bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REQUIREMENTS OF BEST AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES AS THE SUPPLY CHAIN CRITERIA FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
Authors: Potapova Ekaterina , Guseva Tatiana , Molchanova Yana , Vartanyan Maria , Taimasov Bahitzhan
Published: October 2023

The article considers opportunities for using Environmental Performance Levels associated with Best Available Techniques (BAT-AEPL) as the supply chain criteria for the environmental and sustainability assessment of construction industry. Organisations in various countries have been using the Environmental and Sustainability Standard BES 6001 to foster greening of the construction sector for over 15 years. Key requirements of BES 6001 address major management systems of suppliers: quality management (QMS), environmental management (EMS), and occupational health and safety management (OHSMS) systems. Various researchers emphasise the importance of energy management systems (EnMS), too. Authors of this article aim to demonstrate how BAT-AEPL can be used to set auditable quantitative requirements for EMS and EnMS. These requirements cover BAT-associated resource efficiency levels, which is very important for such sectors as cement, brick and glass production. In jurisdictions where BAT concept is introduced by the national or regional legislation, these requirements cover also BAT-Associated Levels of Emissions of such pollutants as nitrogen and sulphur oxides, dust, as well as specific pollutants that might be emitted while using alternative fuel (Refuse-Derived Fuel, RDF), for example, in cement production. Finally, carbon intensity of construction materials manufacturing processed and opportunities for its reduction are discussed in the Reference Documents on Best Available Techniques (BREFs) and in some cases, sectoral benchmarking procedures are associated with the revision of BREFs. The article provides sectoral examples and recommendations for the practical use of BREFs and BAT-AEPL for setting criteria for the environmental and sustainability assessment of construction industry.
THE IMPACT ON LANDSCAPE FRAGMENTATION INDUCED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NATURA 2000 NETWORK IN ROMANIA
Authors: NICULAE Mihaita Iulian , VANAU Gabriel Ovidiu , MIU Viorica Iulia , PINDARU Lavinia Corina , PIOARCA-CIOCANEA Cristiana Maria
Published: October 2023

Habitat fragmentation is a significant threat to biodiversity conservation and the establishment of protected areas has been proposed as one of the main strategies for mitigating its impacts. Romania has established numerous Natura 2000 sites to protect habitats and species of European importance, but their effectiveness remains unclear. In Romania, the Natura 2000 network was established in 2007. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Sites of Community Importance (SCI), part of Natura 2000 network in Romania, in reducing habitat fragmentation.
Using the Corine Land Cover database (CLC2006 and CLC2018), we analyzed changes in landscape fragmentation from SCIs between 2006 and 2018 (before and after the establishment of Natura 2000 sites in Romania). We calculated a set of landscape metrics using Patch Analyst version 5.2.0.16, in order to assess habitat fragmentation and configuration in this period.
Our results indicate that, at landscape level, habitat fragmentation has decreased in protected areas for the analyzed period. At class level, the most significant changes for land use and land cover were registered for arable land and semi natural areas (increases in surfaces) and permanent crops, pastures and heterogeneous agricultural areas (decreases in surfaces).
Our findings suggest that the establishment of Natura 2000 sites has been effective in reducing habitat fragmentation in protected areas of Romania. This study provides a baseline for monitoring the effectiveness of Natura 2000 sites in Romania, only terrestrial SCI, and highlights the need for better management and conservation practices to mitigate habitat fragmentation.
ANALYSIS OF COMPANY DEMAND ON SUSTAINABILITY COMPETENCES
Authors: Stancheva-Todorova Eleonora , Nikolova Maria
Published: October 2023

Sustainability reporting landscape is evolving rapidly due to the expanding legislation worldwide. The new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive is challenging European companies to restructure their business models and processes and to enhance their corporate reporting. Considering the increasing number of reporting requirements, this paper aims at providing critical analysis of the current employers� demand on sustainability competences needed for setting up the relevant reporting processes. The empirical research encompasses a review of published job offers related to the finance function in the organization to outline and summarize the specific requirements for sustainability knowledge and capabilities. The main findings of the performed analysis reveal that the new sustainability reporting regulations, their widened scope, and upcoming application deadline have impacted the accounting professionals, who should further develop their skill set to meet the emerging sustainability requirements of the employers. The latter have already started to recruit applicants with the needed expertise in the field of sustainability, environment, society and government goals and climate changes.
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE PERFORMED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY IN ROMANIA
Authors: Sirbulescu Elena Claudia , Toader Cosmina-Simona , Dincu Ana-Mariana , Orboi Manuela-Dora , Pirvulescu Luminita
Published: October 2023

By elaborating this article, the authors wanted to present the situation of expenses incurred performed for the protection of the environment from Romania. The authors try to underline the fact that they have improved in recent years, against the background of the increase of the available funds, due to the economic growth and implicitly the revenues from state budget. A priority under all aspects must be the protection of the environment and those ways of protecting the Earth's resources for the following generations. Environmental protection expenditures are actually the economic measure of the community's response to solving environmental problems. These expenses related to environmental protection are reduced, when environmental degradation is avoided, compared to the situation in which it needs to be repaired. In other words, in protecting the environment, not the treatment, but the prophylaxis must be certified as a basic rule. The measures to be taken for the protection of the environment, as a result of the exhaustion of natural resources, and the upward evolution of the amounts of waste are becoming more and more necessary.
The methods used by the authors consisted in the study of the specialized literature, the collection of statistical data from various sources, the analysis, the graphic representation and the formulation of the main conclusions regarding the environmental protection expenses. The analysis of expenses for environmental protection is carried out on the main categories of producers: public administration, non-specialized producers, respectively specialized in the production of services related to environmental protection. In conclusion, the environment being considered a "factor of life", concerns must be directed to the protection of the environment, to the protection of natural beauties, to the prevention of abusive exploitation of nature.
CREATIVITY AS A TOOL FOR REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Markus Karlis , Rivza Baiba , Abele Lilita
Published: October 2023

The research examines creativity as an important factor in the production of ecological products and the promotion of sustainable development in the regional economy. The research aims to examine how to promote creativity in the regional economy, what tools should be implemented to develop creativity in individuals, and how creativity is associated with overall prosperity and economic growth in the country.
Nowadays, the problems of exploiting natural resources and management of constrained natural resources in the context of ecological production are increasingly relevant. To motivate young entrepreneurs to produce new ecological environmentally friendly products, creativity in individuals should be encouraged, which would serve as an incentive for individuals to start their own businesses in regions. The role of the creative economy in regions could be observed across all the industries where commercialization of products and services is possible. A plan for the environmental economy should be designed within regional policies in accordance with regional characteristics and ecological problems, thereby contributing to regional sustainability and development. The research could serve as a basis for further discussion on creativity and ecology in the regional economy.
DEMOGRAPHIC SCENARIOS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN BULGARIA AND FORECAST EXPECTATIONS FOR THE NUMBER OF THE POPULATION FOR THE PERIOD 2023-2027
Authors: Mikova Rositza
Published: October 2023

The serious demographic crisis in rural areas of the country poses great challenges to the implementation of the strategic plan for the development of agriculture and rural areas for the period 2023-2027. This determines the purpose of the publication, namely to develop and build scenarios based on them to make recommendations regarding the need for urgent, complex and non-traditional measures to overcome the demographic crisis. The estimated values of the indicators were used to prepare the scenarios: the birth rate, the mortality rate, the number of the population and the migration balance. In the calculation of the estimated values of the indicators, the method of the aging of the population was applied. The years 2019 and 2020 have been chosen as the base period. Based on the proposed three demographic scenarios, the most likely to occur is "moderate". The further trend of reduction of the population in rural areas is outlined, because the influence of natural growth on demographic processes will have a dominant influence compared to migration processes. In order not to realize the negative forecast outlined in the publication, there are some proposals for the development of regional demographic policies for the lagging parts of the country, which will help the demographic salvation of rural areas.
DETERMINATION OF THE POTENTIAL FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RESIDUAL BIOMASS FROM WHEAT AND SUNFLOWER IN BULGARIA
Authors: Mikova Rositza
Published: October 2023

This publication evaluates the yield of waste biomass from wheat and sunflower for the period 2008-2019. The method of regional factor analysis (RFSA) is applied, through which it is tracked in which direction and to what extent the raw material potential of straw is changing and sunflower stalks necessary for the development of the regional bioeconomy in the six planning regions of the country. It is emphasized that the use of waste biomass from plant substances does not lead to climate deterioration, which is a major advantage over fossil fuels (coal, oil, uranium). Unexploited biomass resources are huge and provide an opportunity to create energy independence, which is the main goal of national and European policy in the area.
INDUSTRIAL PARKS IN LATVIA
Authors: Jankova Liga , Line Antra , Auzina Anita
Published: October 2023

In 2021, economic growth in Latvia recovered slowly after the Covid-19 crisis. At the beginning of 2022, energy and food prices increased significantly, intensifying inflationary pressure. The volume of foreign direct investments decreased, lending to companies decreased. A new approach to business promotion is needed. An industrial park is a territory set aside for economic activity, which has one manager who takes care of its infrastructure, performs construction or renovation or repair of premises according to the needs of the client and provides other services. The role of industrial parks is related to specific infrastructure and supporting legal framework. At the same time, industrial parks are one of the most widely used regional policy measures in the world, aimed at promoting investment and economic growth and reducing social exclusion. The novelty of the study is related to the review of the operation of Latvian industrial parks, which revealed that it is possible to improve the development of industrial parks by supplementing the operation of industrial parks with operational models that have not yet been implemented. The practical implementation of the models requires institutional support. Comparing the development of industrial parks in Latvia and the other Baltic countries, it was revealed that they are the least developed in Latvia, but with the highest potential. Latvian industrial parks often focus on such manufacturing and technology sectors as electronics, metalworking, mechanical engineering and ICT. These parks provide specialized infrastructure including manufacturing facilities, research and development centers and testing laboratories. Due to its strategic location as a transit hub in the Baltic region, some industrial parks in Latvia operate in logistics and transport activities. These parks provide modern warehouses, distribution centers and transport infrastructure to facilitate efficient movement of goods. Latvia has invested in renewable energy sources and sustainable technologies. Some industrial parks aim to attract companies specializing in renewable energy, including wind, solar, biomass and energyefficient technologies. Until 2026, with the support of the European Union, it is planned to implement the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), Cluster, Eco-industrial Park, Science and Technology Park (STP) industrial park models in Latvia.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOECONOMY INDUSTRIES IN LATVIA
Authors: Pilvere Irina , Upite Ilze , Nipers Aleksejs
Published: October 2023

Business in the bioeconomy plays an important role in regional growth and balanced development of the country. Therefore, it is important that local governments stimulate business development. The Latvian Bioeconomy Strategy 2030 was approved in 2017 with the aim of rapidly developing bioeconomy industries based on efficient use of natural resources. Therefore, the aim of the present research is to examine one of the sections of the strategy � �Result-oriented motivation system for local governments� for the implementation of the strategic goal of the Latvian Bioeconomy Strategy 2030 � �Result-oriented, efficient and sustainable resource management� in Latvia. The research found that for the implementation of the bioeconomy strategy in Latvia, local governments have access to support measures for business promotion; however, a monitoring system has not been established and, therefore, there was no publicly available information on local government activities aimed at fostering economic activity in the regions. Besides, in 2020 compared with 2016, both the total number of enterprises and the number of newly established enterprises operating in bioeconomy industries decreased; moreover, half or more of the total enterprises operating in bioeconomy industries were located in the capital city or its vicinity, which hindered the balanced development of the country.
OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION ON DEGRADED AREA MANAGEMENT IN LATVIA
Authors: Kalnina Mairita , Pelse Modrite
Published: October 2023

Abandoned and polluted land that appears during deindustrialization and urbanization is generally understood as a degraded area. During deindustrialization, the migration of industrial sectors leaves potentially polluted, unused land in the hands of local governments, so the transition to new economic models creates the right of people to move from urban centers to the outskirts of cities for a better quality of life, resulting in many properties in urban centers becoming dilapidated and abandoned. The existence of degraded territories is the most important challenge for city planners and policy makers in modern Latvia of territory development. Territories experiencing economic stagnation do not attract investment, their sustainable regeneration is still limited. To develop solutions for municipalities in the field of effective management of degraded areas, it is necessary to carry out research and analysis of the current situation in order to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current situation, as well as to determine potential scenarios for future action in revitalization process. In the study, the authors used the quantitative data analysis method ((analysis of indicators of projects for the revitalization of degraded areas), the analysis of theoretical literature sources and the qualitative data analysis method - expert interviews, the results of which are summarized in the SWOT matrix. As a result of the study, a model for the management of degraded territories was developed.
STRATEGY FOR RETAINING GRADUATES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE REGION SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Resele Liene , Libkovska Una , Balode Indra Kristiana
Published: October 2023

In order to reduce the brain drain (outflow of intellectual capital) from the regions and promote a more even population distribution, entrepreneurship development in the regions, and subsequently ensure sustainable development of regions, it is necessary to create and implement business development strategies in the regions and, first of all, to ensure that university graduates stay to live and work in the region. The aim of the research is to find the answer to the question of how to retain graduates in the region � what role do the university, municipality, and employers play, and what actions should be taken by each of the parties, with the focus of this research being on the university. The methods used in the research are a research of scientific sources, analysis of statistical data, and focus group discussion in which students, universities, local governments, and representatives of employers participate. Results of the research show that in retaining graduates, the united cooperation of interested parties is of great importance, where the university must implement study programs that meet the requirements of today's and future international labor market, promote the growth of students as personalities and professionals, and be involved in creating an environment where business ideas can be developed at all stages.
THE DIGITAL INEQUALITY IN THE LIGHT OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS: CASE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Sadyrtdinov Ruslan , Eremeeva Ekaterina , Varlamova Julia
Published: October 2023

The development of the digital society in the light of the world�s sustainable development is uneven. The intensity of ICT processes for different groups of households varies greatly. The immersion of the population into the digital environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in an extreme social situation and self-isolation with the ensuing political, social and economic consequences has not yet been properly studied by the scientists and practitioners. In this regard, it is proposed to analyze the relationship between social deprivation, including that associated with the digital divide, and the inclusion of the households in the digital society in the context of an extreme social situation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Using long-term data from RLMS Survey, data on the presence of digital technologies in the life of the households, their inclusion in the digital society the non-digital individuals profile was revealed. In order to study the digital inequality and its predictors with the risk for the SDGs implementation two logit regressions were constructed. In 2019 and 2020 all the coefficients are statistically significant. In both years the same indicators growth increases the risk of getting into the group of non-digital individuals. Among such predictors are incomplete secondary education, the living in rural area and the disabilities. All of them are challenges for SDGs implementation.
THE EFFICIENCY OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION ON DAIRY FARMS IN THE BALTIC STATES
Authors: Bratka Valda , Praulins Arturs
Published: October 2023

A constantly growing demand for fossil fuels in the world and its contribution to climate changes is putting intense pressure on various energy consumers in different industries. Thus, agricultural producers come under close scrutiny and face a difficult challenge of switching to a sustainable mode of production that would ameliorate detrimental effects on greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to fill the gap in the literature and contribute to the current body of knowledge by analyzing the consumption of energy per hectare of the utilized agricultural area and per livestock unit since 2005 after the Baltic States becoming the members of the European Union. We base our calculations on statistical data obtained from the EU Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The results reveal that the efficiency of energy consumption show heterogeneous patterns and differs widely between dairy farms in the Baltic States. It provides abundant evidence of flexibility created by the Baltic milk producers whose farming practices are an eclectic mix of conventional and more environmentally friendly approaches.
MAPPING OF STUDENTS' FIELD RESEARCH BY MEANS OF WEB TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Ulengov Ruslan , Chernisheva Mariya , Mingaliev Rinat , Urazmetov Ildar , Yoqub Xolov
Published: October 2023

Modern educational technologies offer great opportunities for teachers of general education institutions to develop key competencies in students in the geography and ecology classes. Curriculum guidelines in geography pay great attention to improving the skills of unsupervised activities, including using the resources of geographic information systems. The outcomes of mastering the main educational program should reflect the knowledge of geoinformation technologies as a tool for collecting and processing research materials and as a source of geographic information.
The aim of geoinformation technologies in the educational process is to form the information competency of the participants in the educational process, and to ensure the evolution of the cognitive activity of schoolchildren. In practice, the teacher faces various problems. Poor technical equipment of the school, lack of motivation and knowledge, lack of proper competencies are significant �gaps� in the teacher�s information competence.
Field observations and their office analysis are an integral process of studying geography and ecology both in a general educational institution and in a university. Currently, the study and research of the natural environment is quite closely related to the use of geographic information systems and various types of geoinformation resources: electronic digital maps, sets and databases of spatial data, GIS services and many others, students should master their capabilities and actively apply them in their research. Geoinformation software systems enable to process a huge amount of data obtained during various studies as well as to organize and regulate information that has a spatial reference.
SCIENCE PARKS AS AN INNOVATIVE STRUCTURE OF MODERN EDUCATIONAL SPACE
Authors: Be�dyk Oleksandr , Donetc Iryna , Arsenenko Iryna , Donchenko Larysa , Krylova Alla
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the theoretical foundations of the creation and functioning of science parks. The theoretical foundations of the creation and functioning of science parks as innovative elements of the modern educational space are presented. The scheme of the territorial distribution of science parks in Ukraine was analyzed and systematized, their main functions were highlighted, and the peculiarities of the organization of science parks were revealed. The creation of the first science park "Melitopol Travel University" in the Zaporizhzhia oblast was justified and the strategy for its development was announced, which provides for the implementation of projects on the domestic and foreign education markets; attraction of investments in the budget of the university and the city of Zaporizhzhia, implementation of own innovative projects in the educational field and innovative research works in the sectors of the educational industry, creation of a scientific association with competitive products and technologies in international educational markets. Science parks, business incubators, technology parks, IT clusters, etc. forms of organization of intellectual activity are a significant catalyst for the development of both the educational process and business, scientific and business tourism.
SOCIOPSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT UNIVERSITIES OF UKRAINE SOIL
Authors: Skladanovska Marina , Plaksiienko Iryna , Filonenko Sergey , Riabik Pavel , Hrydnieva Tatyana
Published: October 2023

In the context of the global environmental crisis the development of new pedagogical models and teaching methods at the universities of Ukraine is aimed at the formation of socio-psychological competencies of future specialists as subjects of the implementation of the concept of sustainable development.
The article presents the results of eco-psychological research of the level of formation of ecological thinking among engineering students. More than 300 students from three universities of Dnipro and Poltava have been interviewed.
Based on the results of the study the authors propose an improved curriculum for the general educational discipline Human Ecology which includes interactive individual and collective tasks, lectures as discussions of various aspects of human interaction with nature in the "external environment-individual-internal environment" triad.
It is also planned to introduce a special educational discipline Environmental Psychology to the educational program of bachelor�s training of engineering specialties. The content of the discipline is aimed at the formation of environmental awareness and environmental culture of students, taking into account the cultural identity of Ukraine.
A program of practical classes in collaboration with the psychological service of the university has been developed. The program includes art methods as tools for educational, diagnostic and developmental work, including an educational project for Earth Day.
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONDITIONED CONFLICTS AND THE EMERGENCE OF DYSFUNCTIONAL STATES
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Istok Robert
Published: October 2023

The issue of environmentally conditioned conflicts is extremely topical in the current geopolitical situation. The current, in many cases, uneven and unregulated economic and population growth, together with the ever-increasing global consumption, causes many countries to face a growing shortage of vital renewable resources, such as drinking water, arable land, pastures, forests, fish resources, etc. Depletion and excessive use of natural resources, combined with environmental degradation and climate change, is one of the factors threatening the safety of mankind. In particular, governments in developing countries, unstable states and developing economies are under increasing pressure to sustainably manage natural resources and resolve environmentally-related conflicts with many accompanying phenomena � armed conflict, migration, famine, disintegration of state structures. One of the possible consequences of environmental conflicts is the failure of the functioning of the state and the emergence of so-called dysfunctional states. The presented contribution deals with the mutual relationship between environmentally conditioned conflicts and dysfunctional states. Using specific examples, we analyze individual cases and make a typology of environmentally conditioned conflicts in relation to dysfunctional states.
SAFETY AND SECURITY PLANNING AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN CASE OF AN EARTHQUAKE IN BULGARIA
Authors: Trifonova Petya , Metodiev Metodi , Solakov Dimcho , Simeonova Stela
Published: October 2023

Security planning and disaster management are critical areas of focus in Bulgaria, given the country's vulnerability to various natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes. Bulgaria has established an emergency management system for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This system includes various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and volunteers who work together to ensure an effective response to disasters. The Bulgarian government and the science community conduct risk assessments to identify potential earthquake hazard zones and to assess the risks they pose to people and infrastructure.
Bulgaria actively participates in international cooperation efforts related to disaster management as those of the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Several projects have been implemented funded by the European Commission as the SHARE project, which aimed to provide a community-based seismic hazard model for the Euro-Mediterranean region, and DACEA and ESNET projects aimed to develop a seismic hazard and risk assessment for the Balkan region, and mechanisms for early warning, public awareness, and quick response in case of a disaster.
The present paper gives an overview of the country's focus on risk assessment, disaster preparedness, response, recovery efforts, and international cooperation, underscoring its commitment to disaster management. The topic is particularly relevant now because of the severe consequences of Turkey's recent strong earthquakes. We present findings from various international cooperation efforts in Bulgaria related to earthquake disaster management and results from research related to the assessment of seismic hazards and risk in particular regions in the country.
THEORETICAL MODEL FOR EVALUATING THE VIBRATIONAL OUTPUT AND THUS THE URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF A PUBLIC TRANSIT RAILWAY TRACK
Authors: Todorov Stoyo , Kutsarova-Dimitorova Kina , Iliev Matey
Published: October 2023

Urban railway transit is one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly means of transport in the modern European city. There is a significant incentive for municipalities in Europe to construct new urban railways as the latter combine high energy efficiency with high carrying capacity. One of the main arguments in opposition to expanding existing urban rail networks is the noise and vibration impact of the new line on the surrounding area. This paper addresses the issue by means of formulating a theoretical model for urban railways� vibrational output evaluation. The aim is to provide key insights in the field of assessing the practical environmental impact that a newly installed public transit urban railway line has on the urban environment. Results obtained by this study can be used as input data in future impact assessments for public intentions of investment in the field of urban railway transit infrastructure systems.
ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CHROMIUM-DIOXIDES SILICON NANO-COATINGS GOT UNDER DIFFERENT MODE OF THE ULTRASONIC INFLUENCE
Authors: Kemelzhanova Aiman , Beisebayeva Aigul , Yetish Talshyn
Published: October 2023

The influence of the ultrasound on corrosion resistance of chromium-dioxide silicon nano-composition electrolytic coatings (nano-CEC) in solutions of the different concentrations of nano-particles of silicon dioxide at temperatures 293, 303, 313 K has been investigated. The research showed that the electroplating of chromium-dioxide silicon nano-CEC on steel St.3 enlarges its corrosion resistance tenfold. The least corrosion resistance has nano-CEC, which got under constant ultrasound influence, and the most � which was received without ultrasound influence. These results are explained by the fact that nano-CECs deposited under ultrasonic action are obtained with increased defectiveness, with a large number of through channels penetrating from the surface to the protected steel, through which the corrosive medium penetrates to the base-coating interface. At this boundary, they cause intense corrosion of the base, i.e. become. The products of this corrosion, as a result of their large specific volume, but through the same channels go outside, to the surface of the nano-CEC, creating visible corrosion lesions.
EVALUATION AND PREDICTION OF PITTING RESISTANCE OF HEAT EXCHANGERS MADE OF ALLOY 06KhN28MDT (SIMILAR TO AISI 904L STEEL) IN MODEL CIRCULATING WATERS
Authors: Dzhus Anna , Subbotin Sergey , Pulina Tetiana , Leoshchenko Serhii , Snizhnoi Gennadii
Published: October 2023

A mathematical model was developed, which is based on a multivariate regression dependence and establishes the relationship between the critical pitting temperature (CPT) of the 06KhN28MDT alloy (similar to AISI 904L steel) and its chemical composition and structural components in model circulating waters with pH 4...8 and chloride concentration from 350 up to 600 mg/liter, which correspond to industrial circulating water during the operation of heat exchangers. Based on the results of the analysis of the developed mathematical model, chemical composition, structural heterogeneity of the studied alloy melts and parameters of model recycled water (pH and chloride concentration), it has been found that the significant variables of the model are the parameters of the media, the mean grain diameter of the austenite of the 06KhN28MDT alloy, and the chromium content in it within the standard for its production. It is shown that the CPT of the 06KhN28MDT alloy increases by 8.3 �C (degree Celsius) with a decrease in the chloride concentration in model recycled water from 600 up to 350 mg/L, by 6.8 �C (degree Celsius) with an increase in its pH from 4 up to 8, by 5.9 �C (degree Celsius) with a decrease in the mean diameter of the austenite grain from 31 to 11 ?m, and by 4.7 �C with a decrease in its chromium content from 24.31 up to 21.84 wt %. It has been found that, under the same research conditions, the parameters of model recycled water have the most significant effect on the CPT of 06KhN28MDT alloy and stainless steels 08Kh18N10, AISI 304, 12Kh18N10T and AISI 321. However, the chromium content and mean austenite grain diameter of the alloy have an opposite effect on its CPT to these steels. This is most likely due to the fact that at such a high chromium concentration and the presence of molybdenum, metastable pittings that occur on its surface are quickly repassivated. This can contribute to the transformation of the remaining pitting into stable pitting at a lower CPT due to the redistribution of the current density between them. The paper substantiates the use of the developed mathematical model to evaluate and predict the pitting resistance of heat exchangers made of 06KhN28MDT alloy under possible changes in the parameters of recycled water (pH and chloride concentration) during their operation, depending on the chromium content and the size of the mean diameter of the austenite grain.
�GREEN� DYNAMICALLY VULCANIZED THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITES BASED ON PE/PE-G-MA/EPDM REINFORCED WITH FUNCTIONALIZED SEASHELL WASTE
Authors: Alexandrescu Laurentia , Georgescu Mihai , Sonmez Maria , Nituica Mihaela , Gurau Dana
Published: October 2023

Environmental concerns related to the implementation of circular economy has led to the development of new generations of materials. Interest in polymer composites reinforced with natural-organic/inorganic fillers is growing. Producers of polymer composites convert their production to optimize and replace traditional products with new ones with a high content of bio, recyclable materials, for sustainability and responsible actions. Research and industrial awareness are focused on ecological composites based on natural fillers from food production and aquaculture waste due to their low cost and high availability.
This work aims to test �green� dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic polymer composites based on PE/PE-g-MA/EPDM reinforced with functionalized seashell waste, resistant to high temperatures for specific products used in the food, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Seashell waste contains a high percentage (95-97%) of CaCO3 and will be ground to sizes of 100-500nm and functionalized in controlled conditions by silanization for compatibility with the polymer matrix. These composites will have characteristics such as resistance to microorganisms, at high temperatures for long working time and eco-friendliness derived from the use of seashell waste and the recycling of products injected from these materials. There will be a major impact on society due to the solutions that will be offered for reintegration into the natural circuit by increasing the degree of biodegradability after the end of the products� life cycle.
RISKS OF SELECTED FIELD OF NANOMATERIALS
Authors: Roupcova Petra , Klouda Karel , Kissikova Lenka , Slany Jan
Published: October 2023

Working in stone quarrying and stone processing poses certain risks that must not be underestimated. The safety of workers must be paramount, where work-related injuries can occur, so the use of appropriate personal protective equipment is important, but the less visible risks, such as inhalation of granite stone dust, which can penetrate the respiratory tract, lungs and lung chambers, causing silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease or lung cancer, must not be underestimated. Chemically, granite dust consists of silica, which is the most abundant, and alumina, potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, ferric and magnesium oxides. For this reason, it is important to take all the nanoparticles of granite stone dust into account and see if they show toxic effects, for example. The aim was to carry out measurements of the concentration of released nanoparticles during granite processing in a selected stone quarry.
ANALYSIS OF CRISPR CASSETTE ELEMENTS IN NATIVE ISOLATES OF SINORHIZOBIUM MELILOTI ISOLATED IN THE CENTRAL ASIAN ORIGIN OF PLANT DIVERSITY
Authors: Pernak Elizaveta , Vladimirova Mariia , Muntyan Viktoria , Afonin Alexey , Roumiantseva Marina
Published: October 2023

CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity systems of prokaryotes have been identified in 42% of bacteria and 85% of archaea [1] and are actively used in genetic engineering. However, in nitrogen-fixing nodule bacteria required for agriculture, these systems are very poorly characterized. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems in the genomes of 39 isolates of alfalfa nodule bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti recovered from soil samples from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, which belong to the Central Asian origion of plants diversity.
The diversity of detected CRISPR elements was assessed by changes in the size of the PCR amplified DNA fragments. As a result, the presence of 7 species-specific CRISPR loci (CR1- CR7) was shown for each of 39 isolates, of which three (CR4, CR5 and CR6) were selected for further analysis. It was shown that structural changes in the analyzed CRISPR loci sequences were significantly 2-fold more frequent in strains from Turkmenistan than in strains from Kazakhstan (?2=4.07, P less than 0.05).
The most frequent changes in the size of the amplified sequences were detected at the CR6 locus (frequency 0.39), and 7.5-fold less frequent at the CR4 locus. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the loci for which changes in the size of amplified fragments were detected showed that at the CR4 locus one spacer was replaced with another; at the CR6 locus a deletion of the spacer and one direct repeat were involved. No changes were detected in the sequences of the CR-5 locus.
The results suggest that strains in which changes in cassette compositions have occurred may have significant differences in resistance to lytic phages. The possibility of directionally modulating the spacers sequence in the CRISPR loci of nodule bacteria used in bioproducts may undoubtedly be of interest for agrobiotechnology.
INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS TO ENHANCE PLANT AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION
Authors: Al-Nasser Afaf , Al-Khalaifah Hanan , Al-Mansour Hamad
Published: October 2023

Agriculture sector has a major role in food security worldwide, through its contribution to the production and availability of highly nutritious and safe foods such as meats, eggs, milk and vegetables. In recent years, global warming crises became a serious worldwide issue since it adversely affects human health. One of the solutions to this serious problem is to establish integrated farming system (IFS). This is because the integrated farming system use natural resources efficiently, reduce problem of waste, minimize the need of transporting material from and to the farm and helps in reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission. The importance of the project lies in the development of techniques to support plant and animal production using integrated farming system approach. Considering national needs for healthy and safe food, animal and plant production are of high priority in Kuwait to provide consumers with healthy food with pollution free environment by recycling of farm residues through the integrated farming system. The current paper sheds light on the efforts done in Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to establish of a specialized center to develop integrated farming systems to enhance plant and animal production, and to ensure the local food security for consumers in need.
MANUFACTURE, PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF ARTISANAL RIPENED CHEESES FROM COW'S MILK
Authors: Heghedus Mindru Gabriel , Platon Daniel Bogdan , Trasca Teodor Ioan , Stef Ducu Sandu , Heghedus Mindru Ramona Cristina
Published: October 2023

The artisanally produced cheese feels a major comeback. Shops specialising in artisanal cheeses are increasingly selling artisanal cheeses made by local producers. In this work we made an assortment of matured cheese, from cow's milk, according to a traditional recipe from Harghita County, Romania. The technological process of obtaining ripened cheeses from cow's milk, studied by us, complies with the traditional technology used for many years. The products obtained were physicochemical evaluated in terms of moisture content, dry matter content, protein content, ash content and fat content in compliance with the methods of the quality standards regarding dairy products. All the results obtained from the physicochemical analysis were compared with the results from the specialized literature. At the same time, a sensory analysis was performed for the matured cow cheese produced by its own production versus other cheese samples from the same category from different areas of Romania. The sensory evaluation was carried out by the method of comparison with unitary score scales, the characteristics pursued being: the appearance and shape of the product, the consistency of the product, the color of the product, the aroma of the product and the taste of the product.
THE STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF THE ACCUMULATION OF NUTRIENTS AND ANTI-NUTRIENTS IN THE GREEN MASS OF AMARANTH
Authors: Obraztsova Svetlana Valerevna , Bondareva Olga Vladimirovna , Sviridova Tatiyana Vasilevna , Anokhina Ekaterina Petrovna , Shuvaeva Galina Pavlovna , Korneeva Olga Sergeevna
Published: October 2023

A comparative assessment of the amount of protein and anti-nutritional substances in the green mass of amaranth during the growth and development of the crop was carried out. It has been established that the content of nutritional and anti-nutritional components depends on the phase of plant development. The largest amount of oxalic and phytic acids, mg%: 79 and 156, respectively, was contained at the beginning of flowering of amaranth, tannins 75 mg% - at the beginning of budding, nitrates 7.4 mg% - at the beginning of fruiting. With a high content of crude protein in the green mass of amaranth (14.89%), the protein isolated from the phytomass is close to the ideal protein in terms of the number of essential amino acids, and surpasses these values in the content of isoleucine (3.1%) and lysine (6.01%) in the ideal protein. It is recommended to carry out the harvesting of amaranth green mass to obtain a feed additive for quails in the phase of the beginning of its fruiting, since during this period the maximum accumulation of nutrients and the minimum amount of anti-nutritional substances in the phytomass of amaranth was noted.
EFFECT OF NANOSILICA-DOPED SUPERPLASTICIZER ON THE PROPERTIES OF CEMENT MORTARS
Authors: Safi Brahim , Mechakra Hamza , Saidi Mohammed , Lecheb Samir
Published: October 2023

Recently, nanotechnology has attracted a considerable scientific interest due the potential new uses of non-particles, which can improve the properties of cement mortars or concretes, such as Nanosilica. Nanoparticles, like those of nanosilica, have been shown to have unique physical and chemical properties different from those of conventional cement additions. Nanosilica was used either to replace part of the cements or as an addition to improve the performance of the cement such as accelerating the hydration of the cement phases. This work investigates the effect of nanosilica adding to superplasticizer on fresh and hardened properties of cement mortars. For this, three superplasticizer types of three different firms doped with nanosilica (NS) at 1.5% wt. of superplasticizer (SP) to estimate the effect of nanosilicabased superplasticizer on the properties of cement mortars in the fresh and hardened state. An experimental study was conducted to evaluate the three SP based on NS on fresh and hardened properties. Our results show that nanosilica is compatible with the three superplasticizer, what is remarkable on the mortars in the fresh state, with a good workability which is between (24cm and 28cm) and a total absence of segregation which acts on the mechanical properties of the self-consolidating mortar in (3,7 and 28 days).
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF MORTAR WITH EXPANDED PERLITE
Authors: TOMA Ionut-Ovidiu , ALEXA-STRATULAT Sergiu-Mihai , TOMA Ana-Maria , BUNEA Georgiana , TARANU George
Published: October 2023

Perlite is a naturally occurring siliceous rock of volcanic origins. When heated to more than 1000�C it expands up to several times its original volume and thus creating the premises of light weightiness and thermal insulating properties. The indoor comfortable climate of modern lifestyle requires large amounts of energy to be created and sustained. This, in turn, leads to large amounts of CO2 being released in the atmosphere. Continuous research efforts are invested in creating materials with good insulation properties, be it thermal, acoustic or vibration. The paper presents the experimental results on thermal conductivity of cement-based mortar with different percentage of natural sand being replaced by expanded perlite. Thermal conductivity values were determined at different curing ages up to 28 days. The obtained results shown that lower values of thermal conductivity are obtained with the increase in the replacement percentage, thus proving the suitability of using expanded perlite in rendering plasters and mortars for its thermal insulation characteristics.
GREEN CAR PARKS IN CITIES
Authors: Pospisilova Jana , Fibich David
Published: October 2023

With the ever-increasing number of cars in cities, it is essential to find innovative and sustainable ways to address parking. Green parking in cities is an innovative concept that is becoming part of the modern urban environment and contributing to the creation of sustainable and green communities for the future. It aims to minimise the negative impacts of asphalt surfaces that are common in traditional car parks, but above all it is about the environment and human health.
They provide many benefits for cities and their residents. First, green features such as trees and shrubs help reduce the heat island effect and improve air quality by trapping and filtering polluted particles. This has a positive effect on the health of residents and also helps to reduce the energy consumption of buildings in the area. A second benefit of green parking lots is their ability to capture and manage stormwater, thereby reducing the burden on the sewer system and increasing the city's resilience to extreme weather conditions.