bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF IRRIGATION IN RIVER VALLEYS TO DEVELOP WATER QUALITY, PRODUCTION OF BIOMASS AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT - CASE STUDY
Authors: MOSIEJ Józef , SUCHECKA Teresa
Published: March 2018

Ner river and its valley for over 170 years has been receiver for sewages from the city of Łódź. The natural system of this region (on the border of the watershed location, limitations of water supplies sources, lack of bigger natural rivers) in connection to city growth, lead to forming of specific system involving an agglomeration and water supplies system as well as wastewaters utilization system. The Ner river valley has the great potential to be effective in production biomass for energy purposes. Irrigation with polluted Ner river water cover fast growing plants high water and nutritional requirements. This would also work for the improvement of Ner river water quality. The achievement of good quality of water is not possible without irrigation of agricultural land in river valley. An amount of sewage discharged to Ner (193,017 m³ per day) several times higher then its natural flow in river. This is a result of strategy of water supply that is supported by transfer of water from Pilica river and underground water uptake for agglomeration. Relatively high runoff coefficient in years 1952 – 2011 was equal to 0.325 for Ner, in comparison to 0.17 for other rivers in Warta watershed. Despite the low natural flow Ner river discharges annually relatively high contaminants’ load to Warta river. In the analysed period (1995-2003) the annual average flow of Ner river amounted 10 % of annual average Warta river flow below its estuary. The share of analysed indicators of contaminants’ load approximated 27 % for total nitrogen, 37 % for phosphorus, 39 % for BOD5 and 28% for suspended solids. In the period 2004-2011 the annual average flow of Ner river amounted 13.8 % of annual average Warta river flow. The share of investigated pollutants loads consists 27.9 % for total nitrogen, 42.6 % for phosphorus, 19.8 % for BOD5 and 19.6 % for suspended solids.
THE INFLUENCE OF BIOORGANIC PREPARATIONS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF CONVENTIONALY GROWN WINTER WHEAT ACTIVATING AND SAVING THE USE OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS
Authors: SPRUOGIS Vidmantas , DAUTARTĖ Anželika , ZEMECKIS Romualdas , BARTKEVIČIUS Edmundas , STIKLIENĖ Aida
Published: March 2018

The influence of Raskila bioorganic fertilisers on the productivity of conventional winter wheat ‘Olivin’, was investigated in order to stimulate and save synthetic herbicide Arrat and fungicide Tango Super for spring spraying. Scheme of treatment: 1. Control; 2. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with fertilizer Raskila 3 l ha-1; 3. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.2 kg ha-1+Tango super 1.5 l ha-1; 4. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.2 kg ha-1+Tango super 1.5 l ha-1+Raskila 3.0 l ha-1; 5. Winter wheat sprayed (BBCH 20-29) with Arrat 0.1 kg ha-1+Tango super 0.75 l ha-1+Raskila 3.0 l ha-1. The best result in the period of 2014-2016 was received after application of the following combination in spring: Arrat + Tango super + Raskila. This combination allows to reduce the rate of pesticides in half (50%), the differences compared to control are significant, statistically reliable. A statistically significant increase in the following winter wheat ‘Olivin’ quality parameters was found: protein 13.1-14.8%, gluten 24.3-29.7%, number of falls 228-292 s, starch 65.7-70.0%. Application of Raskila fertilizers has raised the grain quality class. The best results were in variants 3 and 4, where the I class of grain quality was achieved. Combination of Raskila fertilisers and pesticides: herbicide Arrat and fungicide Tango super statistically significantly increased the following winter wheat ‘Olivin’ characteristics - plant height 101.2-104.2 cm, ear length 6.9-7.1 cm, grain number per ear 28,96- 30.02, grain yield 6.71-7.03 t ha-1. Application of Raskila fertilizer 1.0 l ha-1 and herbicide Arrat 0.1 kg ha-1 decreased the number of weeds from 62.5 to 57.6 units per m2 and the weed weight decreased from 41.30 to 33.70 g m2. Stronger wheat crop overshadowed weeds better. Combination of Raskila and Tango super reduced the prevalence and severity of diseases in winter wheat such as Septoria spp., Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, Erysiphe graminis, powdery rust (Puccinia recondita).
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BRACKISH WATER DISTILLATION IN SINGLE SLOPE SOLAR STILL USING SENSIBLE HEAT STORAGE MATERIALS
Authors: RAVICHANDRAN Lenin , RUSOVS Dmitrijs , ARJUNAN Thottipalayam Vellingri , VIJAYAN Selvaraj , MATHESWARAN Murugesan
Published: March 2018

Solar distillation is one of the important methods of getting clean water from brackish and seawater using the renewable energy of the sun. The passive type solar still represent most economical method to supply drinking water for domestic applications for decentralized level. Experimental measurements of solar distillation productivity for single slope still were conducted at the testing field of the Mechanical Engineering department, Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The influence of basin water quantity and amount of energy storage materials are examined and the performance is compared. The target of this research is to find best way to keep the excess heat by energy storage materials and release it during off-sunshine hours for increment in distillate output and efficiency. Various sensible heat energy storage materials like pebbles, blue metal stone, red brick, granites and white marbles were used as energy storage medium. The daily yield of black granite still is higher than other energy storage material stills and is equal to 3.216 kg/day/m2, which is 29% higher than that of the still without energy storage materials.
EFFECTS OF CONTENTS AND COMPONENT COMPOSITION OF ASH AND ORGANIC CONSTITUENTS ON FUEL CHARACTERISTICS OF SOFTWOOD AND WHEAT STRAW HYDROLYTIC PROCESSING RESIDUES
Authors: Andersone Anna , Arshanitsa Alexander , Jashina Lilija , Lauberts Māris , Dizhbite Tatiana , Telysheva Galina
Published: March 2018

Processing of biomass for obtaining of liquid ethanol, platform chemicals and solid biofuel, is topical biorefinery schema intensively developing. Acid hydrolysis, separated hydrolysis and fermentation, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation are integrated with other treatments for the advanced technology development. The aim of this work was estimation of effect of softwood and wheat straw hydrolysis type on fuel characteristics of rich-in-lignin residues with emphasis on content and component composition of ash and feedstock. Elemental Analysis; Atomic absorption spectroscopy; calorimetric method; Klason lignin determination were used. Laboratory scale pellet mill KAHL 14-175 and original small pilot-scale gasifier were used for study of residues granulation ability and combustion behavior of pellets obtained. The ash content in softwood residues slightly increase but does not exceed 1%, for wheat straw residues it is >14% (0,2% and 10% for feedstock, correspondingly). The ashing temperature of 650oC is experimentally established as optimal. Detection of ash component allows to foreseen possible contamination connected with materials of the devices and chemicals used in the technological stream. Combustion mechanism of solid residues differs from that of feedstock by increasing of ratio duration of glue combustion to flame combustion steps, that is more characteristic for coal. The efficiency of biomass combustion was regulated by changing the ratio of primary and secondary air supply. Direct correlation established between higher heating value and Klason lignin content for samples, allows to recommend these analyses for evaluation of biomass potential as a fuel. Residues under study meet the requirements of EU Standard CN/TS 335.
THE EFFECT OF SOLID MANURE INCORPORATION INTO THE SOIL ON THE EMISSION OF GASES AND ODOURS
Authors: MIELCAREK Paulina , RZEŹNIK Wojciech , ZBYTEK Zbyszek
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the level of emission reduction of selected harmful gases and odours following immediate manure incorporation into soil, using the prototype manure applicator. The research was carried out at the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, in September 2016. Two experimental fields size 6 x 100 m were located on corn stubble in the distance of 40 m. In field A, the solid manure was incorporated into the soil using the prototype manure applicator. In field B, manure application was made by manure spreader. The prototype manure applicator was designed and made by Industrial Institute of Agricultural Engineering. The concentration of harmful gases (NH3, CO2, CH4, N2O) and odours was measured during the study. Measurements were made in the following periods: immediately after application and 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14 hours after application. The concentration of studied gases was measured immediately after sampling by the photoacoustic spectrometer (Multi Gas Monitor Innova 1312). The odours concentration was determined within 30 hours after air sampling by dynamic olfactometry using the TO 8 olfactometer. The solid manure incorporation reduced NH3 emissions by an average of 66%. For the other studied gases the differences in concentration were too small or this concentration was similar to concentration of these gases in surrounding air. The incorporation of solid manure limited also odour emissions. The level reduction decreased with time and amounted to an average of 25%.
INTEGRATED EFFECT OF CLIMATE AND AIR POLLUTANTS ON DIURNAL TREE RING FORMATION OF SCOTS PINE, NORWAY SPRUCE AND SILVER AND DOWNY BIRCH TREES STEM CIRCUMFERENCE
Authors: PIVORAS Ainis , MIKALAJŪNAS Marius , JUONYTĖ Diana , PIVORAS Gintaras
Published: March 2018

The integrated effect of climatic and other abiotic stress factors including surface ozone on diurnal tree ring width formation of the prevailing in Lithuania tree species as the main response parameter of tree capacity to adapt to and mitigate the recent global changes was investigated. The obtained data revealed that Norway spruce is better adapted to recent climatic conditions in temperate forest than birch trees. Even during the drought episode spruce stem increment exceeded increment of the rest of considered tree species. Silver and Downy birch tree reactions revealed the lowest sensitivity of these tree species not only to unfavorable environmental factors but also to favorable factors which should stimulate tree growth intensity. This is why the growth intensity of this tree species recently has been gradually decreasing. The hypothesis that the coniferous species are more adaptive to recent climate changes was confirmed. The study is based on the results obtained conducting national project supported by Lithuanian Council of Research “FOREstRESS” (SIT- 3/2015).
EFFECT OF EXPECTED CLIMATE CHANGES ON THE WATER NEEDS OF FOREST NURSERY IN THE REGION OF CENTRAL POLAND
Authors: ROLBIECKI Stanisław , KOKOSZEWSKI Mateusz , GRIBAUSKIENE Vilda , ROLBIECKI Roman , JAGOSZ Barbara , PTACH Wiesław , ŁANGOWSKI Ariel
Published: March 2018

The aim of the study was to estimate the water needs of forest nursery in 2021-2050 in the region of Bydgoszcz (central Poland) basing on the predicted changes of air temperature. The forecast of average monthly air temperature for the Bydgoszcz region in 2011-2050, according to the expected climate change in Poland (SRES: A1B), was applied. The water requirements of forest nursery were determined basing on the daily water consumption for plant transpiration and field evaporation. The water needs were estimated for two types of the soil: sandy and clay, in the period from April to September for each year from 2021 to 2050. The reference period was 30 years from 1981 to 2010. According to the calculations, during 2021-2050 in the Bydgoszcz region, the forecasted water needs of forest nurseries will increase by 12-15%. In relation to the reference period and according to the expected climate changes, the water needs of forest nurseries in 2021-2050 will raise during the growing period from 427 to 489 mm on clay and from 498 to 560 mm on sandy soil. The greatest water needs, occurred in July, were 110 and 137 mm on the clay and sandy soil, respectively. Correlation and regression analysis showed that the water needs of forest nurseries in 2021-2050 will significantly increase in April by 3.3 and 3.8 mm·decade-1, and in August by 5.4 and by 6.0 mm·decade-1 on the clay and sandy soils, respectively.
IMPLEMENTATION OF EU WATER POLICY IN UKRAINE: PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: GOLOVKO Liudmyla
Published: March 2018

The use, protection and management of water resources belong to the most urgent among global environmental problems of our time. Today, the civilization clearly realizes the need for careful management of water resources, maintaining and restoring its quality. Water quality determines the possibility of its use in various fields of human activity. For Ukraine problems of water sector are also acute and urgent. Low efficiency of water use, poor drinking water quality, nitrate contamination of water resources, poor condition of water bodies in Ukraine require more foreign experience in this sphere, especially the EU experience. The purpose of our scholarly work is to explore actual problems of harmonization of water legislation of Ukraine with the requirements of EU water policy and development of proposals for the improvement of Ukrainian legislation. Main features of harmonization of Ukrainian legislation in the water resources management sphere with EU law and prospects for implementation of principles of EU Water Framework Directive were analyzed. As a result of the study the ways of implementation of positive foreign experience of water objects management in Ukraine are considered. Considering the scale of ecological crisis in Ukraine the necessity of forming a new system of economic regulators of nature is obvious. Such system must not only accumulate funds for urgent actions, but primarily encourage economic entities to protect the natural environment. We consider it appropriate to introduce mandatory environmental insurance for operators of environmentally hazardous activities.
THE DIVERSITY OF HERBACEOUS VEGETATION AFTER FOREST FIRE
Authors: ABRAITIENĖ Jolita , ŠILINGIENĖ Gerda , VAITKEVIČIŪTĖ Rasa , VASINAUSKIENĖ Regina
Published: March 2018

Forest fire is an uncontrolled combustion of flammable materials in forested and non-forested areas. In Lithuania forest fires mainly occur in late spring and summer, mostly in young coniferous forests (Forest ..., 1987).
The studies of herbaceous plants in fireplaces were carried out in 2016 in Jurbarkas SFE. Ground-level forest fire increased the projection coverage of herbaceous plants and their species composition in the fireplaces. According to the average data of the survey, 18 herbaceous plant species were ascertained in the fireplace and 14 species in the control stand. During the first year after fire, 9 new species were recorded in the fireplace and 5 species have disappeared, while in the seventh year - 7 new species were recorded and 1 disappeared, as compared with the control stand. Summarizing the obtained data it can be stated that low-intensity ground-level forest fire in pine forest increased the number of herbaceous plant species, however, the number of new and extinct species has been gradually decreasing, suggesting that in the fireplaces the diversity of herbaceous plant species will be like in the control stand.
THE ASPECTS AND BENEFITS OF THE ACTIVITY OF THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT MEASURE AGRI-ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Authors: KRIAUČIŪNAITĖ-NEKLEJONOVIENĖ Vilma , STRAVINSKIENĖ Vaiva , CIBULSKAITĖ Rimanta , REKUS Donatas
Published: March 2018

It is planned to ensure the balanced development of the country's territory, creating and maintaining a healthy and harmonious human habitat and natural elements of the countryside and ensuring overall ecological stability by means of the agri-environmental protection activity measures RDP. As part of the EU's rural development policy, the tool for improving agri-environmental and climatic conditions has been continuously improved. The paper analyzes the differences between the 2007 -2013 RDP measure „Agri-environmental payments” and 2014-2020 RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate". Comparison of the 4 directions of the 2007-2013 and 2014-2020 RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate" according to the individual criteria for each direction indicate that the program rules are adjusted in a beneficial direction for both parties in close cooperation between the responsible authorities and the beneficiaries. In 2007-2013 it has been established that RDP measure "Agri-environmental payments" covered a much wider range of directions, and in 2014-2020, the RDP measure "Agri-environment and climate" had a slightly narrower range of directions, but more specific and clearer rules. However, the desired results can not be achieved. The greatest benefit of the measure is the improved biodiversity of the country. The main driving force for agri-environmental measures is financial support.
SUCCESSION OF GROUND COVER VEGETATION IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST SITE TYPE AFTER THE CLEARCUT
Authors: DUBROVSKIS Edgars , INDRIKSONS Aigars , MIEZĪTE Olga , HERMANE Lelde
Published: March 2018

Nowadays forestry sector uses forest site type descriptions developed from beginning of 20th century till 1980’s and descriptions are obtained for pre-mature and mature stand age. There is less information about ground cover vegetation for full rotation cycle. In this research has been gathered information about ground cover vegetation succession in first 5 years after clear cut in mature Scots pine stand. The chronosequence method was used. The Brown-Blanquet and the point-square methods for accounting of ground cover plants were used. The ecological values of Ellenberg for describing the environmental status and the coefficient of Tschekanovsky for estimation of the difference between plant communities in forest young growths of different age were used. The biological diversity of species in this research compared to mature stand also is increasing. Ellenberg’s ecological indicator values as light and nitrogen are also increasing: nitrogen value has increased the most - by 2.62 units. There are registered changes in vascular plants, mosses, lichens and trees projective covering’s proportion. The most significant changes in individual species occurrence are between the second and third year's (Tschekanovsky coefficient = 0.19). Five years after clear cut the Tschekanovsky coefficient between the mature stand and five years old clearing is 0.18. In the 4th and 5th year after the clear cut there increase the projective cover of Monocotyledonae plants (families Graminaea and Cyperaceae) forming higher vertical structure and overtaking the dominance from another groups. The results obtained in this research promote further research in different stand age.
AN ASSESSMENT OF RETENTION TREES IN HYLOCOMIOSA FOREST TYPE IN SOUTHERN LATVIA
Authors: STRAUPE Inga , LIEPA Līga
Published: March 2018

In Latvia the forest legislation requires that at least five living trees must be retained per hectare after clear-cutting. It is known that retention trees significantly increase the biodiversity in production forest landscape. After clear-cutting retention trees function as habitats for various lichens, mosses, insects, fungi and birds. Over time retention trees are incorporated into the young forests stand and provide presence of old trees, which is necessary for many endangered and rare species. After the death, these trees turn into coarse woody debris which is an essential habitat and feeding source for many taxa. However, the conservation and mortality of the retention trees has not been studied extensively because this approach has been established recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate development of the retention trees in Hylocomiosa type of forests in Southern Latvia. In total 12 young forest stands were surveyed in 2009 and 2015. The total area – 13.7 ha, on average forest stand size varies from 0.5 to 3.0 ha. All the studied sites were harvested in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. All measurements of tree species, height, and diameter and defoliation class assessed and the status of tree (growing tree, coarse woody debris – snags, stems and downed logs) was indicated. Results show that after the studied period of seven years 24 retention trees died. Average level of the tree mortality is 15 %. The mortality level of Scots pine retention trees is 5.8 %, for aspen – 50 % and that for birch – 92.3 %. An average it is 8.5 green retention trees per 1 ha of young stand (22.9 m3 ha-1). On average 2.3 pieces coarse woody debris are per 1 ha of young stand (3.52 m3 ha-1), mostly - aspen wood (2.4 m3 ha-1). Woody debris of the young stands is divided to the first 4 decay levels according to classification (Stokland et al., 2001). 50 % of the listed woody debris is related to the 3rd decay level which means that woody debris is moderately decomposed.
THE INDIVIDUAL SECTOR OF AGRICULTURE IN MOLDOVA AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS
Authors: CIMPOIES Liliana , SEMENOVA Elena
Published: March 2018

Moldovan agriculture is still characterized by a pronounced structural dualism with a very large number of small-scale family farms. The accentuated poverty makes rural economy to flow more and more to a natural subsistence economy, isolating itself from the market economy. The scope of the paper is to assess the farm performance and its contribution to the development of rural areas. The research analysis is based on national statistics and survey data of 723 farms. In order to assess farm performance technical efficiency (TE) and stochastic frontier analysis is used. The contribution of different types of income on the farm development level is analysed through regression analysis. Increasing of farm performance through a higher efficiency and competitiveness could be regarded as the key solution to the low income problem of rural families.
FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION IN LOGISTICS ENTERPRISES
Authors: RAUPELIENĖ Asta , LUKĖ Renata
Published: March 2018

Due to ongoing structural changes and socio-economic transition from the production economy to the knowledge economy, human capital plays a vital role in developing and creating new ideas and knowledge. Logistics industry is the fastest growing economic activity in Lithuania. The development of human capital becomes important in securing competitive advantage and improving performance for Lithuanian logistics enterprises. Logistics enterprises themselves try to find solutions how to create, develop and share the knowledge amongst its employees and how strategically develop and manage own human capital. The aim of the research is to examine the contemporary academic perspectives on measuring human capital and the factors affecting its value.
In order to provide theoretical and practical basis of the factors affecting human capital formation in logistics enterprises, a study of the correlation between internal and external factors was conducted. Based on the investigation of 30 respondents from Lithuanian logistics enterprises, the correlation between 20 factors affecting human capital value was analysed via a path and correlation analysis. The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the factors of the external environment “Demographic” (such as migration, structure of population and others) and the factor from the environment of the individual “Family” content; the correlation coefficient was -0.671. And it was positively correlated with the factor from the environment of the organisation “Culture” and “Value of organisation” (+0,695).
Taking these results into consideration, the focus should be drawn on transforming the function of human resources management as well as providing a facilitative environment for developing the necessary skills in the professional and technical field.
ECONOMIC RATIONALE FOR PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL IDENTIFICATION INTRODUCTION FOR LATVIAN CANNED SPRATS
Authors: PILVERE Irina , SILOVS Mihails
Published: March 2018

The article raises the question of economic rationale of including Latvian sprat to the protected geographical identification (GI) register of the European Commission. GIs aims to address the situation of asymmetric information on the market specifically a situation when high-quality foodstuffs customers’ loyalty and trust can be jeopardized by presence of sub-optimal products. One of the means to help customers and producers confront the information asymmetries and possess more control over the situation is the institute of trademarking. GIs can be understood as a type of trademarking, however, since the GI does not belong to a single company but rather to a product and is used by many companies simultaneously, the GIs are rather seen as a type of collective monopoly right reinforcing collective responsibility of producers. The aim of the current research to evaluate theoretical and economic background of GI-labelling and possibilities for GIs introduction to canned sprat industry in Latvia as well as sketch the relevance of GI introduction to Latvian canned sprats. According to the economic theory, a number of acute problems in the canned sprat industry in Latvia can be resolved by participating in the GI scheme and protecting the traditional producing of Latvian sprat at the European level. Latvian canned sprats is one of the food stuffs that would benefit from the certification both in the local market and exported. The key structural events to be mobilized to realize the potential of a GI-labelling introduction to the canned sprats sector in Latvia are indicated in the article along with the GIs theoretic introduction and discussion.
SOCIAL CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL COMMUNITY BASED ON SOCIAL NETWORKING ACTIVITIES IN LITHUANIA
Authors: KASPERIŪNIENĖ Judita , IVANOVA Ilze
Published: March 2018

The scholar literature on simultaneous using of social capital explore knowledge and identity resources as well as actions and interactions benefiting the community through personal bonds of individuals; issues of common trust; and adapting the current understanding in new situations. In this article, we instead examine rural community influence on social capital building of adult person in a virtual community. A quantitative survey was done in 246 local rural communities in Lithuania which reflected their community activities on a virtual basis. From the data of 500 informants we found that rural community (human social network) members were also active in the virtual communities. Research participants from rural communities expressed their will to be the part of a virtual community and virtually solve various local community issues. Active members of virtual communities actively participated in live community activities. Local community members peer-learned while sharing knowledge and experience in virtual communities. We argue that belonging to a virtual community inspire rural community members to train their virtual and live communication skills and peer-learn. Virtual community could contribute to self-regulated learning by stimulating sense of sociality and identity of rural community members. Virtual community could operate as self-regulated learning space for rural community members. Social capital development would be more intensive when the members of rural community actively engage in social communication, cooperation and exchange of information, and mentor each other. This survey highlights the virtual community influence the social capital building of rural community members in Lithuanian context.
RURAL HUMAN CAPITAL AS A DETERMINANT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Authors: BOMBIAK Edyta , MARCYSIAK Adam
Published: March 2018

Human capital is an economic category which is increasingly applied in the models of economic growth and development. Many studies have demonstrated its positive effect on economic development at the national and regional levels. The level of development of rural areas is also strongly correlated with the human factor. The objective of the study was to carry out a quantitative and qualitative diagnosis of the situation of human capital across rural areas in Poland and to indicate the main challenges associated with the shaping of this capital in the context of economic growth simulation. The method used to meet the objective was a review of source literature and an analysis of statistical data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) with the application of dynamics and structure indices. In the course of research, it was established that the main trends affecting the situation of human resource capital across rural areas in Poland are: the ageing of the rural population, as a dominant negative trend, and a systematic, though slow, increase in the level of education, as a dominant positive trend. It was determined that unfavorable demographic transformations of rural communities involve the risk of limiting economic activities of the elderly, and at the same time, also a decrease in their economic independence and an increase in the social burden resulting therefrom. On the other hand, the observed rise in the level of education and economic activity may accelerate the beneficial transformations of the area structure of agricultural farms, for it contributes to the acceleration of migration of the rural population to other, non-agricultural professions. In this context, taking actions, both nationally and regionally, aiming at increasing qualifications of rural (including agricultural) populations constitutes a vital opportunity, which increases intellectual potential and competitiveness across the country and its individual regions.
SUBSIDISED ELECTRICITY TAX ON BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN LATVIA
Authors: Rubīns Mareks , Pilvere Irina
Published: March 2018

Biogas production becomes increasingly popular in Latvia. The development of the biogas industry depends on national and European Union (EU) support, as biogas production is not economically efficient without the support. In 2014 Latvia introduced a new tax – the subsidized energy tax (SET) – that influences all biogas producers in the country. A 10% tax rate is applied to incomes gained from: 1) electricity sold under the mandatory purchase obligation; 2) guaranteed payments for the electrical capacity installed in a cogeneration plant or a power plant. However, there is an opportunity to apply the reduced SET rate of 5%. This is a government support scheme that may be applied to the tax payers that meet the criteria for effective thermal energy use: the operation of biogas facilities, the production of products or their sale to a related person, thereby ensuring the operation of the enterprise. For this purpose, the biogas facility has to be equipped with meters for measuring thermal energy generated; accurate readings of the meters at the generator output have to be specified in monthly tax reports. The research analyzed the fiscal effects of the SET on biogas production enterprises and opportunities for the reduced SET rate to be applied. The reduced SET rate is paid by 29 out of 61 (28%) biogas producers listed in the Register of Subsidized Electricity Producers. The research employed analysis and synthesis, logical construction, the monographic method and statistical analysis and performed calculations. The authors assessed the situation at four biogas production enterprises that were different in terms of output capacity and inputs used. An analysis of gross profit margins allowed concluding that there were considerable differences in expected gross profit margin among various producers: from 13% to 50%, which would be able to influence their decisions to construct a biogas facility if the SET situation were known.
MATHEMATICS AS POTENTIAL FOR THE PERSON'S RESILIENCE
Authors: KOPEIKA Evija
Published: March 2018

Scientific literature offers extensive examples of the role of mathematics education in the development of personality and intelligence as well as its application in everyday life and professional activities. Furthermore, the attitude towards the role of mathematical knowledge in the labour market is widely discussed in the society. In order to reflect the views of respondents on the issues of mathematics education and the potential values of mathematics, the survey was carried out. The research data was analysed considering the respondents` education speciality, gender, age and mathematics learning experience. Study results show that mathematics is widely used in everyday life as well as in professional activities, and gives advantage in the labour market. It is difficult to learn mathematics but it is highly worthy. Thus the subject of mathematics is becoming a crucial instrument for promoting an all-round education and personal development. Therefore, many higher education courses have to be mathematics-intensive, and students need to have a high level of competence in the subject to promote person’s resilience.
EVALUATION OF CHEMICAL CONTENT IN DIFFERENT ENERGY CROPS
Authors: ADAMOVICS Aleksandrs , POIŠA Liena
Published: March 2018

For energy crops (reed canary grass and timothy grass), it is important to evaluate the sulphur and carbon content, and the harvested dry matter dependency on the fertilizer norm. Sulphur and carbon are important elements of a combustible material, and carbon is directly important as it forms the burning component. On the other hand, sulphur is an unwelcome element in combustible materials as it promotes environmental pollution. The field trials were carried out in sod calcareous soils in 2011–2013. A research was conducted to investigate the chemical content of two grasses: reed canary grass var. ‘Bamse’ (Phalaris arundinacea L.), and timothy grass ‘Jumis’ (Phleum pratense L.). Fertiliser norms (kg ha-1) applied in the research were: N0P0K0 (control), N30, N60, and N90. The harvest yield is one of the most important factors to obtain biocombustible materials; however, it does not mean that the amount of the harvest yield guarantees also a good quality of grasses. The research showed that the trial year had the most significant influence on both the sulphur yield and content in dry matter, the fertiliser norm essentially influenced the sulphur (η=30.1%) and carbon (η=6.5%) yield, but for the sulphur yield, a 6% interaction effect was established between the trial year and the nitrogen fertilizer norm.
RESEARCH OF A HIGHLY DEFECTIVE FROG CORE OF GRADE 1/9
Authors: GAVRILOVS Pavels , IVANOVS Viktors
Published: March 2018

For the first time at the Riga Technical University a study was carried out of a highly defective frog core of grade 1/9. In the course of the research an analysis of crossing piece defects on the Latvian railway was carried out in eight railway sections during years of 2015, 2016, 2017. The defect of the frog core of grade 1/9 (the 60 E1 DO 07 12 frog type) was considered according to the basic classification of the defects, and the analysis and research of the cause of its fracture were conducted from the bolt hole to the web and the base of the frog core.
The research process consisted of four stages:
 Stage 1: determination of metal hardness according to the Brinell scale with a modern device “Tinius O Olsen” Firmware Version 1.07, FH - 31 Series. The obtained results should be compared with the data of the manufacturer's factory – Dowlais Steel.
 Stage 2: determination of the chemical composition of the rail steel of the frog core 1/9 (in the rail top, rail web, and rail base) using the ARC-MET 8000 Mobile Lab Optical Emission Spectometer Analyser. The obtained data should be compared with the manufacturer's data.
 Stage 3: determination of the rail steel structure. Drawing of main conclusions about the quality of the rail steel of the frog core of grade 1/9.
 Stage 4: drawing of main conclusions and summary of the cause and development of the fracture from the bolt hole of the frog core of grade 1/9.
FACTORS INFLUENCING CHANGES OF BEEF CATTLE HERD QUANTITY AND SIZE: CASE OF LATVIA
Authors: ZVIRBULE Andra , ANDERSONS Raivis
Published: March 2018

Beef production volumes in Latvia have been different over a long period of time, beef output growth has been noted, as well as its sharp decrease, so it is important to analyze, what are the most important factors that are affecting beef production volumes, that will give an idea of the possibilities for beef market regulation. Consequently, the study objective can be defined: Identify factors affecting beef production in Latvia.
For this research statistical methods, correlation analysis, induction, deduction, analysis and synthesis were used. These methods gave an accurate picture of factors that are affecting beef production volumes.
According to the results, it can be concluded that beef production volumes are significantly affected by such factors as demand for beef.
The results of this research indicate that Latvia beef production volumes are affected by the market demand. As an essential factor for increasing the number of beef cattle in Latvia, export opportunities are available where increasing amount of fresh or chilled beef exported in EUR is increasing the number of suckler cows, where there is a close positive relationship (r = 0.76), which indicates an increase in demand from Latvian meat beef holding output. The quality of the soil in the region and climatic conditions will affect the specialization of farms. The largest number of bovine animals is grown in regions of Vidzeme and Latgale, where average cereal production is lowest per hectare. Pierīga and Zemgale regions have high crop yields on average per hectare, so in this region the number of bovine animals is the smallest.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF FARMER’S FARMS: CASE STUDY OF LITHUANIA
Authors: ZALECKIENĖ Jurgita
Published: March 2018

Due to historical circumstances, the development of Lithuanian commercial farmer’s farms is slow; however, farmer’s farms are very important to the vitality of rural areas while developing agricultural commodities and goods. The purpose of this article – to analyze the structural changes in farmer’s farms and present the directions of future development. Structural changes in Lithuanian farmer’s farms during the 2005 – 2015 timeframe were analyzed while looking at the diagnostic indicators, which are the following: the number of farmer’s farms, the structure of farmer’s farms according to their size, the activity units of farmer’s farms, age of farmers, farmer’s farms sources of income. In order to study the statistical data, methods of systemization, logical analysis and generalization were applied. The analysis of the statistical data suggests that the following structural changes are taking place in Lithuanian farmer’s farms: the number of registered farmer’s farms increases and the farmers’ are getting younger. One of the most significant factors causing the structural changes in holdings – the EU financial support for the agricultural development and the changing customer demands. More and more often rural areas perform residential function and new living areas are developed.
There is a predominance of the small farms (up to 10 hectares). This is mainly a result of the reform in agricultural sector at the end of 20th century. Many small agricultural holdings were established due to this reform. However, significant changes occur while choosing and/or combining the activity units of the farm: the number of farms specializing in crops increases, the number of the holdings focusing on livestock and combined farming (crops and livestock) is declining; also, farmer’s farms with diversified income or the activity units grow in number. Limited opportunities to intensify agricultural production in small farmer’s farms caused the fact that activities or income were diversified. The model of family farm remains; however, the relation between activity and the usage of family’s labour in farm activity changes.
THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY
Authors: OGRYZEK Marek , RZĄSA Krzysztof
Published: March 2018

The rural development policy of the Agricultural Property Stock of the State Treasury in Poland (APS) is conducted by The Agricultural Property Agency – APA (since 1.09.2017 – The National Centre for Agriculture Support). The property managed by the APA includes agricultural land, forests, farm buildings, residential buildings as well as equipment and devices that are part of the social, technical, production, commercial and service infrastructure. The aim of research was to proof the influence of the gratuitous transfer of land from the APS to local government units, to engage them in social activities. The main methods used for it were: the analyse of legal acts in Poland, the analyse of reports and statistic data from APA and method of cartographic presentation – quantitative, cartogram.
This article focuses on the social aspects of the APA’s operations, based on an analysis of the data supplied by the Regional Branch of the Agricultural Property Agency in Olsztyn. The results of the analyses were presented in table format. The rural development policy concerning the performance of public purposes in rural areas was analysed. The obtained information and materials were analysed to identify social investments carried out on agricultural land donated to local authorities from Agricultural Property Stock of the State Treasury. The results were used to analyse and describe the social aspects of the APA’s operations in rural area in Poland. Rural areas require various types of social assistance services. The Agricultural Property Agency has successfully fostered social development in rural areas, and it has the required resources and experience to continue that mission.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NONGOVERNMENTAL SECTOR IN LATVIA
Authors: ZDANOVSKIS Kristaps
Published: March 2018

Nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) have played their role in political processesfor centuries, continuing to expand their activity and engage the public. The NGO sector in Latvia is young in comparison with Western countries. The first organisations emerged in Latvia after the country regainedthe second independence in the 1990s. The NGO sector in Latvia does not differ from that in other countries and has retaining its nature – any organisation is established voluntarily by a group of individuals with similar beliefs to advocate public interests at political level, for non-commercial purposes and with no government influence. Statistical data show the engagement of the public in NGO activities, which is promoted by progress in the world and such opportunities of the digital era as the Internet, mobile applications, social networks or e-platforms that can inform and mobilise the public fast for tackling some problem. As the NGO sector developed and its scope of activity expanded, new problems were identified, e.g. inability to establish a single system for the activity and financial transparency of organisations. To exist in a long-term, NGOs need to adapt to a system. Organisations that have built up experience and made achievements represent future potential for new public activists in their work with public administration entities and decision-makers to meet the public’s needs and in the interests of the public, thus, in cooperation, making a better and wealthier life for the country’s residents. The research aim is to analyse the NGO sector in Latvia. The research employed the following methods: monographic, descriptive, analysis and synthesis, as well as logical construction.
THE PROS AND CONS OF THE EU COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY
Authors: ZAWOJSKA Aldona
Published: March 2018

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union has generated a great deal of attention and controversy among research community, practitioners and the wider population. The aim of this study is to overview and to discuss the thoughts and comments on the CAP which have been addressed by both its proponents and its opponents in the scientific publications, political commentaries, official reports, pubic opinion surveys and social-media-based public forums. While on the one hand, recent public opinion poll (Eurobarometer 2016) indicated broad support among EU citizens for the CAP; on the other hand, other sources give some strong arguments in favour of reducing or even scrapping the CAP.
The CAP supporters (including European Commission itself) highlight, among others, the benefits of this policy (environmental; cultural; social vitality; food variety, quality and security; maintaining of rural employment, etc.) for all European citizens and not only for farmers, while CAP opponents stress its unfairness both to non-farmers (e.g. huge financial costs of its policy for taxpayers) and small farmers (large farmers benefit most), heavy administrative burden for farmers as well as the CAP’s destructing impact both on the EU states’ agriculture systems and developing countries’ agricultural markets. The CAP is basically the same for all EU member states but the EU countries differ considerably in terms of their rural development. According to some views, the CAP does not fit the Central and Eastern European countries. It represents a failure of the EU to adjust adequately from an exclusively Western European institution into a proper pan-European organization.
EFFECTS OF THE RESTRICTIONS OF PRACTICES USED FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF PERMANENT GRASSLANDS
Authors: ARIVA Jelena , KALL Katri , OPER Liis , VIIRA Ants-Hannes
Published: March 2018

From 2004-2015, the utilised agricultural area (UAA) in Estonia increased by 25%. Half of the UAA growth arose from the increase in the area of permanent grassland temporarily not used for production purposes. The main driver of growth in such land has been single area payment (SAP) paid in Estonia since the EU accession in 2004. While subsidising the maintenance of permanent grassland not used for agricultural production is in line with the objectives of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), it fuels discussions about the effects of this policy on agricultural producers.
For every year, member states establish practices equivalent to maintenance of permanent grassland. Until 2014, in Estonia, the minimum activity for the maintenance of permanent grassland under the SAP, was harvesting the grass or chopping it and leaving on the ground. In 2015 and 2016 options for chopping and leaving the grass on the ground were restricted with an aim to target SAP more towards active land users, i.e. agricultural producers.
Both agricultural producers and non-producers maintain permanent grassland not used for production purposes. Research on the practices used by different types of actors helps in understanding the variety of practices and potential effects of restrictions of these practices. The survey data was combined with the data from the registries of Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board (ARIB), to analyse the potential effects of restrictions of practices on agricultural producers and the area of permanent pasture in Estonia.
The results indicate that both agricultural producers and non-producers use grass harvesting and chopping practices. Therefore, restrictions that have effect on both groups of land users are not the most efficient way of targeting SAP towards agricultural producers, and potentially reduce the area of permanent grasslands. This result would be in conflict with the aims of the CAP.