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School renovation impact on IAQ and embodied carbon: a comparative field study with statistical and LCA insights /
No full textIndoor air quality (IAQ) in schools is directly linked to student health, comfort, and performance, while renovation strategies are increasingly assessed for their embodied carbon impacts alongside energy savings. However, little is known about how renovation affects both IAQ and embodied emissions in real school settings. This study hypothesized that renovation improves thermal stability but may not ensure compliance with IAQ standards, while introducing additional embodied carbon from new materials. To test this, two architecturally identical Lithuanian schools, one renovated, one non-renovated, were compared during the transition from heating to cooling season. IAQ monitoring focused on carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature, and relative humidity, and a life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the additional embodied carbon of renovation materials, since energy-focused upgrades like insulation and new windows can improve indoor comfort but also increase material-related emissions. Results showed that renovation improved temperature stability and reduced sensitivity to outdoor conditions, but both schools frequently exceeded recommended CO2 thresholds during lessons. The LCA showed notable embodied carbon impacts from façade insulation and window replacement (A1–A3 stages), highlighting a trade-off between material use and comfort gains, though long-term operational savings may offset these initial emissions over the building service life. The results underline the importance of renovation that brings together thermal comfort and CO2 performance and embodied carbon reduction to create both healthy and sustainable learning environments
Immersive pedagogy: converting AI-driven podcasts into virtual reality learning objects /
No full textEducational content creation is being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can generate, process, and deliver learning materials across different environments. This paper presents a novel approach for converting AI-generated podcasts into immersive virtual reality (VR) learning experiences. We use the NotebookLM platform to create educational podcast audio recordings, which are then transformed into VR learning objects through automatic transcription, speaker diarization, and integration into a VR environment. The resulting VR learning objects address multiple learning preferences - supporting auditory learners through audio and visual learners through virtual presenters, and kinesthetic learners through immersive interaction. We evaluated this approach within a software engineering course, demonstrating its practical applicability and educational effectiveness
Adapting to a changing climate: EU strategies for emissions reduction and resilience /
No full textClimate change presents intensifying challenges for Europe, demonstrated in extreme weather events, energy system stress, and land-use pressures. In response, the European Union has expressed a comprehensive dual strategy: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing territorial resilience. This paper critically examines the EU’s evolving climate governance through key frameworks, including the European Green Deal, Fit for 55 package, and the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD 2024). It analyses how these instruments are operationalised across scales, with a particular focus on the integration of emissions reduction and adaptation objectives in building renovation, and spatial planning policies. The analysis foregrounds structural and contextual barriers ranging from institutional fragmentation to social inequalities and explores emerging opportunities in whole-life carbon reduction, sufficiency strategies, digital tools, and nature-based solutions. It reflects on the strategic role of multi-level governance and interregional cooperation in managing systemic risks. The paper offers recommendations for embedding resilience and climate neutrality into regional planning based on recent EU-level assessments. It supports for accelerated switch of EU directives, equitable funding mechanisms, enhanced data transparency, and civic engagement to strengthen implementation. Ultimately, the paper positions the EPBD and related frameworks as critical levers in transforming the built environment into a cornerstone of a just and climate resilient European future
Perspectives of online teaching methods /
No full textThe learning process is considered successful when students are happy with the acquired skills and educators satisfied with the teaching quality. The opinion of students about teaching methods also plays a significant role in shaping learning outcomes. Recently, Rīga Aeronautical Institute successfully tested the online laboratory works of Physics in the computer classes and conducted a survey. Students were asked to rate the laboratory works on a 0–10 scale and explain their decision. The answers to the questions were based on the hopes and expectations of real students and shed light on the education of Physics from different perspectives. The average rating of Physics laboratory works was equal to 8.7. The lowest grade, 8, was explained as follows: “There were a few difficult parts and tasks”; “The work would be much more interesting if we could use real equipment”; and “The subject does not correlate very well with my future profession”. Meanwhile, the highest grade, 10, received the following comment: “There is no need to perform a live experiment in a laboratory because everything was clear from a recorded experimental and a separate description”. The opinions of students and their feedback were taken into account during the meeting on study methodology. After some discussion, the governing body of Rīga Aeronautical Institute decided to enlarge the teaching portfolio and to apply online teaching methods to other subjects. This action will improve the quality of special courses of the Engineering study program
Exploring the inhibitory potential of Lippia Javanica phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant Mpro using molecular modelling approaches /
No full textAmidst the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the persistence of long-term COVID-19 complications, the search for novel therapeutics remains a global priority. Lippia javanica, a Southern African herb traditionally used for respiratory conditions, gained prominence as a home remedy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study represents the first in silico investigation into the inhibitory potential of 116 phytochemicals from L. javanica, identified through LC-MS and previous literature, against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant main protease (Mpro), with nirmatrelvir serving as the reference inhibitor. Using a combination of molecular modelling approaches, physicochemical and toxicity profiling, and bioactivity prediction, five phytochemicals demonstrated competitive binding profiles relative to nirmatrelvir. Remarkably, isoverbascoside exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-9.2 kcal/ mol), forming key hydrogen bonds, alkyl, π-alkyl, and van der Waals interactions. Despite a few candidates violating Lipinski’s Rule of Five due to high molecular weight, they displayed favourable lipophilicity, predicted bioactivity, and low toxicity. MD simulations further confirmed the structural stability of isoverbascoside, crassifolioside, and verbascoside within the Mpro binding pocket, with binding free energies of -58.16, -48.12, and − 46.54 kcal/mol, respectively, substantially surpassing that of nirmatrelvir (-34.68 kcal/mol). Stability analyses via RMSD, RMSF, and RoG metrics corroborated the dynamic integrity of these complexes. In all, the findings highlight the promising inhibitory potential of L. javanica phytochemicals, particularly isoverbascoside, against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, warranting further experimental validation to confirm their therapeutic applicability
Eye-tracking exploration of the geography texts reading strategies used by 9thgrade pupils /
No full textEye-tracking research on geography reading texts shows that visual behaviour varies significantly depending on pupils’ reading strategies. Eye tracking measures a pupil's visual attention and provides a lot of information about where, when, for how long, and in what sequence a pupil is looking at certain information in or about a space (Kiefer et al., 2027). This presentation analyses map-reading behaviour in geography map-reading tasks in the 9th grade. The existing literature lacks investigations that analyse task-oriented map reading, quantitative eye-tracking indicators such as fixation durations, saccade patterns, or returns. A Geography Higher Thinking Skills Task (GHTST) was created taking into account the requirements of the general education curriculum. The test is designed to be inclusive of all domains of activity and balanced in terms of achievement and cognitive ability groups. In our study, adaptive processing of spatial data on thematic maps with 9th-grade pupils was investigated using Pupil Lab eye-tracking software and think-aloud protocols. Pupils had to solve specific problems using the map and answer the given tasks (GHTST). In this paper, we focus on the strategies used by pupils to find a particular object or meaning on the map
Relative blood pressure increase is associated with subsequent atrial episodes in long-term out-patient monitoring: TriggersAF /
No full textBackground: The role of chronic blood pressure (BP) increase in atrial brillation (AF) pathogenesis is usually limited to risk factor assessment. Dynamic real-time BP uctuations before arrhythmia initiation remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the chronological changes of BP before AF. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study subjects with diagnosed paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent a 7-day outpatient telemonitoring. All patients were in sinus rhythm at the moment of inclusion. During the monitoring period, a continuous single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was registered. The recorded data was manually classi ed into four cardiac rhythm categories: atrial brillation, atrial tachycardia or utter, frequent premature atrial contractions, and no arrhythmia. In addition, arterial blood pressure (BP) measurements were obtained periodically for the rst 2 days at intervals of 15 minutes during the day, every 30 minutes during the night, followed by conventional BP measurements for the remaining observation period. BP data was synchronised with the ECG recordings. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) values within 60 minutes before AF (investigational group) were compared to the control BP of the same patients measured in at least 2 consecutive hours with no AF detected. The analysis segregates day and night. Since AF tended to group into a series of episodes, a lter of a minimal duration without AF before the start of the episode was applied (5, 10, 20 or 30 minutes), aiming to select the initializing episode of the AF and avoid duplicate BP measurements. Results: The enrolment lasted from 2020 to 2023, resulting in 165 subjects, aged 59.0±11.8 years, 61.8% male. Physicians manually annotated a total duration of 26961 hours in a single-lead ECG analysis. Among detected atrial arrhythmia episodes 1520 were AF in 54 patients (Figure 1). The individual relative change of BP yielded an increase of SBP before daytime and nighttime AF and an increase of DBP before nighttime AF irrespective of the lter used (Figure 2). When no lter was applied the BP before AF vs. control was as follows, respectively: 1) Daytime SBP change +2% (±9) vs. 0% (±11), p<0.001 and nighttime +11% (±10) vs. 0% (±12), p<0.001; 2) Daytime DBP change 0% (±10) vs. 0% (±12), p=0.5 and nighttime +14% (±20) vs. 0% (±16), p<0.001. The absolute BP values did not differ between AF vs. control groups irrespective of the lter used. With 5-min lter: 1) Daytime SBP 125 (±13) vs. 127 (±17), p=0.5 and nighttime 118 (±15) vs. 117 (±18), p=0.5; 2) Daytime DBP 80 (±12) vs. 81 (±13), p=0.5 and at nighttime 68 (±15) vs. 68 (±15), p=0.8. Conclusions: This is the rst study to assess the chronological changes of BP before AF. Within 60 minutes before AF episodes the relative individual daytime and nighttime systolic BP and the relative individual nighttime diastolic BP increase. This, however, does not transfer to a difference in absolute BP values
Corrosion studies of structural steels in model technological media.
No full textGiven the significant generation of electronic waste, approaches are being sought to address this growing problem, which is a growing concern due to the large amount of waste generated and the rather complex recycling process that may be involved. The prospect of etching metals into a solution that can be subsequently utilized for the recovery and reuse of valuable metals is currently under extensive investigation. However, these solutions are known to be aggressive and corrosive, not only to waste but also to the process equipment. The present study investigates the corrosion resistance properties of three structural steels in model media analogous to those employed in the recycling of electronic waste by corroding valuable metals. The selected model media are as follows: The following solutions were utilized 1 % NaF, 200 g/l H2SO4, 200 g/l H2SO4 + 100 g/l CuSO4, 200 g/l H2SO4 + H2O2 0,26 %, 200 g/l H2SO4 + H2O2 1,31 %. A comparative analysis was conducted on the outcomes of corrosion tests executed through gravimetric and electrochemical methodologies. The present study utilizes a SEM-EDX analysis to assess the surface morphology and elemental composition of select samples. The text presents a series of recommendations for the selection of steels to work with such media, accompanied by a process flow diagram and an evaluation of safety measures
Fungal biomass fermentation: valorizing the food industry’s waste /
No full textFungi, including filamentous organisms such as yeasts, play essential roles in various processes such as nutrient exchange in ecosystems, the cultivation of mushrooms, and solid-state fermentation (SSF). SSF involves microbial growth on solid substrates without free water, leading to the production of enzymes, bioactive compounds, and biofuels. This fermentation method offers advantages like lower production costs, reduced waste disposal issues, and the efficient utilization of agricultural residues and fruit and vegetable by-products. Filamentous fungi excel in SSF due to their enzyme secretion capacity and ability to produce valuable compounds. The process is influenced by biological, physico-chemical, and environmental factors, requiring careful optimization for optimal results. Fruit and vegetable by-products are increasingly recognized as valuable substrates for SSF, offering rich sources of bioactive compounds and high nutritional value. The optimization of SSF processes, compatibility with various substrates, and potential for producing diverse value-added products make SSF a promising method for sustainable resource utilization and enhanced product development. Future research should focus on improving process efficiency, expanding the substrate range, enhancing product quality and yield, and integrating SSF with other technologies for enhanced production capabilities