natural resources, agroeconomics is crucial for ensuring food security, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting the socio-eco...

This paper discusses the relevance of the classical adjustment weights for the highest-order geometric levelling network. The commonly used weights are inversely proportional to the length of levelling lines. The argument behind this choice is the assumption that the accuracy of measured elevations is a function of the square root of the levelled route. Therefore, the longer the line, the less its weight in the adjustment of the network. However, there are often events where the measured elevations of long lines a...

The paper aims to analyze the economic performance of the Romanian aquaculture sector, the main objective is to evaluate key economic indicators in the context of environmental pressures and existing regulations, identifying opportunities and challenges for a sustainable development of the sector. To achieve the proposed objective, the research is based on an analysis of statistical data for the period 2014-2023. This includes economic indicators specific to the aquaculture sector, such as number of companies, num...

In recent years, various crises have occurred around the world. There has been the financial crisis, the crisis related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the migration crisis, and now we are in times of armed conflict, and the crisis related to the war in Ukraine. Companies are operating in times of great uncertainty. In many of them, managers are abandoning policies focused on increasing profits and trying to ensure the possibility of continuing business operations. Changes in management policies are visible, shifting to...

In the era of Industry 4.0, IoT technologies are fundamental for enabling real-time monitoring, operational transparency, and resource efficiency in industrial environments. This paper presents an IoT-based system for monitoring Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), integrating machine-level data to assess availability, performance, and quality in production processes. By combining OEE metrics with real-time energy consumption data, the system supports circular economy goals through reduced energy usage per unit,...

The paper presents a trend analysis in monthly precipitation, air temperature (average, minimum and maximum), air temperature range, potential evapotranspiration, drought and water balance over Romania using data from 156 weather stations. The recently released, freely available RoCliHom dataset has been used for this purpose. Trend analysis was conducted with the nonparametric Mann-Kendall test, as it allows a direct comparison with the vast majority of previous studies on climatic changes in Romania. Our results...

The general concern about climate change and the actions that must be taken to protect the environment are current concerns and occupy the first places on global agenda regarding the search for viable and sustainable solutions. Transition to green energy involves numerous intensely analysed issues with major implications for the economies of many countries. Thus, integration of renewable energy in oil and gas operations is an increasingly used strategy to reduce the carbon footprint and improve sustainability of t...

The paper presents aspects of analyzing the AI possibilities in evaluating equipment for explosive atmospheres. In the first part of the paper, the context of the use of equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres is presented. The presence of flammable substances in industrial applications leads to additional requirements for technical equipment used in such spaces. Furthermore, machinery used in such spaces must remain in working order even when the risk of explosion is present. In summary, to confirm eligibi...

The integration of daylighting element into sustainable building design presents a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption while improving indoor environmental quality. This study focuses on the performance assessment of passive daylight transport systems, with an emphasis on their thermal and optical characteristics. Various configurations of tubular daylighting devices were analyzed using simulation-based methods, considering material properties, geometrical parameters, and hygrothermal conditions o...

The problem of industrial ventilation has arisen as a result of the serious pollution problems that arise both in the industrial and industrial environments. Before addressing an industrial ventilation study, the question should be raised whether there is no simpler means of reducing or eliminating the causes of pollution or of reducing pollution by modifying the production process or the design and construction of the actual ventilation system . The commissioning of an industrial ventilation system occurs wheneve...

The seismicity of Albania is primarily driven by the collision between the Adria microplate and the Albanian orogen. The Ionian fault zone, located in southwestern Albania, is characterized by NW-SE trending neotectonic thrust faults with oblique components. These faults are predominantly marked by NW extension and include pre-Pliocene overthrust faults subjected to pure compressive stress. Occasionally, these overthrust faults are intersected by NE-SW-oriented thrust faults. The Ionian overthrust fault zone exten...

3D concrete printing is an innovative approach to construction that enables faster, flexible and material-efficient building construction. A key factor for the broader adoption of this technology is understanding the mechanical properties of printed concrete constructions and validating them through experimental and numerical studies. This paper focuses on the determination of the mechanical properties of digital concrete with emphasis on the effect of production technology, testing and analysis of failure mechani...

Industrial activities in the Jiu River basin, especially coal mining, have generated a significant impact on water quality over time, by releasing variable concentrations of heavy metals into the environment. This paper analyzes the trends of variation over time of the degree of heavy metal pollution in the Jiu River, considering the direct influence of the extractive industry in the area. The study is based on data collected from multiple water quality monitoring campaigns, covering an extended period, and aims t...

Water discharges, suspended load and hydrochemistry for 35 inflows of largest Caucasian Lake Sevan were measured 3 times in different hydrological seasons during 2024 and 2025. During summer most of small streams dried out while in winter a number of rivers were frozen into the bottom. The water discharges varied from 0.01 in summer to 8.02 m3/sec in spring. Large natural inflows are Argichi, Dzknaget, Gavaraget, Masrik rivers with water discharges in spring 8.0, 6.3, 4.5, 2.8 m3/sec correspondingly. By the end of...

This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Nepeta - faassenii (family Lamiaceae), a perennial aromatic hybrid derived from N. racemosa and N. nepetella [12]. The genus Nepeta is recognized for its essential oils rich in nepetalactones, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which contribute to notable biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and insect-repellent effects [3], [9], [10], [12]. The Nepeta Vegetal Extract (NVE) was obtained through ultrasonic extraction using 60 % e...

Bulgaria is characterized by a high level of landslide activity and erosion-abrasion processes. The main factors affecting slope stability often include rising groundwater levels, river erosion, abrasion, flash floods, and surface runoff. Traditional horizontal or vertical drainage systems may take months or even years to become fully effective. To expand drainage options for steep slopes and accelerate the dewatering process, this paper reviews current drainage practices and surface runoff management at two sites...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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