Dimensions of the nature, scope, and complexity of collective action in Kenya have evolved over many years. In studying collective action, the aim is to understand why and how people participate in networks of trust. The purpose of this study was to investigate the different objectives that farmers pursue through collective action with the aim of understanding the patterns of people’s participation in collective action, identify factors that influence people to join groups, and identify the costs and benefits of participating in activities of groups. The study was carried out in four sites spread across the highlands of central Kenya. Data was collected from a total of 442 households, focusing on whether members of those households belonged to groups and if so, what type of groups these were and their activities. In addition we looked at how these groups functioned and identified some of the contributions members make to these groups and the benefits from the same. The analysis shows that collective action is used to accomplish a range of activities for different socioeconomic categories and that the majority of households in central Kenya engage in some form of group activity.... The study suggests that where institutions and policies that promote individual or private sector growth are weak, collective action can help to overcome these weaknesses and connect individuals in these institutions and policies.

Forests play a significant role in the mitigation of climate change through carbon storage and sequestration. However, a forest’s capacity to absorb carbon is influenced by a number of factors, such as soil characteristics, the selection of tree species, and the application of silvicultural practices. A study in Latvia was conducted to evaluate the carbon stock and sequestration potential of birch, common aspen, black alder and grey alder growing on periodically waterlogged and drained organic soils. Empirical data of forest resources were obtained from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) from 2016 to 2020. The findings indicate that black alder may thrive in both soil types, as it showed the best increase in carbon stock in periodically waterlogged soils, reaching a maximum of 129 t C haE−1 at the age of 61–70 years. Greater carbon sequestration in tree biomass occurs on drained soils compared to periodically waterlogged. Birch, aspen, and black alder stands may store between 106 and 119 t C haE−1 at age of 61 and 70 years, which is similar to grey alder stands at ages of 31–40 (114 ± 0.73 t C haE−1). Therefore, a short rotation for grey alder growing on drained organic soils could maximize carbon accumulation and add substitution value. These results suggest that different types of deciduous trees have varying capacities for carbon storage and sequestration, and that it’s important to consider site-specific factors, rotation age and silvicultural practices when aiming to maximize carbon sequestration in tree biomass.

Northern Europe will be one of the locations where the renewable energy from forests could displace fossil fuels as a result of climate change: therefore, it will become more crucial to maintain renewable materials that also collect CO2. By taking tree biomass out of forest stands, we could create more renewable resources to use in practice, but this has certain negative effects on the forest ecology, including nitrogen leaching and vegetation degradation. The goal of the study is to investigate the effects of full biomass removal (FBR) in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) forest stands and how this forest management affects vegetation regeneration, tree stock and carbon storage overall. The aforementioned structures were assessed at various forest ages. The central region of Latvia contains Norway spruce stands with all of the sample sites under study situated on drained peaty mineral soils and weakly aerated gleyic soils. As a result of the long-term evaluation, it was determined that the forest vegetation in FBR was similar to that in the same-age control stand (SAC) and that vegetation can successfully regenerate. The average tree height and DBH is lower in areas where stump removal and understory biomass was not carried out. Statistically significant (p<0.05) long-term influence of stump removal on the average height and diameter of Norway spruce can be identified in all parameters, except, tree height in Myrtillosa mel. forest type. Total biomass removal in long term has almost no significant effect on tree stand and vegetation regeneration.

Nowadays, different sun protective creams are available in the market, but most of them contain harmful synthetic chemicals and minerals which can induce skin allergies and premature ageing. Usage of sunscreens and photoprotectors of natural origin and natural antioxidants can reduce skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure. The effectiveness of the use of β-carotene — vitamin’s A precursor against excessive irradiation caused by oxidative stress cell damages has been proven of its very good antioxidative properties and leading to sooner regeneration of the skin after several environmental damages. Carotenoids and high value oil can be extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbitta spp.) by-products — peel and seeds with SC CO2. The objective of this study was to incorporate pumpkin seed oil (PSO) and carotenoid extract (CE) from pumpkin by-products in to facial creams for UV protection. Two types of creams with PSO and CE were prepared emulsion o/w and w/o. A cream without extracts and natural ingredients was used as control sample. The sun protection factor values in vitro (SPF = 0.92 to 1.18), total content of carotenoids (TCC = 1.08–17.95 µg mLE−1), β-carotene content (0.64–0.72 µg mLE−1), total phenolic content (TPC = 62.64–95.82 mg GAE gE−1), antiradical scavenging activity (11.26–43.66 %) and rheological behaviour of facial creams were determined. Although creams with CE and PSO show comparatively low SPF values, ß-carotene and phenolic compounds found in samples demonstrated very high antioxidant abilities valuable for skin protection.

Information technology is increasingly permeating the lives of every modern individual, profoundly impacting them as consumers. With e-commerce and online shopping now firmly entrenched in daily routines, it becomes imperative to conduct research and establish a comprehensive e-shopper/e-buyer profile. The purpose of this article is to study modern Internet shoppers in Latvia and describe the profile of a typical e-buyer to identify possible problems and prospects for the development of e-commerce for Latvian companies during the relevant period. The article highlights some aspects that characterize Latvian e-buyers and their behaviour as consumers, analysing their buying habits by age structure in dynamics and comparing data for the period from 2010 to 2021. The frequency of online purchases by Latvian users is also examined. The key characteristics of several basic portraits of the typical e-shopper in Latvia are substantiated. The analysis employs monographic and statistical methods, and visual images are presented based on Eurostat data. The research authors conclude that the Latvian segment of online buyers is rather conservative, but it is becoming more and more active in exploring the possibilities of online shopping. The key characteristics of several basic profiles of an average e-shopper in Latvia are also justified.