bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER AS A TEST-SYSTEM FOR ASSESSMENT OF THE AIR POLLUTION BY USING THE CITY OF KAZAN AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors: Sokolov Rustam , Kostenko Viktoria , Gazieva Tansu , Stepanova Natalya
Published: April 2024

Drosophila as a model for toxicological study is a simple and effective test-system owing to (i) availability of a wide range of accessible methods allowing the integral assessment of the negative effect of the factor under study on the vital characteristics at all levels of the organism vital activity (from molecular to population), (ii) possibility of obtaining results within a relatively short period of time (from 2 days to 2 weeks); (iii) low price of working methods, (iv) absence of specific requirements as to work with an object. The aim of the work was to assess the air quality in the city of Kazan based on the change of the drosophila�s vital parameters: the survival rate at the stage of embryogenesis, the fertility (the number of eggs), the locomotion, the degree of the intestines tissue damage and the level of DNA-comets. To analyze the air quality, we selected such city zones as, Privolzhsky (1), Moskovsky (2), Sovetsky (3). It was shown that flies that were in zones 1 and 2, but not in 3, are characterized by a decrease in fertility, an increase in embryonic death of offspring, intestines tissue damage and DNA damage.
EFFECT OF MOISTURE AND ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT ON N2O EMISSIONS
Authors: Liepa Sindija , Lepiksone Luize , Butenaite Dace , Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita , Grinfelde Inga
Published: April 2024

The increasing economic activity reinforces the importance of climate change on a global scale. Together with the development of the economy and the increase in people's well-being, the emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) which are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, also increase. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the main greenhouse and ozone (O3) depleting gases. Seven percent of the anthropogenic greenhouse effect is nitrous oxide. From a molecular perspective, N2O has a 310-fold greater global warming potential than CO2 over a 100-year period. Organic soils are the main source of direct emissions of N2O. Emissions from organic soils account for up to 13% of total N2O emissions in the European Union, although organic soils cover only 7% of the area of the European Union. Totally 10 mixed soil samples from 10 agricultural plots were collected for the experiment. Soil from each agricultural plot was weighed into two buckets to allow measurements for two moisture regimes - wet aerobic conditions and wet anaerobic conditions. The soil was placed in 3-liter buckets, each bucket containing 1.5 kilograms. Measurements were made with the CRDS device Picarro G2508. The equipment measured the concentrations of N2O with an average interval of one second and the emission were calculated using Soil Flux software. Descriptive statistical methods, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple pairwise comparisons using the Steel-Dwass-Critchlow-Fligner procedure were used. By analyzing the data it was obtained that the statistically significant differences (pless than 0.0001) of N2O emissions are between wet organic soil and the other groups.
EFFECT OF SOIL GRANULOMETRIC COMPOSITION AND MOISTURE ON THE FORMATION OF N2O ISOTOPES
Authors: Liepa Sindija , Butenaite Dace , Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita , Siltumens Kristaps , Grinfelde Inga
Published: April 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of important greenhouse gas (GHG) whose main sources are agricultural soils. N2O forms in soil as a result of microbial processes, reinforced by the use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers. This study will look at how the formation of N2O in soil is affected by soil moisture and soil granulometric composition. Soil N2O isotopes of ?15N? (central nitrogen position) and ?15N? (end nitrogen position) which could help to identify natural and anthropogenic sources of N2O emissions and the involvement of microorganisms in N2O production. N2O isotopes ?15NSP and ?15Nbulk can be traced or N2O produced by nitrification or denitrification. The study used total of 92 soil samples collected in 2020 and 2022. The study uses three types of agricultural soil with a different granulometric compositions. Soil from each agricultural plot was weighted into two samples, each of 1.5 kilograms to provide different humidity conditions � wet aerobic and wet anaerobic. The measurements were performed in a laboratory with the CRDS device Picarro G5131-i. The G5131-i analyzer measures nitrous oxide isotopes ?15N, ?15N?, ?15N?, and ?18O with an accuracy of 0.7 �, and N2O concentration with an accuracy of less than 0.05 ppb (all measurements are averaged over 10 minutes). The data processing did not use all the data obtained from the Picarro G5131-i, but was selected by evaluating the changes in N2O concentrations when the concentrations had stabilized. In this research, three types of soil were used, from which it can be concluded that the type of soil, its inherent physical properties and reaction to the moisture regime play an important role in the formation of N2O isotopes.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SIMPLE ELECTRIC FANS IN REDUCING THE NUMBER OF HOURS WITH HEAT STRAIN INSIDE BUILDINGS
Authors: Ramezani Atlas , Manzan Marco
Published: April 2024

Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, poses significant health risks to indoor- bound individuals. This paper stresses the need for proactive public health measures, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and economically disadvantaged who lack access to air conditioning. As heatwaves worsen, traditional solutions, like energy- intensive air conditioning, are problematic due to increased energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost issues. Instead, this paper proposes an affordable solution: electric fans, natural ventilation, and window shadings to combat heat stress indoors. The study examines the effectiveness of electric fans, window shading, and natural ventilation in mitigating extreme heat's impact. Findings show a notable reduction in heat exposure, even in worst-case scenarios, with electric fans reducing heat strain hours. The methodology employs EnergyPlus and Design Builder software for a comprehensive numerical simulation of a sample building representative of the ones constructed between 1961 and 1975 located in Trieste, Italy. The simulations employ historical weather data, extreme conditions, and future projections to enhance the analysis's depth and relevance.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS SOLVING AS A FACTOR IN THE FORMATION OF A SUSTAINABLE AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM
Authors: Voronkova Valentyna , Olesenko Roman , Nikitenko Vitalina
Published: April 2024

Environmental problem-solving as a factor of sustainable and balanced development is an integral part of every country in the world, based on the interaction of man, nature, society, and the overcoming of crisis factors in an imbalanced world. That is why today it is necessary to move from the economics of aggressive expansion to the economics of sustainable development in order to promote the formation of a stable identity and social sustainability, which requires a fundamentally new development paradigm. The new paradigm of sustainable development as the main driver and megatrend of solving environmental problems includes climate change management and overcoming the destructive effects of climate change, natural resource management, the introduction of renewable energy sources, and environmental technologies that require a transition to a circular economy, which requires a new economic philosophy - overcoming the large- scale destructive effects of the planet. The formation of a new paradigm is based on the idea that the country's future should be purposefully programmed as a balanced one. In order to achieve these objectives, a sustainable development paradigm should be formed which will lead to economic efficiency, inclusiveness, implementation of renewable energy sources, environmental protection, releasing the energy of entrepreneurship, innovation, and achieving sustainable and balanced development based on harmony, prosperity, risk reduction, well-being, and environmental safety.
EXTERNAL COSTS OF ROAD TRANSPORT IN FRAMES OF THE TRANSITION TO A LOW-CARBON ECONOMY
Authors: Kudryavtseva Olga , Baraboshkina Anastasiia
Published: April 2024

In order to make the transition to a low-carbon economy and sustainable transport system and solve environmental and climate problems, many countries are replacing traditional cars that run on petroleum fuels with electric cars. Unlike vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE), electric vehicles` emissions from the operation phase are practically zero, but this is not the case if we consider the full life cycle. In this paper, we briefly describe the electric vehicle market, examine the life-cycle emissions of electric cars and ICE cars. The novelty of this study is in a methodological approach to the economic assessment of the negative impact of emissions from road transport and in a comparative assessment of the external costs of cars that run on traditional and alternative fuels. We applied the methodology of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which allows calculating country-specific and time-adjusted value of a statistical life. In this paper the characteristics of Russia`s energy balance and automotive market are considered. We came to results that, in general, in this country electric cars are more environmentally friendly and contribute less to climate change than cars with internal combustion engines. The external costs caused by life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of an electric car are lower than similar emissions from a traditional car. The external costs caused by emissions of pollutants from the electric car operation phase are lower than external costs caused by emissions from an ICE car. The proposed study could be of interest for policymakers in other countries to develop measures for sustainable transport system.
HYBRID ENERGY SYSTEM FOR FISHING VESSELS CONSIDERING FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS: AN APPLICATION ??HENSUS?? FOR FAST PRELIMINARY POWER SYSTEM CONFIGURING
Authors: Korican Marija , Vladimir Nikola , Vuckovic Kresimir , Haramina Tatjana , Alujevic Neven
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the maritime industry was shifting towards sustainable practices, focusing on minimising environmental impact and maximising energy efficiency. Fishing vessels are increasingly adopting hybrid energy systems to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. However, finding the optimal hybrid energy configuration specifically determined for a certain vessel type, its technical specifications, and operational requirements remains a complex challenge. This paper presents the development of an user-friendly application called �HENSUS�, i.e. Hybrid Energy System for fishing vessels. The application considers technical characteristics (such as engine power), and operative factors (fuel consumption, working time and average engine load). It contains a comprehensive database of energy sources, from conventional marine fuels to alternative ones (LNG, biodiesel, hydrogen etc.) and full electrification. Through a user-friendly interface, users can input specific vessel details and operational parameters. The application then processes this information to generate a range of optimal hybrid energy configurations. The configurations are evaluated based on the results of the life-cycle cost assessment, which also includes the calculation of carbon tax based on produced tailpipe emissions. The proposed application promotes the adoption of sustainable energy solutions in the fishing industry.
INFLUENCE OF COATED UREA APPLICATION ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON SEQUESTRATION
Authors: Vicar Nicoleta , Berbecea Adina , Lato Alina , Brei Liliana , Raduloiv Isidora
Published: April 2024

The application of nitrogen fertilizers in the form of urea tends to increase acidity, especially on low pH soils, and as a result can lead to increased aluminum toxicity, which can adversely affect not only soil properties such as microbial activity, but also productivity. Application of different types of urea with inhibitors to reduce nitrogen losses would result in a different carbon response to fertilizers applications for the same soil type because of differences in soil micro-environment, including microbial biomass and activity. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of applying different forms of urea on the content of total nitrogen, organic carbon, phosphorus and assimilable potassium. The experiment was set up in the Western Plain of Banat, on soil with weak acid pH and medium nitrogen supply. The research was carried out on autumn oilseed rape crops, in the following fertilization variants and application rates: UREE 46% total N; UREE Z 45.7% N total with nitrification inhibitor up to 80%; UREE ZL 45.7% N total with urease inhibitor up to 50%; UREE NDP 45.7% N total with urease inhibitor up to 50% and nitrification inhibitor up to 80%; UREE DMPP 45.7% N total with volatilization reduction up to 95%. For these crops, 300 kg/ha 16:16:16 complex fertilizer and 120 kg/ha UREE were applied, from the described above varieties. There were no significant differences in soil pH and total nitrogen, available potassium increased significantly, and available phosphorus decreased slightly in all treatments. Application of stabilized and coated urea fertilizers resulted in a moderate improvement in soil SOC.
INTERACTION BETWEEN METHANE AND CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS USING METHANE-REDUCING BIOCOVER
Authors: Siltumens Kristaps , Grinfelde Inga , Burlakovs Juris , Liepa Sindija , Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita
Published: April 2024

Decomposition of solid waste in landfills causes global air pollution with methane, the most dangerous of the greenhouse gases. The emission potential of this gas is 28-36 times greater than that of CO2. With the help of methane-reducing Biocover, can find a solution to this problem. In this study, a biocover was developed in the laboratory to reduce methane emissions. When measuring the methane emissions of this biocover, data on the amount of carbon dioxide emissions were also obtained in parallel. The purpose of this study is to clarify the interaction between methane emission reduction and carbon dioxide emission flux. The laboratory experiment consisted of three parts. The first part was the creation of experimental tubes. Three experimental columns with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 1500 mm were created. Active compost saturated with water at a thickness of 500 mm was used as a source of methane, a permeable layer of sand at a thickness of 300 mm was further formed and finally covered with biocover. Biocover represents 60% of fine-fraction waste, 20% of soil and 20% of compost. The second part was taking measurements. All measurements were performed with the Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) gas measurement device Picarro G2508. The third part was the analysis of the obtained data. The obtained data were analyzed by processing the data and obtaining the interaction between these gases. The experiment is planned to be continued by obtaining long-term emission data. This will help to develop more promising future approaches to reduce methane emissions from landfills. This research contributes to the understanding of sustainable environmental management practices and underscores the importance of a holistic approach to address multiple greenhouse gases simultaneously.
INTERACTION BETWEEN METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS USING METHANE-REDUCING BIOCOVER
Authors: Siltumens Kristaps , Grinfelde Inga , Burlakovs Juris , Liepa Sindija , Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita
Published: April 2024

Landfills of municipal waste are important sources of methane emissions. The surface of the landfill area is the interface between the waste layer and the atmosphere. By creating a biocover cover layer, it is possible to reduce methane emissions that would refer to air quality. This innovative biocover technology aims to curtail methane emissions from various sources. The research delves into the effectiveness of this biocover in not only mitigating methane emissions but also its potential influence on nitrous oxide emissions. Through a combination of laboratory experiments, the study unravels the intricate dynamics between methane and nitrous oxide emissions in the context of the methane-reducing biocover.The study created a laboratory biocover experiment. Interaction between methane and nitrous oxide emissions was studied using methane-reducing biocover. The experiment was launched on 6 June 2022. This was done by creating tube columns with a diameter of 160 mm and a height of 1500 mm. The biocover used consisted of 60% of fine-fraction waste, 20% of soil and 20% of compost. Measurements of methane and nitrous oxide emissions were performed with Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy gas measurement device Picarro G2508. When performing emission measurements, the flow rate in the tube of the mesurement device was 5 ml/s-1. During the whole experiment, water-saturated compost was used as a source of methane and nitrous oxide. The experimental structure also used sand, which served as a gas-permeable layer and separated biocover from compost (emissions source). The analysis of the data showed a minor interaction between methane emissions and nitrous oxide flow. The results shed light on potential synergies or tradeoffs in greenhouse gas reduction strategies, offering valuable insights for optimizing emission reduction efforts while considering the broader environmental implications.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MEDITERRANEAN SEMI-ARID REGIONS
Authors: Xekalakis Georgios , Anastasiou Christos , Kazamia Evi , Tsompanakis Yiannis , Christou Petros
Published: April 2024

The Mediterranean basin is distinctly vulnerable to climate change and its associated effects. This vulnerability is noticeably observed in the southern Mediterranean territories, where a perceptible outcome of climate change is the increase of the average temperatures over time, accompanied by water scarcity due to reduced precipitation. Although recent technological advancements have achieved to mitigate to some extend climate change impacts, particularly in stabilizing temperatures and enhancing water resource management, alterations in weather patterns persist. This study presents a realistic climate change scenario in the southern European Mediterranean, namely Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Spain, along with selected semi-arid regions like Crete, Murcia, and Sicily, highlighting data spanning during the last three decades. This work aims to outline the principal meteorological factors associated with climate change, aiming to foster a broader understanding of its impact. Additionally, this discussion explores the potential for these regions to utilize the current climatic conditions beneficially, by pivoting towards energy production from alternative, sustainable sources, thereby converting the challenges posed by climate change into opportunities for societal benefit.
INVESTIGATIONS OF POTENTIALLY HARMFUL LIMONENE PHOTOOXIDATION PRODUCTS UNDER NOX AND NOX-FREE ATMOSPHERIC SIMULATED CONDITIONS
Authors: Negru Alina , Roman Claudiu , Amarandei Cornelia , Arsene Cecilia , Olariu Romeo
Published: April 2024

Given the ubiquity of limonene in cleaning and cosmetic products, investigating its gasphase oxidation products from reactions with OH radicals and ozone has become important for human health. The present study investigates limonene gas-phase reaction with OH radicals under controlled NOx or NOx-free conditions using facilities from the 760 L Environmental Simulation Chamber made of Quartz (ESC-Q-UAIC) together with state-of-the-art instruments such as proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS, model 6000 X2, IONICON). The obtained kinetic results (klimonene+OH = (16.42 � 2.20) ? 10-11 cm3?molecule-1?s-1), based on the relative rate techniques with 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene and cyclohexene as reference compounds, are in good agreement with the previous kinetic studies. The PTR-ToF-MS mass spectra acquired within the NOx-free experiments revealed signals at mass-to-charge ratios of 101.060, 139.112, and 169.122, that may be assigned to potentially harmful oxidation products, namely 4-oxopentanal (C5H8O2), 4-acetyl-1-methylcyclohexene (C9H14O), and 3-isopropenyl-6-oxo-heptanal (C10H16O2), respectively. Additionally, observed differences between NOx and NOx-free experiments highlight that NOx strongly suppresses the formation of secondary organic aerosols during limonene oxidation and favours the formation of 4-acetyl-1-methylcyclohexene.
MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF URBAN GREEN: A DIGITAL DATABASE APPLICATION
Authors: Xanthopoulou-Tsitsoni Valia , Andreopoulou Zacharoula , Papagiannopoulou Dimitra , Morfopoulos N.
Published: April 2024

Green development is a kind of development that considers two factors� social and environmental impacts of development. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are tools that can be used in monitoring of the impacts of climate change. They can demonstrate the effects of climate change and they can contribute to the proper management of urban green via their role as decision-making tools. Urban areas have an important role in urban ecosystems through multifunctional role of trees, such as the reduction of extreme temperatures. A digital database was constructed in the framework of the project LIFE Climate Value of Urban Trees- LIFE18 GIC/IT/001217. This database provides data and significant information about green areas, from four mediumsized cities, and is a key tool in urban green management as it takes into account the assessment of urban green. This online database can be used by both� experts and citizens. Aim of this paper is to describe the digital database (lifeclivut.treedb.eu). Web database app was created to be used as a user-friendly tool for experts such as environmentalists, foresters, urban planners with main aim supporting urban green areas. Foresters and environmentalists can use this web app for proper management and design as in this app exist data about the urban trees (tree height, breast diameter, position, tree health).
PRECIPITATION AND TEMPERATURE CHANGES IN SLOVAKIA DURING THE GROWING SEASON IN 1961-2020
Authors: Minarik Martin , Cimo Jan , Kiss Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The impact of climate change is felt by people all over the world, but this change is more pronounced in Europe. In Slovakia, which is in Central Europe, we feel these changes in all areas of the economy, but most significantly in agriculture. We experience extremely high temperatures more and more often, and frequent periods of drought alternate with extreme intensity of precipitation. The aim of this paper is to compare these changes in temperature and precipitation with a reference period - the sixty-year climate normal (1961-2020). Based on data from 81 meteorological stations, maps of temperature and precipitation deviations from the climatic norm were created by interpolation for selected decades (1961-1970, 1991-2000 and 2011-2020) in the growing season (April - October). By overlaying the map outputs of temperature and precipitation, new attributes were created that comprehensively evaluate locations in Slovakia. The results show that in the 1960s the summer months were normal in terms of precipitation and subnormal in temperature, in the 1990s the areas were mostly normal in temperature and in April especially above normal in terms of precipitation. On the contrary, the last decade is characterized by above-normal temperatures throughout the entire period and belownormal precipitation at the beginning of the growing season and above-normal precipitation in the autumn months. With this contribution, we can help farmers visualize the development of temperatures and precipitation, and thus they will be able to better adapt to the development of climate change.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF TUNGSTEN IN JELGAVA CITY AT 2022 AND 2023
Authors: Pilecka-Ulcugaceva Jovita , Bakute Anda , Bertins Maris , Siltumens Kristaps , Grinfelde Inga
Published: April 2024

Every year, cities are becoming more populated and urban traffic more intense. Urban air quality is deteriorating and causes for pollution are being sought and solutions to improve the quality of life in urban areas. Atmospheric deposits, vehicles, traffic and de-icing products are the main sources of snow pollution in cities. Snow, located near roads and streets with intense traffic, is a very useful tool for identifying the risks of traffic-related metals in the environment. In many countries, in winter, they use tires with studs made of tungsten-based material. The tires wear out to fine particles that disperse in the environment, particularly in the vicinity of roads and streets. In the environment, tungsten can also come from the incineration of waste and industry. Due to low concentrations of tungsten in the natural environment, this can be a potentially good identifier for traffic and other anthropogenic contamination. The aim of the study is to identify the risk of spreading tungsten in different areas in Jelgava. This study studied the harvested snow in 2022 and 2023. Snow was harvested at 59 monitoring points 5 m from the road or street section in Jelgava, Latvia. Tungsten concentrations were determined by ICP-MS. The average concentration of tungsten was 0.154 �g/L in 2022 and 0.342 �g/L in 2023. Five groups of tungsten distribution from low pollution risk to high pollution risk were divided using the hierarchical clustering method. The spatial distribution of divided risk groups in urban areas highlights the impact of the transport corridor and private buildings on the urban distribution of tungsten.
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION IN THE REGIONS OF SLOVAKIA IN 1961-2020
Authors: Kiss Vladimir , Minarik Martin , Pagac Jakub , Tarnik Andrej , Prcik Martin
Published: April 2024

Climate change affects everyday life, especially extremely high temperatures and longterm droughts alternating with intense rainfall. Changes in rainfall distribution and increasing temperatures force farmers to adapt to new conditions. In our contribution, we compared temperature deviations from the climatic normal and the percentage of precipitation from the climatic normal. For the complexity of the data comparison, a 60- year normal was created for 81 stations in Slovakia. Data interpolation created maps were superimposed on each other and created new areas comparing the complex development of temperatures and precipitation in individual regions of Slovakia (Bratislava, Trnava, Nitra, Trencin, Zilina, Banska Bystrica, Presov and Kosice region) for the decades 1961-1970, 1991-2000 and 2011-2020 and in individual months of the year. The tables show the percentage development of the area of newly created areas in individual regions and decades. To see how currently warmer and drier areas have invaded, especially in winter, when there is an insufficient layer of snow cover in the southern regions, which affects soil moisture especially in spring. With this contribution, we can help farmers visualize the evolution of temperatures and precipitation over decades, which will also indicate future developments and they can better adapt to the impacts of climate change.
THE RIGHTS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IN ITALIAN-EUROPEAN ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
Authors: Di Benedetto Giovanna
Published: April 2024

The work analyzes the rights of future generations in a perspective of solidarity within Italian-European environmental law, in a similar way to what was done in the German legal system. The analysis is conducted through a survey of the Italian-European regulatory framework, also with specific reference to the objectives of European social policies and through the jurisprudential comparative analysis with the legal system of the Federal Republic of Germany. In particular, with specific reference to a recent environmental dispute brought before the German Constitutional Court (Case Neubauer, et all v. Germany), within which the rights of future generations to live in a healthy environment are recognized. In the aforementioned case, the complainants allege that the German government has not introduced a legal framework sufficient to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and has not limited the increase in global temperature, according to the parameters agreed in the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015. The ruling of the German Constitutional Court is relevant since it considers it inadequate to achieve the objectives set by the international obligations on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions assumed by the federal law on climate protection of 2019. The aforementioned law is considered partly unconstitutional because it does not sufficiently protect people from future violations and limitations of the rights of freedom following the gradual intensification of climate change. In particular, in a perspective of solidarity, in a not local but global conception of the environment, with the recognition of the progressive and dangerous climate change, the German Constitutional Court notes that the German legislator has not distributed the CO2 emission balance proportionally and therefore, an adequate distribution of the sacrifice among current and future generations. In particular, the German Court writes: "one generation must not be allowed to consume large portions of the CO2 balance by supporting a relatively smaller share of the reduction effort, if this would leave subsequent generations with a drastic reduction burden and expose their lives to serious losses of liberty". The European and sometimes national regulatory framework still appears to be unsatisfactory with respect to the sustainable development objectives. So, the task of the national courts is that, as in the case of the German Constitutional Court, to evaluate the national regulatory provisions on climate protection, in the light of the principle of solidarity towards future generations, adopting an environmental approach that is not limited in time and in space but global.
THE USE OF WEB MAPS IN MANAGING CRISES CAUSED BY CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: Bluszcz A. , Tobor-Osadnik K. , Manowska A. , Kelisek A.
Published: April 2024

Climate change may increase the frequency and severity of floods in many regions of the world, including Poland and Slovakia. Crises may be caused by, among others: increased rainfall, rapid melting of snow, river floods, and floods in urban areas. The article focuses on the problems occurring in Poland and Slovakia, which will have to adapt their infrastructure and policies to cope with the changing climate and increased flood risk. The article concerns aspects of crisis management using geo-informatic tools in flood situations resulting from climate change. The publication indicates events in Poland and Slovakia that resulted in flooding of urban areas. This scientific text explores the causes and impacts of floods, highlighting key sources of information and discussing mitigation strategies. Analyzes of these events were presented in terms of planning and implementation of crisis management actions and cooperation in border areas. The publication presents selected critical infrastructure facilities and identifies them in the QGIS software. Quantum GIS is free software, the Open Source Geographic Information System, enabling, among other things, the identification of critical infrastructure facilities based on available GIS Open data from the examined region. The practical use of geomatics tools was also proposed to identify places potentially at risk in the future and to develop web maps, which may be a useful tool for determining buffer zones and planning appropriate actions depending on the qualified level of risk in a given buffer. The publication may be a valuable example of the use of available IT systems in crisis management for both theoreticians and practitioners in the field of crisis management and many related industries.
TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY - REVIEW OF POLICY CHOICES SUGGESTED BY INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
Authors: Bizikova Livia
Published: April 2024

Globally, there have been significant efforts to develop new means of assessing progress beyond GDP in recent years. The recent publication by the UN Secretary-General of a policy brief (UN, 2023) is inviting member states to move beyond GDP by measuring what truly matters for sustainability and prosperity. The policy brief outlines the shortcomings of GDP as an indicator of summarizing everything too much and revealing too little to be able to adequately inform policy (UN, 2023; pp. 12). This paper will present a review of a number of recent documents (2019 � 2022) published by international agencies to explore their views on the role and types of growth to achieve their objectives such as reducing emission, improving resilience, protecting biodiversity and so on. The paper will discuss two approaches to growth and development. Most of the listed reviewed documents suggest approaches for governments to move towards sustainable, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. Second set of recommended approaches focuses on the importance of broadening the indicators used to describe economic growth, often referred to as �moving beyond GDP�. The paper will provide details on each of the suggested approaches and potential linkages and win-win solutions to improve pressing global challenges.
UHI ANALYZES FOR AREAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO LANDSLIDES IN THE CITY OF IASI
Authors: Gherasim Paul , Mihai Dima , Ion Pascariu , Silvia Popa
Published: April 2024

This study explores the intricate relationship between Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) and landslide vulnerability within the context of Iasi City, Romania. UHIs are characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to their surrounding rural areas, primarily resulting from human activities and urbanization. The combination of these two factors, UHI and landslide vulnerability, poses critical challenges for urban planning, environmental sustainability, and public safety. The research employs a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating remote sensing and geospatial analysis to assess the spatial distribution of UHI zones and their correlation with landslide susceptibility in Iasi City. Satellite imagery and meteorological data from recent years provide insights into the temporal dynamics of UHIs. Landslide susceptibility mapping is conducted through the analysis of geological, topographical, and hydrological factors, in adherence to HG 447/2003 guidelines. Results indicate that UHI zones in Iasi City exhibit distinct spatial patterns, with the urban core experiencing significantly higher temperatures compared to suburban areas. Furthermore, UHI zones are found to overlap with areas characterized by increased landslide vulnerability, especially in regions with steep slopes and poor drainage. This research contributes to a better understanding of the interplay between UHIs and landslides, providing valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and local authorities in implementing sustainable land use practices and climate adaptation measures in accordance with HG 447/2003 regulations to safeguard the future of Iasi City and similar urban areas facing similar challenges
WATER CONFLICTS LINKED TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND POPULATION EXPLOSION
Authors: Bardarov Georgi
Published: April 2024

The second half of the twentieth and the beginning of the twenty-first century are marked by two processes that pose a serious threat to the sustainable development of the world in the near future. These are the population explosion in certain parts of the world and climate change. At the beginning of the second millennium the world population was only 300 million, today it exceeds 8 billion and by the middle of this century it will reach 10 billion. At the same time, throughout human history, people have lived and worked in an identical way, now for the first time we have industry, transport, industrial animal husbandry that seriously pollute the natural environment, the consequences of it are unpredictable and they are bound to affect people. And this is already occurring, with increasingly acute drinking water shortages catalysing existing ethno-religious conflicts and generating new ones. The ones we have analyzed in this paper are along the Nile and in the Middle East along the Tigris, Euphrates and Jordan rivers. Already more than half of African countries are in water stress, and nearly a third in water disaster, including one, Uganda, which according to UN projections is expected to have a population growth between 2000 and 2050 of 302%! And when we talk about climate change and water conflicts, we need to act immediately so that tomorrow is not too late!
NOVEL MATERIALS WITH MICROENCAPSULATED ESSENTIAL OILS, POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS FOR SKIN CELLULAR REGENERATION DRESSINGS
Authors: Gheorghita Roxana , Filip Roxana , Lobiuc Anderi
Published: April 2024

Biopolymers have gained notoriety due to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics and performances. Due to their regenerability, compostability, biocompatibility, non-immunogenic, non-toxic, or non-allergenic properties, they have surpassed the boundaries of the food industry and have become fundamental components in biomedicine or the pharmaceutical industry. Thus, the most well-known applications are as drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, or wound dressings. In addition to all these characteristics, biopolymeric films have proven to be excellent matrices for incorporating various biologically active substances: natural compounds, essential oils, antioxidants, etc. The present study aimed to develop sodium alginate films, with the addition of tea tree and chamomile essential oils capsules. After development through the casting method, the materials were tested for evaluate the physical properties (thickness, retraction ratio, color, transparency, opacity), chemical properties (antioxidant characteristics), mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation), as well as solubility (water activity index, swelling index, water absorption capacity). The results indicated that alginate based - materials with the addition of essential oils capsules can be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for developing films with regenerative properties. Similarly, other biologically active substances can be incorporated, and the development technology can be easily scaled up to an industrial level.
PRELIMINARY TESTS ON FLY ASH POTENTIAL TO DEGRADE ORGANIC POLLUTANTS FROM AQUEOUS SYSTEM
Authors: Constantinov Florenta Daniela , Constantin Mirela Alina , Puiu Diana , Ionescu Ioana Alexandra , Cernica Georgina
Published: April 2024

Potential use of four types of fly ash waste as raw material for synthesis of photo- catalysts to be applied for wastewater treatment was investigated. In this respect the four selected fly ash types were subject to morphological characterization by dimensional analysis of particles and scanning electronic microscopy on to composition characterization by thermogravimetric analyses and X-ray fluorescence. Their potential to be used for advanced degradation of organic compounds via heterogeneous photocatalysis was investigated on a synthetic solution of methylene blue as model compound. Solutions containing methylene blue and fly ash (as catalyst) were subject to UV-VIS radiation and samples were collected at specific time intervals and were centrifuged in order to remove the fly ash. Methylene blue degradation efficiency was measured based on the adsorption at 662 nm via UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Obtained results proved the fly ash potential to be used as photo catalyst but in order to improve its degradation capability there is a need to develop new composite catalytic materials based on classic photo catalysts and fly ash.
AN IN VITRO STUDY: CITRUS LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL AS AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT AGAINST MICROBIAL INFECTIONS
Authors: Popescu Iuliana , Obistioiu Diana , Hulea Anca , Floares Doris , Radulov Isidora
Published: April 2024

A genuine and urgent need is to prevent and treat bacterial diseases primarily caused by germs that have developed antibiotic resistance. These factors led to several studies focusing on alternate or supplementary antimicrobial methods. With the expectation that, unlike antibiotics, they will be effective without causing resistance, researchers are becoming increasingly interested in antimicrobial substances made from natural resources, such as plant extracts, essential oils, and peptides. The present study investigated the antimicrobial behaviour of Citrus lemon essential oil against S. pyogenes (ATCC 19615), S. aureus (ATCC 25923), P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), E. coli (ATCC 25922), S. typhimurium (ATCC 14028), H. influenzae type B (ATCC 10211), C. albicans (ATCC 10231), and C. parapsilopsis (ATCC 22019). The microdilution assay demonstrated good antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oil with variable MIC values depending on the microbial species. The chromatographic analyses by GC-MS were performed because the antimicrobial activity is correlated with the chemical composition. The results revealed 24 compounds, with D-limonene (66.67%) and beta-pinene (12.39%) as the predominant compounds.
ANALYSIS OF VEGETATION COVERAGE OF GRASSLANDS BASED ON NDVI VALUES. CASE STUDY: POIANA RUSCA MOUNTAINS
Authors: Copacean Loredana , Popescu Cosmin , Livia Barliba Luminita , Simon Mihai , Cojocariu Luminita
Published: April 2024

In any terrestrial area, but especially in the case of mountainous areas, the spatial distribution of vegetation is conditioned by a series of natural factors such as relief, climatic factors or soils. From another point of view, the distribution of vegetation is different, depending on the phenophases, implicitly on the observation period, during the growing season. In this context, the aim of the work was to analyze the vegetation coverage of the grasslands in the Poiana Rusca Mountains, by applying the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), in five different periods. Five satellite images from the months of March, May, July, August and October were used, on which NDVI was applied, later reclassified according to the obtained values. Quantitatively, the changes produced from one time interval to another were calculated, based on the matrix of transitions, and thus, the changes produced were highlighted. It was found that the highest degree of vegetation coverage of the grasslands was in July, the "peak" of the vegetation season. The application of NDVI for the analysis of vegetation distribution has several advantages: it complements measurements in the field, it is expressed in the form of thematic maps that can be integrated with other geospatial data, it allows the location of "problematic" or risky areas, in terms of vegetation cover..
ANALYZING THE GROWTH PATTERNS OF STERLET (ACIPENSER RUTHENUS) VS. HYBRID STURGEON (A. RUTHENUS, FEMALE X A. GUELDENSTAEDTII, MALE) FINGERLINGS REARED WITHIN A RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM
Authors: Grozea Adrian , Furdean Sorin , Lalescu Dacian , Grozea Ioana , Patruica Silvia
Published: April 2024

Reusing and recirculating the water in which aquatic organisms are cultivated is a crucial goal in improving the sustainability of aquaculture. As a result, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) have become increasingly popular recently as a means of raising various fish species, including sturgeons. Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and a sturgeon hybrid (a cross between male A. gueldenstaedtii and female A. ruthenus) were reared in a RAS, and their growth was monitored during the first 6 months of their life. The aim was to analyze the growth patterns of their main body traits while maintaining identical rearing conditions. The RAS used for our trials had 3 tanks with a volume of one cubic meter each. Three hundred sterlets and 300 sturgeon hybrids, each 2 months old, were placed in triplicate into the three tanks of the RAS, with each tank containing a combination of 200 fish (100 sterlets and 100 hybrids, respectively). Thirty sterlets and 30 hybrids were randomly measured twice per month to determine key body traits, including total length, standard length, maximum body depth, and body weight. At 2 months old, the disparities in primary body traits between sterlets and hybrid sturgeon were minimal and statistically insignificant (p>0.05). However, by the time they reached 6 months of age, these differences had increased highly significant (p?0.001). The hybrid sturgeons significantly outperformed the sterlet in the same RAS rearing conditions, being much heavier and longer at the age of 6 months.
ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF RAPESEED MEAL INTENDED FOR MONOGASTRIC LIVESTOCK FEEDING
Authors: Hotea Ionela , Sirbu Catalin , Plotuna Anamaria , Tirziu Emil , Radulov Isidora
Published: April 2024

Rapeseed meal is a valuable source of protein for animals feeding. It can be used as an alternative to soybean meal in the mixtures of combined feeds intended for farm animals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional composition of the rapeseed meal intended for use in the feeding of monogastric livestock. 70 samples of rapeseed meal arrived at the Laboratory of Chemical Analyses for Animal Nutrition, were analysed. The following values were obtained for the main nutritional compounds: crude protein (CP) � 37.95%, with variations between 35.26 and 41.67%; ether extract (EE) � 1.84%, with values between 1.55 � 2.06%; crude fiber (CF) � 11.93%, with variations between 9.85 � 14.93%; and nitrogen-free extracts (NfE) � 41.07%, varying significantly between 35.75 � 45.82%. In order to evaluate the nutritional value of rapeseed meal, the digestible forms of nutrients and the value of metabolizable energy (ME) for pigs and poultry were calculated, using predictive formulas. The average ME value for pigs was 1278.57 kcal/kg, varying between 1145.63 - 1398.27 kcal/kg, and for poultry the ME value was 935.06 kcal/kg, being between 837.90 - 1022.55 kcal/kg. These data underline the importance of the chemical and nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients before they are included in the diets of farm animals in order to have the certainty of correctly calculated rations and to ensure the amounts of nutrients in accordance with their feeding norms, in order to maximize animal production.