• Rural Digital Europe
• 2013-2022close
• Open Access close
• LV close
• Rural Digital Europe close

Abstract Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) has a widespread distribution throughout Europe, and Latvia is almost at the north eastern edge of the distribution range. In Europe, ash is threatened by ash dieback, a disease caused by the introduced ascomycete Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers have been used to study the genetic diversity and population structure of ash both in a broader pan-European context as well as in more restricted regions. Some of the markers analysed in these previously published reports were also utilised in this study, enabling comparisons of the genetic parameters calculated from the nuclear SSR marker data and of the haplotypes identified with the chloroplast markers. Analysis of chloroplast markers revealed one dominant haplotype in Latvian stands, which corresponds to the haplotype previously found in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. A second haplotype, corresponding to a previously reported central European haplotype was found in all individuals from the Ķemeri stand, indicating that this stand was naturally established from introduced germplasm, which was planted in a neighbouring park. The nuclear SSR markers revealed low levels of differentiation of Latvian F. excelsior stands, probably due efficient pollen flow between stands. The analysis of both chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers has revealed different aspects of the structure and provenance of Latvian F. excelsior populations.

The current period describes the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis on businesses and the lives of citizens. It has accelerated digital transformation in all areas. The work and learning of many individuals have moved to the digital environment. In order to use digital technologies, employees need to acquire new knowledge and skills. The aim of this research study is to perform an analysis of the development of digital transformation and relevant competencies for employees and to identify the opportunities and challenges in Latvia. The research methodology applied for this research study is based on examining relevant theoretical concepts and publications of the EU regarding digital transformation. A survey method was used to find out the opinions of Latvian employers regarding the importance of digital transformation and relevant competencies for employees. The analysis of the research indicated that the majority of the respondents surveyed rated the level of implementation of digital transformation as high or medium-high, which shows that this is a good trend, and the digitalization process continues to progress. However, about a third of enterprises are only at the early stage of digitalization, while some have not yet begun it. The problem is the development of human capital competencies and digital skills. This is a specific research study that expands and provides insights into the situation in Latvia on the possibilities of implementation of digital transformation, which is closely linked with the development of human capital competencies and digital skills. This requires maintaining a holistic approach to targeted digital transformation management.

Abstract Agriculture is the second most significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with approximately 24 % of Latvia’s total GHG emissions in 2014. Emissions from agricultural soils contributed major share of the total emissions – 59.6 %, enteric fermentation emissions was second largest source – 32 %. The share of manure management emissions was evaluated as 7.5 % of total emissions in the sector, remaining 0.9 % of emissions refer to liming and urea application. GHG emissions increased in 2014 by 3.3 % comparing to 2013 due to increase of cattle, sheep and fur animal numbers. Statistics also showed increase of synthetic N fertilizer consumption approximately by 4.6 %, sown area by 0.3 % and lime application to soils 42.9 % [1]. Bearing in mind significant share of agricultural emissions in total GHG emissions in Latvia and the growing emission trend the additional attention is necessary for evaluation of impacts of agriculture on the environment. The purpose of this study is to explore indicators for assessing eco-efficiency in the Latvian agriculture sector. First the paper describes methods which can be used for measuring eco-efficiency, second availability of activity data and third, presents calculations of selected indicators for eco-efficiencies.

Abstract Concerns about drinking water (DW) quality contamination during water distribution raise a need for real-time monitoring and rapid contamination detection. Early warning systems (EWS) are a potential solution. The EWS consist of multiple conventional sensors that provide the real-time measurements and algorithms that allow the recognizing of contamination events from normal operating conditions. In most cases, these algorithms have been established with artificial data, while data from real and biological contamination events are limited. The goal of the study was the event detection performance of the Mahalanobis distance method in combination with on-line DW quality monitoring sensors and manual measurements of grab samples for potential DW biological contamination scenarios. In this study three contamination scenarios were simulated in a pilot-scale DW distribution system: untreated river water, groundwater and wastewater intrusion, which represent realistic contamination scenarios and imply biological contamination. Temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), chlorine ion (Cl-), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), pH sensors and turbidity measurements were used as on-line sensors and for manual measurements. Novel adenosine-triphosphate and flow cytometric measurements were used for biological water quality evaluation. The results showed contamination detection probability from 56% to 89%, where the best performance was obtained with manual measurements. The probability of false alarm was 5–6% both for on-line and manual measurements. The Mahalanobis distance method with DW quality sensors has a good potential to be applied in EWS. However, the sustainability of the on-line measurement system and/or the detection algorithm should be improved.

Flax is the multiple purpose crop cultivated in temperate region. Seeds of oil flax recently became important constituent for many industrial applications, such as pharmacy, medicine, food production <em>etc.</em> and have high prospective for use in Latvia. Understanding the underlying processes that limit seed yield in flax is major with respect to enhancing the breeding of flax for yield improvements. The aim of study was evaluated 29 flax varieties and lines (including 20 Latvian origins) plasticity of seed yield production in changeable environmental conditions. The experiment was carried out in the Agricultural Scientific Centre of Latgale on field trials over the period 2010-2013. The aim of this study was evaluated plasticity in changeable environmental conditions for 29 flax varieties and lines (including 20 Latvian origins). According to 4 years results was to establish the nature of relation between seed yield and hydrothermal coefficient (HTC), and seed yield and another yield components of flax. Apart from the changing conditions highest seed yield were produced from a varieties ‘Lirina’ (2.54 h ^-1t), high seed oil content from variety ‘Amon’ (53.03%). Positive and significant relationships were found between seed yield and HTC ‘T30-28-6-94’(r=+0.98*), ‘German Serenade’ (r=+0.95*) and ‘Scorpion’ (r =+0.95*).

Nowadays the RTK (Real Time Kinematic) method for positioning is used in daily life by different consumers for many purposes. Several different RTK correction techniques are used, starting from single site to network approaches. The GNSS market is filled with receivers from different manufacturers and different capabilities. In this paper we assess the stability of the reference station network transmitted RTK correction. Two different surveying class GNSS receivers in combination with four varied RTK correction techniques under diverse observation conditions are analyzed. This study has been conducted in Latvia, where state wide permanent GNSS reference station network has been maintained since year 2005.

The introduction of pottery vessels to Europe has long been seen as closely linked with the spread of agriculture and pastoralism from the Near East. The adoption of pottery technology by hunter–gatherers in Northern and Eastern Europe does not fit this paradigm, and its role within these communities is so far unresolved. To investigate the motivations for hunter–gatherer pottery use, here, we present the systematic analysis of the contents of 528 early vessels from the Baltic Sea region, mostly dating to the late 6th–5th millennium cal BC, using molecular and isotopic characterization techniques. The results demonstrate clear sub-regional trends in the use of ceramics by hunter–gatherers; aquatic resources in the Eastern Baltic, non-ruminant animal fats in the Southeastern Baltic, and a more variable use, including ruminant animal products, in the Western Baltic, potentially including dairy. We found surprisingly little evidence for the use of ceramics for non-culinary activities, such as the production of resins. We attribute the emergence of these sub-regional cuisines to the diffusion of new culinary ideas afforded by the adoption of pottery, e.g. cooking and combining foods, but culturally contextualized and influenced by traditional practices.

Abstract The purpose of this research was to investigate a landowner’s status as a lessor in land consolidation on agricultural areas in Europe. The research was based on surveys designed for land consolidation experts from Cyprus, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia and statistical data of the areas. The lease of agricultural land is common in Europe. However, there are differences related to how common the lease is and what the rental value of land is. The variation is based on factors such as differences in the markets, historical development of the agricultural lands and current legislation. The lessors have rights as landowners in land consolidation, but in case the land is used by third parties, lessor’s status is more limited compared to other landowners’. Similarly the costs of land consolidation typically are paid by landowners, not by users. The lessors are commonly indifferent and suspicious about the land consolidation. They are occasionally suspicious, especially before or at the beginning of the process, but later on they seem to be less suspicious. The lessors’ experience of land consolidation is based commonly on a fear of additional costs for their investment.