On November 2-5, 2020, the 3rd Conference of the Arabian Journal of Geosciences (CAJG 2020) was arranged online and held in Tunisia. Participation in this conference was carried out by being a member of the scientific committee. Reviews of several submitted scientific papers were performed as well as discussions on the topics related to environmental issues were attended online.
Presentations at the Agri-Eurasia congress
On October 30-31, 2020, the IV. International Eurasian Agriculture and Natural Sciences Congress took place online, organized by the universities in Turkey (Selçuk University, Konya Food and Agriculture University, etc.) bringing together scientists of fields such as agricultural, environmental sciences, engineering, water and soil management, plant and animal biology, biotechnology, food chemistry, sustainable farming and others.
Two posters were presented at the congress:
- “From utilization of wood combustion ashes to new product for soil improvement” (Zane VINCEVICA-GAILE, Karina STANKEVICA, Maris KLAVINS – Department of Environmental Science, University of Latvia);
- “Circular economy approach for weak soil stabilization” (Zane VINCEVICA-GAILE(1), Juris BURLAKOVS(2), Mait KRIIPSALU(2), Vita RUDOVICA(1) – 1) University of Latvia, 2) Estonian University of Life Sciences).
Participation in this congress has led to the project result dissemination in Eurasia and new contacts of the scientific network, particularly with Turkish researchers.
Scientific Report No.2 finalized
Scientific Report No.2 “CHARACTERIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS APPLICABLE FOR THE FORMULA OF PEAT-FREE SOIL CONDITIONER” has been prepared. It contains a range of data obtained from experiments and analyses of biomass combustion products and sapropel samples.
Collaboration perspective with Estonian University of Life Sciences
The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the travelling plans, and therefore short-term mobility to the project collaboration partner ELI-UCL in Belgium currently is not possible. However, travelling within the Baltic states is permitted, and collaboration with universities in neighbour countries can be expanded.
Estonian University of Life Sciences (Eesti Maaülikool – EMU), located in Tartu, Estonia, is the only university in Estonia which priorities in academic and research activities provide the sustainable development of natural resources necessary for the existence of Man as well as the preservation of heritage and habitat. According to QS World University Rankings by Subject (2019), EMU is one of the top 50 universities in the world in the field of agriculture and forestry, ranked 48. The university also belongs to the top 1% most cited research facilities in the world (regarding plant physiology professor Ülo Niinemets being the most cited Estonian researcher altogether).
Continue reading “Collaboration perspective with Estonian University of Life Sciences”
Presentation at Knowledge Agora
On September 25, 2020, a Knowledge Agora was held at the University of Latvia during the Day of New Technologies and Innovation. The Knowledge Agora is an open-stage for new ideas and innovative research. The presentation was delivered on the topic “Development of peat-free soil improver composition” in a popular-science manner.
The Knowledge Agora was bringing together students and scientists of the broad background of sciences. It gave an opportunity to look into the work of other researchers as well as to identify the priorities to be set for successful idea realization.
Briefly about: Assessing applicability and utility of secondary raw materials
Growing environmental concerns, governmental support and changes in thinking motivate people to focus on more sustainable businesses and to promote new regulations incorporating the principles of sustainability, especially in materials recycling. The main efforts should be devoted to waste reduction and long-term value creation to materials where the key role is attributed to designing for recycling, remanufacturing and reuse, disassembly and sorting, and for the environment.
Continue reading “Briefly about: Assessing applicability and utility of secondary raw materials”
Briefly about: Remarks on terminology in soil improvement
Several terms are used regarding soil improving agents:
- Soil conditioners – products/materials that are applied to control erosion and improve soil properties, including physical and chemical state, mineral composition, water retention, etc. Soil conditioners can be used to improve poor soil or to rebuild soil which is damaged by improper soil management.
Continue reading “Briefly about: Remarks on terminology in soil improvement”
Working on the scientific reports
Work on the reports is going on. Report No.2 “Characterization of Raw Material Applicable for the Formula of Peat-Free Soil Conditioner” is in progress.
As well as Report No.3 “Characterization of the Formula of Peat-Free Soil Conditioner”.
The reports include the results of analyzes and experiments performed during the project, as well as a review of the scientific literature. The data compiled in the reports will be used for the elaboration of new scientific publications.
Results of the work in ORCID and SCOPUS
Thanks to SCOPUS (Expertly curated abstract & citation database) database, it is possible to follow the progress and scientific growth. A positive result can be seen – the increase of my h index to 7 at SCOPUS.
Another virtual tool – ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) – provides an up-to-date collection of scientific publications and other information about the researcher. Check my ORCID here.
These virtual tools allow following the scientific progress of own and colleagues, as well as are useful for evaluating partners’ scientific capacity.
Abstracts for virtual Eurasian conference
Two abstracts are submitted for presentation at the 4th International Agriculture and Natural Sciences Congress (planned virtually from 30-10-2020 to 31-10-2020).
Titles of presentations: “From utilization of wood ashes to new product for soil improvement” and “Circular economy approach for weak soil stabilization”.