bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF SYNTHETIC TAXONOMIC MEASURE TMAI FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE SELECTED FOOD INDUSTRY COMPANIES LISTED ON THE WARSAW STOCK EXCHANGE IN THE YEARS 2013 – 2016
Authors: ZIELIŃSKA-SITKIEWICZ Monika , CHRZANOWSKA Mariola
Published: March 2018

The food sector is one of the most important and fastest growing branches of the Polish economy. It employs almost 15% of all employees employed in the industry. Polish manufacturers are characterised by high competitiveness both in the EU and in the world. The macroeconomic environment in recent years has been relatively stable for the development of the food industry production in Poland, but the dynamics of agricultural-food products has experienced a slight slowdown. There were also fluctuations in profitability ratios in the sector, which may have been somewhat alarming for the investors. The article attempted to evaluate the investment attractiveness of 24 joint stock companies in the food sector, representing various industries, listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The Taxonomic Measure of the Attractiveness of Investments (TMAI) and the company rankings were created for the years 2013 – 2016. The results showed that the Wawel and Astarta companies were at the top of the rankings in the studied years, representing the confectionery and the sugar sector, and the Żywiec company from the beer industry. The meat and fish processing companies were more or less centred on the scale. The companies KSG Argo, Milkiland, Wilbo, Pepees and Pamapol involved in the agricultural-food production and processing received the poorest evaluations of the investment attractiveness. The synthetic taxonomic TMAI measure makes it possible to build company rankings within the analyzed group, from the point of view of the assessment of the financial condition and investment attractiveness of the surveyed companies. It can provide additional help in assessing the company’s situation, e.g., for the investors.
GLOBAL, EUROPEAN AND NATIONAL DRIVERS OF LITHUANIAN BIOECONOMY STRATEGY
Authors: VITUNSKIENĖ Vlada , ALEKNEVIČIENĖ Vilija , RAMANAUSKĖ Neringa , MICEIKIENE Astrida , ČAPLIKAS Jonas , KARGYTĖ Virginija , MAKUTĖNIENĖ Daiva , JAZEPČIKAS Darius
Published: March 2018

This paper contributes to the comprehensive approach for sustainable and balanced development of bioeconomy as a cross-cutting economic sector and focuses on the drivers of Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy.
Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy development can be motivated by country’s specialization and, compared with other EU member states, strong performance in terms of recent growth in all biomass production and fully bio-based manufacturing sectors. However, Lithuanian bioeconomy strategy depends not only on the current state and trends of its subsectors, but also on the drivers that will be forcing and shaping them in the future. The authors decomposed these drivers into global, European and national. Using content analysis of the EU, OECD and European countries’ legal acts, global drivers such as depletion of natural resources, growing population, increasing environmental pressures and climate change were identified. Applying content analysis of the EU and European countries’ bioeconomy strategies and analysis of case studies of good practices in European countries and regions, the following drivers at European level were identified: common EU bioeconomy policy, strategy and action plan; assurance of biomass availability and sustainability, as well as efficient biomass value chain; the need to strengthen markets and competitiveness of the bioeconomy subsectors; the necessity of close cooperation among all stakeholders, namely politicians, business people, scientists and the public; the need of the development of new technologies and processes, especially industrial biotechnology.
The research revealed that the bioeconomy development in Lithuania has been regulated and promoted through certain sectoral policies: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, environment (including waste management), scientific research, innovation and biotechnology development. In the future, the cross-sectoral links and interactions in the Lithuanian bioeconomy will increase due to the scarce biomass, applying the cascading principle in the biomass refinement, transition towards circular economy, and the development and implementation of innovations.
THE SOCIAL ACTIONS OF THE STATE FORESTS IN POLAND
Authors: RZĄSA Krzysztof , OGRYZEK Marek
Published: March 2018

Poland is in one of a leading position in Europe in terms of forested area. Forests grow over 9.4 million hectares, which is 29.5% of the territory of Poland. The vast majority of this area is forests owned by the state, out of which almost 7.6 million hectares are under the management of the State Forests Holding. Educating society about forestry and environment is one of the main priorities of the State Forests. The State Forests’ educational offer is aimed at children, youths and adults, including people with disabilities. It is all about popularising knowledge about forestry and sustainable forest management. This article focuses on the social actions of the State Forests’ operations based on an analysis of the data obtained from reports made by the State Forests. These information and materials were analysed to identify the social aspects of actions carried out by the State Forests in Poland. The authors analysed various kinds of activities of the State Forests connected with social aims. The results of the analyses were presented in table format. The results were used to analyse and describe the social aspects of the State Forests’ operations in the forested area in Poland. The social actions of the State Forests in Poland have been very positively evaluated by the authors based on the achieved analyses.
CHANGES IN MACRONUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL SOLUTION FOLLOWING REGENERATION FELLING IN PINE AND SPRUCE STANDS: WHOLE-TREE HARVESTING VERSUS STEM-ONLY HARVESTING
Authors: KLAVINS Ivars , BARDULE Arta , LIBIETE Zane
Published: March 2018

While conventional forest management in boreal and hemiboreal conditions has traditionally been targeted to use and enhance mainly provisioning services like timber production, the main goal of national and European forest policy is to ensure sustainable management of European forests in all aspects. Regeneration felling is a major disturbance in boreal and hemiboreal forests resulting in significant increase of organic matter on the forest floor in the form of logging residues (bark, small branches, tree tops) and severed roots (in case of stump harvesting), and can increase the risk of nutrient leaching. Recently, concern about the effect of forest management impact on macronutrient leaching potentially decreasing nutrient availability for the next forest generations and causing deterioration of water quality has been raised. In 2011, three objects to study the impact of different intensity regeneration felling (stem-only harvesting and whole-tree harvesting) were established in scientific research forests in Kalsnava forest district, eastern part of Latvia. Two sites were located on mineral soils (Myrtillosa and Hylocomiosa site type, dominant tree species Pinus sylvestris L.) and one on drained peat soil (Oxalidosa turf. mel. site type, dominant tree species Picea abies (L.) Karst.). Felling was performed in early spring 2013 with harvester, timber was extracted and logging residues were removed with forwarder, following “business as usual” principle. Soil solution samples were collected once or twice a month in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. This study presents trends of pH and macronutrient (NO3--N, PO43--P, K) concentrations during five years – one year before harvesting and four years following harvesting. In general, significant forest management impact expressed as increase of macronutrient concentrations in soil solution was detected in the second and third year after harvesting, but in the fourth year concentrations started to decrease again.
POTENTIAL FLOOD IMPACT ON NATURAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT IN RIGA
Authors: MALAHOVA Jelena , VASIĻEVSKA Daina , KETNERS Karlis
Published: March 2018

Flood risk management is the process of data and information gathering, risk analysis and evaluation, appraisal of options, and making, implementing and reviewing decisions to reduce, control, accept or redistribute the flood risks. It is a continuous process of analysis, adjustment and adaptation of policies and actions taken to reduce the flood risk. Preventive measures and timely, reasonable flood risk prevention measures can help reduce the risk of floods and caused damages. In addition, protection against floods is primarily necessary for populated areas, especially when it comes to densely populated areas, since floods may affect a large number of citizens and their property thereby causing enormous material damage not only to the inhabitants of these territories but also to business infrastructure, respectively, it can result in significant material and socioeconomic losses. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the flood risk management theoretical and practical aspects, identify the potential impact of floods on natural and socioeconomic environment, as well as to show the usefulness of flood risk reduction measures. To reach this aim, the following tasks must be fulfilled: to give the definitions of flooding and flood risk and briefly characterise the flooding and flood risk in Latvia; to study and characterize the flood risk management legal and institutional aspects; to carry out an analytical overview of the flood risk assessment on right bank of the Daugava River in Riga; to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of flood risk prevention measures on the right bank of the Daugava in Riga.
EUROPEAN UNION FRAMEWORK FOR FORESTRY SUPPORT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN LATVIA
Authors: BERMANIS Raimonds , STRAUPE Inga , ZVIRBULE Andra
Published: March 2018

The Paper covers an analysis of most significant European Union (EU) legal acts regulating financial support granted for private forestry over the period of 2014-2020, coherence to support measures implemented in Latvia for a certain period. The review consists of two main legal acts from the EU - Forest Strategy for forests and the forest-based sector and the EU regulation No. 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and the Council on support for rural development by the European Agriculture Fund for Rural development, while from the national perspective, the review was prepared for Latvia’s Rural development programme (NRDP) for the period 2014-2020 and national regulations issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. The paper focuses on the support measures intended to foster and develop forestry sector, evaluating priorities and expected results laid down in the EU documents, versus measures implemented in Latvia through the NRDP 2014-2020, related to national regulations and rules of the responsible state authorities. The analysis contains several groups of measures applicable for private forestry: 1) Information, advice, knowledge and efficiency; 2) Forestry activities; 3) Investments in forestry; 4) Nature care. Not all the measures which may be introduced according to the EU regulations No. 1305/2013 were implemented for private forestry support in Latvia, also several in the NRDP 2014-2020 affordable measures were not introduced practically till November 2017, but regarding those which have already been implemented, their impact on forestry development should be further estimated.
Do we need protective plantations along railways (Lithuanian case study)?
Authors: ZALKAUSKAS Remigijus , BARTKEVICIUS Edmundas , LINKEVICIUS Edgaras , BACKAITIS Julius , GODVOD Ksistof
Published: March 2018

Differently to other European countries Lithuania has inherited from Soviet time period quite width protection zones of state importance with wooden plantations along railways. Those protection zones vary from 20 m (in cities) up to 45 -70 m (in rural areas) in one side. The planted or spontaneous wooden plantations within those zones occupy over 2 thous. ha. The status of protective plantations serve for multifunctional purposes by ensuring railway traffic safety, mitigating negative impact of railway traffic, exhibiting Lithuanian landscape for travellers, improving landscape connectivity, living and working environment quality. At the same time there is a challenge for proper management of those plantations and profitability. In the middle of XX century planted pioneer species reach or is going to reach mature age. There is the threat of increasing number of dangerous trees, challenge for ensuring continuous cover of protective plantations, their services and structure match for predominating function.
This study presents the challenges for future development and society preferences to services of protective lineside plantations along railways. The results of analysis of present condition of railway lineside vegetation, as well the results of social survey showed, what it is not enough just to manage the dangerous trees for railway safeness but it is essential complex means for protective plantations development, services succession.
DEVICE FOR CONTROL OF HUMIDITY OF LOOSE MATERIALS IN THE STREAM OF THE SUBSTANCE
Authors: IVASHINA Alexander , GRINCHENKO Vitaly , ZHDANOV Valery , LYUBAYA Svetlana
Published: March 2018

Improvement of the design of the sample preparation device for bulk materials during the flow control of their moisture content, based on the use of the vibrating process to stabilize the bulk density, will ensure continuity of the flow of bulk materials. The accuracy of humidity measurement will be increased by using dielectric metric methods due to the decrease in the through conductivity of loose materials, which is associated with the rupture of contact bridges between their particles in the vibrating mass. An analysis of the results of an experimental study of bulk materials in a vibrating state shows that the use of such a grain state is advisable for the following reasons. Firstly, at a constant vibration amplitude, the bulk density of the grain mass stabilizes, and secondly, it’s through conductivity sharply decreases, which is explained by the ruptures of contact bridges between the particles in the vibrating fluid mass of bulk material. Combination of the process of vibration for the purpose of stabilizing the bulk density of bulk material with its simultaneous transportation through the cavity of the vibration chamber is carried out in the device proposed by the authors. In order to ensure the stabilization of the bulk density of bulk material, a device has been new developed.
RESEARCH ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRACTOR AND COMBINE FLEET IN LATVIA
Authors: VIESTURS Dainis , KOPIKS Nikolajs , RUCINS Adolfs
Published: March 2018

The article offers an analysis of the development of the tractor and combine harvester fleet in 2001 - 2016. There are stated tractors and combines of the most common brands registered in the country. A methodology has been developed for the estimation of an adequate quantity of tractors and combines for timely cultivation of the sowing areas under agricultural crops. The methodology is based on the calculation of the annual increase in the summary engine capacity of the entire fleet of tractors and combine harvesters, and its comparison with the annual increase in the sowing areas. It is assumed that 10% of the sowing areas are cultivated by worn-out tractors, and 7.5% of the new tractor and combine capacity is required for the replacement (amortisation) of the worn-out tractors. We consider that the increase in the summary capacity should compensate for the increase in the sowing areas, taking into account also the impact of the total yield upon the productivity of the machinery. It has been found out that during the period the summary engine capacity of the tractors has grown 1.52 times, the summary engine capacity of the combine harvesters – 2.8 times; in the same period the area under agricultural crops has increased approximately 1.38 times but the area under cereals and canola – approximately 1.8 times. Several authors consider specific capacity kWh-1 as a criterion for the estimation of an adequate quantity of the machinery; therefore there are calculated also its changes in a 16-year period, with the specific capacity of both the tractors and combine harvesters increasing. The average specific power kWh-1 is considered as relatively high, but, due to the concentration of production, a decrease in this indicator is possible in the future. The average weighted capacity of the purchased new tractors and combine harvesters has also increased. The increase in the summary capacity of the tractor fleet compensates for the increase in the sowing areas and even exceeds it a little. In its turn, the increase in the summary capacity of the combine fleet allows timely harvesting the significantly increased sowing area, and more than twice the increased totals yield at the end of the period, and, compared to the beginning, slightly shorten the harvesting duration. The calculations do not include weather conditions during the harvesting period. As increase in the sowing areas and total yield is expected still further, upgrading of the tractor fleet should be continued at approximately the same rate – by purchasing, on the average, 600 to 700 new tractors and 80 to 100 new combine harvesters every year.
ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR IN SPECIFIC EUROPEAN UNION STATES, WITH PARTICULAR FOCUS ON POLAND
Authors: BICZKOWSKI Mirosław , JEZIERSKA-THOLE Aleksandra , DUBOWNIK Anna
Published: March 2018

At present, the energy from renewable sources is an important element of the sustainable development strategy of the European Union (strategy covering the period until 2020). The article presents the role of renewable energy in the structure of primary energy sources and total energy production. In order to evaluate the present-day role of the renewable energy sector, specific European Union states were analysed, with particular focus on Poland, the country whose results were juxtaposed with the average ratios established for the EU-28. A detailed analysis of the current facts was performed (also a forecast for the period running up to 2020 was made), where particular energy sources were distinguished in the renewable energy production structure. A special role among renewable energy sources was ascribed to solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, geothermal energy, biogases and biofuels. The conclusions drawn from the research point out to the fact that the development of renewable energy in Poland is growing slowly but surely. In 2011, the share was at 9.5% and by 2015 it grew to 11.8%, with the target set for 2020 being at the level of 15.0%. The production of energy from renewable sources is improving (from 7.5 to 8.1 Mtoe). Nevertheless, the share of primary energy obtained from renewable energy sources in the total primary energy is less than half of the EU share. The data showcase that the projected aim is likely to be achieved; however, the few years to come should envisage some intensification of activities oriented to this goal. Biomass now enjoys the dominant role but its significance is gradually waning, which favours wind energy and biofuels. The projected directions of renewable energy development indicate that this sector is going to be a significant factor in implementing the sustainable development policy in the years to come.
DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTION AND BIOENERGY CONVERSION FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: GOLUB Gennadii , KUKHARETS Savelii , YAROSH Yaroslav , ZAVADSKA Oksana
Published: March 2018

The mechanical and technological grounds for the formalization of agroecosystem structure have been substantiated in the research. The paper presents the simulation model of an agroecosystem functioning based on growing of winter wheat, maize for silage as well as of grain, winter rape, oats, sugar beets and perennial herbs. The model anticipates the production of pork, beef, fish, chicken, milk, eggs, oil, sugar and honey as well as growing of mushrooms and production of compost. Besides, the given model anticipates the production of diesel biofuel and bioethanol in the amount necessary for providing mobile machines with power, as well as the production of biogas for receiving heat and electricity. The model suggests using the updated equipment for the production of bioenergy resources.
TESTING THE QUALITY OF SPRAYING FLUID BY USING VARIOUS NOZZLES IN SPECIAL DEVICES LECHLER DROPLEGUL
Authors: ZINKEVIČIUS Remigijus , ČEKANAUSKAS Sigitas
Published: March 2018

A variety of devices that help to prevent drops of spayed pesticides from getting into places that are difficult to reach (e. g. under the leaves of cultural plants of on the stem), is offered. Special devices Lechler DroplegUL are designed in a way that nozzles that are embedded in the end of the spraying pipe which is bended backwards, spray diagonally upwards.
Data of the quality of spraying fluid by using various sprinklers in special devices Lechler DroplegUL is provided in the article. Two hydraulic flood nozzles Lechler 684.356.30X, mounted in a special holder TwinSprayCap were examined: pneumohydraulic twin flat spray air-injector nozzle Lechler DF 120-03 and hydraulic twin flat spray nozzle Lechler DF 120-02. A transverse repartition and a process of the formation of fluid drops, sprayed using different nozzles were examined. The results revealed that while spraying with a lower working pressure (e.g. 1.5 bar) with two hydraulic flood nozzles Lechler 684.356.30X that are placed in a special holder TwinSprayCap and embedded on a device Lechler DroplegUL, a majority of drops (evenly around 40 ml) get into stand trays that are in a setting place situated 70–110 cm behind the device Lechler DroplegUL, whereas at the approximate 40 cm area away from the setting place there are no drops of sprayed fluid at all. Having the working pressure increased to 3–4 bar, majority of drops (around 60 ml) get into the stend trays that are in a setting place situated 70–110 cm behind the device Lechler DroplegUL. Having the working pressure increased, an unsprayed area, which is situated around the setting place of the device Lechler DroplegUL, gets narrowed: a width of unsprayed area when spraying at the pressure of 2 bar was around 60 cm, whereas when the pressure was 3 bar and 4 bar, the area appeared to be only 20 cm. Circularly sprayed drops, depending on the working pressure, spread around in two strips of width from 1.4 to 1.8 m. An oblong flat flow of the sprayed fluid forms nearby the deflector and the maximum height of the rise of sprayed drops reaches 1.3–1.4 m.
ASSESSMENT OF REED POTENTIAL FOR THERMAL ENERGY PRODUCTION IN LATVIA
Authors: VESPERE Anita , POPLUGA Dina
Published: March 2018

Global challenges such as increasing population density and climate changes are putting focus on such emerging issues as transition to a green economy and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Starting from 2021, activities in climate protection will be launched by the Paris Agreement, which provides not only for adapting to already occurring climate changes and reducing the expected effects but also promoting investment flows in a low carbon economy. In Latvia, one of the largest greenhouse gas emission sources is heat production from fossil fuel. Although biomass combustion generates about the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuel, this is a friendlier source of energy because when it is restored, the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed. Currently the most commonly used renewable source for the generation of thermal energy is wood. In the present research a theoretical study is conducted to assess the possibility of using another type of biomass – reeds, which is a common resource available throughout the country and recovers quickly. The research results showed that reeds can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative to firewood, but its efficient use should take into account the following factors: biomass with low humidity obtainable late in winter, the combustion process has a high ash level and before transporting, it should receive primary treatment to increase the bulk density and reduce transport costs. Reed as a separate fuel material is effective for solid fuel boilers, located close to the resource extraction site. An optimal use of this biomass source is possible in combination with other energy sources to produce pellets or briquettes.
DEVELOPMENT OF BIOFUELS PRODUCTION FROM AGRICULTURAL RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Ludwik WICKI Ludwik WICKI
Published: March 2018

The aim of the article is to assess the dynamics of the development of biofuels production from agricultural raw materials and the share of biofuels in the consumption of the most important agricultural raw materials with particular regard to the situation in Poland. Data used in the study are derived from OECD statistics as well as CSO statistics. The analysis covered the period from 2005 to 2016. The biofuel production on a global scale is increasingly competing with food production. Between 2002 and 2004, about 2% of harvested cereals were allocated to biofuels, and in 2016 it was almost 8%. For oil plants, this level reached 15%. Following a dynamic growth in biofuel production between 2005 and 2010, the growth slowed down considerably - to the level of 7% annually for biodiesel and 4.6% annually for bioethanol production. For the years 2017-2025, a growth rate of about 1% per year is anticipated. The slowdown in production growth is due to the reduction of political support for the development of the production of biofuels from first generation raw materials. Their production leads to competition for land resources with food production, but it has also been found to be characterized by relatively low environmental performance, including a low impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions. It is necessary to develop the production of second generation biofuels which now account for only about 7% of the production of liquid biofuels. Biofuels in Poland are produced from cereals and rapeseed oil. The production of biofuels in Poland increased from 180 million litres in 2005 to 1.2 billion litres in 2015. 1.3% of arable land was used for bioethanol production and 3.5% for biodiesel production. Total production of raw materials for biofuels was conducted on 5% of arable land in Poland. 2% of cereals and 60% of the rape crop were consumed for the production of biofuels. Under Polish agriculture conditions, biofuels production does not compete with food production yet.
INFLUENCE OF STEAM EXPLOSION ON MATERIAL PROPERTIES UNDER PRESSURE AGGLOMERATION
Authors: ŚWIĘTOCHOWSKI Adam , GAWRON Jakub , DĄBROWSKA Magdalena , LISOWSKI Aleksander
Published: March 2018

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the steam explosion process on the change in properties of the material subjected to this process. Wood chips were used before and after the steam explosion (SE), and pellets made from wood chips subjected to steam explosions (black pellet). The scope of the study included determination of physical and chemical characteristics such as moisture content, combustion heat and calorific value, determination of lignin and hemicellulose, cellulose and hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur content. hemicellulose compounds. After the process biomass, there are still mainly cellulose and lignin compounds that are readily biodegradable. The process results in a slight increase in material humidity and lower calorific value, but further processing in the form of agglomeration results in reversal of these effects.
PRODUCTION AND USE OF BIOENERGY IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIOECONOMY
Authors: GOŁĘBIEWSKI Jarosław , RAKOWSKA Joanna
Published: March 2018

Growing demand for energy, along with the depletion of traditional fossil fuels and the development of civilization, raises interest in the use of bioenergy in all sectors of the economy, including electricity, transport, heating, cooling, and industry. In developed countries bioenergy is an alternative to traditional non-renewable energy from fossil fuels, as its resources renew in natural processes, making it practically inexhaustible. Due to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, bioenergy is also more environmentally friendly than fossil energy. Thus bioenergy sector is a key segment of bio-economy and determines its competitiveness and development. Increase in bioenergy production, resulting from both market and energy policies, leads to greater interdependence between energy and agricultural markets, affects food and feed prices and change in land use.
The aim of this study was to identify changes in the bioenergy market in Poland in 2010-2015, present the role of bioenergy sector production in the structure of bio-economy, the changes in production and directions of biomass-based energy use and determine the importance of the major bioenergy markets in the structure of the energy market in Poland. The study was based on the aggregated statistical data on the acquisition and consumption of bioenergy in Poland, including energy from municipal waste, solid biofuels, biogas and liquid biofuels.
Findings prove that bioenergy is the most important renewable energy source in Poland. It is also a diversified source of energy, as it can be converted into solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Although solid biofuels and liquid biofuels dominate in Poland, the share of biogas and energy produced from municipal waste is small. Concluding, bioenergy in Poland changes its character from traditional and local energy source into modern, international commodity.
EU REGIONAL POLICY SUPPORT FOR BIOENERGY SECTOR IN POLAND IN 2007-2013 (2015)
Authors: RAKOWSKA Joanna , GOŁĘBIEWSKI Jarosław
Published: March 2018

The EU faces increasing climate, social and economic challenges resulting among others from the negative effects of using fossil fuels. Bioeconomy with its flagship bioenergy sub-sector is meant the key remedy for this situation. That is why the growth of bioenergy production has been promoted and supported in EU financial perspective of 2007-2013 by allocating regional policy funds to strengthen bioenergy sub-sector under operational programs in eligible member states. As Poland has increasing needs to develop bioenergy sector and has been the biggest beneficiary of EU regional policy funds the aim of the paper was to investigate on the main effects of investments in bioenergy sub-sector under operational programmes 2007-2013. The study was based on SIMIK data from the Ministry of Regional Development as of December 31, 2015 and Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office of Poland. Qualitative and quantitative analysis show that beneficiaries carried out 80 bioenergy projects of 1442,8 mln PLN total value, including 30,4% EU co-funding under Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment and 14 Regional Operational Programmes. These bioenergy investments resulted mainly in construction and modernization of biomass power plants, of which nearly 50% where agricultural ones as well as in constructing new and expanding already existing biomass-based heating systems in public institutions. Findings show big regional differentiation of the bioenergy investments: from none in mazovieckie (the biggest NUTS 2 in Poland) and opolskie to cumulation of nearly 33% of bioenergy projects under OPs 2007-2013 in warmińsko-mazurskie. EU co-funding for individual projects ranged from 15% to 85%, however for nearly half of them it was higher than 45%, conditioning realization of the projects fully. Concluding, EU funding was a significant source of financial support for bioenergy sub-sector in Poland, resulting in developing it especially in warmińsko-mazurskie voivodship.
FATTENING AND SLAUGHTER RESULTS ANALYSIS OF HEREFORD BREED BULLS BORN IN DIFFERENT SEASONS
Authors: MUIZNIECE Inga , KAIRISA Daina
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study was to explain the birth season effect on Hereford bulls fattening results. The research was made within the project ‘Baltic Grassland Beef’ framework in years 2015 and 2016. Data about 41 Herford purebred bull was used in the research, grown in different farms of Latvia. Bulls were slaughtered in certified slaughterhouse ‘Agaras’ (Lithuania). The average birth weight of the Hereford breed bulls was in border from 42.9 – 45.0 kg. The lowest birth weight was on spring season born bulls – 42.9 kg, but the highest on winter season born bulls - 45.0. Average realization age of bull’s, in the research groups, was on range from 567 days to 661 days. Bulls born on autumn and winter before slaughtering were significantly older, respectively 661 and 655 days with live weight of 519.9 kg un 542.1 kg. On spring born bulls with age 600 days reached the biggest live weight – 542.0 kg, respectively these group bulls average daily weight gain from birth to slaughter per day was the biggest among all the groups – 831.9 g. The highest slaughter weight showed on autumn and winter seasons born bulls, respectively 275.5 kg and 274.8 kg. In the research groups on different seasons born bulls conformation score was from points 2.4 to 2.6. All the bull’s carcass in the research groups were evaluated as 2nd and 3rd fat class. between the age before slaughter and average daily weight gain from birth to slaughter there is an important negative correlation (from r = -0.858 to = -0.977, p&lt;0.05), except on spring season born bulls.
COMPARISON OF PRODUCTIVITY OF KRANMAN BISON 10000 FORWARDER IN STANDS HARVESTED WITH HARVESTER AND CHAINSAW
Authors: KALEJA Santa , ZIMELIS Agris , Lazdins Andis , Johansson Per Olof
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate potential uses of Kranman Bison 10000 6WD forwarder in stands, where roundwood is extracted with a chainsaw and Vimek 404 T5 harvester in normal and difficult forwarding conditions. Productivity of Kranman forwarder was compared with medium-sized John Deere 810 forwarder under normal conditions. In total 230 loads were forwarded during the study, including 63 loads from areas, harvested with a chainsaw, and 167 loads from areas, harvested with Vimek 404 harvester. The average forwarded load is 2.0 m³ (the maximum load is 2.5 m³ therefore the average load capacity is 80%). In average 33 minutes of productive work time were spent by forwarding one load (the proportion of productive working time is 94% from total engine hours of the machine). The average length of forwarding road in trials is 286 m. In normal conditions forwarding of 1 m³ of roundwood extracted with a chainsaw takes 15 minutes of productive working time, but in difficult forwarding conditions the time consumption increases by 13%. The average forwarder fuel consumption is 1.8 L per hour. Accordingly, 0.8 L of fuel are consumed to forward 1 m³ roundwood. In comparison, John Deere 810 under similar conditions consumed 1.6 L fuel to forward 1 m³ roundwood. Study results prove that the best application of Kranman Bison 10000 is forwarding small stands or individual trees logged with a chainsaw. Forwarder can work on soils with low bearing capacity, however productivity can be significantly reduced by stumps and uneven terrain.
INFLUENCE OF THE ACTIVATORS TO THE DIFFERENT VEGETATION INDEXES IN CENTRAL BOHEMIA REGION
Authors: LÁTAL Oldřich , ŠAŘEC Petr , NOVÁK Petr , KUMHÁLOVÁ Jitka
Published: March 2018

High proportion of arable land is typically for agriculture in Czech Republic. Nowadays there is a problem with decrease of livestock production and increase of biofuel production. This problems causes decrease in the level of soil carbon in the soil. Decrease in levels of organic carbon also leads to easier soil degradation by other negative factors (soil erosion, compaction). Organic matter application into soils is the only corrective action. Decomposition of applied organic matter is a problem in the decarburized soils. Organic matter can be supplemented by biological transformation’s activators. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy activators of organic matter to improve the soil environment. Field trial has been established in this purpose at locality Sloveč in the Central Bohemia Region. Very heavy soil is located on the experimental field. Results of the six variants with application of manure are presented in this paper. PRP Sol (PRP Technologies) was used like soil activator. PRP Fix (PRP Technologies) was used like activator of the biological transformation of manure. Favorable effect on crop state of cereals was observed. This was confirmed by using vegetation indices (using satellite images). They suggest a beneficial effect of application of bio-activators.
COMPARING THE QUALITY OF ROUND BALERS WORK
Authors: NOVÁK Petr , MAŠEK Jiří , BULVA Miroslav , BENEŠ Lukáš
Published: March 2018

Forage harvest belongs to the principal works in contemporary agriculture. Increasingly popular technology is the making round bales. The basic advantage of round balers is application versatility. Harvest method is useful for making hay, straw and haylage, Quality of the bale is dependent on the level of work equipment and operator. This paper is focused on comparing the round baler with variable bale chamber. Round baler Vicon RV 1601 OC14 was compared with round baller Welger RP 435 Master. Both models were equipped with variable chamber. The variable chamber was formed by the endless belts. The evaluation was conducted from quality of work perspective and efficiency. The most important quality parameter was the density of bales. Quality parameters of bales were determined by measuring and weighing. Straw bales and haylage bales were used for studies. Qualitative indicators were converted into dry matter content. Microwave drying according to Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences was used to determine the dry matter. Baler Welger reached better qualitative parameters of work. It was also demonstrated by statistical evaluation using Tukey test. It has clearly demonstrated that round baller Welger achieves significantly greater pressing than round baller Vicon. Greater difference was measured at baling straw. Difference was below the threshold of statistical significance during haylage baling. This difference shows favour of the round baller Welger. On the other hand baler Vicon requires lower input power.
INCREASING ELECTRICITY SELF-CONSUMPTION IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS BY ELECTRICITY-TO-HEAT CONVERSION AND STORAGE
Authors: JÕGI Erkki , ALLIK Alo , HÕIMOJA Hardi , PEETS Tõnis , PIHLAP Heino , HOVI Mart , ARUVEE Eve , KALDER Janar , MÄRSS Maido , UIGA Jaanus , ANNUK Andres
Published: March 2018

The current paper addresses energy storage issues in residential buildings with the objective of increasing direct consumption. The building, connected to an utility grid, is supplied by a micro wind turbine and PV panels. The utility grid itself acts as an energy buffer. Only nonshiftable loads (white goods, TV etc.) and electric water heating are taken into account. The studied configuration comprises two cascaded heating boilers, one of them preheating boiler. The annual electricity production of the micro wind turbine and PV panels is chosen to cover the hot water demand and nonshiftable loads inside the building with 70/30 ratio in favour of the wind energy. During the experiments, the generation graphs’ shaving levels vary between 0 and 100 %, with peak energy diverted into a preheating boiler and the remaining part fed into the main boiler. The proposed solution allows increasing locally consumed energy share, as the energy of stochastic peaks is stored and used on later demand. The locally consumed energy is expressed by the cover factor, its increase possibilities are studied in main text. Calculations are based on 5- minute time series. The applied algorithm follows the amount of heat in the main and preheating boiler, including also incoming and outgoing energies. The cover factor cannot be increased without restrictions. Too high shaving levels bring along problem of removing excess heat from the preheating boiler. The allowed drain loss is taken as 10 % of annual boiler energy balance. The presumed growth of the cover factor at preheating boiler volume of 160 l instead of 80 l is at least 8 %. with the main boiler sized as before.
IMPACT OF WORKING SPEED ON SOIL PARTICLES TRANSFER DURING SECONDARY SOIL TILLAGE
Authors: HŮLA Josef , NOVÁK Petr
Published: March 2018

Displacement of soil particles by erosion can be seen as a major threat to the quality of agricultural land in the conditions of Czech Republic. While the effects of water and wind erosion have long been investigated and reported, the effect of soil tillage technology on soil particles translocation are relatively new area of agriculture research. Soil tillage may contribute to the undesirable translocation of soil particles towards lower-lying parts of fields especially on slopes. The effect of soil tillage implements on soil particle translocation has not been sufficiently explained yet. The object of this research was to assess the influence of different operating speed of power harrow on soil particle translocation during secondary tillage (soil preparation). Measurements to determine the displacement of soil particles were performed in location Nesperská Lhota in the Central Bohemia Region. Measurements were performed on a sandy loam cambisol after harvest spring cereals (oat for sillage production). To indicate displacement of soil particles was used grit of white limestone (size 10-16 mm). Limestone was put down into the trench with known position orthogonal to the direction of working operations. Subsequently were performed working operations in the specified sequence. Limestone particles were counted and weighed in each section. It was detected by measuring the different nature of displacement. Statistical significance of differences in the weight of translocated particles was evaluated for different operating speeds of power harrow from 4.5 to 12 km.h-1.
EVALUATION OF COMPETITIVENESS FACTORS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: ŠVAGŽDIENĖ Biruta , PERKUMIENĖ Dalia
Published: March 2018

Competitiveness, which is inextricably linked to the notion of competition, remains the aim pursued by companies and countries because everyone wants to outsource others and, over time, enjoy the benefits. A successfully competing community based by providing of services has more opportunities to attract and retain visitors, the same time implementing and meeting the needs of community members and ensuring community stability. With the rapid development of innovations and technologies, reveals the necessary to analyse the determinants of competitiveness. The competitiveness of the rural area is reflected by factors such as investment attractiveness, living conditions, attractiveness for the population, geographical location, heritage, culture, the fostering of customs and traditions. In order to assess the factors determining the competitiveness of rural communities, an investigation was organized. Methods chosen for the study: document analysis, SWOT and interviews.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF VALUE ADDED AGRICULTURE IN UZBEKISTAN
Authors: HORSKA Elena , PULATOV Alim , PIRMATOV Khabibullo
Published: March 2018

The goal of this paper is to analyse socio-economic role of value added agriculture in Uzbekistan. The main agricultural exports are cotton (raw and yarn), fruits, vegetables, leather, wool and fur. There is an opportunity to acquire more social and economic advantages by exporting finished goods, which are made out of primary agricultural commodities. Adding value to agricultural products lead to increasing the share of finished goods in export, supplying import-substituting products, improving infrastructure in rural areas, providing new jobs and growing people’s income. The paper presents the analyse of the agriculture sector in GDP and the production dynamics of the primary agricultural commodities during 2005-2014, as well as comparison the share of cotton, fruits, vegetables and leather in export in 2005 and 2014. Based on the analyses it is recommended to widely use value added agriculture in order to support people, who are living in rural areas in Uzbekistan.
ORGANIC FARMING AS A PART OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Authors: KOLOSZKO-CHOMENTOWSKA Zofia , ŽUKOVSKIS Jan
Published: March 2018

The paper presents the relationships of organic farming with sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas. The promotion of environmentally friendly agriculture and environmental protection are implemented within agri-environmental programs. The aim of these programs is to achieve sustainable rural development and preserve biodiversity. The goal of studies was to assess the sustainability of ecological agriculture at the level of an agricultural holding. Organic farming is perceived as a system that is most favorable from the perspective of environmental protection. Analysis was conducted on the basis of data from ecological farms in the Podlaskie voivodeship registered in the FADN system in 2014. Ecological indicators (share of cereals in crops, vegetation coverage of the soil throughout the year, stocking density, balance of organic substances, agricultural and environmental actions taken) as well as economic indicators: land profitability and productivity and profitability of labor, were accounted for. It was determined that the conditions of environmental sustainability were met with regard to the majority of ecological indicators. From the perspective of economic effects, organic farming achieved a positive financial result, but it was lower than in conventional farms. This result was achieved thanks to public subsidies for ecological production.
INFORMATION POLICY IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL SPHERE IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE AND THE EU
Authors: LADYCHENKO Viktor
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this research is to develop a legal mechanism for ensuring the right to access environmental information to ensure sustainable development of society. In the context of our study we developed an understanding of information human rights - the right to collect, disseminate, use and preserve environmental information is fundamental and natural.
We understand information human rights as a group of rights with a center around freedom of information, the right to environmental information, the right to communication in environmental sphere, the right to access to environmental information that is public or socially significant, the right to privacy, and the protection of personal data.
In the EU, access to environmental information is regulated by Directive 2003/4/EC (Aarhus Convention, 1998). Citizens of the EU have the right to receive this information within one month from the moment they ask and not to mention why they need it. In addition, public authorities are required to actively disseminate information on environmental information at their disposal.
In Ukraine defined system of a jurisdiction whose collection includes different types of environmental information and formation of information on environmental policy. But the issue of public administration in the field of environmental protection is currently split between different executive bodies; there is no united information policy and the body responsible for it. There is no obligation for the authorities to inform the population even in crisis situations.
This study will form the legal framework to ensure the right of access to environmental information in Ukraine by introducing the position of Information Commissioner - an official, the competence of which includes monitoring of compliance of information law with information policy in the environmental field.