bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HISTORY OF CLIMATE DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MINING AND RECLAMATION IN THE MOST BASIN - RESEARCH RESULTS AND PROPOSED ADAPTATION MEASURES
Authors: Rehor Michal , Zaruba Jiri , Vrablik Petr , Helebrant Frantisek , Schmidt Pavel
Published: February 2023

The Research Institute for Brown Coal j. s. c. (VUHU) has been involved in the research project of the EU Research Fund of Coal and Steel - The impact of extreme weather events on mining operations for four years. The project is focused on assessing the impact of climate change on mining activities in major European coal basins. Other participants are scientific teams from Poland, Great Britain, Spain, Germany and Greece. This is the last year of the project solving, so this paper summarizes the results of the solution for the Czech Republic. The first part of the paper summarizes the knowledge of the historical development of the climate, including significant climatic disasters. Attempts to reconstruct the paleoclimate in the Tertiary based on the evaluation of preserved geological phenomena are also briefly evaluated here. The next part of the paper evaluates the development of temperature and precipitation in the wider area of the Most Basin, including the forecast for the future and the impact of climate change on mining and reclamation. Therefore, the greatest attention is paid to the proposed adaptation strategies. All laboratory analyses carried out as part of this research were carried out by VUHU testing laboratories accredited by CIA according to CSN EN 150-IEC 17025 on the basis of internal methodological procedures based on relevant standards.
IMPACT OF OUT-OF-FURNACE CAST IRON PROCESSING ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Pribulova Alena , Fedorko Patrik , Futas Peter , Pokusova Marcela , Palfy Pavol
Published: February 2023

Ductile iron is currently one of the most popular construction materials. Its mechanical properties are close to those of steel. The basic material in the production of ductile iron is gray iron, which can be produced in a cupola or in an electric induction or electric arc furnace. After tapping the gray cast iron from the furnace, the gray cast iron is processing into ductile iron. This process is called modification. Magnesium and its alloys and cerium are most often used as modifiers. In addition to the modification, the cast iron must then be inoculated. This paper deals with the impact of gray cast iron modification on the working environment. The experiments were performed in two foundries, where three modification technologies were used: the pouring method, the Tundisch cover and the Flottret method. The aim of the experiments was to determine how the individual modification methods affect the development of magnesium vapor, the content of carbon monoxide in the working environment and the temperature in the working environment. During the experiments, the CO content and temperature were measured before the modification itself, immediately after the modification and one hour after the modification. The greatest development of CO occurred after the modification. This was most significant in the pouring method. A similar situation occurred in the case of a change in temperature. Within one hour of the start of the modification, both the CO content and the ambient temperature returned to the original level before the modification.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PROCEDURES, PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES IN AN ENTERPRISE TO INCREASE PRODUCTION AND ELIMINATE FOOD WASTE
Authors: Tita Ovidiu , Popa Oana Maria , Sas Claudia Nicoleta , Tita Mihaela Adriana , Oprita Tiberius-Ilie
Published: February 2023

Food waste is a growing global concern, with the attention of major global organizations focusing on monitoring and finding solutions to optimize it. According to the latest data published by the National Institute of Public Health on this topic (2019), in Romania, food waste is estimated at 6,000 tons per day 49% from households, 37% from the food industry, 7% from retail, 5 % of public catering and 2% of the agricultural sector.
In this context, it was proposed to implement a system based on reducing waste and waste as much as possible in an institution in the food industry. This system involves reducing losses to improve business performance and optimizing production with the motivation of the idea "produce more, consume less" and as a method the concept of solving problems from cause to root.
The current study involved the implementation and follow-up of several procedures leading to the desired results, these being: VSM - Value Flow Mapping, 5S - the method of obtaining in 5 steps, a clean, organized and standardized work environment that makes the problems visible and eliminates waste, TPM - Total Productive Maintenance (MA - Autonomous Maintenance, MP - Planned Maintenance), SMED - reduction of change times, standardized work and continuous improvement.
Reducing waste generates additional resources (time, space, money) that can be used to improve processes, so the main goals we focused on were reducing waste, increasing process flexibility, maintaining quality at the highest level, and training and staff development to achieve the desired results.
The 5S, TPM and SMED implementation pilot project aimed at a P2 production line in the first stage, resulting in it is possible to work on the standards of autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, and the 5S procedure established a clean work area with clean equipment, a space well organized in such a way as to reduce the risk of contamination and work in batches to reduce their waste. For the TPM procedure, it was concluded that it helps to keep the machines in good condition, the problems are reported in time to be solved to avoid major failures, critical which can further endanger the safety of the product thus rejecting the batch in question.
The SMED principle aims to change the format, with a clear standard, reduces the risk of mistakes.
A standardized process guarantees quality by: operating procedures are known to all operators, if a problem occurs, the deviation from the standard can be easily measured, problem-solving methods are implemented, a troubleshooting standard is set for each problem and quality issues are minimized.
INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION ON THE MEASUREMENT OF SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE OF LEAVES
Authors: Barek Viliam , Kovacova Martina , Igaz Dusan , Paulen Oleg
Published: February 2023

Using remote sensing functional aspects of the landscape such as energy exchange between vegetation and the atmosphere, surface reflectance or vegetation heat flux can be monitored and evaluated in detail. Multispectral imagery is used to obtain information on the condition of the vegetation and plant growth, as it allows us to obtain information on possible nutrient deficiencies, pest damage or other manifestations of abiotic stress on the plants. Each surface reflects and emits radiation at different wavelengths, making it possible to create spectral curves for each surface. The waveforms of spectral curves differ based on vegetation type or physiological state, they exhibit similar basic features. Vegetation indices are used to process the measured data. In our research we focused on the changes in the values of selected vegetation indices depending on soil moisture. Spectrometer measurements were only made in 2021 on walnut in the irrigated and non-irrigated variants. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) index is influenced by the chlorophyll content of the leaves. The NDVI value increased after application of irrigation dose. In the non-irrigated variant, the values decreased with decreasing rainfall and at the beginning of August. Measurements of vegetation indices show better canopy physiology in irrigated trees that responded to changes in soil moisture. Leaf physiological condition in the nonirrigated variant was more variable. As a result of the rainfall between 12 July and 27 July, when a total of 18.7 mm of rainfall fell, the condition of the non-irrigated trees began to improve.
INFLUENCE OF THE ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURE ON VARNA AND BELOSLAV LAKES AND THEIR ICHTHYOFAUNA
Authors: Bekova Radoslava , Prodanov Bogdan , Lambev Todor
Published: February 2023

The Varna and Beloslav lakes are the most strongly anthropogenized water bodies along the Bulgarian coast. At present, the lakes are again subject to deepening of the navigable channel, which significantly changes the quality of the habitats. An ecosystem approach was used to assess the status of the populations of fish species from the Varna-Beloslav Lake Complex. The paper's main purpose is to provide up-to-date information on the ichthyofauna of the largest northern Bulgarian Black sea brackish water bodies � Varna and Beloslav Lakes, the influence of the anthropogenic factor and its consequences.. The article includes data from mass kill fish and changes in physicochemical parameters in the period 2019 - 2021, compared to the previous periods, and identifies the main species affected by anthropogenic pressure. The data show that the mass death of fish includes small age groups and size classes. The anthropogenic pressure analysis shows that many fish species inhabiting the two lakes have lost their natural habitats.
LAND RESOURCES AND RECLAMATION IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION (A CASE STUDY OF THE MOSCOW REGION)
Authors: Alekseev Roman , Vititnev Sergei , Kozyakova Nataliya , Mahmudova Swetlana
Published: February 2023

When considering environmental priorities in the Moscow region, it was pointed out that not only human economic activity damages the environment, but also resources a significant part is destroyed by fires and other emergencies, which number has been increasing in recent years. Land resources are among the main exhaustible resources without which human existence is impossible. State activity, first and foremost, must be aimed at the land resources effective management and protection against the human economic activity consequences negative impact. In the article, the authors pay special attention to the responsibilities of recultivation (a set of works aimed at restoring productivity and other land values, as well as improving environmental conditions) of disturbed lands by persons whose activities have led to a deterioration in the quality of land, provided for by the Land Code of the Russian Federation. The implementation of the environmental policy by the leadership of the Moscow region, which is aimed at improving the condition of land, water and atmospheric air quality, is being investigated. Municipal waste landfills are being recultivated in the region, an extensive network of atmospheric air monitoring has been launched and large-scale clearing of ponds and lakes is being carried out.
MACROMYCETES AND PLANTS FROM AREAS AFFECTED BY ANTIMONY MINING � BIOCONCENTRATION FACTORS
Authors: Kautmanova Ivona , Stubnova Eliska Gburova , Lalinska-Volekova Bronislava , Farago Tomas
Published: February 2023

Species of macrofungi were collected from extremely polluted sampling spots in the vicinity of abandoned antimony mines in Slovakia. Concentrations of potentially toxic elements in plants and fungi were determined by ICP-MS and in soils and sediments by both ICP-MS and ICP-ES. Of the edible species the highest values of arsenic and cadmium were recorded in Agaricus arvensis, lead in Imleria badia and representatives of the genera Boletus, Leccinum and Suillus accumulated high levels of mercury. Suillus species also accumulated high levels of antimony and chromium. Bioconcentration factors were calculated for selected species and antimony, cadmium, and mercury were accumulated by most of the sampled species. Based on the results of our study, we can assume that the species Cardamine amara belongs to accumulators of potentially toxic elements. We do not recommend the consumption of edible mushrooms and medicinal plants from the studied localities, as they may pose a risk of intoxication for humans.
MICROBIAL COMPOSITION OF NATURAL Fe OXYHYDROXIDES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ARSENIC AND ANTIMONY SORPTION
Authors: Lalinska-Volekova Bronislava , Majerova Hana , Kautmanova Ivona , Farago Tomas , Szaboova Dana , Brcekova Jana
Published: February 2023

The presented paper represents a comprehensive analysis of hydrous ferric oxides (HFOs) precipitated from Fe rich drainage waters contaminated by arsenic and antimony. Ochre samples from three abandoned Sb deposits were collected in three different seasons and were characterized from the mineralogical, geochemical, and microbiological point of view. They were formed mainly by poorly crystallized 2-line ferrihydrite, with the content of arsenic in samples ranging from 0.7 wt.% to 13 wt.% and content of antimony ranging from 0.025 wt.% up to 1.2 wt.%. Next-generation sequencing approach with 16S RNA, 18S RNA and ITS markers was used to characterize bacterial, fungal, algal, metazoal and protozoal communities occurring in the HFOs. In the 16S RNA, the analysis dominated bacteria (96.2 %) were mainly Proteobacteria (68.8 %) and Bacteroidetes (10.2 %) and to less extent also Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Nitrosprae and Chloroflexi. Alpha and beta diversity analysis revealed that the bacterial communities of individual sites do not differ significantly, and only subtle seasonal changes were observed.
This study provides evidence of diverse microbial communities that exist in drainage waters and are highly important in the process of mobilization or immobilization of the potentially toxic elements.
MULTIPLE BIOMONITORING TESTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Authors: Cozea Andreea , Bucur Elena
Published: February 2023

The studies presented in this paper, were aimed at testing, in order to extend the applicability of the methodology for approaching biomonitoring methods to new domains of activity by using bioindicators. The proposed and applied methodology aimed to add new complex studies, some of that not previously used, combining macroscopic, microscopic and biochemical analyses of selected and exposed bioindicators compared to control bioindicators maintained under standardized conditions in the climate chamber. The change of the appearance and of the biochemical composition of plants exposed to various pollutants are compared to those not exposed. The plants selected as bioindicator�s were: Nicotiana tabacum; Petunia hibryda, Ricinus communis and Trifolium pratense. The experimental tests were carried out in three areas and the comparative evaluation of the air quality and of the biological effects generated were highlighted in direct correlation between the level of air pollution and the response of the tested bioindicators. In synthesis, under these conditions, it was concluded that the newly tested plants in these case studies, Ricinus communis and Trifolium pratense, could be used to monitor air quality in the vicinity of industrially polluted areas.
MYCORESTORATION � OVERVIEW OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF USING FUNGI IN COMMUNAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Pavlik Martin , Dzurenko Marek , Pavlik JR. Martin
Published: February 2023

The increase in human population brings an increase in consumption, higher pressure in often limited space and growth of waste, particularly in communal environments. Out of the huge volume of communal waste, a portion is composed of biologically degradable and other waste, that could be recycled utilizing eco-friendly means � e.g. fungal activity.
This includes plant waste from gardens, yards, parks, orchards and forests, or plant debris not utilized by other ecologically and economically useful means. In this contribution, we present results obtained by inoculation of woody and herbaceous waste by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. Appropriate means of inoculation resulted in faster, more efficient and near-natural decomposition of woody debris after felling � tree stumps, coarse and fine parts of trunks and branches, as well as a mix of wood, bark and other substrates, including ash after burning of wood. Based on a detailed economical assessment, it was demonstrated that production of oyster mushroom fruiting bodies obtained via decomposition of woody waste material may provide significant financial gain. Preliminary results corroborate the presumption of the oyster mushroom�s ability to eliminate negative environmental impacts of ash generated in heat production. Mycelial filaments are able to mechanically bind ash particles, decompose some of its components into a near-natural form, and absorb heavy metals, ultimately resulting in soil purification.
Thus, near-natural utilization of various species of lignicolous fungi for the decomposition of unused parts of natural products may prove useful for both humans and nature.
RADIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS BY GROSS ALPHA/ BETA, 137Cs AND 90Sr ACTIVITIES OF MILK SAMPLES FROM SIBIU AND ALBA COUNTY, ROMANIA
Authors: Taban Cecilia , Tausan Ioan , Oancea Simona
Published: February 2023

The evaluation of radioactivity levels was performed on milk samples collected biannually for a period of 10 years (2012-2021) from two Central Romanian counties, Sibiu and Alba. The radioactivity concentrations in milk samples originated from Sibiu varied from 0.028�0.001 Bq/L to 0.347�0.017 Bq/L, from 24.017�0.977 Bq/L to 65.403�6.281 Bq/L, from 0.090�0.010 Bq/L to 0.110�0.010 Bq/L, from 0.085 to 0.110 Bq/L, for gross alpha, gross beta, 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively. The radioactivity concentrations in milk samples originated from Alba varied from 0.056�0.003 Bq/L to 0.347�0.020 Bq/L, from 23.499�0.785Bq/L to 59.483�2.881 Bq/L, from 0.095�0.010 Bq/L to 0.110�0.011 Bq/L, from 0.088�0.009 Bq/L to 0.101�0.009 Bq/L, for gross alpha, gross beta, 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively. The mean values in tested samples from Sibiu/Alba were 0.163�0.006 Bq/L/0.194�0.008 Bq/L for gross alpha, 41.232�3.360 Bq/L/ 39.285�3.230 Bq/L for gross beta, 0.100�0.010 Bq/L/ 0.098�0.009 Bq/L for 137Cs, and 0.093�0.009 Bq/L/ 0.094�0.009 Bq/L for 90Sr. No statistically significant differences between values in tested milk from Sibiu and Alba counties were found. In the absence of WHO and UNSCEAR recommendations on limit values for alpha and beta raw activity levels in milk, but in accordance with the recommendations of Directive 52/2016, 137Cs and 90Sr radionuclides of the tested milk samples were within the maximum permitted levels and have no side effects on health.
RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS REGARDING THE HIGHLIGHTING OF ANTHROPOGENIC PRESSURES AND THE GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE PROTECTED AREAS
Authors: Stanescu Bogdan Adrian , Gasnac Marian Gabriel , Codreanu Ana Maria , Cernica Georgiana , Cuciureanu Adriana
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this article is to assess the quality of soil and water environmental factors in some protected areas in Romania both to establish geochemical threshold values and to highlight anthropogenic pressures where they have been identified. The activities carried out are defined spatially and temporally so that the results obtained include seasonal variations and other influencing factors that have a variability on a temporal and spatial scale. Each protected area introduced in the study was well documented, the particularities, the basic characteristics, the influencing factors and those that can influence the quality of the environmental factors were presented. The developed conceptual model integrated all these elements for a better knowledge of the study areas. The experiments aimed at taking soil and water samples from each analyzed site, then these samples were subjected to laboratory tests that included twenty parameters / quality indicators analyzed for each sample, and the values obtained were compared with those in the legislation in force. In the areas under the influence of anthropogenic activities, aspects of detail were highlighted, which mainly reveal a degradation of environmental factors. A general conclusion is related to the variability of the quality of environmental factors from one protected area to another, depending on the specifics, geological, geomorphological dowry, but also as a result of the manifestation of anthropogenic pressures.
RESEARCH ON THE EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF DETONABILITY OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS BASED ON AMMONIUM NITRATE REGARDING CERTIFICATION FOR SAFE USE IN AGRICULTURE
Authors: Miron Iuliana Claudia , Gheorghiosu Edward , Rus Daniela Carmen , Ilici Stefan , Kovacs Attila
Published: February 2023

Ammonium nitrate used as fertilizer is classified, according to Orangebook, as a hazardous substance in Class 5 Division 1 (5.1), oxidizing substances. Although, under fire conditions, ammonium nitrate burns in certain situations, the transition from combustion to detonation can occur. Such accidents have occurred in several countries, with significant quantities, including in Romania. Such catastrophic scenarios can occur in the case of nitrogen-based chemical fertilizers, in which case the manufacturing recipe (dolomite inhibitor additive, respectively silicone antiglutinant) is not made correctly. Exposure of nitrogen fertilizers to repeated temperature fluctuations during storage and transport leads to recrystallization of the substance as a result of these thermal cycles. This recrystallization promotes an increase in sensitivity to detonation, which is unacceptable for a chemical fertilizer intended for widespread use in agriculture. In order to verify this aspect (sensitivity to detonation), under laboratory conditions, successive thermal cycles of heating and cooling of a quantity of about 8 kg of ammonium nitrate fertilizer with a high nitrogen content must be carried out in an specialized installation with a thermal conditioning bath with predefined cycles, the duration of the entire thermal conditioning process being approximately 35 hours. INSEMEX Petro?ani, has purchased a suitable equipment for this conditioning, namely water bath, with heating and cooling system, respectively, programmable. In order to achieve a high level of automation, the water bath is controlled by a computer, on which the specialized NEScom 4.0 software runs. The results of the use of this automated system are appropriate for the purpose for which it was put into operation.
RESEARCH RESULTS ON BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF NEW GEORGIAN PLANT GROWTH BIOSTIMULANTS � BACTOFERT-L BLATT, BACTOFERT-L BODEN, AND BACTOFERT �L Si
Authors: Dumbadze Guguli , Lortkipanidze Roza , Chachkhiani-Anasashvili Nunu , Alasania Nargiza , Jgenti Lali
Published: February 2023

The significance of organic plant growth stimulants, in the development of sustainable agriculture and increasing the fertility of degraded soils has sparked the interest of scientists and practitioners working in the field of agriculture in recent decades. On the world market, there are numerous plant growth biostimulants of various origins and compositions, as well as numerous research analyzing their impacts and roles.
The study aimed to determine the novel biological activity of the new Georgian biostimulants Bactofert-L Blatt, Bactofert-L Boden, and Bactofert-L Si, which were developed by "Geofert" LTD. For this reason, Cucumber seedlings were obtained, and their growth intensity was studied according to root and stem length, leaf assimilation surface, and seedling mass under the action of 0.15 percent solution of biostimulants in laboratory conditions. Other biostimulators of Georgian and foreign origin available on the Georgian market were also included in the study to examine the biological activity of biopreparations.The research was carried out using the GOST-54221-2010 technique. In comparison to the control variant and other experimental stimulants, studies have shown that all three Georgian bio preparations - Bactofert-L Blatt, Bactofert-L Boden, and Bactofert-L Si - have strong biological activity. The best biostimulator for plant growth boosters has been determined as Bactofert-L Boden.
SAFE EVACUATION OF PEOPLE FROM OBJECTS AFFECTED BY DISASTER WITH SUBSEQUENT FIRE
Authors: Heinzova Zuzana , Kubricka Katerina , Podkul Marek , Pokorny Jiri , Brumarova Lenka , Reitsema Jorg
Published: February 2023

People hear about disasters that affect the whole world daily from various media sources. These disasters include natural disasters, disasters caused by mankind or a combination of the two. This includes the war that is happening in Ukraine. Many disasters can cause a fire to occur in buildings. With any fire in a building, a safe evacuation of people must be ensured. Thus, it is important to design buildings so that when people are evacuating, they are safe. Escape routes must ensure that all people can get to a safe place in a short amount of time. The article describes the options of creating protected escape routes (further PER), efficacy of ventilation systems of PER with regard to ensuring a quick and safe evacuation of people. The article also evaluates methods of natural ventilation on PER. To evaluate the efficacy of the ventilation of PER a mathematical model Fire Dynamic Simulator with an extension Pyrosim is used. Parameters important for the safety of people in PER are temperature, visibility and the volume of air flowing from the vents measured per a unit of time. The article also suggests a change to the established methods of ventilating the PER with regard to partial results obtained and proposes a new method of research that is focused on the safety of people when evacuating from buildings in danger of a fire.
SCREENING ON SOME PERMANENT GRASSLANDS IN TIMIS COUNTY (WESTERN ROMANIA). CASE STUDY
Authors: Durau Carmen Claudia , Okros Adalbert , Urlica Andreea , Mircov Vlad Dragoslav
Published: February 2023

The grass of the grasslands is the most accessible source of food for herbivores during a significant period of a year. The knowledge of the floristic composition of grasslands reflects the current state and is an essential element in determining the load of animals. This paper is a case study and aims to inventory the species participating in the grass cover near some localities in Western Romania. Vegetation surveys were made in March, June and the first quarter of October. The study method by which the vegetation was determined is the linear method on the basis of which different indices could be calculated such as: specific frequency, biodiversity index, pastoral value. The obtained results led to the conclusion that the analyzed permanent meadows are classified as mediocre in terms of forage, the pastoral value expressing these aspects. Regarding the biodiversity of the analyzed grasslands, it is classified as medium and high in one of the cases. Based on the analysis of these results, respectively their correlation with the mode of intervention on these permanent grasslands, the possible evolutionary trends of the vegetation and its direction can be outlined in order to improve the economic value and the species richness.
SPATIAL ASPECTS OF SUBURBANIZATION IN THE HITERLAND OF PRESOV IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Krokusova Juliana , Cech Vladimir
Published: February 2023

The main objective of the paper is to analyze and evaluate what are the manifestations and impacts of suburbanization in the hinterland of the city of Presov. The first manifestations of suburbanization started in 1996 and continue even nowadays. This process brings several consequences, economic, social, demographic, environmental, etc. When looking at migration flows, Presov has shown a long-term decline in population. The municipalities located in its hinterland show an increase in population. In this paper we will focus mainly on the impacts of suburbanization in the landscape - landscape fragmentation, arable land grabbing and leapfrog development. The emphasis of the paper is on the analysis of aerial and historical imagery and field research to provide mapping and photo-documentation of spatial aspects in the study area.
STUDIES ON THE LEVEL OF SOUND POLLUTION IN BRAILA, ROMANIA
Authors: Drasovean Romana , Cretu Romica , Condurache-Bota Simona , Murariu Gabriel
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the degree of noise pollution in Braila. Braila is a city located in southeastern Romania. For this purpose, sound level measurements were performed in various important locations in this city. The monitoring took place between November 2019 and June 2020.
The measurements were performed using a professional digital acoustic sound level meter that can record sound values between 30dB-130dB. The sound level meter works with two frequency filters: �A� and �C�. �A� filter responds in the same way as the human ear to the increase and decrease of sound amplitude along the spectrum. �C� filter is suitable for uniform measurements without amplitude increase or amplitude decrease. �C� filter can measure the sound level for cars and engines. Both filters operate in the 31.3 Hz and 8 kHz range.
The series measured with Noise Logger Communication Tool sound level meter in the two frequency domains were represented as a boxplot. In all monitored areas, the average values recorded in A frequency range are significantly lower than those recorded in C frequency range. This is due to the presence in the environment of some sources of noise from road traffic which includes light and high-speed cars.
The data distribution is generally asymmetric to the left, with higher scores. After the establishment of the state of emergency caused by the spread of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, it is observed that the data distribution becomes asymmetric to the right, predominating the low values of the sound intensity level.
Using Anova program we analyzed the similarity between the noise series measured in the A and C frequency range. For this purpose, Pearson coefficients also were calculated.
STUDY ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND WILDLIFE ROADKILL IN ROMANIA
Authors: Nicolae Raluca Ioana , Popescu Stefan Catalin
Published: February 2023

Infrastructure projects can be the source of multiple environmental impacts, such as roadkill, habitat loss, and habitat fragmentation. Specialty studies have shown that almost 194 million birds and 29 million mammals may be killed each year on European roads.
In our country, the dense network of national roads often causes roadkill events, with the following possible impact forms: reduction of wildlife species populations, damage to population fitness, changes in the spatial distribution and migration routes. At the same time, the presence of an animal on the road can also lead to a degree of discomfort and endangerment for traffic participants.
At the same time, highways have their fair share of roadkill events. In Romania, the highway network includes only about 961 km built, the investments in the field of infrastructure being made mainly to connect the east (the Black Sea coast) with the west (the connection with other countries from the European Union). Nowadays, highway networks are being built to become mobility lanes to other regions of the country and exits to other neighboring countries.
Recently, there is an increased focus on the environmental component for large infrastructure projects at national level, with solutions that can be implemented from the feasibility study phase.
The paper deals with wildlife roadkill findings, associated with different infrastructure projects throughout the country, correlated with the proposal of measures to stop or reduce such negative events.
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE, GIS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Vasiliev Denis , Hazlett Richard , Stevens Rodney , Bornmalm Lennart
Published: February 2023

Food security is one of the most important issues that needs to be addressed in order to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals. Currently multiple technologies are used in conventional agricultural practices, including application of artificial intelligence and GIS. However, the technologies are rarely considered in sustainable farming practices. Organic agriculture, although gaining traction in recent times, mostly relies on traditional, rather than technologically advanced approaches. There are, however, multiple opportunities to increase efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable farming by integrating it with modern technology. Implementation of such solutions would be particularly important in the Global South, where food insecurity is a severe problem. Obstacles to implementation of highly technological solutions in this context generally include lack of finance and skills. However, recent advances in technologies address both these problems. Thus, it is essential to consider application of modern GIS and artificial intelligence for facilitation of sustainable farming globally.
SUSTAINABLE USE OF MEAT AND BONE MEAL THROUGH DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROCESSES
Authors: Zaharioiu Anca Maria , Ionete Roxana Elena , Bucura Felicia , Marin Florian , Constantinescu Marius
Published: February 2023

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is considered animal waste and can no longer be used in agriculture since the onset of the disease called spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. This waste is burned and then dumped in landfills, which causes unwanted emissions to the environment. This is a real problem nowadays and we must find environmentally friendly solutions must be identified to eliminate this waste by energy recovery. For these reasons, a lot of processes have been developed to recovery the MBM, which are environmentally friendly and generate alternative fuels. The pyrolysis process takes place at a temperature of 500 degrees Celsius in a nitrogen atmosphere and in the absence of oxygen that could have developed nitrogen and sulfur compounds. The pyrolysis and gasification processes result in three types of products: MBM pyrolysis bio-oil, MBM pyrolysis gas and MBM pyrolysis bio-char. The calorific value of MBM, but also of reaction products such as MBM pyrolysis bio-oil and MBM pyrolysis gas is in the range of 17.8 MJ / kg - 36.7 MJ / kg. Due to the high ash content and low calorific value of the bio-char, it cannot be used as an alternative fuel. Bio-char can be used to fertilize soils due to its high phosphorus content, in a proportion of about 40%.
THE ATMOSPHERIC AIR QUALITY ANALYSIS AND THE HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE KAZAN CITY POPULATION (THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN)
Authors: Stepanova Natalya , Fomina Suryana , Valeeva Emiliya , Ziyatdinova Alfiya , Skvortsova Galiya
Published: February 2023

Monitoring of atmospheric air in the city of Kazan was performed based on average annual concentrations of the Air Pollution Observation Stations (APOS) of three administrations: The Federal Budgetary Healthcare Institution �Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in RT (Tatarstan)� (FBHI �H&E Center in RT�), Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of RT (MEPNR of RT) and Federal State Budgetary Institution �Territorial Administration for Hydrometeorological and Environmental Monitoring in RT� (FSBI �TAHEM in RT�). Two Kazan districts with population size equal to one third of the city (the Vakhitovsky and the Sovetsky ones), where APOS of all three administrations were compactly located, were identified for the study. Control data differ in pollutants priority and quantitative estimation of certain pollutants. Non-carcinogenic risk evaluation results on chemical effluence with vehicle emissions had no discrepancies (unacceptably high total risk level in Vakhitovsky and Sovetsky city districts, HI was greater than 6.0); however, danger coefficients obtained from the data of the Federal State-Funded Healthcare Institution �Hygienic and Epidemiological Center in the Republic of Tatarstan� far exceed similar results of other agencies. Verification of the available sampling techniques and development of a single approach to analysis and evaluation of the environmental pollution by harmful substances are required for a consistent risk assessment by monitoring agencies.
THE DOUBLE SIDED IMPACT OF BEAR WATCHING IN THE GIURGEU BASIN, ROMANIA
Authors: Peteley Attila , Nita Adrian , Crisan Hunor-Flaviu , Mara Vasile , Balint-Balint Lorant
Published: February 2023

Sustainability within a region is achieved by providing a variety of services regarding the tourism products within an area. The Giurgeu basin in order to be able to sustain its values, needs to offer a wide variety of services that attract and increase the overnight stay of tourists. The services needed to be diversified with the beginning of the pandemic season of 2020 - 2022. These services existed before, but during the pandemic period, where the tourism suffered the most, it became evident that the entrepreneurs needed to find other means of attracting people. For more than two years the tourism needed to adapt, and to try to attract clients from the domestic market. The services needed to be targeted mainly towards the Romanian market. The entrepreneurs needed to provide new packages.
In this paper we would like to analyze the perspective of offering special tourism packages that include wildlife watching trips in the depression, to observe the wildlife from safe locations. These trips are called bear watching�s, where the tourists go into the wilderness and from safe, specifically built locations observe the big games from a close distance. These games include the main attraction the brown bears, and most of the times the other big animals are present as well meaning the Carpathian stag, the common deer, the wild boar, the red fox, rabbit, a variety of birds. The animals are attracted by the abundance of food sources present at these feeders. The tourists come here to see these animals. We would like to analyze the impact of the animal watching�s on the tourism, and the impact of the tourism on the behavior and existential habits of the wild animals of the area. We conclude that sustaining such activities is not having a benefic impact on the existing wildlife�s existential habits and alters their seasonal behavior resulting in long lasting changes that impact generations of animals and the relationship between the wild animals and the inhabiting local population.
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE DYNAMICS OF DENDROMETRIC CHANGES IN 2019-2021
Authors: Kiss Vladimir , Barek Viliam , Igaz Dusan , Kovacova Martina
Published: February 2023

The threat of climate change and its negative consequences is currently a very serious and immediate problem. Undoubtedly, the most striking manifestation of climate change is global warming, both on land and in the oceans. Increasing the average air temperature adversely affects natural ecosystems, which find it very difficult to adapt to this change. Significant consequence of climate change is also the fundamental impact on water resources. In this work we focused on the influence of climatic conditions on the dynamics of walnut tree (Juglans regia L.) in July (2019-2021), when the influence of lack of precipitation on the walnut growth are most critical. We compared dendrometric changes to air temperature and precipitation. For this measurement were used Dendrometers DD-S from Ecomatic at two groups of walnut trees � irrigated and non-irrigated trees. From the results, it is found a significant decrease in precipitation compared to the climate normal, most marked in 2021. A significant difference between irrigated and non-irrigated walnuts is seen in 2019 (3.2 mm) and in 2020 (2.4 mm). In 2021, the difference is only 0.85 mm, which could be due to insufficient irrigation, lack of precipitation, and the quantity of fruit. The impact of climate change and its greatest impact � drought, can be observed throughout the period under review. This research can serve as a basis for drought assessment and will be further developed.
URBAN NOISE POLLUTION AND ANTHROPOGENIC RELIEF; CASE STUDY FOR A MEDIUM-SIZED CITY
Authors: Condurache-Bota Simona , Murariu Gabriel , Drasovean Romana Maria , Cretu Romica
Published: February 2023

The distinction between noise and sound is mainly based on the discomfort of the latter, the noise being perceived as a negative sensation, while sounds are generally perceived as being pleasant. Noise and noise pollution are practically identical terms. Noise pollution is the exposure of humans and / or animals to sounds whose frequencies and intensities are harmful, affecting the auditory system, inducing stress or other instant or long term effects on the physical and mental health. For too recently, it has been recognized that noise can really have a dangerous effect on health. Urban noise is directly related to the types of human activities, being strongly influenced by population density, but also depends on urban architecture, i.e. the distribution of buildings and road network. One should keep in mind that traffic is an important noise source. Another such source is given by construction works which, even if discontinuous, when they are active, they induce serious sound discomfort and even worse. On the other side, the distribution of open and green spaces also influences the propagation of sounds, their reflection and absorption, factors that are too little analyzed in small and mediumsized developing cities. Such a combination of noise pollution factors and aspects that allow the dispersion of sounds is analyzed in this study in the case of Galati, a mediumsized city in Romania. Measurements of the sound intensity level were performed on several days and at different times, in areas with different urban architecture and noise sources, analyzing the connection between them as also related to the rhythm of human activities.
USE OF BY-PRODUCTS FROM DIFFERENT FOOD INDUSTRIES IN OBTAINING AND DIVERSIFYING YOGHURT
Authors: Tita Ovidiu , Moga Valentina-Madalina , Bunescu Viorela Maria , Tita Mihaela-Adriana , Constantinescu Adelina
Published: February 2023

The concept of sustainable development involves economic development, social development, ecological development, political development, human development, spiritual and cultural development. All these elements pursue three fundamental objectives: smart growth - developing a knowledge and innovation-based economy, sustainable growth - promoting a more competitive and greener economy, in which resources are used more efficiently and inclusive growth - encouraging or high employment of the workforce, to ensure social and territorial cohesion. The production of basic food products using environmentally friendly technologies is a viable alternative for the recovery of waste or by-products resulting from manufacturing processes. One such alternative is the use of grape pomace and red cabbage outer leaves to make yogurt. The paper shows the evolution of the prebiotic activity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus (microorganisms used in the manufacture of yogurt) when grape pomace and cabbage outer leaves were used to fortify the milk base. After fortifying the milk base by adding the two by-products, the milk was inoculated with a culture formed by the two microorganisms. The quantification of the two microorganisms was done after 24 hours of thermostating. Physico-chemical analyzes were also performed in order to verify the quality of the improved yoghurts by comparison with the control test (yogurt without additives).
UV-VIS PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE ON NITROGEN DOPED TIO2 THIN FILM. KINETICS AND POSSIBLE DEGRADATION PATHWAY
Authors: Constantin Mirela Alina , Constantin Lucian-Alexandru , Sobetkii Arcadie , Chiriac Florentina Laura , Cristea Nicolae Ionut
Published: February 2023

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytostatic drug prescribed at large scale, which proved to induce toxic effect on ecosystems and cannot be removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes. Therefore, there is a need to test advanced degradation processes for its removal from wastewater discharges. CP photocatalytic degradation via UV-VIS irradiation was studied using a Nitrogen -doped TiO2 catalyst. The catalyst was synthesized as thin film deposited on glass substrate under nitrogen atmosphere technique. The influence of N2 flow rate and annealing temperature on the CP degradation efficiency was investigated and best photocatalytic activity was obtained for catalyst with 1.8 %wt nitrogen content, synthesized at N2 flow rate=10 sccm, annealed at 550 oC for 1 hour. Its use assure the CP degradation with a pseudo-first order rate constant of 5.262 x 10-4 s-1 and an efficiency of 98 % for an irradiation time of 120. Based on the obtained experimental results in the presence of various scavengers it was found that superoxide radicals are representing the main oxidizing reactive specie involved in CP degradation, but contribution of free hydroxyl radicals from bulk solution is also possible. Degradation intermediates were identified using LC-MS and a possible degradation pathway consisting in three conversion routes was proposed.
ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL APPLICATION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR
Authors: Mazure Gunita , Kalnina Anete
Published: February 2023

The need for secure and reliable applications will increase due to the growing necessity for sustainably and independently produced energy. For example, the amount of energy generated by individuals at their homes will probably grow fast in the near future so requiring for easy-to-use and precise solutions. To transform and facilitate the processes related to energy sector it is possible to use blockchain technology. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and analyse different areas of blockchain application in the renewable energy sector. Using content, SWOT and PESTLE analysis, the results show that the main strengths and opportunities are confidentiality, immutability of recordings and potential involvement of each individual, while weaknesses and threats � scalability, compatibility and legal framework. Latvia is already using more (42.1%) renewable energy than in the European Union on average (22.1%) but in order to meet the binding targets for the Member States by 2030, the blockchain technology could promote development in this sector. The results of the study improves the scientific opinion on blockchain technology in sustainable energy field by identifying potential implementation benefits and challenges; thus, gathering the knowledge for easier moving towards real-life implementations and also highlighting the areas with the need for specific further research.
CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS FOR THE ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Ivanov Metodi
Published: February 2023

Theoretically, environmental management is still seen as a relatively young field that is rapidly evolving in search of ways to deal with natural threats and problems caused by human activities and related to the search for opportunities to provide and implement Sustainable Development. Environmental problems are intertwined with socioeconomic problems, especially in poor developing countries. In addition, environmental management faces a number of challenges in the modern world. Increasingly, countries will face a number of challenges, which will be a major threat to developing countries, as they do not have sufficient financial and material resources and, on the other hand, have similar socio-economic and physical problems. This article will attempt to outline the socio-economic problems resulting from rising average temperatures, which will outline the challenges facing institutions responsible for environmental management processes. Attention will be paid to the emergence of unstable and sometimes extreme weather conditions, including the increase in the intensity of solar radiation, the increase in water supply problems. In addition, the challenges of environmental management and environmental assessment of soils are linked to the ever-increasing share of contaminated and nutrient-poor soils for plants. Also noteworthy is the implementation of reduced control by the responsible institutions for vectors of diseases on flora and fauna. The lack of regular funding to monitor indicators to assess progress and success in developing and solving environmental and social problems should not be overlooked. Through the use and conduct of comprehensive statistical analysis, descriptive analysis, diagnostic and forecasting analysis, an attempt will be made to identify the main problems facing the economy and environmental management, as well as to outline the challenges facing developing countries in the 21st century.