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Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a pathogenic fungus that grows mostly on birch species (Betula pendula Roth and B. pubescens Ehrh.) and has traditionally been used as an anticancer medicine. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of chagas growing on both Betula spp. on various cancer cell lines. The freeze-dried extracts contained triterpenes inotodiol, lanosterol betulin, and betulinic acid typical to conks growing on Betula species. The cytotoxic activity of chaga growing on Betula pendula and B. pubescens 80% ethanolic extracts against 31 human cancer cell lines was evaluated by a sulforhodamine B assay. Chaga extract showed moderate activity against all cancer cell lines examined; it did not result in high cytotoxicity (IC50 ≤ 20 µg/mL). The strongest inhibitions were observed with chaga (growing on B. pendula) extract on the HepG2 and CAL-62 cell line and with chaga (from B. pubescens) extract on the HepG2 cell line, with IC50 values of 37.71, 43.30, and 49.99 μg/mL, respectively. The chaga extracts from B. pendula exert somewhat stronger effects on most cancer cell lines studied than B. pubescens extracts, which can be attributed to a higher content of inotodiol in B. pendula extracts. This study highlights the potential of chaga as a source of bioactive compounds with selective anticancer properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first investigation of the chemical composition of I. obliquus parasitizing on B. pubescens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora infestans is the causal agent of late blight in potato. The occurrence of P. infestans with both A1 and A2 mating types in the field may result in sexual reproduction and the generation of recombinant strains. Such strains with new combinations of traits can be highly aggressive, resistant to fungicides, and can make the disease difficult to control in the field. Metalaxyl-resistant isolates are now more prevalent in potato fields. Understanding the genetic structure and rapid identification of mating types and metalaxyl response of P. infestans in the field is a prerequisite for effective late blight disease monitoring and management. Molecular and phenotypic assays involving molecular and phenotypic markers such as mating types and metalaxyl response are typically conducted separately in the studies of the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of P. infestans. As a result, there is a pressing need to reduce the experimental workload and more efficiently assess the aggressiveness of different strains. We think that employing genetic markers to not only estimate genotypic diversity but also to identify the mating type and fungicide response using machine learning techniques can guide and speed up the decision-making process in late blight disease management, especially when the mating type and metalaxyl resistance data are not available. This technique can also be applied to determine these phenotypic traits for dead isolates. In this study, over 600 P. infestans isolates from different populations—Estonia, Pskov region, and Poland—were classified for mating types and metalaxyl response using machine learning techniques based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. For both traits, random forest and the support vector machine demonstrated good accuracy of over 70%, compared to the decision tree and artificial neural network models whose accuracy was lower. There were also associations (p < 0.05) between the traits and some of the alleles detected, but machine learning prediction techniques based on multilocus SSR genotypes offered better prediction accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good cognitive status predicts academic, professional, and health outcomes. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness, and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in the first grade of school. A total of 133 South Estonian children whose age was 6–7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7–8 years after they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative upper-limb strength, standing long jump results, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, and perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in preschool with perceptual, conceptual, or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, a higher MF in preschool was associated with higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for confounders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed to be frequently associated with cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher MF in preschool was associated with better verbal skills in the first grade of school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several northern European countries have announced ambitious plans to become carbon neutral already before the year 2050. Recent research has, however, highlighted how potential bottlenecks in raw material and resource availability could significantly delay or hinder wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) expansion and continued biomass usage in parts of Europe. To address this issue, this paper assesses how exposed the national energy and climate plans (NECPs) of Finland, Estonia, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark are to resource limitations and techno-economic risks by reviewing and analysing 2030 NECP targets compared to statistical energy use data in these countries. The results indicate that the NECPs of Denmark and Germany are particularly exposed to risks related to global raw material availability, as Denmark plans to rapidly grow the share of wind and solar PV in electricity generation to 81% and 13% by 2030, respectively, followed by Germany, which outlines a 39% and 16% share of wind and solar PV in its national climate strategy. The NECPs of Finland and Germany are also shown to be vulnerable to limitations in biomass availability, as there is a significant disparity between the projected biomass usage and legally binding European Union (EU) targets for land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector emissions in 2030 in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt) is a severe pathogen to spring barley in Northern Europe. Ptt with relevant mutations in fungicide target proteins, sterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51A), cytochrome b (Cyt b), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) would put efficient disease control at risk. In the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022, 193 Ptt isolates from Estonia were analysed. In this study, mutation detection and in vitro fungicide sensitivity assays of single-spore isolates were carried out. Reduced sensitivity phenotype to mefentrifluconazole was evident in Ptt isolates with a F489L mutation in CYP51A or with 129 bp insert in the Cyp51A gene-promoter region. However, sensitivity to a prothioconazole-desthio remained high regardless of these molecular changes. The Ptt population was mostly sensitive to bixafen, fluxapyroxad, pyraclostrobin, and azoxystrobin. The sensitivity of fluxapyroxad and bixafen has been affected by two mutations, C-S135R and D-H134R, found in SDH subunits. The F129L mutation in Cyt b influenced azoxystrobin but not pyraclostrobin sensitivity. In total, 30 isolates from five fields had relevant mutations in three target protein genes simultaneously. Most of these isolates had a reduced sensitivity phenotype to mefentrifluconazole, fluxapyroxad, and azoxystrobin, while sensitivity to other tested fungicides remained high. Furthermore, possible sexual reproduction may enhance the pathogen's fitness and help it adapt to fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the trust/commitment theory and the customer-based brand equity theory, this study aims to ascertain which of the brand equity drivers of A. Le Coq beer have an impact on attachment and its overall brand equity in the Estonian brewery market. In order to achieve this goal, an empirical study was conducted based on the 17 customer-based/consumer-based brand equity models: the 15 brand equity models, including the beer/beverage brand equity models, the 2 internal brand equity models, as well as 3 other related models. The study utilised a sample of convenience of 120 University of Tartu students. The questionnaire was placed on Google's online survey administration service. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) through AMOS29 was used for testing the fit of the model and covariances (through AMOS29) were used for testing the hypotheses. Additionally, t-test analysis was used for the differences in the means between the demographic characteristics and the items of the model. The results show that brand meaning has a strong positive effect on attachment strength, which significantly influences relationship factors—commitment, trust, and satisfaction. Another major finding is that the relationship factors—commitment, trust, and satisfaction—play a significant role in the development of the brand equity of A. Le Coq beer. This study provides useful insights for brewery marketing managers by exploiting the strong positive relationships found between beer brand equity drivers, such as the strong positive relationships found within consumers of beer, i.e., the relationships between brand reputation and brand image, brand meaning and attachment strength, attachment strength and commitment, attachment strength and satisfaction, attachment strength and trust, satisfaction and brand equity, commitment and brand equity, and trust and brand equity. This finding contributes to the literature on brand equity related to the Estonian environment. Five differences in demographic characteristics seem to play a role in designing strategies by the management teams of different brands for increasing the consumption of their competing brands of beer. A replication of a model previously used for a non-product is part of the novelty of this paper. In addition, all the examined relationships are found to be positive and significant, which provides a contribution to the existing literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the population dynamics of Phytophthora infestans in Estonia from 2005 to 2022, focusing on genetic diversity and potential shifts in reproductive strategies. In total, 153 P. infestans isolates were collected throughout Estonia over ten growing seasons. Genotyping revealed considerable genetic diversity, with most isolates not corresponding to known multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Still, instances of invasive clonal lineages were observed, notably EU_41_A2. The data indicate the likelihood of random mating rather than clonal reproduction in all the analyzed years. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) results revealed no distinct clustering among the sampling years. Statistical analysis and the minimum spanning network (MSN) indicated low genetic differentiation between years with minimal fluctuations in allele frequencies. The continuous monitoring of P. infestans populations is essential for detecting any changes from the current evolutionary trajectory and implement effective disease management strategies, especially considering the recent emergence of EU_41_A2 in the Nordics and the potential impacts of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandy beaches high in recreation value make up 16% of the over 4000 km long shoreline of Estonia. The shore processes associated with climate change have remarkably accelerated over recent decades. Many sandy shores have suffered from strong erosion, including an excellent former beach at Valgeranna. The jetties, which were built in the 1860s to protect the navigation channel of Port Pärnu from clogging, have prevented natural sediment transport along the coast from south to north. At the same time, the sandy beach in Pärnu is expanding, and part of the sand accumulates with strong storms also in between the jetties, reducing the width of the shipping channel. The channel needs regular dredging, but, so far, the dredged sediment has been taken far away to the open sea and accumulated on the seabed. The current paper addresses the possibilities of using that sand for beach restoration in destructed and eroded areas. An overview of the applied methods and measurements during field studies is given. The results of modelling the processes of wave activity and sediment transport are discussed. The recycling of shore sediments is an important measure in sustainable coastal zone management. Different options and scenarios are analysed in order to find the most reasonable ways to bring sand back onto beaches and stabilize natural processes. Support from the state by working out respective laws and regulations would be motivating as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food supply stands out as one of the most critical drivers of population demographics by limiting reproductive rates. In this study, we assessed fluctuations in diet composition and monitored various reproductive parameters over a nine-year period in a Golden Eagle population in an Eastern European peatland. The identification of 2439 prey specimens from 84 species revealed that the studied eagles primarily preyed upon birds (constituting 78.3% of prey numbers and 67.2% of prey biomass) and less on mammals (21.6% and 32.8%, respectively). Grouse emerged as the most important prey group (31% and 27%), followed by waterfowl (17%) and hares (8% and 14%). The most significant prey species, both in terms of numbers and weight, were the Black Grouse, Mountain Hare, Common Crane, and Capercaillie. The share of the Black Grouse decreased, while those of the White-fronted Goose, Roe Deer, and hares increased. The food niche, as measured by the Levins' index, was broad (6.6), and it expanded during the study. On average, 58.3% of Golden Eagle pairs initiated breeding annually, with 69.1% successfully completing it, and 0.41 young per occupied territory were produced annually; there was pronounced interannual variation in reproductive performance. These fluctuations were associated with the shares of White-fronted Goose, Capercaillie, Mountain Hare and Roe Deer in the diet, suggesting that these species may be gaining increasing importance for the Golden Eagle, particularly following the decline of the Black Grouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are situated on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea between Russia and the Scandinavian countries. This region is characterized by diverse landscapes and numerous bodies of water, including lakes, peat bogs, and marshes, which serve as natural habitats for aquatic invertebrates, including leeches. Despite the rare and uncertain taxonomic status of leech species in the area, research in the Baltic region has been inadequate. Therefore, this study aims to examine the composition of leech species in the Baltic countries, drawing on both past and current research. The study also seeks to assess the status of Hirudo medicinalis in the Baltic region and discuss the rare, questionable, and potentially present leech species in the Baltic states. A scoping review method was employed, surveying published references, books, and databases. In total, the study found records of 21 leech species in Estonia, 15 in Latvia, and 26 in Lithuania, belonging to the families Glossiphoniidae, Erpobdellidae, Hirudinidae, Haemopidae, and Piscicolidae. Hirudo medicinalis L. is distributed throughout all Baltic countries, but the most recent records on their location are only available for Estonia. The data on a few Piscicolidae species is questionable and requires verification, but further research on Piscicolid leeches can potentially lead to the discovery of rare species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, which is increased by the irrational use of antibiotics, for example, in the treatment of respiratory tract infections in community care. By using rapid point-of-care diagnostics, overuse can be avoided. However, the diagnostic tests are rarely used in most European countries. We mapped potential barriers and facilitators in health technology assessment (HTA), pricing, and funding policies related to the use of rapid diagnostics in patients with community-acquired acute respiratory tract infections. Expert interviews were conducted with representatives of public authorities from five European case study countries: Austria, Estonia, France, Poland, and Sweden. Barriers to the HTA process include the lack of evidence and limited transferability of methods established for medicines to diagnostics. There was no price regulation for the studied diagnostics in the case study countries, but prices were usually indirectly determined via procurement. The lack of price regulation and weak purchasing power due to regional procurement processes were mentioned as pricing-related barriers. Regarding funding, coverage (reimbursement) of the diagnostic tests and the optimized remuneration of physicians in their use were mentioned as facilitators. There is potential to strengthen peri-launch policies, as optimized policies may promote the uptake of POCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the language and literacy practices of multilingual families in Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Israel, and Sweden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focuses on the different roles of family members in language transmission in order to understand whether these practices might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to answer two key research questions: RQ1, whether and how the pandemic conditions affected the heritage language, societal language acquisition, and heritage language literacy learning environments in the five countries examined (Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Israel, and Sweden); and RQ2, what is the nature of child and parental agency in facilitation of the possible changes in the corresponding five countries? Fifty semi-structured interviews (ten in each country) were conducted. The data highlighted the factors that triggered changes in family language policy during the pandemic and the role of the child's agency, parents, extended family, and social network during this period. Based on our findings, we argue that the pandemic conditions gave the children new opportunities for agency when it comes to language and literacy choice and communication with extended family members. This even facilitated new sources of input and suggested the active role of a child as an agent in shaping family language policy in the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate vulnerability assessment methods are essential for effective groundwater management and protection, allowing the identification of areas vulnerable to pollution. The widely used DRASTIC method has been modified to improve groundwater vulnerability assessment in regions where Quaternary sediments form a confining layer above the main useful aquifer. This study applied the modified DRASTIC method to two study areas in Estonia with heterogenous Quaternary sediments. The results were compared to the original DRASTIC method and a groundwater vulnerability assessment method used formerly in Estonia. The results significantly improved with the modified version compared to the original method. The modified method also exhibited stronger correlations with nitrate concentration data, illustrating the higher accuracy of the modified DRASTIC method in vulnerability assessment in regions with confined aquifers. The results highlight the significance of modifying the vulnerability assessment methods according to regional geological conditions to evaluate groundwater vulnerability accurately and support informed decision-making in groundwater management and protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is now considered the most common cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. There are no published data about the prevalence of antibodies to HEV and RNA in donor sera in Estonia, and this precludes planning measures for preventing HEV proliferation through blood transfusion services. Here, were report data from an analysis of 1002 sera on the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM and the viral RNA. The antibodies were found in 48 donor sera (4.8%); of these, 40 (4%) harbored anti-HEV IgG, 15 (1.5%) contained anti-HEV IgM, and 7 donors had anti-HEV antibodies of both classes simultaneously. HEV RNA was not detected in any blood serum. Statistical associations of infection risk factors (gender, age, travel in the last six months, contact with pigs and/or wild boars in the last six months, consumption of thermally unprocessed/raw pork or boar meat, raw/unfiltered tap water or water from natural sources, unpasteurized farm dairy products, and unwashed berries and/or vegetables) were assessed. None of the listed factors were found to be associated with a higher or lower risk of anti-HEV antibody presence. At the same time, an increasing share of anti-HEV IgG carriers with age was found. The absence of HEV RNA in the analyzed donor plasma samples proves that HEV acute infection prevalence in Estonia does not exceed the average level of European countries. There is no urgent necessity to enter a requirement for a total screening of blood plasma for HEV RNA prevalence in Estonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While information and communication technology (ICT) has changed every aspect of our lives and will continue to do so, it is the role of education to prepare students adequately for their future adult lives in the digital age. This places high expectations on teachers. This article aims to provide an understanding of how teachers' attitudes towards ICT in the classroom are reflected in the regular use of ICT in their daily teaching practices and how teachers describe their role in preparing young people for adult life in the digital age. Data from the DigiGen project are used, which entails in-depth semi-structured interviews with eight general-education (grades 1–12) teachers from Estonia. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes vary—while some perceive ICT as a natural part of life, others have more moderate or even sceptical attitudes towards ICT use in the classroom. Teachers' practices in using ICT in the classroom differ greatly, but most are monotonous, putting students in a passive role. Teachers understand their role in preparing young people for adult life in the digital age as important, although this is not reflected in their practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study combined landscape character assessment (LCA) and cultural ecosystem services (CES) frameworks to evaluate human well-being in the peri-urban area of Harku Municipality, Estonia. Using geospatial data combined with expert opinions, the study investigated the interplay between landscape character types and environmental/contact types through the LCA method. In total, 21 distinct landscape types comprising 47 separate areas were identified, with CES values determined for each. Restorative, social, and cognitive values were associated with each landscape character type. The findings demonstrated the higher restorative potential of blue and green elements (water bodies, forests) with low settlement density and minimal agriculture. High-density settlements with good road access demonstrated significant social values, while mixed forests and wetlands tended to be associated with higher cognitive values. Coastal zones with semi-dense settlements and mixed forests earned favourable ratings, whereas industrial/agricultural landscapes were rated lowest for all values. These findings offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of urban–rural interactions, resilience, and the impact of urbanisation on CES. They may inform future landscape management strategies, urban planning decisions, and policy considerations. Additionally, this study highlights the need for further research to explore the long-term trends and potential changes in CES in evolving peri-urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyzes Baltic German religious art based on examples from Estonia in the first half of the nineteenth century, focusing on artistic networks and the reclamation of a Renaissance classical ideal. Baltic German artists such as Friedrich Ludwig von Maydell, Gustav Adolf Hippius, and Otto Friedrich Ignatius were in contact with the Nazarenes, whose ideals were inspired by Raphael's attempt to merge art and religion. The Nazarenes influence can be seen in Baltic German religious art, which favored idealized forms and followed on from the works of the Renaissance masters. In addition to presenting religious scenes, in the Baltic context, these artworks acted as mediators of European artistic heritage. The classical ideal was thus perpetuated by a tightly connected network in which Baltic German artists joined others in re-establishing the power of the European canon of art history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater management in transboundary aquifers is complex due to the hidden nature of groundwater and its intricate interactions with surface water. The overarching issue lies in the need for improved tools and strategies to manage transboundary aquifers effectively, given their critical importance to regional water resources and ecosystems. In addressing these challenges, this study focuses on a specific transboundary aquifer system between Estonia and Latvia, situated within the sedimentary rocks of North-East Europe. Here, we propose a conceptual model approach as a valuable tool for comprehending the hydrogeological characteristics of transboundary aquifers and supporting more efficient management strategies. Utilizing open-source software MODFLOW-6, our developed conceptual model integrates the aquifer system's geological and hydrogeological framework and simulates groundwater flow under transient conditions. Our findings highlight a profound hydrological connection between groundwater and surface water, particularly within the first 200 m of the aquifer. Despite varying cross-border groundwater flows, collaboration remains vital for sustainable transboundary aquifer management, aligning with international agreements such as the Water Convention and the EU Water Framework Directive, benefiting similar systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the differences and drivers of oomycete diversity and community composition in alder- and birch-dominated park and natural forest soils of the Fennoscandian and Baltic countries of Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. For this, we sequenced libraries of PCR products generated from the DNA of 111 soil samples collected across a climate gradient using oomycete-specific primers on a PacBio high-throughput sequencing platform. We found that oomycete communities are most affected by temperature seasonality, annual mean temperature, and mean temperature of the warmest quarter. Differences in composition were partly explained by the higher diversity of Saprolegniales in Sweden and Norway, as both total oomycete and Saprolegniales richness decreased significantly at higher longitudes, potentially indicating the preference of this group of oomycetes for a more temperate maritime climate. None of the evaluated climatic variables significantly affected the richness of Pythiales or Peronosporales. Interestingly, the relative abundance and richness of Pythiales was higher at urban sites compared to forest sites, whereas the opposite was true for Saprolegniales. Additionally, this is the first report of Phytophthora gallica and P. plurivora in Estonia. Our results indicate that the composition of oomycetes in soils is strongly influenced by climatic factors, and, therefore, changes in climate conditions associated with global warming may have the potential to significantly alter the distribution range of these microbes, which comprise many important pathogens of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this article is to empirically examine the impact of economic growth and urbanisation on environmental degradation, as well as the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in three Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) from 2000 to 2020. The main Kaya identity and the extended urban Kaya identity models are applied within the analysis. The multiple regression analysis made it possible to assess the influence of urbanisation and other factors on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the studied countries, as well as test the hypothesis of the inverted U-shaped EKC. The main finding reveals that GDP per capita growth has the largest and increasing effect on GHG emissions in all three countries. It was also found that changes in population in urban areas in Lithuania and Latvia reduced the amount of GHG until 2020, while in Estonia, the growing urban population greatly contributed to increasing GHG emissions. As a result, processes related to urbanisation have not yet had a significant impact on environmental quality in Lithuania and Latvia. Meanwhile, in Estonia, this is a significant factor that policymakers need to focus on when solving environmental pollution reduction problems. The hypothesis of the EKC was mostly supported when analysing GHG emissions in Lithuania and Estonia and using GDP per capita as an indicator for economic growth. On the other hand, it was found that the impact of the urbanisation rate on GHG emissions is not curved, yet there is some evidence that in Estonia, a growing urbanisation rate is related to diminishing GHG emissions, according to the multiple regression analysis. The results of the study showed that policymakers should consider economic growth and, especially in Estonia, urbanisation when solving problems related to environmental degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Middle Corridor, a transport route from Asia to Europe that also facilitates major energy projects through the Caspian Sea and its surrounding countries, has gained even more attention after the intensification of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. Methods: On the basis of major scientific papers on the topic, foreign policy addresses from The Diplomat and studies by the United Nations and Asian Development Bank Institute, a framework with five aspects was created. In addition, two interviews with sector stakeholders were conducted to apply the framework and determine the relevance of the route to Finnish and Estonian economies. Results: A multifaceted overview of the current economic, political, and infrastructural state of the Trans-Caspian trade route is given. The practical value of the article lies in creating a framework for evaluating the route for related economies and testing this out for the Finnish and Estonian economies. Conclusions: Despite the challenges, there are enormous opportunities in this logistics route, especially with the restrictions facing Russia due to western bloc sanctions. Finland and Estonia, however, are suffering under the effects of war in Ukraine and the related sanctions, which has hindered the capacity to further enhance development projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I describe common narratives of history in postcommunist Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia and explore the intersection between multiculturalism and memory politics. I argue that dealing with history is a challenge in these countries and can be seen as part of a broader issue of memory politics in societies that have experienced trauma during the Nazi and Soviet eras. The hypothesis that I developed, based on my empirical analysis, is that it makes visible how a difficult process of negotiating competing memories can, under certain circumstances, lead to dialogical remembrance. The article also pays attention to unexpected events, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which gives a new dynamic to this process. The original contribution of this article is an analysis of historical narratives in three national museums, with a special focus on how these museums deal with the injustices and traumas experienced by different ethnic groups in the Baltic states. The final section of the article is devoted to the reaction of people in these countries to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and how this relates to the politics of history created in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia after 1991. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to summarize the results of the 2022 Estonian Physical Activity Report Card across 10 indicators based on available scientific data and national databases, and, additionally, to compare the current results with previous Report Card results. A national expert panel, consisting of research and policy experts, identified the available sources and synthesized as well as graded relevant data related to the physical activity (PA) of Estonian children and youth. Grade B was assigned to Organized Sports and Physical Activity (B−), Community and Environment (B+), and Government (B). Grade C was assigned to Overall Physical Activity (C+), Physical Fitness (C+), Family and Peers (C−), and School (C+). The lowest grade, D, was assigned to Active Play (D), Active Transportation (D+), and Sedentary Behaviors (D−). In Estonia, the participation rate in organized sport is relatively high, and government in addition to community support seem to be at a relatively good level. However, a relatively high number of children and youth did not meet the current PA guidelines, and the levels of sedentary behavior and screen time were very high. The PA of children and youth should be a cross-disciplinary priority, and focus should be put on developing schoolyards and outdoor breaks, varied and easily accessible organized sport, the use of active transportation, and the implementation of physical education that supports leisure time activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aimed to provide an overview of relative and absolute sea level rise in the Baltic Sea based on different studies, where researchers have used data from tide gauges, satellite altimetry, sea level rise, and land uplift models. These results provide an opportunity to get an overview of the sea level rise in the Baltic Sea. However, to better understand the impact of sea level rise on the coastal area of the Baltic Sea, and especially in Estonia, two post-glacial land uplift models, the latest land uplift model NKG2016LU of the Nordic Commission of Geodesy (NKG) and Estonian land uplift model EST2020VEL, were used. These models enabled to eliminate post-glacial land uplift from absolute sea level rise. To determine the relative sea level rise in the coastal area of the Baltic Sea, the rates from land uplift models were compared to ESA's BalticSEAL absolute sea level rise model. It was found that the relative sea level rise between 1995–2019 was −5 to 4.5 mm/yr (based on NKG2016LU) in the Baltic Sea. In addition, the southern area is more affected by relative sea level rise than the northern part. During the research, it was also found that the IPCC AR5 sea level projections predict a maximum relative sea level rise in the Baltic Sea by the year 2100 of between 0.3 to 0.7 m. As coastal areas in the southern part of the Baltic Sea are predominantly flat, the sea level may reach the real estate properties by the end of the 21st century. In the coastal area of Estonia, the relative sea level rise in the period 1995–2019 was −1.1 to 3.1 mm/yr (based on NKG2016LU) and −0.3 to 3.4 mm/yr (based on EST2020VEL), the difference between the land uplift models is −0.9 to 0.1 mm/y. In Estonia, the west and southwest area are most threatened by sea level rise, where the coast is quite flat. One of the largest cities in Estonia, Pärnu, is also located there. Using the ESA's sea level and EST2020VEL land uplift models, it was found that the relative sea level rise will be 0.28 m by the year 2100. Based on the large spatial resolution IPCC AR5 sea level projections, the relative sea level rise will be on the same scale: 0.2–0.4 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lynch syndrome accounts for 2–3% of all CRC cases. This retroactive and prospective study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Lynch syndrome and describe disease-causing variants in mismatch repair genes in a diagnostic setting and in the Estonian general population. For that, ten years (2012–2022) of data was gathered. In addition, a pilot study for estimating the improvement of Lynch syndrome diagnostics by raising the age limit of mismatch repair gene immunohistochemistry was conducted. We estimated the birth prevalence of LS in Estonia at 1:8638 (95% CI: 1:9859–7588) or 11.58 (95% CI: 10.14–13.18) for 100,000 LBs between 1930 and 2003. The prevalence of Lynch syndrome has increased approximately six-fold in ten years. Due to the improvement of awareness in families and patients sharing information with their family members, the latter receives the diagnosis eight years earlier when most individuals are still healthy, illustrating the benefit of genetic testing and therefore an opportunity for prevention. Furthermore, the pilot study proved to be beneficial. Background: Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most frequent genetically pre-disposed colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, accounting for 2–3% of all CRC cases. In Estonia, ~1000 new cases are diagnosed each year. This retroactive and prospective study aimed to estimate the prevalence of LS and describe disease-causing variants in mismatch repair (MMR) genes in a diagnostic setting and in the Estonian general population. Methods: LS data for the diagnostic cohort were gathered from 2012 to 2022 and data for the general population were acquired from the Estonian Biobank (EstBB). Furthermore, we conducted a pilot study to estimate the improvement of LS diagnostic yield by raising the age limit to >50 years for immunohistochemistry analysis of MMR genes. Results: We estimated LS live birth prevalence between 1930 and 2003 in Estonia at 1:8638 (95% CI: 1: 9859–7588). During the study period, we gathered 181 LS individuals. We saw almost a six-fold increase in case prevalence, probably deriving from better health awareness, improved diagnostic possibilities and the implementation of MMR IHC testing in a broader age group. Conclusion: The most common genes affected in the diagnostic and EstBB cohorts were MLH1 and PMS2 genes, respectively. The LS diagnosis mean age was 44.8 years for index cases and 36.8 years (p = 0.003) for family members. In the MMR IHC pilot study, 29% had LS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snow sampling, either by inserting a tube through the entire snowpack or by taking samples from the vertical profile, is widely applied to measure the snow depth, density, and snow water equivalent (SWE). A comparative study of snow-sampling methods was carried out on 24 March 2022 in Sodankylä, Finland. Six groups from five countries (Estonia, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, and Sweden) participated, using 12 different snow samplers, including 9 bulk tube samplers and 3 density cutters. The cross-sectional area of the SWE samplers varied from 11 to 100 cm2, while tube length varied from 30 cm to 100 cm. The cross-sectional area of the density profile cutters varied from 100 cm2 to 200 cm2 and the vertical sampling step varied from 5 cm to 10 cm. The samples were taken from snow pits in 55–65-centimeter-deep snow cover in a flat area with sparse pine trees, with the pits at a maximum distance of 10 m from each other. Each tube sampling series consisted of 3–10 vertical columns to ensure statistical validation. The snowpack was relatively soft, with two moderately hard crust layers. The density recorded in the tube sample measurements varied from 218 to 265 kgm−3. The measurement results of SWE, however, varied depending on the sampling equipment used, ranging from 148 to 180 kgm−2, with two outliers of 77 and 106 kgm−2, both with 11 cm2 samplers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on citation data, an overview of that part of Estonian basic physical research where optical phenomena or optical methods themselves are the subjects of study is given. The second part of the overview introduces the design and production of optical instruments in Estonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) was first detected in Estonia, in September 2014. In the subsequent three years, the virus spread explosively all over the country. Only one county, the island of Hiiumaa, remained free of the disease. Due to the drastic decrease in the wild boar population in the period of 2015–2018, the number of ASFV-positive cases among wild boar decreased substantially. From the beginning of 2019 to the autumn of 2020, no ASFV-positive wild boar or domestic pigs were detected in Estonia. A new occurrence of ASFV was detected in August 2020, and by the end of 2022, ASFV had been confirmed in seven counties in Estonia. Investigations into proven molecular markers, such as IGR I73R/I329L, MGF505-5R, K145R, O174L, and B602L, were performed with the aim of clarifying whether these cases of ASFV were new entries or remnants of previous epidemics. The sequences from the period of 2014–2022 were compared to the Georgia 2007/1 reference sequence and the variant strains present in Europe. The results indicated that not all the molecular markers of the virus successfully used in other geographical regions were suitable for tracing the spread of ASFV in Estonia. Only the B602L-gene analysis enabled us to place the ASFV isolates spreading in 2020–2022 into two epidemiologically different clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to human and animal health. One of the causes underlying the emergence of increasingly resistant strains is antibiotic selective pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of treatment with amikacin on an extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated in a dog with rhinorrhea. In the middle of the treatment, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) was isolated from the left nasal cavity of the dog. At the end of the treatment, K. pneumoniae was not recovered from nasal swab samples, while MRSP displayed phenotypical and genotypical changes. Six weeks after the end of the treatment, only commensal flora was observed in both nasal cavities. These results warn of the effects of antibiotic pressure, which can lead to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains either by directly promoting the enrichment of bacteria with resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents or via the subsequent acquisition of resistance genes. Therefore, adapting clinical practice to this new reality is crucial to limit the selection and spread of multi-resistant bacteria among pets, humans and the environment. Because of public health concerns, much greater scrutiny is now placed on antibiotic use in pets, especially for antimicrobial agents that have human analogs. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from nasal swabs samples taken from a one-year-old male Serra da Estrela dog with rhinorrhea that was treated with amikacin. An extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in the first sample taken from the left nasal cavity of the dog. Seven days later, methicillin-resistant (MRSP) Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was also isolated. Nevertheless, no alterations to the therapeutic protocol were performed. Once the inhibitory action of the antibiotic disappeared, the competitive advantage of the amikacin-resistant MRSP was lost, and only commensal flora was observed on both nasal cavities. The genotypic profile of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae revealed the same characteristics and close relation to other strains, mainly from Estonia, Slovakia and Romania. Regarding MRSP isolates, although resistance to aminoglycosides was present in the first MRSP, the second isolate carried aac(6′)-aph(2″), which enhanced its resistance to amikacin. However, the veterinary action was focused on the treatment of the primary agent (ESBL K. pneumoniae), and the antibiotic applied was according to its phenotypic profile, which may have led to the resolution of the infectious process. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of targeted therapy, proper clinical practice and laboratory-hospital communication to safeguard animal, human and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous food safety aspects that must be taken into consideration by organic food producers and processors to ensure the safety and quality of their products. The application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles, together with the implementation of good hygiene practices (GHP), ensures that food safety and process hygiene criteria are met. This study was based on a survey conducted among 316 producers and processors representing the organic food sector in five European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Italy and Poland). The knowledge and experience of organic food operators with HACCP systems were evaluated. Moreover, their needs and expectations towards assistance (training, guidance materials) that could improve the level of knowledge and compliance with respective food safety rules and regulations were assessed. The need for support on a number of issues related to food safety and guidance documents on the application of HACCP principles were also identified. This study provides highlights of the application of HACCP principles, with particular focus on identifying priorities and needs for two types of food operators (food producers and food processors). Although most of the surveyed food operators were confirmed to have basic knowledge regarding the HACCP system, there was a lack of understanding of the system principles. The needs and expectations varied among the studied countries and types of organic operators. Recognition of the full potential of the HACCP system requires assistance, particularly in the preparation of documents and records. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings and to identify effective strategies to improve the HACCP knowledge of food operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive non-indigenous crayfish species (NICS) are a major threat to the existence of native crayfish populations in European freshwater ecosystems. The discovery of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus, marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis, and spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus in Estonia has increased the risk of extinction of Estonia's only native crayfish species, the noble crayfish Astacus astacus. The aim of this study was to give an overview of the status, distribution, and impacts of P. leniusculus, F. limosus, and Procambarus virginalis on A. astacus populations and assess the effect of trapping on NICS abundance. Annual monitoring of crayfish has been carried out since 2008 as part of A. astacus conservation and the NICS eradication plan. In this study, we present data from nine sampling locations monitored from 2010 to 2022. The spread of NICS continues to increase beyond their distribution areas, and in two sampling locations P. leniusculus and A. astacus live in sympatry. Our results suggest that trapping has a limited effect on population abundance, as NICS have already caused the extinction of two A. astacus populations. However, intensive trapping should continue simultaneously with sensitive molecular techniques to monitor the spread of NICS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Q fever, a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii (CB), is an emerging zoonotic health problem. The prevalence data from potential sources are valuable for assessing the risk to human and animal health. To estimate the prevalence of CB antibodies in Estonian ruminants, pooled milk and serum samples from cattle (Bos taurus) and pooled serum samples from sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) were analyzed. Additionally, bulk tank milk samples (BTM; n = 72) were analyzed for the presence of CB DNA. Questionnaires and herd-level datasets were used to identify the risk factors for exposure using binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of CB-positive dairy cattle herds (27.16%) was significantly higher than that in beef cattle herds (6.67%) and sheep flocks (2.35%). No CB antibodies were detected in the goat flocks. CB DNA was found in 11.36% of the BTM samples. The odds of seropositivity were higher in dairy cattle herds, with an increasing number of cattle in the herd, and with location in southwestern, northeastern and northwestern Estonia. Dairy cattle herds had higher odds of testing positive for CB in BTM if the dairy cows were kept loose and lower odds if the herd was located in northwestern Estonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies about recess have found that children have higher physical activity (PA) during outdoor recess compared to indoor recess, and well-constructed schoolyards play an important role in stimulating PA in children. This study aimed at investigating the affordances of schoolyards and outdoor recess PA in two urban and two rural primary schools in Estonia. Schoolyards were described with the geographical mapping method, children's activities during outdoor recess were registered by using observations, and PA levels were measured with accelerometers. Students from grades two to six (8–13-year-olds) were included in the study. All observed schoolyards had different spaces including various ball game areas, climbing facilities, and slacklines. The natural environment dominated in the rural schools, and artificial surfaces dominated in the urban schools. Boys in the study tended to enjoy more sport-related activities, whereas girls preferred more social and less active activities. Students participating in outdoor recess spent about twice as much time (20.4%) on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) compared to indoor recess (9.5%), although boys were more active than girls (22.9% vs. 17.3%). All schoolyards afforded more MVPA during outdoor recess compared to indoor recess, whereas schoolyards with more space per child and natural environment elements generated more varied PA and higher MVPA. These findings confirm the importance of schoolyard design and quality for the variety and intensity of students' PA during outdoor recess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to examine three different Galium species from the native population of Estonia, Galium verum, Galium aparine, and Galium mollugo, to characterise their non-volatile and volatile phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. The main groups of bioactive compounds in the plants were quantified by colorimetric tests, showing high concentrations of polyphenols (up to 27.2 ± 1.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (up to 7.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g) and iridoids (up to 40.8 ± 2.9 mg AE/g). The species were compared using HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, revealing some key differences in the phytochemical makeup of the extracts. The most abundant compound in the extracts of Galium verum blossoms and herb was found to be asperuloside, in Galium aparine herb, asperulosidic acid, and in Galium mollugo herb, chlorogenic acid. Additionally, the composition of volatile compounds was analysed by SPME-GC-MS. The degree of variability between the samples was high, but three volatiles, hexanal, anethole, and β-caryophyllene, were quantified (≥1%) in all analysed samples. The antioxidative activity of all extracts was evaluated using the ORACFL method, demonstrating that the Galium species from Estonia all exhibit strong antioxidant capacity (up to 9.3 ± 1.2 mg TE/g). Out of the extracts studied, Galium verum blossoms contained the highest amounts of bioactives and had the strongest antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-Government is one area of digitization that has been under way for several years in European countries. In this paper, we focus on identifying different indices that are aimed at measuring digitalization or e-Government. The results of the analysis showed that there are several indices that focus on this area within the EU, such as EGDI, EPI, LOSI, DGI, e-Government benchmark, Eurostat—Internet use, GII, DSGI, Going Digital toolkit, and DESI. Subsequently, the index areas to be used in the DEA method to measure the efficiency of e-Government-related inputs and outputs within the EU were identified. Inputs and outputs were selected logically and then verified using correlation analysis. Among the input and output indices chosen were Internet usage, DSGI, GII, e-Government benchmark, and interaction with public administration online. From the analysis, three inputs and three outputs were used and the models were output oriented. After implementing the correlation, it can be said that the values between the selected sub-variables are suitable for DEA analysis. Two models were chosen for the calculation, namely the CCR and BCC models. The CCR model found 10 states to be efficient and BCC model found 13 states to be efficient. In addition, in the close analysis, we took a closer look at the CCR model's inference. Countries such as Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Malta, and Portugal were efficient outliers. When comparing the regions within the EU, we can conclude that the countries of Northern Europe are the most efficient in the field of digitalization (e-Government). As many as four countries out of seven are efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe, globally important disease in domestic and wild pigs. The testing of alternative transmission routes has proven that the ASF virus (ASFV) can be efficiently transmitted to sows via semen from infected boars through artificial insemination. Boars intramuscularly inoculated with the ASFV strain "Estonia 2014" showed grossly and microscopically visible changes in the testis, epididymis, prostate, and vesicular gland. The gross lesions included hemorrhages on the scrotum, testicular membranes, and parenchyma; edema; hydroceles; and proliferations of the tunica vaginalis. Histopathologically, vasculitis and perivasculitis was detected in the testis and epididymis. Subacutely infected animals further revealed a degeneration of the testicular and epididymal tubules, pointing to the destruction of the blood–testis and blood–epididymis barriers upon disease progression. This was confirmed by evidence of semen round cells and sperm abnormalities at later time points after the infection. The histopathology was associated with the presence of viral DNA and the infectious virus, and in a limited amount with viral antigens. In most scenarios, the impact of these changes on the reproductive performance and long-term persistence of the virus is probably negligible due to the culling of the animals. However, under backyard conditions and in wild boar populations, infected males will remain in the population and the long-term fate should be further evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The harbor porpoise, a small marine mammal related to dolphins and whales, is nowadays very rarely seen in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea, and was not common here in recent centuries. However, the bones of this animal have been found on many Stone Age archaeological sites dating from the period 4000–2000 BC along the coasts of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which shows that it was frequently being hunted by the coastal communities of that time. In this period, the Baltic Sea was saltier than it is today, making conditions more favorable for marine species such as the porpoise. In addition to meat and blubber, the porpoise also provided a tool for decorating pottery vessels made by the Stone Age inhabitants. This instrument was made from the animal's jaw bone, the teeth being impressed in the clay to produce a distinctive row of marks. Such decoration on pottery may have symbolized the coastal way of life and joint hunting activities. Pottery with porpoise tooth ornamentation has been found on many coastal Stone Age sites in the region and also in smaller amounts at inland sites, providing evidence of contact between coastal and inland communities. Compared with the history of seals in the Baltic Sea, the porpoise has received much less research attention. The harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) has been quite rare in the eastern Baltic in recent centuries, but according to archaeological finds, its population was quite numerous here ca. 6000–4000 years ago (ca. 4000–2000 cal. BC). This paper deals with all known archaeological assemblages of porpoise so far discovered in the eastern Baltic (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), discusses the hunting strategies and studies the exploitation of this small cetacean by the Neolithic hunter-gatherers. Fauna historical aspects include new archaeological data in addition to those published previously. We consider whether these new data change the temporal and spatial pattern of porpoise hunting and examine how, in addition to the expected use of porpoise meat and blubber, the porpoise's toothed mandibles were used for patterning ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical paradigms of the church-state relations may be reflected in how the church has tried to work and live out her integrity in different cultural-political contexts. The churches in Estonia have envisioned Christian integrity in relation to the state differently in different times and stages of societal and cultural development. One could distinguish the following four types of relationships: the conflict, the harmony, the two kingdoms, and the social servanthood. This article will focus on the characteristics of these relationship paradigms along with some personal, communal, and ecumenical examples in the sense of integrity of Estonian church-life from the last century to the present day when social servanthood seems to be most relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine relates to the growing shortfall in global ammonia production. There are additional negative global impacts on the availability of fertilizers and prices of ammonia (NH3). The shortage in ammonia production does not only influence the agroindustry but also the global shipping industry, as ammonia is positioned as a promising zero-carbon fuel and as a storage and transport medium for hydrogen. There are plans underway to start ammonia production in Estonia to minimize the consequences of the import stop of Russian ammonia in the context of the Ukrainian crisis. This study investigated the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) ammonia market and analyzed the economic implications of building an ammonia plant within the BSR. Using fuzzy real options models as the conceptual framework, together with secondary data analysis, case studies and expert interviews, the authors chart possible courses for the construction of ammonia production facilities within the region. Based on the case of the NH3 production plant, as well as the underlying distribution system, the study provides new economic perspectives for lower carbonization for the shipping industry, an attempt at creating a model for other European regions toward climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal archives of changing hydrometeorological conditions include mineralogical anomalies, such as heavy-mineral concentrations (HMCs) of variable thickness and intensity, which contain varying ferrimagnetic (e.g., magnetite) fractions. As an effective alternative to laborious mineralogical and granulometric analysis, we present the first set of bulk-volume low-field magnetic susceptibility (MS) databases from beach and dune lithosomes in the Western Estonian archipelago: Harilaid cuspate foreland (westernmost Saaremaa Island) and Tahkuna strandplain (northernmost Hiiumaa Island). Readings were conducted both in situ from trench walls and on core subsamples. At the Tahkuna site, late Holocene beach ridges reveal substantially lower values: quartz-dominated dune sequences grade from 5–20 μSI downward to diamagnetically dominated (−1–7 μSI) beach facies. Values are higher (20–140 μSI) in historically reactivated parabolic dunes that are encroaching southward over the strandplain. At the Harilaid site, four beach dune ridges (height: 2–3 m) that span the past 250–300 years show a general increase in mean MS from 320–850 μSI with decreasing age, with peaks of 1000–2000 μSI below the dune crests (depth: ~0.3–0.6 m) likely related to contemporary wind acceleration during ridge aggradation. The highest mineralogical anomalies range from 2000–5500 μSI in the historic dune sections and exceed 8000 μSI along the actively eroding upper-berm segments, typical of HMCs generated by moderate storms. MS anomalies are likely correlated with high-amplitude electromagnetic signal responses in georadar records and provide useful information for optical luminescence sampling strategies. Our study demonstrates that magnetic susceptibility trends provide a useful means of rapidly assessing relative temporal changes in overall wave/wind climates, help identify and correlate discrete anomalies related to extreme events, serve as local beach/dune boundary indicators, and represent potentially quantifiable paleo-energy indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been understood that diversity is a key aspect of what makes a landscape attractive but to what degree of diversity and how is it experienced? Many forest landscapes are generally monotonous in character or are broken up by forest management activities such as clear cutting, which may negatively impact their potential for recreation and psychological well-being benefits. We conducted a virtual reality experiment where people were taken on a trip along a simulated cross country skiing track in an Estonian forest. Participants followed a route at simulated speeds typical of cross-country skiing. The route was long enough to experience several minutes passing through one type of forest landscape with a series of small variations in character followed by several minutes passing through a notably different forest landscape. The restorative experience obtained by the visit was measured periodically in each version of the landscape. Univariate general linear modelling analysis was statistically significant (r2 = 0.651, F(198, 965) = 9.108, p < 0.001) and showed that while respondents preferred less-dense forest in general (B = 0.189, p = 0.001)—an expected result—a comparable amount of positive restorative response could also be attributed to prominent changes in forest character, regardless of the type of forest (B = 0.401, p < 0.001). We hypothesise that respondents were reacting favourably to sudden changes in forest appearance after prolonged exposure to one forest type—that diversity is important in maintaining interest, reducing boredom, and in providing a restorative experience. The implications are, firstly, that a virtual experience can detect restorative effects and, secondly, that recreational trails should be designed to pass through varied landscapes offering continually changing diverse experiences—the impact of which can be tested in the virtual setting because there is control of all variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment opportunities are analyzed from the perspective of the variables that influence risk. The present study analyzes some energy characteristics using data from the Eurostat Data Browser. First, we identified a gap in energy research. Second, we proposed a multicriteria analysis using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). An algorithm was developed to simulate how experts think to determine pairwise comparisons. A procedure identified the levels of importance of each criterion and alternative based on extracted data from the Eurostat website. The method was used to rate countries according to data regarding their energy policy results. The present study shows that applying the AHP method is possible without expert support and using data regarding the theme studied. The results show that Malta and Estonia are the most suitable countries to receive investments since they are presently at the top of the energy security ranking. The selected set of criteria seems to properly correspond with the assessment of the sector security as far as risk investment is concerned. The results of the current study may represent a base to support investment decision-making in the energy sector of EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing an excellent method to compare the aim characteristics of a large number of cultivars simultaneously in a sufficiently comprehensive way is often an essential challenge for breeders. This article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of the Estonian conditions of 58 strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars of various geographical origins according to the main economically useful markers. Based on two years of data, cultivars were clustered separately for each marker using the K-means clustering method. Considering the data on the aim characteristics, including high yield, high fruit weight, high total soluble solids TSS (°Brix) content, optimal titratable acidity TA (%) content, and a high °Brix/acidity ratio, the groups of similar cultivars formed clearly. The validation of cultivars into similar groups is important for further breeding decisions. A K-means clustering method is ideal for clustering strawberry cultivars according to their characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sugar baits are not only used to attract butterflies; they are also used to attract nocturnal moths. Similarly to most sampling techniques, the results of bait trapping are influenced by ambient conditions. In order to understand how bait trap catches depend on weather parameters, we performed a study in the north European forest zone using portable weather stations placed next to the traps. We found that the number of moths caught was strongly positively dependent on temperature and negatively dependent on air humidity. Diversity showed a similar dependence on temperature and humidity but was also negatively affected by air pressure and positively affected by the change of pressure during the night. Our findings help to interpret the results of quantitative insect trapping projects as they allow one to properly account for variability in weather conditions. Assemblages of insects need to be quantitatively sampled in the context of various research questions. Light trapping is the most widely used method for sampling nocturnal Lepidoptera. Attracting moths to sugar baits offers a viable alternative. However, this method is rarely used in professional research despite its popularity among amateur lepidopterists. As the activity of insects is strongly dependent on ambient conditions, the sensitivity of any trapping method to weather parameters needs to be known for the quantitative interpretation of trapping results. In the present paper, we report data on the weather dependence of moth catches obtained by automatic bait traps. The study was performed in Estonia, representing the European hemiboreal forest zone. Portable weather stations set up next to each of the traps were used for collecting weather data. Both abundance and diversity of the moths in the catches depended strongly positively on temperature and negatively on air humidity. Diversity was also negatively correlated with air pressure and positively with the change in pressure during the night. The results show that in situ recording of weather parameters in connection to insect trapping provides useful insights for the study of insect behaviour and the interpretation of the results of monitoring projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality indicates the soil's ability to provide ecosystem services. Reducing the tillage intensity has been suggested as an alternative to conventional tillage for sustaining soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil tillage systems on individual soil quality indicators in comparison to those on grassland with Stagnic Luvisol soil in Estonia. Four soil management systems were compared: no-tillage (NT), minimum tillage (MT), conventional tillage (CT) and grassland (G) as a reference. Soil quality indicators included physical (bulk density, water-stable aggregates, porosity, air-filled pores, moisture content, water-holding capacity, penetration resistance and water permeability), chemical (total N, total soil organic C, permanganate oxidisable C, pH, P, K, Ca and Mg) and biological (earthworm abundance) parameters. CT soils had a significantly lower aggregate stability compared to MT and G soils. The higher penetration resistance of CT under an arable layer suggested the presence of a plough pan. NT improved the soil's physical quality at 5–10 cm, which was indicated by higher moisture content, water-holding capacity and porosity and a lower bulk density, whereas penetration resistance exceeded 2 MPa in the lower part of the topsoil. NT also had significantly lower total soil organic C and total N compared to MT and G. The absence of tillage in the NT and G systems may have improved the soil's resistance to moisture loss under dry conditions, which, in turn, improved the soil habitability for earthworms a despite higher density. In general, NT or MT stabilised or increased the soil quality compared to CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid spread of the African swine fever virus (ASFV), causing severe disease with often high fatality rates in Eurasian suids, prevails as a threat for pig populations and dependent industries worldwide. Although advancing scientific progress continually enhances our understanding of ASFV pathogenesis, alternative transmission routes for ASFV have yet to be assessed. Here, we demonstrate that ASFV can efficiently be transferred from infected boars to naïve recipient gilts through artificial insemination (AI). In modern pig production, semen from boar studs often supplies many sow herds. Thus, the infection of a boar stud presents the risk of rapidly and widely distributing ASFV within or between countries. Daily blood and semen collection from four boars after intramuscular inoculation with ASFV strain 'Estonia 2014' resulted in the detection of ASFV genomes in the semen as early as 2 dpi, in blood at 1 dpi while semen quality remained largely unaffected. Ultimately, after insemination with extended semen, 7 of 14 gilts were ASFV positive by 7 days post insemination, and all gilts were ASFV positive by 35 days post insemination. Twelve out of 13 pregnant gilts aborted or resorbed at the onset of fever. A proportion of fetuses originating from the remaining gilt showed both abnormalities and replication of ASFV in fetal tissues. Thus, we present evidence for the efficient transmission of ASFV to gilts via AI and also to implanted embryos. These results underline the critical role that boar semen could play in ASFV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land is essential to livelihoods, so it is hard to overstate its strategic significance for well-being and prosperity. It has been detected that farm size greatly influences agricultural sustainability from the viewpoints of the economy, environment, and society. Land concentration is negatively affecting the development of rural communities. Similar to other European countries, Estonia is undergoing agricultural land concentration. One way to stop the further concentration of agricultural land is to set an upper limit to land acquisition (similar to that in Latvia and Lithuania). This paper aimed to determine what kind of regulations concerning agricultural land use and ownership Estonia needs to restrain land concentration. Four sources of data were used for this research: statistical data from Statistics Estonia, the data for the land holdings of agricultural producers from the Estonian Agricultural Registers and Information Board, data from the Land Registry and available literature. The outcome of the study confirmed that Estonia requires policy direction and regulations for the agricultural land market, that would help to lighten the impact of land concentration in rural areas in the long run, similar to several other European countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extant literature on the association of political connectedness and performance of large firms has led to controversial results, while the context of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has largely been overlooked in relevant studies. To resolve these gaps, the objective of this paper is to study the link between the political connections of firm board members and financial performance in the Estonian SME population. Using a wide selection of financial performance and political connectedness variables, the composed regressions indicated that firms with politically connected boards underperform their unconnected counterparts. The findings remained robust not only through different measures of dependent and independent variables, but also periods studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the regional preferences for quail eggs and meat, and the main production being found in Asian countries, the popularity of quail raising has increased and their production has been introduced in many other countries, including the Baltics. A wide distribution around the world encouraged genetic divergence among Japanese quail populations, the formation of different breeds and lines as well as their research. The Estonian quail, a breed developed in Estonia, has also spread in Lithuania. This study aimed to evaluate yolk and albumen colour, as well as the nutritional value of yolk lipids in Estonian quail eggs using diets supplemented with cakes from local oil corns (rapeseed, hemp and camelina seeds). The diet affected the colour as well as the cholesterol content and fatty acid composition of the yolk. All quail groups demonstrated the high lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of the yolk; however, the negative value of parameter a*, instead of being red, showed a greenish colour. The highest proportions of total saturated (SFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids as well as the lowest monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were found in the yolk lipids of the quail which was fed a mixture supplemented with hemp cake. The lowest and most favourable n-6/n-3 ratio was demonstrated by the quail fed the diet supplemented with camelina. However, the lowest yolk cholesterol content was demonstrated by the quail fed the diet supplemented with rapeseed cake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing commercial diets with rapeseed, hempseed and camelina seed cakes on the yolk and albumen colour and nutritional value of yolk lipids in Estonian quail eggs. A total of 585 eggs were used to evaluate egg weight, yolk and albumen pH and colour, proximate yolk composition, cholesterol content and fatty acid composition in the yolk lipids of three Estonian quail groups each fed a diet supplemented with 10% rapeseed, hemp or camelina seed cakes. The higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) lightness (L*) of the yolk was detected in the group of quail fed the diet supplemented with rapeseed and camelina cakes compared to the hempseed addition. Meanwhile, the albumen lightness in the rapeseed group was higher (p < 0.01) in comparison to the camelina group. A lower (p < 0.001) yolk negative a* value was estimated in the hemp group than in the groups fed rapeseed and camelina seed cake supplements, while the rapeseed group demonstrated lower (p < 0.001) albumen yellowness (b*) and colour saturation (C) in comparison to the other groups. The highest and lowest proportions of total saturated (SFAs)and monounsaturated (MUFAs) fatty acids, respectively, were found in the yolk lipids of quails fed a mixture supplemented by hemp cake. A higher (p < 0.05) proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was only found in the hemp group compared to the camelina group. The highest and lowest (p < 0.001) n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios were found in the yolk lipids of quail receiving mixtures supplemented with rapeseed and camelina cakes, respectively. The yolk of the quail from the rapeseed group showed more favourable lower and higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) atherogenic index (AI) and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (h/H) ratio compared to the hemp and camelina groups. The lower yolk cholesterol content was found in the eggs of the quail fed the diet supplemented with rapeseed cake compared to the eggs of the quail which were fed the diets containing more n-3 PUFAs from the addition of hemp and camelina cakes (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive abilities loss and puts older adults at higher risk of developing dementia. Virtual reality (VR) could represent a tool for the early assessment of this pathological condition and for administering cognitive training. This work presents a study evaluating the acceptance and the user experience of an immersive VR application representing a supermarket. As the same application had already been assessed in Italy, we aimed to perform the same study in Estonia in order to compare the outcomes in the two populations. Fifteen older adults with MCI were enrolled in one Rehabilitation Center of Estonia and tried the supermarket once. Afterwards, they were administered questionnaires aimed at evaluating their technology acceptance, sense of presence, and cybersickness. Estonian participants reported low side effects and discrete enjoyment, and a sense of presence. Nonetheless, their intention to use the technology decreased after the experience. The comparison between Italian and Estonian older adults showed that cybersickness was comparable, but technology acceptance and sense of presence were significantly lower in the Estonian group. Thus, we argue that: (i) cultural and social backgrounds influence technology acceptance; (ii) technology acceptance was rather mediated by the absence of positive feelings rather than cybersickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]