Geosciences and Engineering

Integrated transport service development through interregional cooperation between Miskolc and Košice

László Tamás Kaposvári — 2026-03-26

The study examines the development opportunities of cross-border public transport services between Miskolc and Košice. Despite the strengthening of economic, educational and labor market relations in the Košice–Miskolc Euroregion in recent years, the public transport offer has only partially adapted to the changed mobility needs. The article reviews the current rail and bus services and then outlines realistic service development directions (adapting to travel needs and considering infrastructure constraints), based on interregional cooperation. The expansion of the offer and intermodal developments can contribute to the transport integration and sustainable development not only of the border region, but also of the entire Euroregion.

Robust MFV analysis of geoelectrical data in heterogeneous subsurface media

Marcell Szilvási — 2026-04-14

Geoelectrical datasets in heterogeneous environments often show non-Gaussian distributions and outliers, limiting conventional averaging. This study evaluates the Most Frequent Value (MFV) method for robust characterization of vertically structured geophysical data. Results show that the fixed ε parameter, the scale parameter of the weighting function, provides stable representations, while the conventional iterative ε method enhances locally dominant structures. Quantitative comparison confirms that method performance depends on data variability and sampling density. The method offers a flexible alternative for interpreting complex subsurface conditions.

Renewable and geothermal energy potential in Syria toward 2035

Haddad Elyas — 2026-04-29

Syria’s energy sector faces rising demand, depleted resources, and infrastructure damage. This paper evaluates the country’s renewable and geothermal potential within Energy Vision 2035 using national energy data and geothermal field tests. Findings indicate strong solar irradiation (>6.5 kWh/m²/day), significant wind potential (~490 TWh/year), and favorable geothermal conditions in Hama (thermal conductivity 2.011 W/m·K), supporting GSHP use. Expanding solar, wind, and geothermal systems would enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and support post-conflict recovery through a diversified renewable strategy.

Petrophysical response of sandstone and tuff to water and freeze–thaw

Rami Moghrabi — 2026-04-29

This study evaluates the durability of 11 Hungarian lithotypes (sandstone and volcanic tuff) from the Eger region under water saturation and 100 freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles. Utilizing 468 specimens, physical degradation was quantified via ultrasonic wave velocities and dynamic moduli. Results indicate that while saturation initially increases P-wave velocity through pore-filling, cyclic freezing induces progressive microstructural attenuation, primarily within the first 50 cycles. Tuff varieties exhibited high frost sensitivity and significant stiffness loss due to high open porosity and zeolitic alteration. Conversely, sandstone maintained superior structural integrity. Strong correlations between acoustic parameters and elastic moduli confirm that non-destructive testing effectively characterizes stone durability.

Reference-based measurement of stress-dependent ultrasonic velocity and seismic quality factor

Brigitta Turainé Vurom — 2026-04-30

We report ultrasonic laboratory measurements of P-wave velocity and quality factor (Q) in a sandstone sample under stepwise uniaxial loading (0–90 kN). Full ultrasonic waveforms were recorded at each load increment. Because Q estimation is more sensitive than velocity to coupling conditions, instrumental response, and spectral processing, particular emphasis was placed on amplitude-consistent acquisition and reference-based attenuation analysis. An aluminum specimen of identical geometry was measured under the same protocol to characterize system-related attenuation and to enable spectral-ratio-based estimation of effective Q relative to a high-Q reference. The sandstone exhibits pronounced stress dependence in both velocity and Q, indicating path-dependent anelastic dissipation associated with microcrack closure and frictional grain-contact losses.

Techno-economic feasibility of geothermal well repurposing in Syria

Elyas Haddad — 2026-07-30

The Euphrates Graben in northeastern Syria offers strong potential for geothermal energy through repurposing decommissioned hydrocarbon wells. This study evaluates technical and economic feasibility based on temperature, depth, and well integrity. Results show wells (2400–3100 m, 120–150°C) can generate 3–5 MW using binary cycle systems. Economic analysis indicates competitive costs (LCOE: $0.08–0.12/kWh). Repurposing reduces drilling needs, emissions, and costs while supporting sustainable energy development, making it a practical solution for enhancing energy security and renewable integration in Syria.

Mineralogical investigation of Ni- and Co-bearing sulfides from the Felsőcsatár talc schist, Hungary

Máté Leskó — 2026-08-24

Nickel and cobalt are critical raw materials essential for modern technologies and the energy transition. This study presents a detailed mineralogical investigation of the Ni–Co-bearing sulfides from the Felsőcsatár talc deposit, western Hungary. SEM–EDS and WDS analyses identified Ni-bearing pyrrhotite, Ni-rich pentlandite, violarite–siegenite and cobaltite–gersdorffite solid solution series, Ni-bearing pyrite, millerite, and ullmannite. The geological setting and mineralogical observations suggest that Ni and Co were originally derived from the ultramafic–mafic protolith, whereas hydrothermal and/or metamorphic processes are interpreted to have remobilized these elements and led to the formation of the Ni–Co-bearing mineralization. Subsequent supergene alteration resulted in the transformation of pentlandite into violarite.

Occupational safety challenges in cleaning gravity pipelines transporting hazardous mixtures

Renáta Zákányiné Mészáros — 2026-08-24

Our work focuses on the occupational safety aspects of periodic cleaning and mainte-nance work on underground gravity pipeline systems used to transport chemical in-dustrial materials. We develop specific technical and organisational recommendations that can be applied in practice to reduce the identified hazards. Some of our findings are based on objective measurement data, official test reports and standards, while certain conclusions necessarily reflect subjective experiences, as the specific charac-teristics of similar systems and local conditions significantly influence the severity of the risks. Our goal is to ensure that the conditions for safe working are met as fully as possible during cleaning work, thereby reducing the risk of serious accidents and oc-cupational diseases.

Integrated legionella risk assessment framework for thermal spa healthcare facilities

Renáta Zákányiné Mészáros — 2026-08-24

As a result of modern anthropogenic activities and urbanized lifestyles, the incidence and prevalence of respiratory diseases have risen significantly in the 20th and 21st centuries, primarily due to the deterioration of air quality. As part of these processes, the spread of the use of spas and rheumatology treatment centers carries new, invisible exposure risks, among which Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella spp. stands out. The aim of this research is to identify the risks associated with Legionella exposure in a Hungarian spa, to determine the groups of people at risk, and to formulate technical and operational recommendations to reduce exposure and increase occupational safety. During the study, we mapped the indoor areas associated with aerosol formation, analyzed the operating practices of water and air treatment systems, and reviewed current control protocols.

Measurement of the rotational resistance of steel-case rollers used in belt conveyor systems operating in acidic environments

Zoltán Virág — 2026-08-31

To design a conveyor belt, data on conveyor bridges to span the terrain or existing structures is required, as well as calculations for belt tensions. The total belt tension consists of many force components; however, some of them are required to make experimental measurements, such as for various resistance forces. Our comparative tests were used on two pieces of rollers, the same in terms of bearing type, hub type and quality of craft. The research objects were 89-mm-diameter rollers, used in conveyor belt systems for bulk transportation. Measurement campaigns were conducted in phosphoric acid baths to save time. Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns, causing unplanned downtime and productivity loss. Regular checks and repairs keep the system running smoothly and prevent costly interruptions.