Territory Of Latvia Research Articles

Hydration of Cement Minerals in a Hydraulic Dolomitic Binder

Dolomitic Roman cement was a widely used binder for construction purposes during the late 19th/ early 20th century in territory of Latvia. Because of its hydraulic properties and fast setting it was especially favorable for the usage for the cast elements of Art Nouveau style facades. The production of the material was discontinued in the middle of the 20th century. Nevertheless, there is a need of compatible material for restoration purposes that is not currently commercially available. A compatible binder has been synthesized from mixture of dolomite flour and clay. The research gives an insight of the ongoing chemical processes during the hydration of the cement minerals in the binder. The influence of clay content in compositions and of firing temperature on the physico-chemical properties and mineralogical composition of obtained material is estimated.

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.

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.

Contemporary Money Magic: Taboos and Prescriptions (on Latvian Material)

In the article, the magic of money in contemporary Latvian urban practices is analyzed. The money magic aims at money making. Field work showed that these practices are popular today among different generations in Latvia. Respondents know well taboos and prescriptions about money and use them in order to make money or to prevent loosing them. The collected material represents that Latvian narratives and practices are very similar to other regions of post-Soviet space. The interviews in Russian and Latvian taken in the frames of field research were supplemented by texts of traditional folklore, gathered on the territory of Latvia in 19th–20th centuries. Examples of Internet folklore also illustrated contemporary situation of money magic in Latvia.

Zeugnisse der Epoche der Konfessionalisierung in Kunstwerken Livlands | Manifestations of the Period of Confessionalisation in Works of Art from Livonia

How were the Reformation and a variety of different confessionalisations manifested in materialculture? The article discusses this issue by presenting a dozen examples of works of artrelating to the present territory of Latvia. In 1521, when urban citizens there responded tothe ideas of the Reformation for the first time, a large part of present-day Latvia belonged toa conglomerate of various holdings called the Livonian Confederation. The religious polarisationof society characteristic of the early period of the Reformation (the 1520s) is representedin works of art discussed in the first chapter. The second chapter discusses works from theperiod of political instability caused by the First Northern War (1558–1583). It is characterisedby Livonia’s political, cultural and confessional division, of which representations can also beseen in many examples of the visual arts. KEY WORDS: Livonia, Reformation, confessionalisation, visual art.

Holocaust Historiography in Latvia: The Road Toward Research Infrastructure

With some exceptions,1 it seems that Holocaust research has revalued the belief that the topic of the extermination of Jews in the Soviet Union is a taboo. In the territory of Latvia, the topic was...

Software Tool Implementing the Fuzzy AHP Method in Ecological Risk Assessment

Due to the increased spread of invasive animals and plants in the territory of Latvia, the necessity of ecological risk assessment related to such kind of spread has grown lately. In cases with sufficient statistical data, the risk assessment may be successfully performed on the basis of statistical methods. The amount of statistical data in the context of spread of invasive animals and plants is pretty poor; therefore, the only method of ecological risk assessment remains subjective judgements of experts. The present paper proposes using a programming tool for ecological risk analysis elaborated by the authors. With the help of this programming tool the method of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchical Process is implemented. The elements of the pairwise comparison matrix are allowed to be expressed by triangular and trapezoidal fuzzy sets. The presented tool makes it possible to design the fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix and process the results in a user-friendly way.

Pottery and Hillforts: Some Aspects of Pottery Production During the Late Bronze Age in the Territory of Latvia

The paper is dedicated to the technological aspects of pottery production in the Late Bronze Age in the territory of Latvia. For the purposes of the current research, nine pottery assemblages were analysed. As hillforts appeared in the Late Bronze Age, they represented the dominant aspects of pottery production in this period, therefore this type of settlement was chosen for the analysis. Two types of analytical techniques were used for this research: visual (macroscopic) and ceramic petrography (micro­scopic). For the petrographic analysis, 78 thin sections were made from all the analysed hillfort ceramic collections. In this paper, the structure of clay, as well as temper, vessel shape, size and wall thickness were analysed and grouped.

Political Component of Russian-Latvian Relations at the Present Stage (2014–early 2017)

The article examines origins and causes of tensions in relations between Russia and Latvia today, their manifestations, and possible scenarios of their development in the future. The dominant feature of today’s Russian-Latvian relations is their political component. This situation first emerged in 2014, the year of the coup d’etat in Ukraine and the year of the Crimea joining Russia. The spirit of confrontation in Russian-Latvian relations and the increasing degree of tension has been fueled not by Russia but by Latvia, and, in the background of the situation, NATO, and, first and foremost, the United States. In 2005 the Latvian National Security Concept Program underscored “absence of military threat for Latvia or other Baltic states,” in 2015 the new edition changes its focus completely and mentions the “Russian threat.” Latvia does not play an independent role in foreign relations with Russia, but the country is using Russia as playing the role of an aggressor. As Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia are fully dependent on the US and the EU, they are forced to comply with foreign policy orders of their Western creditors, even if these demands contradict these countries’ own interests. Considerable changes have taken place in Latvia in the early 1917, when the legal status of US military personnel was changed. Consistently implementing these changes will turn virtually the entire territory of Latvia into the military infrastructure of the United States. As US military bases are being created in Latvia, it is equivalent of having American troops on the border with Russia. Obviously, Russia does not threaten Latvia in any way. An open conflict with NATO and the US could be used only as a last resort. But nothing depends on Moscow’s wishes anymore, and we can only watch the Baltic States being dragged further away from Russia. If previously, hoping to start a major European war, Washington placed its faith in Kyiv, now they find that strategy failing. The Baltic States appear to be an almost perfect testing ground for a major provocation. For now the Russian leadership still has some room for maneuver, but these options are rapidly shrinking. Almost all predictions about the future development of Russian-Latvian relations say that these will not be bilateral relations proper, but will depend on the dynamics of US-Russia relations. Looking at the dynamics of US military presence in Latvia, these predictions are fully justified.

Performance evaluation of high modulus asphalt concrete mixes

Dolomite is one of the most available sedimentary rocks in the territory of Latvia. Dolomite quarries contain about 1000 million tons of this material. However, according to Latvian Road Specifications, this dolomite cannot be used for average and high intensity roads because of its low quality (mainly, LA index). Therefore, mostly imported magmatic rocks (granite, diabase, gabbro, basalt) or imported dolomite are used which makes asphalt expensive. However, practical experience shows that even with these high quality materials roads exhibit rutting, fatigue and thermal cracks. The aim of the research is to develop a high performance asphalt concrete for base and binder courses using only locally available aggregates. In order to achieve resistance against deformations at a high ambient temperature, a hard grade binder was used. Workability, fatigue and thermal cracking resistance, as well as sufficient water resistance is achieved by low porosity (3-5%) and higher binder content compared to traditional asphalt mixtures. The design of the asphalt includes a combination of empirical and performance based tests, which in laboratory circumstances allow simulating traffic and environmental loads. High performance AC 16 base asphalt concrete was created using local dolomite aggregate with polymer modified (PMB 10/40-65) and hard grade (B20/30) bitumen. The mixtures were specified based on fundamental properties in accordance to EN 13108-1 standard.

Geochemical classification of groundwater using multivariate statistical analysis in Latvia

Multivariate statistical methods – principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) – are applied to identify geochemically distinct groundwater groups in the territory of Latvia. The main processes observed to be responsible for groundwater chemical composition are carbonate and gypsum dissolution, fresh and saltwater mixing and ion exchange. On the basis of major ion concentrations, eight clusters (C1–C8) are identified. C6 is interpreted as recharge water not in equilibrium with most sediment forming minerals. Water table aquifers affected by diffuse agricultural influences are found in C3. Groundwater in C4 reflects brine or seawater admixture and gypsum dissolution in C5. C7 and C2 belong to typical bicarbonate groundwater resulting from calcite and dolomite weathering. Extremely low Cl− and SO42− are observed in C8 and described as pre-industrial groundwater or a solely carbonate weathering result. Finally, C1 seems to be a poorly defined subgroup resulting from mixing between other groups. This research demonstrates the validity of applying multivariate statistical methods (PCA and HCA) on major ion chemistry to distribute characteristic trace elements in each cluster even when incomplete records of trace elements are present.

Sobór Watykański II w piśmiennictwie łotewskim

The report briefly examines the historical situation of the period extending from the 13th century, when Christian missionaries arrived in Latvia and a planned evangelization of the population was organized, up to 1962, when the Second Vatican Council started. As the territory of Latvia was under the rule of different powers and different religious views dominated during different historical periods, there were periods when the ruling power favoured evangelization, but there were also such periods when this process was completely paralysed.

High Modulus Asphalt Concrete with Dolomite Aggregates

Dolomite is one of the most widely available sedimentary rocks in the territory of Latvia. Dolomite quarries contain about 1,000 million tons of this material. However, according to Latvian Road Specifications, this dolomite cannot be used for average and high intensity roads because of its low quality, mainly, its LA index (The Los Angeles abrasion test). Therefore, mostly the imported magmatic rocks (granite, diabase, gabbro, basalt) or imported dolomite are used, which makes asphalt expensive. However, practical experience shows that even with these high quality materials roads exhibit rutting, fatigue, and thermal cracks. The aim of the research is to develop a high performance asphalt concrete for base and binder courses using only locally available aggregates. In order to achieve resistance against deformations at a high ambient temperature, a hard grade binder was used. Workability, fatigue and thermal cracking resistance, as well as sufficient water resistance is achieved by low porosity (3-5%) and higher binder content compared to traditional asphalt mixtures. The design of the asphalt includes a combination of empirical and performance based tests, which in laboratory circumstances allow simulating traffic and environmental loads. High performance AC 16 base asphalt concrete was created using local dolomite aggregate with polymer modified (PMB 10/40-65) and hard grade (B20/30) bitumen. The mixtures were specified based on fundamental properties in accordance with EN 13108-1 standard.

Development of the One Centimeter Accuracy Geoid Model of Latvia for GNSS Measurements

There is an urgent necessity for a highly accurate and reliable geoid model to enable prompt determination of normal height with the use of GNSS coordinate determination due to the high precision requirements in geodesy, building and high precision road construction development. Additionally, the Latvian height system is in the process of transition from BAS- 77 (Baltic Height System) to EVRS2007 system. The accuracy of the geoid model must approach the precision of about ∼1 cm looking forward to the Baltic Rail and other big projects. The use of all the available and verified data sources is planned, including the use of enlarged set of GNSS/levelling data, gravimetric measurement data and, additionally, the vertical deflection measurements over the territory of Latvia. The work is going ahead stepwise. Just the issue of GNSS reference network stability is discussed. In order to achieve the ∼1 cm precision geoid, it is required to have a homogeneous high precision GNSS network as a basis for ellipsoidal height determination for GNSS/levelling points. Both the LatPos and EUPOS® - Riga network have been examined in this article.

The Near Real Time Ionospheric Model of Latvia

A highly accurate ionosphere model is necessary to enable a fast and reliable coordinate determination with GNSS in real time. It is a partially ionized atmospheric region ranging up to 1,000 km height, affected by spatial variations, space weather, seasonal and solar cycle dependence. New approaches and algorithms of modelling techniques are sought to provide better solutions in the territory of Latvia. Ionospheric TEC value has large differences in Western Latvia and Eastern Latvia. Actual ionospheric map should be calculated and delivered to the surveyors near real time and published on the WEB. Delivering actual map to rover GNSS devices in a field will provide the surveyors with ionospheric conditions and allow choosing best time for surveying and making geodetic measurements with higher accuracy and reliability.

High Modulus Asphalt Concrete with Dolomite Aggregates

Dolomite is one of the most widely available sedimentary rocks in the territory of Latvia. Dolomite quarries contain about 1,000 million tons of this material. However, according to Latvian Road Specifications, this dolomite cannot be used for average and high intensity roads because of its low quality, mainly, its LA index (The Los Angeles abrasion test). Therefore, mostly the imported magmatic rocks (granite, diabase, gabbro, basalt) or imported dolomite are used, which makes asphalt expensive. However, practical experience shows that even with these high quality materials roads exhibit rutting, fatigue, and thermal cracks. The aim of the research is to develop a high performance asphalt concrete for base and binder courses using only locally available aggregates. In order to achieve resistance against deformations at a high ambient temperature, a hard grade binder was used. Workability, fatigue and thermal cracking resistance, as well as sufficient water resistance is achieved by low porosity (3-5%) and higher binder content compared to traditional asphalt mixtures. The design of the asphalt includes a combination of empirical and performance based tests, which in laboratory circumstances allow simulating traffic and environmental loads. High performance AC 16 base asphalt concrete was created using local dolomite aggregate with polymer modified (PMB 10/40-65) and hard grade (B20/30) bitumen. The mixtures were specified based on fundamental properties in accordance with EN 13108-1 standard.

Roman Iron Age Archaeological Sites in the Micro-region of the Lower Reaches of the River Šventoji. Archival Studies and Other Investigations

The micro-region of the lower reaches of the River Šventoji in the Roman Iron Age falls into the range of flat cemeteries surrounded by stone circles. The territory to the north of the River Šventoji is considered the periphery of this culture, which has characteristic burial rites, one of which is the absence of stone circles. This peripheral culture in the territory of Latvia is described by using the results of the Mazkatuži (Rucava parish) cemetery investigations. The surviving research material and archival data about artefacts found in the lower reaches of the River Šventoji allow us to review and revise the data about burial rites and settlement structures in Kurzeme during the Roman Iron Age.

Chemical elements in the muscle tissues of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from selected lakes in Latvia.

Fish is a significant source of essential nutrients, as well as toxic elements in the human diet. Concentration of 17 elements was determined in muscles of eels (Anguilla anguilla) collected from five fishing lakes in the territory of Latvia. The concentration of main elements determined in muscle tissues varied within the following ranges: for Pb, 0.019-0.047; Cd, 0.0051-0.011; Hg, 0.13-0.36; Cu, 0.76-0.92; Zn, 28-42; and As, 0.13-0.23 mg kg(-1) wet weight. A positive correlation was revealed between the concentration of Hg in muscles and fish length in inland lakes. Concentration of metals in muscle tissues of eels from brackish coastal and inland lakes was without statistically significant difference. This research demonstrated that the elemental content of Cd and Pb in muscles of the examined fish was lower than the maximum allowed threshold set by the European Union legislation. Mercury content was over the threshold limit for all the analyzed eels if to compare with the Water Framework Directive Environmental Quality Standards. On other side, only 7% of analyzed fish have indicated values that are over threshold limits for mercury established by the European Union food legislation. The current study contributes to the implementation of Water Framework Directive in Latvia by collection of information necessary for the further protection measures of waters. To our knowledge, this study provides the first data on multielemental bioaccumulation in muscle tissues of European eels collected from fishing lakes of Latvia.

Evolution of Architectonic Spatial Environment in Latvian Rural Populated Areas Due to Natural and Human Interaction

The natural environment of the Baltic Sea coast became the life habitat of people who settled there. By changing the water and greenery systems and creating architectural structures a new functional environment was established. Nature elements began to appear in the architectonic spatial structure of rural populated areas. In the 13th century new administrative political centers in the territory of Latvia were created, and population developed around them. Fortresses lost gradually their purpose, and manor centers and farming developed, where all necessary things and food for daily life were made. Natural environment changed due to human activities, but the planning of inhabited areas and architectonic structures gave every Latvia ethnographic region characteristic features and identity.On November 18, 1918 Latvia Republic was proclaimed, and since 1920 the land reform was started in the countryside – the structure of national economy and understanding of the environmental aesthetics changed. New administrative centers were created whose architectonic spatial environment was determined by national characteristics. In 1990 Latvia Republic regained its independence and on May 1, 2004 it joined the European Union. The type of land ownership changed in the country. The formation of an appropriate spatial environment for a sustained development of Latvian rural populated areas became topical.Topicality of the research: changing the type of land ownership, transport system and agricultural production traditions, at the same time trying to preserve the cultural heritage and natural values, new conditions have been created in which it is necessary to find successful solutions for the planning which would promote the preservation of the identity of Latvian inhabited rural areas and provide a sustained development.Aim of study: analyze the planning of Latvia rural inhabited areas and evolution of the architectonic space building in order to assess the dynamics of mutual relationships between nature and people.

Personal Characteristics of Aggressive Drivers in the Perception of Drivers and Road Traffic Inspectors

Aggressive driving, being the most dangerous behavior on the roads, attracts special attention of the WHO and the UNO. The term of aggressive driving was introduced in the territory of Latvia in 2004 giving a definition of this violation on the legislative level. The issues connected with the drivers’ ideas on the present phenomenon were studied in the course of a multi-stage research. 2160 drivers representing all regions of Latvia were investigated. As a result of the study, a multi-component model was obtained. Driver’s personality is one of the most important components of the ideas on aggressive driving, evaluation of which was performed in the plane of three factors. Comparative analysis between the drivers and the inspectors of the road traffic regarding this component is performed and the results are presented in this article. Additionally, in the course of the study, a drivers’ typology was specified.