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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In recent decades, Iraqi historical cities have witnessed substantial urban and social changes that have turned them into unattractive places for living and investment, and where development potential has been ignored. The weakness of strategic plans regarding the consideration of the present urban development strategies has led to the random growth of the city, the distortion of cultural heritage sites and the quality of life in cities, generating social and environmental problems. That is why there is a need for the foundation of a territorial development strategy of Iraq and the studied area - the Diyala region and the city of Baquba, which is in accordance with the objectives of sustainable development at the world level and with modern urban regeneration approaches, which implies the improvement of the historical identity and cultural. The outcome of the development strategy of Dyala region and Baquba city must reflect the objectives of sustainable development and have a clear vision and strategic objectives in the short and medium term.
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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 Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on cities around the world, transforming the way urban dwellers live, work, and interact with each other. As a result, the pandemic has also affected the identities of cities, or how urban areas are perceived by their residents and visitors. In this paper, we will explore the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on urban identity, looking at how the pandemic has changed the way people relate to cities and how cities have adapted to the pandemic.
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Many Algerian cities, including Biskra, suffer from natural problems, especially those caused by heavy rainfalls due to climate change, which reaches its maximum for a long period, and causes severe damage in terms of human and material losses. This paper draws attention on how to deal with the adverse effects of rapid and sudden floods due to runoff in the city of Biskra by studying the green infrastructure as means that rely on preserving the hydrological cycle of water in the safe and effective stormwater management of urban areas and prove that there are opportunities for the application of green infrastructure solutions not only to solve social and economic problems, but also environmental ones. Stormwater management and flood control are among the solutions provided to avoid the negative effects of urban floods, especially in areas with fragile infrastructure.
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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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Consisting of extremely violent and seemingly random events, the phenomenon of homicides is often considered a sign of social pathology and thus the spatial dimension that it can acquire through the various processes that lead to its territorial rooting is lost sight of. Our research is focused on discovering the geographical dimensions of this phenomenon within the Romanian rural spaces. The choice of the rural area is not accidental: between 2011 and 2020 more than 62.5% of homicides were recorded in this environment, which, according to the official statistics of the 2021 census, amounts to only 47.8% of the total population. Noticing the spatial differentiation of the phenomenon allows, on the one hand, to support the construction of public prevention policies, and on the other hand, it allows the initiation of a reflection on the efficiency of the geographical distribution of the means available to the institutions charged with the administration of various operational aspects related to homicides.
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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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The notion of smart cities has emerged as an essential solution for tackling the significant challenges facing contemporary society, including rapid urbanization, climate change and globalization. Smart cities harness state-of-the-art technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance various aspects of urban life, spanning from living conditions and work environments to information accessibility, social interactions and environmental sustainability. This technological integration offers numerous benefits, accelerating infrastructure development and improving residents' quality of life. Standardization and the incorporation of international standards, such as ISO 37120, ISO 37122 and ISO 37123 play a crucial role in assessing city performance. Romania's adoption of these standards represents a significant step towards evaluating and improving its cities. However, for efficacious implementation, it is imperative to develop implementation guidelines and provide support and training to local authorities. A comprehensive list of 95 performance indicators, categorized into six domains, can provide cities with essential tools for assessing and monitoring their progress towards becoming smart cities and promoting sustainable development. Customizing these indicators to match the unique characteristics of each city and fostering close collaboration with local communities, organizations and experts are crucial aspects for shaping and overseeing strategic objectives that positively influence the quality of life and sustainable urban development. This personalized approach is vital for the successful realization of smart cities.
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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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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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