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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...

This study applies an adapted Living Planet Index (LPI) to assess long-term trends in fish populations in the Veleka River (southeastern Bulgaria) from 2010 to 2024. Based on standardized electrofishing data across seven stations, 11 native and naturalized species were analyzed using log-transformed abundance time series. The LPI declined from 1.0 in 2010 to 0.28 in 2024, indicating a 72% reduction in average fish abundance. Potamodromous species (e.g., Barbus cyclolepis, Chondrostoma vardarense) exhibited decline...

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 ...

The tectonic setting of Albania, influenced by the collision with the Adria microplate, is divided into two structural domains: an external compressional zone and an internal extensional one. Two main fault systems characterize the region-the longitudinal system (NW-SE to NNW-SSE), consisting of thrust and reverse faults, and the transversal system (NE-SW), comprising strike-slip faults. The Lushnje-Elbasan transverse fault, oriented NNE, is associated with the Dumrea diapiric dome and the Elbasan Quaternary grabe...

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...

The present study investigates the impact sensitivity of high explosives used for civilian applications, with the primary objective of assessing key safety parameters in accordance with the requirements of Directive 2014/28/EU and the harmonized European Standard SR EN 13631-4:2005. Using a RENAR-accredited methodology (Procedure PI-84), the sensitivity to mechanical shock was determined through a series of standardized drop-weight tests performed with the Soneta BFH 12A impact testing apparatus. The explosive mat...

Explosives are used in a wide range of industrial, military and civil applications, and their behavior under extreme temperature conditions is a key aspect for safety and reliability. The present study analyzes the influence of extreme temperatures on the stability and reactivity of explosive materials, highlighting the critical factors that can lead to degradation, changes in sensitivity or accidental triggering. In the research, experimental methods and numerical modeling were used to evaluate the thermal behavi...

Vaccinium myrtillus L. (European blueberry) hydrophilic extracts (Vm) are valuable raw ingredients for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. The high content of antioxidant compounds in blueberry can be exploited for obtaining more stable biomaterials. The goal of the study was the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH-, 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycryl-hydrazyl) of autochthonous blueberry (C-mpeni, Romania) and stabilizing of the Vm by nanoencapsulation in cyclodextrins (CD). Kinetic parameters were also ev...

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...

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...

Preservation of natural values is among the major concerns of residents of bioregions. The present research identifies such values by applying the normative approaches of environmental ethics and aesthetics. From the ethical perspective, disagreements can arise from the fact of value pluralism, as there is a variety of natural and other values that cannot be easily quantitatively compared and harmonized. Local communities see natural values not so much through scientific concepts such as biodiversity but directly,...

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...

Crystalline limestones - marbles, are historically one of the most important raw materials exploited in the area of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands (Vysocina region). Their use is connected with the first construction of masonry buildings since the Middle Ages. Local marbles were first used as raw material for lime burning, then as building stone, decorative stones or as individual elements in building constructions. The most famous locations where these marbles were used include the Cistercian monastery in -dar n...

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. ...

Under climate change conditions, irrigation is a crucial factor for achieving sustainable yields, especially during the hot and dry summers. Irrigation possibilities and sustainability in terms of arable land determine the primary importance for the selected pilot area, as representative of agriculture in the Upper Thracian Lowland. The conditions in the region of Asenovgrad are suitable for cultivating perennial and spring crops, with irrigation water primarily supplied by the following dams: the 40 Izvora, Lenov...

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...