Consideraţii ecologice şi geografice privind potenţialul eco-energetic al României
The chapter presents several ecological and geographical considerations on and geospatial analyses of the eco-energy potential of Romania.
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The chapter presents several ecological and geographical considerations on and geospatial analyses of the eco-energy potential of Romania.
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The concept of smart growth appeared in the mid-1990s in the United States of America. The notion of a smart city emerged later, referring to how a city can favor the use of information technology. In Romania, the number of smart growth initiatives has continuously increased in recent years. Currently, there are such projects in both large and small cities. This research aims to analyze the implementation stage of smart growth initiatives in three Danube cities: Galati, Brăila and Tulcea.
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The paper explores the link between the architecture and the natural landscape of thermal baths, which were built in Hungary (Budapest) and Romania (Băile Herculane) during the early 20th century. Through a combination of various methods of inquiry, such as field trips and literature documentation, this research was able to develop a deeper understanding of the subject. The actual conditions of built heritage differs in the two countries, but are quite similar in the hazards it is prone to. With the aim of raising the public awareness of the problems facing the natural and urban landscape, this paper presents a brief description of the investigation of the thermal baths changes over time.
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It is well known that weapons of mass destruction and the possibility of using chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear substances called CBRN are a risk of the century we live in and a threat that some state and even non-state actors are very interested to bring to the attention of international public opinion. The effects of these substances have a particular impact on environmental factors (for example, air, water, soil) and consequently on the health of the population or, as the case may be, the military actors involved. Of particular interest to specialists in the field are, on the one hand, the possibility of obtaining or, where appropriate, developing devices to determine CBRN contamination and, on the other hand, response mechanisms to ensure credible protection of those who may be affected.The issue of CBRN protection, as defined according to the NATO Crisis Response Manual, conjunction with the requirements for resilience - the initial requirements through civil emergency response measures - including the preparedness and protection of the civilian population, critical infrastructure and vital resources against CBRN threats must be elements of national interest
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The article describes a simulation of a fire in a plastic and polypropylene storage warehouse using Pyrosim software. The warehouse has a 40 cm thick concrete floor and is 34.02 m long, 23.73 m wide, and 8.38 m high. Temperature distribution during the fire was monitored using vertical and horizontal temperature plans. The highest temperature of 1020°C was recorded in the vertical plan passing through the fire, and at a height of 1.7 meters, the temperature reached 120°C, making it difficult for firefighters to enter the storage area. Finally, the article highlights the importance of an automatic sprinkler extinguishing system to prevent explosions and rapid fire spread throughout the warehouse.
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Spectrometry and measurements of radioactive background are used to detect and quantify levels of ionizing radiation in various environments, including air, water, and soil. These techniques allow the determination of the type and quantity of radionuclides present in a sample and can be used to evaluate the impact of radiation on human health and the environment. Spectrometry involves detecting and analyzing the radiation emitted by radioactive materials, while measurements of radioactive background refer to measuring the level of background radiation in a particular environment or location. Measurements of radioactive background are important in assessing the risks associated with exposure to radiation in a given environment. These measurements are carried out using measuring instruments such as dosimeters, radiation detectors, or spectrometers and allow the monitoring of radiation levels in various environments, including areas where there are natural or artificial sources of radiation. Overall, spectrometry and measurements of radioactive background are essential for evaluating the risks associated with exposure to radiation and for protecting human health and the environment.
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In the event of a fire involving radioactive materials, the burning of these materials can lead to the release of radioactive gases, which can spread into the atmosphere and be inhaled by humans, posing risks to their health. The purpose of detecting radionuclides is to identify their presence in various media, such as water, air or soil, in order to evaluate their impact on human health and the environment, and to ensure a safe working and living environment for people. Radionuclide detection can also be used to assess the effectiveness of radiation protection and control measures. A specially designed computer system for calculating the release rate of radionuclides can ensure that radionuclide emissions are maintained at acceptable levels, and that any incidents or accidental releases are detected and reported in a timely manner, ensuring a high level of safety and protection for people and the environment. Keywords: radionuclides, release rate, dispersion, half-life, fire.
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The paper presents the ALOHA software ( Area Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres ), which is part of the CAMEO software developed by OEM ( Office of Emergency Management ) and Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) -SUA. This software allows the simulation of various scenarios and events, such as the dispersion of clouds of toxic chemicals that escape from tanks, pipes, liquid tank fires and BLEVE explosions. The evolution of the scenario can be translated into graph and can be viewed with Marplot and Google Earth programs, which locate the affected area.
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Researcher have used the microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) in order to test thermal properties of common materials used in construction [such as the cardboard found in the componence of the plasterboard (PBD), expanded polystyrene (EPS) used for seiling decorations, wallpaper made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood particleboard (PB)] having masses between 3 and 20 milligrams. All four commercial materials have a long history in construction field with over 100 years of being used for design or insulation and they have different fire behaviours performances. The analysis were conducted under controled conditions which suppose a gradual increase of the temperature in the pyrolyzer with a heating speed equal to 1,5 ⁰C/s up to 750 ⁰C in a nitrogen atmosphere at an 80 cm3/min flow and a constant temperature value in the combustion chamber equal to 900 ⁰C in a nitrogen (80 %) and oxygen (20 %) atmosphere at a 20 cm3/min flow.
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In conducting the investigation of the causes of the fire, through on-site investigation, the investigator/investigators are subject to risks to health and bodily integrity. After any fire, apparently, the main risk has passed, but after it several dangers remain active, some of which are visible, immediately perceptible, and others with hidden effects, with consequences over time. The article seeks to shed light on these risks and tries to induce a necessary conduct in those who investigate fires.
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The paper analyses the main factors that cause fires in vehicles. The paper also aims to present two particular cases in which fires in ambulances had unusual causes. The analysis of common causes of vehicle fires and unusual causes will highlight a number of relevant conclusions regarding the circumstances of vehicle fires and a number of measures to be taken to reduce the risk of vehicle fires.
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This paper offers an in-depth exploration of the captivating history and development of Landon garden, shining a light on the relentless efforts to preserve biodiversity within its boundaries. It also highlights the pivotal role that Landon Garden plays in enhancing the overall well-being of the local population. By closely examining the intricate relationship between nature and society, the paper aims to elucidate how a green space can evolve into an essential cornerstone of urban life. It serves as both a sanctuary for biodiversity and a source of tangible benefits for the surrounding community. With this perspective firmly in view, we embark on a comprehensive journey, delving into the multifaceted aspects of the history and significance of Landon garden in Biskra. It becomes evident that this green oasis not only captures the passage of time but also embodies sustainable advantages that it continuously bestows upon the local residents.
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Major climate changes, the growth of the world population to almost 8 billion, urban agglomerations, the ever-increasing need for housing and living space, are just a few elements that have led worldwide to the identification of urban policies aimed at solving, if not totally, at least partially, the problems facing the world today. Our study has as main goal to envisage the necessary transformations in medieval cities in order to adapt them to the new sustainability standards, with an emphasis laid on the need for an integrated and balanced approach in the ongoing process of transformation of medieval cities into sustainable cities. Starting from various bibliographic sources specialized in urban planning, architectural history and sustainable development, we intend to stress the importance of preserving urban identity in the present and future development process, by approaching several works regarding historic buildings, areas of cultural value and local traditions, essential to maintaining the link with the past and enriching the urban experience of residents and visitors. By implementing the right strategies and involving local communities, it is possible to create modern cities that provide a healthy and prosperous living environment for both current and future generations.
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The purpose of the chapter is to reflect on global challenges from the perspective of developing countries, what is significant in order to prevent developmental disproportions from deepening. The following global challenges were identified and described: poverty and hunger, developmental inequalities, degradation of the environment and global security. Descriptive and comparative analysis methods were used in order to prepare the chapter, supplemented by presentation of research results, obtained mainly on the basis of selected descriptive statistics methods. The statistical database of the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Food and Agriculture Organisation and International Monetary Fund were used. Marginalisation of the developing countries and the challenges they are facing may bring tragic, and what is more global repercussions and, consequently, lead to a new division of the world, escalation of hatred, wars of Western civilisations with the followers of the extreme ideologies, rising inequalities and large uncontrolled migrations, among others. We are witnessing the destruction of ecosystems, global warming, cross continental terrorism, the problems of poverty and hunger – these are just a few of the consequences of ignorance of the problems of developing countries. The interconnections of the modern world economy leave no doubt that actions to solve them should be supported by the global community and their solutions cannot be solved without global involvement.
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The multi-dimensional European Green Deal strategy implemented in the European Union requires a systemic approach to achieve optimal results. One of the concepts offering a systemic approach to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals is the Compass for Systemic Change, which was developed in cooperation between Systemiq and the Club of Rome and published in 2020. The aim of the chapter is to discuss the concept of the Compass for Systemic Change by presenting its assumptions, the recommendations for actions contained therein and the assessment of the possibility of implementing a systemic perspective into activities undertaken in the European Union. Text analysis is applied in the chapter as a research method. The idea of the System Change Compass is to combine numerous and diverse activities to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, soas to take care of the future of our planet in the best possible way. This will not be possible without increased efforts from all stakeholders, taking into account the complexity of the entire process and the challenges that need to be faced.
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Biodiversity loss needs urgent, deep measures and solutions towards sustainability on the scale of the entire society, allowing political, social, economic and technological changes. These solutions involves difficult choices of decision factors in accordance with a new paradigm of governance. It is the role of spatial planning and environment policies to take into account the change in the governance of biodiversity through multiple, simultaneous forms of governance that ensure solutions with a sustainable impact, which are understood and in the interest of all residents. The aim of this research is to assess new findings in the governance of green infrastructure, on the basis of scientific literature of the last years. The analysis focused on the solutions and requirements to transform the present environmental governance so as to stop biodiversity loss and to find key actors necessary in the urban future. The results show that so far, biodiversity governance at local level has had limited effectiveness. New, specific types of urban governance addressing green infrastructure operate more and more often, such as the governance of nature-based solutions. The key actors and mechanisms associated with financing urban green infrastructure are local authorities, citizens and investors, and the financing mechanisms depend on the type and size of the green infrastructure that will be planned.
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The study explores the strategic integration of green-blue infrastructure (GBI) in the Râmnicu Vâlcea Metropolitan Area (MA-VL), Romania. The research addresses environmental, mobility, and quality-of-life concerns while examining local urban strategies and their approach to GBI implementation, identifying gaps and opportunities for sustainable development. Despite different levels of engagement with GBI concepts, most local plans incorporate elements like green spaces, water management, and sustainable transport. The study proposes a unified GBI framework for the area, emphasising stakeholder engagement, pilot projects, and community involvement to enhance environmental resilience and quality of life.
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The aim of this study is to analyze the potential for tourism development in the Bulgarian-Romanian territory of the Lower Danube region and to outline the challenges faced by business and the public sector in implementing business ideas in the field of tourism.
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Oil pollution is one of the serious global environmental problems. Although the results of this process are still assessed as small, this is a continuous disruption of aquatic ecosystems, which gradually leads to local degradation of individual areas of the World Ocean. The amount of oil discharged is of the order of 3-6 million tons per year. The ecological impact of oil spills consists of physical and chemical changes in the development and growth of marine inhabitants, increased toxicity and, as a result, increased mortality of various species of marine animals. Over the past 50 years, several huge and dozens of smaller oil spills have been observed in the oceans and seas. The first group, which causes much greater damage - environmental destruction and huge economic losses, includes the following cases:
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The Danube River is a common economic, natural and tourist potential for many European countries. Cross-border tourism opens up opportunities to get to know countries, peoples and their cultures, to develop tourist infrastructure and to improve cooperation between countries in the construction of common cross-border tourist routes, which in turn will contribute to more successful marketing of tourist destinations in the river areas.
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