bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sharing economy in the smart city development
Authors: Veretennikova Anna , Semyachkov Konstantin
Published: October 2023

The concept of the sharing economy developed in the last decade is vastly underestimated. The study aims to substantiate the potential of the sharing economy in the development of smart cities. Based on a bibliometric analysis of research publications, it is shown that the concepts of the sharing economy and smart cities intersect in such areas as sustainable development, digital technologies, and the development of public goods. Three regression models have been built. We prove that the key parameter for the development of services of the sharing economy is the availability of free and fast access to the Internet. The development of some services, in particular, carsharing, was found to be dependent on the size of the city, which explains the expediency of its development only in large cities and nearby territories. It is also shown that the impact of bicycle rental services, as well as digital platforms of the sharing economy does not depend on the city size and can be used to develop the public goods sector, as well as ensure sustainable development, respectively. In conclusion, using the case of Moscow and Saint Petersburg, we demonstrated that the development of these services was not stable.
A comparison study of central governments’ participation in smart cities projects in China and Russia
Authors: Wu Jun , Novokshonova Zlata
Published: October 2023

The opposing roles of the central governments of China and Russia in the projects of “smart cities” continue to arouse interest in the academic world. This article compares and contrasts the roles that the central governments of China and Russia play in stimulating the development of smart cities. The influence of the concept of a smart city is quite wide. At the federal level, the concept allows the formation of a digital society, as well as a digital economy, which are priority areas for the country’s development in order to increase its economic indicators, in particular GDP. At the regional level, the concept allows for the comprehensive development of cities with the aim of ensuring a high standard of living in society as well as improving the efficiency of regional and municipal governance. Using a wide range of data, the paper offers an analysis of the practical differences between the two states. In addition, the document will consider proposals for a “smart city” put forward by the governments of the two countries, and draw conclusions about the significance of these differences in the success and functioning of “smart cities”.
CFD Investigation of Enhancing Natural Ventilation in Attached Family House Buildings in Hungary
Authors: Ali Modar , Kistelegdi István
Published: October 2023

Energy consumption of the residential sector in Hungary is 12% higher than the EU average. Most of existing house buildings in Hungary are inefficient in term of their indoor comfort and energy consumption. This is where the refurbishment process takes a vital role bringing these houses back on the track of achieving the UN sustainable development goals. When a responsible refurbishment is conducted, it leaves room for integrating passive methods to enhance the building behaviour. One of the most important passive methods is utilizing natural ventilation in order to reduce the cooling energy and to improve the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). This research is investigating the integration of a passive ventilation solar chimney into an attached family house in Hungary as a part of its refurbishment process. This paper is a part of an extended research by the main author. The investigation utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Different operation scenarios are tested, compared, and analysed. The simulation results demonstrate the functionality of the integrated solar chimney and the skylight as a ventilation outlet. In transitional seasons, it can provide accepted indoor comfort as the results of air change rate, indoor airflow velocity and indoor temperature indicate.
Housing, energy performance and social challenges in Greece. A quantitative approach
Authors: Chatzikonstantinou Evangelia , Katsoulakos Nikolas , Vatavali Fereniki
Published: October 2023

The article investigates the current challenges households face in Greece with regards to the energy performance of their dwellings. We claim that unpacking households’ experiences, practices, and perceptions could contribute to a deeper understanding of the social dynamics related with dwellings’ energy performance; dynamics which are expected to expand in the context of the “green transition.” Understanding these dynamics is also important for developing efficient national policies that respond to households’ needs and problems. Our intention is to identify the potential implications renovations might have for households, including the role of energy retrofitting in addressing or increasing households’ problems to deal with their energy needs and particularly energy poverty.
Evaluating the effects of green roofs and green façade as an urban heat island adaptation strategy
Authors: Tseliou Areti , Melas Emmanouil , Mela Athina , Tsiros Ioannis
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated the potential cooling effect of green roofs and green façades on a residential neighborhood in Athens during a typical summer day. The numerical model ENVI-met was employed to simulate the thermal environment of the study area at the existing configuration. Then, different design interventions focusing on the application of green façade and green roofs on the rooftops of the existing buildings were developed in order to evaluate the potential amelioration of the adverse thermal conditions. Thermal conditions were assessed based on basic meteorological parameter values and well-known thermal indices estimations. Results showed that at a two-floor building rooftop, the thermal conditions improved only slightly. Most importantly, the inclusive green roofs did not configure a significant cooling effect compared to that of low-height vegetation existing in the exclusive green roofs. Finally, results showed that the synergetic effect of green roofs and green façade produced a greater amelioration of thermal comfort conditions, compared to that produced by the green roofs solely. The greatest amelioration of thermal sensation conditions was achieved by the combination of inclusive green roofs and green façade.
Mapping burn severity and uncovering spread patterns of the 2021 Varibopi wildfire
Authors: Palaiologos Palaiologou , Anastasia Pantera , Dimitrios Zianis , Andreas Papadopoulos , Stavros Zografakis
Published: October 2023

This work unveils how the wildfire of August 3rd, 2021 that initiated at the northeastern part of Attica (Varibopi), spread and burned during the four days of its active propagation. This fire is a characteristic large-scale event that affected the wildland-urban interface of Athens, revealing weaknesses of both pillars of fire management: prevention and suppression. Initially, we provide a short description of how and under which conditions (vegetation and weather) the fire initiated and propagated after debriefing reports, news articles and satellite data. Then, we applied the difference Normalized Burn Ratio on a pair of Sentinel 2A satellite images (one right before and another taken one year later) to map the extended burn severity and delineate the fire perimeter. Finally, using the Minimum Travel Time Algorithm, we simulated major spread vectors and rate of spread to answer how the fire would have been evolved in the absence of active fire suppression. We found that from the 8,445-ha included in the final delineated perimeter, 1,000 ha were unburned, 4,715 ha experienced low or moderate-low burn severity, and 2,730 moderate-high or high burn severity. Without suppression, the fire could have escaped from three directions to the west with high spread rate, potentially affecting the Parnitha National Park. The most imminent post-fire issue is not whether the conifer vegetation will recover, but if during the next decade vegetation management measures are not applied in selected locations, then a new ignition can spread faster and burn a more extended area compared to the 2021 fire.
Impacts of climate change in the meteorological conditions during the period 2022 in Albania
Authors: Gjoni Anira , Kucaj Enkelejda , Cela Gazmir , Bardhi Azem , Osmani Marilda
Published: October 2023

The impacts of climate change on the meteorological conditions in our country, analysing the main climate indicators (temperatures, rainfall for the last year) will be addressed in this paper. In the last years, in our country, rising temperatures and seasonal rainfall anomalies were the two most encountered phenomena. The assessment of the meteorological conditions of each month during the last year and the comparison with the norm has enabled some conclusions to be drawn regarding different indicators of climate and its changes. Some of the results show an increase in the average annual air temperature by about +2.0°C, where in particular the summer season differ by +3.4°C, while precipitation marks a decrease around -13.1%, which is most pronounced in the season of winter by -30.4%. According to data analyses, the number of rainy days decreased by 18.8%. In recent years, due to the reduction in the number of rainy days and a lower cloud, there has been an increase of sunshine by about +5% in the area of Albania. The impact of these climate change indicators has had positive and negative impacts on various branches of the economy, such as energy, agriculture, transport, etc., but the most negative effects of the decrease of the precipitation and the increase of temperatures is related to droughts.
The effect of climate change on the potential for landfill gas generation at the Vinča landfill site
Authors: Dajić Ana , Mihajlović Marina , Arsović Milica Svetozarević
Published: October 2023

Climate change projections indicate that Republic of Serbia and the Western Balkans will face a high probability of continuing temperature increases, climatic extremes are projected to become more common, including a significant increase in the number of extreme heat events. Heavier precipitation events are expected in the winter months, whilst summers are projected to become even drier. This paper aims to analyse effect of precipitation changes on landfill gas generation on the Vinča landfill, the biggest landfill in Serbia. Quantities of generated landfill gas and methane have been estimated by using LandGem model. Site specific methane generation rate has been calculated according to GMI methodology for Central Eastern Europe. Sensitivity analyses is performed to determine influence of a precipitation regimes on the methane generation rate on the site. Any increase in precipitation (in range 10-30%) may increase landfill gas production for 4.3%. The paper shows the difference in gas emissions, with the same composition of waste, and different precipitation regimes. Changes in precipitation regimes due to climate change can affect the dynamics of landfill gas emissions. This information is significant for the possible re-circulation of leachate from the landfill which could result in an increased production of landfill gas.
Probing Climate Change in Greece with a 2m dish radio telescope
Authors: Gizani Nectaria A.B. , Tilkeridis Andreas , Veldes Giorgos P. , Bakopoulos Kostas D. , Gareiou Zoe , Zervas Efthimios
Published: October 2023

We study the effect of solar activity on the climate in Greece. We search for correlations between solar and terrestrial indicators. The solar proxies which are representative of the activity of our star include the number of sunspots, the intensity of solar radiation, the radio flux at 10.7cm and the galactic cosmic rays. Earth’s weather indicators include six parameters, temperature, relative air humidity, wind direction and intensity, atmospheric pressure and precipitation. The solar data span several years starting from 1975 to 2005, including decades-long variations. The meteorological data come from 12 stations located in various parts of Greece. The main part of the research is the unique experiment in Greece which aims to continuously monitor and record the solar radio flux at 10.7 cm using a 2m paraboloid radio telescope (the pilot project of the THERMOpYlae Hellenic radio telescope).
Tree bark prediction along the bole through the support vector regression technique
Authors: Diamantopoulou Maria
Published: October 2023

Tree bark plays a protective role by surrounding the wood of a tree like a cloak. Due to its chemical composition and the possibility of its use in various fields, such as pharmaceuticals, landscape architecture, etc., tree bark receives much attention having outstanding importance for industrial utilization and markets. Tree bark is considered a valuable forest product, along with the wood volume. Thus, the accurate prediction of the bark quantity that a tree can produce is of utmost importance for the sustainable management of the forests. For this reason, the knowledge of its quantities, further enables the accurate prediction of the plain wood volume that can be produced by the forest, as well. Because of the nonlinear nature of this biological variable, its accurate quantification is a very complicated problem. Artificial intelligent methods have shown the potential to reliably predict biological variables that are non-linear in nature. In this work, the support vector regression methodology, as a nonlinear nonparametric machine learning approach, is tested for the accurate prediction of the tree bark factor in every different height of the tree bole, through easily obtained measurements on trees.
Decomposition of the Kaya identity in the European Mediterranean countries over the 1990-2020 period with respect to CO2 emissions
Authors: Kaika Dimitra
Published: October 2023

The Kaya identity, proposed by Yoichi Kaya in 1993, attempts to evaluate the impact of total emissions of carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) as the impact of human activity on the environment. The purpose of this work is the decomposition of CO2 emissions in the European Mediterranean countries (Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Slovenia and Spain) for a time period spanning from 1990 to 2020, based upon the Kaya identity into scale, technological and structural effect. For this purpose, the Tapio decoupling analysis is adopted. According to results, technology improvements leading to declining rates of carbon per unit of energy used and structural changes indicating the use of less energy per unit of production could help in counterbalancing the positive scale effect of GDP production in CO2 emissions per capita. This, however, requires the implementation of proper strategies focusing in improvements in technological change and structural changes in order to mitigate CO2 emissions without hindering the economic growth process.
Evaluation of maritime industry compliance with existing environmental regulations – A benchmarking assessment from energy efficiency perspective
Authors: Akac Attila , Anagnostopoulou Afroditi , Kappatos Vassilis
Published: October 2023

The present study provides an initial mapping process for the maritime industry from an energy and environmental perspective. The methodology follows a three-step evaluation process for assessing energy efficiency. At first, an initial categorization of all existing ship type and volume categories based the applied taxonomy within maritime transport sector is made. Secondly, two key energy performance indicators (EEXI & CII) are described and estimated for each individual vessel category. Lastly, an assessment between the examined KPIs values is performed in order to depict the compliance level of each vessel category with the existing environmental regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The results of this paper aim to highlight the alignment of the existing vessel categories with the established environmental regulations and offer a starting point for decision-makers in maritime industry to adopt green shipping energy transition strategies, such as the usage of energy efficiency measures or green alternative fuels.
The expression of ecological awareness in the consumption behavior of older adolescents
Authors: Straupaite Samanta
Published: October 2023

Ecological friendliness and ecological consumption are closely linked to an ecological awareness. Ecological consumption is often seen as ethical, sustainable, and responsible consumption, which is linked to environmental preservation, consumer awareness and responsibility, and consumption reduction. A similar view is expressed by various authors, who link green consumption to consumer behavioral factors, i.e., the consumer’s willingness to purchase and consume green products, the ecological benefits of green consumption and ecological concerns. There is a tendency in the scientific literature that there is no consensus on the relationship between attitudes and behavior, and that ecologically aware consumers’ positive attitudes towards ecology may not always be attributable to their intention to purchase or their purchasing behavior. The analysis presented in this paper suggests that the attitudes of the ecologically aware are shaped by personal and functional factors, while the attitudes of ecologically aware older adolescents have an impact on purchase intention, which may have a direct influence on consumption behavior.
Consumption Versus Sustainable Lifestyles of University Students
Authors: Abou-Hatab Maha , Abd El Karim Duaa
Published: October 2023

Community citizens practice a range of consumption behavioural patterns to meet their daily biological, social and cultural needs. Such consumption patterns include eating, drinking, buying, handling objects and the environment. Such daily consumption patterns are linked to individual everyday life and changes in his/her society including climate changes. Communities are supposed to practice sustainable lifestyles to keep a healthy environment and face the effects of climate change. The research aimed to study the consumption patterns of university students, and to identify the frequently experienced one. University Students Behavioural Consumption Patterns Scale was built. It is formed of 38 items assessing 4 consumption areas: (1) Food, (2) Purchasing, (3) Environmental practices, (4) Energy. Subjects’ response varies between Agree/Neutral/Disagree (3/2/1).810 student of different fields of study and grades in the faculty of Education Helwan University responded to the electronic version of the Students Behavioural Consumption Patterns Scale. There was no difference in consumption patterns according to Subjects` grade or gender. Their scores indicated an average consumption pattern in 88.2% of the subjects in the research sample (weighted average = 1.95). The energy field was the highest among the four consumer areas, with an average weighted = 2.35. Many of them estimated their consumption patterns between high (44.8%) and medium (53.1%).
Encounters between forest hydrology, meteorology and philosophy of environmental education in the era of the Anthropocene
Authors: Proutsos Nikolaos , Tigkas Dimitris , Tsevreni Magdalini , Tsevreni Irida
Published: October 2023

The paper investigates water in the forest ecosystem through an interdisciplinary prism combining hydrology with meteorology, environmental education and environmental ethics. The research aimed at producing a pedagogical methodology of familiarising with the hydrological cycle in the forest, not with its stereotypical and knowledge-centred approach, but with a framework that would support an experiential, ecocentric and holistic way of environmental learning in the Anthropocene. The research process was implemented through a hybrid approach of action research and took place through research teams’ encounters with water in the forest ecosystem of Dirfys, Evia. Our hydro-pedagogies in the forest manifest through a spiral pedagogical process of experiencing, feeling and thinking with water, which flows in four cycles: a) exploring with water, b) empathising with water, c) interconnecting with water, and d) reflecting with water. Our proposed hydro-pedagogies flow in the Hydranthropocene as an alternative view to pedagogical research and praxis with water visualising an ecocentric, watery common future.
Application of a self-propelled autonomous aquatic robot for environmental education
Authors: Zaimis Uldis
Published: October 2023

Environmental protection in education poses challenges for both teachers and students due to its multidisciplinary nature, involving data acquisition, transfer, data structuring, virtual environment deployment, database access, and data protection. These complexities hinder the preparation of course assignments, and using simulations and modeling as a substitute for technical performance is not recommended for pedagogical reasons. Employing a mobile robot as a data source offers several advantages. Firstly, the data acquisition process becomes transparent, as sensor readings align with intuitively predictable values based on the robot’s trajectory. Secondly, a coherent data structure is formed, connecting diverse data types such as time stamps, coordinates, and sensor readings (e.g., temperature, air and water quality, lighting, distance). Thirdly, the solution’s applicability for environmental monitoring purposes can be easily demonstrated. This study proposes the development of an environmental monitoring solution that employs a self-propelled robot (driving, floating, flying) to obtain readings of environmental parameters. The proposed project solution in education provides many opportunities in data acquisition, processing, transfer, visualization and opens the field for interpretations.
Focus on connectedness: Social, technological and environmental issues
Authors: De Martino Raffaela , Frettoloso Caterina , Muzzillo Francesca
Published: October 2023

The theme of connectedness, as a keyword in the revitalization processes of anthropized contexts, constitutes the focus of the paper which investigates its thematic areas related to the environmental, technological, and social dimensions. Sharing the importance of a strongly systemic approach in urban open space transformation interventions, the authors transfer the concept of connectedness, usually applied at vast territorial scales, from the ecological sphere to the urban one. The proposed approach highlights the need to decline the concept of connectedness into multiple dimensions capable of covering the various aspects that characterize the complexity of sustainable transformation processes of the open space-built system. The methodology, through the integration of connectedness in its various declinations, is an attempt to create new relationships of a different grade among and between single design spots (open spaces as an urban infrastructure) to emphasize relations that are not immediately recognizable, but which are at the basis of a regenerative design strongly oriented to providing social and technological-environmental services (inclusiveness and ecosystem services).
Sustainable approach in the restoration of his approach in the restoration of historical monuments using geopolymer material
Authors: Absi Joseph , Al Adgham Sarah , Sabalbal Ghina , Arairo Wahib , Saba Marianne
Published: October 2023

The restoration of historical monuments using eco-friendly materials such as geopolymer is a good aspect that is being developed for a more sustainable approach. It takes into account several factors such as cultural heritage preservation, durability, and environmental sustainability [1]. While providing excellent durability and strength properties when submerged in different environmental conditions, the use of geopolymer material in the restoration of old sandstone rocks can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials. This approach can support the preservation of cultural heritage by maintaining the monument’s original aesthetics and offering a long-term solution for its restoration [2]. Overall, a sustainable restoration approach that incorporates geopolymer material can be environmentally friendly while assisting in the long-term preservation of cultural assets.
Pinus brutia extractives analysis for sustainability
Authors: Birbilis Dimitris , Kakavas Kostantinos V. , Chavenetidou M.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to determine all the extractives from different samples were collected from heartwood, sapwood, bark and needles and branches of Pinus brutia. A Soxlet device with two solvents (water and ethanol) were used to collect the extracts. Analytical chemical analyses were conducted with Gas C1hromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Agilent 5975C). The greater percentage of the extracts in water and ethanol showed that the greater percentage of them is found in the branches and needles of the trees. Especially the results showed significant amounts of the chemical compounds, such as Borneol, Tetradecane, 6,6-Biquinoline, Butyl citrate, Isopropyl palmitate and Isopropyl myristate, which can be used for sustainability, environmental integration at the aspect of more effective use of natural resources and have many uses in novel – functional food, green chemistry and pharmaceutical industries. Finally, the greater percentage of the extracts in water and ethanol showed that the greater percentage of them is found in the branches and needles of the trees.
Natural materials (biomaterials) and biomimicry principles, as tools for envisioning the sustainable cities of the future
Authors: Dikou Christine
Published: October 2023

It is widely acknowledged that the impact of human activities on the Earth’s atmosphere following the first industrial revolution was so significant that it was designated as a new geological epoch with the term “Anthropocene.” The search for a new design strategy that integrates the nature of urban landscapes with their architecture is critical in the Anthropocene age. Modern instances of green cities and smart cities are the direct result of the emergence of a value system with a highly aesthetic view of global ecosystems, prompting us to seek a non-anthropocentric method of reasoning and, as a result, planning. In this study, we present innovative city design that controls environmental factors and is based on urban planning of cities approached by the principles of biomimicry. The research question is whether natural materials with modern construction methods and biomimicry principles can lead to the design of cities that face the numerous challenges of climate change. Three examples of cities that have adopted the model of biomimicry design principles will be presented, in parallel with a literature review of natural materials. Conclusions will be drawn which will be followed by the formulation of proposals for the optimal planning of cities in terms of sustainability. The goal is to develop a design process targeted at the efficient design of cities in response to climate change.
Three-Dimensional Printing of Structural Members with Shotcrete Technique: Design, Construction, and Future Directions
Authors: Ebadi-Jamkhaneh Mehdi , Kontoni Denise-Penelope N. , Ebrahimi Amir Homaioon
Published: October 2023

This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of 3D printing technology in the construction industry, highlighting the potential applications, benefits, and future directions of this emerging field. The review indicates that 3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by offering more efficient, precise, and sustainable methods of construction. The technology offers numerous advantages, including the ability to create complex geometries and custom components, improved precision and accuracy, reduction in waste materials, improved worker safety, and potential for use in remote or inaccessible locations. Furthermore, the advent of additive manufacturing, colloquially known as 3D printing, presents prospects for the advancement of novel material compositions, printing methodologies, and cybernetic systems that have the potential to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of the construction domain. Future research should focus on developing larger printers with more efficient support structures, improving the accuracy and speed of printing, and exploring the potential of using new and innovative materials in the construction process. Additionally, the environmental impact of 3D printing technology should be further examined, particularly in terms of its potential for reducing waste and energy consumption in the construction industry. Overall, the potential utilizations and advantageous outcomes stemming from the implementation of 3D printing technology within the construction sector are momentous. Persistent exploration and innovation within this realm hold the capacity to engender noteworthy strides in construction technology and foster heightened sustainability within building methodologies.
Impact of human activity on the water quality of lake Mullinjëza, Belsh, Albania
Authors: Kucaj Enkelejda , Gjoni Anira , Osmani Marilda , Çela Gazmir , Bardhi Azem , Baxhija Zhaklina , Kucaj Besim
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic activities heavily influence lake ecosystems. This is due to population growth and the development of the industry and agriculture sectors. These activities include the intensified use of fishery resources, sewage discharge, polluting materials & substances, etc. The main aim of this study is to present an overview of the human impact on the pollution of the waters of Lake Mullinjëz. The many historical, cultural, ethnographic, architectural, and natural values that this city inherited from the past constitute a considerable potential for tourism. The objectives were to assess the lake water’s quality and propose measures for minimization and mitigation of impacts on the environment and the development of tourism in Belsh. Another important influential factor is the urban waste management near the lake which was through away along the shore of this lake. Sampling sites were selected to measure the impacts of potential sources of pollution, such as sewage discharge and urban waste. The results show that the quality of the water lake is very polluted. The most critical parameters of the water quality of Lake Mullinjëza are SS, PO43-, NO2-, NO3-, and NH4+. The most pronounced increase is observed in nitrites, nitrates, ammonium, TSS, TDS, and phosphates.
Assessment of air quality and consequent in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan region based GEE, GIS, and remote sensing techniques
Authors: Fattah Ali Zana , Salam Dedar , Pirisi Gábor , Kiss Kinga
Published: October 2023

The global peril of air quality deterioration imperils the well-being of all living beings. Erbil, like many other regions, has suffered severe environmental degradation due to urban expansion, vehicular escalation, industrialisation, and substandard fuel usage. This research employs Google Earth Engine, GIS, and Remote Sensing to scrutinise alterations in pollutants (NO2, SO2, CH4, CO, O3, UV) spanning 2018 to 2022. It also incorporates PM2.5 data from Ankawa station (Jan 14, 2023 - May 4, 2023) and land use data (2005-2022) from Modis and Sentinel 2 satellites. The findings reveal a substantial increase in the levels of various pollutants during the specified period. However, in June 2020, most of these levels experienced a decrease due to the coronavirus quarantine measures. For instance, the concentration of NO2 decreased from 0.000256 mol/m2 in 2018 to 0.000166 mol/m2 in 2020. Conversely, by June 2022, the levels had significantly risen to 0.000277 mol/m2. Moreover, among the 107 days record, PM2.5 concentrations reached unhealthy levels on 44 days, while only five exhibited healthy PM2.5 levels. Furthermore, regions at lower sea levels, like Erbil and Khabat, exhibit the highest concentrations of these gases. In contrast, areas at higher sea levels, such as Mergasur and Choman, demonstrate these pollutants’ lowest levels.
The impact of electric vehicles on the energy system of Albania for a sustainable transport
Authors: Cacaj Pellumb
Published: October 2023

The economic crises and the increase of oil prices have brought the need to find new ways of transportation with lower costs. One of the most recent trends is the use of electric vehicles. Albania has shown its ambition to become a producer and exporter of electricity produced from renewable sources such as HPP, solar and wind energy. On the other hand, it has improved its policies favoring the increase in the number of electric vehicles. In the paper, a hypothesis related to the number of electric vehicles has been developed. If Albania will have all electric vehicles, what effect will their demand for electricity have on the Albanian energy system? Is it possible to provide the necessary amount of electricity from the current production of the country for these vehicles and what should be done to produce this amount from renewable sources of electricity? Based on this hypothesis, we will analyze the Albanian energy system for the current situation and in the future. By determining the energy demand of electric road transport vehicles, we will give suggestions on what should be done to produce the electricity needed for electric vehicles.
Airports and environmental sustainability: A review
Authors: Papagrigoriou Nikolaos , Palantzas Georgios , Nalmpantis Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the energy and environmental context of the design and operation of airports and air transport in general in the direction of achieving sustainability and cooperation with modern sustainable trends. At the same time, the importance of this design is highlighted, and all the latest developments on individual issues (e.g., impact management, policies, benchmarking, modeling) are recorded. In parallel, apart from the theoretical approach, an analysis of the main environmental and energy achievements of different airports in Greece and abroad is made, which highlights, among others, the dynamics and the priority of these issues in the field of aviation. The need for a more extensive study of this sector is dictated by the reduction of energy reserves, increased energy costs, climate change, new energy regulations, and fines, increased passenger numbers, increased flights and airports, and the need for new airports. Therefore, knowing the benefits and impacts of a transition from simple economic growth to sustainable growth in the economy and the environment is essential. The circle is about society, the economy, and the environment and is repeated.
Urban sustainable mobility indicators application in small cities: The case of Polykastro, Greece
Authors: Patrikiou Elisavet , Palantzas Georgios , Nalmpantis Dimitrios
Published: October 2023

The effective evaluation of the implementation of the strategies, policies, and actions toward a sustainable urban mobility system is based, among others, on the use of appropriate indicators that reflect the elements and dimensions of sustainable mobility (economic, social, and environmental). These indicators should be measurable, relevant to the target, and adapted to the scale of the city. In addition, this system of indicators should be equipped with valid and compatible data sets on transport in order to provide an effective tool for assessing the conditions of sustainable mobility in the study city. The methodology used was based on the integration of international experience in the sustainable urban mobility sector in the study area. Concluding, this paper examines the assumptions and perspectives of achieving a sustainable urban transport system in small cities, focusing on this methodology in the city of Polykastro. The paper can be used as an implementation guide for assessing the level of sustainable urban mobility in other small-sized provincial cities, such as Polykastro.
Contribution of Tactical Urbanism at Street Edge and Building Edge in Indian Cities
Authors: Patel Prachi , Kothary Swati , Shah Utsavi
Published: October 2023

Cities have grown rapidly, and this growth will continue to accelerate in the years ahead. Every city provides a unique experience with different kind of people and culture it inhabits. Instead, cities are the result of interactions between people, objects, and ideas, where density and proximity becomes the factors, which activate the life in the space. In the country like India where the population density and scarcity of the land is always a major issue, it is difficult to carve out spaces that act as public realms. To address this issue and to optimize cities’ function, needs a dense city structure, high degree of mixed-use, distinguished architecture, and carefully designed details that generate active ground floors at a human scale. One of the sustainable use of spaces is to identify multiple ways to engage the edge of the street as a public realm. Hence it is important to identify and strengthen the functions of meeting places between building edge and street edge that contribute toward socially sustainable living in a democratic society. Common characteristic of life in Indian Cities are its adaptability and complexity of the activities, which are informal in nature. Tactical Urbanism provides permanency to these informal activates and supports in place making.
Cheia T – Technique, Technology, Transfer. 10 Key-Components for Sustainable Architectural Design
Authors: Mihăescu Oana , Prelipcean Andreea , Pană Radu , Iatan Alexandru
Published: October 2023

CHEIA T (Holistic Research, Integrated Academic Expertise: Technique, Technology, Transfer) was a research project initiated in 2022 by the Department of Technical Sciences, UAUIM. The three objectives of CHEIA T were transdisciplinary techniques approaches in architectural education, prefab building technologies analysis and sustainable knowledge transfer. The research team undertook a synthetic comparison of categories and items that configure the most important certification standards for sustainable buildings and filtered several elements having a direct influence upon the students’ architectural proposals. We created a complex survey addressed to students in the final years of the Faculty of Architecture, aiming to assess different ways of integrating sustainable principles and technologies into their architectural design studio projects. 10 components of sustainable architectural design were defined: Site, Inclusive Design, Air, Water, Sun & Light, Sound, Materials, Waste, Energy, Wellbeing. Considering the four pillars of sustainability, the multiple-choice options presented in each of the 10 specific areas of the survey focused on the architectural form, architectural details, social and environmental aspects. The synthesis of the 10 key sustainable components emphasizing pragmatic solutions presented in this research paper can be used as a valuable tool in architectural education when generating new ideas for architectural projects.
Sonografische Verlaufsuntersuchungen zur Bedeutung der
Follikelgröße und Gelbkörpermorphologie bei
Milchkühen post inseminationem
Authors: Eggenschwiler Mario , Lejeune Beatrice , Bruckmaier Rupert , Bleul Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Gegenstand und Ziel Der Besamungserfolg bei Kühen wird durch viele
Faktoren beeinflusst. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, Erkenntnisse
über die Beziehungen von präovulatorischen Follikeln,
Gelbkörpern und deren Hohlräumen sowie einer
Trächtigkeit bei Milchkühen unter Feldbedingungen zu
gewinnen.

Material und Methoden Die Daten wurden bei 176 laktierenden
Milchkühen erhoben, welche zur künstlichen Besamung angemeldet
wurden. Die Kühe wurden mittels Sonografie am Tag der Besamung, 24
Stunden nach der Besamung, am Tag 9, am Tag 34 und ab Tag 42 nach Besamung
gynäkologisch untersucht. Zudem wurde am Tag der Besamung und am Tag 9
Blut aus der Vena coccygea zur Progesteronbestimmung entnommen.

Ergebnisse In Abhängigkeit des Ergebnisses der
Trächtigkeitsuntersuchung konnte bei den untersuchten Milchkühen
mit spontanen Ovulationen kein Unterschied zwischen den Größen
der Follikel, der Gelbkörper und deren Hohlräumen sowie den
Progesteronkonzentrationen 9 Tage nach der Besamung festgestellt werden. Im
Gegensatz zu den Gelbkörpern ohne Hohlraum bleibt die
Gelbkörperfläche während des Untersuchungszeitraums bei
den Gelbkörpern mit Hohlraum konstant, wobei gleichzeitig der Hohlraum
massiv an Größe verliert. Zudem wurden Rasseunterschiede in den
Gelbkörpergrößen am Tag 34 nachgewiesen.

Schlussfolgerungen Es konnte keine Ursache über die Bildung von
Hohlräumen in Gelbkörpern und derer Verbindungen zu
vorangegangenen Funktionskörpern gefunden werden.

Klinische Relevanz Sowohl die Veränderungen der
Gelbkörpergrößen über die Zeit als auch deren
rassebedingte Unterschiede könnten einen Einfluss auf den
Besamungserfolg haben.
Einfluss einer eCG-Applikation auf den Puerperalverlauf und die
Fruchtbarkeit von Fleckvieh-Milchkühen
Authors: Hofer Armin , Wehrend Axel
Published: October 2023

Gegenstand und Ziel Zur Förderung der Involution des Uterus und
der Ovarfunktion beim Rind post partum sind verschiedene Methoden in der
Literatur beschrieben. In den letzten Jahren wurde wiederholt über den
erfolgreichen Einsatz von equinen Choriongonadotropin (eCG) in diesem
Zusammenhang berichtet, andere Studie konnten keine positiven Effekte einer
eCG-Gabe auf die puerperale Involution von Kühen nachweisen. Aufgrund
der differenten Ergebnisse in der Literatur war es Ziel dieser Feldstudie, zu
überprüfen, ob sich eine Applikation von eCG am 10. Tag post
partum (p.p.) positiv auf die Uterusinvolution, die Ovaraktivität und
die Fruchtbarkeitskennzahlen bei Fleckvieh-Kühen auswirkt.

Material und Methoden In 9 milchviehhaltenden Betrieben wurden 203
Fleckviehkühe per Los in 3 Gruppen eingeteilt: Die Tiere der Gruppe 1
erhielten 500 I.E. eCG, der Gruppe 2 50 µg Gonadorelin und die
Tiere der Gruppe 3 250 mg Butafosfan und 125 µg
Cyanocobalamin (Kontrollgruppe). Die Behandlung erfolgte jeweils am 10. Tag p.p.
Die Tiere wurden am 10., 25. und 42. Tag p.p. klinisch und ultrasonografisch
untersucht sowie die Zeit bis zur erneuten Besamung und Trächtigkeit
erfasst. Der Gruppenvergleich hinsichtlich der erfassten Parameter erfolgte
zuerst ohne Beachtung von Störfaktoren durch eine Varianzanalyse. Im
zweiten Schritt erfolgte die Berücksichtigung potenzieller
Störvariablen (Laktation, Milchleistung der ersten 100 Laktationstage,
Veränderung der Rückenfettdicke, Auftreten von
Nachgeburtsverhalten und Schwere der Geburtshilfe) sowie der Kombination der
zufälligen Faktoren „Betrieb“ und „Einzeltier
innerhalb des Betriebes“.

Ergebnisse Die Applikation des eCG hatte keinen signifikanten Effekt auf
die Uterusinvolution, sehr wohl aber auf die Involution der Zervix. In der
Gruppe der Kühe mit eCG-Applikation konnte am 25. Tag p.p. signifikant
häufiger eine Ovarialzyste nachgewiesen werden (p=0,04). Dieser
Unterschied bestand am 42. Tag p.p. nicht mehr. Weder Rast- noch
Güstzeit wurden durch die Verabreichung von eCG signifikant
verkürzt. Die Laktationszahl zeigte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf die
Uterusinvolution. Die Färsen wiesen eine schnellere Involution bis zum
42. Tag p.p. als die Kühe auf.

Schlussfolgerungen Die Gabe von eCG am 10. Tag p.p. an
Fleckviehkühe zeigt keinen ausreichend positiven Effekt auf die
Involution des Uterus.

Klinische Relevanz Auf den Einsatz von eCG im Frühpuerpium zur
Förderung der Fruchtbarkeit bei der Kuh sollte verzichtet werden.
Vergleich verschiedener Erstbehandlungsmethoden bei neugeborenen
Kälbern nach Schwergeburten
Authors: Homberg Julia , Sendag Sait , Koca Davut , Cetin Nebi , Wehrend Axel
Published: October 2023

Gegenstand und Ziel Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, den Einsatz von
Fruchtwasserabsaugpumpen und das Hochheben an den Hinterbeinen im Rahmen der
Erstbehandlung von neugeborenen Kälbern zu vergleichen.

Material und Methoden Für die Untersuchung wurden Daten von 60
Kälbern unterschiedlicher Rassen aus Schwergeburten erhoben, die direkt
nach der Geburt unterschiedlich behandelt wurden. In Gruppe I wurde bei 20
Kälbern zur Entfernung von Schleim und Fruchtwasser aus den Atemwegen
die Absaug- und Beatmungspumpe der Firma HK-Rheintechnik (Neuwied, Deutschland)
verwendet. In Gruppe II (n=20) wurde dazu die Absaug- und Beatmungspumpe
der Firma McCulloch Medical (Elmwood, England) verwendet. In Gruppe III
(n=20) wurde unmittelbar nach der Geburt 10–12 Liter kaltes
Wasser in den Nacken der Kälber gegossen. Außerdem wurden die
Kälber an den Hintergliedmaßen über ein Gatter oder eine
Stange gehängt, sodass der Kopf senkrecht nach unten hing. Die Time to
Sternal Recumbency (T-SR, Zeitspanne bis zum Aufrichten in Brust-Bauch-Lage) der
Kälber wurde gemessen, um eine Einschätzung der
Vitalität vorzunehmen. Außerdem wurden die Kälber eine
Stunde post natum einem segmentalen Untersuchungsgang unterzogen. Des Weiteren
wurden die Kälber am 7. Lebenstag klinisch untersucht.
Zusätzlich wurde analysiert, ob die Parameter Geschlecht,
Parität des Muttertieres, die geburtshilfliche Maßnahme und die
Jahreszeit einen Einfluss auf die T-SR hatten.

Ergebnisse Die T-SR lag zwischen 1,5 und 10,5 Minuten. Zwischen den 3
Erstbehandlungsverfahren gab es keinen Unterschied (p=0,07). Allerdings
war die T-SR der Kälber, die mit einer Fruchtwasserabsaugpumpe behandelt
wurden, tendenziell kürzer. Es gab keinen statistisch signifikanten
Unterschied zwischen den Pulsfrequenzen (p=0,73), Atemfrequenzen
(p=0,13) und der Rektaltemperatur (p=0,65) der Tiere in den 3
Gruppen am 1. und 7. Lebenstag. Es bestand kein statistisch signifikanter
Unterschied der Erkrankungshäufigkeiten bis zum 7. Lebenstag zwischen
den einzelnen Untersuchungsgruppen.

Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Die vorliegende Untersuchung
konnte zeigen, dass die Anwendung von Fruchtwasserabsaugpumpen dem Hochheben von
Kälbern mindestens gleichwertig ist. Beim Einsatz von
Fruchtwasserabsaugpumpen ist der Flotzmauldurchmesser zu beachten, da dieser die
Anwendung limitieren kann.
Nitrosativer Stress im Kindesalter – Klinische Empfehlungen
anhand eines Fallbeispiels
Authors: Weber Michael
Published: October 2023

Bei allen chronischen Schmerzsymptomen sind entzündliche Prozesse
mitbeteiligt und der Kliniker sollte immer an einen vermehrten Oxidativen- oder
Nitrosativen Stress denken, diesen ggf. diagnostizieren und therapieren.
Machine learning methods for tracer kinetic modelling
Authors: Miederer Isabelle , Shi Kuangyu , Wendler Thomas
Published: October 2023

Tracer kinetic modelling based on dynamic PET is an important field of Nuclear Medicine for quantitative functional imaging. Yet, its implementation in clinical routine has been constrained by its complexity and computational costs. Machine learning poses an opportunity to improve modelling processes in terms of arterial input function prediction, the prediction of kinetic modelling parameters and model selection in both clinical and preclinical studies while reducing processing time. Moreover, it can help improving kinetic modelling data used in downstream tasks such as tumor detection. In this review, we introduce the basics of tracer kinetic modelling and present a literature review of original works and conference papers using machine learning methods in this field.