Riga Research Articles

Spatial and Temporal Variability in Bioswale Infiltration Rate Observed during Full-Scale Infiltration Tests: Case Study in Riga Latvia

Urban nature-based solutions (NBSs) are widely implemented to collect, store, and infiltrate stormwater. This study addressed infiltration rate as a measure of the performance of bioretention solutions. Quick scan research was conducted, starting with mapping over 25 locations of implemented green infrastructure in Riga, Latvia. Basic information, such as location, characteristics, as well as photos and videos, has been uploaded to the open-source database ClimateScan. From this, eight bioswales installed in the period 2017–2022 were selected for hydraulic testing, measuring the infiltration capacity of bio-retention solutions. The results show a high temporal and spatial variation of infiltration rate for the bioswales, even those developed with similar designs: 0.1 to 7.7 m/d, mean 2.0 m/d, coefficient of variation 1.0. The infiltration capacity decreased after saturation: a 30% to 58% decrease in infiltration rate after refilling storage volume. The variation in infiltration rate as well as infiltration rate decrease on saturation is similar to other full-scale studies done internationally. The infiltration rate of most bioswales falls within the range specified by international guidelines, all swales empty within 48 h. Most bioswales empty several times within one day, questioning the effectiveness of water retention and water availability for dry periods. The results are of importance for stakeholders involved in the implementation of NBS and will be used to set up Latvian guidelines for design, construction, and maintenance.

Sociological Types of Precarity Among Gig Workers: Lived Experiences of Food Delivery Workers in Riga

In this article, we examine the lived experiences of precariousness in gig work, a growing sector of the modern labor market, through the case of Latvia, a former Soviet republic that has experienced radical neo‐liberalization over the last 30 years. Many studies, mainly focusing on the Global North, have demonstrated precarious aspects of gig work—its short‐term engagements, the lack of legal protection and social benefits, and algorithmic management as an autonomy‐limiting control mechanism. Given the precarious nature of gig work, we examine why people engage in it. Building on literature that distinguishes precarity as a condition and precariousness as a subjective experience, we analyze reasons for engaging in gig work in Latvia. We identify five types of gig workers based on 56 in‐depth interviews with food delivery gig workers in Riga, the capital of Latvia. We analyze differences in our respondents’ motivations for choosing this work, their position, and historical mobility in the social structure. Based on this analysis, we find three factors that serve as a basis for a typology of food delivery workers in Riga: gig workers’ view of gig work as a temporary vs. a long‐term engagement, the breadth of perceived opportunities available, and their emotional satisfaction with the job. We discuss how these findings compare with other studies on gig work and gig workers’ subjective experiences.

Canonical and Non-Canonical in Charming Texts and Practices

Following a two-year pause due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the eleventh international interdisciplinary conference organized by the International Society for Folk Narrative Research’s Committee on Charms, Charmers and Charming took place 6th to 9th September 2022, both in-person at the National Library of Latvia in Riga and online via Zoom. Although numbers were lower than the previous Charms conference, which took place in May 2019 in Pescara, Italy, the 2022 conference featured twenty-one papers, presented by twenty-six participants, roughly forty percent of them physically in Riga and the remainder online virtually.

Distribution of Minor and Major Metallic Elements in Residential Indoor Dust: A Case Study in Latvia.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not only brought considerable and permanent changes to economies and healthcare systems, but it has also greatly changed the habits of almost the entire society. During the lockdowns, people were forced to stay in their dwellings, which served as a catalyst for the initiation of a survey on the estimation of the metallic element content in residential indoor dust in different parts of Latvia. This article presents the study results obtained through the analysis of collected dust samples from 46 dwellings, both in the capital of Latvia, Riga, and in smaller cities. Two methods were employed for indoor dust collection: vacuum sampling and manual sampling with a brush and plastic spatula. After microwave-assisted acid extraction, the samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in terms of the major (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al and Fe) and minor (Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, Cr, As, Ba, Li, Be, B, V, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, La, Ce and Bi) elements. For the data analysis, principal component analysis was performed. Among the measured metals, the highest values were determined for the macro and most abundant elements (Na > K > Ca > Fe > Mg > Al). The concentration ranges of the persistently detected elements were as follows: Pb, 0.27-1200 mg kg-1; Cd, 0.01-6.37 mg kg-1; Ni, 0.07-513 mg kg-1; As, 0.01-69.2 mg kg-1; Cu, 5.71-1900 mg kg-1; Zn, 53.6-21,100 mg kg-1; and Cr, 4.93-412 mg kg-1. The critical limit values of metallic elements in soil defined by the legislation of the Republic of Latvia (indicating the level at or above which the functional characteristics of soil are disrupted, or pollution poses a direct threat to human health or the environment) were exceeded in the following numbers of dwellings: Pb = 4, Ni = 2, As = 1, Cu = 16, Cr = 1 and Zn = 28.

Mobility as Service: How Changing Travel use Habits will Affect the Transition of Cities to Climate Neutrality

Transportation contributes significantly to air pollution and carbon emissions in cities, negatively impacting human health and the environment. Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is considered one of the promising solutions to this problem, as it reduces the number of trips by private vehicles. MaaS integrates different modes of transportation such as buses, trains, bicycles, and cars into a single platform, which increases the attractiveness of shared transportation and micromobility tools for users and facilitates the shift from private cars to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. MaaS brings tangible changes in transportation use behavior. Research on behavioral factors influencing MaaS use and their relationship to transportation habits is underdeveloped, especially in regions with high levels of private car use and low environmental awareness. This article presents the results of a survey aimed at identifying the factors that influence transportation user behavior and the policies needed to promote MaaS adoption. These data are then used to assess the impact of MaaS on cities’ efforts to achieve carbon neutrality. The survey was conducted in the city of Riga, the capital of Latvia, and analyzes factors such as necessary changes in infrastructure, service design, pricing, public awareness, and information efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

TRNSYS Simulation of the Use of Solar Collector-based Domestic Hot Water System in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC)

With the prevailing energy crisis and the public’s growing environmental awareness, renewable energy sources (sun, wind, water) are playing an increasingly important role in Europe and around the world. Due to its easy availability and relatively high efficiency, it is the solar energy that is attributed with great potential in decarbonizing the energy sector. Among the most popular devices that enable the use of solar radiation are solar collectors. They are used in heating and domestic hot water preparation systems, as well as for heating swimming pool water. However, their efficiency depends on many factors, of which the main one being the climatic conditions. This paper presents the results of energy simulations of a solar collector-based domestic hot water system for the capitals of five selected Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) – Riga (Latvia), Warsaw (Poland), Prague (the Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia), and Zagreb (Croatia). The system model was developed using the TRNSYS software, in which dynamic simulations were also performed for an entire year (8760 h). For each location, the efficiency of the flat-plate solar collectors, the amount of useful energy generated by them, as well as the amount of energy needed to meet the load and auxiliary energy requirements were analyzed and compared. The extent to which increasing or decreasing the area of solar collectors affects the operation and efficiency of the system for different locations was also estimated. The results showed that in terms of efficiency, the use of solar collectors is most favorable in Slovakia and placed southernmost-located Croatia, where it also achieved the lowest annual auxiliary energy demand. The least favorable location, on the other hand, turned out to be the capital of Latvia. It is also worth noting that regardless of location, the area of solar collectors has a significant impact on the efficiency of the entire system.

Spāņu valodas apguve Latvijā: pašreizējās situācijas raksturojums

With its ever increasing number of speakers, Spanish, being one of the so-called major languages of the world, has overtaken English in terms of native speakers in recent years, now ranking second behind Chinese, and its growing popularity and expansion can be felt in Latvia as well. In recent years it is evidenced by an increase in translations of original works into Latvian, cinema and theatre performances, rapid growth of various Spanish companies and, undoubtedly, the interest of the residents of Latvia, particularly young people, in learning Spanish. In Latvia, Spanish can be learned in general education schools, starting from Form 6; it is more popular among secondary school pupils, as evidenced by the number of general education schools: in academic year 2018/19 Spanish could be learned in 18 general education schools, while in academic year 2019/20 there were 16 education institutions offering the language. Moreover, the capital of Latvia is not the only place where Spanish is taught as a second or third foreign language: everything depends on the opportunities provided by each individual school. In total, there were 32 schools in Latvia where Spanish was taught as the third or even the fourth foreign language during last academic year. To obtain secondary education in Latvia, one of the centralised exams has to be taken in a foreign language; English is the most popular choice among schools. Those who wish to obtain a certificate in Spanish can do so at the Instituto Cervantes DELE examination centre, which has been operating at the Latvian Academy of Culture since 2004. The centre offers an opportunity to take exams at 6 levels and obtain the internationally recognised DELE diploma, certifying the examinee’s Spanish knowledge and skills. Spanish can also be learned in courses and at language centres irrespective of the students’ age and previous knowledge. Picasso and Seneca, two private Spanish language centres, have been successfully operating in Latvia for more than 10 years, and their students range from pupils to seniors. Bachelor students learn Spanish at the Latvian Academy of Culture in the Latvia-Spain Cross-Cultural Communication programme; however, they do not obtain a qualification in philology. Master students can learn Spanish as part of the Romance Language and Culture Studies study programme at the University of Latvia, and the language is also offered as an elective course at other higher education institutions in Latvia. Unfortunately, systemic Spanish acquisition and programme continuity is hindered by the lack of a Spanish philology bachelor study programme at the University of Latvia. The paper focuses on Spanish learning traditions, issues, and future opportunities in Latvia, drawing upon data available in the state education system and interviews with industry experts: officials, educators, and translators.

SUSTAINABLE, SMART AND RESPONSIBLE NATURE PARK TOURISM

The one of the largest nature parks in Latvia is Nature Park “Piejūra”. It is a very complicated area due to its valuable and sensitive coastal habitats. On the one hand, it is a territory with rich biodiversity, and on the other hand it is an area actively used by visitors and tourists due to its location close to the capital of Latvia. Therefore, implementation of sustainable nature protection, conservation and management activities is particularly important. However, as the area is widely visited, there is public resistance to the implementation of management activities. The aim of the research is to identify the level of awareness and attitude of Nature Park visitors in respect of the nature conservation, protection and management activities. To achieve the aim of the research, quantitative research methods have been used. The data allows us to conclude that the understanding of the necessary nature management and protection activities has become deeper in the society. The public understands the established restrictions and considers that there is no necessity to strengthen the restrictions, but only to promote their observance. The study confirms that the attitude towards and understanding of the nature conservation activities changes in the society if there is enough information provided and the necessity for the activities is explained.

Long-term changes in microbial water quality indicators in a hydro-power plant reservoir: The role of natural factors and socio-economic changes.

Long-term changes, from 1984 to 2010, in the indicators of microbial pollution (total viable count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens) are analysed in the Riga Hydropower Plant Reservoir, an essential source of drinking water for Riga, the capital of Latvia. Counts in microbial indicators fluctuated seasonally and were related to physicochemical parameters (nitrogen compounds, turbidity, temperature, and pH). The changes in microbial pollution were brought about by two major socio-economic developments. Firstly, Latvia's independence from the USSR in 1991 which facilitated a distinct reduction in most microorganism counts due to a sharp decline in industrial and agricultural production. This resulted in a significant drop in point and nonpoint pollution in the river basin. A further development was Latvia joining the European Union in 2004. The corresponding focus on water management, including wastewater treatment, was a major priority of environmental investment and lead to improvements in microbial water quality.

Chronology of Key Events of Riga Technical University in Study Year 2019/2020

In study year 2019/2020

Andreja Johansona jaunības gadu Rīga: atmiņas un kultūrvēsturiskas impresijas

The article focuses on two books of the poet, essayist, cultural historian Andrejs Johansons (1922–1983), contemplations and reminiscences “Rīgas svārki mugurā” (‘Dressed in Riga suit’, 1966) and “Visi Rīgas nami skan” (‘All the Houses of Riga are Ringing’, 1970). On the one hand, they include a very personal (biographical) layer of memory, and, on the other, they can also be viewed in the context of collective memory, as they are associated with the memories of many refugees of the World War II – about the lost Latvia, Riga and home. In May 1945, Johansons, leaving Kurzeme and Liepāja by one of the last refugee boats, also took with him the memories that were later recounted in the two books. The sense of belonging to a place is important for the author; this feeling is symbolically reflected in the titles of both books. But this belonging to a place becomes more capacious – it includes events, memories and a certain time of life. While writing these books, Johansons was able to return to Riga to see it with the eyes of his youth. In both books, Johansons has marked (almost topographically marked on the map) places where he had lived and walked, and studied, enriching these places with a broader context. On the one hand, they are youth memories, and on the other, they are the unfulfilled craving and lost paradise of a long-lived, wise and educated exile. The significant value of both books is the wide cultural and historical background, historical digressions, thorough source studies and research, and a panoramic view of Riga, the capital of Latvia. The memory and reflection books about Riga by Johansons are changing, and because of this changing character, they are more than just memories. They are rich cultural, historical, and personal sketches. They make it possible to feel and even visually see Riga of the late 20s to early 40s of the 20th century. These books can inspire a 21st-century reader, a resident of Riga; they can stimulate to explore and find out about the city through its historical changes. The two books have become encyclopaedic editions that vividly and amply reveal the time, era, historical and cultural context, personalities and their destinies. Johansons’s books about Riga encourage us to look at the image of Riga in the literary works and memories of other writers, gaining a more colourful view.

Riga and Our Roots. Ten Arguments for the Thing with the Kin

Riga and Our Roots. Ten Arguments for the Thing with the Kin

Latvian Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Infrastructure: Results of the First Year of Operation

Abstract This article presents preliminary analysis of the Latvian national EV fast - charging network after the first year of operation. The first phase of Latvian national EV fast-charging network was launched in 2018 with 70 charging stations on the TEN-T roads and in the largest towns and cities. The article looks at the initial results, both looking at the total capacity utilization for individual charging stations, determining the hourly charging distribution; and to the utilization of the network as a whole. The results present that there is a very large dispersion of the data, most of the charging events happening in a few charging stations in and around the capital of Latvia. However, there have been charging events in all charging stations, even in the most remote ones. Even more skewed distribution was observed analyzing the charging habits of the EV users, with 10 % of users accounting for more than half of the charging events. This should be taken into account when considering applying the results for the future, expecting larger number of electric vehicles in Latvia.

Gegen Heiden, Papst und Mittelalter

In carnival 1527, the former Franciscan and fervent Lutheran Burkard Waldis staged his Parable of the Prodigal Son in Riga, Livonia, a place of fierce struggles for religious hegemony between the archbishopric and the Protestant citizenship. The printed play text takes an emphatic position against moral decline in Rome, the Papal church and the ‘dark’ medieval times associated with religious medieval plays. This article traces the theatrical profile of the Parable in contrast to these older theatrical traditions. Whilst Easter or Passion plays typically aim for the audience’s immersion in order to make the truth of salvation evident,Waldis, in accordance with Lutheran theological and didactical positions, calls for a hermeneutical attitude to ensure the correct understanding of what is shown on stage. Even when the carefully structured levels of fictionality blur, the audience is called to take a position between the Catholic and the Lutheran doctrine of salvation from a rational distance.

“Philosophical Train” stopped in Riga

“Philosophical Train” stopped in Riga

Discussion about the Legal Identity of Central and Eastern Europe. 3rd Annual CEENELS Conference “Legal Identities and Legal Traditions in CEE”

The paper describes the discussions during the 3rd Annual CEENELS Conference “Legal Identities and Legal Traditions in CEE”, which took place on January 11–13, 2018 at the University of Latvia in Riga. The main issue debated at the conference concerned the question whether the countries of Central and Eastern Europe have their own legal identity and whether there is a common legal identity of the entire region. The author is in favor of Mikhail Antonov’s view that labeling the Soviet legal theory and legal culture as characterized by rigid positivism or even by “hyperpositivism” is an oversimplification. Moreover, Antonov is right when emphasizing that there was no common “socialist legal culture” and this culture differed a bit from country to country.

Stosunki łotewsko-polskie jesienią 1919 roku: kontekst rosyjskiej białej armii Bermondta

The interest in mutual relations in Latvia and Poland was visible already since the beginning of 1919, however, it was only in the summer of 1919 that the Latvian-Polish relations started to develop more dynamically. They were important for both sides. Since the situation in the region was highly complicated, the Latvian-Polish relations exhibited also general policy tendencies, determined by the policy of the Soviet Russia, anti-Bolshevik or White Russia, Germany, Poland, Lithuania (including the relations of both of these states), Latvia, Estonia, Finland and other countries. The aim of the present paper is to display the state of Latvian-Polish relations from autumn 1919, which was the time of fighting against the white army of Bermondt on the territory of Latvia and Lithuania. Due to common threat, the relations between Latvia and Poland became visibly closer, and they were developing after summer 1919. The relations were determined mainly by the common interests and enemies (Soviet Russia, Germany) in the region. This process got accelerated and gained greater significance as a result of the activities of German armies, also in Latvia and Lithuania. When the German-Russin army commanded by Pavel Bermondt attacked the capital of Latvia in October 1919, Latvians made enormous efforts to stop this offensive. In autumn 1919 during fighting against Bermondt’s army Latvian and Polish relations got closer than before. In case of Latvia, this was due to Latvians’ hope to receive help from Poland in the fighting against Bermondt. At that time, Latvia’s relations with Lithuania were not good due to territorial dispute and differences in foreign policy. In case of Poland, on the other hand, what mattered was the aim of attracting Latvia to Poland in political and military terms in order to exert influence on Lithuania in this way. Simultaneously, another reason was preventing attempts to establish contacts between two Poland’s enemies, Russia and Germany. The final reason was the military factor, based on operational considerations: in the event of Bermondt’s victory, Poland’s potential front against Germany would get significantly longer.

Tūrisma galamērķu pārvaldības problēmas Latvijā

Tūrisma galamērķu pārvaldības problēmas Latvijā

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSUMERS’ WASTE SORTING HABITS

The transition to circular economy shifts attention to re-use, repair, restoration and recycling of materials and products. What was previously considered to be waste can be turned into resources. The transition to a circular economy where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and where as little waste is generated as possible is a significant contribution to the common effort in the European Union to create a sustainable low-carbon economy in which resources are used efficiently. Such an approach allows to transform the EU economy and generate new advantages for it (European Commission, 2015). Our individual action and provided support may help peers notice an opportunity and a solution for the future. The aims of the study are: To investigate the evaluation of the significance of the consumers’ corporate social responsibility and waste-sorting habits and to provide recommendations for improved access to the separate waste collection service. The research questions for achieving the objectives of the study were the following: How do consumers evaluate corporate social responsibility of companies in general? What are the waste-sorting habits of consumers? Are there statistically significant differences in the waste-sorting habits between various consumer generations? The authors prepared a unique consumer survey in which economically active inhabitants of the capital of Latvia, aged 15 to 71 years, participated. The results of our survey showed that the respondents rated the corporate social responsibility of companies as essential and emphasized that it was important for the large-size enterprises to operate ethically. The waste-sorting process itself creates disbelief among the respondents and also suspicion that all sorted waste is lumped together and removed to disposal sites.

Riga–Fede disease in association with natal teeth

The purpose of this paper is to report a case of a 16-day-old infant with two natal teeth in mandibular anterior region associated with ulceration on the tip and ventral surface of the tongue. Clinical presentation revealed two natal teeth with Grade II mobility in the mandibular anterior region and Riga–Fede Disease. The treatment planned was to extract both the natal teeth followed by curettage of the extraction socket to prevent aspiration, swallowing of teeth, and for early resolution of ulcerative lesion. Satisfactory healing of ulcerative lesion was observed at 10 days follow-up visit.