bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide and acetone over biologically productive waters in the southwest Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lawson Sarah J. , Law Cliff S. , Harvey Mike J. , Bell Thomas G. , Walker Carolyn F. , de Bruyn Warren J. , Saltzman Eric S.
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Atmospheric methanethiol (MeSHa), dimethyl sulfide (DMSa) and
acetone (acetonea) were measured over biologically productive frontal
waters in the remote southwest Pacific Ocean in summertime 2012 during the
Surface Ocean Aerosol Production (SOAP) voyage. MeSHa mixing ratios
varied from below the detection limit (< 10 ppt) up to 65 ppt and were 3 %–36 % of parallel DMSa mixing ratios. MeSHa and DMSa were
correlated over the voyage (R2=0.3, slope = 0.07) with a stronger
correlation over a coccolithophore-dominated phytoplankton bloom (R2=0.5, slope 0.13). The diurnal cycle for MeSHa shows similar
behaviour to DMSa with mixing ratios varying by a factor of
∼ 2 according to time of day with the minimum levels of both
MeSHa and DMSa occurring at around 16:00 LT (local time, all times in this paper are in local time). A positive flux of MeSH out of the ocean was calculated for three different nights and ranged from 3.5 to 5.8 µmol m−2 d−1, corresponding to 14 %–24 % of the DMS flux (MeSH ∕ (MeSH + DMS)). Spearman rank correlations
with ocean biogeochemical parameters showed a moderate-to-strong positive, highly significant relationship between both MeSHa and DMSa
with seawater DMS (DMSsw) and a moderate correlation with total
dimethylsulfoniopropionate (total DMSP). A positive correlation of
acetonea with water temperature and negative correlation with nutrient
concentrations are consistent with reports of acetone production in warmer
subtropical waters. Positive correlations of acetonea with cryptophyte
and eukaryotic phytoplankton numbers, and high-molecular-weight sugars and
chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), suggest an organic source.
This work points to a significant ocean source of MeSH, highlighting the
need for further studies into the distribution and fate of MeSH, and
it suggests links between atmospheric acetone levels and biogeochemistry over
the mid-latitude ocean. In addition, an intercalibration of DMSa at ambient levels using three
independently calibrated instruments showed ∼ 15 %–25 % higher
mixing ratios from an atmospheric pressure ionisation chemical ionisation
mass spectrometer (mesoCIMS) compared to a gas chromatograph with a sulfur
chemiluminescence detector (GC-SCD) and proton transfer reaction mass
spectrometer (PTR-MS). Some differences were attributed to the DMSa gradient above the sea surface and differing approaches of integrated
versus discrete measurements. Remaining discrepancies were likely due to
different calibration scales, suggesting that further investigation of the
stability and/or absolute calibration of DMS standards used at sea is
warranted.
Air quality in the eastern United States and Eastern Canada for 1990–2015: 25 years of change in response to emission reductions of SO2 and NOx in the region
Authors: Feng Jian , Chan Elton , Vet Robert
Published: March 2020

Abstract. SO2 and NOx are precursors to form sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium particles in the air, which account for more than 50 % of PM2.5 mass in the eastern US (Bell et al., 2007) and are dominant components of PM2.5 during many smog events (Dabek-Zlotorzynska et al., 2011). H2SO4 and HNO3, formed from the oxidation of SO2 and NOx, respectively, are the main sources of acid deposition through wet and dry depositions. NOx is also a precursor to the formation of tropospheric O3, which is an important atmospheric oxidant and is also essential for the formation of other atmospheric oxidants, such as OH and H2O2. In the past 26 years from 1990 to 2015, emissions of SO2 and NOx in the US were significantly reduced from 23.1 and 25.2 million t yr−1 in 1990 to 3.7 and 11.5 million t yr−1 in 2015, respectively. In Canada, SO2 and NOx were reduced by 63 % and 33 % from 1990 to 2014. In response to the significant reductions of SO2 and NOx emissions, air quality in the eastern US and Eastern Canada improved tremendously during 1990–2015. In this study, we analyzed surface air concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, HNO3,
and SO2 measured weekly by the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET) in the US and measured daily from the Canadian Air and
Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN) in Canada to reveal the temporal
and spatial changes in each species during the 25-year period. For the whole
eastern US and Eastern Canada, the annual mean concentrations of
SO42-, NO3-, NH4+, HNO3, SO2, and TNO3 (NO3- + HNO3, expressed as the mass of equivalent NO3-) were reduced by 73.3 %, 29.1 %, 67.4 %, 65.8 %, 87.6 %, and 52.6 %, respectively, from 1990 to 2015. In terms of percentage, the reductions of all species except NO3- were spatially uniform. The reductions of SO2 and HNO3 were similar in the warm season (May–October) and the cold season (November–April), and the reductions of SO42-, NO3-, and NH4+ were more
significant in the warm season than in the cold season. The reductions of
SO42- and SO2 mainly occurred in 1990–1995 and 2007–2015 during the warm season and in 1990–1995 and 2005–2015 during the cold season. The reduction of NO3- mainly occurred in the Midwest after 2000. Other than in the Midwest, NO3- exhibited very little change during the cold season for the period. The reduction of NH4+ generally followed the reduction trend of SO42-; especially after 2000, the temporal trend of NH4+ was almost identical to that of SO42-. The ratio of S in SO42- to total S in SO42- plus SO2, as well as the ratio of NO3- to TNO3 increased by more than 50 % during the period. This indicates that a notable change in regional chemistry took place from the beginning to the end of the period, with a higher percentage of SO2 being oxidized to SO42- and a higher percentage of HNO3 being neutralized to NH4NO3 near the end of the period.
Glyoxal's impact on dry ammonium salts: fast and reversible surface aerosol browning
Authors: De Haan David O. , Hawkins Lelia N. , Jansen Kevin , Welsh Hannah G. , Pednekar Raunak , de Loera Alexia , Jimenez Natalie G. , Tolbert Margaret A. , Cazaunau Mathieu , Gratien Aline , Bergé Antonin , Pangui Edouard , Formenti Paola , Doussin Jean-François
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Alpha-dicarbonyl compounds are believed to form brown carbon in the atmosphere via reactions with ammonium sulfate (AS) in cloud droplets and aqueous aerosol particles. In this work, brown carbon formation in AS and other aerosol particles was quantified as a function of relative humidity (RH) during exposure to gas-phase glyoxal (GX) in chamber experiments. Under dry conditions (RH
Direct inversion of circulation from tracer measurements – Part 2: Sensitivity studies and model recovery tests
Authors: von Clarmann Thomas , Grabowski Udo
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The direct inversion of the 2D continuity equation allows to infer the effective meridional transport of trace gases in the middle stratosphere. This methods exploits the information both given by the displacement of patterns in measured trace gas distributions and by the approximate balance between sinks and horizontal as well as vertical advection. Model recovery tests have shown that with the current setup of the algorithm, this method reliably reproduces the circulation patterns in the entire analysis domain from 6 to 66 km altitude. Due to the regularization of the inversion, velocities above about 30 km are more likely under- than overestimated. This is explained by the fact that the measured trace gas distributions at higher altitudes generally contain less information and that the regularization of the inversion pushes results towards zero. Weaker regularization would in some cases allow a more accurate recovery of the velocity fields. However, there is a price to pay in that the risk of convergence failure increases. No instance was found where the algorithm generated artificial patterns not present in the reference fields. Most information on effective velocities above 50 km is included in measurements of CH4, CO, H2O, and N2O, while CFC-11, HCFC-22, and CFC-12 constrain the inversion most efficiently in the middle stratosphere. H2O is a particularly important tracer in the upper troposphere/lower stratosphere. SF6 and CCl4 contain generally less information but still contribute to the reduction of the estimated uncertainties.
Assessing the performance of Vienna Mapping Functions 3 for GNSS stations in Indonesia using Precise Point Positioning
Authors: Putri Nabila , Landskron Daniel , Böhm Johannes
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Tropospheric delay is one of the major error sources for space geodetic techniques, such as the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Mapping functions are used to scale the delay from zenith direction to the elevation angle of the signal. Several mapping functions have already been published, including the Global Mapping Functions (GMF) and Vienna Mapping Functions 1 (VMF1). Recently, a refined version of VMF1, VMF3, was released. The tropospheric gradients GRAD were also determined using the same data set as VMF3. This study aims to test the performance of VMF3 on GNSS observations in Indonesia, using observations from 21 stations of the permanent GNSS network in Indonesia, InaCORS. Data processing was carried out using Precise Point Positioning in Bernese GNSS Software, version 5.2 for the year 2014. Station coordinates were estimated daily, while the zenith wet delays were estimated every 30 min and tropospheric gradients were estimated hourly. A similar processing scheme was carried out using GMF and VMF1. Generally, the results from VMF3 agree very well with the results from GMF and VMF1, although small biases can be found, especially for the height component. Based on the repeatability, while there is no significant difference for the latitude and longitude, there are slight improvements for the height, particularly compared to GMF. The estimated gradients tend to fluctuate more compared to gradients from GRAD. The correlation coefficients between the estimated gradients and those from GRAD are small, with the largest being 0.65 at site CUKE.
Spatial distribution and seasonal variability in atmospheric ammonia measured from ground-based FTIR observations at Hefei, China
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Cheng , Clarisse Lieven , Van Damme Martin , Coheur Pierre-François , Xie Yu , Shan Changgong , Hu Qihou , Zhang Huifang , Sun Youwen , Yin Hao , Jones Nicholas
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Atmospheric ammonia (NH3) plays an important role in the formation of fine particulate matter, leading to severe environmental degradation and human health issues. In this work, ground-based FTIR observations are used to obtain the total columns and vertical profiles of atmospheric NH3 at a measurement site in Hefei, China, from December 2016 to November 2018. The spatial distribution and temporal variation, seasonal trend, emission sources and potential sources of NH3 are analyzed. The time series of ammonia columns show that FTIR observations captured the seasonal cycle of NH3 over the two years of measurement, with a 22.14 % yr-1 annual increase rate over the Hefei site. We used IASI satellite data to compare with the FTIR data, and the correlation coefficients (R) between the two datasets are 0.86 and 0.78 for IASI-A and IASI-B, respectively. The results demonstrate the IASI data are in broad agreement with our FTIR data. To examine the contribution of traffic to NH3 columns, we analyze the relationship of NH3 columns with CO surface concentrations. NH3 columns show high correlation (R = 0.77) with CO concentrations in summer, indicating that the elevated NH3 columns are partly caused by urban emissions from vehicles. Further, high correlation of NH3 columns with air temperature is obvious from their diurnal variation during the observation period. In addition, the clear correlation between NH3 columns and air temperature in spring and autumn over Hefei, suggests that agriculture was indeed the main source of ammonia in spring and autumn. Furthermore, the back trajectories of air masses calculated by the HYSPLIT model confirmed that agriculture was the dominant source of ammonia in spring, autumn and winter, while urban anthropogenic emissions contributed to the high level of NH3 in summer over the Hefei site. The potential source areas influencing the NH3 columns were distributed in the local area of Hefei, the northern part of Anhui province, as well as Shangdong, Jiangsu and Henan provinces. This study helps to identify the emission sources and potential sources that contribute to NH3 columns over Hefei, a highly populated and polluted area. This is the first time that ground-based FTIR remote sensing of NH3 columns and comparison with satellite data are reported in China.
An overview and issues of the sky radiometer technology and SKYNET
Authors: Nakajima Teruyuki , Campanelli Monica , Che Huizheng , Estellés Victor , Irie Hitoshi , Kim Sang-Woo , Kim Jhoon , Liu Dong , Nishizawa Tomoaki , Pandithurai Govindan , Soni Vijay Kumar , Thana Boossarasiri , Tugjsurn Nas-Urt , Aoki Kazuma , Hashimoto Makiko , Higurashi Akiko , Kazadzis Stelios , Khatri Pradeep , Kouremeti Natalia , Kudo Rei , Marenco Franco , Momoi Masahiro , Ningombam Shantikumar S. , Ryder Claire L. , Uchiyama Akihiro
Published: March 2020

Abstract. This paper overviews the progress in the sky radiometer technology and development of the network called SKYNET. It is found that the technology has produced useful on-site calibration methods, retrieval algorithms, and data analyses from the sky radiometer observation of aerosol, cloud, water vapor and ozone. Increasing collaborations of users in the SKYNET community are becoming a useful platform for research and operation. The paper also presents issues of the technology for future development.
Fe(II) stability in coastal seawater during experiments in Patagonia, Svalbard, and Gran Canaria
Authors: Hopwood Mark J. , Santana-González Carolina , Gallego-Urrea Julian , Sanchez Nicolas , Achterberg Eric P. , Ardelan Murat V. , Gledhill Martha , González-Dávila Melchor , Hoffmann Linn , Leiknes Øystein , Santana-Casiano Juana Magdalena , Tsagaraki Tatiana M. , Turner David
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The speciation of dissolved iron (DFe) in the ocean is widely
assumed to consist almost exclusively of Fe(III)-ligand complexes. Yet in
most aqueous environments a poorly defined fraction of DFe also exists as
Fe(II), the speciation of which is uncertain. Here we deploy flow injection
analysis to measure in situ Fe(II) concentrations during a series
of mesocosm/microcosm/multistressor experiments in coastal environments in
addition to the decay rate of this Fe(II) when moved into the dark. During
five mesocosm/microcosm/multistressor experiments in Svalbard and Patagonia,
where dissolved (0.2 µm) Fe and Fe(II) were quantified
simultaneously, Fe(II) constituted 24 %–65 % of DFe, suggesting that
Fe(II) was a large fraction of the DFe pool. When this Fe(II) was allowed to
decay in the dark, the vast majority of measured oxidation rate constants
were less than calculated constants derived from ambient temperature,
salinity, pH, and dissolved
O2. The oxidation rates of Fe(II) spikes added to Atlantic seawater
more closely matched calculated rate constants. The difference between
observed and theoretical decay rates in Svalbard and Patagonia was most
pronounced at Fe(II) concentrations <2 nM, suggesting that the effect may
have arisen from organic Fe(II) ligands. This apparent enhancement of Fe(II)
stability under post-bloom conditions and the existence of such a high
fraction of DFe as Fe(II) challenge the assumption that DFe speciation in
coastal seawater is dominated by ligand bound-Fe(III) species.
10 years with planet Earth essence in the primary school children drawings
Authors: D'Addezio Giuliana
Published: March 2020

Abstract. 10 years with Planet Earth is the title of the 2016 INGV calendar for primary schools resulting from the review of a project conceived to support and complement 15 years of INGV dissemination activities with schools. We made 10 calendars together with and for primary schools, every year with a different subject related to a world in constant evolution. We have launched competitions asking children to send drawings on the themes chosen, to stimulate learning about Earth Sciences and Planet Earth dynamics. We intended to raise awareness on water resources availability, prevention of natural disasters and planet sustainability. For each competition, we chose the most significant drawings to be included in the yearly calendar about the Earth. The authors of drawings were awarded by scientists, journalists, artists and science communicators and even by a minister. Beyond the competitions, the drawings reflect impressions and thoughts, providing an opportunity to illustrate the children's point of view. From drawings arise a great sensitivity, consideration, responsiveness and respect for the Planet and positive feeling for Science. The project was made possible thanks to the teachers and to the wonderful students of more than 200 schools. We received about 10 000 drawings that have intrigued, touched, enchanted, and surprised us. We are grateful for all they have chosen to share with us.
Radar-based characterisation of heavy precipitation in the eastern Mediterranean and its representation in a convection-permitting model
Authors: Armon Moshe , Marra Francesco , Enzel Yehouda , Rostkier-Edelstein Dorita , Morin Efrat
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Heavy precipitation events (HPEs) can lead to natural hazards (e.g. floods and debris flows) and contribute to water resources. Spatiotemporal rainfall patterns govern the hydrological, geomorphological, and societal effects of HPEs. Thus, a correct characterisation and prediction of rainfall patterns is crucial for coping with these events. Information from rain gauges is generally limited due to the sparseness of the networks, especially in the presence of sharp climatic gradients. Forecasting HPEs depends on the ability of weather models to generate credible rainfall patterns. This paper characterises rainfall patterns during HPEs based on high-resolution weather radar data and evaluates the performance of a high-resolution, convection-permitting Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in simulating these patterns. We identified 41 HPEs in the eastern Mediterranean from a 24-year radar record using local thresholds based on quantiles for different durations, classified these events into two synoptic systems, and ran model simulations for them. For most durations, HPEs near the coastline were characterised by the highest rain intensities; however, for short durations, the highest rain intensities were found for the inland desert. During the rainy season, the rain field's centre of mass progresses from the sea inland. Rainfall during HPEs is highly localised in both space (less than a 10 km decorrelation distance) and time (less than 5 min). WRF model simulations were accurate in generating the structure and location of the rain fields in 39 out of 41 HPEs. However, they showed a positive bias relative to the radar estimates and exhibited errors in the spatial location of the heaviest precipitation. Our results indicate that convection-permitting model outputs can provide reliable climatological analyses of heavy precipitation patterns; conversely, flood forecasting requires the use of ensemble simulations to overcome the spatial location errors.
Review article: Performance measures of parallel kinematics manipulators
Authors: Rosyid Abdur , El-Khasawneh Bashar , Alazzam Anas
Published: March 2020

Abstract. This extensive review paper, which involves 204 papers,
discusses comprehensively a number of performance indices that are
instrumental in the design of parallel kinematics manipulators. These
indices measure the workspace as well as its quality including the distance
to singularity, dexterity, manipulability, force transmission, accuracy,
stiffness, and dynamic performance. After being classified, the indices are
discussed in terms of some important aspects including definition, physical
meaning soundness, dependency, consistency, scope of applicability, and
computation cost. For the sake of completeness, some key mathematical
expressions of the indices are provided.
Spatial and vertical structure of precipitating clouds and the role of background dynamics during extreme precipitation event as observed by C-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar at Thumba (8.50° N, 77.00° E)
Authors: Subrahmanyam Kandula V. , Kumar K. Kishore
Published: March 2020

Abstract. Extreme precipitation events have been cynosure for many meteorologists as well as for common men as it causes severe weather hazards and affects the densely populated regions, especially urban cities. It is now well known that these extreme events have been increasing over the Indian region during the past few years. It becomes very important to understand and assess these events, which is challenging in terms of limited observations. Very recently, the state of Kerala, India experienced extreme rainfall events during August 2018 and led to major flooding, which is regarded as one of the worst natural disasters experienced by Kerala in the last hundred years. This catastrophic event occurred during 12th to 17th August 2018 in which the Kerala state has received 60 % more rainfall than the normal during this period. The present study focuses on investigating the spatial and vertical structure of precipitating clouds and their microphysical properties during this extreme precipitation event using C-band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) observations over Thumba (8.50° N, 77.00° E). The DWR analyses were carried out during episodes of extreme rainfall, and the time evolution of radar reflectivity structure is examined very closely to understand the structure and dynamics of this unprecedented event. The spatial and vertical structures of precipitating clouds are strongly linked with the background dynamics. Apart from the DWR observations, prevailing dynamics such as tropical easterly jet (TEJ), low-level jet (LLJ) along with vertical velocity also investigated, which showed distant signatures lead to the extreme event. It was observed that the upper level divergence existed associated with low level convergence, which aids to the development of convection. The westward equatorial waves were present in the period of 7–10 days throughout the month of August 2018. The weakening of TEJ at upper troposphere resulted in decrease of vertical shear, which favours the vertical growth of convective clouds leading to the extreme precipitation. The enhanced strength of LLJ is also contributed to the precipitation extreme. Thus, the significance of the present study lies in delineating the structure and dynamics of the extreme precipitation event using indigenously developed DWR.
Spatial and temporal variations in glacier aerodynamic surface roughness during the melting season, as estimated at the August-one ice cap, Qilian mountains, China
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Chen Rensheng , Han Chuntan
Published: March 2020

Abstract. The aerodynamic roughness of glacier surfaces is an
important factor governing turbulent heat transfer. Previous studies rarely
estimated spatial and temporal variation in aerodynamic surface roughness
(z0) over a whole glacier and whole melting season. Such observations
can do much to help us understand variation in z0 and thus variations
in turbulent heat transfer. This study, at the August-one ice cap in the
Qilian mountains, collected three-dimensional ice surface data at
plot scale, using both automatic and manual close-range digital
photogrammetry. Data were collected from sampling sites spanning the whole
ice cap for the whole of the melting season. The automatic site collected
daily photogrammetric measurements from July to September of 2018 for a plot
near the center of the ice cap. During this time, snow cover gave way to
ice and then returned to snow. z0 was estimated based on
micro-topographic methods from automatic and manual photogrammetric data.
Manual measurements were taken at sites from the terminals to the top of the ice cap; they
showed that z0 was larger at the snow and ice transition zone than in
areas that are fully snow or ice covered. This zone moved up the ice cap during the
melting season. It is clear that persistent snowfall and rainfall both
reduce z0. Using data from a meteorological station near the
automatic photogrammetry site, we were able to calculate surface energy
balances over the course of the melting season. We found that high or rising
turbulent heat, as a component of surface energy balance, tended to produce a
smooth ice surface and a smaller z0 and that low or decreasing turbulent heat
tended to produce a rougher surface and larger z0.
The Third Sector in Public Governance in Nigeria: Concept, Identity and Prospects
Authors: Ali Abubakar , Ghazali Sabarani B.
Published: March 2020

The world is suffused with self-organised groups asserting themselves in the policymaking corridors of governments and private-for-profits in order to jointly address stubborn societal challenges characterised as wicked problems. These self-organised bodies, labelled the third sector, operate in the advanced, developing, as well as less developed countries. This paper reviews the contemporary background of the third sector, its conceptual basis, its identity crisis and prospects for future development in the context of public governance in Nigeria. It does so premised on an orientation towards new governance tradition and heuristics. It argues that a better understanding of the concept, and governance role of the sector, by government policymakers, private-for-profits, and third sector actors themselves, will strengthen home grown cross-boundary collaboration for a more effective service delivery across the country.
Presentación N°153
Authors: Editor El
Published: March 2020

Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 153, 2019: 1-4
Cyber Bulling Among Learners in Higher Educational Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa: Examining Challenges and Possible Mitigations
Authors: Makori Andrew , Agufana Peace
Published: March 2020

Proliferation of technology in the form of internet, mobile phone and social media access and usage is exposing many youths to cyber bullying activities. Cyber bullying activities are viewed as negative consequences of growth and development in technology. Many of the victims of cyber bullying include those that have been trapped in the technology through obsessive and addictive behaviours. The study was conducted in order to understand cyber bullying in educational institutions in Sub- Saharan Africa. The study is guided by the following five objectives: understanding cyber bullying and its manifestations among learners in education institutions; explore contributing factors in education institutions; determine the prevalence of cyber bullying in education institutions; examine the effects of cyber bullying among learners in education institutions and determine ways of dealing with cyber bullying among learners in education institution. The study adopted a case study approach and involved 123 respondents with a response rate of 64% (n=192). A survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Resulting data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Evidence suggests that cyber bullying has serious psychological harm on the victims some leading to suicidal thoughts and suicide, among others. The study concludes that the effects of cyber bullying are far reaching and devastating to the learners and the institutional safety as well. The study recommends that more research and awareness are needed in an effort to control this menace and make outreaching and learning institutions safe.
CONDITIONS UNDERLYING THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC FARMING IN THE PROVINCE OF WARMIA AND MAZURY
Authors: Grzybowska-Brzezińska Mariola
Published: March 2020

The main purpose of the research was to attempt to diagnose the potential and determine the conditions for the development of organic agricultural production in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodship. The survey was conducted in 2018 and covered organic farms and processing plants. The main problem of the development of agriculture and processing of organic agricultural products is a lack of adequate production scale that would enable the organization of the organic food market. What is disturbing is the fact that the market, considered to be growing and defined as niche, in the analysis of the production sector, is, unfortunately, indicating a downward trend. It is, therefore, necessary to cooperate between the representatives of links in the scope of support and development of joint production, promotional and distribution initiatives. It is also necessary to adapt information to various target markets covered by the common brand. In assessing the development prospects for the production and market of organic food, it is necessary to monitor production, build the infrastructure to support the sales organization and indicate the target market for consumers of this specific category of products.
SOCIAL MEDIA ADOPTION BY RURAL RESIDENTS
Authors: Gołębiewska Barbara , Stefańczyk Joanna , Jaska Ewa
Published: March 2020

The study assesses the use of social media by rural residents. The study was conducted in Lublin county in 2016. Residents of rural areas (especially farmers) are a social group perceived to be the least technologically developed, the latest in adopting innovations and least advanced in using electronic devices. However, in recent years, differences between city dwellers and rural area inhabitants have been decreasing. Until today, in Poland, not all residents of rural areas have telephones or internet access. The explanation could be that their work does not involve using a computer as in the case of, for example, an insurance agent, architect or journalist. It was found that differences in the category of household equipment involving the possession of a computer and access to the Internet are diminishing – the largest increase has been recorded in recent years in the scope of access to broadband Internet. In the study, a visible relationship between the use of social media and the education of respondents was observed.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIOFUEL MARKET IN THE UKRAINE
Authors: Gołębiewski Jarosław , Kucher Oleg
Published: March 2020

The state and prospects of development of the liquid biofuel market in the context of rationalization of the use of the available natural resource potential of the Ukraine are considered. It is established that, in general, the balance of renewable energy sources, production and use of liquid biofuels is negligible. It is noted that for the full development of the market of liquid biofuels, it is necessary to create a strong raw material base and appropriate infrastructure to ensure the storage, processing, transportation and sale of finished products. Attention is drawn to a lack of an effective public policy system that would encourage the production and use of bioethanol and biodiesel and the feasibility of developing a financial support programme for producers of this type of biofuel to ensure greater consumer appeal over traditional fuels. It is determined that in order to meet the indicators of the National Action Plan for the production of bioethanol and biodiesel, it is necessary to increase capacity and put new processing enterprises into operation. The structure of economic model formation is suggested, which reflects the necessary solutions for the development of the liquid biofuel market, which considers its benefits, risks, product confidence and types of support.
SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS AND THEIR IMPACT ON IMPROVING FARM PERFORMANCE AS PERCEIVED BY FARMERS KEEPING NATIVE BREEDS
Authors: Matysik-Pejas Renata
Published: March 2020

The main aim of the research was to assess the possibility of improving the functioning of farms as a result of using short food supply chains to offer products obtained from native breeds of animals. The study was conducted in 2017 and involved 144 farms selected on purpose, with animals of native breeds such as cattle, sheep and pigs. The territorial scope of the research covered the Lubelskie, Małopolskie and Podkarpackie province. The method of direct interview (PAPI) was used to obtain information. The use of short supply chains for the sale of farm produced food has positive effects. Farmers see the greatest benefits in improving farm functioning in such business areas like profitability, integration with other participants of the local market and image change. As food of animal origin on farms is produced and offered to consumers, a transition from the sale of agricultural raw materials to higher added value food products takes place. For farmers, another important area of farm functioning, which benefit from selling food in short supply chains, is the integration links between the farm and other local market players. The integration of actors involved in the production and distribution of food is one of the success factors of such undertakings and contributes to the relationships between sectors of the local economy. The image of the farm belongs to non-material elements which build trust and links with customers and, consequently, decide about the prosperity of the business.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE NICHE DIRECTION OF AGRICULTURE IN THE UKRAINE
Authors: Cherevko Heorhiy , Cherevko Iryna
Published: March 2020

The aim of the study was to identify the essence and trends of development of niche agriculture as a direction of the development of the agricultural activity of small agricultural producers and as a way to increase their competitiveness and positioning on the agricultural products market against a background of polarization processes and the duality of the agrarian sphere of the economy in the Ukraine. The subject of the study is theoretical and practical aspects of the processes of niche agriculture development in the Ukraine with an identification of the main reasons that inhibit it. The scientific dialectical approach to eco-phenomena, analysis and synthesis in combination with induction and deduction methods, as well as a topic literature review were used during the research. It is established that, under conditions of agricultural polarization in the Ukraine on two groups of producers – large and small ones, the niche direction of agricultural development, already quite noticeable and diversified in the Ukraine, can be a real way to increase the ability of small businesses to survive economically and significantly increase their level of profitability. However, the further development of this direction can achieve sufficient pace and effectiveness, if it is provided by the purposeful activity of government, aimed at eliminating barriers to the development of niche agriculture.
STIMULATING INNOVATIVENESS IN RURAL AREAS AS PART OF THE “COOPERATION” MEASURE WITH THE ANCIENT GRAIN OPERATIONAL GROUP – A CASE STUDY
Authors: Bomberski Aleksander , Prus Piotr , Szczepanek Małgorzata
Published: March 2020

The article aims at a preliminary evaluation of the performance of the “Cooperation” measure as part of PROW 2014-2020 which is to support innovativeness in the agri-food sector by accelerating the transfer of knowledge from scientific research institutions and the cooperation of farmers with consulting institutions, entrepreneurs and various social partners. Rural areas in Poland are a place of abode of a large part of society and agriculture is an important sector of the national economy. A serious problem of many agricultural family farms in Poland is low competitiveness on the international market of agricultural producers. It comes from e.g. no possibility of competing with large-size farms, which can benefit from the effect of the scale of production and which, frequently, enjoy better access to consulting, market and process information. The response to these problems can be provided by integration (horizontal and vertical) and triggering the innovativeness processes throughout the agribusiness sector. Two application acceptance dates, so far, addressed at Operational Groups have shown great innovative potential of Polish agriculture and a growing interest of scientists and entrepreneurs in innovations. A perfect example of such an Operational Group EPI is Ancient Grain, where innovation is a response to market needs and is to support food quality enhancement by optimising crop technology, processing and effective marketing. The aim of the operation is to launch the cultivation of original forms of wheat cultivars (Indian dwarf wheat and Persian wheat) with a higher nutritional value. The preliminary research results confirm that such wheat forms show a high content of macro- and microelements as well as essential amino acids and that consumers demonstrate much interest in the foodstuff to be developed based on these wheat forms.
USE OF AGRICULTURAL SERVICES IN EUROPEAN UNION REGIONS – A TYPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Kołodziejczak Małgorzata
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to identify types that represent differing classes of European Union regions and agricultural service consumption indicators as of 2017. A comparison of the characteristics of agricultural farms in the identified types was used to search for a relationship between selected farm characteristics and the level of use of agricultural services. Data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) were used in the research. The analysis covered 131 FADN regions located in 25 countries. The Ward method clustering procedure resulted in identifying five types of EU regions differing from one another in service consumption levels and selected agricultural indicators. The costs of agricultural services per hectare of agricultural land was the lowest on farms classified as types with the lowest average area of agricultural land (I and II), higher on farms encompassed by the types with a high average area of agricultural land (III and V), while in the type composed of regions with the highest average area of agricultural land (IV), it was lower than in types III and V. It can be supposed that farms with a small area of agricultural land almost exclusively used own equipment, neighborhood assistance and joint machinery ownership, while limiting the use of commercial agricultural services. Agricultural farms classified as the fourth type of regions primarily used own high-effective machines in plant production, while on large farms, but not large-scale farms, it was economically more favorable to purchase the services. The costs of agricultural services per 1 AWU were subject to similar regularities as the costs of agricultural services per hectare of agricultural land.
REGIONAL DIVERSIFICATION IN THE CONSUMPTION OF FRESH FRUIT, VEGETABLES AND THEIR PROCESSED PRODUCTS IN POLAND
Authors: Jąder Karolina
Published: March 2020

The main goal of the study was to determine the degree of diversity and trends of changes in the consumption of major groups and species of fruit and vegetables and their processed products in households in individual voivodships in Poland between 2008 and 2017. The coefficient of variation and the sigma-convergence technique were used to identify the level and changes in the diversity of consumption. The medium-term rate of change was used to determine trends in the consumption of the groups of products under study in individual voivodships. The analysis was based on secondary data from the Central Statistical Office. The volume of consumption was expressed as kg per capita per annum. There were regional differences in consumption – they were bigger in the consumption of vegetables and processed fruit products. During the period under analysis, the differences in the consumption of most of the fruit groups tended to decrease, whereas the differences in the consumption of vegetables tended to increase. The most pronounced increase in regional diversity was observed in the consumption of processed fruit and vegetable products. The largest amounts of fruit were consumed in the Masovian Voivodship, whereas the most vegetables were consumed in the Lublin and Świętokrzyskie voivodships. The lowest consumption of fruit and vegetables as well as clear downward trends were found in the Greater Poland, Warmian-Masurian, Silesian, Pomeranian and Kuyavian-Pomeranian voivodships. These regions were characterised by particularly unfavourable changes in the consumption of species and groups of fresh fruit and vegetables, mostly produced in Poland, such as apples, soft fruit, and cabbage.
INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ORGANIC FARMING IN POLAND
Authors: Łuczka Władysława
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe institutional barriers to the development of organic farming in Poland. As a secondary objective, this paper seeks feedback from organic farmers on measures taken by the institutional environment to promote the development of organic farming. This paper is based on literature reviews and selected findings from empirical research carried out in 2019 with 262 organic farms. The sample used in this study was representative of the general population of certified organic farms. The survey was a CAWI. The study found that organic farming faces many barriers, with frequent amendments to regulations being of key importance. This destabilizes and adds uncertainty to the functioning of organic farms. Another significant barrier are the high standards of organic production and low levels of financial and non-financial support. To a certain extent, these barriers result from the inefficiency of institutions surrounding organic farming. As a consequence, they are considered to poorly contribute to organic farming development.
EUROPEAN UNION REGIONAL POLICY SUPPORT FOR INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL AREAS OF THE MAZOVIAN VOIVODSHIP
Authors: Rakowska Joanna
Published: March 2020

EU regional policy funding was said to be a significant source of co-financing renewable energy investments in Poland, however, what has not yet been investigated thus far is the impact of such financing in rural areas of the Mazovian Voivodship, the biggest in the country. Thus, the aim of the paper is to explore the main outcomes of using this funding for RE investments in rural areas of the Mazovian Voivodship and look into the relations between these outcomes and important factors determining them. The study is based on qualitative and quantitative data from the SIMIK 2007-2013 data base of the Ministry of Development, Local Data Bank of Statistics Poland, data from 3 classifications of communes and a questionnaire survey. Findings prove that RE investments in the rural Mazovian Voivodship differ from investments in other rural areas of Poland as they only used wind and solar RE, were carried out only by local self-governments and enterprises, and obtained EU co-funding only from regional operational programmes. The similarities between RE investments in the rural Mazovian Voivodship in other rural areas of the country indicate an insufficient adjustment of eligible costs to total costs and a lower than available share of EU funding in eligible costs, both significantly increasing the share of non-EU funding necessary to carry out projects. The shortage of funding was indicated by local authorities and the respondents of the survey as the main obstacle in supporting local development and was the reason for taking other than RE investment development priorities. The paper concludes with recommendations on an increase of RE investments in the rural Mazovian Voivodship.
Evaluating the environmental costs in Poland of city buses meeting the Euro VI norm based on tests in real operating conditions
Authors: Rymaniak Łukasz , Fuć Paweł , Lijewski Piotr , Kamińska Michalina , Daszkiewicz Paweł , Ziółkowski Andrzej
Published: March 2020

The article analyzes the environmental costs which consisted of determining the annual cost for gases and particles released into the atmosphere by city buses meeting the Euro VI norm. To this end, exhaust emissions of a city bus equipped with a conventional drive system were performed. The vehicle had a length of 18m and was powered by a CI engine with a swept volume of 10,5 dm3, with a maximum power of 240 kW. In order to measure the ecological indicators, tests were performed in real driving conditions using the PEMS system. The apparatus made it possible to measure the concentration of gaseous compounds and particulate matter in the exhaust, which made it possible to determine the road exhaust emissions of the tested vehicle. The research was carried out on a test route including urban and suburban roads in accordance with legislative guidelines. The measurements showed that the bus met the exhaust emission limits determined on the basis of measuring windows defined in relation to the work generated by the drive system. In addition to information on the emissivity of the vehicle, the annual emissions from city buses meeting the Euro VI standard in Poland were also estimated. The information contained in the central vehicle register for the number of vehicles registered in Poland that meet the latest emission standards has been used for this purpose.
Erenumab in prophylaxis of migraine – pilot study
Authors: Kopka Marcin
Published: March 2020

The aim of preventive treatment of episodic and chronic migraine is to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and thereby improve patient’s quality of life. It is suggested that calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) plays a critical role in migraine patophysiology. In last few decades a new class of drugs was developed – monoclonal antibodies against CGRP. One of them is erenumab, which has been available in Poland since November 2018. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of erenumab in migraine prophylaxis in polish patients with episodic and chronic migraine. Adult patients diagnosed with migraine (according to ICHD 3) with at least 4 migraine headache days in month were included in this study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with more than 50% reduction in number of migraine headache days after the first month of treatment. From December 2018 to April 2019 9 women (24–66 years; average 43.8 years) were included. The average migraine headache days in this study group was 9 (5–20). The participants were treated with subcutaneously delivered erenumab in daily dose of 70 mg. After the first month of treatment in 7 from 9 women (77.5 %) primary endpoint was reached. In 3 of 9 (30%) patients itch was noted. The results of this study suggest efficacy and good tolerability profile of erenumab in polish patients with episodic and chronic migraine. The future study are needed with larger groups of participants.
The potential of chest mounted action cameras in early childhood education research
Authors: Hov Asbjørn Magnar , Neegaard Henrik
Published: March 2020

GoPro action cameras have become increasingly popular in TV, movie production, and in sports filming. In this article, GoPro action cameras are explored as a data collection tool in outdoor early childhood education research. Using GoPro action cameras in outdoor early childhood education research provides great possibilities. The cameras can provide researchers with natural data about children’s interactions, play, and communication. The cameras function well under difficult outdoor conditions and provide the researcher with good sound and image quality. Ethical considerations are thoroughly discussed. Children’s rights to privacy may be breached using these cameras. Informed consent is crucial, and professionalism, human knowledge, and tact are required. This study concludes that ethical considerations need thorough attention if these cameras are to be considered for use in research about children.