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Found 6334 publications

The Impact of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastic Products on the Occurrence and Contamination of Microplastics in Compost Leachate

Gergely Zoltán Macher Dóra Sipos Judit Pécsinger Dalma Bódizs Éva Veronika Pestiné Rácz

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 835-840

Description:

The composting of organic and bio-waste is widely practised, and in some regions, it is even a mandatory waste management practice. A valuable by-product of this process is the nutrient-rich liquid known as compost leachate, which holds great potential for use in agriculture and horticulture. This investigation delves into the content, production methods, and impact of compost leachate on different crops while also emphasising its susceptibility to external factors. Compost leachate forms during composting and serves as an effective soil amendment material containing essential nutrients, microorganisms, and humic acids beneficial for plant growth. The quality of this by-product can be compromised by contamination from organic waste materials. Today, there has been widespread adoption of biodegradable or compostable plastic products in household composting systems due to misconceptions or public attitudes towards their usage. In-home composting, the process of decomposition might be slower, and there could be issues with the conventional waste management systems that are still commonly used. Additionally, not all degradable products are exclusively made from natural materials. Sometimes, synthetic polymer chains are utilised to accelerate degradation. This study aims to explore, through a simulated experiment, the possibility of microplastic contamination in composting environments, primarily due to the presence of biodegradable and compostable plastic items in these settings. The research findings indicate that the potential risks of microplastics to compost and compost leachate have been insufficiently explored, only recently becoming a focal point. The key conclusions suggest that the development of strategies to address these ecotoxicological factors is becoming increasingly pressing.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114140

Truck Load Positions Effect on Dynamic Behavior of Fractured Steel Box Girder Bridge

Rajmund Kuti M. Brinissat R. P. Ray

Publication Name: Advances in Transdisciplinary Engineering

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 59

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 67-74

Description:

The harsh climate and environmental hazards contribute to the structural damage of steel bridges. Substantial dynamic loading from heavy trucks can worsen existing cracks. This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of a steel box girder bridge, the Szapáry bridge, with a fractured girder subjected to moving truck loads. Initially, a finite element model simulates the seven-span continuous bridge behavior during static load testing. The model also accurately simulated the dynamic load tests performed. A series of hypothetical damage (fractured girder) and dynamic loading scenarios reveal the effects of truck positions on the damaged bridge's dynamic response. Dynamic displacement induced due to traffic loading helps evaluate a bridge's structural health. Results of the parametric analysis highlight that several factors, including truck velocity and position, bridge span length, and truck lateral spacing, significantly affect the dynamic vibration of the fractured bridge. The results offer insight into the effectiveness of dynamic response analysis for conditioned-based maintenance and damage detection.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3233/ATDE240528

Where to go and why? Motivational factors in the choice of higher education institutions: the example of a university in Central Eastern Europe

Adrienn Dernóczy-Polyák Veronika Keller

Publication Name: International Conference on Higher Education Advances

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 1038-1045

Description:

The aim of our study is to examine the factors that influence the choice of higher education institutions (HEIs). To this end, we have explored the evolution and current challenges of marketing in higher education. By conducting an empirical survey of students (n=2330) admitted in 2023 at a Central-Eastern European university, we identified the factors that influenced students' decision to apply. The initial 19 variables, then 15 variables included in the factor analysis, eventually resulted in four factors, which are "education and reputation", "dormitory and services", "opinion of others" and "city". The factors and factor weights were used to identify the strategically important factors that can help HEIs to achieve a more effective market presence and, accordingly, more precise targeting.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.4995/HEAd24.2024.17109

Pushover Analysis in Seismic Engineering: A Detailed Chronology and Review of Techniques for Structural Assessment

O. Kegyes-Brassai Kevin Karanja Kuria

Publication Name: Applied Sciences Switzerland

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

This study analyzes the progression, utilization, and inherent challenges of traditional non-linear static procedures (NSPs) such as the capacity spectrum method, the displacement coefficient method, and the N2 method for evaluating seismic performance in structures. These methods, along with advanced versions such as multi-mode, modal, adaptive, and energy-based pushover analysis, help determine seismic demands, enriching our grasp on structural behaviors and guiding design choices. While these methods have improved accuracy by considering major vibration modes, they often fall short in addressing intricate aspects such as bidirectional responses, torsional effects, soil-structure interplay, and variations in displacement coefficients. Nevertheless, NSPs offer a more comprehensive and detailed analysis compared to rapid visual screening methods, providing a deeper understanding of potential vulnerabilities and more accurate predictions of structural performance. Their efficiency and reduced computational demands, compared to the comprehensive nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA), make NSPs a favored tool for engineers aiming for swift seismic performance checks. Their accuracy and application become crucial when gauging seismic risks and potential damage across multiple structures. This paper underscores the ongoing refinements to these methods, reflecting the sustained attention they receive from both industry professionals and researchers.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/app14010151

CBAM as a levelled playing field? Analysis of the CBAM system' economic regulatory role from the perspective of public finance and financial law

Gabriella Csűrös László Pardavi

Publication Name: Rechtskultur

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 483-498

Description:

The European Union (EU) aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. The European Green Deal (2019) and the Fit for 55 package (2021) set legislative reforms to achieve these targets. A key element is the EU Emission Trading System (EU ETS), operating since 2005. However, increasing GHG emissions from imports prompted the adoption of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to address carbon leakage and level the playing field between domestic producers (paying ETS allowances) and importers (buying CBAM certificates). The CBAM is a tariff with environmental purpose and acts as an European CO2 tax, requiring importers to pay a carbon price equivalent to the EU’s internal carbon price and encouraging CO2 emission reductions. It is an equalizing system protecting EU producers and promote global adoption of green technologies. This study examines CBAM from public finance and financial law perspective, assessing its impact on global trade flows, the economic regulatory role of customs and CBAM and its impact on public revenue. The study focuses on the economies most exposed to the CBAM and the redistribution opportunities arising from ETS and CBAM system. It evaluates CBAM’s legal framework, compatibility with tax regulations, its implementation by Member States (with a case study of Hungary) and potential international disputes and adherence to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. For Hungary, CBAM strengthens climate strategy and competitiveness in global markets. The study highlights the need for a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure effective CBAM implementation while minimizing negative impacts. It calls for further research and international cooperation to develop comprehensive guidelines for CBAM integration into national and global policies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available

Unveiling the significance of rhizosphere: Implications for plant growth, stress response, and sustainable agriculture

Zoltán Molnár Tibor Janda Wogene Kabato

Publication Name: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 206

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In the rhizosphere, the activities within all processes and functions are primarily influenced by plant roots, microorganisms present in the rhizosphere, and the interactions between roots and microorganisms. The rhizosphere, a dynamic zone surrounding the roots, provides an ideal environment for a diverse microbial community, which significantly shapes plant growth and development. Microbial activity in the rhizosphere can promote plant growth by increasing nutrient availability, influencing plant hormonal signaling, and repelling or outcompeting pathogenic microbial strains. Understanding the associations between plant roots and soil microorganisms has the potential to revolutionize crop yields, improve productivity, minimize reliance on chemical fertilizers, and promote sustainable plant growth technologies. The rhizosphere microbiome could play a vital role in the next green revolution and contribute to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning plant root-environment interactions, particularly regarding roots and microorganisms. Advances in metabolomics have helped to understand the chemical communication between plants and soil biota, yet challenges persist. This article provides an overview of the latest advancements in comprehending the communication and interplay between plant roots and microbes, which have been shown to impact crucial factors such as plant growth, gene expression, nutrient absorption, pest and disease resistance, and the alleviation of abiotic stress. By improving these aspects, sustainable agriculture practices can be implemented to increase the overall productivity of plant ecosystems.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2023.108290

Workflow Development of AI Based Spectrogram Analysis with Real-time Out of Distribution Detection

Zoltán Weltsch Lóránt Szabó

Publication Name: Proceedings of the 2024 25th International Carpathian Control Conference Iccc 2024

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: Unknown

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The aim of this paper is to investigate possible workflows for OOD pattern recognition in AI-based spectrogram analysis, applied in industrial manufacturing environment. First, we attempt to identify and articulate the challenges associated with OOD recognition in the context of spectrogram analysis, where the acoustic sources are subtle and often complex signals. These deserve particular attention, since the effectivity of OOD detection algorithms are acceptable in case of significant deviations, however, it is questionable for fine anomalies. In addition, it is also discussed here, how OOD records can affect the accuracy and reliability of AI models in terms of equipment failure identification and process inefficiencies. Last, methodes are proposed for OOD-pattern recognition. The integrability of these methods into existing manufacturing workflows in terms of practicality, adaptability and effectiveness are also investigated.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1109/ICCC62069.2024.10569262

Rethinking the Set of Concepts—Applying Expert Analysis by the Workshop Method

Adrienn Buruzs

Publication Name: Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 427

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 33-43

Description:

The contradictions of the historical data with the six-component model necessarily led to a refinement of the FCM model. The parts of the system under discussion are systems in themselves, and to investigate their deeper structure is essential to understanding the operation of the system. The subsystems form this way a system of systems”. Up-to-date engineering systems are often extremely complex, and they are usually composed of a multitude of interacting units, which are called subsystems. In areas where expert assessment is crucial, the process of expert participation in workshop form may ensure that the various opinions and interests are integrated into synergies and this way, sustainable solutions sought for can be found as a result of joint decision-making. Regional Waste Management Systems (RWMS) are also such complex systems where expert domain knowledge plays an important role, and which can always be subdivided into interconnected or separate subsystems and elements, where a number of factors has to be reconsidered and determined by an expert panel. These factors are usually complementary, in some cases conflicting or competing; but essentially the subsystems and subsystem elements influence each other and determine the overall operation of the system. In this Chapter, it will be shown how the workshop technique may result in a much more refined model, which may be the start of a model without contradictions and fully adequately simulating the real life system. The aim of the workshop designed and realised in the case study, described in the Chapter as a suitable method was to analyse the starting model and to construct an efficient new model of RWMSs, with more factors. The workshop method was applied in group sessions and plenary discussions. Expert teams were encouraged to develop a common, unified model of the system under investigation. This approach could hopefully help resolve the conflicts and disagreements in the previous model, and also, among certain experts’ opinions. In the case study, as a result, a more refined model was developed indeed, however, then the problem emerged, how to build up, how to deal with, and how to evaluate this rather complex model.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37959-8_4

At the Borderline of Public and Private Law: The Restitution of Cultural Property Held in Public Collections in Hungary

Vanda Vadász Viktória Verebélyi

Publication Name: Santander Art and Culture Law Review

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: 2

Page Range: 181-208

Description:

During the Second World War, and thereafter until the end of the communist regime in 1989, a massive amount of private-ly owned works of art came into the possession of the Hungarian state. The ownership of the property thus collected was only par-tially clarified after the war. After the fall of communism, national-ized cultural property was subject to restitution laws, but restitution typically meant partial compensation. The aim of this article is to highlight the shortcomings that still characterize the restitution of cultural property held in public collections in Hungary. After summa-rizing the historical-legal situation pertaining to restitution measures in Central and Eastern Europe, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Hungarian legal environment in terms of restitution. The focus is on the restitution rules adopted in the 2010s that were intended to settle the possession of cultural property held in public collections. The roots of constitutional issues related to the regulation arise from and are reflected in the intermingling of private law and public law characteristics and guarantees. In the presentation of civil law disputes concerning the ownership rights of property held in public collections, we outline the characteristics of the Hungarian regula-tory framework regarding protected cultural property and the issues arising from their application. Finally, we provide an overview of the European Court of Human Rights’ jurisprudence on the protection of property rights and an assessment of Hungarian regulations before the Court. We claim that the lack of predictability and certainty of the latter authority’s proceedings may lead to human rights issues.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.4467/2450050XSNR.24.017.20828