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The integration of solarcellsinto construction materials, such roof tiles, isgaining traction. Nevertheless, solarcells' conversion efficiencyistemperature-dependent, and a high temperaturewouldlowerit. This study examines the functionality of mortar roof tilesthat have builtinsolarcells and safety glass. To control the temperature of the solar cells, phase modifying materials (P CM) are added to the first roof tiles at a concentration of 3% by weight.For solar roof tiles, the impact ofPhase change materials on the generation of solar-to-electrical power isassessed, and life cycle costanalysisiscarried out to determine the viabilityfrom an economicstandpoint.During six summerdays, the electricalenergy production of the solartileswith PCM appliedwas 4.1% higherthanthat of the tileswithout the component modification material. In contrast, during six winterdays, the improvementisbetween 2.2 and 4.3%. With the cost of the inverterincluded, the solar roof tileswith Phase change materials have an economicalpaybackperiod of 5.7 years. The application of Phase change materialsraises the initial cost of roof tiles by 1.2% ;nevertheless, the paybackperiodispredicted to bethreemonths shorter thanthat of the equivalentwithout PCM, given an overallimprovement in energy production of 4.1%.Whilemany countries are takingsteps to reducetheiremissions, the IEA’slatest report on global and carbonemissionsshowed an increase of 1.7 percent in emissionsyear-onyear2018 to 33.1 billion tons (IEA, 2019). Australia's 2018 increase in carbondioxideequivalentemissions of 0.7% raisesseriousconcerns about the countrysability to meetitsemissionreductioncommitmentunder the Paris Agreement (Cox, 2019).

The gig economy, characterized by its flexible work arrangements and independent contractors, has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. However, it faces sustainability challenges related to worker welfare, income security, and job classification. This paper explores the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gig economy and its potential impact on these sustainability concerns. Through an analytical lens, it examines the current applications of AI in the gig economy across various platforms and tasks, highlighting both efficiencies and potential biases.The anticipated effects of AI on gig workers including job displacement, skill requirements, and potential for wage changes.The implications of AI for the sustainability of the gig economy, analyzing how it might exacerbate existing challenges or pave the way for improvements in worker protections and platform governance.Potential policy considerations and recommendations to ensure a more sustainable and equitable gig economy in light of AI integration. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of AI's potential in the gig economy, advocating for proactive measures to address potential disruptions and harness its capabilities to create a more sustainable and rewarding future for the flexible workforce.

The paper presents the study of mechanical recycling of three-layer PP/EVOH/PP packaging containers made by the co-injection molding process. It is in alignment with European Circular Economy guidelines. The main objective was to evaluate the recyclability of these packages and their reuse as a secondary material. Thin wall packaging by special cutting and grinding methods were disintegrated, and recorded cutting force allowed the determination of energy per single cut. During these processes, delamination between PP and EVOH layers was observed. The recyclate r(PP/EVOH) was used to produce samples in the standard injection molding process. The similar samples were prepared from recycled virgin PP using the same technology. The paper presents the results of the mechanical properties of samples manufactured from recyclate r(PP/EVOH) and compares them with the properties of samples obtained from recycled polypropylene (rPP). It was observed, that the content EVOH in the PP matrix does not significantly affect the mechanical properties of r(PP/EVOH) samples. It was also found that r(PP/EVOH) blends are characterized by favorable apparent viscosity and MFI and can be a valuable raw material for reuse.

About 99% of sulphur dioxide present in the atmosphere comes from anthropogenic activities, the main source being industrial activity that processes sulphur materials, including burning fuels (coal, oil or gas), thus releasing sulphur dioxide into the air. The purpose of this paper is to monitor the concentration of sulphur dioxide during two seasons, in the ambient air of Petroșani, with the aim of highlighting the possible atmospheric pollution caused by thermal power plants that use solid fuel during the winter period. The monitoring periods were distributed over a period of 6 months (three in summer and three in winter), namely the summer months (May, June, July of 2022), the winter months of December (2022), January and February of 2023. The main objective of the measurements is to identify if there is an increase in sulphur dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, resulting from the burning of solid fuels from household activities during the winter period. Results indicate that there is a higher degree of SO2 pollution in the winter period, but the recorded values are far below the limits set by national legislation. The paper presents some measures to limit sulphur dioxide pollution in the context of climate change.

When transporting and storing liquid fuels, explosive atmospheres can form which, under certain conditions, can be initiated with different sources, of which static electricity has proven to be the source of ignition in many cases of fires and explosions that have occurred. As a result of the environmental regulatory requirements to reduce the noxes emitted by diesel engines, the oil industry introduced into production fuels with ultra-low sulfur content (ULSD Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), clean burning diesel, and low sulfur content (LSD Low Sulfur Diesel). The new types of fuels present a greater risk of explosion than fuels with a high sulfur content because they have other explosive characteristics and are electrostatically charged much more easily. The paper presents some aspects regarding the risk of explosions during the transport and storage of liquid fuels with the highlighting of additional risks in the case of ULSD Also, the paper highlights the factors that must be taken into account when establishing the technical and organizational measures that must be taken to prevent ignition and that must be implemented in the work procedures of manufacturers, suppliers, transporters and users of ULSD.

The purpose of this paper is to present the importance of the specific tests for electric motors with type of protection increased safety „e” designed to be used in explosive atmosphere. This paper presents the voltage impulse ignition test applicable to electric motors with increased safety protection type. Due to the fact that electric motors with type of protection Increased Safety, whose supply voltage exceeds 1000 V, presents a high risk of sparks occurring in windings, it is necessary to perform tests to verify that the insulation of the windings is adequate and does not lead to electric discharge (through electric springs or sparks) at winding levels Evaluation of explosion-proof protected electrical equipment in scope of certification is extremely important considering the risk of explosion that has to be minimized in order to ensure life safety and health of workers and to prevent damaging of property and the environment, as well as free movement of goods when they meet the essential safety requirements at European level. The standard SR EN 60079-0 (Explosive atmospheres Part 0: General requirements) and one or more of the standards containing the specific requirements for the type(s) of protection applied to equipment (ex. SR EN 60079-7 for the type of protection increased safety “e”), are used to perform the assessment.

The paper presents the implementation of a feedback loop controller for the suction valves used within the gas compressors skids manufactured by Romanian Research and Development Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI. These compressors are installed at beneficiaries, in potentially explosive environments (e.g., gas extraction and transportation applications). The proposed solution addresses the problems observed due to the high suction pressures of screw compressors, which may occur at start-up or during operation, leading to failed start-ups or emergency shutdowns. An automatic sequence implemented in the control software and displayed on the operating panel, could assist the operator during high suction pressures (above 1.2 bar). These pressure conditions normally lead to alarm limits and to performing an automatic shutdown sequence for protecting the compressor. The paper herein discusses the implementation of a start-up sequence in the programmable logic controller’s software, which can be applied without critical interventions on the compressor packages, only through minor control software modifications which can safely extend the inlet pressure range and the exploitation of the compressors. Thus, since no hardware modifications are required, we also ensure maintaining the ATEX certifications of equipment and assemblies.

The paper presents the estimation of the uncertainty in the measurement of the maximum surface temperature of voltaic cells exposed to specific tests for the type of intrinsic safety protection. For this purpose, equivalent test conditions using the short-circuit test stand are considered. In the first part, the risk of explosion is presented and it is mentioned that the risk of explosion arises due to the presence of technical equipment in areas where flammable substances may be present. In the second part, the requirements for testing cells are briefly presented. It also introduces the configuration of the stand used for testing. The third part of the paper was devoted to presenting and discussing the results obtained. The analysis of the test results revealed that the measurement uncertainty depends on the test conditions and the application of the temperature sensors. This result would help estimate the surface temperature of cells considering the favorable conditions in terms of minimum uncertainty.

Heat is normally generated as a result of metabolic processes taking place in the body. As a result of muscle activity, when working or exercising, a considerable amount of heat is released. The amount of heat generated is proportional to the intensity of activities. Intervention and rescue activities in special conditions can be carried out exclusively by personnel trained and authorized in this regard, personnel using individual breathing protection equipment. The decisive factor in ensuring the success of an intervention and rescue operation in toxic or chemically aggressive environments resides in the optimal and efficient design of a training process of personnel, in correlation, among others, with their testing in high temperatures and humidity environments. The current paper presents the structuring of rescuers’ physical effort during training, taking into account high temperature and humidity environments, structuring that aims to make the training process of intervention and rescue personnel in toxic / explosive / flammable environments more efficient. The paper analyses a correlation between changes in the physiological parameters of intervention and rescue personnel and different values of temperature and humidity of the training environment.

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to photovoltaic (PV) systems, which are increasingly utilized for renewable energy generation. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the potential risks associated with lightning strikes on PV systems and explores various protection measures to enhance their resilience. The study delves into the characteristics of lightning and its interaction with PV installations, identifies vulnerabilities within the system, and discusses the principles and techniques for effective lightning protection. The paper emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk assessment, surge protection devices, grounding systems, and maintenance practices to mitigate the damaging effects of lightning strikes. By implementing appropriate protection strategies, PV system owners and designers can safeguard their installations and ensure the longevity and reliability of their renewable energy infrastructure.