Young Scientist, Conference / Jaunasis mokslininkas, konferencija

THE EVALUATION OF THE GREY HARE POPULATION STATUS IN THE VDU AGRICULTURAL ACADEMY SCIENCE AND EDUCATION HUNTING AREA UNITS

Donatas Bražiūnas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Approximately 10,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, the grey hare (Lepus europaeus) successfully adapted to living in areas where agricultural activities were taking place. Over the years, these areas changed in a way that became unfavorable for this species, and its population began to decline. The survival of the grey hare is also threatened by increased predator influence, unfavorable climate conditions, unsustainable management, and diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the population status of grey hares in the Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy (VDU AA) science and education hunting area units (HAU). The study was conducted over two hunting seasons (2023-2024 and 2024-2025) in two science and education hunting area units located in the Radviliškis and Jurbarkas districts. In these hunting area units, grey hare surveys were conducted in approximately 20% of suitable grey hare habitats using a thermal imager. During the study period, in the hunting area unit located in the Radviliškis district, up to 23 grey hares per 1000 ha of fields and shrublands were recorded, with a population density of 44 individuals. Meanwhile, in the hunting area unit located in the Jurbarkas district, up to 25 grey hares per 1000 ha of fields and shrublands were recorded, with a population density of 68 individuals. In both hunting area units, the highest number of grey hares was recorded in winter cereals.

POPULATION ABUNDANCE AND HUNTING OF THE EURASIAN WOODCOCK

Mantas Jucius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) is a migratory bird of the family Scolopacidea, widely distributed throughout Eurasia. In Lithuania, the woodcock is one of the game birds, but the population dynamics of these birds and the ecological factors influencing them have not yet been studied in detail in Lithuania. The aim of the study was to assess the changes in the population size and the impact of hunting on the population size in the Tulkiaragė training hunting area unit (MMPV) and the Kintai-Svencelė professional hunting area unit (Kintai-Svencela PMPV). In the period from 2023 to 2024 in the period from May to June, at the counting sites (20 sites in the Tulkiarage MMPV, 30 sites in the Kintai-Svencela PMPU), the individuals of woodcocks were counted by the point counting method. The data on hunted woodcocks were obtained from the game resource utilisation report from the Šilutė regional unit of the State Enterprise. The surveys showed that the population of woodcock in the Tulkiaragė MMPV has not decreased over the last two years and has remained the same. In contrast, the population of woodcocks in the Kintai-Svencelė MMPV has increased by 11%. The analysis of the hunting data shows that the hunting of woodcocks is not intensive and there is no threat to their population. The activity of woodcocks varies depending on the time of day, with the lowest activity recorded in the morning and the highest in the evening from 18:00 to 21:00. The majority of woodcocks were found to inhabit wet biotopes, with the highest numbers found in Lcl, Pbn, Pcn, Pdn sites. The study found that the concentration of woodcocks was higher in clear cuts and forest areas that were closer to the understorey or more fertile grasslands. This could be due to the greater availability of food in meadows and glades.

BIOACOUSTICS OF RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS)

Donatas Kaltauskas, Kastytis Šimkevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Red deer (Cervus elaphus) emit acoustic communication signals during rutting, the analysis of which can help determine the size and density of the population and can also help analyze certain characteristics of an individual red deer. Research related to the acoustic signals of red deer has been conducted worldwide but this area has been little studied in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to investigate the acoustic communication signals of red deer during rutting period. The study was chosen to be conducted in the VMU ŽŪA scientific and educational hunting area unit “Praviršulio tyrelis” located in the Radviliškis district. 4 autonomous voice recorders SM4 were deployed in different areas of this hunting area unit which recorded the sound during the rutting of red deer. After analyzing the collected data 4 main phrases used by red deer males were identified: threatening roar, searching roar, calm roaring and attracting females roar. The length of the most commonly used phrases varies. It has also been found that the frequency of acoustic communication signals emitted by male red deer is greatly influenced by the time of day and the period of the rut. They are most active in the middle of the rut, in the night period. However, the course of the rut does not affect the length of the most commonly used phrases, which remain of similar length throughout the entire rut.

POPULATION STATUS AND CHANGES OF CORNCRAKE (CREX CREX) AND COMMON QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX) IN SUVALKIJA REGION

Kristina Kazakevičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The Corncrake and the Common quail – these species are classified as birds that, due to their lifestyle and habitat specificity, are sensitive to agricultural changes, habitat loss, and climate change. Meanwhile, the Suvalkija region, known for its intensive farming and agricultural activity, may have a negative impact on the populations of these birds. The aim of this study is to assess the population status and changes of Corncrakes (Crex crex) and Common quails (Coturnix coturnix) in Suvalkija region over the past 25 years (in selected locations). The study was conducted from May to July 2024. Observations were carried out twice at the same locations using nocturnal bird surveys. A total of six observation areas and 113 observation points were examined. The corncrake population consisted of 26 breeding pairs, with a bird density of 1.4 pairs per 10 km². The quail population consisted of 19 breeding pairs, with a bird density of 1.0 pairs per 10 km². Over 25 years, the corncrake population declined by 11.8%, while the population density of pairs decreased by 10.5%. In contrast, the quail population increased by 14.3%, and the population density of pairs increased by 28.6%. Throughout the entire study area, both corncrakes and quails preferred perennial meadows and pastures as their habitats. Corncrakes avoided winter cereals the most, quails – fields with industrial crops. When analyzing only the locations where birds were detected, both species primarily selected mixed-plant meadows and oat fields. Corncrakes avoided barley the most, quails – triticale fields.

RESEARCH ON GARLIC FERTILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES

Julija Rudvalytė, Eglė Jotautienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Trading, in addition to other agrotechnical measures – crop rotation, tillage, sowing, crop care, etc. – is considered the most effective means of improving the yield of plants and the quality of the harvest. However, the effectiveness of fertilizers is determined by many factors: the physicochemical properties of the soil, the level of fertilization, the ratio of food elements, the time of fertilization, weather conditions, methods of fertilizing, the quality of work, etc. Therefore, one of the most important and difficult tasks of farmers is the rational provision of plant nutrition. To increase the efficiency of fertilizers, fertilizing technologies are constantly being improved, and the quality of fertilizers is being improved. The article presents the results of studies on the application of granular organic and mineral fertilizers when fertilizing garlic. The study was carried out on 2 ha of garlic field at selected driving speeds of 8, 10, 12 and 14 km h^-1 by centrifugal single-disc fertilizer spreader. According to the results of the study, it was found that when fertilizing garlic at the rate of 1000 kg ha^-1 with organic granular fertilizers and at the rate of 300 kg ha^-1 ammonium nitrate, the unevenness of fertilizer scattering was the same on both sides of the spreader. However, the transverse application distance of organic granulated fertilizers was less than that of mineral ones. Organic fertilizer was more damaged in the form of granules, especially at driving speeds of 12–14 km h^-1.

A GUIDE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Sylvester Osahenrhuwen Amadin — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Modern supply chains rely on warehouse management systems (WMS), which boost operating efficiency, reduce errors, raise inventory correctness, and so improve running performance. This article offers a comprehensive description of the planning, implementation, and assessment phases of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) project, aiding firms in assessing the integration of the system into their existing operations. It delineates the essential procedures, from evaluating business requirements to post-implementation evaluations, and emphasizes best practices for effective deployment. The paper focuses on identifying important factors in the planning and execution phases, including system selection, stakeholder participation, and change management. The research approach for this paper was mostly secondary, emphasizing the examination of current scientific literature connected to warehouse management system in logistics; other sources included academic journals, books, reports, and online databases including Google and scientific articles. The results indicate that strategic planning, prudent vendor selection, and thorough testing are all necessary for effective WMS implementation. A planned road map guarantees that companies can overcome typical obstacles and completely use the advantages of WMS, including better inventory control, more effective order fulfilment, and more operational efficiency. Continued optimization and adaptation are key to maintaining long-term success and gaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced supply chain environment.

INDIA'S LOGISTICS REVOLUTION: HOW SMART TECH IS MAKING DELIVERIES FASTER AND SMARTER

Fathima Fida Alunagl — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The advancement of smart technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and automation is bringing a monumental change in the field of India's logistics sector. With the advent of such innovations, visibility into the supply chain is improved, warehousing can be automated, and transportation routes can be optimized in order to improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Environmental sustainability also extends to constitute compatible eco-friendly packaging, green warehousing and electric vehicle integration. Furthermore, the National Logistics Policy and infrastructure development projects have accelerated this shift. Towards this end, this paper studies the effect these technologies have on logistics operations, environmental benefits, and economic implications. The study focuses on how smart logistics solutions are changing the adaptive, resilient, and eco-friendly industry in India.

THE FUTURE OF GREEN LOGISTICS: SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIES

Sruthi Ayyiniyil — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Green logistics refers to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation and distribution of goods, minimizing the detrimental effects on the environment. In the United states , as the concerns about carbon emissions and fuel consumption continue to grow in the logistics industry, businesses are embracing solutions like electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, route optimization technologies and alternative fuels. Additionally, this study showcases the significance of US governmental regulations, technological progress, as well as industry partnerships towards furthering sustainable logistics. The results highlight that adoption of green logistics practices yield both long term economic and environmental paybacks in the US logistics sector.

THE BENEFITS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Deepak Babu Babu — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The purpose of this article is to examine the advantages of electric vehicles as well as potential future difficulties. EVs promises significant environmental advantages by minimising air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions mainly when powered by renewable energy sources. Moreover, they provide economic benefits such as reduced dependence on fossil fuels and lower operational costs. However, its adoption put forward various barriers such as battery deterioration, increased strain on power grids and inadequate charging infrastructure. An assessment has completed regarding the technological advancements, policy interventions, and market trends driving EV adoption by utilising a qualitative analysis using secondary data from government reports, industry studies, and academic literature. However, high initial costs and infrastructure gaps remain significant challenges. Innovations in battery technology, government incentives and expansion of charging networks supported to overcome these barriers. Finally, it was concluded that the integration of renewable energy and fostering public-private partnerships is important for hastening EV adoption.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS: A GREENER FUTURE FOR SUPPLY CHAINS

Lalita Banger — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Sustainability has become a major focus of supply chains around the world. Carbon-neutral supply chains are an essential component of a clean and healthy planet for future generations. An increasing number of countries are making pledges to reduce their emission to net zero in the coming decades. Regulatory and consumer pressures have driven the logistics industry to adopt smart technologies for sustainable operations. This paper explores how blockchain, AI, IoT, and automation modify the supply chain to reduce carbon emissions and optimize energy usage. Additionally, electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, drone deliveries, and robotics play a crucial role in reducing the environmental footprints of logistics operations. Yet, these innovations face certain barriers that need to be overcome, such as the cost of implementing new technologies, cybersecurity risks, and lack of a skilled workforce. This study highlights Tesla’s successful implementation of green logistics solutions. The findings suggest that combining smart technologies with sustainable logistics strategies is important to achieve long-term profitability and environmental responsibility.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS SECTOR

Edwin Mulaku Barasa — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Logistics business has experienced a significant growth in the past few years to the effects of globalization and the

increased demand for goods and services. With this significant growth, logistics management is complex and challenging due to lack of trackability within the supply chain and the business operation’s threat to sustainability. Implementing innovations and solutions in logistics operations is therefore important to overcome these issues. However, these implementations are hindered by various challenges. This paper employs a descriptive research method to explore the latest innovations in logistics management, the paper has talked about the innovations in the sector, the importance of this innovations that are derived to improve the logistics. Challenges to successful implementations of these innovations and multiple solutions that can help overcome these challenges are also highlighted. The empirical results shows that companies need to come up with strategies to cub the hinderance into implementation of the innovations in their systems. Involving key stakeholders who understand the company’s goals and objectives in relation to digital innovations, engagement and training of their personnel, breaking down the implementation process into stages and projects step-by-step implementation of the innovations creates a less hostile environment for the implementation on the innovations. Finally, the innovations, challenges and solutions provided here in for companies and policymakers on how to promote sustainable logistic innovation practices, challenges and solutions as to prepare for future changes in the logistics industry in the present-day evolving world.

SMART LOGISTICS: TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF SUPPLY CHAINS

Alen Biju — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Smart logistics is emerging as a result of the swift development of digital technologies, which is changing supply chain management. This idea combines big data analytics, blockchain, automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) to increase sustainability, efficiency, and visibility. With an emphasis on cost reduction, operational resilience, and enhanced decision-making, this study investigates the revolutionary effects of smart logistics on supply chains. There were used scholarly literature review, secondary data gathering approach, case studies methods. The findings highlighted that smart logistics improves last-mile delivery efficiency, reduces carbon footprints, and strengthens supply chain resilience. Better performance and sustainability are facilitated by blockchain-supported transparency, IoT- enabled real-time tracking, and AI-driven predictive analytics. However, obstacles like differences in digital infrastructure, high implementation costs, and cybersecurity threats make mainstream adoption difficult. Despite these challenges, smart logistics is anticipated to establish itself as a key component of supply chains in the future, helping companies better handle the challenges of international trade. To optimise the advantages of smart logistics, this study emphasises the significance of strategic investments in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity safeguards, and staff upskilling.

IMPLEMENTATION OF SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN THE LOGISTICS BUSINESS

Mohamed Chakhchoukh — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The significance of smart technology in logistics is increasing as companies place a higher priority on operational effectiveness, cost savings, and client satisfaction. This study looks at how automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are driving digital transformation, which is transforming logistics operations by enabling data-driven decision-making, real-time tracking, and increased efficiency. In addition to addressing implementation issues, the research attempts to evaluate and suggest smart technologies that optimise logistical operations. Secondary data from scholarly sources is thematically examined using a qualitative technique to identify key problems, solutions, and developments in technology. The results show that high implementation costs, cybersecurity errors, system integration challenges, and workforce adaptability issues are some of the main adoption barriers. Strategies including scalable investments, worker training, cybersecurity improvements, and industry cooperation are suggested in order to optimise the advantages of digitalisation. The study comes to the conclusion that automation, blockchain, IoT-based tracking, and artificial intelligence (AI) are essential for revolutionising logistics, advancing sustainability, and boosting competitiveness in the rapidly changing global market.

SMART LOGISTICS: THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN SUPPLY CHAINS

Shelly Chumber — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

A holistic advancement drives the logistics industry where innovative technologies, including Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), work in tandem. The growing pressure on environmental issues has led businesses to implement sustainable approaches for lowering their carbon emissions along with waste production and return management (Ogunrinde et al., 2025). The current logistics industry and other organizations face sustainability requirements through smart technologies such as Eco-friendly packaging and route planning and energy management systems. The paper examines how businesses apply these technologies throughout their supply chain operations and inventory control, together with transportation systems and warehouse systems, to generate sustainability while cutting waste and maximizing resource efficiency, and enhancing return optimization. AI based route optimization and electric vehicles will substantially reduce environment pollution. The AI-based route optimization reduces emissions by minimizing travel time, traffic jams, and waiting time, while electric vehicles (EVs) eliminate carbon emissions, according to Chung et al. (2021). These methods enhance sustainability by improving energy consumption, reducing carbon footprints, and improving air quality.

IMPROVEMENT OF WAREHOUSE PROCESSES WITH DIGITALIZATION SOLUTIONS USING THE EXAMPLE OF UAB "X"

Ernestas Čistovas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Companies providing warehousing services are constantly searching for solutions to optimize warehouse operations, save time, and improve their economic performance. As a result, businesses face not only internal challenges but also external factors such as the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), the impact of digitalization, evolving customer expectations, and intensifying competition. These challenges raise a fundamental question: What digitalization solutions can be applied to warehouse operations to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and gain a competitive edge while maximizing economic benefits? The objective of this study is to identify the challenges in UAB "X" warehouse processes and propose potential digitalization solutions. The research focuses on improving warehouse operations through digital technologies. The applied research methods include scientific literature analysis and synthesis, surveys, observation, and graphical data representation. The study findings indicate that the primary issues in warehouse process management at UAB "X" include prolonged receiving operations, an inefficient order verification method, underutilization of storage space, and a lack of advanced digitalization solutions. To address these challenges, the study proposes several digitalization solutions for warehouse process improvement: Integrating AI into the warehouse management system to replace manual order verification from waybills with automated product scanning, ensuring 100% order fulfillment accuracy. Additionally, AI could be used to predict workload distribution for warehouse employees based on available data. Implementing the PROCAN system to digitalize and track every employee's operations related to customer service, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in warehouse processes.

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) SOLUTIONS IN LOGISTICS CUSTOMER SERVICE

Gulkhanim Dunyamaliyeva — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Customer service is one of the essential services in logistics. In order to provide high quality, cost friendly and seamless logistic processes, businesses leverage various information technology systems. Continued innovations and solutions in logistics may improve logistics customer service, culminating in improved business results. In recent years, digital technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become game changers, introducing aspects such as voice assistants, natural language processing (NLP), predictive analytics, and chatbots. In logistics customer service, AI may support data collection management, promote accuracy in scheduling delivery time and tracking shipments in real time, promote cost-effectiveness, offer instant customer support, and support decision making processes. Although AI has substantial benefits in businesses, implementation of AI is associated with potential difficulties such as integration with other systems, infrastructure compatibility and data privacy. To this end, this article explores the benefits and challenges of application of AI solutions in logistics customer service.

SMART TECHNOLOGIES IN BUSINESS LOGISTICS: INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR A SMARTER SUPPLY CHAIN

Abdessamad El Mahdaoui — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Smart technologies are revolutionizing the way companies work and manage logistics and supply chain processes in the fast-evolving business environment today. In this context, the article explains how advanced emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and automation transform and disrupt logistics operations. The study explores the role played by these resources in advancing supply chain management through efficiency, sustainability, and greater transparency.

A qualitative research method was followed by analyzing real-world case studies as well as market reports to gain insights into the real application and impact of smart technologies used in logistics. The study learns that IoT promotes real-time monitoring and tracking, blockchain guarantees open and secure exchange of data, and automation adds efficiency to warehousing and deliveries.

However, the high cost involved in deploying IoT, privacy concerns over data handling, and staffing needs are all still significant obstacles. The report identifies strategic investment, employee upskilling, and technology vendor collaboration as critical success factors for successful integration.

The article concludes that, despite the challenges, smart technologies have significant potential to improve logistics performance. They can make supply chains more resilient, agile, and environmentally friendly. The article also offers practical advice for businesses looking to transform their logistics infrastructure and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.

IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION PROCESS MANAGEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE COMPANY TRANSFORMATION

Monika Gvozdaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the improvement of transportation process management by transforming a company into a sustainable organization. The main challenges and opportunities for using innovative solutions, optimizing transportation processes, reducing environmental impact and increasing efficiency are discussed. The current issues, functions, importance of the transport sector, generated income and negative environmental impact are discussed. The practices and characteristics of a sustainable transport company, the features of sustainable transportation process management, sustainable development tasks for companies and their benefits are analyzed. This article presents ways in which companies can transition to sustainable business models by integrating economic, environmental and social aspects in the field of transportation process management. Theoretical analysis reveals that transportation process management requires a combination of competencies and tools. Theoretical analysis identifies the main elements needed to effectively manage transportation processes: strategic planning, performance management, technological integration, and in order to achieve sustainability goals, it is necessary to invest in environmentally friendly transport, modern technologies, and effectively manage transportation processes. The article was prepared using systematic scientific literature analysis, comparison and generalization methods, based on scientific literature and statistical data of foreign authors.

ROLE OF IOT & BLOCKCHAIN IN ENHANCING PERISHABLE GOODS LIFE

Muhammad Ibrar Hafeez — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In this article, the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology in transforming supply chains and warehouses of perishable goods has been discussed. As the global perishable goods market is worth 1.93 billion USD a year (2023) with an anticipated CAGR of 2.8% (2023–2027), these technologies directly pertain to some of the key challenges in the industry, including traceability, data integrity, as well as quality management. Blockchain provides transparency and traceability via its decentralized, immutable ledger, and IoT allows for real-time monitoring of eco-friendly conditions (e.g., temperature and humidity) to guarantee product freshness and safety. The combined value of IoT and blockchain allows for greater efficiency in the food supply chain by providing complete transparency for each item propagating through a supply chain, from farm to fork, while enabling food safety and quality certification. Smart indentures automate further, reducing intermediaries and reducing human error in organizational logistics. The study highlights the increasing importance of these technologies to meet the growing global demand for fresh seafood. It assesses their collective influence towards transparency, traceability, and efficiency whilst overcoming challenges including data integrity, scalability, and environmental impact. The study investigates, via literature review and case studies, existing implementations, identifies gaps, and outlines best practices around improving the perishable goods lifecycle.

THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LOGISTICS

Md Emon Sharker Ifty — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Technological developments aiming at increasing efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness are causing a rapid change in the worldwide logistics industry, which is valued at over 4.3 trillion USD. This development is greatly supported by artificial intelligence (AI), which makes robotic automation, real-time tracking, and predictive analytics possible. The article analyses how artificial intelligence (AI) influences logistics, highlighting its advantages, adoption barriers, and ways to reduce expenses. By improving route planning, inventory control, and warehouse automation while lowering operational costs and human error, AI-driven solutions improve supply chain operations. However, barriers including high implementation costs, cybersecurity risks, and employee dislocation limit widespread adoption. This study investigates the ways in which demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and AI-driven automation enhance logistics cost effectiveness using secondary research and content analysis. The results show that integrating AI enhances operational performance and reduces costs, but it also calls for workforce adaptability and strategic investment. To effectively utilise AI's potential for long-term growth in the logistics sector, multiple challenges have to be addressed.

ANALYSIS OF THE REASONS FOR RESISTANCE TO INNOVATIVE CHANGES

Dominykas Janerikas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article explores the causes and reactions of employee resistance to organizational changes, focusing on psychological, organizational, and demographic factors. The study aims to develop a model for eliminating resistance to innovation by analyzing scientific literature and empirical research. Key findings reveal that resistance is driven by factors such as fear of failure, preference for routine, lack of trust in management, and poor communication. Psychological factors like uncertainty and low self-confidence, combined with organizational issues such as inadequate participation and support systems, significantly amplify resistance. Additionally, demographic traits, including age and job tenure, influence resistance, though personal experiences and organizational context play a more critical role. The study proposes a quantitative model that pairs specific causes of resistance with tailored strategies, such as training, networking, incentives, and negotiation. The iterative approach allows organizations to address resistance systematically, ensuring smoother implementation of innovations. The research highlights the importance of improving organizational climate and supporting employees' psychological readiness for change. These findings provide valuable insights for managers, emphasizing the need for transparent communication, employee involvement, and trust-building to foster a culture of innovation and reduce resistance.

USAGE OPPORTUNITIES OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Enrika Juškaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The concept of sustainable development combines social, environmental and economic considerations to ensure that resources are used responsibly and do not harm future generations. The transport sector, including aviation, shipping and road transport, is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions and consumes a significant share of energy. Sustainable transport aims to ensure accessibility, safety, reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency. The EU Green Deal promotes the shift towards smart and sustainable mobility, with an emphasis on increasing the sustainability of transport, the development of multimodal transport and the use of zero emission vehicles. The development of sustainable transport reduces GHG emissions by promoting the use of longer and heavier goods vehicles (LHVs), the integration of artificial intelligence, the electrification of transport and hydrogen technologies. Intermodal transport and alternative fuels such as biodiesel contribute to greener solutions. Effective implementation requires not only technological, but also political and managerial solutions that ensure long-term sustainability.

IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS PROCESSES

Laura Kabailienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The study focuses on the management of distribution logistics processes in order to identify opportunities for improvement in this area. The aim of the paper is to identify opportunities for improving the management of distribution logistics processes. The study uses a scientific literature analysis approach, generalisation and modelling techniques, drawing on a variety of sources to develop a theoretical model of distribution logistics management. The results of the study revealed that the efficiency of distribution logistics is enhanced by business management systems such as CRM, ERP, SCM, TMS and EDI, which optimise processes, reduce costs and improve customer service. The model developed on the basis of the study represents an integrated distribution logistics management system, highlighting the importance of technology in optimising the supply chain. The result suggests that distribution logistics is an essential part of the supply chain and that its efficiency depends on the implementation of modern management tools and process optimisation in order to ensure competitive advantage in the market.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF GREEN LOGISTICS IN CREATING SUSTAINABLE SPORTS EVENTS

Muhammed Rafnas Kattayattu Parambil Chirakkal — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Large-scale sporting events depend heavily on logistics and transportation, which have a big impact on sustainability. Large-scale events like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup need detailed logistical planning, which raises carbon emissions, uses excessive amounts of energy, and generates a lot of waste. Addressing these social, economic, and environmental issues requires the use of green logistics. This study looks at sustainability issues in sports logistics, emphasising the value of green tactics, including waste management system adoption, renewable energy use, and transportation route optimisation. The article aims to suggest significant green logistics methods to enhance sustainability in sports events by using a comprehensive literature review. An analysis of research conducted between 2018 and 2025 shows that green logistics effectively reduces environmental impact while increasing operational effectiveness. According to the results, using sustainable logistics techniques improves economic effectiveness and corporate social responsibility while also reducing ecological footprints. In order to attain long-term sustainability and conform to international environmental standards, the study highlights the importance of integrating green logistics into sports event design.

LEVERAGING SMART TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY

Blen Khan Forgu — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The integration of emerging technologies like blockchain, autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is causing a significant upheaval in the logistics sector. Customer satisfaction, supply chain optimization, cost reduction, and operational efficiency have all significantly increased as a result of these developments. The use of these technologies to improve logistics operations—enabling real-time tracking, predictive analytics, route optimization, and increased transparency—is known as smart logistics, or logistics 4.0. This paper examines how various technologies affect the effectiveness of logistics, with a particular emphasis on the use of blockchain, IoT, AI, ML, and autonomous systems to enhance logistical procedures. The study discusses the difficulties of putting smart logistics into practice while highlighting its many benefits, including lower costs, quicker deliveries, and more dependable systems. These difficulties include regulatory barriers, expensive initial investment costs, data security issues, and technical constraints. The results indicate that, in spite of these obstacles, the logistics sector must continue to embrace smart technology in order to become a more customer-focused, sustainable, and efficient one. The present state of smart logistics is thoroughly examined in this study, along with the technologies' promise for the future and suggestions for removing obstacles to its effective application.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS INNOVATION ON FIRM PERFORMANCE

Hamza Kharricha — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In this article, the long-term effect of Sustainable Logistics Innovation (SLI) on multinational corporations’ (MNCs) performance with respect to financial, operational, and environmental dimensions is investigated. With globalization and worldwide sustainability concerns, those businesses that need to adapt eco-friendly logistics solutions, but there is little empirical research in the long-term impact. This article uses longitudinal research methodology with the analysis of the secondary data of Corporate Sustainability Reports, financial statements, and industry benchmark to test the on-going trend. In a nutshell, firms are able to realize significant savings in cost despite the increase in cost associated with the adoption of sustainable logistics solutions, enjoy better brand reputation and increase in revenue with the majority of consumers now a lot more keen on purchasing sustainable products. With that said though, the high initial costs for investment are a main issue and technological adoption barriers are present too. At the same time, the study finds that SLI is much more than an environmental necessity; it is a business imperative for economic growth and business advantage over those competitors that have yet to comply with environmental regulations. The findings are useful for corporate decision makers as well policymakers in promoting sustainable logistics innovation.

GREEN LOGISTICS INNOVATIONS TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT

Fadoi Lakouis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The development of logistical operations has raised concerns about carbon emissions and environmental sustainability. Despite being essential for international commerce and economic growth, logistics' primary functions including transportation, warehousing, and distribution, significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource depletion. Carbon footprints increase when transportation relies on fossil fuels, and ineffective routing and warehousing techniques intensify environmental damage. By combining sustainable practices like waste reduction programs, energy-efficient storage, and environmentally friendly transportation, green logistics has become a viable way to address these problems. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, implementing green logistics increases operational effectiveness and guarantees regulatory compliance. This article highlights the significance of green logistics solutions in advancing sustainable development and explores the environmental issues related to logistics. Logistics firms may maintain economic competitiveness while integrating their operations with global environmental goals by adopting innovative technologies and sustainable business strategies.

ENHANCING SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN PROCESSED AGRICULTURAL FOOD PRODUCTS AT TOPS COMPANY LTD.

Waleed Ahmad Malik — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Tops Company Ltd identified inefficiencies in Supply Chain Management, such as shipment delays, a high spoilage rate, excessive staffing, obsolete processes, and poor coordination in Rawalpindi branch, Pakistan. This study aims to evaluate the current supply chain management in Tops Company Ltd and suggest plans to enhance the company’s adaptability in the current market environment. Quantitative method is used to collect data with limited information, whether towards spoilage rates, lead times, stock turnover, etc., that leads to the company facing issues such as customer dissatisfaction and a spiraling effect on profits. To solve this problem, the company saw clear advancements after implementing new techniques and technologies, such as Radio-Frequency Identification for tracking supplies and goods, production automation, improved climate-controlled transportation, strengthening supplier partnerships, streamlined manufacturing, reduced wastage, increased product availability, and accelerated delivery timing. As a result, food spoilage rates dropped by 80 per cent, delivery times were decreased by 33 per cent, and stock turnover improved by 45 per cent. As a result of these changes, the company works more efficiently, has reduced costs, and fulfilled the needs and demanded of customers. Along with these changes, the company is still facing some more difficulties. These changes took a lot of resources, and getting everyone assured is very difficult. For the company's better future, it is essential to keep investing in new technologies, work closely with employees and suppliers to adapt to the global market environment and deal with unexpected setbacks.

SMART TECHNOLOGY AND THE POSSIBILITIES OF INCREASING THEIR USE IN LOGISTICS

Frenil Manath Joseph Felix — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article is a representation of key smart technologies introduced in digital technologies within operational sustainability. The key values of smart technologies in logistics operations have been reviewed within the operational practices. The importance of smart logistics in the new era of digital age renovated the transition for business allowance. The values of digital technologies within operational surroundings can be measured within the valuable operations. The relevance of using digital technologies within operational practices can be renovated within this segment. The systematic research delivers further reading with major solutions and adjusted best opportunities within business management. Key opportunities and methodological adjustments have been outlined within the introductory part of this article. Only secondary articles and keyword selection tools approaches have been utilized within the solutions of operational deliverables.

EVALUATION OF HYBRID (LEAGILE) SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY

Marius Markauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In this article there is presented analysis of managment approach of Hybrid (Leagile) supply chain when the the company combines own storage and transportation with third party services (also known as – 3PL). There are discussed main issues related to order distribution, costs of transportation and optimization of storage. Economic analysis methods are used in the article with purpose to distinguish optimal distribution model between own storage and 3PL suppliers. The results reveal that if Hybrid (Leagile) supply chain model is planned accurately it might reduce costs of logistics by 15-30% and increase deliverables efficiency.

DETERMINING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF A LOGISTICS BUSINESS MODEL

Mykolas Mažukna — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Based on the analysis of scientific literature and the insights of experts in the field of logistics, this article defines and proposes an effective empirical research methodology for determining the significance of criteria for the process of selection of the most viable logistics business model. The presented methodology for assessing criterion significance allows to efficiently identify and, based on personal opinion and/or expert judgements, to give objective relative significance to different evaluation criteria of a logistics business model. With the help of criterion significance evaluation, a logistics start-up can distinguish more clearly between the most important and the less significant evaluation aspects for their business model selection. The proposed criteria evaluation method also allows the logistics business owner to make a more informed decision when choosing the most viable business model according to their specific personal needs.

TRANSFORMING LAST-MILE DELIVERY IN INDIA: SMART AND ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS

Junaidh Mohammed — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article contains a critical analysis of the topic ‘Transforming last-mile delivery in India: smart and eco-friendly solutions.’ The traditional last-mile delivery practices, smart and eco-friendly solutions and opportunities and challenges of smart and eco-friendly solutions in India are discussed. The article is divided into an abstract, introduction, research object and methods, research results and discussion and conclusions. Whether the last mile delivery in India has been transforming or is still following the traditional methods is evaluated. The secondary data collection method was followed and the data was collected from online and offline articles, books, online news and reports. A case study analysis was completed. The companies in India are still behind traditional last-mile delivery, like manual processing, two-wheelers for delivery and cash on delivery. However, Flipkart, Amazon, DTDC and Apollo hospitals are following smart and eco-friendly solutions in last-mile delivery, like using EVs for delivery and drones. The analysis found that cost saving, reducing carbon emissions and improving customer satisfaction are the opportunities of smart and eco-friendly solutions; yet, high initial cost and poor infrastructure in India would be barriers to follow. It may take years for the large use of smart and eco-friendly solutions in the Indian market.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A TOOL OF LOGISTICS INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS

Michael Udochukwu Okpala — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article discusses artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool of logistics innovations and solutions. A brief history shows how Professor John McCarthy contributed to the concept in 1956. Desouza, et al. (2007) identified five stages of innovation: idea generation and mobilization, advocacy and screening, experimentation, commercialization, and diffusion and implementation. These stages define an innovation process that makes companies more valuable in the future. Incoming logistics, outgoing logistics, and supporting activities are the use cases that show what tasks are controlled by innovative AI. In this research, we analyzed published literature. This led the researcher to believe that AI will help in automating processes, making better decisions, and lowering operational costs. Ultimately, this will result in faster delivery and increased customer satisfaction.

SMART TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION IN LOGISTICS SERVICES

Adeboye Joseph Oluwole — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article explores the application of smart technologies in logistics, aiming to analyze current trends in business operations and how smart technologies can help address limitations that are not feasible to solve with traditional methods.

Furthermore, the paper highlights the factors affecting the application of smart technologies in the Supply Chain and Logistics Industry and explores internal and external barriers hindering their implementation. The study followed these objectives: to explore technological and organization factors affecting the adoption of innovative technologies in the supply chain and logistics industry. The research has been undertaken by using secondary methods and a systematic literature review; specifically, in that connection, it discusses the significance of smart technologies since they improve operational efficiency, customer experience and innovation in the logistics sector.

COMBATTING SMUGGLING NETWORKS: A STRATEGIC APPROACH FOR CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES

Karolis Palaikis, Tadas Strašinskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article explains the structure of smuggling networks and challenges they pose to customs authorities using Lithuania as one of examples. Smuggling networks are complex, adaptive, and often operate through decentralized systems that use encrypted technology, flexible logistics, and support from local communities. These networks create serious risks for customs by avoiding taxes, moving illegal goods such as drugs or counterfeit products. Not only does this harm customs authorities and national economies, but it also puts public health and safety at risk. Their resilience is often supported by socio-economic conditions in border regions, where smuggling may be seen as a legitimate income source. In 2024 alone, the Office of Lithuanian Customs launched investigations into 145 smuggling cases, showing the scale and urgency of the issue. For this research literature analyses and statistical analyses have been used. Based on these analyses, the paper presents three main strategies that customs authorities could use to fight smuggling networks: strengthen national legislation, improve intelligence and data sharing and strengthen national cooperation. These strategies are effective because they reduce smuggling risks, strengthen the capacity of customs authorities, and improve coordination in detecting and preventing illegal trade.

MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES FOR CREATING ADDED VALUE IN CUSTOMER LOGISTICS SERVICE

Austėja Paulytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

To determine the principles of value-added management in customer logistics services, an analysis of scientific literature was conducted. After conducting a theoretical analysis, it was determined that companies operating in the logistics sector are constantly facing increasing challenges due to ongoing globalization processes, technological progress and growing competition. To maintain and strengthen competitive advantage in such a complex environment, the creation of added value and the targeted management of this process become an achievable goal. The management of added value is a complex process that is characterized by intangibility and integrity from the point of view of the entire supply chain. The identified strategic and operational principles help logistics companies improve customer logistics service processes in such a way as to increase customer satisfaction and create unique customer experience based on their perceived added value and interaction with the company. The identification of the principles of creating added value allows us to establish general guidelines for logistics companies so that the added value created is not only functional but also focused on meeting customer expectations and needs.

POSSIBILITIES OF SUSTAINABLE REVERSE LOGISTICS APPLICATION IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES: THEORETICAL ANALYSIS

Lina Pliaskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In today's business world, the organization of sustainable reverse logistics is becoming increasingly important for small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). Reverse logistics (RL), identified with reverse logistics, also known as return logistics, includes the processes of returned goods that directly or indirectly affect sustainability and are interconnected (Maheswari et al., 2020). These processes help reduce waste, conserve resources and optimize costs. The European Union's Green Deal initiatives encourage companies to invest in sustainability. In order to contribute to environmental protection and social responsibility, business entities are increasingly determined to optimize their business processes and integrate sustainable innovations into their business processes. The aim of the study is to analyze the factors limiting the organization of sustainable reverse logistics and to provide recommendations on how to improve its application in SMEs. The main obstacles are related to the lack of investment in the latest technologies and training, difficulties in coordinating logistics processes, recycling of returned materials, ensuring quality control and limited cooperation in the supply chain. These factors, together with a fragmented view of the benefits of sustainable reverse logistics, make it difficult to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

ENHANCING TRANSPORTATION AND WAREHOUSING CONSOLIDATION MANAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

Rojaa Prasad — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article explores how technology integration optimises the management of transportation and warehousing consolidation in India, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the process, as well as reducing transportation costs and enhancing supply chain performance. According to the research on different Indian companies, AI, IoT, and data analytics consolidate the transportation routes, automate the warehousing operations, and allow real-time decision-making. It also explores the synergy between them in a broader context, including how digital twins simulate logistics processes and improve consolidation precision, and how collaborative platforms decrease technology adoption costs. The results show that technology-driven consolidation in India reduces transport costs by 20%, boosts warehouse utilisation by 25%, and increases supply chain reactivity. The study proposes concrete solutions to address obstacles that the Indian companies facing, including steep implementation costs and compatibility of data between existing systems through shared logistics platforms and standardised data-sharing protocols. To conclude, the article partakes that infusion of technology is significant for the operational effectiveness of current day logistics, with inventive and versatile arrangements, with a particular spotlight on travel and distribution centre solidification.

IMPROVING AGRI-FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS THROUGH EFFICIENT INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

Fathima Rehna — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the impact of efficient inventory management on improving agri-food supply chains. Food products are by nature perishable, so finding the right point of balance between supply and demand to minimize waste and holding costs is essential for accurate food demand forecasting. The study also implemented state-of-the-art forecasting models such as ARIMA (Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average) and exponential smoothing) which improved forecast accuracy by 15%. The use of PC software and later on the web worked on the interaction, as well as the advances made in AI and machine learning, which could read and pick up observations and connections between data on atmospheric conditions, consumer conduct, and acts of advancing. IoT sensors issued real-time information on inspection levels and product freshness, resulting in more accurate stocks. An 18% decrease in holding costs was achieved using EOQ and blockchain for quality control. To improve overall supply chain resilience and efficiency standardized protocols and collaborative storage solutions were proposed to address issues on data integration problems and high implementation costs among challenges of this technology.

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

Ghosh Risha — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Due to the significant amount of carbon emissions from vehicles that depend on fossil fuels, environmental concerns have increased as global logistical operations have grown, especially in the transportation industry. The potential of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions and advance sustainability in logistics is explored in this article. A literature review process is applied, using information from industry reports and scholarly publications. According to the research, EVs have a number of benefits, such as cheaper operating expenses, smaller carbon footprints, and increased efficiency. However, barriers to wider use include expensive initial expenses, inadequate infrastructure for charging, limited driving range, and poor performance in different weather situations. Government incentives, improvements in battery technology, and wider charging networks are suggested as solutions to these problems. In order to ensure an easy transition to sustainable logistics, the report highlights the significance of strategic investments and governmental initiatives. Future studies should examine practical uses and evaluate the long-term consequences of EV integration in logistics.

FACTORS FOR IMPROVING THE SHIPMENT SORTING PROCESS: THEORETICAL ASPECT

Miglė Sebežinkovaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Logistics has a significant impact on the operational efficiency and competitiveness of organizations. Logistics processes are inseparable from the modern business environment. In parcel sorting processes, it is particularly important to perform the main work – parcel sorting – purposefully and without errors, which ensures the targeted movement of goods to the final recipients. In logistics, the parcel sorting process includes not only the physical movement of parcels, but also information management, dissemination, employee efficiency and its increase, and the application of technological solutions. The article aims to clarify possible factors that influence the parcel sorting process and the improvement of that process. The process of parcel sorting, the sequence and importance of the process are revealed. Later, factors hindering the improvement of the parcel sorting process are analyzed, such as: human errors, technological and logistical problems, organizational and managerial failures, and legal challenges. Solutions and measures that can improve the parcel sorting process are also presented, such as process automation, technological innovations, and various qualification training for employees. The article analyzes scientific articles by various authors from 2016-2024, describing various parcel sorting practices and possible improvement factors. By summarizing the research results, their interpretations, and conclusions, the essential details of the parcel sorting process and improvement opportunities are revealed.

IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS IN LOGISTICS: THE OPPORTUNITIES AND DIFFICULTIES FACED

Fathima Shameem — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The logistics industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, therefore adopting sustainable transport solutions is essential. The opportunities and difficulties of integrating sustainable mobility solutions into logistics are examined in this study. Secondary data from academic literature, industry reports, and case studies were examined using a qualitative research methodology. The results show that environmentally friendly transportation improves corporate reputation, cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and environmental preservation. However, high upfront investment costs, inadequate infrastructure, and ambiguous rules are barriers to broader implementation. At the same time, innovative company strategies, tax breaks, and environmentally friendly technologies offer logistics options. Therefore, governments and industry participants must work together strategically and provide legislative incentives to address these issues. This study adds to the expanding discourse on sustainable logistics by offering significant suggestions to businesses and decision-makers to expedite the incorporation of sustainable mobility into logistics operations.

IMPROVEMENT OF WAREHOUSE PROCESSES WITH DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Lukas Spudulis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Warehousing is an essential part of the supply chain, having a direct impact on companies' efficiency, operational speed, and costs. As the scale of goods movement and customer expectations grow, the optimization of warehousing processes becomes inevitable. Traditional methods often face errors, inefficient space usage, and high costs, so there is an increasing shift towards digital technologies. Automated Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), RFID, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence allow for more accurate inventory management, reducing the probability of errors, optimizing logistics processes, and minimizing the need for manual labor. However, in Lithuania, the use of cloud computing is still lagging behind the EU average. To remain competitive, companies must invest in innovative warehousing solutions. This study analyzes the impact of digitization and automation on warehousing, comparing the situation of Lithuanian companies with the EU average. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, it is found that digital solutions help companies reduce costs, optimize operations, and increase competitiveness. The EU aims that by 2030, cloud computing and artificial intelligence will be more widely used in companies.

INNOVATIONS AND SOLUTIONS IN BUSINESS LOGISTICS IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Rima Tabola — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyzes innovations and solutions aimed at ensuring sustainability in the logistics sector and their links to sustainable development principles. The logistics sector is one of the largest sources of environmental pollution, prompting companies to actively seek ways to reduce their ecological footprint. The study examines sustainability challenges and their solutions applied by international companies such as Amazon, UPS, DHL, Tesla, and Maersk. Based on a review of scientific literature and case studies of logistics companies, the paper discusses the advantages of electric vehicles, alternative fuels, intermodal transport, and smart supply chain management technologies. The research findings indicate that these solutions not only reduce the negative environmental impact but also enhance companies' operational efficiency and competitiveness. Case studies of different companies demonstrate that applying sustainable logistics strategies helps optimize supply chains, reduce fuel consumption, and adapt to increasingly stringent regulatory requirements. All analyzed solutions directly contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). It is particularly important for the logistics sector to actively support the achievement of SDGs, as the transportation industry has a significant impact on both the environment and the global economy. Integrating sustainability principles into logistics operations is no longer just a strategic business decision but a necessity to ensure long-term growth and compliance with tightening environmental regulations.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE LOGISTICS CHALLENGES IN INDIA: THE CASE OF TESLA

Mohammed Yasir — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analysed the future of electric vehicle (EV) logistics in India with a special focus on Tesla’s contributions. Accordingly, assessed the challenges of EV logistics in India, Tesla’s contributions to EV logistics in the Indian context along with evaluating the future of EV logistics in India through the lens of Tesla’s innovations. Aim of the article - to evaluate the future of EV logistics in India through the lens of Tesla's innovations and recommend strategies for sustainable logistics transformation. The article utilised a qualitative research approach, case study analysis and the research sources include government reports, policy documents, academic journals, and industry case studies. The article found that the transition to electric vehicle (EV) logistics in India faces significant challenges, including inadequate charging infrastructure, high initial investment costs, policy inconsistencies, and battery performance issues. Moreover, it highlighted Tesla’s advancements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, autonomous logistics solutions, high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries and advanced thermal management systems offered solutions to India’s climate-induced battery degradation challenges. Likewise, the findings of the article also concluded that localised battery production, expansion of fast-charging networks, and AI-driven fleet management could drive India’s EV logistics transformation in the future.

WAREHOUSING IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS

Simas Zaveckas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyses a problem that directly affects operational efficiency. Through interviews with the company's logistics and warehouse managers, the main problem was identified as a lack of storage volume. It turned out that the company does not have an innovative warehouse management system and that the existing warehouse layout is outdated and is not well adapted to the products currently stored. This leads to inefficient use of warehouse space, higher operating costs and slower order picking. Following an in-depth study, two solutions for improving warehousing performance were put forward: renting new warehouse space and introducing a warehouse management system. After assessing the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions, the company was recommended to invest in a warehouse management system. This solution will not only solve the existing problems, but will also reduce the number of mistakes, ensure a more efficient management of the flow of goods and open up even more possibilities for warehouse management. Meanwhile, renting warehouse space is only a temporary solution that does not solve the company's main problems.

Conference Proceedings “Young Scientist 2025”

Judita Černiauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

ASSESSMENT OF THE ECOLOGICAL STABILITY OF LITHUANIAN NATIONAL PARKS TERRITORIES

Monika Bambalaitė, Virginija Gurskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors influencing the ecological stability of national park areas. During the research, the territories of five Lithuanian national parks – Aukštaitija, Dzūkija, Curonian Spit, Žemaitija and Trakai Historical Park – were analyzed. Statistical information on the distribution of land areas and the condition of land was collected and analyzed. The ecological stability coefficients of the territories were calculated and the strength of the relationships between the analyzed factors was determined. It was found that the values of ecological stability coefficients of the analyzed park areas have a very strong direct relationship (R=0,93) with the total area of the park and a strong relationship (R=0,85) with the area of forests and other vegetation. Trends in the use of park areas were evaluated

ASSESSMENT OF THE OPTIMALITY OF THE LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE IN MARIJAMPOLE COUNTY

Samanta Bliuvaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the change in the optimality indicators of the landscape structure of municipalities in Marijampolė county. The development of industrial zones, urbanized territories, decreasing areas of forests and agricultural plots affect the optimality indicators of areas. The aim of the article is to assess the optimality of the landscape structure in five municipalities belonging to Marijampolė county (Kalvarijos, Kazlų Rūda, Šakiai district, Marijampolė, Vilkaviškis district). The article applies the methodology for the optimality indicators of the general landscape structure developed by P. Kavaliausko, D. Veteikio, I. Šulcienės and G. Raščiaus, "Landscape Formation Methodology, Statistical data of the State Enterprise Agricultural Data Center and the National Land Service under the Ministry of Environment from 2011 to 2024. The study revealed that in 2024, anthropogenic landscape prevailed in the analyzed county (69,56 percent). The smallest part of the landscape was made up of the anthropogenic landscape type (5,59 percent). Natural landscape made up 24,85 percent. After analyzing the change in landscape types in 2011-2024, it was found that the area of natural landscape decreased by 0,03 percent, anthropogenic - decreased by 0,76 percent, and the area of anthropogenic landscape increased by 0,80 percent. The ratio of relatively natural and cultivated land in Marijampolė county (Rns) is equal to 1,47. The value of the relative distance of the landscape structure from the optimal ratio (Dr) is 1,10 the B2 optimality class was established, indicating that the landscape structure is optimal.

POSSIBILITIES OF APPLYING 3D DATA OF VARIOUS ACCURACY IN LAND MANAGEMENT

Vaida Brazauskaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the differences in land surface altitudes determined using different data sources: maps.lt, geoportal.lt and GNSS measurements. The aim of the study is to assess the accuracy of data from these sources and their applicability for land management purposes. In order to be objective, the study was conducted in different land uses – arable land, forest land, green spaces and natural meadows and pastures.

The results of the study showed that the largest altitude discrepancies were recorded in forested areas, where the difference between maps.lt and geoportal.lt reached as much as 5.90 m, and with GNSS measurements – 0.70 m. In open areas, such as arable land, the altitude differences were significantly smaller – usually not exceeding 0.20 m. GNSS data turned out to be the most accurate, and the largest discrepancies were determined between the maps.lt and geoportal.lt height models.

The study emphasizes the need to carefully select 3D data sources, taking into account the specifics of the territory. The results can be useful in planning infrastructure projects and environmental measures, where the accuracy of elevation data is a critical factor.

FEATURES OF GEODETIC WORKS DURING ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Daria Halkevych, Liudmila Makieieva — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article considers the main aspects of geodetic works during the road construction. The importance of geodetic control for ensuring the accuracy of objects location, compliance with design parameters and the quality of construction work is determined. The analysis of regulatory legal acts governing geodetic surveys in the field of road construction is carried out. The methods of creating geodetic densification networks, constructing topographic plans and transferring the roadway to the site are described. Recommendations for improving the geodetic support of the construction process in order to increase the management efficiency and minimize the risks of road infrastructure operation are proposed.

THE PRACTICE OF AGRO-ENVIRONMENTAL MEASURES IMPLEMENTATION IN MARIJAMPOLĖ COUNTY

Gytė Jurkevičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of the study is to discuss and evaluate the practices of agro-environmental measures in Marijampole county. Agricultural land occupies the largest area - 67.1 percent county territories. The region specializes and develops crop, livestock, horticulture, farming. Most other research is concentrated in the overall policy analysis or the effectiveness of the application of agro-environmental measures at EU level, while regional studies dealing with specific practices for the implementation of agro-environmental measures but local level are rare. In addition, monitoring of implementation practice is important in reducing the environmental impact of agriculture and to ensure sustainable agriculture. Properly implemented measures help to preserve biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and contribute to climate change. The study found that, although in Marijampole county in certain agro-environmental areas of positive trends, the overall stability of the implementation of agro-environmental measures in Marijampole county is insufficient. The analysis of literature revealed that such instability can lead to economic, technological barriers, lack of knowledge, the lack of alternatives or strict legislation and bureaucracy. Given the results of the study, the implementation of the measures was proposed at regional level in order to ensure their efficiency and sustainability in the long term, as well as encourage farmers to engage in environmental programs.

ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO LAND MANAGEMENT

Bogdan Kryvosheia, Iryna Koshkalda — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the environmental aspects of land management, with a focus on sustainable land use, environmental risk reduction and regional development strategies. The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental, economic and social principles into territorial management and emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to preserve land resources for future generations. Particular attention is paid to the impact of urbanization, industrialization and intensive agriculture on land degradation and practical recommendations for sustainable practices are provided.

Located near Kharkiv, the Pisochyn territorial community has unique opportunities for economic integration while addressing environmental challenges. The strategic suburban location creates conditions for a balance between industrial growth, agricultural production and environmental preservation. The study highlights the potential of developing industrial parks, logistics infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices to stimulate economic growth without harming the environment.

Key strategies include attracting enterprises from Kharkiv to set up local branches, supporting small and medium-sized businesses and developing a transport and logistics network. Agricultural initiatives focus on peri-urban farming to meet urban demand, including vegetable, dairy and floriculture production. This integrated approach is aimed at creating a sustainable model of regional development that integrates industrial, agricultural and environmental goals.

ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF LAND USE: PRODUCTIVITY, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES, AND LAND PARCEL DIVISION

Olexsandr Makarchuk, Julia Senichkina, Serhii Vynohradenko — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study focuses on the issues of environmentally sustainable land use and its economic efficiency. The paper examines the theoretical and methodological foundations for ensuring the sustainable development of land resources and analyzes the natural and economic conditions of land use in the Krasnograd district of the Kharkiv region. The relevance of this research is driven by the need to implement environmentally safe land use as a crucial component of sustainable development. Rational use of land resources contributes to increased productivity, soil fertility preservation, and minimization of negative environmental impacts. The study employs methods of system analysis, cartographic modeling, economic-statistical assessment, and comparative approaches to determine land use efficiency. The primary focus is on optimizing the structure of agricultural land, implementing modern soil cultivation technologies, reducing anthropogenic pressure, and ensuring the rational use of land resources. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of recommendations that can be used by local governments, agricultural enterprises and environmental organizations. The proposed project solutions include changes in the structure of crop rotation, measures to prevent soil erosion, improving land allocation for farm buildings and other approaches to rational land use. The results obtained can be adapted to other regions with similar natural and economic conditions.

LAND USE FEATURES IN PROTECTED AREAS: ON THE EXAMPLE OF ŠIAULIAI AND KELME DISTRICT MUNICIPALITIES

Vaidas Mikalauskis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of the study is to assess the characteristics of the distribution and change of land use areas in selected areas from the aspect of the development of protected areas. During the study, the characteristics of the distribution and change of land use areas in the Šiauliai and Kelmė district municipalities of Šiauliai county and the cadastral areas located within them, falling within the territories of Kurtuvėnai and Tytuvėnai regional parks, were assessed in 2013-2023. After a detailed analysis of the land use indicators of the cadastral areas located in Kurtuvėnai and Tytuvėnai regional parks and adjacent to them, it was assessed in which cadastral area it is advisable to expand the area of protected areas. After assessing the land use structures, it was decided to focus on natural land uses, such as swamps, forests, tree and shrub plantations, and waters. Since forests occupy the largest part of the territory in the Bulavėnai cadastral area and the largest increase in the area of tree and shrub plantations was determined in this area, this area is classified as a potential area for the development of protected areas.

FEATURES OF FORMATION OF LAND PLOTS NEAR MULTI-APARTMENT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

Monika Murnikovaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines the problem of land plots formation near apartment buildings, which arises due to insufficient legal clarity, long duration of processes and application of different formation methods in practice. The problem is related to the fact that apartment building residents often do not have clear ownership or use rights to the land required for the operation of buildings. The study aims to analyze the processes of land plots formation near apartment buildings, determine their legal regulation and assess how much land is needed for the operation of buildings. The article identifies three main methods of land plot formation: land reform land management project, land plot formation and redevelopment project and detailed plan. The legal acts regulating the preparation of these projects are analyzed, and the timelines of the process of each formation method are drawn up. Based on the “Administration Methodology of Other Purpose State Land Plots Sold or Leased Not by Auction”, the minimum land area required for the operation of apartment buildings is determined. The study selected blocks of apartment buildings in Kaunas city, calculated preliminary plot areas (from 102 m² to 2281 m²), and made a forecast of the need for state land - an average of 956 m² per apartment building.

RESEARCH ON UNDEVELOPED SPACES IN KAUNAS CITY

Miglius Šukys — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The rational use of existing undeveloped spaces in cities plays a key role in urban development, revitalizing abandoned buildings and territories, reducing the need for peripheral development and promoting compact urban development and growth. This article examines undeveloped spaces in Kaunas city, including abandoned buildings and land plots. Data provided by Kaunas City Municipality were used to analyze and assess these territories. The study found that in 2024. In Kaunas city, there were a total of 252 undeveloped spaces, of which 238 were private: 149 land plots and 89 abandoned buildings and 14 state undeveloped spaces, of which: 4 land plots and 10 abandoned buildings. Undevelopedabandoned land plots are mainly concentrated in the southern, central and northwestern parts of Kaunas city. As they have a greater potential to be rationally appropriated, since they belong to the state, the study analyzed 14 state undeveloped spaces in more detail. A detailed assessment was carried out for these spaces, based on the criteria set out in the assessment scale. After the assessment, the 5 highest-scoring territories were identified, which have the greatest potential to be used rationally. In order to achieve compact urban growth, these spaces could be used for the development of recreational areas (playgrounds, parks), commercial or residential objects.

RESEARCH ON LANDSCAPE STRUCTURE AND ECOLOGICAL STABILITY

Edgaras Valaitis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines landscape structure and its role in the ecological stability of territories. Changes in landscape structure and configuration directly reflect the ecological stability of an area and indicate how sustainably the territory is being used. The study analyzes five Lithuanian municipalities with exceptionally high productivity scores (an average of 48.94): Šakiai, Kėdainiai, Vilkaviškis, Pasvalys, and Joniškis. These municipalities are characterized by particularly large areas of arable land, averaging more than 60% of the total land use area. The study calculated historical changes in land use areas within these municipalities to assess the long-term impact of their structure on ecological landscape stability. A comparative spatial data analysis revealed that despite an increase in the areas of natural meadows, pastures, shrub vegetation, and forests, the relatively large proportion of arable land significantly deteriorates overall ecological landscape stability. The ecological stability index remains particularly low in Šakiai and Kėdainiai municipalities, at 0.38 and 0.4, respectively, while in the remaining municipalities, it is close to a critical level—0.3 in Vilkaviškis, 0.32 in Pasvalys, and 0.34 in Joniškis. To restore ecological stability and implement sustainable land use, a strategic approach is necessary. This strategy should include measures to preserve and restore natural landscape elements, mitigating the negative impact of anthropogenic land use on ecological stability.

INFLUENCE OF TERRITORIAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS ON THE CHANGE OF LAND USE IN KAUNAS DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY

Greta Vidauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Straipsnyje analizuojama teritorijų planavimo dokumentų įtaka žemės paskirties keitimui literatūroje ir kitų autorių darbuose. Taip pat analizuojami Lietuvos Respublikos teritorijų planavimo nuostatai. Teritorinis planavimas yra esminė priemonė, kuria reguliuojamas žemės naudojimas ir užtikrinamas tvarus vystymasis. Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėta, kokie teritorijų planavimo dokumentai turi įtakos keičiant žemės sklypo paskirtį Kauno rajono savivaldybėje. Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad tokį poveikį turi rajono bendrasis planas, detalieji planai ir kiti specialieji planai. Kauno rajonas yra vienas tankiausiai apgyvendintų rajonų, tačiau čia vyrauja derlinga dirva. Dėl to teritorija yra palanki žemės ūkiui. Atlikus žemės sklypų paskirties analizę, pastebėta, kad nuo 2018 m. žemės ūkio naudmenų sumažėjo 1203 ha. Tuo tarpu užstatytos teritorijos ir kiti žemės naudojimo būdai sparčiai didėjo. Todėl buvo daroma prielaida, kad tai galėjo turėti įtakos priemiesčių teritorijų plėtrai.

A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT INTO THE MARKET

Mintare Baniulytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Developing and marketing a new agricultural product is one of the most pressing objectives of today's businesses. Consumers and business managers are looking for a steady stream of innovative new products: consumers want innovative products that deliver value for money, and business managers want organic and profitable growth through innovation. However, without a systematic new product development process, new product development efforts are often difficult or unsuccessful. Introducing a new agricultural product into the market is therefore a complex process that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. This paper aims to develop a conceptual model for introducing a new agricultural product into the market. The methods used are systematic analysis synthesis of scientific literature, and comparative analysis

DIGITAL BUSINESS LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS: THEORETICAL ASPECTS

Modestas Garbenis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This research paper explores innovative solutions that could substantially improve and speed up business logistics processes, increase their efficiency and reduce costs for companies. In a changing and dynamic business environment, logistics is becoming a crucial strategic activity and a competitive advantage for companies. Digital logistics processes such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), radio-frequency sensor technology or blockchains offer completely new opportunities for companies to manage their supply chain, making all business logistics processes more efficient. This article presents the main innovative solutions that can be applied in business-to-business logistics. The aim of the paper is to show the impact of digital solutions applied in logistics on the productivity of companies, highlighting the advantages they generate and the drawbacks of their implementation. The article was prepared using the methods of scientific literature analysis and synthesis. The results of the research reveal that all innovative digital solutions can reduce the company's operating costs, improve the quality of customer service, and make logistics processes more efficient.

DEVELOPMENT OF SHORT AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF ONLINE TRADING PLATFORMS

Erika Gaurienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyzes short supply chains of agricultural and food products. Particular attention is paid to online trading platforms. The aim of the article is to identify the challenges and opportunities of online platforms in developing short supply chains of agricultural and food products. Methods of scientific and methodological literature analysis, descriptive and comparative analysis of documents and statistical information sources were applied. The results of the scientific literature analysis study showed that online trading platforms have many advantages, and one of the main ones is the opportunity for small farmers to enter the market and attract consumers. The main problems encountered in online trading platforms are low computer literacy, consumer distrust of farmers, emerging logistical problems and increasing competition with larger and more superior companies. Based on the presented examples of good practice from foreign countries, several ways are presented to expand online trading platforms in Lithuania: it is proposed to invest in consumer education, cooperation between farmers is recommended, and the use of technologies is used.

MOTIVATION MEASURES FOR EMPLOYEES IN AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION

Edvinas Grabauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Agriculture performs many functions in society related to long-term sustainability. It ensures the production of healthy, high-quality food, protects natural resources and the cultural landscape, and at the same time contributes to the maintenance of a vibrant rural area. In this area, attracting and motivating the workforce is relevant. Personal motivation is viewed as a psychological process that gives human behavior a purpose and direction. Lithuania is considered an agricultural country, although the number of agricultural holdings and employees is decreasing. Therefore, motivating employees in the agricultural sector is important in ensuring the successful development of this area, which is relevant for the entire country's economy, by attracting qualified and motivated employees who provide the opportunity to develop effective and sustainable farming. The article analyzes what motivational measures promote effective and high-quality work of agricultural employees, what motivational factors are most effective in this area. This knowledge helps to understand under what conditions the physical and mental abilities of employees are revealed, contributing to the efficiency of the organization's activities.

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN GRAIN FARMING IN LITHUANIA: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND THE EFFICIENCY OF GRAIN DRYING

Justas Janušis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents innovative solutions and advanced grain drying technologies applied in cereal farms, reviews the significance and benefits of a smart grain drying system, evaluates smart grain drying systems and their advantages, and will help farmers assess their grain growing capacities and determine which of the presented grain growing systems meets their needs, ensuring efficient crop drying processes. During the interview, the question was examined: what is the need, benefit, necessity of a smart grain drying system in the company ,,X”, what type is needed for the system to operate smoothly? In order to answer this question, a semi-structured interview was applied, in which a farmer from the farm of the company ,,X“ participated. After summarizing the interview results, it was determined that the farm belonging to the company ,,X“ plans to submit applications for 2023 - 2027. EU supports organic grain cultivation and the acquisition of a smart grain drying system, because smart grain drying technologies help ensure efficient grain drying processes.

BUSINESS MARKET DEVELOPMENT SOLUTIONS: THEORETICAL ASPECTS

Justina Karaliūtė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Businesses face the challenges of a changing business environment, such as political instability, intensifying competition, technological change and high quality standards. This complicates companies' market development decisions. Overcoming these challenges requires consistent modelling of design solutions. The aim of this paper is to shed light on the theoretical aspects of corporate market development in the context of a range of market factors, including competition, economic factors, consumer behaviour and regulatory policy. Methods used: analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, logical analysis.

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES: THE CASE OF VYRAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY AGRICULTURE ACADEMY

Emilija Nugarienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the expression of entrepreneurial competencies and the need for their enhancement among students of the Agronomy, Engineering, Forest Sciences, and Ecology Faculties at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VMU AA). The aim of the research is to assess the level of entrepreneurial competencies among these students and to identify their needs for further development. The theoretical part analyzes the concept of entrepreneurial competencies, their significance, and methods for strengthening them, based on scientific literature. The empirical part presents a quantitative analysis based on survey data collected via a "Microsoft Forms" questionnaire. The findings revealed that students mostly lack financial literacy, legal knowledge related to business organization, and marketing skills. These gaps may limit their entrepreneurial potential. Most respondents expressed a desire to acquire practical skills in budgeting, planning, and customer analysis, as well as deepen their knowledge in investment, international business, and innovation in the future. The study confirms that enhancing entrepreneurship among students in the faculties should be more focused on practical training, cooperation with the business sector, and supplementary entrepreneurship education.

DEVELOPING A FRAMEWORK FOR RISK FACTORS IN AGRICULTURE

Barbora Petraitytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Risk is an integral part of agricultural management, and risk management is therefore an essential way for farmers to reduce the risk of making unsuccessful farm decisions under conditions of uncertainty. Risk is inherently associated with negative consequences, including lower yields and income, as well as catastrophic events and financial bankruptcy, food and human health insecurity. The aim of this article is to create a system of risk factors encountered in agricultural activities. During the writing process I will be using the analysis of scientific literature, grouping, systematization and generalization of secondary data, as well as descriptive and graphical representation. Several types of risks will be examined, which will be divided into two groups: external environmental factors and risks arising from the internal management of the agricultural enterprise, in order to simplify the risk assessment process for farmers. The results obtained will provide a better understanding of the risk factor system and its influence on agricultural decisions. The study can be used to help farmers more effectively assess risks and make better decisions by reducing potential losses and ensuring sustainable farm management. These results can also be used to develop practical tools for risk management and further research in this area.

THE SITUATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN LITHUANIA AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THEIR OPERATIONS

Justinas Petrusevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the situation of small business enterprises (SMEs) in Lithuania and the factors influencing their operations. Based on the analysis of legal documents, the definition of SMEs, their economic role, and main challenges have been identified. The study revealed that SME growth is constrained by a lack of financial resources, insufficient marketing strategies, limited technological capacity, and complex administrative procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the operational instability of these enterprises; however, an active trend of small business establishment indicates growing entrepreneurship. To promote SME development, state support and the implementation of innovations are essential.

FACTORS PROMOTING AND LIMITING THE APPLICATION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES IN AGRICULTURE

Kamilė Repečkaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the concept of the circular economy and the possibilities and obstacles of its application in agriculture. Agriculture uses a linear business model – "take, produce, dispose of", this model promotes consumption and waste generation, while the circular economy model focuses on sustainability, resource savings and waste recycling, which allows to reduce the use of natural resources and creates added value for the agricultural sector. The scientific literature distinguishes the following basic principles of the circular economy: reducing waste and pollution, recycling materials, using renewable resources and restoring ecosystems. The development of a circular economy in agriculture is faced with a number of stimulating and limiting factors that either encourage farms to apply the principles of the green economy in their farm activities and the transition to a circular business model, or create obstacles for agriculture to successfully adopt this model.

THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS OF THE INHERITANCE OF SMALL FARMS

Milena Cariova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Farm inheritance is a complex process determined by a number of economic, social and demographic factors. Since ancient times, agriculture has been passed down from generation to generation, but in the last decade, the trend has shown a decreasing interest in farming among young people. The aim of this study is to identify the economic and social factors of small farm inheritance. This study is based on a systematic analysis of scientific literature sources. 52 sources were used that examine the concept and processes of farm inheritance, economic and social factors that promote or hinder farm inheritance. Based on the analysis of scientific literature, the following factors hindering farm inheritance were identified: difficult working conditions in agriculture, lack of technological knowledge, urbanization, etc. Factors that promote farm inheritance were also identified, such as: state and European Union support, introduction of modern technologies, etc. The results of this study allow for a more detailed understanding of the challenges of small farm inheritance and appropriate solutions that could contribute to the development of the agricultural sector.

ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES OF BIOFUEL PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION IN THE TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Akvilina Jankauskė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

It is essential to assess the impact of biofuel production and consumption on the economy and the environment to identify key challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy development. This study analyzed the economic factors of biofuel production, identified environmental challenges related to consumption, and examined the prospects for the development of advanced biofuels as well as regulatory measures. The application of scientific literature analysis, document systematization, and synthesis methods revealed that although biofuels contribute to regional economic growth and strengthen energy independence, their production is associated with high costs and raw material price fluctuations. From an environmental perspective, conventional first-generation biofuels may lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Therefore, for the sustainable development of the sector, it is crucial to promote the production of biofuels from waste and non-food feedstock. To ensure the sustainability of biofuel feedstock production and enhance the sector’s competitiveness, it is necessary to improve sustainability regulation mechanisms and encourage investment in biofuel production infrastructure, which would help reduce dependence on first-generation biofuels and strengthen the sector’s resilience.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLASTIC RECYCLING IN THE BIOECONOMY

Anželika Oleksina — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Due to increased environmental concerns and demands for resource efficiency, recycling plastic is becoming increasingly important in the bioeconomy. This study assesses the efficacy of various recycling systems while analysing the effects of plastic recycling on sustainability and financial gains. The study uses case studies, statistical analysis, and comparative evaluation to identify patterns in managing plastic trash and how it fits into the circular economy. The findings show that mechanical recycling is still the most successful technique, despite plastic contamination and quality problems limiting its use. Recycling chemicals and biological materials has promise, but it will take more funding and technological development. Furthermore, research shows that recycled plastic dramatically cuts production costs and CO₂ emissions in various industries, including packaging, construction, and the automobile industry. However, different nations recycle different amounts of plastic, which emphasises the necessity of public awareness campaigns and regulatory changes. The study concludes that by promoting both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, plastic recycling is essential to the bioeconomy. Future research focused at improving recycling technology and encouraging sustainable resource management can build on the insights gained from this study.

EVALUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF LITHUANIAN BOVINE MEAT

Domantas Račkauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The production and export of Lithuanian bovine meat is an important part of the country's economy; however, in recent years, its competitiveness in the international market has been affected by significant external factors: the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, changing export market conditions, fluctuations in raw material and feed prices, and environmental regulations. This study analyzes the international competitiveness of the Lithuanian bovine sector, evaluating export dynamics and competitiveness indicators. Using the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) and Relative Trade Advantage (RTA) indices, it was found that the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine negatively affected the sector under investigation. Export volumes fluctuated, and significant demand changes were observed in some markets. The analysis of international competitiveness showed that the Lithuanian bovine sector was dynamic during the studied period, but despite the challenges, it managed to adapt to the changing conditions. The results of the study revealed that, although competitiveness declined in some segments, Lithuanian bovine exports maintained strong positions in certain product groups. This demonstrates that the sector is capable of responding to external factors and adapting to the changing international market.

CAUSES OF FOOD WASTE AND REDUCTION POSSIBILITIES

Simona Šimkevičiūtė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Food waste is a very sensitive problem in today's world, but people do not always realize that they are responsible for this problem and the ways to solve it. Food waste negatively affects not only the ecological environment, but also the economy and social environment. After conducting a scientific literature and comparative analysis, the concept of food waste is presented in a theoretical aspect, using a descriptive method, the differences between the concepts of "food waste" and "food loss" are described. After systematizing the statistical data, it is described what kind of food losses are experienced in the world, in Europe, and what structure of food waste prevails in Lithuania. Although food waste is prevalent at all stages of the food supply chain, households account for the largest share of food waste. Food at home spoils due to improper storage, improper unsupported order in the refrigerator, incorrectly estimated food needs, improper shopping habits, etc. Using the summarization method, suggestions for reducing food waste are presented, such as: planning food needs, choosing unattractive fruits or vegetables, storing food properly, understanding product labeling, using leftover food, and others.

PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL PUBLIC GOODS IN LESS FAVOURED AREAS

Gintarė Sivolovaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines the significance of areas with natural constraints in creating agricultural public goods, based on a scientific literature analysis. It discusses key natural limitations, including mountainous terrain, poor soil quality, extreme climate events, and water scarcity, which restrict agricultural productivity. However, these conditions contribute to the provision of public goods such as landscape preservation, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem stability. Through an analysis of scientific articles, EU policy documents, and international organization sources, the study finds that less intensive farming in these areas helps maintain ecological balance, reduces negative environmental impacts, and supports the creation of vital public goods. The findings highlight the importance of these territories from both natural and social perspectives, emphasizing their role in sustaining rural communities. The article underscores the critical role of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in promoting sustainable farming practices and preventing land abandonment. These areas, supported by traditional farming, emerge as key contributors to sustainable development.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF FRUITS AND BERRIES IN EU COUNTRIES

Deimantė Šliažienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines the international competitiveness of fruits and berries in European Union countries, taking into account the key factors that determine the growth and development of this sector. It aims to how production volumes, export and import trends, and price changes affect competitiveness within the European Union and in the global market. To assess the competitiveness of fruits and berries in EU countries, the article conducts a comparative analysis that helps identify the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in this sector, whose potential depends on adapting to economic, ecological, and technological market changes.

SUBJECTIVE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF RURAL POPULATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Viktoras Zinevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Global challenges, historical circumstances, political problems, or even crises have not stopped individuals from striving to ensure the security of their families, obtain the best material opportunities, and form a community, thus creating physical security.

In order to survive and create the best possible conditions, people developed their abilities, made friends and created friendships, and sought to become part of the community; this satisfied their well-being with the intention of achieving well-being and, with time, even to this day, they strive for it‘s to analyse, and present the concepts of various authors about the subjective economic well-being of rural residents. The study was based on various foreign and Lithuanian authors. Analysing the concepts of various authors, it was established that the concept is an integral part of every person's life. Subjective economic well-being is a very important process that can help the organisation this more easily understanding an employee's values and aspirations, achieving maximum usefulness. Personally determined priorities allow each participant in the surveys to include and assess the importance of certain aspects of economic well- being.

ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF BIM ON HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION

Arminas Anceravičius, Tatjana Sankauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the impact of Building Information Modeling (BIM) on the construction of hydraulic structures, highlighting its role in increasing efficiency and accuracy in project execution, fostering better collaboration among project stakeholders, and thus ensuring a comprehensive systematization of hydraulic structure construction. The study focuses on two hydraulic structures (the first and second alternatives) that share similar technological solutions and intended purposes, with their construction projects implemented in 2020 and 2023. The research method used is the multi-criteria analysis COPRAS method, which evaluates and compares alternatives by calculating their utility level based on the weight and results of each criterion, allowing for the identification of the optimal choice. A list of qualitative criteria was established based on key evaluation aspects, and a survey of hydraulic construction experts was conducted to determine the significance of each criterion by analyzing the highest assigned scores. The analysis compared projects executed using BIM and traditional methods. The COPRAS method determined that the BIM-based project (the first alternative) outperformed the other in several key criteria, including work efficiency, detailing of complex structures, and project modifications. According to expert evaluations, these are the most critical factors influencing the successful implementation of a project.

ANALYSIS OF SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS FOR THE DESIGN OF WATER SUPPLY AND DOMESTIC WASTEWATER NETWORKS

Aistė Baukytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines three computer programs for the design of water supply and wastewater networks: EPANET, WaterNET CAD and CIVIL 3D. CIVIL 3D stood out after testing the tools of the selected programs. When comparing its capabilities with the other two, it has the advantage of being able to draw longitudinal profiles of the utility networks very quickly and quickly, and of being able to upload a topographic photograph to the programme, which produces a 3D representation of the existing land surface. A multi-criteria evaluation of selected software for the design of water supply and wastewater networks, which included three methods: entropy, expert pairwise comparison and multi-criteria utility value, found that Civil 3D is the most suitable software. According to the evaluation criteria: automatic profiling, calculation of hydraulic losses, cost of the software, BIM adaptation and automatic generation of the required tables, it was found that, when the significance of the criteria is not evaluated, CIVIL 3D is the rational choice of the software, with WaterNETCAD in second place, and the least suitable software being EPANET. After taking into account the subjective significance of the criteria, where the most important criterion in the expert pairwise comparison method was the profiling, the most appropriate choice is also the CIVIL 3D programme with 39.5% (percentage, which is the programme's advantage over the other two programmes compared). The CIVIL 3D programme remains the most appropriate choice after assessing the theoretical significance of the criteria with 40%. The multi-criteria evaluation of the water supply and sewerage network design software using the "TOPSIS" method found that CIVIL 3D is the best choice (52%).

WATER STATUS OF ONE RIVER AND SELECTION OF RESTORATION MEASURES

Gedmantas Bradauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyses the physicochemical indicators of the Praviena River, located in the municipality of Kaišiadorys district, which belongs to the Nemunas small tributary basin, and evaluates the ecological class of water quality and analyses the potential measures for its restoration. The indicators analysed are: nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), total nitrogen (Nb), phosphate phosphorus (PO4-P), total phosphorus (Pb), biochemical oxygen demand over 7 days (BOD7) and dissolved oxygen in water (O2). According to the methodology for determining the class of surface water bodies (On surface water..., 2001) and the values of the physico-chemical indicators, the river was found to have: very poor ecological potential in 2021, very poor in 2022, very poor in 2023, poor in 2024, poor in 2025 (according to the Kaisiadorys..., 2024). The worst quality element indicators are oxygen (O2) - 4 mg/l (2024 01), biochemical oxygen demand over 7 days (BOD7) - 8,6 mg/l (2023 05), ammonium nitrogen (NH4) - 2,2 mg/l (2021 01), nitrate nitrogen (NH3 - N) - 3,1 mg/l (2023 02), total nitrogen (Nb) - 13,26 mg/l (2025 01), phosphate phosphorus (PO4-P) - 0,91 mg/l (2022 02) and total phosphorus (Pb) - 1,98 mg/l (2023 04) The analysis of the literature has shown that renaturalisation can be an effective tool to improve the ecological status of a river affected by anthropogenic activities, and the most appropriate renaturalisation measures to improve the ecological status of the water quality have been selected, taking into account the indicators of the Praviena River identified in the studies. It is recommended to take into account the characteristics of the specific stretch of the river and to base the selection of specific solutions, i.e. the detailed design of the restoration measures, on economic and ecological criteria.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONDITION OF DRAINAGE SYSTEMS USING REMOTE SENSING METHODS

Dovydas Butkus — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article analyzes the condition of drainage systems in the Upyna cadastral area of the Telšiai district using three methods: visual analysis, evaluation of orthophotographic images, and precise positioning technology—utilizing an RTK (Real-Time Kinematic Positioning) drone with a multispectral camera. The research methods were compared in terms of accuracy, time, and cost to determine their effectiveness in planning drainage system reconstruction. The results showed that visual analysis accurately identified waterlogged areas and collector outlets, while the analysis of orthophotographic images helped assess changes in waterlogged areas over time. The images obtained by the drone did not precisely reveal the locations of drainage systems or waterlogged areas but provided additional information on crop conditions and drought-affected areas. Optimal results can be achieved by combining all three research methods. Although remote studies require less time and expand the scope of research, they demand significant financial and technical resources as well as specialized knowledge.

STUDY OF EMBANKMENT CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND SOIL SUITABILITY

Donata Maževičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Soil stabilization includes various methods aimed at improving soil properties by strengthening its structure and increasing its resistance to environmental factors. This can be achieved by mechanical, chemical technologies, using geosynthetic materials or biological solutions. These methods reduce the risk of deformation, cracking and erosion, ensuring better stability and durability of the built infrastructure.

Before starting any soil stabilization work, it is necessary to conduct detailed laboratory tests to accurately assess the soil properties and determine which methods are most effective. Laboratory tests allow for analyses that help to understand the soil grain size, moisture content, plasticity limits and other factors that determine stabilization processes. Such tests provide a basis for selecting the most suitable stabilization materials, avoiding excessively expensive and useless solutions.

In this work, laboratory tests are performed to determine the origin of soils for the preparation of stabilization projects. Static slab loading tests are also performed before and after stabilization.

ANALYSIS OF THE DURABILITY OF KLAIPEDA SEAPORT QUAYS

Šarūnas Stirbys — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Klaipėda Seaport is a vital part of Lithuania's economy, and it is essential to monitor and maintain its infrastructure so that it can function without disruption or disaster. This work focuses on the durability of the infrastructure of the Klaipėda Seaport, with a focus on metal sheet piles. Steel sheet piles are probably the most important material used in quay construction. The main problem of such piles in terms of durability is their corrosion. Whether it is salt water from the sea or fresh water from rivers and lakes, steel corrodes faster or slower when exposed to the environment.

For this study, measurements were carried out by a team of professional divers who have the experience and the appropriate equipment to carry out this study. The paper provides information on the design thicknesses of the metal and the existing corrosion effects. The diagnostic methods used during the survey are: chamber, visual and instrumental. During the whole study, information was collected on eleven quays in the Klaipėda harbour, which were constructed between 1957 and 1987 from three types of steel sheet metal, such as Larsen IV, V, VII.

THE NEED FOR MODERNIZATION OF LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN AKMENĖ DISTRICT

Aida Smilgė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Drainage systems that ensure proper moisture conditions and reduce the risk of waterlogging are essential for agricultural productivity. However, many of these systems in Lithuania, installed in the second half of the 20th century, are outdated and require modernization. Insufficient maintenance and aging systems can lead to negative environmental consequences, such as soil degradation and water eutrophication. The need to modernize drainage structures arises due to increasing climate change impacts and environmental requirements. Effective modernization solutions, such as controlled drainage and innovative technologies, could reduce water losses, improve drainage functionality, and contribute to more sustainable agricultural development. In Lithuania, it is important to increase investment in the renovation of drainage structures to ensure long-term infrastructure functionality and competitiveness in agriculture.

In Akmenė District, the area of drained land amounts to 56,188.80 hectares, and the depreciation rate of drainage structures reaches 68.87%. The poorest condition of drainage infrastructure in 2025 is observed in the Papilė cadastral area, while the best condition is found in the Alkiškiai area. The methods used for the research include data selection and systematization, graphical data representation methods, and GIS analysis.

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS

Estera Šneideraitienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyzes the efficiency and environmental impact of four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in different cities (A, B, C, and D) using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The study focuses on key operational processes of WWTPs, by the seven days biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₇), total phosphorus (P_t), and total nitrogen (N_t) removal efficiency, electricity consumption, sludge management, and transportation. The results indicate that all analyzed WWTPs ensure high organic matter removal efficiency (>92% BOD₇); however, significant differences were observed in nitrogen and phosphorus removal rates. The life cycle assessment revealed that B and C WWTPs have the highest electricity consumption, directly contributing to a greater global warming impact. Sludge treatment was identified as the most significant source of environmental impact, particularly in eutrophication and acidification., with the greatest impact observed in the WWTP of city C. Improving treatment technologies, optimizing sludge management, and reducing energy consumption can significantly enhance the environmental performance of wastewater treatment plants. Future research should cover a wider range of treatment processes and incorporate long-term data analysis for more accurate insights into WWTPs' environmental impact.

HIDROMORFOLOGINIŲ SĄLYGŲ ĮVERTINIMAS KROVININĖS LAIVYBOS KELIUI NUO KAUNO IKI RUKLOS

Benas Šniaukas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Lietuvoje plečiamas eksploatuojamų vidaus vandens kelių tinklas prisideda prie Europos žaliojo kurso vystant efektyvią, saugią ir aplinką tausojančią transporto rūšį. Vandens kelio ruožas nuo Kauno iki Ruklos yra potencialus krovinių gabenimui, todėl šiame straipsnyje yra analizuojamos šio ruožo hidromorfologinės sąlygos. Turint Jonavos vandens matavimų stoties (VMS) hidrologinių duomenų eilę ir upės reljefo modelį SRM, skaičiuojami ir modeliuojami projektiniai vandens lygiai visame upės ruože.

Jonavos VMS stoties projektinio vandens lygio ir debito hidrologiniai skaičiavimai atlikti dviem metodais: empiriniu „Excel“ skaičiuoklėje ir matematiniu naudojant programinę įrangą „HyfranPlus“. Abiem atvejais gauti rezultatai lyginami tarpusavyje. Toliau pagal apskaičiuotas hidrologines pakraštines sąlygas su programine įranga HEC-RAS sumodeliuotas projektinis vandens lygis visame upės ruože.

Hidrologiniai skaičiavimai leido nustatyti pradines pakraštines sąlygas, kurios buvo naudojamos hidrodinaminio modelio sudarymui. Gauti rezultatai parodo nustatytas žemiausias galimas vandens lygio altitudžių reikšmes pagal 95 % tikimybę, kiekviename Neries upės kilometre tarp Kauno ir Ruklos. Šie duomenys yra reikalingi kaip pagrindas krovininės laivybos galimybių vertinimui.

ANALYSIS OF THE CONDITION OF DRAINAGE DITCHES IN UKMERGĖ DISTRICT

Gabrielė Užkurytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The condition of drainage ditches in the Ukmergė district was analyzed in the study. The aim was to assess the technical wear of the ditches, the main deformations, and the effectiveness of the measures applied to the drainage ditches, such as shrub removal, sediment cleaning, renewal or replacement of inlets and culverts. The research methods included document analysis, visual assessment, GIS analysis, and comparison of statistical data. The total length of drainage ditches in the Ukmergė district reaches 1,527 km, with wear levels reaching 80-85 percent. Hydraulic capacity has decreased due to sediment accumulation, erosion, beaver dams, and overgrowth with shrubs. Between 2018 and 2024, the area of arable land in the Ukmergė district increased by 11.2 percent, further increasing the load on the ditches. It was determined that between 2019 and 2024, investments in improving drainage systems amounted to 5 million euros; however, due to inconsistent and insufficient funding, the condition of the drainage systems remains poor. Continuous maintenance of the ditches and stable funding are necessary.

ASSESSMENT AND PROTECTION OF TREE MICROHABITATS DURING FINAL FELLINGS

Rokas Bučinskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The inventory of trees left for biodiversity conservation was conducted in 2023–2024. In the planned final felling areas of the Varėna regional division - Musteika, Kaniava, and Perloja forestry districts—tree microhabitats were identified using the microhabitat catalog. A total of 53 final felling plots were identified. The highest average conservation value score by diameter was recorded in the 7th diameter group. The majority of trees left for biodiversity conservation were Scots pines. The most common tree microhabitat was the coarse bark structure. The highest conservation value score (658 CVS) was recorded in the future final felling plots within the Kaniava forestry district, with scores calculated per 10 ha area.

FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PRACTICES OF AGROFORESTRY: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES

Raytė Bugvilionytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Climate change is a major threat to the world, and one of its drivers is intensive agriculture and the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, which leads to soil degradation. Deforestation, which increases greenhouse gas emissions and reduces stored carbon, also contributes to the problem. This problem is leading to interest in sustainable agricultural methods, one of which is agroforestry. In Lithuania, this topic has not been widely studied and there is very little systematic synthesis of information compared to foreign scientific works. Therefore, it is necessary to start the systematization of information, which will reveal the concept of agroforestry, its characteristics and the types of practices used. In this paper, an analysis and synthesis of the scientific literature has been carried out according to thematic relevance. The concept of agroforestry has a basic principle in different sources, namely the cultivation of perennial woody plants on the same agricultural land with crops and/or livestock. The main characteristics of the system are more than two results and a duration of more than two years. Agroforestry has a positive impact on soil and biodiversity. According to the nature of its components, agroforestry practices are classified as silvopastoral, agrosilvopastoral and agrosilvopastoral systems.

COMPARISON OF SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS) AND MOUNTAIN PINE (PINUS MUGO) BRUSHWOOD VOLUME AS COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURES IN THE CURONIAN SPIT.

Kornelija Dambrauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The Curonian Spit experiences intensive sand migration, making it particularly important to ensure the stability of protective dune ridges by employing effective coastal management methods. The aim of this study was to compare the branch volume of mountain pine (Pinus mugo) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), evaluating their suitability for strengthening the protective dune ridge. Measurements of branch volume and mass for both pine species were conducted in the Curonian Spit National Park using weighing and xylometric methods. Results revealed that mountain pine branches have a higher volumetric mass compared to Scots pine, leading to greater density and mechanical resilience. This gives mountain pine branches higher efficiency for dune stabilization, particularly on the western slopes heavily exposed to strong winds, whereas Scots pine branches are more suitable for protecting the upper dune ridge from wind erosion. Both species demonstrated a strong correlation between branch diameter, volume, and mass, indicating these parameters can effectively predict biomass amounts necessary for coastal management. Further research should focus on accurately determining stack volumes and calculating the precise quantity of branches required per unit area, optimizing coastal management practices and ensuring their long-term effectiveness.

DIFFERENCES IN SPRING PHENOLOGY OF NORTHERN SPRUCE CLONES IN THE SEED ORCHARD OF THE TRAKAI REGIONAL UNIT OF THE PRAVIENIŠKĖS FOREST DISTRICT

Paulius Juozas Janušauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Norway spruce (Picea abies L. H. Karst.) is an economically and ecologically important species throughout Europe, but the warming climate contributes to the deterioration of the condition of spruce forests in Lithuania and Europe. The study assessed the synchrony of sporification of tree clones growing in the second-generation seed orchard of Norway spruce, located in the Pravieniškės forest district of the Trakai regional division of the State Forest Enterprise (code 08ESP031), which allows determining the possibilities of crossing between different clones. The study was conducted in 2023–2024, evaluating a part of the seed orchard clones - 549 ramets. The phenological phases of female and male strobiles and vegetative buds of each tree were assessed according to the TREES4FUTURE (2006) phenology assessment methodology. In order to facilitate comparison of clones, the observed clones were divided into 8 regions of origin and their spring phenology was compared. Such data are significant both for the improvement of the seed base and for forest selection work, as they allow the selection of clones best adapted to local conditions. It was established that both in 2023 and 2024, the clones of the Ignalina and Vilnius populations had the highest stage of vegetative buds, and the ones in Telšiai had the lowest stage.

PROSPECTS FOR USING THE „LIDAR_DR_LT“, GROUND SURFACE LASER SCANNING SATA SET IN THE STATE FOREST ENTERPRISE AND THE FACTORS INFLUENCING IT

Karolis Kimbirauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Remote sensing is increasingly being used in forestry to obtain various parameters. The State Forest Enterprise (liet. VĮ Valstybinė miškų urėdija) conducts forest stand volume calculations by using remote sensing methods, utilizing specific forest stand measurements, the "Lidar_DR_LT" ground surface laser scanning dataset provided by the National Land Service under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the "Random Forest" algorithm. The aim of this study is to assess the potential and influencing factors of using the mentioned dataset in forest plot inventories by comparing and analyzing parameters obtained through remote sensing methods with the data from the 2023-2024 field-based forest inventory.

The study results indicate that the accuracy and applicability of the obtained indicators can be significantly influenced by forest stand parameters such as age, dominant tree species, density, and stratification. This method of calculating forest stand parameters could be a potential tool, however, a broader study is needed to determine whether it can be used to support traditional forest inventory or even partially replace it. This dataset and its continuous updating may allow the consistent and continuous updating of forest stand parameters on a large scale.

CONDITION OF PINE TREES AND ANNUAL DIAMETER GROWTH IN A WARMING CLIMATE

Karolina Leškytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Understanding the impact of climate change on the condition and growth of different-aged pine forests (mature and middle-aged) at the Aukštaitija complex monitoring station is crucial. This study aimed to identify significant relationships between meteorological factors and their effects on forest responses. Over 30 years of annual growth data for pine trees and key meteorological parameters were used, following the UNECE ICP IM methodology for monitoring conditionally natural ecosystems. Dendrochronological methods revealed both direct and complex effects of meteorological factors on trunk diameter growth changes. The analysis showed a statistically significant increase in precipitation and temperature over the 31-year study period. Middle-aged forests were more sensitive to changes, with average defoliation ranging from 13% to 27%, while mature forests showed a fluctuation of around 15proc. since 2000. Growth increased from 1993 to 2006, followed by a decline from 2006 to 2024 in both age categories. Correlation analysis indicated that higher precipitation in September and elevated temperatures in June adversely affected the crown condition of pines, increasing defoliation and suppressing annual growth. The findings illustrate varying responses to climate change stressors among pine forests of different ages, signifying a serious threat to forest ecosystems.

PRODUCTIVITY AND SANITARY CONDITION OF MIDDLE-AGED RED OAK STANDS

Leonardas Mekionis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study analyzed the productivity and sanitary condition of middle-aged red oak (Quercus rubra L.) stands. Fourteen red oak stands were selected for the study across three different regional divisions: Prienai, Trakai, and Druskininkai. All examined stands were classified into three conditional age groups: 60–65, 70–75, and 80–85 years.

To achieve the study’s objective, quantitative indicators of red oak stands were analyzed, including tree height, diameter, branch thickness, crown length, branchless stem section, and volume. Additionally, qualitative indicators such as stem straightness and Kraft class were evaluated. The sanitary condition of the stands was also assessed.

The analysis of the results revealed that the highest average height (27 m) and diameter (30 cm) were observed in 80–85-year-old red oak stands. The highest proportion of crooked trees (34.3%) was recorded in 70–75-year-old stands. The greatest number of trees with thick branches (26.5%) was found in 60–65-year-old red oak stands. The best tree development indicators were identified in 80–85-year-old stands, where the proportion of suppressed trees was the lowest. The longest crowns (15 m) and the largest branchless stem section (12 m) were observed in 80–85-year-old stands. The highest average volume (597 m³/ha) was achieved in 80–85-year-old stands. All age groups of stands exhibited a moderate sanitary condition.

THE EFFECT OF FOREST LAND EXPANSION ON GREENHOUSE GAS UPTAKE AND EMISSIONS

Viktorija Narmontienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the impact of afforestation on the carbon sequestration potential in the Jonavos district using two scenarios. The first scenario involves the immediate afforestation of all suitable areas, while the second entails a gradual afforestation, beginning with zones of highest suitability. The analysis is based on a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator developed in accordance with IPCC guidelines and using data from the Lithuanian National Forest Inventory. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that faster afforestation leads to a significantly greater accumulation of carbon in biomass – the difference amounts to 854.3 t C in 2024 and 1854.2 t C in 2033, corresponding to a 38.2% improvement compared to the gradual afforestation scenario. Moreover, the rapid afforestation scenario was found to increase carbon accumulation by an additional 648 kg C per hectare by the end of the modeled period. The study results underscore the importance of forest restoration as a climate change mitigation measure and reveal the potential of optimized afforestation strategies in enhancing carbon sequestration. The data suggest that the integrated use of land-use data with dynamic modeling methods can substantially refine carbon budget estimates and support science-based decision-making in climate policy..

FOREIGN COUNTRIES' (SWEDEN, POLAND AND GERMANY) EXPERIENCE IN FSC AND PEFC FOREST CERTIFICATION AND POSSIBILITIES OF IMPLEMENTING THIS EXPERIENCE IN LITHUANIAN FORESTRY

Justinas Rainys — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

FSC and PEFC are globally recognized forest certification systems aimed at ensuring sustainable forest management through social, ecological, and economic principles. This article analyzes the experiences of Sweden, Germany, Poland, and Lithuania in implementing FSC standards, with the goal of identifying best practices that could be adapted for Lithuanian forestry. The study reveals that forest certification as a concept contributes to addressing global challenges such as biodiversity conservation and improvements in social conditions. However, the successful adoption of foreign forestry practices in Lithuania requires careful consideration of the fact that each country’s certification system is shaped by its unique legal and cultural context - thus, practices cannot be directly transferred or implemented without adaptation. Expert interviews revealed that while FSC requirements are effectively implemented in Lithuania, for example, biodiversity-focused initiatives tend to be evaluated more through quantitative indicators than qualitative outcomes. Although the PEFC system is generally seen as easier to implement, it lacks clear prospects in Lithuania due to low demand and a market environment dominated by FSC.

ANALYSIS OF FLORISTIC COVER AND SOIL OF THE MAPLE SPECIES PLOTS OF THE SKINDERISKIS DENDROPARK

Dovydas Reliūga — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The study was carried out in the Skinderiškis Dendrological Park, where maple trees and soil from 11 sample sites and the floristic cover of the understorey were analysed. A literature review, a description of the understorey floristic cover of the maple species and their differences, an assessment and analysis of the soil pH and trace elements of the different maple species, a graphical representation of the results and a comparison of the results were carried out. The plots contained 53 different herbaceous plant species of which 1 is invasive (Heracleum sosnowskyi) and 1 alien (Bryonia sp.). Aegopodium podagraria was found in all plots, Urtica dioica in 5 plots. The highest number of different herbaceous plant species was observed in plots 20 and 18, with Acer mono and Acer mandshuricum. The densest vegetation is found in plot 20, which is covered with Acer mono.

The most acidic soil is found near the Acer tataricum and the most alkaline soil near the various maple trees. Total nitrogen is low or very low almost everywhere, mobile phosphorus is particularly high in parcel 11 (unnaturally), and mobile potassium, calcium and magnesium concentrations are too high in all parcels.

The highly interdependent soil elements are mobile magnesium and mobile calcium and the highest inverse correlation between nitrogen (ammonia) and pH.

The most potent soil chemistry modifiers are Acer mono, Acer pseudoplatanus and Acer ibericus.

POSSIBILITIES OF USING THE LASER SCANNING METHOD IN ASSESSING TREE DEFOLIATION AND OTHER DENDROMETRIC PARAMETERS

Simona Sajonė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyzes the possibilities of using laser scanning (LiDAR) technology in forestry to assess tree defoliation and other dendrometric parameters. Modern forestry is trying to use as many modern technologies as possible in order to facilitate and simplify human work and eliminate the possibility of human error. Traditional methods of measuring stands provide a greater opportunity to determine the results by influencing the human factor, and also require more human labor.

The study examines the advantages and disadvantages of LiDAR when using this technology to determine tree height, crown dimensions and defoliation level, as well as their comparison with traditional methods. Experimental measurements were carried out in the forests of Ignalina district using a DJI Matrice 350 RTK drone with a Zenmuse L2 laser scanner. During the study, the results of scanning at different heights and their accuracy compared to manual measurements were evaluated.

The results show that LiDAR technology provides high measurement accuracy, the average error in tree height measurements was up to 0.5 meters, and the accuracy of defoliation assessment reached 5%, compared to 10–20% error in visual observations. However, the disadvantage of this technology is the high cost of purchasing a drone, scanner and software. Also, considering the volume of data obtained, extremely powerful computer equipment is required.

The conclusions presented in the article state that this is a very promising method for facilitating the work of a forester and making faster decisions, especially in critical situations

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MEASURES TO PROTECT YOUNG PLANTATIONS FROM DAMAGE CAUSED BY WILD BEASTS

Kristina Stripeikienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The effectiveness of fencing against game damage and its impact on the formation of young forest stands was investigated for forest plantations established in the period 2017-2021. To compare the effectiveness, plots fenced and plots protected with repellents were studied. The study was carried out in state forests located in the Plateliai, Plungė, Teneniai and Varniai Forest Districts of the Telšiai Regional Unit of the State Forests Enterprise. The degree of tree damage was assessed in 211 plots located in thirty plots. Fenced areas in state forests in the territory of the SFE Telšiai RU account for only a very small part of the protected plantations (6.75 %). The highest number of fenced areas was in 2017 (23.3 ha) and 2021 (21.1 ha), while in 2019 only 9.9 ha of plantations were fenced. The effectiveness of fencing as a measure to restrict the movement of game was found to be high when assessing fence damage, as the length of the damaged fence is only 0.42% of the total fence length. This shows that the fences are fulfilling their protective function. When examining the plant quantification (number of trees) in the fenced and repellent-protected areas, the ANOVA test was performed and the p-value was found to be > 0. 05, there was no statistically significant difference between the repellent-protected plots and the plots in the fenced areas. The percentage of severely damaged and dead trees was lower in the fenced areas (2.75 %) than in the repellent-protected areas (4.86 %). The fenced areas not only have a lower level of damage, but also protect a particularly valuable tree species, the oak tree, thus allowing the production of healthy stands that are not damaged by wild animals, thus enriching forest biodiversity.

QUALITY RESEARCH OF SCOTS PINE (PINUS SYLVESTRIS) CONES AND SEEDS

Renata Vaškevičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In this paper, based on the literature analysis, several objectives were identified and addressed to determine the morphological differences of cones in different seed plantations and to calculate the seed yield from cones from different seed plantations. The cones analysed were collected from the seed plantations in Ukmergė, Trakai and Druskininkai and from the genetic nursery in Alytus. The cones were analysed in 2023 and 2024. The information in the literature on average cone weight and seed yield was found to be consistent with the results obtained during the analysis. In addition to this, analysis showed that the morphological characteristics of mature pine cones differ in different areas, for example, in Alytus and Druskininkai, the dominant group of pine cones were the pine cones from 5 centimeters length group, while in Ukmergė and Trakai - 4 centimeters group.

CHANGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATION IN LITHUANIAN FORESTRY ENTERPRISES

Raimundas Vikšniauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines changes in innovations implemented by forestry service companies by comparing the results of surveys conducted in 2005 and 2024. The primary objective of the study is to identify innovations applied in the forestry service sector, the factors facilitating and hindering their implementation, and trends in innovation adoption over time. The research data were collected using the expert questionnaire survey method. In selecting expert groups, a key criterion was applied: the group must possess the necessary expertise to provide reliable and insightful responses to the survey questions and the problem under investigation. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, including frequency distributions, means, and percentages.

The findings indicate that the Lithuanian forestry sector is gradually transitioning towards a digital management model, enhancing operational efficiency. However, this technological transformation also presents challenges, particularly in terms of workforce upskilling and the ability of companies to adapt to rapidly evolving market conditions. The results of the 2024 survey highlight that the key drivers of innovation development are emerging market trends, increasing demand for new products and services, and improved dissemination of information on innovation.

In conclusion, the evolution and nature of innovation in the forestry sector may have been influenced by the EU Green Deal policy, changes in innovation support mechanisms, and other external factors

LEGAL REGULATION OF SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY: A CASE STUDY OF FIVE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Donatas Vorušila — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article "Legal regulation of sustainable forestry: A case study of five European countries" aims to analyze the concept of sustainable forestry and its legal regulation in Lithuania, Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and Finland.

The research employs a document and legal act analysis method, which is used to identify and briefly discuss the key legal documents governing sustainable forestry in these countries. Through a comparative analysis and the use of existing studies, the research identifies the core principles, commonalities, and differences in sustainable forestry among Lithuania, Germany, Latvia, Sweden, and Finland.

Previous studies and publications provide a basis for confirming, refuting, emphasizing, or justifying key aspects, as well as discussing how these countries implement sustainable forestry principles and the legal and practical challenges they face. The analyzed cases demonstrate that ensuring sustainable forestry requires not only strict legal regulation but also effective implementation and adherence to international standards.

The article concludes that the success of sustainable forestry depends on national and international efforts aimed at forest conservation and climate change mitigation.

EVALUATION OF THE LAYOUT OF THE DIFFERENT PINE PLANTATIONS IN THE VAIŠVYDAVA FORESTRY

Donatas Zeleniakas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The master's thesis analyzes which layout variants of Scots pine are optimal for the conditions of Lithuania's forest ecosystems. The research was conducted in the Vaišvydava forestry unit of the Dubrava Regional Division, within a demonstration-experimental and educational plantation complex, where four layout variants of Scots pine seedlings were planted. The data was processed using Microsoft Excel. The aim of the study was to determine which layout variant of Scots pine seedlings ensures the best quantitative and qualitative parameters, as well as the best condition, in 27-year-old plantations.

Data analysis showed that the initial layout of the seedlings had an impact on tree diameter and stem volume. Specifically, as the spacing between rows increased and the spacing within the rows decreased, the values of these indicators increased, while seedling survival rates decreased. When evaluating the quality parameters and condition of the Scots pine plantations, it was found that the best results were obtained in the fourth layout variant, where the spacing between rows was 2 meters, and the spacing within the rows was 0.84 meters.

INVESTIGATION OF PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT POTATO CULTIVARS

Ingrida Bakanaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The objective of the study was to assess the productivity of different potato cultivars. The potatoes of different cultivars were cultivated on a farmer‘s field in Jagėliškiai village, Šakiai district, in 2024. The soil of the experimental plot was light loamy, slightly unsaturated, typical leached soil ((Haplic Luvisol). The subject of the study included potatoes of the following cultivars: ‘Melody’, ‘Aztec Gold’,’Madrid’and ‘Montreal’. The reported indicators include: the average tuber weight per plant, the average numbers of tubers per plant and the average tuber weight.

The highest tuber productivity per plant was recorded of the ‘Melody’ variety, while the lowest was observed for the‘Aztec Gold’ variety. It was determined that the variety had significantly effect on the average tuber weight per plant. Furthermore, the variety also had a substantial influence on the average number of tubers per plant as well as the average tuber weight of a one tuber. A comparison was made between farm-planted cultivar ‘Melody’ potatoes and new potatoes cultivars the ‘Aztec Gold’,’Madrid’and ‘Montreal’ to evaluate which cultivar could potentially replace ‘Melody’ in agricultural practice.

INFLUENCE OF SOWING TIME AND SEED RATE ON OVERWINTERING AND PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER BARLEY (HORDEUM SATIVUM L.)

Akvilė Balsytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The main objective of the study was to investigate the influence of sowing time and seed rate on winter barley overwintering and productivity. The experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 at the Vytautas Magnus University Academy of Agriculture Experimental Station. The soil granulometric composition is light loam on medium and heavy loam. The arable layer of the soil is 20–25 cm thick. The agrochemical properties of the experimental soil were studied in 2020. Soil pH 6.0–6.7, phosphorus content on average 285.8 mg kg^-1, and potassium content–240.0 mg kg^-1. In the two-factor experiment, factor A: different sowing time (August 25, September 5 and 15 day), factor B: different seed rate (2, 3 and 4 million units ha^-1). The experiment was conducted in four replicates.

The highest number of germinated plants (427, 389 and 435 pcs. m^-2) was found in crops where winter barley was sown at a seed rate of 4 million pcs. ha^-1, compared to crops where winter barley was sown at a seed rate of 2 million pcs. ha^-1 and 3 million pcs. ha^-1. Sowing time did not have a significant impact on winter barley germination. Winter barley sown at the earliest date (August 25), at a seed rate of 3 million pcs. ha^-1 and 2 million pcs. ha^-1 had the best winter survival (89.8 and 86.2 percent). The highest winter barley productivity (9.30 t ha^-1) was found on September 15 at a seed rate of 3 million pcs. ha^-1 seed rate in the sown crop, and the lowest (6.75 t ha^-1) in the crop sown on August 25, in which the seed rate is 4 million units ha^-1.

EFFECT OF MICRONUTRIENT FERTILISERS ON GRAIN QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT SOWN AT DIFFERENT TIMES

Erika Berenytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of micronutrient fertilisers on grain quality of winter wheat sown at different times. The experiment was carried out in the years 2023-2024 at the Experimental Station of the Academy of Agriculture of Vytautas Magnus University. The test station is located in the south-western part of Kaunas city, in the territory of Noreikiškės municipality. The variety of winter wheat selected for the study was 'Skagen', with a seed rate of 2 million units ha^-1, sown with the ACCORD 'm-drill' (Germany) seed drill. In a two-factorial experiment, the effect of micronutrient fertilisers on grain quality was studied in winter wheat sown on four different sowing dates (7 September, 14 September, 21 September and 28 September). The statistical reliability of the data was evaluated by two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) from the software package SELECTION. The study showed that early sowing and the application of micronutrient fertilisers had a positive effect on the grain quality of winter wheat. The highest protein (12,3 proc.), gluten (25,0 proc.) and hectolitre weight (71,7 kg hl^-1) were found in the early sown crop (7 September), when winter wheat was additionally fertilised with micronutrients. Significantly the lowest protein (10,7-10,9 proc.), gluten (20,3 proc.) and hectolitre weight (68,5-8,7 kg hl^-1) were found in the late sown fields (21 September and 28 September) which were not subjected to any additional micronutrient fertilisation. The use of micronutrient fertilisers was particularly important in the case of the late sowing, as it significantly increased the grain quality parameters and thus partly compensated for the unfavourable growing conditions.

EFFECT OF SOWING TIME AND SEED RATE O THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER WHEAT

Modesta Bielskyte — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

For winter wheat in autumn, it is particularly important to choose the optimum sowing time and seed rate for maximum grain yields. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of sowing time and seed rate on crop productivity. The field experiment was carried out between 2023 and 2024 at the Experimental Station of the Academy of Agriculture of Vytautas Magnus University. The experiment is a two-factorial design. Factor A - seed rate, factor, B - sowing time. In the experiment, winter wheat was sown at four different sowing dates: 7, 14, 21, 28 September and at four seed rates: 5,0; 4,0; 3,0; 2,0 million seeds ha^-1. Each variant was installed in six replications. Winter wheat density was determined three times during the growing season (BBCH 30–32, BBCH 57–58 and BBCH 84–87). The soil of the field experiment had a medium loam soil grain size composition. The topsoil has a neutral reaction (pH 7,1), medium humus content (1,85 %), high phosphorus content (P₂O₅ 234 mg kg^-1) and medium calcium content (K₂O 126 mg kg^-1). The selected variety is 'Skagen'. Winter wheat was fertilised with N₁₇₂, P₃₆, K₃₆ kg ha^-1 throughout the growing season. At BBCH 30–32, the densest crop was formed in the optimum sowing (14 September) at a rate of 5 million seeds ha^-1 (1384 stems), and the sparsest crop was formed in the early sowing (7 September) at a rate of 3 million seeds ha^-1 and in the late sowing (28 September) at a rate of 4 million seeds ha^-1. The second measurement (BBCH 57–58) showed a reduction of between 10.0 and 49.4 % of the stems compared to the first measurement. The third measurement (BBCH 84–87) showed that the significantly densest crop (720 stems m^-2) was formed in the late sown wheat at the rate of 5 million seeds ha^-1. Significantly the highest yields were found in the optimum sowing (21 September) at 5 and 4 million seed units per ha^-1 rate.

RESEARCH ON WINTER RAPESEED CROP USING DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNOLOGIES

Justas Blockis, Darija Jodaugienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Recently, more and more environmentally friendly tillage systems have been becoming more widespread, one of which is strip tillage and seeding. That is why a field experiment was conducted at the VDU Agricultural Academy Training Farm in 2023–2024. The winter rapeseed variety 'Desperado' was chosen for the study. Two tillage technologies were compared in a field experiment: 1. Conventional - plowing; 2. Strip tillage. The study assessed the impact of different rapeseed growing technologies on soil temperature and moisture after the resumption of winter rapeseed vegetation in spring, soil respiration - biological activity during the rapeseed vegetation period, and soil agrochemical properties before harvest. The study found that soil temperature in winter rapeseed crops was higher in most cases when conventional tillage technology was used. The temperature in the strip tillage fields was uneven, i.e. in the rows of plants it was like that in the ploughed soil, and in the interrow, where most of the plant residues were distributed, it was lower. Different soil preparation and sowing methods affected moisture distribution and microbial activity. Different cultivation technologies did not significantly affect the agrochemical properties of the soil after winter rapeseed harvest, except for total nitrogen. A significantly larger (37,2 %) total nitrogen content was found in fields using conventional - arable technology.

EFFECT OF SOWING TIME AND FOLIAR FERTILISER ON GRAIN YIELD AND QUALITY IN WINTER WHEAT

Dominykas Butkus — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The field experiment was carried out from 2023 to 2024 in Marijampolė municipality, Meškučiai village, on the farm of Gintarė Butkienė. The site of the experiment is dominated by brown earth. The soil has a granulometric composition of dusty light loam. The soil productivity score is 65,3. Object of the study: winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar 'Etana' sown at different times and subjected to different foliar fertilisation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different sowing times and foliar application of potassium and titanium fertilisers on the grain yield and quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Objectives of the study: 1. To determine the effect of different sowing times and foliar fertilisation on grain yield of winter wheat; 2. Determine the effect of different sowing times and foliar fertilisation on the structural elements of winter wheat grain yield (number of grains per unit and per 1 000 grains); 3. Evaluate the effect of different sowing times and foliar fertilisation on the protein content of winter wheat grains.

Methods of investigation: The performance of winter wheat was determined by direct measurement, counting and weighing, according to the accepted methods for conducting the field experiment. The data were statistically evaluated by two-factor analysis of variance for quantitative traits using the computer program STAT (Tarakanovas and Raudonius, 2003).

Results of the study: When evaluating the qualitative indicators of winter wheat, it was found that grain protein content depended on the time of sowing and fertilization with potassium and titanium leaf fertilizers. When winter wheat was sown at the optimum sowing time (15. 09.) and potassium and titanium leaf fertiliser was applied, the grain protein content was found to be significantly the highest (12,9 %), compared with the grain quality obtained when the wheat was sown at the optimum sowing time without leaf fertiliser application. The significantly highest number of grains per unit (61,1), compared with the other sowing times and foliar fertilisation studied, was obtained when sowing at the optimum time (15.09) and using foliar fertiliser. The highest weight per 1 000 grains (47 g) was obtained when the wheat was sown at the optimum time and sprayed with foliar fertiliser. The results show that the highest grain yield of winter wheat (13,44 t ha^-1) was obtained when the crop was sown at the optimum sowing time and sprayed with foliar potassium and titanium fertilisers.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT TILLAGES ON SOIL POROSITY

Gabrielė Grybaitė, Greta Puišytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This paper examines the influence of different tillage methods on soil properties. The research was conducted in 2024 at the VMU Academy of Agriculture Experimental station. During the experiment five different tillage methods were studied: 1. Deep ploughing (GA/DP) (Control); 2. Shallow ploughing (SA/SP); 3. Deep loosening (GP/DL); 4. Shallow loosening (SP/SL); 5. Direct sowing (TS/NT). The experiment was conducted in four replications, with a total of nine fields. The size of each field was 126 m² (14 x 9 m), while the accounting field measured 70 m²(10 x 7 m). Experimental fields were arranged randomly. The field protection strip was 4,5 m wide and the distance between replicates was 9 m. The aim of the research was to evaluate and compare the influence of different tillage methods on soil porosity.

The study found that, in most cases, simplified tillage systems increased the amount of mesopores while decreasing the amount of micropores and macropores compared to deep ploughing technology. When shallow loosening technology was applied, the totals porosity of the soil increased in all studied soil layers, whereas in direct seeding fields it decreased, compared to traditional tillage.

VARROA DESTRUCTOR TRETMENT WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Vilius Juodzevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Thyme, clove, and peppermint essential oils were used to treat honeybees against Varroa mites. The study was conducted in three stages: laboratory experiments determined the oil concentrations and their toxicity to bees, while a field experiment evaluated their effect on mites. Mites and bees were collected using the carbon dioxide method and then placed in Petri dishes with different concentrations of essential oils. In the field experiment, impregnated wooden sticks were placed in beehives.

The study showed that the most effective concentration was 2 mg/ml, ensuring the highest mite mortality after 24 hours. Thyme oil was the most effective, eliminating an average of 12.7 mites, while peppermint oil only eliminated 3.7. When using oxalic acid as a control, thyme oil reduced the mite count to 9.3 compared to peppermint (26.3) and the control (31.3). Summarizing the data, thyme oil proved to be 70% effective in combating mites.

THE INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS ON THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF CORN YIELD

Vainius Kilas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The field experiment was conducted in 2024 at the Krakės Agricultural Company of the Kėdainiai district, in contact with the Kėdainiai district. The soil of the experimental field is light loamy, deeper carbonate, shallow gleyic brown loam (Endocalcari-Epihypogleyic Cambisol). A single-factor field experiment was conducted, which investigated the influence of fertilization with biological preparations and their combinations on the green mass and biomass yield of corn, plants.

During the field experiment, it was found that the use of biological preparations in the BBCH 13–14 growth stage significantly increased corn productivity compared to the control variant (P < 0.05). The highest total aboveground dry matter corn yield (24 t ha^-1), total cob (grain, kernels, bracts) yield (15.9 t ha^-1) and grain yield (12.7 t ha^-1) (B5) 15% suspension of humic and fulvic acids, pH 4–5 (5.0 l ha-1) + (H5) – consisting of photosynthetic bacteria, yeast microorganisms, lactic bacteria, nitrogen-fixing, phosphorus-releasing and potassium-mobilizing bacteria (5.0 l ha-1). No significant differences were found between the use of the combination of these biological preparations B5+H5 and the use of the preparation Ferbanat L (2.0 l ha^-1). In the case of the use of this preparation, corn productivity indicators were slightly lower. A non-significant (P > 0.05) trend towards an increase in the number of grains per cob was observed when using biological preparations and their combinations.

INFLUENCE OF HUMIC ACIDS AND SILICON ON SOIL PROPERTIES

Gintarė Klasauskaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Humic acids (HA) and silicon (Si) as soil improvement agents can become a solution to ensure long-term sustainability and economic efficiency of agriculture. The experiments were conducted in 2021–2022 at the Vytautas Magnus University Academy of Agriculture (VMU ŽŪA) Testing Station in Kaunas district (54° 52' 49.89", 23° 50' 19.64" (WGS)) and on the farm of farmer Arūnas Mickūnas in Jurbarkas district, Raudonės sen., Kabučiai km. (55° 6' 15.67", 23° 11' 28.3" (WGS)). Winter wheat crops locally fertilized with different fertilizers were selected for field experiments in order to assess the effect of humic acids and silicon on soil properties. Variants of local fertilization of winter wheat: 1) fertilizers without humic acids and silicon (Without HA and Si); 2) fertilizers with humic acids and silicon (With HA and Si). Soil samples were taken before the experimental installation and after the winter wheat harvest. Analyses were performed on samples of the 0–15 cm soil layer, taking combined samples from 15–20 places in each field. After assessing the agrochemical properties of the soil (pH, humus content, nitrogen content, phosphorus content, potassium content), it can be stated that the use of fertilizers with HA and Si did not significantly contribute to the accumulation of plant nutrients in the soil and did not have a significant effect on their preservation in a form available to plants.

INFLUENCE OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND BACTERIA ON SPRING WHEAT BIOMETRIC PARAMETERS

Martynas Lazauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

As human population is rising, food demand is rising as well. One of the ways to fulfill this demand is to increase crop yield by using electromagnetic field (EML). EML may increase various plant growth parameters such as germination, shoots growth and mass, chlorophyll and nitrogen concentrations in plant leaves. Another way might be usage of various bacterias. Bacillus spp. bacterias improves crop growth in direct and indirect ways through nitrogen fixation, phytohormones, as making resistance against diseases for plants. The study investigated how spring wheat seeds of “Hamlet” variety respond to 24-hour exposure to EMF, usage of Bacillus toyonensis, Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus Licheniformis and also using combinations of EMF and bacteria. The effects of spring wheat biometric indicators (assimilation area of leaves, aboveground and root mass) and chlorophyll with nitrogen concentrations were studied. Leaf area was measured using the Win Dias program, chlorophyll concentration in leaves measured with the MC-100 device and nitrogen content was measured using the PlantPen. The results were statistically processed using the DISVEG plugin of the Selection program. The highest results were generally obtained using combinations of EMF and bacteria. When comparing the use of EMF alone, it is seen that the results using EMF are insignificantly but greater than without using EMF, except for the result of nitrogen concentration in leaves, which was significant.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT TILLAGE PRACTICES ON SPRING BARLEY ON CROP YIELDS

Anicetas Lenkis, Augustas Sederevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article presents the productivity and quality characteristics of spring barley under different tillage intensities. A long-term field experiment was set up using the field splitting method, carried out in 4 replications. A total of 9 plots of each plant. The initial plot size was 126 m² (14 × 9 m), and the accounting plot was 70 m²(10 × 7 m). The plots of the experimental variants were arranged in a randomized manner. The field buffer strip was 4.5 m wide, and the interval between replicates was 9 m wide. The crop rotation was as follows: Crop rotation: 1) winter rapeseed; 2) winter wheat; 3) beans; 4) spring barley. All tillage systems were studied. Conventional deep plowing with a depth of 23–25 cm (DP) (control – comparative variant); Shallow plowing 12–14 cm deep (SP); Deep loosening (with a cultivator with arrow coulters) 23–25 cm deep (DC); Shallow loosening (with a disk harrow) 8–10 cm deep (SC); Direct sowing. (NT). The studies were conducted in a long-term stationary field experiment, which is located at the VMU Agricultural Academy Testing Station. The studies were conducted in 2024. The studies found that in fields where simplified tillage was applied, the number of productive stems of spring barley and its yield increased, but germination and grain protein content decreased compared to deep plowing fields.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOWING TIME AND RATE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF WINTER WHEAT ′BRIGHT′

Ignas Mikulis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In 2023–2024, an experiment was conducted in the Kaišiadorys district, at the Jonas Mikulis crop farm, in which winter wheat of different seed generation (C1, C2, C3) was sown at different seed rates (2.5; 3.0; 3.5; 4.0 million units ha^-1). The soil granulometric composition was dominated by sandy light loam. Soil tests conducted before the experiment show that the arable layer of the soil had an average phosphorus content (162 mg kg^-1) and high calcareous content (257 mg kg^-1). It was also close to neutral reaction (pH – 6.3) and low humus content (1.7%).

Significantly the highest yield (7.60 t ha^-1) was determined in the winter wheat crop, in which the seed rate was 3.5 million units ha^-1, and the seed generation was C1. However, the protein and gluten content in the grain (11.9 and 23.1 percent) in the variant with the highest yield were the lowest. The highest protein content (12.8 percent) and gluten content (26.6 percent) were found in the winter wheat crop, which was sown at a seed rate of 2.5 million units ha^-1.

COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT WINTER OILSEED RAPE VARIETIES' PREPAREDNESS FOR OVERWINTERING

Vytenis Norkūnas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study was conducted in the autumn of 2023 in the northern part of Lithuania, in the Radviliškis district. It focused on evaluating the overwintering potential of five hybrid winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) varieties: 'Mercedes', 'DK Exbury', 'Triathlon', 'Jurek', and 'Duplo'. The goal was to assess how well these varieties were prepared for surviving the winter. The research evaluated four key factors related to successful overwintering: plant density, primary root length, root neck diameter, and apical bud height. These parameters were used to compare the varieties and determine which were best and worst prepared for winter survival.

The results showed that all varieties met the established standards for plant density, root length, and root neck diameter. However, the apical bud height was higher than the recommended values. Based on these findings, the varieties 'Jurek', 'Triathlon', and 'Mercedes' showed the greatest readiness for winter survival, while 'Duplo' was the least likely to survive the winter.

PRODUCTIVITY FORMATION OF COMMON VETCH (VICIA SATIVA L.) IN A MIXTURE WITH WHITE MUSTARD

Adelė Petuchova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The field experiment was conducted in 2024 on the farm of farmer E. Černius, located in the Kupiškis district. The two-factor experiment investigated how different seed rates and biological (bacterial) preparations affect the formation of seed vetch productivity. Factor A seed vetch seed rate: seed vetch 20 kg ha^-1 + white mustard 5 kg ha^-1; seed vetch 40 kg ha^-1 + white mustard 5 kg ha^-1; seed vetch 60 kg ha^-1 + white mustard 5 kg ha^-1; seed vetch 80 kg ha^-1+ white mustard 5 kg ha^-1; seed vetch 100 kg ha^-1+ white mustard 5 kg ha^-1. Factor B – use of biological preparation: not sprayed; sprayed 0.1 l/ha after germination (BBCH 12-19). Measurements of plant biometric indicators and yield structure elements were performed before harvest by measuring 10 plants at random locations of each variant by direct counting, measuring and weighing. Spraying with a biological preparation had an effect on plant height: in all variants, positive significant differences were determined between the same seed rate when the plants were sprayed with a biological preparation. The significantly highest number of seeds in the pod was determined both without using a biological preparation, when the seed rate was 40 kg ha^-1 - 8.7 pcs., and when the vetch seed rate was 80 kg ha^-1 and a biological preparation was used - 8.6 pcs. The biological preparation did not affect the higher yield of the vetch and mustard mixture. The significantly highest yield was determined when the vetch seed rate was 80 kg ha^-1and no biological preparation was used - 2.4 t ha^-1.

COMPARISON OF GRAIN QUALITY OF DIFFERENT WINTER WHEAT VARIETIES

Matas Skliuderis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyzes the quality indicators of different winter wheat varieties grown under the same conditions, focusing on protein content, gluten and sedimentation indicators. The aim of the experiment is to determine how different varieties of winter wheat differ in their quality. The results obtained can help farmers and grain processors choose the most suitable wheat varieties according to their technological needs. The study showed that the winter wheat varieties 'Skagen' and 'Elektra' had high quality indicators, they had properties most suitable for the food industry, while the quality indicators of the variety 'KWS Lirum' were low, which determines the purpose of the grain for feed.

The best quality grains were ripened by the winter wheat variety 'Skagen': significantly the highest protein (14.5%), wet gluten (29.3%) and sedimentation values (63.1 ml) were determined in the grains, compared to the average values of the indicators in the experiment.

Significantly the lowest amounts of protein (12.6%), wet gluten (23.6%) and sedimentation index (44.4 ml) were determined in the grains of the variety 'KWS Lirum'. After analyzing the obtained research data, we see which varieties are most suitable for food and industrial processing, and which for feed.

INFLUENCE OF SOWING TIME AND SOWING RATE ON WINTER BARLEY PRODUCTIVITY AND WEED INTENSITY

Vaida Tabokaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The field experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 at the Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy Testing Station, in a winter barley crop. A two-factor field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of different sowing times and seed rates on the productivity of winter barley ‘Jakubus‘ and weediness of the crop. Three terms were chosen for winter barley sowing, sowing was delayed every 10 days and three different seed rates. Factor A of the experiment – sowing time: August 25, September 5, September 15; factor B – seed rate: 2 million units ha^-1, 3 million units ha^-1, 4 million units ha^-1. After assessing the productivity of winter barley when their sowing times and seed rates are different, it was found that both factors had a significant influence. Sowing time had a significant impact on the number of productive barley stems only when sowing at 4 million units ha^-1 and when sowing on September 15. The highest yield was determined in the winter barley crop, which was sown on September 15 at a seed rate of 3 million ha^-1. Early sowing on August 25 reduced the productivity of winter barley compared to sowing 10 and 20 days later, regardless of the seed rate sown. It can be stated that it is not worth increasing the seed rate when sowing winter barley early. Weediness in the barley crop was more determined by meteorological conditions and crop formation in the spring. The number of weeds was the highest in the crop sown on August 25 at a seed rate of 4 million units ha^-1. Neither the sowing time nor the seed rate had any significant differences in the weed mass.

EFFECT OF BIOSTIMULATOR RATES AND SOWING TIME ON PEA CROPS

Karolis Vaičys — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The experiment was carried out in 2024 year at farmers farm in Kalniškiai village, Taurage county. The 'Ingrid' variety pea crop selected for the two-factor field experiment was sown at two sowing times and sprayed with additional rates of the biostimulator Fosfix Plus. Factor A – sowing time: 1. Early, after the soil has reached physical maturity; 2. At the optimal time, according to the data of the research, the optimal sowing time. Factor B – rates of the biostimulator Fosfix plus: 1. Not used; 2. 1.0 L ha^-1; 3. 3,0 L ha^-1; 4. 5,0 L ha^-1. The study evaluated the dry mass of the aboveground part of the pea crop before flowering, the dry mass of roots before flowering, the crop yield, and the mass of 1000 seeds. The highest aboveground biomass – 28.4 g m^-2 was obtained when peas were sown early, when the soil reached physical maturity and after applying 5,0 L ha^-1 of the biostimulator. The lowest dry aboveground biomass – 13.9 g m^-2 was obtained when sowing at the optimal time and applying 1,0 L ha^-1 of the biostimulator. The highest root dry mass (1.4 g m^-2) was determined at the optimal time without biostimulator. A significantly higher crop yield (4.8 t ha^-1) was obtained when sowing earlier together with 3,0 L ha^-1 of the biostimulator. The mass of 1000 seeds increased when sowing peas earlier and applying 3,0 L ha^-1 of the biostimulator (265.9 g).

THE INFLUENCE OF FERTILIZERS AND BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTS ON THE ELEMENTS OF WINTER WHEAT YIELD STRUCTURE

Dominyka Žičiūtė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the effect of different nitrogen fertilizer rates, potassium fertilizers, and biological preparations on the yield and yield structure elements of winter wheat. The research was conducted in 2023–2024 in Devynduoniai village, Kėdainiai district (55°32’ N, 23.52’ E). The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of two different nitrogen fertilizer rates (N₁₅₀ and N₁₈₀), nitrogen-fixing bacteria, seaweed extract, their combinations, and potassium fertilizers on the yield and yield structure elements of winter wheat. Research object, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum (L.)) crop. The productivity indicators of winter wheat were determined using direct measurement, counting, and weighing methods according to accepted field experiment methodologies. The research data were statistically analyzed using a two-factor quantitative trait analysis of variance (ANOVA) method, applying the ANOVA software program. The experiment revealed that, in addition to nitrogen fertilization, the use of biological preparations and potassium fertilizers during plant vegetation had a significant impact on the yield of winter wheat. Summarizing the research results, a significant increase in grain yield, productive crop density, and spike productivity was observed. Therefore, the selected biological preparations and potassium fertilizers during the growing season may contribute to an increase in winter wheat yield.

THE IMPACT OF SOWING TIME AND SEED RATE ON WINTER WHEAT YIELD STRUCTURE COMPONENTS AND YIELD

Gabija Žilytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In 2023–2024, a field experiment was conducted at the Vytautas Magnus University Agricultural Academy Research Station. The study focused on the winter wheat variety ‘Skagen‘, which was sown at different times using two seed rates—2 and 5 million seeds per hectare. The objective of this research was to determine the impact of sowing time and seed rate on the yield structure elements and productivity of winter wheat. The findings indicated that different sowing times and seed rates significantly influenced the crop density of winter wheat at various growth stages. It was observed that delaying the sowing with a seed rate of 5 million seeds per hectare resulted in an increased crop density in the spring. The maximum number of productive stems (662 stems m^-2) was recorded in the winter wheat plots sown on September 28, compared to the earliest sowing date. The highest 1000-grain weight was found in the early sowing plots (September 7) - 44,46 g. Delaying the sowing from September 7 to September 28 significantly increased grain yield in plots with a seed rate of 5 million seeds per hectare. The later sowing date (September 21) resulted in the highest yield, reaching 9.26 t ha^-1. Conversely, the significantly lowest yield (7.58 t ha^-1) was recorded in plots sown at the optimal sowing time (September 14) with a seed rate of 2 million seeds per hectare.

EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE FRONT STABILIZER POSITION ON THE DRIVING SPEED OF LIGHT SPORTS CARS USING COMPUTER SIMULATIONS

Modestas Celiešius, Egidijus Katinas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The main goal of this research is to minimise the needed financial and time resources that are invested into autosport using simulator as a tool to reach this desired result. Main problem rises from the reason being that it is hard to correctly setup and optimise a racing vehicle, and its suspension components, because it is nearly impossible to test the vehicle under identical circumstances regarding ever changing conditions. This is where simulation comes into play, because it allows using identical conditions under all times, and only the settings of a certain are changed and monitored to see what results does this provide and if are these results are viable and related to data provided by the vehicle manufacturer. During the testing lap times were evaluated and compared to how the car was set up, data was analysed and accounted for any miscalculations. The outcome of this test proved to be that this simulation method for testing can be used a proper tool trying to save time and money trying to perfect and optimise the setup of a selected race car.

RELIABILITY STUDY OF THE SCANIA TRUCK

Ugnius Končauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In conclusion, the study conducted at the Scania truck dealership in Domeikava, Kaunas district defined the average repair costs required for a 2018 Scania P450 truck, depending on its mileage. Companies and private individuals increasingly choose a truck that offers the best balance between price and quality. By analyzing the vehicle’s reliability and the required repair costs, consumers can make informed decisions when selecting a vehicle that meets their needs and preferences. The article presents a case study of a specific Scania P450 truck, focusing primarily on its maintenance costs and reliability changes depending on mileage. The study evaluated changes in the number of dealership visits, variations in comparative expenses, and the overall average engine-related costs based on mileage. Corresponding graphs were created based on these aspects, illustrating how repair costs and reliability evolve over time. The research utilized data from Scania dealerships across European countries, which provided a complete service history of the vehicle throughout its entire operational period. Using this method, data was collected from 26 trucks of the same make and model. The recorded parameters were divided into 100,000 km intervals to clearly observe variations in comparative costs and reliability. In the high-mileage range (>600,000 km), expenses increase sharply, and the quadratic regression term becomes more pronounced. This occurs due to greater component wear and more expensive, frequent repairs, such as major engine overhauls, oil pressure issues, turbocharger failures, engine errors, exhaust system malfunctions, and other costly and time-consuming repairs. The study highlights that as truck mileage increases, visits to service centers become more frequent, indicating a decline in vehicle reliability and the residual value of individual components. As a result, the dependence of comparative costs on mileage continues to rise.

STUDY OF DRIVERS' BLIND SPOT

Dovydas Kurlinkus, Tomas Mickevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article has looked at active safety, which is based on the principles of the Human-Vehicle-Road-Traffic Environment. Visibility from the vehicle is defined as an essential factor for road safety. Good visibility enables the driver to detect obstacles and other road users in good time and to react quickly to potential hazards. Physiological and demographic factors such as age, height, weight and seating posture of the driver can affect the driver's ability to assess blind spots and react to traffic situations. The study analyses the driver's visibility from the driver's seat, with a particular focus on blind spots caused by vehicle structural elements. The field of vision is defined as the space in which the driver can observe the surroundings, either directly or through mirrors. The effect of the driver's seating position on visibility was tested on a manikin with vertical and horizontal level-keeping lasers attached at eye level. The results show that the field of vision is directly dependent on the seating position of the driver. In the fourth seating position of the driver, the change in the blind spot area of the front roof rack was 22 proc, less compared to the regulatory seating position. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the reduction in visibility and the formation of blind spots are influenced by the irregular seating position. The field of vision is closely related to the driver's seating position, and proper seat adjustment is essential for safe driving.

STUDY OF TRAFFIC FLOWS AT A FOUR-WAY INTERSECTION

Irmantas Mikalauskas, Tomas Mickevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyses the four-way intersection of Pramonės, Savanorių and Šiaurės prospekts in Kaunas city. The intersection is a high-volume intersection that connects three avenues. The section of Savanorių Avenue is used as the main arrival and departure artery connecting the A1 and A6 trunk roads. The traffic volume has been analysed during the morning rush hour. Vehicle passing data were collected over a two-week period. It was collected twice on four days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The aim of the studies was to carry out a traffic flow study at the four-way intersection of Pramonės, Savanorių and Šiaurės Avenue and to propose measures to improve the traffic flow. PTV VISSIM (Student Version, 2022) software was used to model traffic flows. The analysis of the morning peak hour traffic flows shows that there are approximately 8006 vehicles moving in the directions of the four-way intersection. When the control phase durations of the traffic lights at the intersection were evaluated, it was observed that the control of the traffic lights on Šiaurės and Pramonės Avenue is combined. The simulation results for the intersection with the additional right-hand exits are presented. The simulation results obtained showed that the additional right-hand turns make the intersection insignificantly more efficient and more permeable than the current intersection. In the direction of Pramonės Avenue, the waiting period of vehicles is reduced by 5.9%, while in the direction of Savanorių Avenue, the queue lengths of vehicles exiting the city remain unchanged compared to the current intersection.

INFLUENCE OF FUEL PRESSURE PULSATION ON INJECTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CR SYSTEM

Denas Nūtautas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Fuel injection causes high fuel pressure fluctuations in the tube before the sprayer. If several injections made, the previous injection affects the following injection. The amplitude of the pressure fluctuation is influence by fuel pressure, the size of the first injection portion and the properties of fuel. The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of pressure fluctuations caused by the first (auxiliary) injection on the main portion of fuel. Studies have shown that the amplitude of the pressure fluctuation of the mineral diesel is 6; 11 and 18 MPa at 60, 120 and 180 MPa for injection pressure and 0.3 mS auxiliary injection time. Increasing the duration of auxiliary injection to 0.5 ms, the amplitude of pressure fluctuations changed slightly and reached 6; 10 and 18 MPa. In order to investigate the influence of pressure pulsations on the cyclic fuel content, the time between auxiliary and main injection changed so that in one case the main injection begins due to the pressure fluctuations caused by the auxiliary injection and as the pressure decreases. At a pressure of 60 MPa and an injection duration of 0.3 ms, the cyclic fuel quantity was higher when the main injection occurred during pressure increase. The difference reached 0.22 mg. Meanwhile, the duration of the 0.5 ms auxiliary injection, the cyclic fuel was 1.28 mg higher with pressure decreasing. When the pressure reached 120 MPa, the cyclic fuel at a higher pressure of 0.5 mg increased by 0.3 m and at 0.5 ms, with a decrease in 1.59 mg. At 180 MPa pressure, both values were obtained with higher pressure decreasing - 0.73 and 0.85 mg.

LONG–TERM TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE STUDY OF GRAPHENE NANOPARTICLE MODIFIED 5W–20 OIL

Rapolas Pečiokas, Artūras Kupčinskas, Raimondas Kreivaitis — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The tribological properties of engine oils are crucial for ensuring the efficient operation and longevity of mechanical systems. In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to oils modified with nanoparticles, which have shown potential in enhancing lubrication, reducing friction, and minimizing wear. Among these additives, graphene nanoparticles stand out due to their exceptional mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and high thermal conductivity, making them one of the most promising tribological enhancers. However, most existing studies focus on short–term performance, while long–term experimental data remain scarce. This study investigates a 5W–20 fully synthetic engine oil modified with graphene nanoparticles, tested using a four–ball tribometer. The experiments were conducted at a rotational speed of 1500 rpm, applying a cyclic load pattern of 100 cycles with 20–second pauses, continuing up to 1000 cycles. The friction torque was recorded throughout the test, and wear scar diameters were evaluated using optical microscopy. The findings demonstrate that graphene nanoparticle–enriched oil significantly reduced the friction coefficient and average wear scar diameter compared to the standard 5W–20 oil. These results indicate that long–term tribological testing of graphene–modified oils can provide valuable insights into their performance stability under extreme conditions. Such findings may contribute to the advancement of engine oil formulations and the optimisation of their use in both automotive and industrial applications.

APPLICATION OF FTIR SPECTROSCOPY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF MOTOR OILS

Nerijus Petrikas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Proper vehicle maintenance requires timely engine oil changes. It is recommended to change engine oil every 10,000 km during vehicle operation. As mileage increases and oil is not changed on time, its lubrication properties begin to deteriorate. The less lubrication provided to essential engine components, such as cylinder walls, piston rings, and the valve timing mechanism, the shorter the engine’s lifespan. FTIR spectroscopy allows for the identification of oil degradation products that emerge during vehicle operation and tracks changes in their concentrations as mileage increases. This method analyzes the presence of antioxidants, water, oxidation products, soot, nitrates, sulfates, glycol, anti-wear (AW) additives, and fuel in the oil. The study enables time-efficient analysis and precise determination of which oil parameters require further investigation. After an operational period of 10,000 km, the oil was changed. The results indicate that glycol and oxidation products appear in the oil from the very first thousands of kilometers. The concentration of oxidation products depends on seasonal conditions, driving modes, and the proper ignition of the air-fuel mixture. More aggressive driving—at higher RPMs and lower gears—leads to an increased presence of oxidation products. Additionally, a malfunctioning ignition system contributes to higher oxidation levels in the oil. Glycol contamination in engine oil can occur due to several factors, including defects in the cylinder head gasket or deformation of the engine block and cylinder head surfaces. When changing oil, it is essential to consider not only the mileage but also the operating period, driving conditions, and engine condition.

A RESEARCH OF NOISE EMITTED BY CONVENTIONAL FUEL-POWERED AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Matas Smilinskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article analyses the noise emissions of conventional and electric vehicles running on conventional fuels. More than 20% of the European Union's population is exposed to excess noise from road transport, a trend that has been going on for 10-15 years. Vehicle noise is caused by running engines, road and tyre contact with the road surface, aerodynamic and vibrating structures. In this study, the noise generated by conventional fuel and electric cars was analysed. It was found that the greatest difference in noise generation between the vehicles studied occurs at lower speeds. At a speed of 30 km/h, the electric car generated the lowest noise 58,8 dB(A), the petrol car 62,2 dB(A) and the diesel car 64,2 dB(A). At higher speeds, the noise generated by all the vehicle types tested is uniform, with noise increasing exponentially with increasing speed. Diesel and petrol cars are characterised by higher noise levels at low frequencies (31.5-250 Hz bands) and relatively small differences in noise levels in the 30-50 km/h speed range. Electric cars have been found to be quietest at low speeds, but increase significantly with speed. The higher sound pressure levels of a conventional fuel vehicle are observed in the low frequency spectrum, whereas the noise levels of an electric vehicle are concentrated in the higher frequency spectrum. The results obtained also have practical implications for the reduction of ambient noise in urban environments.

DEPENDENCE OF FRICTION MOMENT ON LOAD WHEN TESTING ENGINE OIL 5W30 USING THE FOUR-BALLS METHOD

Linas Sniečkus, Audrius Žunda — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In modern cars, there are many moving parts, among which direct surface contact is inevitable. This contact leads to friction, which reduces the lifespan of the parts. To reduce this factor, oil is used, which covers the surface with a protective film and prevents the surfaces from wearing out quickly and intensely in the tribological process. The magnitude of friction depends on the applied load. The study conducts tribological tests to examine how different load sizes affect the friction moment and how the properties of oils influence friction processes under various operating conditions. Experiments conducted during the study showed that an increase in load leads to a rise in the friction moment by up to 105%, but modifying the oil composition does not always yield positive results. When the load is increased, the oil additive that improves lubricating properties does not enhance the oil's performance and does not reduce friction between the parts.

THE IMPACT OF MACROECONOMIC FACTORS ON CORPORATE SOLVENCY IN LITHUANIA

Egidija Alijeva — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the impact of macroeconomic factors on corporate solvency in Lithuania. Solvency is a crucial financial indicator reflecting a company’s ability to meet its financial obligations and maintain stability in the market. The research focuses on long-term solvency and evaluates how key macroeconomic variables—GDP, inflation, interest rates, and unemployment—affect firms' financial stability. The study employs regression analysis to quantify the impact of these factors, using data from official statistical sources. The results reveal that GDP has a statistically significant positive effect on corporate solvency (p < 0.05), while higher interest rates negatively affect firms' financial stability (p < 0.01). The influence of inflation remains ambiguous (p ≈ 0.10), and unemployment was not found to have a statistically significant effect. The findings suggest that economic growth contributes to improved corporate solvency, while increasing interest rates create financial pressure on firms. These insights are valuable for policymakers and business leaders in shaping strategies to mitigate financial risks and enhance economic resilience. Future research could explore sector-specific effects and the impact of external shocks, such as geopolitical crises or pandemics, on corporate solvency.

THE IMPACT OF TAX EVASION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN THE EU: FACTORS AND CONSEQUENCES

Rytis Andriukaitis, Benas Beresnevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In the context of globalisation, new opportunities for tax avoidance emerge, and the prevalence of this phenomenon leads to negative consequences for the EU's international trade. The article analyses the situation of tax evasion in the international trade of the EU, to analyse the concept of tax evasion, identify the factors and consequences of tax evasion in international trade from a theoretical perspective and make proposals to reduce tax evasion on international trade of EU. The research aim is to evaluate the impact of tax evasion on international trade and its economic implications. The methods used to conduct the study are analysis of scientific literature, synthesis, comparison of information, and graphical visualisation. Tax evasion problems involve hiding income or providing incomplete information, the tax base is reduced, hidden money transactions are reduced, or money is hidden, or money is hidden in offshore accounts. The scale of the problem is large globally in those EU countries, the prevention of tax evasion therefore remains relevant. The consequences of tax evasion are seen as factors contributing to a slowdown in the socio-economic development of each country, therefore, in the modern stage, preventive solutions are necessary to reduce the concealment of tax.

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PREPARED ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

Živilė Baniūnaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In the modern business environment, financial statements are the primary tool for analyzing a company’s financial and asset position, as well as making informed decisions about its operations and stability. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability between different countries and companies, helping investors and other stakeholders make decisions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance and challenges that companies faced in ensuring accurate and reliable financial information. During the pandemic, companies were required to clearly define the financial impact, indicate changes in asset value, liabilities, and the future outlook of their operations. A study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial statements prepared under IFRS shows how various sectors, such as energy and food retail, responded to the uncertainty and risks associated with the global crisis. In this context, it was analyzed how the pandemic affected specific companies, such as AB “Ignitis Group” and UAB “Maxima Group,” and how their financial statements revealed important information about the impact of the pandemic on their operations and financial results.

THE EVALUATION OF FINANCIAL DISTRESS CAUSED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN TOURISM COMPANIES

Paulina Delnickaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study analyzes the financial difficulties faced by tourism enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic based on a review of previous research. The study examines findings from four international studies that utilized different research methodologies, including financial analysis models, surveys, and interviews with tourism sector representatives. The results indicate that the pandemic severely impacted tourism businesses worldwide, leading to significant revenue declines, increased bankruptcy risks, and rising unemployment rates in the sector. The hospitality industry was among the most affected, with hotels experiencing substantial losses due to travel restrictions and reduced tourist flows. Financial distress was particularly evident in businesses with high fixed costs and limited financial reserves. Governments in various countries introduced temporary financial relief measures to support struggling businesses; however, the long-term recovery of the tourism industry remains uncertain. The findings highlight the importance of financial resilience and adaptive strategies for tourism businesses in crisis situations. Future research should explore sustainable financial models and policy measures that can help mitigate the risks of future disruptions. This study contributes to the understanding of financial challenges in the tourism sector and emphasizes the need for strategic planning to enhance crisis preparedness.

TYPES OF BUSINESS RISKS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT IN INTERNATIONAL SETTLEMENTS

Judita Janišauskaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In the modern market, international payments are inevitable, but they pose significant risks due to different countries, cultures, views, and many other factors. The question arises of how to select the appropriate tools and methodology to manage the risk level within each company's context. In this article, using systematic scientific literature analysis and synthesis, as well as graphical analysis, the types of risks were examined from a theoretical perspective. The methods for determining payment risks were then analyzed, and ultimately the most effective payment method was identified. Additionally, the main types of international payment risks that businesses most commonly encounter were determined. Two types of risk management methods were identified: quantitative and qualitative. The primary international payment methods identified include payment orders, collection, and documentary credit, which is considered the safest payment method. The information was then systematized and summarized, and conclusions and recommendations were made for companies engaged in international trade. The study results revealed that there is no single universal methodology or rule that effectively reduces risk. The chosen risk management methods depend on the specific situation and circumstances. It is crucial to properly assess the current situation and select the most effective tools to ensure maximum security when carrying out international transactions.

HARMONISATION OF EXCISE DUTIES ON ALCOHOL WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Augustė Karpavičiūtė, Milda Šapranavičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article discusses about the excise duties on alcohol. The main aim is to analyse the situation of EU excise duties harmonisation on alcohol using the research methods like - analysis, synthesis and comparison of scientific literature; statistical and comparative analysis as well as systematisation of quantitative data; graphical visualisation. There was identified, that in 2022, European Union (EU) member states generated approximately €30 billion from alcohol excise duties, constituting a significant component of indirect tax revenue for numerous countries. Excise duties are indirect taxes levied on the sale or use of specific products, such as alcohol, tobacco, energy products, and electricity. Harmonizing excise duties on alcohol within the EU is crucial for reducing harmful alcohol consumption, reduce health issues and social harm, such as addiction and alcohol-related violence. A unified approach ensures fair competition in the internal market, prevents tax evasion, and secures stable fiscal revenues for member states. Furthermore, coordinating excise regulations can improve public health measures and help the EU achieve its overarching goal of decreasing alcohol-related expenses on healthcare systems. Despite ongoing efforts to harmonize excise duties, EU member states continue to demonstrate a significant range of approaches to alcohol taxation, often reflecting their distinct economic, social, and cultural contexts.

DIRECT PAYMENTS AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND THEIR IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Julija Kavaliauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Direct payments are one of the most important instruments of the European Union's (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), significantly impacting agriculture and the environment. These financial subsidies aim to stabilize farmers' incomes, promote sustainable farming practices, and mitigate climate change effects. However, questions arise regarding whether direct payments effectively contribute to achieving sustainability goals and whether their distribution is sufficiently precise. This paper analyzes the impact of direct payments on the economic and environmental development of agriculture. It discusses how these subsidies help ensure financial stability for farms, promote investments in modernization, and support employment in rural areas. Additionally, the paper examines their role in environmental protection, particularly in terms of soil quality, biodiversity conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While direct payments can serve as an important instrument of sustainable finance, their effectiveness depends on implementation mechanisms and farmers' commitment to meeting environmental requirements. The study results indicate that direct payments are often not sufficiently aligned with environmental indicators, and their distribution is not always fair—most subsidies go to large farms, while small farms receive inadequate financial support. The paper highlights key challenges and possible solutions, including a stronger focus on result-oriented funding and a more equitable distribution of subsidies.

THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON TAX AVOIDANCE: A REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Agnė Klusavičiūtė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This paper explores the insights of researchers on the impact of corporate social responsibility on tax avoidance. In order to better understand how corporate social responsibility influences corporate behaviour in the context of tax avoidance, the researchers draw on a number of theories to explain this relationship: corporate culture, risk management, shareholders, stakeholders, agents and legitimacy. An analysis and synthesis of the literature reveals that some of these theories reveal a negative relationship between corporate social responsibility and tax avoidance, explaining it by the fact that socially responsible companies are less likely to avoid taxes in order to maintain their reputation and transparency, while others interpret the link as positive, in that social responsibility can be used as a means of hiding unethical behaviour, including aggressive tax avoidance, or that tax avoidance can be used to offset the increased operating costs incurred as a consequence of socially responsible activities. The results of the empirical studies carried out are also mixed. They vary depending on the market and context studied. Most studies have been carried out in the US and developing countries, while the European context has not yet been sufficiently explored. Given the specific characteristics of the European market, such as the more stringent social and regulatory environment, this topic is particularly relevant and open to further research.

QUALITY OF OPERATING SEGMENT DISCLOSURE IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UNDER IFRS 8

Gertrūda Krikštaponienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The article examines how companies disclose operating segment information based on International Financial Accounting Standard 8 (IFRS 8). The purpose of the study is to determine how operating segment information is disclosed in companies' financial statements and what impact it has on the transparency of reporting. The results of the study show that companies operating in different industries comply with the requirements of IFRS 8 to varying degrees, and companies in the financial sector provide more detailed information that helps investors make informed decisions.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EUROPEAN AND CHINESE CENTRAL BANKS’ DIGITAL CURRENCIES

Domas Matuiza — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are being considered as a new instrument of payment in more than 130 countries worldwide. Among the largest economies, China and the euro area countries have made the most significant progress and their digital currencies - the digital yuan and the digital euro - are attracting considerable academic attention. Although the comparison of these currencies has been explored in academic literature, some aspects remain unaddressed and research is fragmented. The aim of this paper is to carry out a comparative analysis of the digital euro and the digital yuan based on the CBDC criteria identified in the academic literature. The results revealed that both currencies are based on a hybrid account and token-based model, a two-tier distribution system and share similar implementation motivations, such as increasing resilience to the dominance of private payment providers and the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies. However, fundamental differences emerged when analysing the central banks' approach to consumer privacy, with the European Central Bank aiming for anonymity and China giving authorities greater control over data. There are also differences in strategic objectives: China aims to reduce its dependence on the US dollar and strengthen the international role of the yuan, while the euro area focuses on maintaining the region's competitiveness and the effectiveness of monetary policy.

THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE COST OF CAPITAL

Ovidija Matukonytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the concepts of corporate social responsibility and the cost of capital, and analyses scholarly insights into the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of capital. The general methods of scientific research, such as analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, grouping and comparison of information, were applied to the study of the concept of corporate social responsibility. In order to assess the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of capital, an analysis and synthesis of the empirical research results of scholars who have studied the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of capital was carried out, which showed that corporate social responsibility can both reduce and increase the cost of capital. To analyse the relationship between CSR and the cost of capital, scholars have explained the relationship through stakeholder, agency and signalling theories. Stakeholder theory argues that socially responsible companies reduce operational risk and increase trust by ensuring sustainable and ethical relationships with employees, customers, shareholders and the public, and that investors may therefore demand lower investment returns, leading to a lower cost of capital. Agency theory emphasises that CSR can help reduce conflicts of interest between managers and investors by acting as a trust-building mechanism that can reduce the cost of capital. Signalling theory argues that voluntary disclosure of CSR can reduce the cost of capital, while mandatory disclosure can increase investor distrust and increase it. An analysis of the results of research studies on the impact of corporate social responsibility on the cost of capital has shown that corporate social responsibility has an impact on the cost of capital. It was found that in countries with mandatory CSR disclosure, CSR increases the cost of capital, while conversely, in countries where CSR disclosure is voluntary, CSR decreases the cost of capital. This suggests that socially responsible companies can raise capital on more favourable terms and thus reduce the return required by investors.

RECOGNITION OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS UNDER IFRS

Maksym Nazarenko — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Over time, intangible assets are increasingly outweighing tangible assets in many of the world's leading and largest companies by market capitalisation. At the same time, new intangible assets are emerging and old ones are transforming and acquiring new features, which complicates the process of accounting for them and adds more uncertainty, which in turn has a significant impact on financial statements. A content analysis was carried out to identify the impact of accounting for intangible assets under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on financial statements. Summarization, comprasion of scientific literature, content analysis, statistical, structural and scientific abstractions methods were used for the research. This article presents recognition of intangible assets under IFRS and their growing importance in financial statements are examined. Various scholarly interpretations of intangible assets are reviewed, alongside an analysis of the conditions for their recognition under IFRS. The scholarly debate surrounding these recognition criteria and their consequences is also addressed. To assess the impact of intangible asset recognition on financial statements, SAP SE and Siemens AG are used as case studies, demonstrating that financial reporting is significantly affected due to the money and time spent, as well as the inherent subjectivity in recognizing and measuring these assets.

ALCOHOL EXCISE TAX GROUPS DIFFERENCES IN BALTIC STATES

Agris Raipalis, Biruta Sloka — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose of this study is to evaluate different approaches and purposes of applying alcohol excise tax rate and raw material groups for low alcohol content beverages in Baltic states. Main focus and goals of this study are different models of low alcohol excise tax groups, taxation rates among excise tax groups and politics of alcohol types by maintenance of alcohol excise tax groups. The study examines the impact of these models on tax revenue and different attempts and goals of politics, especially in favour of local raw material and beverage producers, also for health indicators improvement. For this research is used quantitative analysis of statistics data, also comparative analysis of theoretic method to analyse research results and legislative documents. Scope of this research is limited to Baltic states during last decade. The result and principal conclusion is that each country has its practice that differs and is guided both by economical, practical and political reasons. Representation of the interests of agricultural entrepreneurs is provided by such state politics: this research attempts to answer effectiveness of different states realised policies in application of excise tax for light alcohol.

INSIGHTS FOR IMPROVING INTERNATIONAL TRADE EFFICIENCY THROUGH EU CUSTOMS TAXATION POLICY

Monika Ražanaitė, Simona Šutaitė-Ščesnė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The European Union's customs taxation policy is significant for balancing economic stability, market protection, and trade facilitation. As a customs union, the European Union implements the unified policy and applies the external tariff on imports from non-EU countries, allowing goods to move freely between member states. This policy focuses on principles of neutrality, simplicity, and fairness, using tools such as VAT, customs duties, and excise taxes to collect revenue and regulate trade. Additionally, customs taxation fulfils regulatory, protective, and fiscal functions, impacting international trade by managing goods movement, shielding local industries, and generating public funds. Recommendations for improving European Union customs policy include harmonizing tariffs, streamlining customs procedures, and enhancing digital integration. Reducing tariff disparities and embracing technology would simplify trade, cut costs, and increase transparency. This modernization would enable the European Union to respond better to global trade dynamics, fostering long-term economic growth. The upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will further integrate environmental goals into the tax framework, enhancing the European Union’s role in sustainable trade. Overall, a reformed and digitized European Union customs system could strengthen the Union's competitiveness, making it a stronger player in the international trade landscape while supporting both European Union level initiatives and member state priorities.

IMPACT OF THE TRANSITION FROM NATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS TO INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS ON THE COMPANY‘S WORKING CAPITAL

Toma Ūksienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

In order to be able to compare the financial data of different companies, it is necessary to present the company's financial data in a language that everyone can understand. There is a need to standardize data submission forms. The purpose of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is to standardize the accounting rules applied in different countries, which would be applied by as many countries as possible. For this reason, financial statements will be easier to compare with each other. The transition from national accounting standards to international accounting standards has a significant impact on the financial reporting of companies, including working capital management. This article analyzes how a change in accounting standards in a company affects the main components of working capital - current assets and current liabilities. The study, based on a comparative analysis, examines the case of a specific company before and after the transition to international accounting standards. The results show that the transition to international accounting standards in the selected company had a negative impact on working capital. Decreased working capital for the company signals a change in the assessment of short-term solvency and financial stability of the company. The article provides practical insights for companies seeking to transition from national to international accounting standards and effectively manage working capital, emphasizing the strategic significance of changes in accounting standards for financial management.

EVALUATION OF RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES IN FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PREPARED ACCORDING TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

Skaistė Žymančienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The disclosure of related parties in financial statements is a crucial aspect of corporate transparency and accountability. International Accounting Standard (IAS) 24 establishes the requirements for identifying and reporting related party transactions to ensure financial statement users can assess potential conflicts of interest and financial risks. This study evaluates the effectiveness of related party disclosures in companies listed on NASDAQ Vilnius, focusing on compliance with IAS 24 requirements. The research employs content analysis of financial statements from 2019 to 2023, using qualitative and quantitative assessment criteria. The findings reveal significant variations in disclosure quality among companies, with stronger compliance in related party identification and guarantees but weaker disclosure of management compensation and transactions with state-owned entities. The results highlight the need for stricter regulatory oversight and improved corporate reporting practices to enhance financial transparency and investor confidence. The study contributes to the understanding of disclosure practices and offers recommendations for improving financial statement transparency in line with international standards.

THE EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE WITH WOOD FIBER AND DIFFERENT NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON CUCUMBER DEVELOPMENT

Andželika Barkauskaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Peat is used for greenhouse crops, which has good mechanical and physical properties and mineralizes and releases nutrients during the growing process. However, peat is an integral part of ecosystems that has been forming for several thousand years and is obtained from naturally formed and layered bogs. Preservation of carbon reserves in peatlands is very important in order to mitigate climate change. In a 2-factor experiment conducted in 2021 at the Academy of Agriculture of Vytautas Magnus University, in the controlled climate greenhouse of the Joint Research Center for Land and Forest Research, an alternative to peat was chosen - wood processing waste, in which cucumbers are grown. Wood not used for production is crushed, ground and its consistency becomes similar to fiber. Variants selected in the experiment: Factor A - four different media: 1. Peat substrate control 100% peat - SB; 2. Wood processing waste 100% - MP; 3. Wood processing waste and peat in a ratio of 50:50; 4. Wood processing waste and peat in a ratio of 25:75. Factor B – to evaluate the compensation of nitrogen immobilization, three additional fertilizations were performed: 1. Background fertilization N₁₂P₁₁K₁₈ standard nutrient solution 1.6g l^-1; 2. N₁₃ + background fertilization N₁₂P₁₁K₁₈; 3. N₂₃ + background fertilization N₁₂P₁₁K₁₈; 4. N₃₀ + background fertilization N₁₂P₁₁K₁₈. It has been determined that for growing cucumbers in a greenhouse, peat substrate can be replaced with a medium made from wood processing waste by regulating the immobilization of nutrients in the medium.

THE INFLUENCE OF PLANTING MATERIAL AND MULCH ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF GARLIC CROP

Donata Daraškevičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

A field experiment on garlic (Allium sativum L.) was conducted in 2023–2024 in Kaunas district municipality, Domeikava eldership, Domeikava village, on a private farm. The aim was to evaluate the productivity of organically grown garlic under different seed preparation methods and mulching treatments. The selected garlic variety for the study was the winter form of ‘Žeimiai’. A two-factor experiment was set up: Factor A – applied organic mulches: non-mulched (NE); grass (ŽO); peat (DU); hay (ŠN). Factor B – seed preparation methods: untreated (BE); treated with potassium permanganate solution (KMnO₄). Mulching can improve not only yield but also its qualitative parameters. Grass and peat mulches increased the clove mass of garlic when untreated planting material was used, whereas mulching with hay significantly reduced the clove mass by 15.1%. When the seed material was treated with KMnO₄ solution, all mulches increased bulb mass; however, the differences were not significant compared to the non-mulched crop. The seed treatment method significantly increased garlic clove mass only when the crop was mulched with hay. The proportion of the highest quality (<45 mm) garlic clove increased by an average of 14% in mulched crops, and by up to 22% when grass mulch was used. KMnO₄ treatment generally reduced the proportion of the highest quality garlic by an average of 7%, except when mulched with hay, where seed treatment with KMnO₄ solution improved garlic quality parameters by 45.3%. However, KMnO₄ treatment had a negative effect on the number of slices in a garlic clove.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT GROWING CONDITIONS AND VARIETIES ON THE QUALITY INDICATORS OF STRAWBERRY BERRIES

Brigita Jankuvienė, Augustas Sederevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The experiment on garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa L.) varieties and their different growing conditions was carried out in 2023–2025 on the farm of farmer Gediminas Jankus, located in the village of Skerdupis, Prienai district. The soil of the experimental field is a sandy, dusty clay subsoil (Planosols). The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different growing conditions and strawberry varieties on the quality indicators of strawberry fruits. To achieve this objective, the following tasks were formulated to determine the impact of different growing conditions and varieties on: 1) dry matter content; 2) crude fiber content; 3) crude ash content; 4) vitamin C content. The research was conducted according to established methodologies in both an outdoor and greenhouse experiments. Factor A: different growing conditions: 1) Field; 2) Greenhouse; Factor B: strawberry varieties: 1) 'Tresca'; 2) 'Temptation'. The results showed that the highest soluble dry matter content (12.97%) was observed in 'Tresca' strawberries grown under greenhouse conditions, while the lowest (6.18%) was found under field conditions. In terms of absolute dry matter content, the highest value (90.52%) was observed in 'Temptation' strawberries grown in field conditions, whereas the lowest (88.15%) was recorded under greenhouse conditions. Strawberries of the 'Temptation' variety grown in field conditions had lower crude fiber and green ash content compared to other variants. When analyzing the effect of different growing conditions and varieties on the vitamin C content in strawberries, it was found that the significantly highest amount (40.03 mg 100 g⁻¹) was detected in the 'Temptation' variety.

KERNZA® PERENNIAL GRAIN CROP GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN LITHUANIAN CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

Matas Krivickas, Zita Kriaučiūnienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of the study was to evaluate the growth and development of Kernza perennial grain in the initial stages, the effect of red clovers on the morphometric indicators of perennial grains. To achieve the goal, the following tasks were set: 1. To evaluate the initial growth and development of Kernza in the climatic conditions of Lithuania; 2. To evaluate the effect of red clover companion crop on the morphometric indicators of perennial grain’s (plant height, root length, number of stems). The field experiment is being carried out from 2023 in Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy. Research has shown that even in difficult climatic conditions, perennial grain sprouted, the number of Kernza in a single crop reached 25-30, and in a double crop 10-13 plants m^-2. With more rainfall, a sufficiently dense Kernza crop was formed in single (47-49 pcs. m^-2) and dual crop (33-36 pcs. m^-2) variants, while red clover seed density decreased due to insufficient moisture content. It was found that red clover seeding had no significant differences in the morphometric indicators of Kernza in the initial stages of growth.

THE INFLUENCE OF MAIZE GROWING TECHNOLOGIES ON PLANT PARAMETERS AND PRODUCTIVITY

Linas Marcinkevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

A two-way experiment was conducted in Jonava district, Užusaliai in 2024 in 4 repetitions in order to determine the influence of different maize growing technologies on maize plant’s biometric and yield structure indicators. Different growing technologies were selected, such as growing technology the owner of the experimental field has already been using before the start of the experiment and owner’s growing technology without use of micronutrients (factor A); growing technologies with different fertilization rates recommended by spectral reflectance sensor (factor B). 5 plants from each repetition field were randomly selected to measure plant’s height and mass, knob mass, 1000 grain mass, grain productivity. According to research data, usage of micronutrient fertilizers had significant influence on plant’s height and had a tendency to increase value of every other biometric and yield structure indicator, while best results were found using micronutrient fertilizers together with medium rate of fertilizers recommended by spectral reflectance sensor.

INFLUENCE OF TILLAGE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL PRODUCT ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF HEMP SEED

Arnas Vansevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The field experiment was carried out between May and September 2024. Algirdas Laurikietis' farm in Armonaičiai village, Pakruojis district municipality. The aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of tillage and microbiological products on the productivity of hemp. The hypothesis of the experiment is that minimum tillage and microbiological products do not reduce and may even increase the productivity and quality of hemp. The objectives of the experiment were: 1) to determine the effect of tillage and microbiological products on the yield of hemp seeds; 2) to determine the effect of different tillage and microbiological products on the number of mature seeds per plant of hemp seeds; and 3) to determine the effect of tillage and microbiological products on the quality of hemp seed yield. The variety of hemp grown in the study was 'CFX-2'. The field experiment was a two-factorial design: factor A - different tillage. Factor B: microbiological preparation. It was found that the application of shaving in combination with a microbiological preparation had the greatest effect on the yield of hemp seed. The latter treatment produced the highest seed yield of 1155 kg ha-1. It was found that the variants with different tillage treatments with microbiological preparation produced a lower proportion of fine hemp seeds with fractions up to 1,7 mm and 1,7 to 2,2 mm. Shaving produced the highest average number of seeds per plant, which was significantly higher (129) than tillage. Shaving alone had the highest average weight per 1000 seeds, 15,5 g, which was significantly (10,3 proc.) higher than ploughing.

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN APPLES DURING STORAGE

Raimonda Gudelaitienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh) are one of the most popular fruits in the world due to their sensory properties and nutritional value. The sensory properties of apples are determined by their chemical composition. Due to the high content of phenolic compounds, apples are considered a potential source of natural antioxidants. Post-harvest storage of apples causes irreversible changes. Due to the activity of microorganisms or mechanical damage during picking, apples may begin to rot, the hardness of the pulp decreases with longer storage, the taste deteriorates, as the fruits age and their quality deteriorates. By controlling the storage conditions, changes in apple quality can be slowed down.

Apples of winter varieties 'Jonagold', 'Ligol', 'Ariva', 'Gloster', 'Champion' and 'Skaistis' were stored in controlled atmosphere chambers from October 2023 to April 2024. The tests were performed once every six weeks. Natural mass loss, vitamin C content by the standard method and soluble dry matter by the refractometric method were determined. The biggest mass losses were in 'Ariva' apples. During the first month of storage, 62.8 pct. of this variety was lost, and 77.4 pct. during the entire storage period. The lowest mass losses were noted by 'Ligol' 3.1 pct. and 'Jonagold' 3.6 pct. varieties. The highest amounts of vitamin C were determined in October in five out of six varieties of apples. Essentially, the highest amount of vitamin C was accumulated by 'Jonagold' 3.42 mg 100 g^-1 apples, while the lowest amount was found in the February tests of the same variety at 1.72 mg 100 g^-1. The highest amount of soluble dry matter was accumulated by 'Gloster' 14.8 pct., and significantly the lowest by 'Ligol' 10.9 pct.

CAKES ENRICHED WITH PLANT POWDER ADDITIVES QUALITY

Akvilė Lučkaitė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The research was conducted in 2024 at the Faculty of Agronomy of Vytautas Magnus University and the Laboratory of the Open Access Joint Research Center for Land and Forests. The study focused on cakes made with plum, red beetroot root, and black currant berry powders at concentrations of 5% and 10%, respectively. The amounts of fiber and moisture in the cakes were determined using standard methods. The cake crumb elasticity and hardness were measured using the TA-XTPlus texture analyzer. The results of the study showed that the highest moisture content was found in cakes with 5% and 10% plum powder, while the highest fiber content was observed in cakes with 10% beetroot powder compared to the control. The greatest texture hardness was found in the cake with 10% black currant powder, while the greatest texture elasticity was noted in the cake with 10% beetroot powder, compared to the control.

THE IMPACT OF FERTILIZATION AND HARVESTING TIME ON THE BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CUCUMBER (CUCUMIS SATIVUS)

Monika Mejerė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The study analyzes the effect of fertilization and harvesting time on the biochemical composition of cucumber fruits. Cucumbers of the ‘Roliai’ H variety were grown in an unheated greenhouse at the Institute of Horticulture of LAMMC in 2023. Five fertilization variants were applied: complex and mineral fertilizers, biological preparations in different concentrations, and their combinations. Cucumbers were harvested on July 24, August 1, and August 8. The study examined the content of dry matter, soluble dry matter, and ascorbic acid in the cucumbers.
The research confirmed that harvesting time and the applied fertilizers influence the biochemical composition of cucumbers, and that proper fertilizer selection and harvesting time are essential for an optimal yield.

INFLUENCE OF FUNCTIONAL ADDITIVES ON THE QUALITY OF HARD CANDY

Veronika Mekytė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

A hard candy recipe was created, which was made from xylitol sugar and aqueous extracts of medicinal herbs. The herbs used were: peppermint leaves, chamomile flowers and linden flowers. The hard candy recipe was also supplemented with lyophilized rosehip powder, which was used in different proportions of 0, 1, and 2 percentages in the recipe. When comparing different hard candies, we evaluated them as a whole: what amount of lyophilized rosehip additive and the used aqueous extract of medicinal herbs is the most useful functional additive for improving their quality? It was determined that the hard candies made with chamomile flower extract and with a 2 percent addition of rosehip powder had the highest acidity (7.4°N). The highest total phenolic content was found in hard candy with chamomile flower and peppermint leaf extracts with 2 percent rosehip powder, 2,30 and 2,35 mg GRE 100g^-1. The highest vitamin C content was found in linden flower hard candy with 2 percent rosehip powder, 72.1 mg 100g^-1. In the texture assessment, chamomile flower lollipops with 2 percent rosehip powder had the highest firmness. The results show that the best combination of functional additives was hard candy with chamomile flower extract and 2 percent rosehip powder.

THE EFFECT OF FERMENTATION DURATION ON THE QUALITY OF FIREWEED LEAVES GROWN USING DIFFERENT METHODS

Ilona Padvariškienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The quality analysis of fireweed leaves was conducted in 2023–2024 at the Bio-Fermentation of Secondary Food Raw Materials Laboratory of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (VDU ŽŪA) and the Biochemical Research Laboratory of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland). To determine the effects of solid-phase fermentation on the quality of fireweed leaves grown using different methods, a two-factor experiment was carried out:

Factor A – Different cultivation methods:
- A1) Naturally grown fireweed leaves
- A2) Organically cultivated fireweed leaves
Factor B – Different durations of solid-phase fermentation:
- B1) Non-fermented leaves (control)
- B2) Leaves fermented for 24 hours
- B3) Leaves fermented for 48 hours

The fermentation of fireweed leaves was conducted in a dark chamber at a temperature of 30 °C for 24 and 48 hours. The levels of oenothein B, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b in non-fermented and fermented leaves were determined using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The antioxidant activity of the leaves was assessed using the spectrophotometric ABTS radical cation binding method.

The study results indicated that the levels of oenothein B, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b in fireweed leaves were influenced by both the cultivation method and the duration of solid-phase fermentation. The statistically highest levels of oenothein B were found in non-fermented leaves of fireweed cultivated organically. The highest levels of chlorophylls a and b were observed in non-fermented leaves of fireweed grown naturally. Non-fermented leaves of fireweed cultivated organically exhibited the significantly highest antioxidant activity.

THE INFLUENCE OF HARSVEST TIME ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF WHITE MULBERRY (MORUS ALBA L.) LEAVES

Irina Skirmantienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is commonly used as a functional food and for medicinal purposes. Mulberry leaves, in addition to their main biochemical compounds, are characterized by antioxidant bioactive compounds. Continuous analysis of the plant may reveal new structures and potentially unexplored metabolic factors. New research in this area will expand our knowledge and contribute to the progress of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

The dry matter, fiber, protein and total amino acid content were determined in the leaves of the white mulberry varieties “Galicia” and “Smuglianka” using standard methods. The study showed that the variety and the harvest time did not significantly affect the dry matter content. And significantly, the highest protein and total amino acid content was determined in the leaves of the variety “Galicia” harvested in June.

IDENTIFICATION OF ECOLOGICALLY NATURAL PRODUCTS

Shargiyya Taghizade, Elshad Alizadeh, Kushvar Mammadova — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Ecologically clean products are produced with minimal environmental impact, avoiding synthetic chemicals and GMOs. They help preserve ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote human health. The food industry contributes 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with intensive agriculture harming biodiversity and natural resources. Choosing organic and local products, reducing meat consumption, and minimizing food waste can lower carbon emissions and protect soil fertility. Supporting sustainable food policies ensures a healthier planet for future generations.

INFLUENCE OF PROTEIN ADDITIVES ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BARS

Greta Valeikienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

With the growing popularity of healthy eating culture, confectionery industry representatives and food science experts have to adapt to new trends, healthier alternatives and the search for innovative flavors and combinations. The aim of our work is to create an innovative protein bar enriched with various freeze-dried berries and protein isolate, and to evaluate its chemical composition. The chosen base for the protein bar was peanut butter, maple syrup and oatmeal. Protein isolates were used as additives: soy, rice and freeze-dried berries: gooseberries, lingonberries and mulberries. In the bars produced by standard methods, the following were determined: dry matter content (by drying to constant mass), protein content (by Kjeldahl method), fat content (by Soxhlet method), fiber content (by Henneberg-Stomann method), ash content (by combustion in a muffle furnace). The results showed that the lowest moisture content was found in the bar with rice protein isolate without berries (5.08%), the highest protein content was in the bar with soy protein isolate without berries (28.32%). The highest fat content in the bars was found in the bars with rice protein isolate and gooseberries (30.08%). The highest fiber content was also found in the bar with rice protein isolate and lingonberries (16.66%). The highest ash content was found in the bars with rice protein isolate and lingonberries (2.88%).

STUDY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L.) TUBER METHANOL EXTRACTS

Jolita Višinskytė, Nijolė Vaitkevičienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different methanol concentrations on the total phenolic compounds, total phenolic acids, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity in edible potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber extracts. The research was carried out in 2024 of the Laboratory Plant Materials Quality of the VMU ŽUA Open Access Joint Research Centre for Land and Forestry, and Laboratory of Food Raw Materials Quality of the ABMMI, Faculty of Agronomy, VMU ŽUA. Three potato varieties were used for the study: 'Violet Queen', 'Blue Star' (with purple flesh), and 'Mulberry Beauty' (with red flesh). The tubers were sliced, frozen, and freeze-dried. Potato tuber extracts were prepared using different methanol concentrations of 60%, 80%, and 100%. The total phenolic compounds and total phenolic acids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the total anthocyanins were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and the antioxidant activity was assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging method. The results showed that the highest total phenolic compounds and total phenolic acids were found in the 60% and 80% methanol extracts of the 'Violet Queen' tubers. Significantly the highest total anthocyanin contents were observed in the 'Violet Queen' tuber extracts, although the different methanol concentrations did not have a significant effect on the extraction of these compounds. The 60% methanol extract of 'Violet Queen' tuber exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The study revealed that different potato varieties contained varying levels of bioactive compounds, and appropriately selected extraction conditions can help more effectively extract these compounds

COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF A WIND TUNNEL FOR PESTICIDE SPRAYING STUDIES

Ernestas Gembeckas, Albinas Andriušis, Dainius Steponavičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Reducing drift is one of the key tasks when spraying pesticides in order to reduce negative environmental impacts. Drift studies are carried out in purpose-built wind tunnels, which have received considerable attention in their design and development. The aim of this work was to investigate the operating parameters of an electromagnetic water release valve (12w-160-15) used in a wind tunnel. The purpose of the valve is to release water from the water collection troughs. The valve was tested by supplying it with different voltages. The capacity of the valve with and without the outlet adaptor and with the improved outlet adaptor was also investigated. In addition, the possibility of controlling the valve's permeability and temperature using pulse width modulation was determined. The tests showed that the minimum voltage at which the outlet valve opens is 2.9 V. The 8 litres of water from the tray shall be discharged through the valve in 2 min 51 s without the adapter, in 2 min 55 s with the adapter and in 2 min 33 s with the adapter and the improved inlet adapter. The IPM control of the outlet valve is set to open at a fill factor of 29–26 and close at a fill factor of 3–4 at a frequency of 15–20 kHz respectively. The IPM modulation allows the valve to be supplied with a lower voltage and is less affected by temperature.

HIGH-TEMPERATURE GRAIN DRYING PROCESS ANALYSIS

Martynas Gudjurgis, Egidijus Zvicevičius, Karolis Paskačimas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Often, the harvested grain has too much moisture and is contaminated with impurities and weeds. If the grain is not cleaned and particularly dried in time, it can start to dry out and spoil. It is therefore very important to stabilize the biological activity of the grain mass as soon as possible and to prepare it for storage. High-temperature drying technologies are widely used to reduce the moisture content of beaten grain to a storage-safe moisture content. They are intensive, reliable, but energy-intensive technologies for drying grain of different moisture contents. Therefore, much attention is paid to optimizing the heat-mass exchange processes and their management during drying. Intensive research is being carried out to find ways to reduce energy consumption and increase drying speed without compromising the overall quality and nutritional value of the cereals.

This paper presents a process analysis of the drying of wheat grain with initial moisture content ranging from 14,7 ± 1,1% to 17,2 ± 1,3% in a batch dryer of 95 tonne capacity and 60 tonne/hour maximum capacity. It was found that the average evaporation of water from the grain during one drying cycle with a dryer vented at 80 °C was 2494,0 ± 827 kg. A comparative analysis of drying processes for wheat grains with different initial moisture contents: <15%; 15.1-15.5%; 15.6-16%; 16.1-16.5%; >16.5% was also carried out to determine changes in drying time and drying agent properties

RESEARCH ON THE FERTILIZER SPREADING PROCESS BY SPREADING GRANULAR FERTILIZERS

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Applying the principles of precision agriculture, attention is given to different field properties and varying fertilization, spraying, and sowing rates. Fertilization not only increases the precision of fertilizer distribution but also impacts yield quantities. Improper and unevenly distributed fertilizers are a major cause of reduced yields, the spread of crop diseases, lower grain quality, and higher grain production costs. The aim of the study is to examine and compare the uniformity of the fertilizer spreading process when applying organic and mineral granular fertilizers. The fertilizers used were granular grain husks and mineral granular fertilizers. The fertilizers were spread using a Kuhn MDS 9.19 centrifugal spreader, with a working width of 14 m and a driving speed of 11 km/h. Fertilizer rates were 300 and 400 kg/ha. The results showed that the distribution of granular mineral fertilizers was uniform across the entire working width. The crosswise distribution of organic fertilizers was uneven on both sides of the spreader, as the physical properties of these fertilizers and the fertilization rate significantly affected the dynamics of fertilizer spreading on the soil surface compared to mineral fertilizers.

SEAKEEPING PERFORMANCE AND HYDRODYNAMIC RESPONSE OF AN OCEAN BUOY: A MODEL-SCALE INVESTIGATION

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Seakeeping performance and hydrodynamic response play a critical role in the design and operation of ocean buoys used in offshore applications. Ocean buoys are widely used for offshore monitoring, wave energy harvesting, and marine navigation, where maintaining stable hydrodynamic behaviour is essential. Their seakeeping performance—defined by stability, motion response, and resistance to environmental loads—determines the effectiveness and durability of these systems. This study addresses the need for experimentally validated data to improve buoy design under realistic sea conditions. A 1:5 scale model of a floating ocean buoy was experimentally analysed under irregular wave conditions. The moment of inertia was calculated using the bifilar pendulum method, which provided accurate values for both the buoy and associated setup components. Wave calibration was carried out via Power Spectral Density (PSD) analysis using the Welch method, producing a significant wave height of 120 mm and closely matching the JONSWAP spectrum, thus ensuring realistic hydrodynamic conditions. To evaluate motion behaviour, Response Amplitude Operators (RAOs) were measured using optitrack motion sensors and cross-spectral density analysis. The results revealed strong frequency-dependent resonance in heave RAO (140.84 and 18.28), indicating amplified vertical motion at certain wave frequencies. In contrast, pitch RAO values were significantly lower (9.002 × 10⁻⁵ and 4.6907 × 10⁻⁵), confirming minimal angular instability. These findings suggest that while the buoy exhibits notable heave response under resonant frequencies, it maintains excellent pitch stability—an advantageous trait for offshore deployment. The study demonstrates the importance of mass distribution, spectral calibration, and frequency response analysis in buoy design.

AEROELASTIC AND STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS OF WIND TURBINES: AN OPENFAST-BASED COMPUTATIONAL STUDY

Muhammad Usman Sikandar, Chris Lloyd, Olga Khrystoslavenko — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Wind energy has become a critical component of the renewable energy sector, necessitating advanced computational models to enhance wind turbine performance and structural resilience. This study employs OpenFAST, a multi-physics simulation tool developed by NREL, to investigate the aeroelastic and structural dynamics of the onshore configuration of the NREL 5-MW reference wind turbine — a model originally developed for offshore applications but widely used in both onshore and offshore research contexts. The primary objectives include analyzing turbine eigenmodes, assessing power-thrust characteristics, and evaluating blade bending moments under both steady and turbulent wind conditions. Eigenmode analysis reveals significant out-of-plane bending in the first blade mode and coupled bending-torsional motion in the tower, emphasizing the importance of structural optimization. The power curve exhibits a rapid increase up to the rated wind speed of 12–15 m/s, stabilizing due to active pitch control mechanisms that regulate aerodynamic loads. The thrust force peaks at 11-12 m/s, marking a transition in aerodynamic loading before pitch adjustments mitigate further increases. Under turbulent wind conditions, increased fatigue loads and structural oscillations highlight the necessity for robust damping techniques and fatigue-resistant materials to ensure long-term reliability. The results underscore the significance of aeroelastic interactions, and structural flexibility in optimizing wind turbine longevity and operational efficiency. Further research could explore larger-scale systems, such as the openly available IEA 15MW Reference Wind Turbine and their digital twin’s development.

EFFECT OF LATTERAL WIND SPEED ON THE SPRAY DRIFT OF DROPLETS SPRAYED BY DRONE

Arūnas Šimkus, Michail Semenišin, Dainius Steponavičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

New environmental trends have led to the development of drone applications in agriculture. Unlike ground-based spraying techniques, they do not damage the plants in the tramlines and do not compact the soil. However, when drones spray pesticides from higher altitudes, there is the potential for greater spray drift. The aim of this study was to determine, under controlled conditions, the effect of lateral wind speed on the drift of liquid droplets sprayed by different drone sprayers, depending on the flying height. Two drones were used in the study: a four-propeller (rotor) XAG XP2020 and a six-propeller TTA M6E. The drones were lifted from the ground to altitudes of 2 m, 3 m and 4 m in separate water spraying studies. The drones had a flying speed of 2 m s^-1 during the spraying. In the drone studies, the lateral airflow velocity was varied from 2 m s^-1 to 8 m s^-1 using voltage frequency converters. The number of droplets per area of the water-sensitive papers (pcs cm^-2) was determined. Studies have shown that drone design, lateral wind speed and drone altitude have an impact on the spray drift, outside the spray zone. To avoid the risk of spray drift, it is recommended that the M6E drone sprayer should be used to spray from a maximum height of 2 m with a lateral wind of 4 m s^-1 and from a height of less than 2 m with a wind of 6 m s^-1. In lateral winds of 8 m s^-1 the M6E drone is not recommended for spraying. To avoid the risk of spray drift, the XP 2020 drone sprayer should be recommended to spray from a maximum height of 2.5 m in a 4 m s^-1 lateral wind, from a height of 2 m in a 6 m s^-1 lateral wind and from a height of less than 2 m in an 8 m s^-1 wind.

REVIEW OF THE INFLUENCE OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF STEELS ON THEIR ABRASIVE WEAR

Ignas Stukas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Steels are still the most widely used material in the agricultural machinery industry. Tillage machinery implements are the parts most exposed to abrasive environments. Steel grades are used that are characterized by high wear resistance for the manufacture of such parts. This property largely depends on the microstructure of the steel, which is most often formed during heat treatment. The article presents a review of the relationship between microstructure and their resistance to abrasive wear of medium carbon steels, most often used for the manufacture of tillage machinery parts due to their sufficiently good mechanical properties and relatively low cost compatibility, and the influence of the main heat treatment parameters on the formation of the microstructure with the highest wear resistance.

INVESTIGATION OF THE ENERGY CAPACITY OF LITHIUM BATTERIES AT DIFFERENT AMBIENT TEMPERATURES

Audrius Akučka, Kęstutis Venslauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Today, the popularity of renewable energy is constantly growing, so rising energy costs are driving the development and expansion of energy storage systems. Battery storage technologies allow for the efficient use of excess energy during times of shortage, which is why more and more consumers are choosing to store energy in batteries. By installing electricity storage batteries, consumers can not only store electricity, but also sell it on the market when prices are highest. The aim of this study is to determine the most suitable type of battery for operation at different temperatures. For this purpose, a special research stand was designed to compare different types of small-capacity batteries: lithium-ion (Li-Ion), lithium polymer (Li-Po) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4). During the experiment, the operating temperature of the batteries was changed (+23 °C, +7 °C, –17 °C), and the batteries were discharged to their minimum capacity, applying a constant load from 1 A to 2.5 A, depending on the battery type and number of cells. The results of the study showed that the capacity of all types of lithium batteries decreased by 3–28% at positive temperatures. Based on the results of the experiment, it was determined that Li-Po batteries could store an average of 9.14 Wh of energy, and at –17°C their capacity decreased by 4%. LiFePO₄ batteries could store an average of 6.36 Wh of energy, and at –17°C their capacity decreased by 66%. Li-ion batteries could store an average of 6.33 Wh of energy, and at –17°C their capacity decreased by 6%. These results allow us to assess the suitability of batteries for use at different temperatures in order to ensure efficient energy storage and use.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY STUDIES ON SOLAR FARMS

Naglis Kačinas, Kęstutis Venslauskas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study examines the impact of maintenance on the energy efficiency of a solar park, focusing on its efficiency factor. The study highlights how dust accumulation, component failures and unplanned downtime negatively affect the efficiency of a solar park. An experimental approach was used, collecting data for two years, initially under standard maintenance conditions, and then following an enhanced maintenance programme. The capacity factor was calculated from the operational data and statistical analysis confirmed the effect of the maintenance improvements. The results showed a significant increase in the capacity factor of the fleet, from 13.8% to 15.9%, resulting in an additional 1.5 GWh of electricity production per year. The analysis confirmed that the cleaning of the solar modules and maintenance of the equipment reduced the efficiency losses, improved system uptime and increased energy production.

RESEARCH ON A HYBRID PHOTOVOLTAIC THERMAL SOLAR COLLECTOR

Marius Mickevičius, Egidijus Zvicevičius — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This paper analyses the characteristics of a dual flow glazed flat plate solar collector using a photovoltaic solar energy conversion module instead of a regular absorber. By exploiting the synergies between the two different collectors, the solar energy conversion efficiency increased to 63±1.20%. Parallel flows of electrical energy (131,41 W·m^-2) and thermal energy (480,42 W·m^-2) were obtained. In addition, the hybrid design of the solar energy conversion module created more suitable operating conditions for the PV module. At 978 ± 1,50 W·m^-2 irradiance and an ambient temperature of 26,6 ± 0,42 °C, the surface temperature of the PV module decreased by 9 °C on average.

STUDY OF LIVESTOCK FARM ENERGY NEEDS AND BIOGAS POWER PLANT ENERGY POTENTIAL

Julius Zikas, Kęstutis Navickas — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Biogas production from agricultural and animal waste can be a promising solution for the development of renewable bioenergy. Biogas production technologies are based on the natural interaction of microorganisms and organic waste, for the formation of clean and energetically active gases. This paper presents a study on the possibilities of biogas production and use in a small livestock farm. The selected object of the study is a small livestock farm located in Telšiai district, where 43 dairy cows, 72 beef cattle, 14 dairy and 23 beef cattle are raised. The raw materials constantly generated on the farm – thick and liquid cattle manure – were selected for biogas production. The farm accumulates around 543 tons of thick manure and 538 tons of liquid manure during the housing period. The biogas produced would be used to cover the farm's annual electricity and thermal energy consumption. The study carried out a single load experiment with selected feedstocks at the Biogas Laboratory of the VMU Academy of Agriculture and determined biogas yields, methane concentrations and gas energy values. Based on the results of the experimental study and the modelling of the feedstock flows, it was found that biogas with an energy potential of up to 280 MWh could be extracted from the feedstock stored on the farm. Annual energy yields from biogas are significantly higher than the energy needs of the farm.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENING MEASURES IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FROM A THEORETICAL ASPECT

Vaiga Landauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The study aims to determine the significance of partnership strengthening measures in the development of tourism from a theoretical aspect. To achieve the set goal, two tasks were implemented: partnership strengthening measures and their significance in the development of tourism from a theoretical aspect were identified. Planning documents regulating the development of tourism in Lithuania were reviewed. Research methods applied - analysis of scientific literature and scientific articles, analysis of legal documents of the Republic of Lithuania, which regulate the implementation of tourism policy in Lithuania. The significance of partnership strengthening measures in the development of tourism depends on the public sector, which ensures a clear tourism development policy and financing, on the involvement of the private sector providing services and attracting investments, business development and on third sector NGOs, which empower communities, and are directly related to the development of sustainable tourism. All sectors in the partnership share resources, risks and benefits. However, in order for the partnership process to proceed in a targeted manner and the measures to be selected purposefully, strategic planning documents of various scopes and complexity are being prepared, adapted at the national, regional and local levels. It has been established that Lithuania is guided by the Lithuanian Tourism Roadmap Strategy, the Lithuanian Tourism Development Guidelines, the 2021–2030 National Progress Plan, the Economic Transformation and Competitiveness Development Program, the General Plan of the Territory of the Republic of Lithuania until 2030 and other planning documents, therefore it can be stated that the strategic planning environment in Lithuania is sufficient for tourism development.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE LOGISTICS INNOVATION ON FIRM PERFORMANCE

Emmanuel Oluwafemi Oduntan — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

SOCIAL EXCLUSION OF RURAL YOUTH: THE CASE OF KĖDAINIAI DISTRICT

Rasa Vitkauskienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The aim of this article is to reveal the peculiarities of social exclusion of young people and the possibilities of prevention in Kėdainiai district. The research was carried out using the analysis and synthesis of scientific literature, analysis of secondary data. Based on the results of the study, it can be stated that youth unemployment and low employment are one of the main causes of social exclusion. Limited employment opportunities for young people mean lower incomes, dependence on social benefits and limited opportunities to participate in public life, which leads to their social exclusion. Long-term unemployment and a low choice of activities not only cause economic hardship in the long term but also increase the likelihood of social problems (e.g. delinquency, addictions).

ASSESSING QUALITY OF LIFE IN ANYKŠČIAI DISTRICT

Gabrielė Žiogelė, Vilma Atkočiūnienė — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article aims to shed light on the specificities of quality of life measurement. The aim of the study is to analyse and evaluate the quality of life index in Anykščiai district. The analysis of scientific literature and statistical data was used for the research. Based on the results of the study it can be stated that the quality of life index is calculated on the basis of sub-indices, which are compared, evaluated and analysed, which shows the strength of the factors determining the quality of life. The main components of quality of life are health, environment, economy and society. In order to calculate the quality of life index, it is important to consider indicators related to the inner self, emotions and the surrounding environment.